BYLAWS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PSI CHI CHAPTER

Article 1 – Name

The name of this organization shall be the University of Chicago Psi Chi Chapter, a local unit of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, hereinafter referred to as the Chapter and the National Society.

 Article 2 – Purpose

The purpose of Psi Chi shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology.

 Article 3 – Field of Membership

Section 1 – Membership

Active members are men and women who are making the study of issues relevant to psychology one of their major interests and who have been readmitted to active status by this Chapter. Active members shall be entitled to participate in all chapter meetings and shall have the right to vote.  Voting membership is limited to currently registered University of Chicago students. 

      Student Members

a)      National Members

            Those members are distinguished from the local members by their recognition by the National Society of Psi Chi.  National members are students from the University of Chicago who have met the conditions set forth by the National Society and who have received National Psi Chi membership.

b)      Local Members

            Local members are current and former students of the University of Chicago who meet the current criteria for membership.  They may apply to become national members upon successful application to the National Society.

      Faculty Members

      Faculty members of the University of Chicago and other psychologists who meet the current criteria, may become active members of the chapter upon election to membership and induction into Psi Chi.  Faculty members shall not be eligible to hold chapter office.

Section 2 – Eligibility Requirements

      a)   National Members

            Undergraduate

          -Psychology, Human Development, or Biology with Neuroscience concentration

            -Completion of 5 quarters as a college student

            -Completion of 5 psychology or human development college courses (these can be cross-listed from other departments)

            -Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

            -Minimum concentration GPA of 3.0

            Graduate

            -Psychology or Human Development Department

            -Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

      b)   Local Members

            -All registered students of the University of Chicago with psychology related interests

Membership in Psi Chi is open to qualified candidates of any age, sex, sexual orientation, race, handicap or disability, color, religion, and national and ethnic origin.

Election to membership shall be decided by the Membership Committee.  Prior to induction, each prospective member shall pay an induction fee as determined by the National Society.

 Article 4 – Officers/Committees

Section 1 – Office Titles

Standing committees shall be established by the Chapter on the need-supply basis.  Special committees may be established by the Chapter.  All Officers/Committee members must be currently enrolled students at the University of Chicago.  The Standing committees of the Chapter shall be:

      -Membership Committee

      -Finance Committee

      -Events Committee

      -Web Page Committee

Section 2 – Qualifications

All Officers/Committee members must be currently enrolled students at the University of Chicago.  Any student that qualifies to be a local member of Psi Chi may become a member of any committee.

Section 3 – Terms of Office

The term of office for each member of a committee is one academic year starting in early September and ending in early June.

Section 4 – Duties of Officers

-The Membership Committee shall promote membership in Psi Chi to all qualified persons and shall make arrangements for national induction.

-The Finance Committee shall prepare the budget and make an annual analysis of chapter fiscal management.

-The Events Committee shall organize the events and make arrangements for chapter meetings.

-The Web Page Committee shall periodically update and maintain the chapter homepage.

Section 5 – Provisions for Selection/Replacement of Officers

The selection and replacement of officers shall take place near the end of terms of office, in early June, during elections or as needed.

Section 6 – Provisions for Removal of Officers

A removal will take place with the unanimous accord from the local chapter.

 Section 7 – Meetings

      a)   Regular Meetings

          The Executive Committee and the chapter advisor shall determine the number of regular meetings to be held on Tuesday at 6:00 pm in Beecher 101.

      b)   Special Meetings

            Special meetings can be called by Executive Committee and shall be called upon the written request of the core members of the Chapter.  The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call, and business shall be limited to that which is stated in the call.

 Section 8 – Chapter Advisor

The chapter shall have a chapter advisor who is a member of Psi Chi and a member of the faculty of the University of Chicago.  The Chapter Advisor shall assist the Chapter in fulfilling its purpose and the requirements of the National Society.

 Article 5 – Elections

Elections take place near the end of terms of offices, happening around early June of each year.  Voting membership is limited to currently registered University of Chicago students.  Elections take place during a regular meeting.  Proxy votes can be submitted via email to the faculty advisor 24 hours before the actual elections.

 Article 6 – Handling of Funds

Section 1

All funds collected will be maintained by the faculty advisor.

 Section 2

The treasurer/the chair of Finance Committee shall be the primary officer designated to handle organization finances.

 Article 7 – Amendments

Section 1

Bylaws may be amended during annual elections in early June of each year by a 2/3 vote of standing committee members.

 Section 2

Potential amendments to the bylaws shall be announced prior to the annual elections in early June of each year.