The Bylaws of Keramos Professional Fraternity IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Table of Contents PREAMBLE:... 4 TITLE I: AUTHORITY & AMENDMENTS... 4 ARTICLE I: LAWS WHICH SUPERCEED THE BYLAWS OF KERAMOS AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY... 4 1: FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL & UNIVERSITY LAWS & REGULATIONS... 4 2: NATIONAL BYLAWS... 4 ARTICLE II: THE BYLAWS OF KERAMOS AT IOWA STATE UNIVERISTY... 4 1: ADOPTION... 4 2: AUTHORITY... 4 ARTICLE III: AMENDMENT... 4 1: AUTHORITY TO ALTER... 4 2: METHOD OF AMENDMENT... 4 TITLE II: MEMBERSHIP... 5 ARTICLE I: INITIATED MEMBERS... 5 1: RESIDENT STUDENTS... 5 2: RESIDENT TEACHING STAFF... 5 3: ALUMNI... 5 4: HONORARY... 5 ARTICLE II: MEMBERS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR INITIATION... 5 1: DEFINITION... 5 2: RIGHTS... 5 ARTICLE III: NON-DISCRIMINATION... 5 1: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY... 5 TITLE III: ORGANIZATION... 6 ARTICLE I: OFFICERS... 6 1: ELIGIBILITY... 6 2: OFFICES... 6 3: DUTIES OF OFFICERS... 6 4: DECLARING AN OFFICE VACANT... 7 5: VACANCIES... 8 6: ADVISER REMOVAL... 8 7: ADVISER VACANCIES... 8 ARTICLE II: MEMBERS... 8 1: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES... 8 ARTICLE III: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE... 9 2
1: MEMBERSHIP... 9 2: PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY... 9 3: MEETINGS... 9 TITLE IV: FINANCIAL POLICIES... 10 ARTICLE I: DUES... 10 1: NATIONAL DUES... 10 2: LOCAL DUES... 10 ARTICLE II: ACCOUNTING... 10 1: CAMPUS ACCOUNTING CLAUSE... 10 2: DISSOLUTION... 10 3
PREAMBLE: We, the members of the Iowa State University chapter of Keramos are organized to provide a professional fraternity open to students in the schools, departments, divisions, specializations, or options in Ceramic Science or Engineering; to promote and emphasize scholarship and character in the thoughts of materials and ceramic students; to stimulate mental development; to promote interest in the professional aspects of ceramic engineering, technology, and science; to bind alumni more closely to their Alma Mater and to the alumni of other universities and colleges having schools, departments, divisions, specializations, or options in Ceramic Science or Engineering; to furnish an additional tie of college friendship; and to bring students more interaction with the Keramos National Professional Ceramic Engineering Fraternity a subset of the American Ceramic Society. TITLE I: AUTHORITY & AMENDMENTS ARTICLE I: LAWS WHICH SUPERCEED THE BYLAWS OF KERAMOS AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY 1: FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL & UNIVERSITY LAWS & REGULATIONS A. Keramos at Iowa State University is at all times subject to all federal, state, local, and university laws, policies, ordinances and regulations. B. The bylaws of Keramos at Iowa State University shall be superseded by any federal, state, local, or university laws, policies, ordinances or regulations, in all cases where conflicts exist. 2: NATIONAL BYLAWS A. Keramos at Iowa State University is at all times subject to the National Bylaws of Keramos Fraternity B. The bylaws of Keramos at Iowa State University shall be superseded by the National Keramos Fraternity Bylaws in all cases where conflicts exist. ARTICLE II: THE BYLAWS OF KERAMOS AT IOWA STATE UNIVERISTY 1: ADOPTION A. The bylaws of Keramos at Iowa State University, once approved by a majority of all initiated members shall be adopted. 2: AUTHORITY A. The bylaws of Keramos at Iowa State University, herein contained and adopted on 25 August, 2014, are binding upon all members year round and supersede any previous version. ARTICLE III: AMENDMENT 1: AUTHORITY TO ALTER A. The bylaws of Keramos at Iowa State University shall only be altered by the process of amendment set forth in Title I, Article III, 2. 2: METHOD OF AMENDMENT A. Any member wishing to amend the bylaws of Keramos at Iowa State University must make a motion in a regular meeting. B. At the time of the motion, the proposed amendment must be submitted to the Recording Secretary in writing. C. Any motion to amend the bylaws of Keramos at Iowa State University shall be tabled for at least one week before it is brought to a vote in a regular meeting. D. For an amendment to pass, it must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by the initiated members present in accordance with Title III, Article IV, 2 & 3. 4
TITLE II: MEMBERSHIP ARTICLE I: INITIATED MEMBERS 1: RESIDENT STUDENTS A. Undergraduate students are eligible for initiation if they meet all of the following criteria: 1. Have an interest in ceramics. 2. Have a current cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. B. Graduate students are eligible for initiation one semester after admission into a program granting a ceramicsoriented degree. 2: RESIDENT TEACHING STAFF A. Those holding the rank of lecturer or above in a ceramics-oriented program are eligible for initiation. 3: ALUMNI A. Graduates who were formerly students in a ceramics-oriented program but who are no longer formally connected with Iowa State University are eligible for initiation. 4: HONORARY A. See Section 4.0 Membership Criteria in the Keramos Procedures Manual. ARTICLE II: MEMBERS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR INITIATION 1: DEFINITION A. Any student at Iowa State University not meeting the criteria set forth in Title II, Article I, 1, but having an interest in ceramics may become affiliated with the Iowa State University chapter of Keramos. 1. These persons shall be known as non-initiated members (NIMs). 2: RIGHTS A. NIMs may participate fully in all activities of Keramos at Iowa State University except: 1. Activities involving the Fraternity s Ritual. 2. Holding an office. 3. Voting for officer positions. 4. Votes concerning activities in which initiation is required. B. The President may limit an activity to initiated members only. 1. The NIMs may appeal the President s decision to the Chapter Advisor. C. Upon meeting the criteria set forth in Title II, Article I, 1, a NIM may be initiated. ARTICLE III: NON-DISCRIMINATION 1: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY A. Keramos at Iowa State University is open to registered students at Iowa State and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. 5
TITLE III: ORGANIZATION ARTICLE I: OFFICERS 1: ELIGIBILITY A. All officers must: 1. Be an initiated undergraduate or graduate student. 2. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or greater and maintain it throughout their term. 3. Be in good standing with Iowa State University. 4. Be enrolled at least half time, unless fewer credits are required for graduation. 2: OFFICES A. President B. Vice President C. Treasurer D. Chapter Advisor E. Recording Secretary F. Herald G. Fundraising Chair H. Chapter Reporting Chair 3: DUTIES OF OFFICERS A. The President shall: 1. Be the principal executive officer of Keramos at Iowa State University. 2. Preside over all meetings. 3. Sign, with any other officer, other instruments which may be lawfully executed on behalf of Keramos at Iowa State University. 4. Appoint chairpersons of special activities and make all other necessary appointments. 5. Represent Keramos on campus. 6. Fulfill all training requirements set forth for organization presidents by the Student Activities Center. 7. Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by Iowa State University and the Student Activities Center. B. The Vice President shall: 1. Assume all duties of the President in his absence. 2. Schedule meetings or events with appropriate University offices. 3. Coordinate the promotion and publicity of Keramos events. C. The Treasurer shall: 1. Be the financial officer of Keramos at Iowa State University. 2. Have charge, custody, and responsibility for all funds of Keramos at Iowa State University. 3. Maintain all receipts, both due and payable to Keramos at Iowa State University. 4. When needed, recommend annual dues to the Executive Committee. 5. Render, whenever required, an account of all transactions as Treasurer. 6. Render, whenever required, a full accounting of Keramos at Iowa State University financial condition. 7. Fulfill all training requirements set forth for organization treasurers by the Student Activities Center. 8. Cosign organization checks with the advisor. 9. Solicit additional funding if needed from the Government of the Student Body or the Engineering Student Council in conjunction with the President. D. The Chapter Advisor shall: 6
1. Oversee all activities. 2. Mentor the members on professional development and service. 3. Ensure that the By-Laws of the Fraternity are upheld in all Chapter activities. 4. Represent the Chapter to the Board executive sessions as requested by the Board. 5. Hear appeals regarding Title II, Article II, 2B1 & Title III, Article I, 4C2 & Title IV, Article I, 2C. 6. Be a Materials Engineering faculty member whose work includes ceramics. 7. Fulfill all training requirements set forth for organization advisers by the Student Activities Center. 8. Approve all financial expenditures. 9. Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by Iowa State University and the Student Activities Center. E. The Recording Secretary shall: 1. Keep an accurate record of all meetings. 2. Maintain the membership directory. 3. Correspond when necessary with Iowa State University and other organizations. F. The Herald shall: 1. Maintain an up-to-date history of all Keramos at Iowa State University activities. 2. Secure membership statistics from the official list. 3. Organize the Fraternity s Ritual. 4. Give an annual report at each induction meeting. G. The Fundraising Chair shall: 1. Organize all fundraising activities. 2. Fundraise with other student organizations when necessary. 3. Keep the treasurer informed of all fundraising activities. 4. Give the treasurer all proceeds from any fundraising activity. 5. Have all necessary training to participate and lead all fundraising activities. H. The Chapter Reporting Chair shall: 1. Compile the annual report to the National Fraternity. 2. Coordinate with the Recording Secretary and the Herald to update chapter information. I. The Risk Management Chair shall: 1. Work to minimize the potential risk of all official Keramos activities and recommend policies or procedures to facilitate risk-management within the organization. 2. Submit documentation to the Iowa State University Office of Risk Management. 3. Ensure the compliance of Keramos with all University Policies, as required by Title I, Article 1, 1. 4. File all required waivers and background checks for events with the Office of Risk Management. 4: DECLARING AN OFFICE VACANT A. The initiated members may, by a two-thirds vote, declare any office vacant (i.e. impeach an officer) when the interests of Keramos at Iowa State University demand it. Examples of impeachable offenses include but are not limited to: regular absence from general or board meetings; failure to properly meet the obligations of an elected position; and willful disregard for regulations set forth by Keramos Bylaws. Impeached officers may (but are not required to) offer a statement, not exceeding three minutes in duration, before a vote is cast. The officer shall be notified of the vote s outcome by email. B. Notice of such intended action shall be given to the officer concerned and to all members of Keramos at Iowa State University. C. The Vice President, with a simple majority of the Executive Committee, may also declare an office vacant in the interest of Keramos at Iowa State University. 1. The President s office cannot be declared vacant in this manner. 2. Any officer whose office is declared vacant by Vice President may appeal the Vice President s declaration to the initiated members of Keramos at Iowa State University. 3. The initiated members of Keramos at Iowa State University may overturn the Vice President s declaration by a vote. 7
5: a. For the Vice President s declaration to be overturned, two-thirds of the votes cast by the initiated members of Keramos at Iowa State University must be in favor of overturning the Vice President s declaration. VACANCIES A. After an office is declared vacant the President shall recommend a replacement to the Executive Committee. 1. Any officer whose office is declared vacant may not be recommended to the Executive Committee. B. The vacant office will be filled by the recommended replacement by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. 1. If the recommended replacement is not voted in by the Executive Committee the President shall recommend a different replacement. C. Upon his election, an officer filling a vacancy shall be immediately installed. D. An officer filling a vacancy shall serve until the completion of that office s term. E. A vacant office must be filled within two weeks of the office becoming vacant. 6: ADVISER REMOVAL A. The initiated members may, by a two-thirds vote, remove (i.e. impeach) an adviser when the interests of Keramos at Iowa State University demand it. Examples of impeachable offenses include but are not limited to: failure to properly meet the obligations of a chapter adviser and willful disregard for regulations set forth by Keramos Bylaws. Impeached advisers may (but are not required to) offer a statement, not exceeding three minutes in duration, before a vote is cast. The adviser shall be notified of the vote s outcome by email. B. Notice of such intended action shall be given to the adviser concerned and to all members of Keramos at Iowa State University. C. The Vice President, with a simple majority of the Executive Committee, may also remove an adviser in the interest of Keramos at Iowa State University. 1. Any adviser whose office is declared vacant by Vice President may appeal the Vice President s declaration to the initiated members of Keramos at Iowa State University. 2. The initiated members of Keramos at Iowa State University may overturn the Vice President s declaration by a vote. 7: ADVISER VACANCIES A. After an adviser is removed, the President shall recommend a replacement to the Executive Committee. 1. Any adviser whose office is declared vacant may not be recommended to the Executive Committee. B. The role of chapter adviser will be filled by the recommended replacement by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. 1. If the recommended replacement is not voted in by the Executive Committee the President shall recommend a different replacement. C. Upon his election, an adviser filling a vacancy shall be immediately installed. D. An adviser filling a vacancy shall serve until the completion of that chapter adviser s term. E. A vacant adviser position must be filled within two weeks of the position becoming vacant. ARTICLE II: MEMBERS 1: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. In order to maintain good standing a member shall: 1. Attend more than fifty percent of all regularly scheduled meetings. 2. Pay dues in accordance with Title IV, Article I. 3. Participate in a minimum of one fundraising or outreach activity per semester. B. A member not meeting the criteria set forth in Title III, Article II, 1A shall be considered to be in bad standing. 8
1. When a member is in bad standing, the Executive Committee may give that member a probationary period in which good standing must be attained. 2. If, at the end of the probationary period the member has not attained good standing, the Executive committee may act as it deems necessary, up to and including, expelling the member from Keramos at Iowa State University. a. The member may appeal the Executive Committee s decision to the Chapter Advisor. ARTICLE III: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1: MEMBERSHIP A. The executive committee shall consist of all elected officers. 2: PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY A. The Executive Committee shall: 1. Make recommendations to the members. 2. Approve annual dues upon the recommendation of the Treasurer. 3. Act in accordance with Title III, Article II, 1B1 & 1B2. 4. Have the authority to bring any member before the Executive Committee whenever necessary. 5. Have the authority to dispose of any matter, which is of immediate importance, if it is not possible to call a meeting of Keramos at Iowa State University. 6. Select the Chapter Advisor in accordance with the Keramos Procedures Manual Article XIII, 14. 3: MEETINGS A. Executive Committee meetings shall be held at a time specified by the Vice President. B. Five members shall constitute a quorum. C. Members not on the Executive Committee may only attend meetings if invited by the President. ARTICLE IV: VOTING AND ELECTIONS 1: IMPORTANT DATES FOR OFFICER ELECTIONS A. Nomination of officers shall take place no later than the final week of March each year. B. Elections of officers shall take place at the meeting immediately following the nominations. C. The Chapter Advisor for the following year is selected by the Executive Committee-elect on the date of elections. D. Newly elected officers assume their duties on June 1 of the year they were elected. 2: VOTING RIGHTS OF MEMBERS A. Each initiated member shall have one vote. B. NIMs shall have one vote except as specified in Title II, Article II, 2A3 & 2A4. C. Teaching staff members, alumni, and honorary members who are active members of Keramos at Iowa State University shall have one-half vote each. 3: VOTING PROCEDURE A. A quorum of fifty percent of initiated members is necessary for voting to take place. B. Nominees are allowed to give a short (up to three minutes) speech prior to elections. C. Voting shall take place by a show of hands unless a request is made for election by secret ballot. D. An issue is carried or an officer is elected by receiving a simple majority. E. If no nominee receives a majority of the votes, then another election will take place between the two nominees who received the most votes. 1. In the event of a tie for the second-most votes, then all tied nominees will be included in the second election. F. In the event of a tie, the current President shall cast the deciding vote. 9
TITLE IV: FINANCIAL POLICIES ARTICLE I: DUES 1: NATIONAL DUES A. Prior to initiation, dues shall be paid to the Herald in the amount specified in Section 5 of the Keramos Procedures Manual. 2: LOCAL DUES A. Dues shall be set according to Title III, Article I, 3C4 & Title III, Article III, 2A2. B. Local dues shall be: 1. Paid by all members. 2. Levied at any time during an academic year. 3. Levied only once during an academic year. 4. Paid within thirty days of the Treasurer s notice. a. Dues not paid on time shall be subject to a fifty percent additional fee. b. Extensions can be granted at the Treasurer s discretion in extenuating circumstances. C. If the members feel that the dues levied are egregiously high, they may appeal to the Chapter Advisor. ARTICLE II: ACCOUNTING 1: CAMPUS ACCOUNTING CLAUSE A. All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a bank account established for this organization at the Campus Organizations Accounting Office and/or approved institution/office (must receive authorization via Campus Organizations Accounting Office). B. All funds must be deposited within 48 hours after collection. C. The Adviser to this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment 2: DISSOLUTION A. Should Keramos at Iowa State University be dissolved, all monies shall be transferred to the Materials Engineering Department for dispersion to other materials student organizations. 10