Student OrgsSociety of Physics Students

Gustavus Adolphus College Chapter of the Society of Physics Students ARTICLE I. NAME The name of this organization shall be “The Gustavus Adolphus College Chapter of the Society of Physics Students”. ARTICLE II. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this Chapter shall be the advancement and diffusion of knowledge of physics, the encouragement of interest in physics throughout the academic and local communities, and the introduction of students to the professional community. ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP Section I. Society of Physics Students Membership Membership in this Society of Physics Students Chapter shall be open to all individuals interested in physics. **Section 2. Sigma Pi Sigma Membership Membership in Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honor society included within this Society of Physics Students Chapter, shall be based upon character and academic and professional attainments and is not restricted to physics majors. Election to Sigma Pi Sigma members from among those candidates presented by the Sigma Pi Sigma nominating committee appointed by the Chapter Advisor. Clause 1. For undergraduate students in physics or related fields, the minimum requirements for Sigma Pi Sigma membership within this Chapter shall be as follows: All members-elect shall have completed at least the equivalent of three semesters (five quarters) of full-time college work. All members-elect shall have completed at least three semester (five quarters) courses in physics, each of at least three credit hours, which may be credited toward a physics major. All members-elect shall rank in the upper one third of their college class. All members-elect shall have attained at lease a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 system for physics courses and for cumulative course grades in all courses. Clause 2. For faculty members, research staff members, and other qualified individuals, who are in physics or related fields, election to membership shall be based upon their professional attainments. ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS Section 1. Chapter Officers The officers of the Chapter shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Sophomore Representative, and a Activity Coordinator; succession shall be in accordance with this order. Any two of the last three offices may be combined. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these bylaws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by this Chapter. Section 2. Elections Officers shall be elected at a scheduled meeting in April of each year. Nominations shall be by open nomination at a meeting in the previous month. The election shall be by closed ballot. Officers-elect shall assume their offices immediately following the election and shall hold office for one year or until their successors are duly elected. **Section 3. Sigma Pi Sigma Responsibility Upon the installation of a Sigma Pi Sigma Chapter within the Society of Physics Students Chapter, one of the officers, who is a Sigma Pi Sigma member, and the Chapter Advisor shall be given specific responsibility of the affairs of the Sigma Pi Sigma Chapter. ARTICLE V. CHAPTER ADVISOR The Chapter Advisor shall be a faculty member appointed by the Chairman of the Physics Department, after consultation with the Chapter officers. The Chapter Advisor shall provide liaison among the Chapter, the Physics Department, and the National Office of the Society of Physics Students. The Chapter Advisor will supply counseling to the Chapter, furnish continuity of experience in Chapter operations, and provide long-range perspective to insure departmental interest in and support of the Society of Physics Students. The Chapter Advisor shall assist the Secretary in furnishing the National Office with the required data and shall assist the Treasurer in transmitting fees and dues to the National Office. ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS Regular meetings shall be held monthly as determined by the officers. Special meetings may be called by the President or Vice-President. There shall be at least six meetings per year. ARTICLE VII. DUES Local dues of dollars may be required. The collection will be done by the Treasurer in addition to the dues required by the National Office. ARTICLE VIII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the Chapter may adopt. ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS These bylaws may be amended by a two thirds vote, provided that the amendment shall have been proposed at least one meeting previous to the time of vote. Such amendments shall conform to the regulations established by the National Constitution of the Society of Physics Students. *Variations in bylaws, as required to suit local circumstances, are acceptable providing they agree with the spirit of the National Constitution of the Society of Physics Students. **Article III, Section 2 and Article IV, Section 3 must be included by, and only by, institutions eligible to elect members into Sigma Pi Sigma (accredited, four-year institutions offering at least a bachelor’s degree in physics). ***The requirement in Article III, Section 2, Clause 1(d) is not a constitutional requirement. However, it is usually easier to obtain a grade point average from the Recorder’s Office than a class rank. Provision should be made to periodically check with the Recorder’s Office that the specified GPA also satisfies Article III, Section 2, Clause 1(c), which requires members-elect to rank in the upper one third of their college class and which is a minimum requirement specified in the National Constitution. Revised 9-13-12 LD