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ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be "The Randolph 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 1. Society of Physics Students Membership

Membership in this Society of Physics Students Chapter shall be open to all individuals interested in physics.

SPS does not discriminate on the basis of the following factors: race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religious persuasion, or political doctrine.

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 membership shall be conducted by the active 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:

(a) All members-elect shall have completed at least the equivalent of three semesters (five quarters) of full-time college work.
(b) 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.
(c) All members-elect shall rank in the upper one third of their college class.
(d) All members-elect shall have attained at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 system for physics courses and for cumulative course grades in all courses.
(e) All members-elect are to have been an officer in the Society of Physics Students Chapter for at least one year. An exception can be made if the member-elect runs for, but does not gain an officer’s position; in that case, the student must prove to be an active member of SPS.

Clause 2. For graduate students in physics or related fields, all members-elect either (a) shall meet the requirements for undergraduate members-elect, based upon their undergraduate records, or (b) shall have completed at least one year of graduate work, meeting departmental standards for satisfactory progress towards an advanced degree.

Clause 3. 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 Historian, and a Fund Raising Chair; succession shall be in accordance with this order. Any two of the last four offices may be combined. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these bylaws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by this Chapter.  The President and Vice-President should be Physics majors or minors unless no majors or minors are available for the position.  Any officer who continues to not carry out the responsibilities related to the elected position, who is not actively taking part in and planning events within the society, or who misses two or more meetings without at least a 24 hour notice, has the responsibility to resign her or his position, and an election will take place in order to replace the officer.  This is at the discretion of the active club members.

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. Nominations and elections may be done electronically outside of the normal SPS meetings.  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 for 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

Currently, no local dues shall be collected 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 has 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.

Any substantive amendments shall be approved by Student Government.