Constitution of Phi Alpha Theta
History Honor Society, Inc.
Epsilon Rho Chapter of Samford University

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Epsilon Rho chapter of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Inc.,
in order to encourage the study of history and to recognize excellence in history, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the government of our order.

ARTICLE I - NAME

This Society shall be known as the Epsilon Rho Chapter of Samford University, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Inc.

Section 1. MOTTO

The motto of Phi Alpha Theta shall be "Seek Truth".

Section 2. MISSION STATEMENT

"We are a professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history by the students of Samford University through encouraging scholastic excellence in all members,preparing members for the rigors of graduate study, promoting mentor relationships with all faculty members, and fostering awareness across the local area of historically significant events and issues."

ARTICLE II - THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall consist of a minimum of four (4) members of the current chapter and the faculty advisor.

Section 1: ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The officers shall be elected by majority vote at a regular meeting of the chapter and shall hold office for a period of two consecutive semesters until their successors have been duly installed. All nominated persons must have the approval of the faculty advisor and have been in good standing through the course of their membership in the chapter to be elected to office.

Section 2: DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

The Executive Committee's responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Regular meetings with the faculty advisor to discuss and plan the actions of the chapter
  • Organization and execution of a minimum of four (4) chapter sponsored events each year,     with a minimum of one (1) major event per year to be open and publicized to the entire     campus

  • Recording member compliance with chapter requirements

  • Facilitation of activities between students and the faculty of the history department

  • Conduct the bi-annual initiation ceremony and swearing in of the new members, one each to     be held in the Fall and Spring semesters, respectively

  • Petitioning the Student Government Association for funding at least once a year

  • Assisting the department secretary as necessary in the maintenance of the chapter web     page

  • Assist the faculty advisor as needed for the benefit of the chapter

    • Section 3. EXPULSION

    Executive Committee members can be expelled for failure to maintain chapter membership requirements or for failure to meet the requirements of their office as listed. Expulsion must have a vote of a majority of members of the remainder of the Executive Committee and the approval of the Faculty Advisor.

    ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP

    Section 1. ELIGIBILITY

    A vital interest in history is a basic requirement for membership; additionally the prospective member must demonstrate high achievement in history courses and in academic work in general. Any person of good character who meets the national requirements of the Phi Alpha Theta Organization, to include but not be limited to the following, may be eligible:

    • Completion of twelve (12) or more hours of history courses
    • Grade point average in all attempted history courses of not less than 3.0
    • Cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0
    • Receipt of payment of membership fee to be set by the chapter and national council

    Section 2. INITIATION

    All persons brought into new membership in the Society should be initiated in accordance with the initiatory services prescribed by the Phi Alpha Theta National Council. Initiations will be conducted each semester by the Faculty Advisor and the current Executive Committee Officers.

    Section 3. CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

    All persons wishing to become members of the Epsilon Rho Chapter must agree to the following chapter membership expectations:

    • Attendance at one of the two yearly Initiation Ceremonies for initiation purposes
    • Attendance at a MINIMUM of two (2) chapter sponsored events each year during their course of membership
    • Maintenance of a 3.0 grade point average in all attempted history courses
    • Maintenance of a cumulative 3.0 grade point average
    • Present at least one paper of original scholarly research in the area of history during the course of membership at the Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference, held each year in the Spring. Exceptions to this requirement can only be made with the approval of the Faculty Advisor, and should include the requirement of a presentation at another form showcasing original student research.

    Section 4: HONOR CORDS

    In order to be eligible to receive and wear a Phi Alpha Theta Honor Cord at commencement exercises, each member must maintain good standing according to chapter requirements throughout their membership. All purchases of Honor Cords must have the permission of the faculty advisor and the Executive Committee.

    Section 5: EXPULSION

    Records of compliance with chapter membership requirements will be maintained by the Executive Committee. Any member failing to meet these requirements will be formally notified by either the Executive Committee or the Faculty Advisor. Appropriate measures for correction will be given, as well as prescribed time frame in which corrections are expected. Failure to comply with these membership requirements can result in the termination of membership, as decided by a majority vote of the Executive Committee with the approval of the Faculty Advisor.

    ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

    Amendments to this Constitution shall be made upon the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the active members.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


    Last updated: May 16, 2002 . Maintained by Susan W. Murphy.
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