Phi Theta Kappa Constitution
Constitution and Bylaws
Preamble
As members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, we dedicate ourselves to the ideas that academic excellence among college students will be recognized and celebrated; that opportunities to grow as scholars and leaders will be provided; that the exchange of ideas and ideals will be encouraged; and that members will be inspired to achieve their educational goals. We believe that membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is in recognition of our persistence and academic achievement, and we celebrate the Hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa as being those of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.
Constitution
Article I. Name of Society
The name of this Society is “Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.”
Article II. Purpose of Society
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society exists to provide recognition for academic excellence and opportunities for all college students to grow as scholars and leaders as early as possible during their pursuit of a college degree or credential.
Article III. Insignia of Society
Section 1. Emblem
The emblem of this Society is a golden slab, keyed at the top and bottom. Across the center of the slab is a black enamel band upon which three Greek letters appear, which are the initials of three mystic Greek words symbolizing phronimon (Phi), thumos (Theta), katharotes (Kappa) and meaning wisdom, aspiration, and purity. Behind the band is a wreath, on the one side composed of oak leaves, and on the other, of laurel. The wreath of oak leaves denotes stability and strength of character, and the curling leaves of laurel signify achievement and success. Above the band is a representation of the head of Athena, Goddess of Learning; in the base appear the mystic Greek letters meaning light, the light of learning, and knowledge.
Section 2. Colors
The colors of the Society are blue, for scholarship, and gold, for purity.
Section 3. Seal
The official seal of the Society is of the same general character as the emblem.
Article IV. Membership in the Society
Section 1. Types of Membership
The Society will consist of active, provisional, alumni, and honorary members:
A. Active Members – An active member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is a student who has been duly initiated into the Society, maintains the standards required for good standing, and is currently enrolled at the institution where the student’s member record is located.
B. Provisional Members – A provisional member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is a student who, in the opinion of the local chapter, has shown an active interest in the affairs of the Society and who serves the Society in some special capacity, but who does not meet the full requirements for active membership in the Society. A provisional member will not have the right to vote, hold office, or represent the chapter at meetings of the Society.
C. Alumni Members – An alumnus/alumna member is a former active member of the Society who is no longer enrolled at the institution where the student’s member record is located.
D. Honorary Members – An honorary member is a person who, in the opinion of the Society or of the local chapter, has rendered distinguished service. International honorary membership will be conferred at the discretion of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Board of Directors, and local honorary membership will be conferred at the discretion of the local chapter.
Section 2. Types of Membership
To be eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a student must have established academic excellence as outlined in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Bylaws and as judged by the academic standards of the local chapter and its sponsoring institution.
Section 3. Types of Membership
Each chapter has the responsibility of setting standards for continued active membership. In the event that a member does not meet these standards, the name of the member shall be removed from the Society’s official membership roster.
Article V: Governance
Section 1. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is composed, at minimum of one (1) chapter advisor, one (1) Regional Coordinator, one (1) student member, one (1) alumnus member, one (1) international honorary member, one (1) college administrator, and the Chief Executive Officer of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The Board of Directors may elect, when deemed to be in the best interest of the Society, to include additional members.
Section 2. International Officers
The International Officers of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society are composed of a President and Vice Presidents from each of the geographic divisions of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. International Officers serve as student ambassadors of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and one International Officer will represent the student membership on the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors.
Article VI. Local Organizations
Section 1. Types of Local Chapters
A local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is classified as an active, provisional or alumni chapter.
A. Active Chapters – An active chapter is one which is fully affiliated with the International Headquarters of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, has been included on the roll of active chapters by having complied with the necessary requirements, and has been issued a charter.
B. Provisional Chapters – A provisional chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is one that has not met the eligibility requirements of an active chapter but has achieved progress toward those requirements.
C. Alumni Chapters – An alumni chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is one that is fully affiliated with the International Headquarters of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, has completed the requirements necessary to be an alumni chapter, and has been issued an alumni chapter charter.
Article VII. Meetings
Section 1. Meetings
There will be meetings of the Society as necessary to fulfill the purpose of the Society. Among these meetings will be an annual international convention.
Article VIII. Finance
Section 1. Tax Exemption
The Society is operated exclusively for educational purposes and is exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) and described in Section 501(c)(3) in the Internal Revenue Code. No part of its net earnings will benefit any private individual except for reasonable compensation paid for services rendered.
Section 2. Expenditure of Funds
All fees, donations, grants, and other types of financial income will be expended for the Society’s purpose.
Section 3. Expenditure of Funds
If the Society should ever cease to operate as provided for in its charter of incorporation or in its Constitution, the accumulated assets will be distributed in accordance with the laws of the State of Incorporation and the laws of the United States of America.
Article IX. Amendments
Section 1. Constitution
The Constitution of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society may be amended at any time in the following manner:
A. A proposed written amendment must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer at least thirty (30) days prior to the International Convention.
B. If the proposed amendment is approved by at least three-fourths vote of the Board of Directors, the amendment will then be presented at the International Convention for discussion and possible approval. Tentative approval will require a three-fourths vote of the delegates present at the International Convention.
C. If a tentative approval is passed at the convention, the amendment will be submitted thereafter to the local chapters for consideration. A three-fourths affirmative vote by all local chapters voting will approve the amendment.
Section 2. Bylaws
The Bylaws contain provisions relating to the ways that Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society conducts its affairs. Because these processes can change over time, the Bylaws are more easily amended to reflect the organization’s current activities rather than ratifying a new Constitution. The Bylaws of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society may be amended at any time in the following manner:
A. A proposed change in the Bylaws must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer by any active chapter, International Officer, or member of the Board of Directors at least thirty (30) days prior to a meeting of the Board of Directors.
B. Approval of any proposed change in Bylaws will require a three-fourths vote of the Board of Directors.
Bylaws
Chapter I. Membership
Section 1. Eligibility
A. Whenever possible, in determining eligibility for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, institutions must consider hours of college-level credit and the student’s cumulative grade point average for all courses taken at the institution where the student is currently enrolled, and as decreed by the institution’s grade forgiveness policy. While not encouraged, it is the responsibility of each individual institution whether to include prior work from other institutions in decisions of eligibility for membership. In cases where previous work is to be included, rules for membership eligibility must clearly outlined in the chapter’s Bylaws.
B. Guidance for minimum standards is shown by the following. Membership eligibility must be clearly stated in the chapter’s Bylaws.
| Type of Degree | Minimum Hours* | Minimum Cumulative GPA |
| Associate | 12 | 3.0 of “B” Average |
| Certificate of One year | 6 | 3.0 of “B” Average |
| Bachelors | 12 | 3.0 of “B” Average |
*Must count toward degree/certificate requirements
C. If eligibility cannot be determined using credit hours or course grades (i.e. competency-based degree, pass/fail courses), the sponsoring institution must define membership eligibility that provides equivalence so that no more than the top 20% of the students currently enrolled are eligible for membership in the Society.
D. Individuals who attended an institution prior to the establishment of that institution’s chapter may be invited to membership by that local chapter. The individual must provide to the chapter advisor official documentation demonstrating that at the time of enrollment in that institution, the individual satisfied the requirements for membership. These individuals pay international, regional, and local fees prior to induction. Following induction, these individuals immediately assume alumni membership status.
Section 2. Term of Active Membership
Active membership will convert to alumni membership when the student is no longer attending the institution where the student’s membership record is found.
Section 3. Maintenance of Eligibility
Each chapter has the responsibility of setting standards for continued active membership. If an institution is using cumulative grade point averages for maintenance eligibility requirements, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of not less than a “B.” In all other cases, equivalent standards must be clearly identified within its chapter Bylaws.
Chapters may not deny membership privileges and benefits such as wearing the honor stole, tassel, and/or cord at graduation based on the member’s grade point average, their participation in chapter activities, or on any other factor provided the member is in good standing with the chapter. Additionally, no member may be dropped from the membership roll due to lack of participation in chapter activities.
Section 4. Induction
The institution has the responsibility to certify each student invited to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Induction ceremony procedure guidelines are provided to each chapter by the International Headquarters. Induction, however, is not a requirement of active membership. A member is duly inducted when membership dues are paid to the International Headquarters and the oath of membership is signed in a manner prescribed by the International Headquarters.
Section 5. Membership Certificate
Each member will receive a certificate of membership and gold key membership pin.
Section 6. Penalties
Should, for any reason, a member’s name be removed from the international membership roll, rights to wear the Society’s membership key, honor regalia, and any identification with Phi Theta Kappa will be forfeited.
Section 7. Alumni Membership
An alumni member is entitled to all privileges of the active member except the right to vote as a chapter voting delegate or to hold non-alumni chapter, regional, or international office.
Section 8. Transfer of Membership
A member enrolling in an institution after becoming a member at another institution may transfer membership to the chapter at the new institution after having met eligibility and maintenance standards at the new chapter. The chapter advisor at the new chapter must certify to the International Headquarters staff the student’s eligibility and request transfer of membership.
Chapter II. The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is composed at a minimum of one (1) chapter advisor; one (1) Regional Coordinator; one (1) student member; one (1) alumnus member; one (1) international honorary member; one (1) college administrator; and the Chief Executive Officer of Phi Theta Kappa. The Board of Directors may elect, when deemed to be in the best interest of the Society, to include additional members and not to exceed a total membership of nine.
| Officer | Terms of Service |
| Chapter Advisor | Nominated by active chapter advisors. Elected by the active chapter advisors present at the International Convention — serves three-year term(s), and may be renewed. |
| Regional Coordinator | Nominated by active Regional Coordinators. Elected by the Regional Coordinators present at the International Convention — serves three-year term(s), and may be renewed. |
| Student Member | Nominated by the Chief Executive Officer from among the current International Officers. Elected by the Board of Directors — serves a one-year term, and may not be renewed. |
| Alumnus Member | Nominated by the Chief Executive Officer. Elected by the Board of Directors – serves three-year term(s), and may be renewed. |
| International Honorary Member | Nominated by the Board of Directors. Elected by the Board of Directors — serves three-year term(s), and may be renewed |
| College Administrator | Nominated by the Board of Directors. Elected by the Board of Directors — serves three-year term(s), and may be renewed. |
| Chief Executive Officer | Member of the Board of Directors by virtue of office. |
Section 1. Duties of The Board of Directors
A. Hires, sets compensation, supports, and evaluates the Chief Executive Officer to run the operations of the Society.
B. Approves the annual budget, audit report, and strategic plan.
C. Sets charter, regional, and international membership fees. Provides guidance for chapter membership fees.
D. Provides final approval of chapter charters and ensures that appropriate documentation is provided to establish institutional quality and appropriate definitions of academic excellence.
E. Ensures an effective planning and budgeting process is in place that defines mission, vision, goals, and outcomes for the Society.
F. Determines the policies for the operation of Phi Theta Kappa and serves as trustees of all Phi Theta Kappa assets.
G. Advocates for the Society by clearly articulating the mission, goals, and accomplishments of the Society to the college community and public.
H. Ensures the legal and ethical integrity of the Society.
I. Oversees the compensation of executives and other highly compensated individuals and ensures that appropriate measures have been taken to determine that it is comparable to the compensation of other similarly situated organizations with positions and geographic comparability.
J. Confers independently with the organization’s senior financial administrator to ensure that appropriate documentation is maintained to support compensation decisions.
Section 2. Officers of the Board of Directors
The officers of the Board of Directors consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer. The officers constitute the Executive Committee. The Chair and Vice Chair serve one-year terms, which may be renewed. Election of the chair and vice chair must be an order of business at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Board.
The Executive Committee is responsible for the hiring and firing of the Phi Theta Kappa auditing firm, communicating to all members of the Board, and evaluating Board business items (i.e. drafts of policy, salary estimates, agenda items, etc.) before being brought before the full Board.
Chair
- The Chair presides at all meetings of the Board of Directors.
- The Chair signs, with the Chief Executive Officer, any deed, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and the execution thereof is expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Society or is required by law to be otherwise signed or executed.
- The Chair coordinates the Chief Executive Officer’s annual performance evaluation.
- The Chair performs all duties incident to the office of Chair of the Board and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Vice Chair
- The Vice Chair presides at all meetings of the Board of Directors when the Chair is not present.
- The Vice Chair serves on the Executive Committee.
- The Vice Chair performs other duties as prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Secretary/Treasurer
- The Secretary/Treasurer maintains the minutes of all Board meetings.
- The Secretary/Treasurer ensures that all notices are duly given.
- The Secretary/Treasurer provides oversight to Society’s records.
- The Secretary/Treasurer serves on the Executive Committee.
- The Secretary/Treasurer performs all general duties incident to the office of Secretary/Treasurer and other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Regular and Annual Meetings
An annual meeting of the Board of Directors must be held at a time and day in the month of January of each calendar year and at a location designated by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may provide by resolution the time and place for the holding of regular meetings of the Board. Notice of these meetings must be sent to all members of the Board of Directors no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the meeting date.
Section 4. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the Chief Executive Officer or any two members of the Board of Directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any location as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board called by them.
Section 5. Procedure and Voting
The procedural rules governing the meetings of the Society are Robert’s Rules of Order, except as specified and set forth herein.
All members of the Board of Directors are voting members. The Board Chair may end the discussion of any resolution and request a vote of the members present.
Section 6. Quorum
At least three-fourths (3/4) of current members of the Board of Directors is be necessary at any meeting to constitute a quorum to transact business. The act of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present constitutes the Board of Directors unless the act of a greater number is required by law or by these Bylaws.
Section 7. Vacancies
Whenever any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, it will be filled without undue delay by methods prescribed within these Bylaws or by majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors.
Section 8. Compensation
Members of the Board of Directors will not receive any compensation for their services as Board members.
Section 9. Parliamentary Procedure
Any question concerning parliamentary procedure at meetings will be determined by reference to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 10. Removal
Any member of the Board of Directors may be removed with or without cause, at any time, by vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members of the Board of Directors if in their judgment it is in the best interest of the Society. Each member of the Board of Directors must receive written notice of the proposed removal at least ten (10) days in advance of the proposed action. An officer who has been removed as a member of the Board of Directors will automatically be removed from office.
Chapter III. Local Chapters
Section 1. Chapter Governance
All local chapter Bylaws must be in compliance with the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution, Bylaws, and policies. Chapter Bylaws must be submitted to Headquarters for approval along with documentation of the approval of the chapter Bylaws by the sponsoring institution’s administration.
Because the charter of a chapter is granted to an institution, that institution’s top administrator, the college president or campus CEO, has the final authority on deciding an issue upon which the advisor and members cannot agree, as long as that decision is in compliance with the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 2. Chapter Advisors
In order to serve as a chapter advisor, an individual must be an employee of the institution where the chapter is located. The chapter advisor(s) will be appointed by the local institution’s administration. The chapter will have a minimum of one (1) advisor. One advisor from each chapter is appointed as the chapter’s contact advisor. Contact advisors receive all official communications from International Headquarters.
Section 3. Duties of Chapter Advisors
A. Each advisor is responsible for local membership and the guidance and approval of local activities.
B. The contact advisor acts as a liaison between the International Headquarters and the local chapter.
C. The contact advisor is responsible for overseeing completion of the local chapter’s annual report.
D. Each advisor must adhere to Phi Theta Kappa policies and procedures and the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of sponsoring institutions.
Section 4. Annual Reports
On or before April 1 of each year, the contact advisor from each local chapter must submit an annual report of financial information and chapter activities to International Headquarters. Chapters failing to submit this report will be subject to probation. Permission for filing the report at a later date may be granted by an official of International Headquarters. Chapters failing to submit an annual report will be placed on probationary status.
Section 5. Chapter Officers
A chapter may elect officers as needed to reflect the activities of the chapter and size of the chapter’s college.
Section 6. Duties of Chapter Officers
Chapter officers must perform all duties pertaining to their respective offices as outlined by the local chapter Bylaws.
Section 7. Procedure
Voting procedures in a local chapter are determined by the local chapter.
Section 8. Required Vote to Elect and Remove
A simple majority vote is necessary to elect any officer, and a three-fourths (3/4) vote of active members must be necessary to remove any officer. An officer failing to maintain active membership in the Society automatically forfeits the office.
Section 9. Voting at International and Regional Meetings
A. Annual Convention: Each chapter selects annually one (1) active member as the chapter’s official voting delegate. The official chapter voting delegate must register as such by following procedures and guideline established by Headquarters in order to be authorized to attend, participate in, and vote at official business meetings of the Society held at Annual Convention and regional meetings. Only active members of active chapters may serve as voting delegates. Neither alumni members nor chapter advisors may serve as voting delegates for the chapter.
B. Regional Meetings: Each active chapter within each region is entitled to one (1) vote at the regional meetings of the Society. Each region determines the guidelines and procedures for voting at regional meetings.
Chapter IV. Geographic Divisions and Regions
Section 1. Criteria to Add or Modify Divisions and Regions
The Society has four (4) geographic divisions and 29 regions. Headquarters staff will determine whether an area qualifies for candidacy status upon consideration of the following factors: percentage of institutions with chartered chapters, percentage of active chapters (reporting new members), and geographical factors.
Divisions and Regions may be added or changed based on approval of a written recommendation by the Chief Executive Officer to the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors.
Chapter V. Regional Coordinators
Section 1. Selection and Eligibility
The Regional Coordinator serves as the leader of the region. The Coordinator facilitates the integral relationship among chapters in the region, between Headquarters and the chapters, and between Phi Theta Kappa and the institution.
The Chief Executive Officer appoints the Regional Coordinators to office upon the recommendation of the college presidents and advisors within the region. To be considered eligible, Regional Coordinators must satisfy each of the following criteria.
A. To serve as Regional Coordinator, the sponsoring chapter institution must have at least one (1)other co-advisor.
B. The Regional Coordinator must be an employee on at least a part-time basis, having an annual contract or appointment with the same institution where serving as a chapter advisor. An annual contract or appointment means that the Coordinator has a binding commitment with that institution to provide service for one (1) academic year. Temporary changes in status, for example due to sabbatical, parenting leave, or illness, does not affect eligibility.
C. Regional Coordinators must have dedicated support from campus/college administration and provide direct and frequent contact with constituent groups throughout the region.
Section 2. Duties of Regional Coordinators
Regional Coordinators, assisted by Headquarters staff, are responsible for the financial health of the region and the quality of programming at the regional events. Other specific duties include:
- Provides elections for a regional officer team.
- Oversees professional development and training of the regional officer team.
- Represents Phi Theta Kappa at the regional meetings and events and assists regional officers in presiding over regional meetings.
- Assists the regional officers in developing robust and relevant agendas for the region’s events and activities.
- Serves as the communications liaison between Phi Theta Kappa International Headquarters and the region.
- Aligns regional activities with Phi Theta Kappa’s mission and strategic goals.
- Monitors the financial health and ethical integrity of the region.
- Advises Headquarters staff on operational matters relating to the region.
- Cultivates relationships between Phi Theta Kappa and campus leaders and decision-makers in the region.
Section 3. Additional Guidance on Regional Meetings
The Regional Coordinator will direct the planning of the Leadership Conference (fall), Convention (spring), and Honors Institute (summer, if offered) and ensure that information about these programs is distributed in a timely manner. While the Coordinator is responsible for these programs, he/she usually coordinates the programs with a host chapter. The Coordinator must have input in and final approval of the agenda.
The selection process for hosting regional events must be open and communicated to all chapters in the region. To host a regional meeting, a chapter must provide authorization and evidence of support from the institution administration and advisor. The process for selecting a host chapter(s) should ensure that all chapters are encouraged to participate and that meetings are rotated to all geographical areas of the region when practical.
Section 4. Removal
Headquarters staff periodically review Regional Coordinators to determine if performance is of benefit to the region. Based on written recommendation of Headquarters staff, the Chief Executive Officer may remove a Regional Coordinator. A Regional Coordinator failing to maintain eligibility requirements automatically forfeits the office.
Section 5. Vacancies
Whenever any vacancy occurs among Regional Coordinators, it will be filled without undue delay by methods prescribed within the selection process. The Chief Executive Officer may appoint an interim Regional Coordinator upon the recommendation of senior staff for regional development.
Chapter VI. Foundation Board of Trustees
The Foundation was organized on October 9, 2006, and is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) organization, which exists primarily to raise and oversee voluntary private support of time, talent, and financial contributions from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and others for the benefit of the Honor Society. The Foundation is not an operational function of the Honor Society but is, rather, a separate legal entity operated as a tax-exempt corporation chartered within the State of Mississippi.
The primary purpose of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Board of Trustees is to raise and oversee voluntary private support of time, talent, and financial contributions to support and advance the mission, vision, and priorities of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The relationship between Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation is defined in the Memorandum of Understanding agreement, originally adopted April 6, 2008. Amended October 30, 2008, November 2, 2013; April 26, 2014; August 16, 2016.
Chapter VII. Association of Chapter Advisors
Section 1. Eligibility
All active advisors are members of the Association of Chapter Advisors (ACA). Each advisor (member of the ACA) is appointed by the local institution’s administration.
Section 2. Officers
Officers of the ACA will be elected by the ACA members present at the International Convention and nominated by the membership. This association has four (4) officers from its membership to carry out its duties — a Past Chair, Chair, a Vice Chair, and a Secretary. Each of the four (4) divisions will be represented by one (1) of the officers.
| Office | Terms of Service |
| Chair | Serves one-year term and rotates to Past Chair. Chairs meetings of the ACA. |
| Vice Chair | Serves one-year term and rotates to Chair. |
| Secretary | Elected by the active chapter advisors present at the International Convention, serves one-year term, and rotates to Vice Chair. Elected each year and rotates by the division representation of the Past Chair. Takes minutes of all meetings of the ACA |
| Past Chair | Fourth year of service. |
Section 3. Duties of Officers
- Advocates for the Society by clearly articulating the mission, goals, and accomplishments of the Society to the college community and public.
- Advises Headquarters staff on matters such as recognition, benefits, and chapter development needs.
- Serves as communications liaison between Headquarters staff and members of the ACA.
- Facilitates networking opportunities for advisors.
Section 4. Removal of Officer
An ACA officer failing to maintain eligibility requirements automatically forfeits the office. An ACA officer failing to attend more than three (3) meetings of the ACA automatically forfeits the office.
Section 5. Vacancies
Whenever any vacancy occurs among the ACA officers, it will be filled at the next annual convention by methods prescribed within the selection process. The Chief Executive Officer may appoint an interim ACA officer upon recommendation of senior staff for chapter development.
Chapter VIII. Presidential Advisory Board
Section 1. Eligibility
The Presidential Advisory Board is composed of at least one (1) college president/chancellor from each state. Members must have a proven track record of support for Phi Theta Kappa’s mission and demonstrated leadership among the college communities within their states. The Chief Executive Officer appoints members based on the recommendation by the active advisors/Regional Coordinators of the Society. Members serve 3-year term(s).
Section 2. Duties
- Advocates for the Society by clearly articulating the mission, goals, and accomplishments of the Society to the college community and public.
- Advises Phi Theta Kappa’s Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders of the organization on matters related to strategic planning, state-level challenges, and improving the value of Phi Theta Kappa membership.
- Serves as the communications liaison between Headquarters staff and college and community leaders within their respective states.
The Presidential Advisory Board meets as necessary to advise the Society on all matters related to the operations of the Society. The Chief Executive Officer of Phi Theta Kappa chairs the Presidential Advisory Board.
Section 3. Removal
A Presidential Advisory Board member failing to maintain eligibility requirements automatically forfeits the office. Presidential Advisory Board members failing to attend more than three (3) meetings of the Presidential Advisory Board automatically forfeit the office.
Section 4. Vacancies
Whenever any vacancy occurs among Presidential Advisory Board members, it will be filled without undue delay by methods prescribed within the selection process.
Chapter IX. Alumni Advisory Board
Section 1. Eligibility
The Alumni Advisory Board (AAB) consists of one (1) member from each region of Phi Theta Kappa. Members must have demonstrated a commitment to supporting Phi Theta Kappa, members, advisors, alumni, and initiatives. The Executive Cabinet elects AAB members upon recommendation of the Regional Coordinator. Members serve a 3-year term and may not be re-elected for two consecutive terms.
Section 2. Duties
- Advocates for the Society, its members, and its mission.
- Provides guidance to Headquarters staff on alumni matters, specifically operational strategies to enhance the alumni experience.
- Supports regions in their efforts to address the professional development needs of members and alumni.
- Serves as communications liaison between Headquarters staff, alumni chapters, and members within their respective regions.
- Facilitates networking opportunities for alumni.
Section 3. Removal
Regional Coordinators periodically evaluate AAB members. Based on written recommendation of the staff or Regional Coordinator, the Chief Executive Officer may remove an AAB member. An AAB member failing to maintain eligibility requirements automatically forfeits the office. AAB members failing to attend more than three (3) meetings of the AAB automatically forfeit the office.
Section 4. Vacancies
Whenever any vacancy occurs among AAB members it will be filled without undue delay by methods prescribed within the selection process.
Chapter X. International Officers
Section 1. Eligibility
A member must be in active membership status to be eligible to hold international office. Active members from provisional chapters are not eligible to run for office. A Phi Theta Kappa member may be a candidate for international office only one (1) time. The member must be present at the International Convention during the election process. All qualified candidates must follow campaign guidelines established by International Headquarters.
Due to conflict of interest, chapter advisors who are also active members are ineligible to hold international office. In addition, former chapter advisors must wait a period of at least one (1) year before becoming eligible to hold international office.
Section 2. Election Process
Voting for International Officers takes place each year at International Convention. To make the process as fair as possible, eligible candidates must adhere to all Society rules and regulations while campaigning for office. At least two (2) rounds of voting will establish semi-finalists and finalists for each International Officer position.
In the event of a tie during the final round of voting for any international office position, each candidate will serve in the role as co-officers.
Section 3. Vacancies
If the office of an International President becomes vacant, the office is replaced by the candidate who received the highest number of votes from the vice president officers, provided that candidate still meets all other eligibility criteria for serving as an International Officer. If the office of an International Vice President becomes vacant, the office will not be replaced.
Section 4. Duties
- Advocates for the Society by clearly articulating the mission, goals, and accomplishments of Phi Theta Kappa to the members and college community.
- Works with the Executive Cabinet of the Society to set goals and formulate strategy aligned with the mission and strategic plan of the Society.
- Presides at International Convention.
- Represents the student interests, specifically operational strategies to enhance the member experience.
- Attends meetings, trainings, and events related to their professional development plans.
- One (1) officer is appointed by the Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer to serve as the student representative to the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors.*
The International Officer President presides over all meetings of the International Officers. The International Officer President meets regularly with executive staff and the Chief Executive Officer to discuss planning, outcomes, and strategy of the officer team.
*The International President serves as interim student representative to the Board of Directors until the Board of Directors makes a selection.
Section 5. Removal and Due Process
Any officer failing to remain an active member automatically forfeits the office.
Any officer failing to maintain compliance with the International Officer Guidelines and/or Code of Ethics will be subject to removal as an officer. In such cases, the student will be summoned to appear before the Board of Directors in connection with an alleged violation. The student must receive written notice of the proposed removal at least ten (10) days in advance of the proposed action.
A. The communication will direct the officer to appear at a specified time, date, and place. The communication will also describe briefly the alleged violation.
B. At the hearing, the officer presents a defense. The student can appear alone, with an advisor, or with legal counsel.
C. The Board of Directors will vote on the removal of the officer. An officer may be removed by vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members of the Board of Directors. As with all matters of governance of Phi Theta Kappa, the decision of the Board of Directors is final.
D. Any officer serving on the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors and removed from office is automatically removed from the Board of Directors.
Chapter XI. Finance
Section 1. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Society begins on January 1 and closes December 31.
Section 2. Financial Reporting
The Chief Executive Officer must present a complete financial report of the prior fiscal year to the Board of Directors at the first annual meeting of the Board of Directors.
An executive summary of financial information will be made available to the constituents of Phi Theta Kappa in the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Report. Financial information to the public at large will be made available through GuideStar USA, Inc.
Section 3. Financial Obligations
No financial obligation may be incurred by any officer, staff member, or representative of the organization except as authorized within the annual budget. The General Expense Policy provides the specific procedures, approval limits, and monitoring process for all expenses.
Section 4. Guidance for Fees
A. International membership fees may be assessed. The Board of Directors must approve increases in the amount assessed for international fees.
B. Regional membership fees may be assessed. Regional organizations must petition the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors for approval to increase the amount assessed for regional fees. The amount of these fees must be approved by the Board of Directors.
C. The chapter may assess reasonable fees upon approval of the sponsoring institution.
Section 5. Annual Audit
A certified public accountant will conduct an annual audit of the general financial condition and operations of the Society to be submitted to the Board of Directors for examination and approval.
Section 6. Annual Budget
The Chief Executive Officer must submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors for its approval and adoption.
Section 7. Constituent Expenses
Registration fees and travel expenses to events and meetings authorized by the Board of Directors and/or Chief Executive Officer may be paid to Board members, Regional Coordinators, International Officers, Alumni Advisory Board members, Presidential Advisory Board members, Association of Chapter Advisor Officers, and staff.