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Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu®
International Honor Society
in Social Sciences
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The Constitution of Pi Gamma Mu

THE CONSTITUTION OF PI GAMMA MU
INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY IN SOCIAL SCIENCES
2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I — Name, Objectives, Mission, Ideals, Symbols, Rituals

Section 1. Name
Section 2. Objectives
Section 3. Mission
Section 4. Social Sciences
Section 5. Ideals
Section 6. Symbols
Section 7. Rituals

ARTICLE II  — Membership

Section 1. Classes of Members
Section 2. International Dues and Fees
Section 3. Admission to Membership
Section 4. Benefits of Membership
Section 5. Duties of Membership
Section 6. Resignation, Suspension, Termination of Membership

ARTICLE III — Chapters

Section 1. Eligibility to Petition for a Chapter Charter
Section 2. Functions of Chapters
Section 3. Benefits for Chapters
Section 4. Chapter Governance   
Section 5. Chapter Organization into Regions and States
Section 6. Honor Rolls
Section 7. Chapter Status Designations
Section 8. Single Chapters with Multiple Sites
Section 9. Suspension or Withdrawal of a Chapter's Charter
Section 10. Inactivation and Reactivation of a Chapter

ARTICLE IV — Board of Trustees Composition and Membership

Section 1. Composition
Section 2. Election and Appointment of Board of Trustees Members
Section 3. Qualifications of Board of Trustees Members
Section 4. Duties of Board of Trustees Members
Section 5. General Provisions
Section 6. Honorary and Emeritus Trustees

ARTICLE V — Operations and Functions of Board of Trustees

Section 1. Membership and Voting
Section 2. Powers and Responsibilities
Section 3. Meetings
Section 4. Triennial Reports
Section 5. Expense Reimbursement

ARTICLE VI — Standing Committees

Section 1. General Provisions for Standing Committees
Section 2. Standing Committees
Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities of Standing Committees
Section 4. Ad Hoc Committees

ARTICLE VII — International Triennial Convention

Section 1. Convention
Section 2. Participation
Section 3. Delegates and Voting Rights
Section 4. Procedures for Conducting Business Meeting  
Section 5. Triennial Reports to the Convention
Section 6. Election of Student Representatives
Section 7. Jurisdiction

ARTICLE VIII — Fees and Finances

Section 1. Initiation Fees
Section 2. Disbursements
Section 3. Management of Funds            

ARTICLE IX — Indemnification

Section 1. Indemnification

ARTICLE X — Dissolution of Society

Section 1. Society
Section 2. Chapter

ARTICLE XI — General Provisions: Governing Documents, Non-Discrimination, and Trademark

Section 1. Governing Documents
Section 2. Non-Discrimination
Section 3. Trademark

ARTICLE XII — Publications

Section 1. Publications
Section 2. Journal
Section 3. Newsletter

ARTICLE XIII — Amendments and Revisions of the Constitution and Bylaws

Section 1. Amendments
Section 2. Ratification


August 28, 2017

THE CONSTITUTION OF PI GAMMA MU

INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

2017

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ARTICLE I — Name, Objectives, Mission, Ideals, Symbols, Ritual

Section 1. Name

The name of this Society is Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Sciences, hereafter, the Society.

Section 2. Objectives

The primary objectives of the Society are to encourage the study of the Social Sciences among undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and professional staff in colleges and universities throughout the world and to recognize outstanding achievement through election to membership and the presentation of awards for distinguished achievement.

Section 3. Mission

The mission of Pi Gamma Mu is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service.

Section 4. Social Sciences

Social Sciences are those disciplines which emphasize the scientific study of human societies and social relationships including but not limited to such disciplines as history, political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, international relations, criminal justice, social work, psychology, social philosophy, history of education, human geography, and human services, as well as related interdisciplinary programs anchored in the Social Sciences, particularly those that focus on race, ethnicity, gender, the environment, and regional studies.

Section 5. Ideals

The ideals of Pi Gamma Mu are Scholarship, Science, Social Science, Social Idealism, Sociability, Social Service, and Sacrifice.

Section 6. Symbols

Pi Gamma Mu has several meaningful symbols including a motto, a key pin, colors, and an official flower.

Section 7. Rituals

Pi Gamma Mu has rituals for the Initiation of New Members, Installation of Officers, and Installation of New Chapters.

Refer to the Bylaws for details about each of the topics in this Article.

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ARTICLE II — Membership

Section 1. Classes of Members

Pi Gamma Mu receives into membership persons who have demonstrated high scholarship within the Social Sciences and who meet the requirements specified by the Board of Trustees.

(a) Undergraduate Student Members — Undergraduate students who meet academic qualifications, including grade eligibility, earned credits in the Social Sciences, and class ranking as defined in the Bylaws and who attend a college or university with a chapter of Pi Gamma Mu may be invited to membership.

(b) Graduate or Professional Student Members — Graduate or professional school students who meet academic qualifications, including grade eligibility and earned credits in the Social Sciences as defined in the Bylaws and who attend a college or university with a chapter of Pi Gamma Mu may be invited to membership.

(c) Faculty or Professional Staff Members — Faculty or professional staff members who have demonstrated support for the Social Sciences may be invited to membership by a chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, as defined in the Bylaws.

(d) Alumni Members — Alumni members are former student members who are no longer associated with a chapter. 

(e) Honorary Members — Both the Board of Trustees and active chapters may honor individuals for their service in the Social Sciences with such membership as defined in the Bylaws.

(f) Additional Classes of Members — The Board of Trustees may also create additional membership categories, in order to serve the purposes and objectives of this Society.

Once a person is inducted into Pi Gamma Mu, s/he enjoys lifetime membership and the benefits the class of membership provides.

Section 2.  International Dues and Fees

The amount of any international dues or fees for any class of membership in the Society shall be established by the Board of Trustees.

Section 3. Admission to Membership

A person shall become a Member upon completion of the requirements specified in the Bylaws.

Section 4. Benefits of Membership

Members receive the Society's key pin, membership certificate, and membership card. In addition, they have access to benefits available from the Society, including eligibility to participate actively in chapter and Society functions and such other benefits as the Board of Trustees shall determine, as specified in the Bylaws.

Section 5. Duties of Membership

By accepting membership in the Society, Pi Gamma Mu members endorse the Society's mission, ideals, Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.

Section 6. Resignation, Suspension, Termination of Membership

(a) Resignation — Membership in Pi Gamma Mu is for life; to resign, a Member must follow the procedures specified in the Bylaws.

(b) Suspension or Termination — Membership in the Society may be suspended or terminated by the Board of Trustees for just cause. A two-thirds vote by the Board of Trustees is required to terminate a membership.

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ARTICLE III – Chapters

Section 1. Eligibility to Petition for a Chapter Charter

Chapters may only be established in colleges or universities which hold a national or regional accreditation, which grant baccalaureate or higher degrees, and which are thoroughly prepared to maintain a chapter, which includes:

(a) Degree programs in multiple areas of the Social Sciences.

(b) A sufficient number of specially trained Social Science faculty.

(c) An adequate library and other facilities to offer students training of high quality in the Social Sciences.

(d) Demonstrated administrative approval and support for a new chapter of Pi Gamma Mu.

(e) Support from a representative number of Social Science faculty.

(f) A minimum number of charter members.

Charter applications require the approval of a majority vote of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall establish policies and rules of procedure for the chartering of chapters as specified in the Bylaws.

Section 2. Functions of Chapters

Chapters should:

(a) Recognize outstanding achievement in the Social Sciences through student invitation to membership annually.

(b) Carry out programs appropriate to their campuses, with wide latitude in their interpretation of how to further the general aims of the Society.

(c) File annual reports with International Headquarters.

(d) Send chapter delegates to International Triennial Conventions or designate their proxies to the Executive Director.

(e) Participate in Society elections and other voting between International Triennial Conventions.

(f) File copies of the revised versions of their chapter bylaws or governing documents with International Headquarters promptly.

(g) Employ the rituals of Pi Gamma Mu whenever possible.

Section 3. Benefits for Chapters

Active chapters shall be able to:

(a) Vote in elections governing the Society.

(b) Be represented at the International Triennial Convention.

(c) Be eligible to access Convention Funds.

(d) Be recognized by Pi Gamma Mu on the chapter membership list.

(e) Bestow Honorary Memberships.

(f) Qualify for Lectureship Funds.

(g) Be recognized on the Society's Honor Rolls (based on submission of annual reports to International Headquarters and review of the reports).

An "active" status is a Society designation defined in Article III, Section 7 of the Bylaws.

Section 4. Chapter Governance

Chapters shall:

(a) Conduct themselves in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society, as well as local versions of the same. The Society's Constitution and Bylaws shall take precedence over chapter constitutions and bylaws, and no provision in a chapter's governing documents shall contradict the Society's Constitution and Bylaws.

(b) Be autonomous in the conduct of their affairs, consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.

(c) Impose no additional membership qualifications over and above the standards of the Society's Constitution and those specified in Article II, Section I of the Bylaws.

(d) Be able to impose upon their membership such chapter dues, fees, and assessments as they may deem desirable for chapter purposes.

(e) Have one or more faculty sponsors, who are members of Pi Gamma Mu or who immediately seek membership in Pi Gamma Mu. Faculty sponsor(s) shall act as the chapter's Certifying Officer for eligibility of new members and Secretary-Treasurer in charge of the records and funds.

(f) Be expected to hold annual elections of student officers, especially student President and Vice-President, and report their names and contact information to International Headquarters Other chapter offices may be filled, such as student secretary or historian, but these are optional.

(g) Be able to exercise their chapter's voting rights in the election of Members of the Board of Trustees and other ballots between International Triennial Conventions.

(h)  Be able to vote on behalf of the chapter at International Triennial Conventions through their delegate or proxy.

Section 5. Chapter Organization into Regions and States

Chapters of the Society shall be grouped by region and by state.

(a) Each region consists of a number of U.S. states and may include non-U.S. constituencies as specified in the Bylaws.

(b) Changes in the names and boundaries of regions shall be proposed by the Board of Trustees and ratified by a vote of the chapters concerned.

(c) The chapters of each region shall elect a Chancellor who will represent the region on the Board of Trustees and serve as the liaison between the chapters and the Society.

(d) A Chancellor may be assisted by a Vice Chancellor or Governor appointed by the President who serves at the pleasure of the President.

Section 6. Honor Rolls

In addition to meeting the expectations of active chapters, those chapters that submit annual reports also qualify for consideration for recognition on the Society's Honor Rolls and other awards the Board of Trustees may authorize.

Section 7.  Chapter Status Designations 

The Board of Trustees may develop a classification system of chapters based on criteria specified in the Bylaws. The status of a chapter may affect a chapter's participation in the governing of the Society and its ability to draw upon resources for Society and chapter programs.

Section 8. Single Chapters for Colleges or Universities with Multiple Sites

A college or university that offers instruction at multiple sites may share a single chapter among them if conditions specified in the Bylaws are met.

Section 9. Suspension or Withdrawal of a Chapter's Charter

A chapter may be disbanded and its charter revoked, temporarily or permanently, by a vote of the Board of Trustees. A chapter may voluntarily withdraw from the Society and give up its rights and privileges by surrendering its charter to the Board of Trustees and filing written notice that such action has been taken by the chapter.

Section 10. Inactivation and Reactivation of a Chapter's Charter

(a) Inactivation of a Chapter — An active chapter failing to elect any student members in a two-year period is automatically considered inactive, unless the Board of Trustees takes special action. International Headquarters shall notify a chapter when the chapter approaches becoming inactive. A chapter unsuccessful in meeting the necessary requirements will be notified of its inactive status at the end of two years. An inactive chapter may not vote in matters concerning the Society nor be eligible to apply for Pi Gamma Mu resources for chapter-based activities.

(b) Reactivation of an Inactive Chapter — To regain its active status, an inactive chapter should contact International Headquarters about its intent to become reactivated and work with International Headquarters staff to establish itself as an active chapter and campus organization. The chapter will be considered reactivated upon the processing of the first new class of student members. Once this process is complete, that chapter may once again vote in matters concerning the Society and be eligible to apply for Pi Gamma Mu resources for chapter-based activities.

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ARTICLE IV — Board of Trustees Composition and Membership

Section 1. Composition

The Board of Trustees of Pi Gamma Mu shall consist of the following Elected and Appointed Members:

I. Elected and Voting Members: 

(a) President

(b) Two Past Presidents

(c) First Vice President

(d) Second Vice President

(e) Treasurer

(f) Four Regional Chancellors

(g) Two Student Representatives

II. Non-Voting Members Appointed by the Elected Members of the Board of Trustees:

(a) Executive Director

(b) Editor of International Social Science Review

(c) General Counsel

Section 2. Election and Appointment of Board of Trustees Members

I. Elected and Voting Board of Trustees Members:

(a) One year before holding the International Triennial Convention, the President shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of the Executive Director and the two Immediate Past Presidents which shall be responsible for overseeing the election and appointment of Voting Board Members according to guidelines specified in the Bylaws. These duties shall include the nomination process; selection of candidates for various board positions; the preparation, distribution, and collection and counting of ballots; and reporting of results to the Board of Trustees and the membership of the Society.

(b) Triennially, the chapters shall elect, by a majority of those voting, a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, Regional Chancellors and Student Representatives.

(c) Each Board of Trustees Member shall serve a term of three years or until a successor is elected or appointed. Each Board Member is eligible for re-election, except for Student Representatives, who shall serve a single elected term.

(d) The positions of Past Presidents shall be filled by the two most-immediate Past Presidents willing and able to serve.

(e) All regional Chancellors shall be elected by the chapters from their regions. A majority vote, cast by chapters submitting ballots in each region, shall be required for election, unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws.

(f) The two Student Representative candidates with the highest and second highest vote totals at the International Triennial Convention shall be elected to serve.

(g) In the event of the death, resignation, vacancy, or incapacity of the President, the First Vice President shall automatically succeed to the Presidency to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term. In the event of the death, resignation, vacancy, or incapacity of any other Elected Board of Trustees position, the President may appoint an interim successor to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term, with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

II.  Non-Voting Appointed Board of Trustees Members:

      The Voting Members of the Board of Trustees may appoint an Executive Director, an Editor of the International Social Science Review, and a General Counsel. These appointees will serve indefinite terms and remain in office at the will of the Board of Trustees. All appointees shall be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Section 3. Qualifications of Board of Trustees Members

I. Elected and Voting Board of Trustees Members:

(a) All voting Board of Trustees Members shall be recognized Social Scientists, shall have rendered meritorious service to the Society, shall have expressed a commitment to the Society and support for its basic principles and ideals, shall be persons dedicated to the promotion of the Social Sciences, shall inspire others to take an intelligent approach to the solution of social problems, shall have academic credentials in a Social Science field, and shall have demonstrated administrative capacity and leadership.

(b) The President shall have been a Member of the Society for at least ten years, shall have had a record of active participation in Pi Gamma Mu, and shall have served as a chapter sponsor. All Chancellors and any appointed Vice Chancellors and Governors shall be or have been chapter sponsors.

(c) Student Representatives at the time of their election shall be enrolled as undergraduate students in an academic institution with an active chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, in which the student is a Member at the time of election.

II. Non-Voting Appointed Board of Trustees Members:

      All appointed Board of Trustees will be selected on the basis of their qualifications to meet the various duties of the positions they will fulfill including a consideration of experience, technical and communication skills, and education.

Section 4. Duties of Board of Trustees Members

In addition to the general responsibilities of all Board of Trustees Members, as described in Article V, Board of Trustees Members are elected and appointed to serve in special capacities.

I. Voting Board of Trustees Members

(a) President — The President shall execute the orders and policies of the International Triennial Convention and the Board of Trustees, report annually to the Board of Trustees, make recommendations for the future development of the Society, report triennially to the International Convention, appoint committee members, chair Board meetings and meetings of the Executive Committee, and appoint Board of Trustees Members to fill Board vacancies with the approval of the Board of Trustees. These constitute some but not all of the duties of this office.

(b) Immediate Past Presidents — In addition to their service on the Nominating and Executive Committees and other committees, the Past Presidents shall perform duties assigned by the President with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

(c) First Vice President — In addition to service on committees including the Executive Committee, this Trustee shall take the lead in chapter development and serve on the Chapter and Membership Growth Committee.

(d) Second Vice President — In addition to service on committees including the Executive Committee, this Trustee shall take the lead in Society award and recognition programs, including chairing the Scholarships and Awards Committee.

(e) Treasurer — In addition to service on committees, this Trustee shall take the lead in the fiscal management and oversight of Society funds, the development of fiscal policies, and chairing the Finance Committee.

(f) Regional Chancellors — In addition to service on committees, Regional Chancellors shall assume responsibility as the liaisons between the Society and the chapters in their respective regions, in conjunction with any appointed Vice-Chancellors and/or state Governors in their region, to foster chapter development and recruitment.

(g) Student Representatives — In addition to service on committees, Student Representatives shall serve as key liaisons with student members.

II. Non-Voting Appointed Board of Trustees Members

(a) Executive Director:

i.    Shall execute the orders and policies of the Board of Trustees and the International Triennial Convention.

ii.   Shall perform those duties that usually pertain to the office of Secretary of the Society, including keeping minutes of all meetings, excluding executive sessions, and maintaining up-to-date versions of the Society's Constitution and Bylaws in a manner available to all chapters.

iii. Shall be properly bonded and shall perform those duties that usually pertain to being the Chief Financial Officer of the Society and business manager of the International Social Science Review.

iv.  Shall manage the International Headquarters and its staff.

v.   Shall serve as a Non-Voting Member of all Standing Committees, except the Executive Committee.

vi.  Shall be responsible for the execution of duties in accordance with position requirements as determined by the Board of Trustees.

(b) Editor:

i.  Shall edit International Social Science Review (ISSR), the official publication of the Society.

ii. Shall oversee all aspects of the ISSR in accordance with contract specifications.

iii. Shall serve as a Non-Voting Member on the Communications Committee and other committees as assigned.

(c) General Counsel:

The General Counsel's duties may include but not be limited to providing legal advice, representation, and defense as requested by the Board of Trustees and/or deemed necessary by law.

Section 5. General Provisions

(a) Elected Board of Trustees Members shall serve without compensation, except payment of reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the business of the Society.

(b) Student Representatives, who are elected at the Triennial International Convention, may be compensated/reimbursed for their expenses as specified in the Bylaws.

(c) Non-Voting Appointed Board of Trustees Members shall receive compensation for their services as specified in the Bylaws.

(d) Upon evidence of any Board Member's incapacity or unwillingness to serve, the Board of Trustees by two-thirds vote may declare that office to be vacant.

(e) All Elected and Voting Members of the Board of Trustees shall assume their offices at the close of an International Triennial Convention and may serve through the next International Triennial Convention.

(f) Vice Chancellors and Governors appointed by the President shall serve as special assistants for their regions as specified in the Bylaws.

Section 6. Honorary and Emeritus Trustees 

(a) Honorary Trustees — From time to time, the Board of Trustees may confer the title of Honorary Trustee on such person or persons who have distinguished themselves in the service of Pi Gamma Mu and are outstanding social scientists. An Honorary Trustee is someone who has never officially served on the Board, shall not have voting rights but may be invited to attend special ceremonies or events without compensation.

(b) Emeritus Trustees — The Board of Trustees may confer the title of Trustee Emeritus on such person or persons who have distinguished themselves in the service to/on the Board of Trustees of Pi Gamma Mu. Persons so designated shall have no voting rights unless currently serving as Immediate Past Presidents but may be invited to attend special ceremonies or events without compensation. Emeritus Trustees serving in a special capacity to the Board of Trustees may be able to receive reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the business of the Society.

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ARTICLE V — Operations and Functions of the Board of Trustees

Section 1. Membership and Voting

(a) The Board of Trustees of Pi Gamma Mu shall consist of both Elected and Appointed Members as specified in Article IV, Section I of this Constitution.

(b) All Elected Members of the Board of Trustees shall be Voting members.

(c) All votes, except to remove Board of Trustees Members, shall prevail with at least a simple majority of the Elected and Voting Members of the Board of Trustees. Votes to remove Elected Members of the Board of Trustees shall require a two-thirds majority. If a vote takes place at an Annual Board of Trustees Meeting, the majority must be satisfied by in-person votes. For other meetings, electronic attendance and voting is acceptable.

(d) A legal quorum of the Board of Trustees shall be seven Voting Members.

Section 2. Powers and Responsibilities

(a) All administrative and judicial powers of the Society shall be vested in the Board of Trustees in the intervals between International Triennial Conventions.

(b) The Board of Trustees has full power and responsibility for the general governance and functions of the Society, the International Headquarters, and employees except such power assigned to the International Triennial Convention.

(c) General Board of Trustees Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the following: approving the chartering of college and university chapters; reviewing and approving scholarship recommendations; determining the amount of international dues for new members; reviewing and approving the annual and triennial budgets of the Society; reviewing and approving contracts and policies; serving on committees; and establishing, maintaining, and relocating International Headquarters.

(d) The Board of Trustees shall also be authorized to accept gifts, honorariums, donations, and transfers of property, real, personal, and mixed, in trust or otherwise, which qualify as gifts, honorariums, donation, and transfers as defined by the rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.

Section 3. Meetings

The Board of Trustees shall meet at least annually between International Triennial Conventions at such times and places as shall be agreed upon by the Trustees. Business, including votes, may be conducted by mail, email, conference call, or other means between Annual Board of Trustees Meetings.

Section 4. Triennial Reports

Before each International Triennial Convention, reports on the state of the Society and the Society's financial status over the preceding three years shall be distributed to all chapters. At the International Triennial Convention, these reports shall be presented to members for review and approval.

Section 5. Expense Reimbursement

The Board of Trustees Members (both Elected and Appointed) and Board of Trustees Members-Elect shall receive reimbursement of their reasonable expenses for attending Board of Trustees Meetings, International Triennial Conventions, and other authorized meetings as specified in the Bylaws. With Board of Trustees approval, other persons may also receive reimbursement for some or all of their expenses in the conduct of their service to the Society.

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ARTICLE VI — Standing Committees

Section 1. General Provisions for Standing Committees

(a) Standing Committees shall be established by the Board of Trustees.

(b) The President shall be authorized to appoint members and chairs of all Standing Committees, unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws, subject to confirmation by the Board of Trustees. All members of the Standing Committees shall be Members of the Board of Trustees.

(c) All Standing Committees will operate in accordance with the policies of the Board of Trustees.

(d) The Executive Director serves as a Non-Voting Member on all Standing Committees unless otherwise specified.

(e) The President shall notify all Standing Committee members of their assignments in a timely manner.

(f) The President shall be authorized to propose additional Standing Committees, which may have previously been Ad Hoc Committees, subject to approval of the Board of Trustees, as the welfare of the Society requires.

Section 2. Standing Committees

The following Standing Committees are authorized by the Society.

(a) Executive Committee

(b) Nominations Committee

(c) Chapter and Membership Growth Committee

(d) Scholarships and Awards Committee

(e) Finance Committee

(f) Communications Committee

(g) Convention Committee

(h) Long Range Planning Committee

Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities of Standing Committees

Each Standing Committee has an ongoing responsibility to fulfill the duties associated with the general charge as specified in Article VI, Section 3 of the Bylaws including but not limited to the development and revision of policies, procedures, guidelines, and other duties as assigned.

Section 4. Ad Hoc Committees

The President shall be authorized to create Ad Hoc Committees and appoint all members of such committees, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, as the welfare of the Society requires. The President shall notify all committee members of such assignments in a timely manner.

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ARTICLE VII — International Triennial Conventions

Section 1. International Triennial Convention

An International Triennial Convention, hereafter in this article called the Convention, shall meet every three years, at a time and place to be determined by the Board of Trustees and shall include a Board Meeting, a Business Meeting open to all members of the Society attending the Convention, and a scholarly program related to the Social Sciences for the membership.

Section 2. Participation

All members of Pi Gamma Mu may attend the Convention including student, faculty, and alumni members. The conditions of participation, such as registration for convention and payment of convention fees, shall be specified in the Bylaws.

Section 3. Delegates and Voting Rights

(a) One delegate from each active chapter and the members of the Board of Trustees shall comprise the voting members of the Convention.

(b) A chapter may give its proxy to another chapter to represent it at the Convention. Whoever holds the proxy must be the delegate from an active chapter designated as its representative as specified in the Bylaws.

(c) During the Convention, each chapter that has sent a delegate or proxy and each Member of the Board of Trustees shall have one vote.  The Executive Director will determine who is representing each chapter at the Convention and report such information at the first session of the Convention.

Section 4. Procedures for Conducting the Business Meeting

The President and the Executive Director of the Society shall serve as chairperson and secretary, respectively. Votes for official business shall prevail with a simple majority of the votes cast by authorized voting members of the Convention including any proxies they may hold.

Section 5. Triennial Reports to the Convention

During the Business Meeting of the Convention, members of the Board of Trustees will present two reports to the membership for their review and approval including:

(a) Triennial State of the Society Report covering the period since the immediate preceding International Triennial Convention. This report may also include recommendations for the future development of the Society.

(b) Triennial Financial Report covering the period since the immediate preceding International Triennial Convention.

Section 6. Election of Student Representatives

During the International Triennial Convention, the Student Representatives on the Board of Trustees shall be elected by the chapter delegates present at the Convention following procedures specified in the Bylaws. Results of the election will be reported during the Convention Business Meeting.

Section 7. Jurisdiction

The Convention is vested with the supreme authority of the Society, subject to the Articles of Incorporation, the framework of this Constitution and Bylaws, and the procedures prescribed to be followed in amending this Constitution.

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Article VIII — Fees and Finance

Section 1. Initiation Fees

Each chapter shall collect international initiation fees from candidates and submit these fees to the Executive Director in a timely manner as specified in the Bylaws.

Section 2. Disbursement

Assessments thus collected shall be disbursed by the Executive Director to pay expenses, to be invested as endowment funds, or otherwise allocated, as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Section 3. Management of Funds

Funds of this Society shall be managed in such a manner as to provide secure protection reasonably to be expected and consistent with standard business practices. The Treasurer, in conjunction with the Executive Director, President, and Finance Committee shall be responsible for the fiscal management consistent with the Bylaws and policies of the Board of Trustees.

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Article IX — Indemnification

The Society shall indemnify any Board of Trustees Members of the Society, elected and/or appointed, whether Voting or Non-Voting, and any employees of Pi Gamma Mu, against any judgment, award, costs and/or expenses, including attorney's fees, actually and necessarily incurred by him/her in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding in which s/he is made a party by reason of being or having been such Trustee  or employee, except in relation to matters as to which s/he shall be adjudged to be acting outside the scope of the position's respective duties, including but not limited to a finding of negligence or misconduct in the performance of duties to the Society. Such indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such Trustee or employee may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, or vote of the Board of Trustees or otherwise.

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ARTICLE X — Dissolution

Section 1. Society

In the event of liquidation or dissolution of the Society, whether voluntary or involuntary, no Member shall be entitled to any distribution or division of its remaining property or proceeds, and the balance of all money and other property received by the Society from any source, after payment of all debts and obligations of the organization, shall be used or distributed exclusively for purposes within those set forth in these Articles and Bylaws and within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its relations as the same now exist or as they may be hereafter amended from time to time.

Section 2. Chapter

In the event of liquidation or dissolution of a chapter, whether voluntary or involuntary, no Member shall be entitled to any distribution or division of its remaining property or proceeds, and the balance of all money and other property received by the chapter from any source, after payment of all debts and obligations of the organizations, shall be used or distributed exclusively for purposes within those set forth in these Articles and Bylaws and within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its relations as the same now exist or as they may be hereafter amended from time to time.

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ARTICLE XI — General Provisions: Governing Documents, Non-Discrimination, and Trademark

Section 1. Governing Documents

(a) Parliamentary Authority: The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern the Society in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution, the  Bylaws and any special Rules of Order the Society may adopt.

(b) The Society's governing documents shall be in accordance with the Society's Articles of Incorporation.

Section 2. Non-Discrimination

The Society shall not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law.

Section 3. Trademark

The registered trademark of Pi Gamma Mu consists of the wording "Pi Gamma Mu" arched and above the wording "International Honor Society in Social Sciences" with an oval underneath the Greek letters "Pi," "Gamma," and "Mu" inside with a medallion attached to a circle of a running man reminiscent of an ancient Greek torch race with a wreath and bow outline on the bottom. This trademark was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office, Reg. No. 4.435.110, on November 19, 2013. Pi Gamma Mu material which includes the trademark may only be used as authorized by the Board of Trustees.

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ARTICLE XII — Publications

Section 1. Publications

All publications of the Society and the Editors of those publications shall be determined by the Board of Trustees.

Section 2. Journal

The International Social Science Review is the official journal of the Society.

Section 3. Newsletter

The Pi Gamma Mu Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Society.

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ARTICLE XIII — Amendments and Revisions of the Constitution and Bylaws

Section 1. Amendments

Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed at any time by a chapter, a committee, or the Board of Trustees.

Section 2. Ratification

All proposed amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws shall be considered by the Board of Trustees.

(a) Constitutional amendments, if approved by the Board of Trustees, may be ratified by a three-fourths majority vote of active chapters (whether represented by delegates or by proxy) present at the Business Meeting of the International Triennial Convention. Alternatively, constitutional amendments, if approved by the Board of Trustees, may be ratified by a majority vote of three-fourths of active chapters by electronic or paper ballot. Votes not received by the date specified for return of the ballot shall be cast by the Board of Trustees as defined in the Bylaws. Within thirty days of the close of voting, the Executive Director shall notify all chapters whether an amendment has been adopted and post all successful amendments to the Constitution so that they are accessible to the membership and chapters. The President shall report on these changes at the next Triennial Business Meeting. Constitutional amendments shall take effect sixty days following the notification to chapters that they have passed. When the Constitution or Bylaws of the Society change, chapters are responsible for incorporating such change into their governing documents and for implementing these changes in their operations and practices.

(b) Bylaw amendments may be adopted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees by electronic or paper ballot.  No Bylaw amendment may violate the current Constitution. All amendments to the Bylaws shall go into effect immediately, unless otherwise specified by the Board of Trustees. The Executive Director shall post all successful amendments to the Bylaws so that they are accessible to the membership and chapters. The President will report on these changes at the next Triennial Business Meeting.

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