Sigma Theta Tau International Xi Alpha Chapter

Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing

Xi Alpha Chapter Bylaws

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Article 1. Name, Key, and Seal

The name of this chapter of the international honor society of nursing is Xi Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, located at Middle Tennessee State University. It shall use the offical key and seal of the Society.

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Article II. Purposes

The purposes of this Society shall be to:

1. Recognize superior achievement.

2. Recognize the development of leadership qualities.

3. Foster high professional standards.

4. Encourage creative work.

5. Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.

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Article III. Status

Section 1. Nonprofit Organization

This organization is a nonprofit corporation and does not contemplate the distribution of gains, profits or dividends to the members.

Section 2. Limitation of Activities

No substantial part of the activities of this chapter shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the chapter shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

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Article IV. Membership

Section 1. Definition of Membership

There are two categories of membership: Regular and Honorary.

a. Regular member:

1) New Member - Individual who has been selected for membership and has paid chapter and Society induction fees.

2) Active Member - Member who has paid chapter and Society renewal fees for the current renewal period.

3) Inactive Member - Member who has not paid chapter and Society renewal fees for the current renewal period.

b. Honorary Member:

Individual who has been selected by the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors for membership in the Society and for whom induction and renewal fees are waived.

c. All Chapter members are regular members.

Section 2. Qualifications for Regular Membership

a. Candidates shall have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement, academic integrity, professional leadership potential and/or marked achievement in the field of nursing.

b. Candidates shall be elected from students enrolled in:

 

1) baccalaureate and master's programs* which have been accredited by the nationally recognized accrediting body for professional nursing; and

 

2) post-master, doctoral, and post-doctoral nursing programs.

Students who have completed at least one-half of the required nursing component of the baccalaureate curriculum or a minimum of one-fourth of the required graduate curriculum and have demonstrated ability in nursing shall be eligible.

*Proviso: Students from newly established graduate programs applying for initial accreditation within two years will be eligible.

1) Basic Program
Basic program is defined as a baccalaureate or higher degree program which leads to the first professional degree. Students shall have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, i.e., "B" or the second highest grade of the institution as indicated by the official record of grades. Basic students who are elected shall rank not lower than the highest 35 percent of their class in scholarship. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Chapter's Eligibility Committee when a student has a qualifying grade point average in the nursing major, has demonstrated consistent progress in academic achievement, and meets, to a high level, the other qualifications for membership. When grade averages are not available, the use of a reliable and valid measure, such as a rating tool, shall be used to determine scholastic achievement.

2) Programs of Graduate Study

Programs of graduate study in nursing include master, post-master, doctoral, post-doctoral. Nurses matriculated for master or post-master programs shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent. Nurses matriculated for doctoral or post-doctoral programs shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent. When grade point averages are not available, the use of reliable and valid measures, such as a rating tool, shall be used to determine scholastic achievement.

c. A community nurse leader, with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, who has demonstrated marked achievement in nursing education, practice, research, or publication shall be eligible for membership in any chapter. The majority have degrees in nursing, but exception can be made for rigistered nurses with bachelor's degrees in other fields if achievement in nursing is outstanding.

 

Section 3. Selection of Regular Members

a. Candidates for membership at the baccalaureate and graduate levels are required to be enrolled in the college or university where the chapter is located to be considered for membership in that chapter.

b. Candidates for regular membership shall be voted upon by the chapter at a meeting of the members. A "yes" vote of at least three-fourths of the members present and voting is necessary for election to membership.

c. Candidates shall be considered without regard to race, age, gender, creed or color.

d. All candidates ordinarily must be present to be inducted. Exceptions may be made for valid reasons as determined by the officers of the chapter.

e. Candidates shall pay all Society fees before admission to membership. Payment of chapter fees will be decided by the chapter.

 

Section 4. Rights and Responsibilities of Regular Members

a. Regular members shall fulfill all the requirements and qualifications defined in this article, perform all duties designated by these bylaws, pay assessed financial obligations, and work toward the purposes of the Society.

b. Membership status - Following the first year of membership, members are designated as active or inactive. Active members pay annual fees.

1) Active membership benefits: to receive official publications, priority for educational programs, priority in research funding.

2) Chapter active membership benefits: to receive all communications and announcements, to attend meetings, to participate in activities, to be considered for awards, to vote and to hold office.

3) Inactive members shall become active at any time by paying current chapter and Society fees.

4) Dual Membership - A member may maintain active membership in more than one chapter by remitting multiple chapter fees and the Society fee annually.

5) Transfer of Membership - A member of this Society may transfer from one chapter to another. Upon transfer, the individual assumes rights and responsibilities as a member in the new chapter. Members may request transfer through Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters or through the chapter. Chapters forward requests to Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters for processing. Presentation of the membership card to the new chapter and/or written acknowledgement from Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters constitutes the effective date of transfer.

Section 5. Qualifications and Selection for Honorary Membership

a. Honorary membership is awarded only by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International.

b. Any active member through a chapter or the International Board of Directors may nominate for honorary membership persons who are not eligible for regular membership in Sigma Theta Tau International but who have gained national and/or international recognition in the field of nursing or in any field contributing to nursing. The names of the nominees shall be submitted to the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors.

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Article V. Chapter Organization and Responsibilities

Section 1. Organization

This chapter is a constituent of the organization of Sigma theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated. It shall function under bylaws, policies, and procedures which are not in conflict with those of the Society.

 

Section 2. House of Delegates

There shall be two official delegates to represent the chapter at the House of Delegates of the Society. If only one delegate can attend, that delegate shall have two votes. If the chapter has a nominee for an officer in the Society, it should consider sending this individual as a delegate to the House of Delegates. A delegate is required to be an active member of this chapter.

 

Section 3. Chapter Standing

To be in good standing, this chapter shall fulfill the following requirements:

a. Support the purposes of this Society.

b. Select and induct eligible members a minimum of one time annually.

c. Cooperate with other chapters and the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International in promoting these purposes.

d. Observe the provisions of these bylaws and comply with the Society's policies and regulations.

e. Meet all financial obligations.

f. File required reports promptly.

g. Participate in the biennial convention House of Delegates.

 

Section 4. Suspension or Revocation

A. The activities of this chapter may be suspended by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International for failure to comply with the Sigma Theta Tau International Bylaws, this chapter's bylaws, or Society policies and regulations.

b. Upon recommendation of the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors, the House of Delegates may revoke the charter of this chapter.

c. This chapter may vote to dissolve itself in accordance with Article XV. Dissolution.

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Article VI. Meetings

Section 1. Regular Meetings

This chapter shall have at least one annual (business) meeting and at least two programs of a scholarly nature during each fiscal year. The annual (business) meeting, where officers and committees present written annual reports to the membership, may be held in conjunction with a scholarly program.

 

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the president or upon request of six (6) members of the chapter.

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Article VII. Board of Directors

Section 1. Membership

The members of the Board of Directors of this chapter shall consist of the elected officers and one or more elected directors (optional). The elected members of the Board of Directors are the voting members.

 

Section 2. Focus

The elected members of the Board of Directors have the authority and responsibility to manage the chapter consistent with these bylaws and in an appropriate legal manner.

 

Section 3. Functions

a. Carry forward the Society's objectives.

b. Manage the business and fiscal affairs of the chapter.

c. Monitor the income and disbursement of funds.

d. Make policies for its own actions and the actions of its committees.

e. Appoint chairs of elected committees and appoint members and chairs of non-elected committees.

f. Supervise and manage the committees and publications.

g. Act as a liaison between the chapter and school.

h. Assure appropriate eligibility process for selection of candidates for membership.

i. Assure that the chapter fulfills the requirements to maintain good standing in the Society.

 

Section 4. Meetings

The Board of Directors of this chapter shall meet as necessary to conduct the business between meetings of the general membership.

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Article VIII. Officers

Section 1. Titles

a. The officers of this chapter shall be: president, president-elect (optional), vice president, secretary, treasurer, and one or more counselors. (Additional officers may be elected: e.g., multiple vice presidents and counselors to accommodate multiple campuses.) Officers are active members of this chapter.

b. The president, with the approval of the Board of Directors, when appropriate, shall appoint such other persons as may be necessary to conduct the business of the chapter.

 

Section 2. Vacancies

The vice president fills the vacancy of president; other offices are filled by appointment of the Board of Directors until the next election.

 

Section 3. Duties

The duties of the chapter officers shall be as follows:

a. The president shall be the executive officer and shall administer all business of the Society as provided for by the bylaws. The president serves as chief representative of the chapter in interchapter activities, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except Nominating Committee.

b. The president-elect (optional) shall succeed into the presidency at the end of the term of office and shall promote the purposes of the Society.

c. The vice president shall perform the duties of the president in the president's absence and shall serve on the Program Committee.

d. The secretary shall prepare and distribute meeting minutes and correspondence.

e. The treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of this chapter and may be bonded in an amount equal to three-fourths of the worth of the chapter. The treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee.

f. Counselors shall be members of the faculty at the college/university where the chapter is located. Counselors shall serve as chairpersons of the Eligibility Committee.

g. Each officer shall submit a report at each Board of Directors meeting and to members at the annual (business) meeting, and assist in preparing the Chapter Annual Report form for submission to Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters. 

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Article IX. Elections

Section 1. Elections

Elections shall be held at the annual (business) meeting or by mail ballott in the spring. Those elected shall assume their duties by July 1 of the year in which they are elected.

 

Section 2. Positions

Elected positions shall be the chapter officers, dirctors (optional), and members of the nominating committee.

 

Section 3. Vote

a. A majority vote shall elect officers.

b. A plurality vote shall elect the non-officer members of the Board of Directos and members of the Nominating Committee.

c. When there are more than 2 candidates running for the same office, the candidate with the highest number of votes wins the election.

d. In the event of a tie, the election shall be determined by lot.

 

Section 4. Terms

a. The length of the term of all officers is two (2) years.

b. Terms of office are staggered so that all officers and directors and Nominating Committee do not end their terms at the same time. President-elect (optional), secretary, one counselor and one (1) member of the Ominating Committee are elected in even numbered years and vice -president, treasurer, counselor and two (2) members of the Nominating Committeein odd numbered years.

Proviso: If a two year term for president-elect is not possible, the president-elect may hold the office for one year and succeed to president for two (2) years.

c. To acheive staggerd terms for the Nominating Committee, in even-numbered years, one (1) Nominating Committee member will be elected to a two (2) year term and two (2) Nominating Committee members will be elected to a one (1) year term. In odd-numbered years, two (2) Nominating Committee members will be elected to a two (2) year term.

d. No member of the Board of Directors shall exceed a total of six years on the Board of Directors.

Article X. Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees

a. The standing committees shall be: Chapter Bylaws Oversight Committee, Eligibility Committee, Finance Committee, Membership Involvement Committee, Nominating Committee, Program Committee, and others if desired.

b. The term of office shall be two years. A member may be reappointed or elected for a second consecutive term, except for members of the Nominating Committee who may serve a maximum of two (2) years and are elected according to Article IX. Elections, Section 4.

c. Each standing committee shall present a report to the business meetings of the Board of Directors and an annual report to the membership at the annual (business) meeting.

d. Each committee prepares, reviews and makes recommendations regarding policies corresponding to its area of responsibility for Board of Directors approval.

Section 2. Chapter Bylaws Oversight Committee

a. The Chapter Bylaws Oversight Committee shall submit amendments in accordance with Article XIV. Amendments to Bylaws.

b. This committee shall consider, edit, and/or correlate such amendments as it may originate and as are referred to it.

c. The Chapter Bylaws Oversight Committee shall consist of at least three (3) appointed members and a chairperson.

d. A member of the Eligibility Committee is an ex-officio member of the Chapter Bylaws Oversight Committee.

e. The Chapter Bylaws Oversight Committee shall insure 1) the current Chapter Bylaws Form received from Sigma Theta Tau International is maintained utilized by the Chapter, and that 2) the appropriate chapter bylaws information is submitted to Sigma Theta Tau International for review by the requested deadline each year.

f. The Chapter Bylaws Oversight Committee shall oversee, at the direction of the Board of Directors, the creation and update, as necessary, of the guidelines for interpretation of bylaws used to guide the manangment of the chapter's activities.

Section 3. Eligibility Committee

a. The Eligibility Committee shall be responsible for publicizing the opportunity for membership, accepting and reviewing membership materials, and recommending eligible members to the Board of Directors and to the membership.

b. The Eligibility Committee shall consist of at least three (3) appointed members and the elected counselor(s).

c. A member of the Bylaws Committee is an ex-officio member of the Eligibility Committee.

Section 4. Finance Committee

a. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for preparing the annual budget.

b. The Finance Committee shall consist of at least two (2) appointed members and the treasurer as ex-officio member.

c. The treasurer shall not be chair of the Finance Committee.

Section 5. Membership Involvement Committee

a. The Membership Involvement Committee shall be responsible for promoting membership renewals and involvement and coordinating new member orientaiton activities.

b. The Membership Involvement Committee shall consist of at least three (3) appointed members.

Section 6. Nominating Committee

a. The Nominating Committee shall secure the consent to serve, prepare the ballot, and send it to the Board of Directors at least four (4) weeks prior to when election is scheduled.

b. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) elected members.

c. The Nominating Committee members shall not be eligible for any elected office of the current ballot.

Section 7. Program Committee

a. The Program Committee shall be responsible for the programs of the chapter including the induction ceremony and two scholarly programs annually.

b. The Program Committee shall consist of the vice president and at least three (3) appointed members.

Section 8. Additional Standing Committees

Additional standing committees may be appointed by the Board of Directors if deemed appropriate.

a. Research Committee

b. Awards Committee

c. Publicity/Newsletter Committee

d. Heritage Committee

e. Others as needed

Section 9. Special Committees

Special committees may be appointed for some special work or purpose. The term of the special committee ends at the completion of the charge and the presentation of the report.

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Article XI. Finance

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall be July 1 through June 30.

Section 2. Chapter Fees and Assessments

a. A fee shall be levied on this chapter annually, in accordance with the Sigma Theta Tau International Bylaws, Article XI, Section 2.a.

b. Special assessments may be levied on this chapter by the House of Delegates, by a three-fourths vote.

Section 3. Induction and Renewal Fee Changes

All proposed changes in the chapter induction and renewal fees shall be recommended by the Board of Directors. These recommendations, accompanied by a rationale, will be provided to active chapter members sixty (60) days in advance of the meeting at which they will be voted on by the active membership.

Section 4. Induction Fee

Each new member shall pay, through the chapter treasurer, a Society induction fee and a chapter induction fee as determined in the chapter bylaws. This shall entitle the new member to active membership with all its benefits from the date of induction through the succeeding fiscal year. The chapter induction fee is $25.00 plus the Society induction fee.

Section 5. Renewal Fee

a. Membership Year - July 1 to June 30.

b. Membership Status - Following the first year of membership, members are designated as active or inactive. Each member shall pay an annual renewal fee as designated by the chapter and the Society renewal fee as designated by the House of Delegates for active member benefits. The annual chapter renewal fee is $35.00. The annual chapter fee for life members (status for some members prior to 1976) is (N/A).

c. Retired members and full-time students are eligible to pay half of the renewal fee for regular members.

d. Renewal Fee Collection - Chapter and Society fees are collected by Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters.

Section 6. Chapter Financial Responsibilities

This chapter is an independent, autonomous organization affiliated with Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated. The chapter determines the amounts of its fees and assessments. The chapter has control of its income, expenses, contracts, accounting system, and international reports.

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Article XII. Quorum

Section 1. Membership

A quorum at a chapter business meeting shall consist of three (3) officers and seven (7) members.

Section 2. Board of Directors

A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of three (3) members.

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Article XIII. Parliamentary Authority

Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern this chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws or special rules of the Society.

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Article XIV. Amendments To Bylaws

Section 1. Amendments with Notice

These bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the chapter members present and voting at any meeting of the chapter. Proposed amendments shall be in the hands of the chapter secretary at least forty-five (45) days before the date of the meeting and shall be appended to the call to the meeting sent thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.

Section 2. Amendments without Notice

These bylaws may be amended by unanimous vote of the members present and voting at any scheduled meeting without previous notice.

Section 3. Chapter Bylaws Approval

a. Even-Numbered Years: Three (3) copies of the updated chapter bylaws and Bylaws Evaluation Checklist form shall be submitted to Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters for review and approval by the Sigma Theta Tau International Bylaws Committee.

b. Odd-Numbered Years: If no changes were made in the bylaws since their even-numbered year submission and review, only a copy of the Bylaws Evaluation Checklist must be submitted to Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters . If amendments were made to the chapter bylaws since their even-numbered year submission and review by the Sigma Theta Tau International Bylaws Committee, three (3) copies of the revised chapter bylaws shall be sent for review with the Bylaws Evaluation Checklist.

Section 4. Sigma Theta Tau International Bylaws Amendments

Any amendments to the Sigma Theta Tau International Bylaws approved by the House of Delegates or editorial changes approved by the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors that are also applicable to the chapters shall be incorporated into the chapter bylaws.

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Article XV. Dissolution

The process for dissolution of a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, shall be as follows:

Section 1. Initial Action

a. Chapter officers contact Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters to discuss the process of chapter dissolution or other potential options available to the chapter.

b. A resolution for dissolution of the chapter is presented at a regular meeting and must be signed by a majority of active (voting) members present at the meeting. Chapter officers then call a special meeting of the chapter to vote on the resolution for dissolution of the chapter. Three-fourths of the active members present must vote to dissolve.

Section 2. If Chapter Approves Dissolution

a. The chapter officers shall notify the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors of the chapter's decision and take the necessary steps to conclude the affairs of the chapter in accordance with statutory requirements existing at the date such action is taken.

b. The chapter's charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters.

Section 3. Disposition of Chapter Funds

a. All cash and other assets remaining after the chapter's outstanding debts are paid should be returned to Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters and designated for a specific fund, (i.e. research, library, sustaining fund). Or, if a majority of the dissolved chapter's members transfer to the same chapter, remaining funds may be contributed to that chapter. {The recipient organization shall at the time qualify as a exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue law).}

Section 4. Option for Chapter Members

a. If the chapter dissolves, all members have the opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of their choice. Those members not indicating their choice of where their membership should be transferred will be transferred to a chapter in the area by Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters. Anytime after this transfer by Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters, these members may transfer to any other chapter of their choice.

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