Bylaws

Bylaws of the Eta Alpha Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi

Article Topic
1 Name of the organization
2 Objectives and purposes of the chapter
3 Membership
4 Meetings for the conduct of business
5 Student Officers
6 Faculty Advisor
7 Committees other than the executive committee
8 Fiscal year
9 Authority
10 Requirements for amendment to the bylaws
11 Effectiveness

Article 1 – Name of the organization

We are the Eta Alpha Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Article 2 – The Objectives and purposes of the chapter

Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary organization for accounting, finance and information systems majors. Its purpose includes recognizing scholastic and professional excellence in the fields of accounting, finance, or information systems with the provision of opportunities for self-development and association among members and practicing business professionals; and encouragement of a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility.

The objectives of the Eta Alpha Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (UNC Charlotte) are:

  1. To build and maintain a Superior Chapter as defined by the International Office.
  2. To provide a positive atmosphere for the academic, social, and professional growth of its members.
  3. To assist in building recognition and support for the UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business and its programs in the Charlotte and North Carolina business communities.

Beta Alpha Psi is willing to abide by all UNC Charlotte policies and guidelines relating to on or off campus activities which our club may sponsor or in which we may participate.

Article 3 – Membership

Section 1 Minimum requirements for student membership:
Undergraduate Applicants

  1. Must have declared a concentration in accounting, finance, or information systems (or have stated an intention to declare a concentration in accounting, finance, or information systems).
  2. Must have completed at least one course beyond the core business curriculum requirements and have achieved second semester junior status.
  3. Must have attained at least a 3.0 GPA in the appropriate major classes.
  4. Must have attained at least a 3.0 Cumulative GPA in all courses. The GPA will be computed using all grades earned at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
  5. Transfer students must have completed at least 12 hours at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, three of which must be in accounting, finance, or information systems. Only grades received at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte will be used to compute the averages listed above.
  6. Must fulfill the professional and service requirements as a candidate for at least one semester.

Graduate Applicants

  1. Degree seeking graduate students, who have been accepted and matriculated into accounting, finance, or information systems programs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, are eligible to apply for membership in the Eta Alpha Chapter.
  2. Graduate students who, as undergraduate students, were members of the Eta Alpha Chapter may elect to continue their affiliation with the Eta Alpha Chapter as student members.
  3. Graduate students who wish to become student members of the Eta Alpha Chapter must:
    1. have attained a 3.0 Cumulative GPA in their declared area of concentration
    2. have attained at least a 3.0 Cumulative GPA in all courses
  4. Must fulfill the professional and service requirements as a candidate for at least one semester.
  5. Students who have graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte may become Alumni members.

Section 2 Candidates
Undergraduate and graduate students who have met the requirements in their respective areas, per Section 1, but who have not completed membership requirements. Upon the completion of professional and service requirements for at least one semester, candidates will be initiated into student membership.

Section 3 Faculty members
Full-time members of the accounting, finance, or information systems faculty at UNC Charlotte are eligible for election as Faculty members.

Section 4 Honorary members
Persons exhibiting those qualities that Beta Alpha Psi fosters and who have achieved prominence in the fields of accounting, finance, or information systems or have contributed significantly of their time and talent to Beta Alpha Psi or its local chapters are eligible for election as Honorary members.

Section 5 Alumni members
Students who have graduated and faculty who have terminated their employment shall become Alumni members.

Section 6 Associates
Undergraduate students who are in the second semester of their sophomore year (defined as having completed Accounting 2121) may become an associate of the organization. The purpose of the associate category is to expose students to the benefits of Beta Alpha Psi and to encourage them to apply for candidacy when they are eligible. Minimum requirements for Associates:

  1. Must have declared a concentration in accounting, finance, or information systems (or have stated an intention to declare a concentration in accounting, finance, or information systems).
  2. Must have attained at least a 3.0 GPA in all major classes (Accounting 2XXX, Finance 3XXX, or INFO 3XXX).
  3. Must have attained at least a 3.0 Cumulative GPA in all courses. The GPA will be computed using grades earned from any previous institution as well as from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
  4. Must fulfill at least 50 percent of the professional and service requirements that is required of members and candidates during the semester.

Associates must maintain the GPA requirements and successfully complete the professional and service hour requirements to be eligible to apply for candidacy or to continue their involvement as an associate.

Section 7 Dues, Fees and Assessments (previously Article 6)

  1. All dues, fees, and assessments must be paid on a timely basis in order for a member to maintain his/her active status in the chapter.
  2. The amount of dues for the current year shall be established by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
  3. The inability to pay dues, fees, and assessments because of economic hardship will not be a basis for denying membership to a prospective member or for the removal of a member from active status. Economic hardship will be determined by the Faculty Advisor on a case-by-case basis.
  4. Candidates & Associates who are unable to meet the minimum requirements set forth in Article 3 of these Bylaws shall not be refunded membership dues. Such Candidates & Associates will be dropped from membership until such time that they meet the minimum requirements set forth in Section 1 of Article 3.

Section 8 Membership may be terminated by resignation or expulsion.

  1. Resignation – A Member, Candidate or Associate may resign from Beta Alpha Psi by notifying in writing the Faculty Advisors or chapter president. The resigning member shall surrender the membership certificate.
  2. Expulsion – A Member, Candidate or Associate may be expelled for conduct detrimental to the purposes or interests of Beta Alpha Psi using the following procedures:
    1. Charges of such conduct must be made in writing to the faculty advisor and signed by a member of Beta Alpha Psi.
    2. A committee of Chapter members, including at least two faculty members (exclusive of the faculty advisor) of Beta Alpha Psi, is to be selected by the Faculty Advisor and ranking Chapter officer to investigate the charges and make a determination as to whether or not the accused member should be expelled. The findings should be based on a presentation of the charges by the accusing member, with the accused member given the opportunity to appear and explain the actions in question. The committee shall consist of no fewer than five members. A decision to expel requires a majority decision.
  3. If expelled, the member may request a hearing before the entire Chapter in a special meeting called for that specific purpose. A majority vote of the Chapter may reverse the committee’s findings.
  4. If the Chapter’s decision is to expel the member, details of the procedures followed, the evidence submitted, and the action taken shall be forwarded immediately to the Executive Office of Beta Alpha Psi.
  5. The Chapter’s decision will be reviewed at the next regular meeting of the Beta Alpha Psi Board. Both the Chapter and the accused member shall be notified in writing by the Director of Administration and Development of the approval or disapproval of the expulsion.
  6. If expelled, the member must surrender the membership certificate.

Section 9 Academic Integrity
Students have the responsibility to know and observe the requirements of the UNCC Code of Student Academic Integrity. This code forbids cheating, fabrication or falsification of information, multiple submissions of academic work, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, and complicity in academic dishonesty.
See: http://www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-105.html

Section 10 Non- Discriminatory Policy
In keeping with UNC Charlotte’s policy of non-discrimination, the Chapter does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, veteran status and physical or mental ability or disability.

Article 4: Meetings for the conduct of business

Section 1 A non-scheduled meeting may be called at the option of the Executive Committee.
Emergency meetings may be called by authority of the President.
Section 2 Eligibility to vote on changes in procedures and the modification and/or amendment of the chapter’s bylaws is restricted to active memberships of the Eta Alpha Chapter.
Section 3 A quorum shall be defined as:
1. The presence of more than fifty percent of the active membership at a general meeting, or
2. The presence of at least four of the six officers and the Chapter Advisor at business meetings. Such business meetings must be advertised at least two weeks in advance.
Section 4 The Vice-President of Operations shall be thoroughly familiar with the Beta Alpha Psi International Constitution and Bylaws. He/she will be responsible for correspondence with the National Office concerning the interpretation of these documents.
Section 5 The Faculty Advisor will be familiar with the Eta Alpha Chapter’s Bylaws. He/she is to act as an authority on the Chapter’s bylaws, and his/her decisions concerning interpretations of this document are final.
Section 6 An active member list should be posted prior to elections and meetings at which voting on procedures and modifications and/or amendments are made to inform members of their ability to vote.

Article 5 – Student Officers

Section 1 The student officers of this organization shall be:

  1. President
  2. Vice-President of Operations
  3. Vice-President of Programming
  4. Communications Secretary
  5. Reporting Secretary
  6. Treasurer

Section 2 Duties of the student officers:
The President presides at meetings of the chapter and of the executive committee; appoints such committees as the constitution or bylaws, or vote of the chapter shall provide; determines that all reporting responsibilities and other duties of the vice president, secretary, and treasurer are performed in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws; and seeks to promote the welfare of the chapter and Beta Alpha Psi. The president is responsible for working closely with the Faculty Advisor to ensure that the objectives and goals of the Chapter are achieved.

The Vice-President of Operations assists the president in the performance of prescribed duties and acts in the president’s place in the event of absence or incapacity. In the event the office of the President is vacant, the vice-president shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the President. The vice-president of operations is primarily responsible for planning and coordinating service activities of the Chapter and to ensure that chapter activities are in accordance with the Plan of Activities guidelines provided by the International Chapter.

The Vice-President of Programming coordinates a comprehensive schedule of the fall and spring meetings with the executive committee approval of programs. The Vice-President of Programming is also responsible for notifying speakers of place and times of professional meetings, sending thank you letters following the meetings, Introducing speakers, and acquiring gifts of appreciation to give to the speakers.

The Communications Secretary records the minutes of the meetings of the chapter and the executive committee; transmits to the Executive Office a list of chapter officers within fourteen days of their installation; prepares and transmits such other reports as required by the Board and the Program for Chapter Activities; and fulfills all other duties ordinarily associated with the office of the communications secretary.

The Reporting Secretary ensures that the chapter on-line update is completed at least annually and that the membership roster is updated as necessary; ensures that the remittance of candidate fees; initiation fees and chapter dues are paid in accordance with the Program of Chapter Activities; prepares and transmits such other reports as required by the Board and the Program for Chapter Activities; and fulfills all other duties ordinarily associated with the office of the reporting secretary.

The Treasurer collects money owed to the chapter, disburses for authorized purposes, maintains appropriate financial records, arranges for the audit, if one is required by the Executive Office or if one is desired by the local chapter, and prepares the local Chapter’s tax return.

Section 3 Eligibility for holding office in the Eta Alpha Chapter is contingent upon the candidate:

  1. being an undergraduate or graduate student member of the organization
  2. being able to serve the entire term (semester or year) as a student member of the organization

Section 4 A Candidate for nomination as an Officer in the Eta Alpha Chapter shall be:

  1. an active member in good standing with the chapter, or
  2. an active candidate in good standing with the chapter who will meet the requirements set forth in Section 3 of this article at the time he/she assumes the responsibilities of a Chapter Officer.

Section 5 A nomination committee consisting of:

  1. the Executive Committee,
  2. other faculty as the committee deems necessary will review the records of all qualified persons and make recommendations as to qualified nominees for Chapter Officer positions.

Section 6 Nomination Committee
The nomination committee will present a slate of officers to the membership for approval. The membership will vote for the selected officers. Elections shall be held once each year during the Spring semester. If an officer cannot serve the whole term, then the nomination committee can select a replacement officer during the Fall semester. The selection by the nomination committee will then be presented to the membership for the approval. The officers shall be elected by a vote of the active membership at a reasonable time prior to installation to office, in accordance with the election procedures prescribed in these bylaws.

Section 7 Executive Committee
The executive committee is comprised of Chapter officers listed in section 1 of this article and the Faculty Advisor(s). This Committee normally prepares the overall plan for the Chapter during the school year. Each Executive committee member should supervise the work for several chapter committees. The task of the Executive Committee is one of leadership, delegation of work and responsibility for the overall success of the Chapter.

Section 8 The rules governing the election of the Executive Committee are as follows:

  1. The nomination committee will present a slate of officers to the membership for approval.
  2. The election procedures used for the election of candidates to the Executive Committee shall be in accordance with the majority vote system; the names of all nominees for each position will be placed on a printed election ballot.
  3. At a prescribed date following nominations that is not the same date as the nominations, a general meeting will be held for elections.
  4. All members who attend the general meeting held for elections must becommitted to remain at the meeting until election procedures are complete unless excused for work or class.
  5. Absentee ballots will be accepted provided that they are signed by the voting member and there is a valid excuse for the absence.
  6. Each nominee will be allowed to present a four-minute speech at the general meeting for elections prior to the casting of votes for the office under consideration.
  7. In the event that the nomination should produce more than one candidate seeking the same office, the election procedure shall consist of an election.
  8. Should a candidate receive a majority of the votes during an election, that candidate will be declared a winner.
  9. The incumbent President will cast a vote only to break a tie in the election.
  10. In the event that a position on the Executive Committee goes unfilled due to lack of nominations, that position will be appointed by the President-Elect once he/she is installed. All such nominations are subject to the approval of the newly installed Executive Committee.

Section 9 Installation of the officers shall take place during a banquet or other event.

Section 10 The duties of each member of the Executive Committee shall be executed as prescribed by these bylaws.

Section 11 In the event that an officer cannot or will not fulfill his/her prescribed duties, that officer may be removed from his/her position through the provisions listed below:

  1. The majority of the Executive Committee, excluding the officer under consideration and the faculty advisor, must agree that the considered officer’s ability to fulfill his/her duties has been impaired.
  2. Provided that Section 11.1 (above) has been satisfied, the officers will call an emergency meeting of the student members if the discharged officer withes to appeal the decision. This emergency meeting must be announced at the next general meeting following the Executive Committee’s decision and will be held no sooner than two weeks after its announcement.
  3. At the emergency meeting, a forum will be held to give both sides an opportunity to present their respective points.
  4. A majority vote by all members present at the emergency meeting is necessary to reverse the Executive Committee’s decision. If a position on the Executive Committee becomes vacant due to the removal of an officer, a new officer will be selected by a majority vote of the remaining Executive Committee.

 

Article 6 – Faculty Advisor(s)

Section 1 Selection of the faculty advisor(s): The faculty advisor(s) will be selected by vote of the membership based on the recommendations of the outgoing faculty advisor and the accounting, finance or information system’s chair.

Section 2 Duties of the faculty advisor:

  1. Provide counsel and assistance to the chapter, its officers, its executive committee, and other committees and, when requested to do so by the International Board, attests to the chapter’s compliance with specified provisions of the International Constitution, Bylaws, and Program for Chapter Activities
  2. Verify the appropriateness of the content of reports submitted to the Executive Office.
  3. Serve as liaison with the Executive Office of the International Chapter.
  4. Serve as liaison with the administration of the University, Belk College of Business, and Department of Accounting, Finance, or Information Systems.
  5. Assure continuity of the chapter.

 

Article 7: Committees other than the executive committee

Section 1 The following committees, including a brief description of each, will constitute an important part of the Chapter’s structure:

  1. Alumni Committee – Maintain accurate alumni information; ensuring accuracy of home and work addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses; prepare and update the alumni directory, and assist the Executive committee in choosing an alumnus for the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award.
  2. Banquet Committee – Responsible for all activities required for and associated with the production of the Fall and Spring Banquets, with the exception of the selection of the guest speaker.
  3. Fundraising Committee – Supervise all fund-raising activities.
  4. Internet Technology Committee – Update and maintain the chapter’s homepage and maintain an accurate email list of all members.
  5. Membership Committee – Prepare the fall and spring chapter brochure disclosing the benefits and requirements of becoming a member of Beta Alpha Psi. Also responsible for coordinating efforts of members to visit classes inviting students to attend an interest meeting.
  6. Service Committee – Responsible for all activities associated with the planning, accomplishing, and reporting of special public service activities which have been approved by the Executive Committee.
  7. Social Committee – Responsible for all activities associated with planning, organizing, carrying out, and reporting on any and all social activities involving the organization.
  8. Tutoring Committee – Prepare a tutoring plan for the entire semester, ensure tutoring sessions are sufficiently publicized, and provide a sign-up sheet for members to schedule dates they wish to provide tutoring services.
  9. Meeting Preparation Committee – Make arrangements to order and pick-up refreshments for meetings, set up table and refreshments, and take down table and dispose of any trash and leftovers.

Additionally, occasionally there shall exist such ad hoc committees as the Executive Committee deems necessary. Committees are under the authority of the Vice-President of Operations who has the following responsibilities:

  1. The Vice-President of Operations shall serve as a member-at-large for all committees.
  2. The Vice-President of Operations shall appoint all committee chairs. All such appointments must be ratified by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
  3. The Vice-President of Operations has the authority to remove any Committee Chairperson who is, in the Vice-President’s analysis, unable to fulfill his/her duties. All such decisions to remove a Committee Chairperson must be ratified by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

 

Article 8: Fiscal year

The fiscal year of this organization shall end on April 30.

Article 9: Authority

These bylaws shall be the principal governing document of the Eta Alpha Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi and shall supersede the constitution and bylaws previously adopted by the Eta Alpha Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi.
These bylaws are subordinate and in all ways subject to the International Constitution of Beta Alpha Psi, and hereby reaffirm the purposes, policies, and principles contained therein. Any provision of this document which is in conflict with International Constitution and Bylaws of Beta Alpha Psi that is currently in effect will be rendered null and void.

Article 10 – Requirements for amendment to the bylaws

Section 1 These bylaws may be modified or amended by a two-thirds vote of a quorum.
Section 2 The intention to modify or amend these bylaws must be preceded by an advertised notification at least one week before the vote is made.
Section 3 Procedures to amend, change, or repeal Bylaws of the Eta Alpha Chapter:

  1. Only an active membership of the Eta Alpha Chapter may raise a motion to change an Eta Alpha bylaw.
  2. A motion to change a bylaw must be clearly stated in writing. As part of the motion, the bylaw to be changed must be included in its entirety followed by the proposed change to the bylaw.
  3. The motion must be seconded by an active membership of the Eta Alpha Chapter.
  4. The individual making the motion and the individual seconding the motion must both sign the motion.
  5. Any motion raised, which violates or conflicts with the Beta Alpha Psi International Constitution, will be null and void, and therefore not voted upon. The Vice-President of Operations will review all proposed amendments, changes, and motions of repeals to ensure they do not violate the Beta Alpha Psi International Constitution.
  6. In the event that a change is made to the Eta Alpha Chapter Bylaws which violates the Beta Alpha Psi International Constitution, that change will be deemed null and void.
  7. If a motion fails to pass a two-thirds vote, it cannot be reconsidered during that academic year except as provided for below:
    1. At any time during the academic year in which a motion was initially voted down, that motion can be revived and;
    2. reconsidered provided that both the person making the new motion and the person seconding the motion are on the records as having voted against the initial motion.
  8. All motions will be discussed and voted on where quorum exists at either:
    1. Business Meetings
    2. General Meetings
  9. The signed and completed motion must be turned in to the President who will then administer the vote.
  10. Unless otherwise specified in the motion, a motion will become effective immediately upon passage.
  11. Changes in the Chapter’s Bylaws will not be retroactive.
  12. Amendments made to the initial motion may be brought up during the discussion of the initial motion at the meeting in which the vote is to be taken.
    1. A friendly amendment to the initial motion will be included as part of the initial motion. A friendly amendment is defined as one which is accepted by both the individual making the initial motion and the individual seconding the initial motion.
    2. An unfriendly amendment to the motion will be included as part of the initial motion only upon a separate majority vote taken before the vote on the initial motion.
    3. A proposed amendment which is deemed by the Vice President of Operations to change the spirit of the initial motion will be disallowed.
  13. At least one week before a vote is to be taken on a motion, the motion must be:
    1. Posted on the Eta Alpha Chapter website.
    2. Copied and made available to any interested member. Copies are to be made available in the Student Organization Office in the Accounting Department.
  14. The vote on the motion will be taken by ballot.
    1. No absentee ballots will be permitted.
    2. All ballots will be counted by:
      1. the Faculty Advisor,
      2. the President,
      3. the Vice-President of Operations
  15. All motions that are passed will become part of the Eta Alpha Chapter bylaws and will supersede all past amendments to the effected section.

 

Article 11 – Effectiveness

This document shall be effective as of January 14, 1985
Amended as of March 3, 1994
Amended as of April 1, 1998
Amended as of November 7, 1999
Amended as of October 29, 2002
Amended as of October 13, 2005
Amended as of December 1, 2009
Amended as of March 16, 2010
Amended as of June 24, 2013
Amended as of November 10, 2015