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
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.
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 Presidentshall 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.