BY-LAWS OF GAMMA DELTA CHAPTER PHI BETA DELTA 

HONOR SOCIETY FOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY
 

 ARTICLE I

Name

The name of this society shall be the Gamma Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Delta.

ARTICLE II

Aim

The aim of Phi Beta Delta is to recognize and encourage professional, intellectual and personal achievements in the field of International Education. The society will serve to encourage interdisciplinary and intergenerational contacts and to promote the exchange of ideas and information in the area of international affairs among the students, faculty, and staff of Wright State University.

ARTICLE III

Membership

SECTION I

Membership shall be based on criteria established by the governing board in accordance with the aims of the organization. The criteria are as follows:

For Study Abroad Students:

1. Upper division or graduate standing.

2. Completion of a minimum of one semester of study abroad or a summer experience of no less than five weeks in length and approved by the Director of Exchange and Study Abroad Programs.  Any exceptions to this policy will be adjudicated on a case by case basis by the governing board.

3. Demonstrated academic excellence (Minimum Cumulative GPA):

   • Graduate Students--3.6

   • Undergraduate Students--3.2

For International Students:

1. Upper division or graduate standing.

2. Minimum of one year residence at Wright State University.

3. Demonstrated academic excellence (Minimum Cumulative GPA):

   • Graduate students -- 3.6

   • Undergraduate students -- 3.2

For Faculty and Staff:

1. Nomination by one members in good standing.

2. Demonstrated interest and involvement in international scholarly activities (e.g.. Fulbright, research, service or teaching overseas, publications/presentations, significant contribution to campus international educational programs).

SECTION II

Honorary Membership

The governing board may, from time to time, name honorary members who would not normally qualify for regular membership, or whom it is desired to honor in a special way. Such persons shall pay no dues or fees.

SECTION III

Candidates for membership will be approved by the members of the governing board of the chapter and will be offered the opportunity to participate in the annual initiation ceremony. Participation in the ceremony is expected, although exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances.

ARTICLE IV

Governing Board

Section I

The Governing Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Liaison Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer, plus an International Student Representative and a US Student representative. 

Section II

The Governing Board may establish standing committees, all of which shall include faculty, staff, and student members.

ARTICLE V

Officers

Section I

The elected officers shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, an International Student Representative and a US Student Representative.

The Liaison Officer shall be appointed by the Governing Board of the Chapter.

Section II

The President shall preside over meetings of the society, may appoint committees with the approval of the Governing Board, and shall perform all other duties belonging to the President.

Section III

The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President. This officer shall perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Section IV

The International Student Representative shall serve as liaison with the international student community and offices concerning international education.

Section V

The U.S. Student Representative shall serve as liaison with the Exchange and Study Abroad Office in the University Center for International Education.

Section VI

The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings, shall handle chapter communications, shall keep a complete roster of all members initiated and shall keep a record of candidates eligible for membership.

Section VII

The Treasurer shall collect and give receipts for all monies collected, shall make disbursements upon order of the Society, shall keep an accurate and complete record of all receipts and disbursements and shall report this record of funds to the Society on a regular basis.

ARTICLE VI

Dues and Fees

Section I

The membership initiation fee shall be paid by each undergraduate, graduate, faculty and staff candidate at or before the time of initiation into the Society. The amount of this fee shall be determined by the Governing Board and shall be paid to the treasurer prior to the initiation ceremony.

ARTICLE VII

Elections

Section I

The Governing Board shall select a single slate of officers to the board during the spring quarter.

Section II

Elections will be conducted by secret ballot and shall include a provision for write-in candidates. Secret ballots shall be mailed to the general membership at least two weeks prior to the date set for the counting of ballots.

Section III

Election to office will require receipt of a majority of valid ballots cast.

Section IV

In the event of resignation or inability to serve on the part of an elected officer of the Chapter, the Governing Board shall, after consultation with knowledgeable members of the Chapter, appoint a replacement who shall serve until the next regular election.

ARTICLE VIII

Amendment of the Bylaws

Section I

Proposed amendments to the by-laws may be presented to the Society, in writing, at least one meeting before they are to be voted upon.

Section II

Approval by a majority of the voting members present at a regular meeting shall be required for passage of a proposed amendment. The amendment shall become binding immediately thereafter.

ARTICLE IX

Quorum

Section I

The percentage of members constituting a quorum shall be 30%.

Section 2

In voting, a majority shall consist of over fifty percent of those voting.

ARTICLE X

Parliamentary Authority

Robert's Rules of Order, (Revised), shall govern the Society in all cases to which they are applicable.