Chapter By Laws



Kaplan University Chapter of Golden Key International Honour Society

Chapter Constitution





Revised on June 29, 2014

(Incorporating 2014 approved amendments)
By Beatriz Alfaro, 2014 Chapter Editor-in-Chief 


Golden Key International Honor Society Kaplan University Chapter Constitution 

Article I. AUTHORITY
Each Society chapter is responsible for all actions of that individual Society chapter and shall have full control of its individual affairs, subject to any applicable law, these bylaws, any Chapter Affiliation Agreement and the policies of the Society. A chapter may enact governing documents for its own guidance, but such governing documents must be consistent with the chapter-relevant portions of the Society’s bylaws; any applicable requirements of local law; as well as applicable statutes, bylaws, rules and regulations governing Kaplan University. The International Staff may require any chapter to submit its governing documents to the International Staff for approval and may require any amendments thereto. The Chapter Executive Board shall implement a current copy of this Constitution and must be kept on file at the chapter and at Golden Key International Honor Society Headquarters. A chapter shall not purport to speak for, or to represent the official position of the Society without written consent of the International Staff.

No chapter or chapter official shall enter into any contract in the name of the Society nor shall they incur any debt upon the Society, attempt to license the Society’s name or logo, engage in direct or grassroots lobbying as defined by USA Internal Revenue Code, alter the membership dues structure, solicit tax deductible charitable donations from the general public or corporate sponsorship payments in the name of the Society, or use the Society’s USA federal employer identification number without prior written consent of the International Staff. In addition, no chapter may support or oppose any candidate for public office.

For chapter-exclusive matters the chapter shall vote through chapter voting delegates. Each Society chapter in good standing shall select, through some fair procedure, and shall report to the International Staff the names of two voting delegates. Unless otherwise specified in writing to the International Staff, the Chapter President and Primary Advisor are assumed to be the voting delegates.

Article II. NAME and ADDRESS
The chapter established on the SEVENTH day of NOVEMBER, TWO THOUSAND AND SEVEN will hereon be known as the Kaplan University Chapter of the Golden Key International Honor Society. The location for this chapter will be in FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA at 6301 KAPLAN UNIVSERISTY AVENUE.

Article III. PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES
The Society’s mission is to enable members to realize their potential. The Society accomplishes its mission through the advancement of academics, leadership and service. The Society’s core values are Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Diversity, Excellence and Engagement

Article IV. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
A. Specific objectives of the Society shall be, to:
1. Recognize and encourage academic achievement and excellence in all fields of study
2. Financially support high achievers through scholarships and awards
3. Promote altruistic conduct through voluntary community service
4. Provide members opportunities for personal growth and leadership development
5. Provide members career-related information and selected career services
6. Foster an overall appreciation of the value of the higher education experience
7. Champion education-based service initiatives
8. Champion and practice the principles of diversity.

B. Activities of the chapter shall be:
1. Literacy-based service program
2. Personal development programs for our members relevant not only to the perpetual continuation of Golden Key at Kaplan University, but also to enhance their potential for success in life.
3. Leadership development programs
4. Career development programs
5. Other service programs
6. Other activities that are in accordance with Society bylaws and are deemed necessary and worthwhile by the executive board.

Article V. MEMBERSHIP
A. Alumnus – Any initiate that has left Kaplan University or has graduated and/or transferred to another institution that has no Golden Key chapter affiliation.

B. Initiate – Any student enrolled at Kaplan University who has formally been invited to join and fulfilled the requirements of membership.

C. Member – Is a general term conferring the status of the general class of membership upon the Initiate after having met all membership requirements.

D. Membership into the Society shall be based on the following criteria
1. By invitation only to those undergraduates who rank among the top 15% of their class/year group based on cumulative grade performance and to those graduate/professional students who have met local chapter academic qualifications.
2. Students must complete 45 credits or more including transfer credits
3. Complete and submit the acceptance of Society membership; and pay the Society membership fee in full
4. All grade and credit requirements will be evaluated by Student Life. Student Life will also generate the invitations for membership.

E. Graduate/Postgraduate Membership
1. Students must complete 26 credits or more at Kaplan University (no transfer credits).
2. By invitation only. All grade and credit requirements will be evaluated by Student Life. Student Life will also generate the invitations for membership.
3. Complete and submit the acceptance of Society membership; and pay the Society membership fee in full

F. Honorary Members. Honorary membership may be granted by the Chapter Executive Board to individuals who are not undergraduate students and who have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavor. Local chapters are encouraged to grant up to five honorary memberships per year.

G. Equal Opportunity. The Society shall not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law.

H. Resignation. A Society member wishing to resign from the Society is permitted to do so provided that the Society member sends a written letter of intent to resign to the International Staff and the chapter executive board. No refund of the Society membership fee or Society merchandise purchased will be provided.

I. Removal. Any member may be removed from membership by a majority vote of the Executive Board only for cause, which is defined as any action which brings discredit upon the Society. In addition, any member may be removed from active membership upon the failure to pay any fees or dues that may be owed. In the event the Executive Board votes to remove a member for any reason, the Executive Board shall notify the member of its decision in writing. The member shall then have the right to submit a written statement of appeal to the Executive Board within 30 calendar days of notification. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Executive Board shall have 30 calendar days to reconsider the matter and render a final decision.

J. Voting
1. Each student member shall have one vote for all matters submitted to the members for a vote.
2. A quorum of members shall consist of a majority of members present in person at a meeting. Unless otherwise specified in this Constitution, the affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum of members present at a meeting shall constitute the act of the members.

Article VI. CHAPTER EXECUTIVE BOARD 
A. Members of the executive board of the chapter shall be selected officers to include, at a minimum, a president, a vice president, and a secretary. The executive board may include additional officers as deemed necessary. The primary chapter advisor may be a member of the executive board, ex-officio and non-voting.

B. Any student who meets the membership criteria and is expected to be an actively enrolled student for the term of office is eligible to hold office. Any officer elected must meet and maintain a 3.5 standard CGPA.

C. Officers will be selected by a fair process that is consistent with the rules and regulations of Kaplan University. All executive board positions shall be for the term of one year commencing on March 1.
1. The President of the chapter (or person designated as such) will appoint an election committee commencing on or about January 1.
2. Members in good standing, as stated in the by-laws, are invited to submit a statement of intent as well as campaign statement to the election committee. This may include a video submission. Such documents should be submitted no later than January 15.
3. The election committee will make all documentation available to all membership for their review of the candidates. The election committee, at its own discretion, may establish a date for a debate or other form of question and answer session, to be attended by membership prior to such election if a position is being contested.
4. Any and all elections should take place on or about February 10 at the discretion of the election committee. It will be the requirement of the election committee to ascertain the validity of ballots and verification of election totals. All election results are to be published for memberships review.
5. The incoming Executive Board members will take office staring March 1. The outgoing Executive Board Members will vacate their positions on March 15. This will ensure a smooth transitionary period.

D. In the event that an executive board position may become vacant, a replacement shall be appointed by the remaining executive board members by majority vote. Any and all academic advisors will silently oversee this process.

E. Voting rights in all Chapter affairs are extended to the executive board members of each collegiate chapter. A majority of executive board members shall constitute a quorum for transacting business.
1. Executive board members are required to maintain attendance to no less than 50% of all exclusive executive board meetings that are commenced, including special meetings.
2. Executive board members are required to maintain attendance to no less than 50% of all general membership meetings that are commenced, including special meetings.
3. Any executive board member that does not adhere to Section E, subsections 1 & 2 respectively, will be subject to regulations pursuant to Section G.

F. Responsibilities of officers shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. PRESIDENT
a. Organize, plan and implement initiatives to ensure the continuation and overall success of the chapter, including The Golden Scholar, chapter newsletter.
b. Facilitate e-board and chapter meetings; required attendance at both e-board and chapter meetings. Lead meetings of the officers and delegate responsibilities as needed.
c. Required attendance at quarterly Council of Chapter Officers and Advisors (CoCO&A) meetings.
d. Coordinate with chapter advisors to plan regular meetings, plan a calendar of activities for the upcoming year and prepare agendas for the officers and delegate responsibilities as necessary.
e. Coordinate with chapter advisors to plan meetings and prepare agendas for a general chapter meeting at least once per semester or per term.
f. Maintain consistent communication with Golden Key International HQ Representative(s), and Associate Director.
g. Coordinate the planning and the implementation of the New Member Recognition Event.
h. Plan regular monthly Executive Board Meetings and provide all officers with an agenda at least (1) week in advance.
i. Plan at least one General Member Meeting per semester or on a monthly basis and provide all attendees with an agenda. 
j. Discuss with the other officers and the chapter advisors on choices for new Honorary Members.
k. Ensure that all board members and chapter are meeting necessary deadlines.
l. Ensure that the chapter meets/exceeds minimum requirements for Chapter Standards set by Golden Key and for a Registered Student Organization (RSO) are met.
m. Ensures that the chapter achieves the chapter’s targeted performance level.
n. Collaborate with chapter officers to plan and execute successful membership drive activities.
o. Encourage the chapter to engage Honorary Members and Alumni consistently throughout the year.
p. Responsible, (or designating a person as such), in appointing an election committee.
q. Oversee officer transition, with chapter advisors and associate directors, to ensure that all incoming officers receive adequate training and mentoring. 
r. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
s. The President will only cast a vote in executive board matters if there is a tie that needs to be broken.
t. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

2. VICE – PRESIDENT
a. Oversee the work of committees formed by the chapter. Check in with committees (when applicable) and facilitate communication between those committees and the membership as a whole.
b. Responsible for the coordination of election process for e-board for the upcoming calendar year and oversee the work of the appointed election committee.
c. Required attendance at e-board meetings, chapter meetings and at quarterly Council of Chapter Officers and Advisors (CoCO&A) meetings.
d. Plan and organize the campus (virtual and physical) awareness process. Coordinate with the executive board and committees to promote awareness of Golden Key on campus with key constituencies (members, Honorary Members, campus VIPs, etc.) – particularly targeting eligible students during the annual Membership Drive.
e. Fulfill all the president’s duties in the absence of the president, (see President’s Duties), and assist president in the completion of duties as needed.
f. Ensure that the chapter meets/exceeds minimum requirements for Chapter Standards set by Golden Key and for a Registered Student Organization (RSO) are met and achieves the chapter’s targeted performance level.
g. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
h. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

3. FINANCE CHAIR/TREASURER
a. Complete all Billhighway training at the beginning of your term. Review the “Billhighway Administrator Guide” located under the Advisor Resources on the Chapter Toolkit.
b. Manage all financial transactions of the chapter with guidance from the chapter Advisor.
c. Prepare a budget for the chapter. Collaborate with chapter president and advisor to prepare an accurate budget for the chapter within one month of the new academic year. Use the “Budget Template and Chart of Accounts” document on the chapter toolkit.
d. Receive and distribute chapter funds for planned events and service activities.
e. Balance the chapter account and report to the chapter and advisor at least once a month.
f. Submit a semi-annual financial summary of income and expenses to International Headquarters.
g. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
h. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

4. SECRETARY
a. Record the minutes of each executive board or chapter meeting and distribute to chapter leaders, advisor(s) and appropriate Golden Key staff (minutes can be submitted in a batch every month).
b. Must attend e-board and chapter meetings and quarterly CoCO&A meetings, it is the Secretary’s responsibility to delegate minute taking before missing a meeting.
c. Serve as the chapter archivist with the assistance of the chapter advisors (unless there is a historian). Please see duties of Historian to include.
d. Work with other officers to ensure Activity Reporting is current.
e. Responsible for reporting and submitting profile forms to region headquarters.
f. Responsible for keeping the calendar for the RSO updated, accurate, and easily available to members (meetings, events, etc.).
g. Prepare and deliver the New Member Recognition Event invitations to Honorary Members, Administrators and Faculty.
h. Coordinate with Social and Fundraising Director to prepare and deliver other social event/fundraising invitations needed.
i. Mail all the new member joining forms and fees that were received by the Chapter Advisor to the International Headquarters by the membership deadline.
j. Distribute messages from the Chapter Advisor, the Chapter President, and other officers to all chapter members.
k. Compose and send any chapter correspondence to university administrators and faculty, members, Honorary Members, alumni, campus student organizations, etc.
l. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
m. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

5. COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR
a. Transact all chapter correspondence.
b. Prepare and send information to International Headquarters for Golden Key publications at the discretion of the Executive Board. Notify HQ of exciting events, achievements, and awards taking place on campus with Golden Key.
c. Coordination with the Vice-President for executive leadership on all aspects of chapter activities and all publicity for chapter activities and events.
d. Maintain good relations with campus and local newspapers and radio stations. Set up interviews as needed.
e. Collaborate with Kaplan Radio on all publications and announcements to be aired and approved by executive board and chapter advisors.
f. Place ads and public service announcements in local media.
g. Create articles/announcements to be included into the chapter newsletter.
h. Write and submit press releases for important chapter activities.
i. Explore any creative methods of advertising or publicity to increase awareness about Golden Key.
j. Provide a report of any communication interactions, questions, concerns and activity by membership to the board at executive board meetings.
k. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
l. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

6. WEBMASTER
a. Update and maintain the local Golden Key web page. Be sure to ask your AD, Advisor, or Chapter President to grant you access to these tools.
b. Make sure the web page is linked to the Golden Key site – www.goldenkey.org
c. Ensure that your chapter’s information is correct and current on the Chapter Directory Page of www.goldenkey.org.
d. Responsible for updating and maintaining chapter social media: Facebook, twitter, GIN, GIN external drive, KU Blog and any other social media platforms used/maintained.
e. Collaborate with chapter advisor to maintain and update Kaplan Classroom as needed and provide adequate time frames and reports of changes needed to be addressed by the chapter advisor.
f. Correspond and maintain all Kaplan Chapter Classroom discussion boards, questions, and concerns. Report to appropriate leadership of specific officer related questions or comments. 
g. Provide a report of all standings and communication interactions, questions, concerns and activity by membership in social media to the board at executive board meetings.  
h. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
i. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

         7. MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR
               a. Coordinate and implement initiatives to reach current and potential members.
               b. Promote meetings and activities to the membership and campus-at-large.
               c. Develop a strategic Marketing Plan for the Membership Drive.
               d. Coordinate and implement a first-year student recognition program or year-long 
               campaign focused on making first-year students aware of Golden Key’s opportunities. This
               could be in the form of a mentorship. 
               e. Promote Golden Key opportunities to non-members through information and advertising 
               (i.e. book spaces for student organization fairs, flyer residence halls, host informational  
               sessions/tables, plan prospective member events etc.). 
               f. Brainstorm and execute unique ideas to increase membership (themed membership drive 
               week, present in classes, etc.)
               g. Collaborate with executive board to plan New Member Recognition Event and assist in 
               this committee.
               h. Must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA or better.
               i. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time. 
         8. ALUMNI DIRECTOR 
a. Serve as the contact person for encouraging alumni involvement with the chapter.
               b. Collect new contact information from alumni and non-campus email addresses from 
               graduating seniors to help keep them connected to the society.
c. Manage all coordination and communications with alumni as pertaining to the chapter and its activities in cooperation with the Communications/Public Relations Chair.
d. Actively assist recruitment of alumni into the chapter.
e. Advocate, recruit, support and generally coordinate activities dedicated to providing support and service to the growth of the chapter.
f. Prepare and send chapter updates to alumni members throughout the year and provide HQ with alumni member spotlights.
g. Create alumni member spotlights and articles/announcements focused on alumni activities or interest to be included into the chapter newsletter.
h. Develop philanthropy, fundraisers, & chapter activities involving alumni members for the chapter.
i. Prepare and send invitations for the New Member Recognition Event and other events to area alumni. 
j. Recruit alumni speakers for chapter events and meetings.
k. Document events for national reports and report membership numbers.
l. Attend Chapter officer meetings to report on alumni activities.
m. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
n. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

9. SERVICE DIRECTOR
a. Plan and coordinate one (or more) education-focused service activities throughout the year and Collaborate with Educational & Professional Development Director. (i.e.: book collections, mentoring, tutoring, or providing educational tools and resources to deserving individuals.) 
b. Plan and coordinate one (or more) community-focused service activities throughout the year. (i.e.: food and clothing drives, community clean-ups, and other philanthropic efforts). 
c. Coordinate a service committee and call committee meetings as necessary. 
d. Follow the requirements of Chapter Standards to host the proper number of service activities to reach your chapter’s goal for that year.
e. Plan ahead and execute the following service opportunities “Make a Difference Day”, “World Blood Donor Day”, “Global Youth Service Day”, “Better World Book Project”, and additional community and educational service project/activities.
f. Create articles/announcements focused on service activities or interest to be included into the chapter newsletter.
g. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
h. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.
         
        10. SOCIAL & FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR 
a. Plan and coordinate at least one social activity for chapter members per semester/term. 
b. Coordinate the social & fundraising committees and call committee meetings as necessary.
c. Coordinate with Chapter Secretary to prepare and deliver social event/fundraising invitations needed.
d. Plan ahead and execute at least 1 New Member Recognition Event per term/quarter.
e. Collaborate with Membership Recruitment Director to plan New Member Recognition Event and assist in this committee.
f. Plan ahead and execute at least 1 Honorary Member Induction Ceremony per term/quarter until the 5 Honorary Members as per Golden Key standards are met.
g. Collaborate with Honorary Member & Outreach Liason Director to plan Honorary Member Induction Ceremony and assist in this committee. 
h. Recruit fundraising volunteers from the chapter.
i. Investigate sources of local funding and coordinate activities.  (Food donations for Chapter Meetings or NMREs, Corporate Sponsorship of NMREs, Spirit Nights at local restaurants, Grad Flowers, etc.). 
j. Work with “Better World Books” to host a successful book drive each semester. Collaborate with Service Director for successful drive.
k. Create articles/announcements focused on social activities or interest to be included into the chapter newsletter.
l. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
m. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

        11. EDUCATIONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 
a. Coordinate and implement initiatives that continue to develop chapter members intellectually.
b. Research other on-campus organizations to partner with in developing a speaker series or intellectual development series.
c. Research and promote additional on campus and in the community learning initiatives with the collaboration of the Chapter Service Director and Student Life. (i.e.: Global Youth Service Day—collaborate with Service Director; and Annual Student Organization Fair—collaborate  with Student Life). 
d. Coordinate and implement, at least one, chapter professional development activities. (i.e.: resume tutorials and career panels).
e. Research and promote additional on campus and in the community professional development activities. (Coordinate with Career Services Center for assistance). 
f. Research and encourage professional connections between the local chapter and on campus and in the community professionals. (Coordinate with Kaplan Radio Internship Program).
g. Create articles/announcements focused on educational and professional development activities or interest to be included into the chapter newsletter.
h. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
i. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

        12. HONORARY MEMBER & OUTREACH LIASON DIRECTOR 
a. Network and partner with other student organizations for various programs, socials, and activities. (Coordinated with Kaplan Radio and their internship program). 
b. Engage Community Leaders on a consistent basis for fundraising, networking, and speaking at Chapter Meetings/Events.
c. Consistently work on increasing the Campus Awareness of Golden Key. 
d. Prepare and send chapter updates to Honorary Members once or twice per year.
e. Inform and engage Honorary Members and campus officials in Membership Drive initiatives and activities. 
f. Lead selection process for new Honorary Member search. Complete the Honorary Member Profile Form, with the information for all new HMs, and send to leaderprofile@goldenkey.org and your AD. This form must be completed two weeks prior to New Member Recognition Event for production of certificates.
g. Prepare and send invitations for the New Member Recognition Event and other events to Honorary Members and important campus administrators. 
h. Ensure Honorary Member contact at least once per semester/term. 
i. Plan and coordinate at least one Honorary Member activity per semester/term (ex. Honorary Member Luncheon, Wine & Cheese Social, guest speakers, etc.).
j. Coordinate updating Honorary Member contact information with HQ (who is no longer at university, email address changes, names, etc.) Send updated lists to HQ within first 4-6 weeks of semester start date.
k. Create articles/announcements focused on Honorary Member and other student organization activities or interest to be included into the chapter newsletter.
l. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
m. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.
 
        13. CHAPTER HISTORIAN 
               a. Oversee the completion of Activity Reports and Semi-Annual Reports. 
b. Obtain and organize important chapter documents for the chapter’s future reference. This includes training materials and contact information.
c. Maintain, organize and log all pertinent documents needed for transitioning all new officers for their new term. 
d. Take pictures, keep journal of service activities and projects completed throughout year to include in a video or on the local chapter’s independent website, Facebook Page or in local publicity materials.
e. Must maintain at least a 3.5GPA or better.
f. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.
 
       14. NEWSLETTER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, The Golden Scholar
               a. The position of Editor-In-Chief is appointed by the Executive Board. Attendance at regular
               Executive Board meetings is not required.
b. This is a non-voting position.
c. Oversees and delegates duties to Assistant Editors:
1.   The Editor-in-Chief will select his/her own Assistant(s) Editor(s) with the Executive Board having final approval. 
2.   The Assistant Editor will have the same meeting responsibilities as the Editor-in-Chief and will assist in all facets of production of the newsletter. This is a non-voting position and can be filled by an alumnus.
d. Responsible for the development, editing and completion of monthly newsletter editions. The newsletter can be a web-based publication.
e. Write and/or solicit articles for the newsletter and delegates writing responsibilities and storyline ideas.
f. Adheres to deadlines, production and completion of actual newsletter for the chapter, known as “The Golden Scholar.” 
g. Ensure distribution of the newsletter within the first week of each month to members, faculty and staff, Honorary Members, Alumni and your Golden Key AD.
h. Maintains “do-not-email/mail” list of members not wishing to receive Newsletter publications and reports list changes/additions to leadership.  
i. Will work with Communications/Public Relation Chair in distributing the newsletter to members as well as any and all other outlets in a timely fashion.
j. Will provide the Executive Board with a committee report for Executive Board Meetings which can be done via e-mail. 
k. Must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA or better.
l. Any other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

G. Any executive board member who fails to fulfill his/her responsibilities as outlined and defined in the chapter constitution and the bylaws of the Society or who engages in misconduct bringing discredit on the Chapter can be removed by a two-thirds vote of the executive board. An executive board member's removal must require the introduction of a motion to so move by a current executive board member and properly seconded, followed by a two-thirds vote of a quorum to remove the officer from his/her designated office position. Such a vote will be taken by members present at an executive board meeting called for such a purpose. The executive board member in question shall have the opportunity to present oral or written matters in his/her defense before the vote is taken, but may not cast a vote. 

H. Any officer elected must meet and maintain a 3.5 CGPA. If an officer’s CGPA falls below standards, that officer will be responsible for notifying an advisor and: 
1. The officer will then be placed on a one term probation period 
2. If the officer is unable to meet the CGPA requirement after a probationary period, then the Chapter Advisors may determine whether it is in the best interest of the officer to step down from the position. All obligations must be weighed. School, work, chapter obligations, etc. 
3. An exception to this rule would only apply if the CGPA for Society Membership CGPA falls below current 3.5. This section would automatically revert to that GPA level without ratification or amendment to this constitution. 
4. The Student Life Coordinator is responsible for CGPA verification and compliance. If the Student Life Coordinator finds that an officer’s CGPA has fallen below standards, then the officer and Chapter Advisors will be notified and the officer will then be placed on a one term probation period. 
5. If the officer is unable to meet the CGPA requirement after a probationary period, then the Chapter Advisors may determine whether it is in the best interest of the officer to step down from the position. All responsibilities must be weighed. I.E.: School, work, chapter obligations, etc. 
I. VACANCIES.
         1. In the event of a vacancy in the Executive Board position of President, the Vice President
         shall become President for the unexpired term.
2. In the event of a vacancy of any position other than President, the Executive Board shall appoint an individual to the position for the unexpired term subject to the approval of Kaplan University.

Article VII. ADVISOR(S)
A. An individual – faculty, administrative staff or other – acceptable to the college/university shall be selected to serve as the Primary Advisor for the chapter. The chapter may have more than one advisor, with one serving officially as the Primary Advisor and others as Co-Advisor. If not already a member, each advisor is to be inducted as an Honorary Member. The duration of the advisor's tenure is individually determined, but must be at least one academic year, unless serving in an interim capacity. Responsibilities of the advisor will include, but not be limited to: 
1. Assisting in the preservation of the chapter. 
2. Obtaining a list of students, including names and addresses, that meets the predetermined membership criteria.
3. Meeting with the chapter executive board to mentor and provide guidance. 
4. Ensuring members receive their certificates of membership.
5. Ensuring the chapter meets minimum requirements to remain a chapter in Good Standing.

B. The advisor serves at the pleasure of the Golden Key International Leadership Council. Any advisor who fails to fulfill his/her responsibilities as outlined and defined in the chapter constitution may also be removed by a two-thirds vote of the executive board. An advisor’s removal must require the introduction of a motion to so move by a current executive board member and properly seconded, followed by a two-thirds vote of a quorum to remove the advisor from office. Such a vote may be taken by members present at an executive board meeting called for such a purpose. The advisor shall have the opportunity to present oral or written matters in his/her defense before the vote is taken.

C. RESIGNATION. If an advisor chooses to resign for any reason, the advisor and/or chapter leadership shall immediately notify the International Staff. The Chapter Executive Board shall then collaborate with the International Staff and, as appropriate, the host college/university to discuss and designate a possible replacement. Under no circumstance shall an advisor replace himself/herself without collaboration with both the chapter leadership and the International Staff and, as appropriate, Kaplan University.

Article VIII. CHAPTER CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
The Golden Key International Honor Society chapter at Kaplan University adheres to the Student Guide as well as other laws, rules and regulations governing Kaplan University and its students. The Golden Key International Honor Society does not condone "hazing" nor is "hazing" to be used in any form in the Society.

Article IX. MEETINGS
A. Executive board meetings shall be held as required during the academic year. An agenda for the meeting will be shared with all Executive Board members prior to the meeting. Executive Board meetings are recommended to be held monthly before the monthly general membership meeting.

B. General membership meetings shall be held at least once during the academic year. General membership meetings are recommended to be held monthly after the Executive Board has held its meeting.

Article X. FINANCE
A. The Golden Key Board of Directors shall determine the membership fees and dues. The chapter may not add local membership fees or dues unless they first obtain written approval to do so from International Headquarters. The Society returns a portion of the fee to the chapter for operational expenses. The Society membership fee is waived for initial chartering officers, advisors and all Honorary Members.

B. In the event of dissolution of a chapter, funds in the chapter treasury that were provided by the Society and/or were raised by the chapter shall, after paying all outstanding debts, be forwarded to International Headquarters. Funds that were provided by the host institution will be returned to the institution. Under no circumstances shall funds unlawfully inure to the benefit of any individual.

C. Chapter finances and budgets shall be managed by the Finance Chair who will report them to the Executive Board. There shall be a budget review of all ongoing projects monthly to ensure that they are within budget. If there is any variance from the plan then they will report it to the Executive Board at the next scheduled meeting or immediately if there is a major discrepancy. Any chapter expenditures requires Executive Board approval and the President’s (or their designee) written authorization on a school expenditure requisition. This is submitted by the chapter advisor to the Student Life Coordinator for submittal to the finance department for dispersing.

Article XI. AMENDMENTS 
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by a majority of the Chapter Executive Board or by 10% or more of the Chapter members. Approved amendments to this constitution shall be presented in writing and read at a regular meeting, but shall not be voted upon until the next regular meeting. A two-thirds majority of the members present and voting shall be required for passage of an amendment. In addition to any amendments under the procedure set forth above, The Golden Key International Honor Society Board of Directors may mandate any Chapter Constitution amendments that it deems to be necessary and in the best interests of the Society.

·         Amendment Description Adopted Chapter formation and original By-Laws adopted November 7, 2007
·         Created new Chapter Constitution, replaced and incorporated original Chapter By-Laws into the new Constitution December 15, 2008
·         Created new Chapter Constitution, replaced and incorporated original Chapter By-Laws into the new Constitution March 23, 2012
                ·         Amended constitution in September 2012
                ·         Amendment to Article VI: Chapter Executive Board, Section A, and Section F, inclusion of 
                 Officer Titles, Correction of Officer duties and titles; created new Chapter Constitution 
                 which incorporates 2014 amendments and original Chapter By-laws into new 2014 Chapter
                 Constitution June 30, 2014.