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International Organization

Name   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1
Purpose            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1
Brief History of Gamma Theta Upsilon  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. . .     1
Symbolism and Insignia . . . . . . . ...... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . .       2
Educational Fund          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2
Scholarships and Awards          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2
Publications      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       3
Regional Divisions         . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4
Relationships to Professional Organizations        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4

Constitution

            Article I-                      Name       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         5
           
Article II-                     Classification      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         5
           
Article III-                    Purpose       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        5
           
Article IV-                    Membership     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         5
           
Article V-                     Government of the Organization     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            6
           
Article VI-                    Fees and Dues     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          6
           
Article VII-                  Insignia     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           7
           
Article VIII-                 Meetings     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          7
           
Article IX-                    Chapters     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        7
           
Article X-                     Alumni Chapter (Omega Omega)     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            7
           
Article XI-                    Educational Fund     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          8
           
Article XII-                  Amendments to the Constitution     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            8
           
Article XIII-                 Bylaws     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         8

 Bylaws

            Article I-                      Officers of the Society     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          9
           
Article II-                     Student Representatives     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        10
           
Article III-                    Regular Chapters     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        11
           
Article IV-                    Alumni Chapter     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        11
           
Article V-                     Regional Divisions     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         11
           
Article VI-                    Managing the Educational Fund     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         11
           
Article VII-                  Scholarships and Awards     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        12
           
Article VIII-                 Fees and Dues     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      13
           
Article IX-                    Amendments to the Bylaws     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         13

Chapter Organization

            Chapter Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            14
           
Chapter Meetings     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       16

 Procedures

            Awards    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       18
           
Excellence in Geography Award Certificates     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           18
           
Obtaining Keys, Pins, and Honor Cords     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          18
          
Initiation Ceremony     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         18

Chapter Roll      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      22


Gamma Theta Upsilon

International Organization

I.  Name

GAMMA THETA UPSILON is an International Geographical Honor Society.  The name is taken from significant Greek letters Gamma, Theta and Upsilon.  Expressed in Greek,

it is as follows:

 II.  Purpose

The purposes of this Society shall be fivefold: 

1.  To further professional interest in geography by affording a common organization for those interested in this field. 

2.  To strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences other than those of the classroom and laboratory. 

3.  To advance the status of geography as a cultural and practical discipline for study and investigation. 

4.  To encourage student research of high quality and to provide an outlet for publication. 

5.  To create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in the field of geography.

 

III.  Brief History of Gamma Theta Upsilon, The International Geographical Honor Society

Gamma Theta Upsilon owes its origin to the vision of Dr. Robert G. Buzzard.  He established an honorary fraternity in the field of geography just prior to World War I, while a student at the University of Chicago.  This attempt to form a permanent organization was not successful. 

During 1924-25, while a graduate student at Clark University, Dr. Buzzard was influenced by a local organization called the Clark University Geographical Society (CUGS).  CUGS was comprised of students in attendance and persons with a graduate degree from Clark University.  Dr. Buzzard had a great appreciation for the value and importance of geography student organizations.

The possibility of establishing a geographical fraternity was discussed during the annual meeting of the National Council for Geographic Education in 1925 at Madison, Wisconsin.  At that time, academic fraternities representing other disciplines were growing at a rapid pace, and interest in a geography honor society was also increasing. 

During the 1920s, Dr. Buzzard established a geography club at Illinois State Normal. University, Normal, Illinois, where he was a Professor.  On May 15, 1928, the club became Alpha Chapter, Gamma Theta Upsilon, a professional geography fraternity, with thirty-three charter members, chartered under the State of Illinois.

For three years, Alpha Chapter continued as a thriving local fraternity.  Interest gradually increased, however, in developing a national organization for Gamma Theta Upsilon.  In the Spring of 1931, a determined effort was made to nationalize.  This effort was successful, and on May 15, 1931, the Founder's Day of Alpha Chapter, charters were granted to four additional chapters: the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Sam Houston State Teachers College, Huntsville, Texas; State Teachers College, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; and Southwest Missouri State College, Springfield, Missouri.  Since that time, more than 200 GTU chapters have been established, and new chapters are added almost every year.

In order to strengthen ties among chapters and among all members of Gamma Theta Upsilon, Regional Divisions were established in 1972.  These divisions correspond generally to the regional divisions of the Association of American Geographers.

IV.  Symbolism and Insignia

The symbolism of the Society is embodied in the key insignia found on the front cover of the Handbook.  The Gamma Theta Upsilon badge is a key which signifies the achievement of quality in a field of science.  The base or body of the key is a seven-sided shield.  Each bevel carries the initial of one of the Earth's continents.  Beginning with Europe at the top, there are the continents of the Old or Eastern World, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.  To the key's left are North America, South America, and Antarctica, the three great land masses brought into recorded geographical knowledge as humanity expanded westward from the Old World to the New World.  Spread across the key's base are five wavy blue lines signifying the five great bodies of water that have carried voyagers to all the lands of the Earth: the Atlantic, the Indian, the Pacific, the Arctic, and the Antarctic or Great Southern Ocean.  Above the waves is located a white star which is symbolic of Polaris, the great guide to travelers over the vastness of the northern hemisphere oceans.  At the key's top stand the letters Gamma, Theta, and Upsilon.  These initials of the three Greek words, Ge (Earth), Thalassa (sea), and Hypaithrois (atmosphere), serve as a reminder of the three great environmental domains with which geography deals.  The colors of Gamma Theta Upsilon are symbolic of geography's three domains:  brown for the Earth, light blue for the sea, and gold for the sunlight or sky.  Gamma Theta Upsilon is an academic honor society in the field of geography.  There are no secret signs, words, or grips, except that members wear the badge of Gamma Theta Upsilon as a sign to the World of their interest in geography and their determination to support and promote the discipline. 

The procedure for obtaining keys is covered in the "Procedures" section of the Handbook.

V.  Educational Fund

A major achievement of Gamma Theta Upsilon has been the establishment of an Educational Fund to promote and support scholarly projects of the Society.  These are research, publication, lectures, scholarships, and other activities that are not a part of the Society's regular operational functions.     

VI.  Scholarships and Awards

Five scholarships, two graduate and three undergraduate, are awarded annually. 

All scholarship and award recipients must be Regular Members currently affiliated with an active chapter or the Alumni Chapter, have excellent academic records, and have contributed significantly to their chapters. 

Applicants may not apply for both the Richason and Buzzard Scholarships during the same year. 

 (a)  The Robert G. Buzzard Graduate Scholarships:

An outstanding graduate student Member is selected from qualified applicants who are already in a Master's or Doctoral program

An outstanding undergraduate student Member is chosen from qualified applicants who have been accepted into a geography graduate program. 

(b)  The Benjamin Richason Jr., Orland Maxfield, and Alice Rechlin Undergraduate Scholarships

One undergraduate award in each category will be presented annually.

Eligibility criteria include regular membership in GTU, and junior or senior undergraduate status at the time of the award.  The scholarship is available to students with either career or graduate school aspirations.

Selection criteria will be based on service to GTU, service to the Geography Department, academic performance, and recommendations of worthiness.

(c)   "Award for Excellence in Geography" Certificate

Annually, chapters are entitled to present an "Award for Excellence in Geography" certificate.  Criteria may be established locally for the selection of the recipient, who should be an outstanding member of the chapter.

(d)   Award for Gamma Theta Upsilon Chapter of the Year

Selection for this award will be by the Scholarship Committee of Gamma Theta Upsilon.  Nominating materials must be sent to the Second Vice President by June 1.

(e)   Presidential Citation Award

This award is given in recognition of special, personal and meritorious contributions to the operation or advancement of Gamma Theta Upsilon and its interest.  No more than five of these award will be given in any year.  This award may be presented to an individual or group.

(f)   Distinguished Service Award

This award is given to Gamma Theta Upsilon members in recognition of outstanding efforts in helping the Society develop and carry out its program over a sustained period of time.  No more than three of these awards will be given in any year.

(g)   Endowment Award

This award is presented to individuals, organizations or corporations in recognition of financial sponsorhip or endowment of Gamma Theta Upsilon.

Procedures for applying for a scholarship or for obtaining the "Award for Excellence in Geography" certificate are in the "Procedures" section of the Handbook.

 

VII.  Publications

(a) Gamma Theta Upsilon Handbook

The Gamma Theta Upsilon Handbook provides information and gives direction for the orderly operation of a chapter.  Included are the International Constitution, Bylaws, and a Roll of Chapters.  The Handbook is provided to inform, inspire, and otherwise assist the officer or member who uses it as a reference.

(b) The Geographical Bulletin

The Society publishes a biannual professional journal entitled The Geographical Bulletin.  It is intended primarily as an outlet for papers written by student members, although the Editor may also publish papers by faculty members, and other persons with expertise in topics of interest to geographers.  Specific instructions for presenting manuscripts can be obtained from the Editor.

The Geographical Bulletin may also include news from chapters that submit such information in an annual report. 

VIII.  Regional Divisions

Eight Regional Divisions of Gamma Theta Upsilon, generally corresponding to those of the Association of American Geographers, have been established.  The function of these regions is to strengthen the ties among the members within each region, and to the International Society.  Divisional meetings with representatives from chapters within the regions should be held annually.  A Councilor for each Division is appointed by the President.  It is the responsibility of the First Vice-President to act as National Coordinator of the Divisional Councilors.

IX.  Relationships to Professional Organizations

The Association of American Geographers and the National Council for Geographic Education have a shared involvement and responsibility in Gamma Theta Upsilon programs and activities.  During the annual conventions of both of these professional organizations, Gamma Theta Upsilon actively participates by holding meetings and executive sessions, and by attending banquets, luncheons and other events.  Gamma Theta Upsilon, the Association of American Geographers, and the National Council for Geographic Education must work together in a spirit of cooperation to further mutual understanding and the general good of the discipline of geography.

 Gamma Theta Upsilon has also been a participating member of the Association of College Honor Societies since 1976.

 

The Constitution of Gamma Theta Upsilon

International Geographical Honor Society

 Article I.  -  Name 

The name of this International Geographical Honor Society shall be Gamma Theta Upsilon. 

Article II.  -  Classification 

This organization shall be classified as a Geographical Honor Society in the field of geography and shall be open to men and women alike.  Chapters shall be limited to colleges and universities having membership in recognized accrediting associations. 

Article III. - Purpose 

The purpose of this Society shall be fivefold; 

1. To further professional interest in geography by affording a common organization for those interested in this field. 

2. To strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences other than those of the classroom and laboratory. 

3. To advance the status of geography as a cultural and practical discipline for study and investigation. 

4. To encourage student research of high quality and to promote an outlet for publication.

 5. To create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in the field of geography.

 Article IV. - Membership

 1. There shall be two (2) classes of membership in Gamma Theta Upsilon:

Regular and Honorary. 

2. Prerequisites for Membership are as follows: 

(A)  Regular Membership 

   To become a regular member of Gamma Theta Upsilon, an initiate must have

completed a minimum of three courses in geography, with a "B" average.  All initiates must rank in the upper 35 percent of their class and shall have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college courses.                                                 

 (B)  Honorary Membership

   A chapter may extend honorary membership to any person whom it feels has by exploration, research, lecturing, publishing, teaching, or in any other way contributed to a marked advancement in any phase of geography. 

3. Certification of qualifications of initiates seeking any class membership is the responsibility of the chapter sponsor and the immediate departmental chair. 

Article V. - Government of the Organization 

1. The governing body of the society shall consist of the following members: 

   (A) Elected Officers

   (1) President, whose duties shall be those defined in Article I, Section 5 (a) of the Bylaws.

   (2) First Vice-President, whose duties shall be those defined in Article I, Section 5 (b) of the Bylaws.

   (3) Second Vice-President, whose duties shall be those defined in Article I, Section 5 (c) of the Bylaws.

   (4) Executive Secretary, whose duties shall be those defined in Article I, Section 5 (d) of the Bylaws.

   (5) Comptroller, whose duties shall be those defined in Article I, Section 5 (e) of the Bylaws.

   (6) Historian, whose duties shall be those defined in Article I, Section 5 (f) of the Bylaws.

   (7) Two Student Representatives as provided in Article II of the Bylaws.

   (8) Alumni (Omega Omega) Chair as provided in Article V of the Bylaws.

    (B) The Executive Committee shall consist of the current elected officers, the Immediate Past-President, and the Editor of The Geographical Bulletin as an ex officio non-voting Member.  The Executive Committee shall have full power to conduct the affairs of the Society in the interim between business meetings.  It shall be the duty of this committee to present at the business meeting any problems or questions of policy that may be discussed and acted upon. 

2. The length of term of officers is as follows:  President, two years; First Vice-President, two years; Second Vice-President, two years; Executive Secretary, five years; Comptroller, five years; Historian, five years; two student members, two years, each taking office in alternate years; Alumni Chair, three years.  

3. Regional Divisions may be established. 

Article VI. - Fees and Dues 

1. The charter fee for each new chapter shall be as stated in the Bylaws.

2. The initiation fee for each class of membership shall be as stated in the Bylaws.

3. The individual chapters may charge a higher initiation fee if they so desire.

4. Each chapter may set its local dues. 

5. The Society shall collect no dues after initiation except such special chapter dues as it may levy from time to time.                       

Article VII. - Insignia 

1. The badge of Gamma Theta Upsilon is a key.  After initiation a Regular or Honorary Member may obtain an official key through the Executive Secretary.   

Article VIII. - Meetings 

1. A business meeting shall be held at least once a year at a time and place as decided upon by the Executive Committee. 

2. The business meeting shall be open to all members of the Society.  Any member shall be allowed to speak on a question, but only two official delegates from each chapter may vote. 

Article IX. - Chapters 

1. A regular chapter may be established in any accredited college or university that offers a major, or its equivalent, in geography. 

2. A petition for charter may be made by a group of six or more individuals eligible for membership at the time of petitioning and sponsored by a faculty member.  Petitions must be submitted to the Executive Secretary for consideration. 

3. The chapters shall be named in the order of their installation according to the letters of the Greek alphabet.

 4. Each chapter shall have a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and additional officers as desired.

 5. Each chapter may establish its own Constitution and Bylaws with the stipulation that no part of the instrument shall be at variance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.

 6. Failure to add at least one member in two successive years shall place the chapter in an inactive status.  Those in charge of the department who are concerned for the students should make every effort to reactivate the chapter.  There is no formal procedure for reactivating a chapter beyond sending in an initiates report form.

 7. An Alumni Chapter may be established.

 Article X - Alumni Chapter (Omega Omega) 

1. An Alumni Chapter shall be established for former regular members of Gamma Theta Upsilon who wish to continue their affiliation with the national organization after they leave the campus on which they were initiated.

 2. Persons who hold regular memberships in Gamma Theta Upsilon, and who are no longer in a position to participate in an active chapter, may become members of the Alumni Chapter    

 3. Alumni application procedures and membership fees shall be as stated in the Bylaws.

 Article XI. - Educational Fund

 An Educational Fund may be established for the purposes of promoting and supporting scholarly projects of the Society.

 1. The Educational Fund shall be managed by a Finance Committee consisting of the Comptroller (chair), First Vice President, Second Vice President and Alumni (Omega Omega) Chair of Gamma Theta Upsilon and shall be separate from the regular budgetary funds of the Society.

 2. The Educational Fund shall support research, publication, lectures, scholarships and other activities not a part of the Society's regular operational functions.

 3. The Executive Committee shall receive an annual financial statement from the Finance Committee.

 4. The Finance Committee shall review all proposed expenditures to be supported by the Fund and shall present each proposed project to the Executive Committee with a recommendation.

 5. Funding of a proposed project shall be by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Executive Committee.

 6. The principal shall not be used to fund any projects but shall be invested to generate revenue.

 7. Dissolution of the Educational Fund or use of monies from the fund for any purposed other than those expressed in Section 2, shall be by mail ballot of the active chapters and shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those responding. 

Article XII - Amendments to the Constitution 

1. This Constitution may be amended upon recommendation of a majority of the Executive Committee voting and by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the delegates of the chapters represented at the annual business meeting.  The proposed amendment shall be circulated among the chapters at least one month prior to the annual business meeting and the delegates to the annual business meeting shall be instructed by each Chapter concerning the vote. 

In the interim between the annual business meetings changes may be approved by referendum, with an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the chapters responding. 

Article XIII - Bylaws 

Matters not covered in the Constitution will be covered in the Bylaws.

 

Bylaws of Gamma Theta Upsilon 

Article I - Officers of the Society 

1. Eligibility 

Any member of the Society who is eligible to be Chapter Sponsor, or who has in the past served as a Chapter Sponsor (Article III of the Bylaws) shall be eligible for election to the Offices of President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Executive Secretary, Comptroller, and Historian. 

2. Nominations 

The Immediate Past President shall chair the Nominating Committee.  The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee to prepare a list of nominees for all offices to be filled at the annual business meeting.  The Nominating Committee shall present at least one candidate for each office.  Additional nominations may be made from the floor.

3. Elections 

If more than one candidate is nominated for an office, election shall be by ballot.  A majority of votes cast shall be necessary to elect.  If, on the first ballot, any candidate fails to receive a majority, a second ballot shall be taken, limited to the two candidates having the highest number of votes on the first ballot. 

4. Assumption of Office 

The newly-elected officers will assume office on January 1 of the following year. 

5. Duties of the Officers 

(A) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee and at the business meeting and shall appoint all committees not otherwise provided for.  It shall be the duty of the President, with the consent of the Executive Committee, to fill vacancies when they occur in other offices.  If it becomes impossible for the President to officiate, the First Vice-President will succeed to the Presidential Office. 

(B) The First Vice-President shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President.  It shall also be the First Vice-President's duty to inform geography departments and geography clubs in colleges and universities of the purpose and achievements of Gamma Theta Upsilon.  This duty will ensure that information concerning the opportunities and benefits of membership in this honor society will be widely disseminated to interested persons.  The First Vice-President shall also serve as the Director of Regional Councilors and Chair of the Scholarship Committee.

(C) the Second Vice-President shall maintain contact with the sponsors of each chapter, and shall request periodically, from each, reports of chapter activities, officers, and membership.  From these reports, the Second Vice-President shall compile and edit material to be included in The Geographical Bulletin. 

(D) The Executive Secretary shall preserve the Constitution and Bylaws, the Ritual, and all documents and records of membership of the Society; keep a record of the initiation of all members; issue Certification of Membership to members of the various chapters; keep an accurate record of all the proceedings of the Executive Committee and of business meetings; and issue notices of the annual business meeting of the Society or other notices that may be necessary.  It shall also be the Executive Secretary's duty to furnish information concerning the Society to groups interested in petitioning for a charter.  Upon approval of the petition, the Executive Secretary shall arrange for installation of the new chapter. 

When necessary, the Executive Secretary shall circulate among the chapters proposed amendments to the Constitution and take the vote of the chapters thereon.  The Executive Secretary shall take the vote of the officers on petitions for charters, after furnishing to the officers information concerning the professional standing of the institution represented by the petitioning group and the qualifications of the petitioners. 

(E) The Comptroller shall receive all monies due the Society and provide for their safe-keeping in some reliable bank or banks satisfactory to the Executive Committee.  The bank or banks shall be designated in the Comptroller's reports.  The Comptroller shall also keep a record of all receipts and expenditures; make reports at the annual business meeting of the Society; and shall be empowered to discretely and judiciously invest monies of the Society and report annually on the status of those investments, their location, and the interest derived there from. 

(F) The Historian shall maintain an historical record of the Society. 

(G) The Immediate Past President shall chair the Nominating Committee. 

(H) The Student Representative shall serve as liaison between student members of Gamma Theta Upsilon and the Executive Board.  It is the responsibility of the Student Representative to report news and events from the Annual Business Meetings to students through the chapters and to inform the Executive Board of student activities and concerns.

Article II. - Student Representatives 

1. Eligibility 

The position of Student Representative is open to student regular members, or full-time students in the Alumni Chapter, in good standing with their respective chapters. 

2. Nominations 

A letter from the senior Student Representative will be sent to all chapters requesting interested students to send a letter of application and a resume to the Immediate Past-President of Gamma Theta Upsilon.  The Immediate Past-President and the Nominating Committee, and the junior Student Representative, will screen these applications, choosing three final candidates and alternates.  The Immediate Past-President will then notify the candidates.  Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the annual business meeting.

 3. Length of Office Term

Each Student Representative will serve a term of two (2) years.  The terms of office will be staggered, with a new Student Representative being elected at each annual business meeting.  

Article III. - Regular Chapters 

1. A chapter shall have a faculty member, or appointed person responsible to the Department which has a chapter, as a sponsor.  The sponsor must be a member of the Society. 

2. Each chapter shall hold a minimum of one meeting per academic year.  The program should promote geographical interests. 

3. Election to membership in a chapter shall be offered at least once during each academic year to those who qualify. 

4. Any member of the chapter may submit, at any regular meeting, the name of a person for honorary membership.  Such membership shall be extended only after a favorable vote by at least two-thirds of the chapter's active membership. 

Article IV. - Alumni Chapter (Omega Omega) 

1. The Alumni Chapter shall have a chair elected to serve a term of three years. 

2. Application for Alumni Chapter Membership must be made to the chair of the Alumni Chapter. 

3. Enrollment in the Alumni Chapter may be for one, two, three or lifetime membership. 

4. Privileges of Alumni Chapter members are the same as those of regular members and include a subscription to The Geographical Bulletin. 

Article V. - Regional Divisions 

1. Regional Divisions shall generally correspond to those of the Association of American Geographers.

 2. Each Regional Division shall have a councilor appointed by the President to serve a term of three years.

 Article VI. - Managing the Educational Fund 

1. Monies earned or derived from the fund principal shall be used to support the activities of the fund.

 2. The Finance Committee shall review all proposed expenditures to be supported by the fund.

 3. The Comptroller shall chair the Finance Committee.  The chair shall circulate proposed projects, provide the Finance Committee Report to the Executive Committee, and coordinate, with the First Vice-President, fund-raising solicitations.

 4. Proposed projects requiring expenditures of the Educational Fund shall be submitted to the Finance Committee thirty (30) days prior to any Executive Committee meeting, so that they may be considered for recommendation to the Executive Committee.

 5. The Comptroller of Gamma Theta Upsilon shall be charged with investing and maintaining the principal and interest of the Educational Fund to obtain the best possible returns.

 6. The Finance Committee may solicit the membership of the Society and other sources, e.g., foundations and societies, for additional funds.

 7. Any fund-raising solicitation shall be approved by the Executive Committee. 

8. The First Vice-President of Gamma Theta Upsilon shall be responsible for the coordination of any Educational Fund solicitation.  

Article VII. - Scholarships 

1.  The society shall award scholarships annually, the stipends to be determined by the Executive Committee. 

2.  Applicants must be regular members of GTU. 

3.  Applicants may not apply for more than one scholarship in any year. 

4.  Selection criteria will be based on service to GTU, service to the Geography Department, academic performance, and recommendation of worthiness. 

5.  The selection committee shall be composed of the President, First Vice-President, and Second Vice President. 

6.  Official application forms are to be obtained from the First Vice-President of Gamma Theta Upsilon.

 7.  The following scholarships are awarded.  

A. The Robert G. Buzzard Scholarships

One to a senior who will enter graduate school the next year and one to a graduate student who plans to continue graduate work.

B. The Benjamin F. Richason Jr. Scholarship

Available to a junior or senior who has either career or graduate school aspirations.

C. Orland Maxfield Scholarship

Available to a junior or senior who has either career or graduate school aspirations.

D.  Alice Rechlin Scholarship

Available to a junior or senior who has either career or graduate school aspirations.

            Article VIII. - Fees and Dues 

1. The charter fee for chapters shall be seventy dollars ($70.00).  This fee will be payable to the Comptroller upon approval of the application of the charter. 

2. The initiation fee for each class of membership shall be as follows:

    (A) Regular Members - forty dollars ($40.00)

    (B) Honorary Members - Expenses, including certificates and local dues, shall be borne by the chapter issuing the membership.  The initiation fee is the same as for Regular Members.

 3. Alumni Fees are payable according to the following dues structure:

    (A) One year term - Ten dollars ($10.00)

    (B) Two year term - Seventeen dollars ($17.00)

    (C) Three year term - Twenty-four dollars ($24.00)

    (D) Lifetime memberships are:   <40   $400:  40-55   $250;   >55 $150

 Article IX. - Amendments to the Bylaws 

The Bylaws may be amended by the recommendation of the Executive Committee and upon majority vote at the annual business meeting.  

 

Chapter Organization

 I.  Chapter Duties and Responsibilities of Officers

1.  PRESIDENT

As the principal executive officer of the Chapter, the President has the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Recognizes and strives to attain the goals of the Chapter through exercise of leadership and other personal qualities.  Supervises, delegates authority, and promotes cooperation of all officers and Members.

(b) Presides at Chapter meeting, functions and activities.

(c) Initiates establishment of the Chapter Constitution and Bylaws.  Requests changes when necessary.  Serves in such a way as to uphold its Constitution and Bylaws and those of the International Society.

(d) Appoints committees, both chairs and members.  Defines their responsibilities and activities.

(e) Delegates responsibilities and duties.

(f) Supervises Officers and committees.  Knows their duties, responsibilities and prerogatives.

(g) Acts as liaison between the Chapter, Chapter Sponsor, the Department, and officers of the institution associated with student activities.

(h) Initiates purchases of equipment and supplies in conjunction with the Treasurer, after approval of the Sponsor.  Sees that the budget and books are in proper form.

(i) Prepares a summary of the year's activities and other reports.

(j) Coordinates the program and provides adequate follow-up procedures.

(k) Represents the Chapter at the International Convocation and at other meetings.

 2.  VICE-PRESIDENT

As an executive officer, the Vice-President has the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Serves in the absence of the President.

(b) Acts as Program Chair, devising the program calendar, including speakers, places, times, and other necessary arrangements.

(c) Assists the President in arranging and implementing all program events, but only advises the initiation team concerning its presentation, leaving the responsibility with them.  Generally secures equipment needed for Chapter functions or programs.

(d) Works with committees for special functions such as field trips, picnics, visiting speakers, and other events, but does not necessarily Chair these committees.

(e) Represents the Chapter when so appointed or selected. 

3.  SECRETARY

The Secretary has the following duties and responsibilities: 

(a) Takes minutes and reads them at meetings.  Prepares motions for presentation to the Chapter.

(b) checks and encourages attendance.

(c) Compiles and keeps current a membership list and individual card file.

(d) Handles all Chapter correspondence, both to International Officers, and to the department, institution, and other except Alumni.

(e) Reports all initiates and transfers to the Executive Secretary of Gamma Theta Upsilon.

(f) Distributes certificates t new Members.

(g) Prepares name cards and/or recognition tags for Members, visiting Members, and guests.

(h) Orders correspondence supplies and equipment in conjunction with the Treasurer, after approval of the Sponsor.

(i) Prepares and submits reports of the organization to the campus office of students affairs (or its equivalent).

(j) Keeps the Secretary's file current; this includes having on hand all necessary blank forms and supplies.  Becomes familiar with the old records file.  (After two years, the records should pass to the Historian and Historian's File).

 4.  TREASURER

The Treasurer has the following duties and responsibilities

(a) Collects all monies including initiation fees, dues, and special collections, and makes deposits to the Chapter account.

(b) Pays all bills.  This includes the following duties:

            1. Logging in bills and invoices

            2. Preparing all checks and check request forms if necessary.

            3. Mailing checks to creditors

            4. Holding and dispensing petty cash fund.

(c) Keeps accounts of income and expenditures.

(d) Prepares the budget in conjunction with the Executive Committee.

(e) Fills out requests for special grants.

(f) Submits required financial reports t the institution.

(g) Makes the proper request for being bonded, if required y the situation and/or Institution.

(h) Arranges for the annual audit of the books in conjunction with the Sponsor.  Assumes the responsibility for turning all records over to his/her successor.

 5.  HISTORIAN

The Historian has the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Maintains the Chapter Scrapbook of activities and personalities.

(b) Compiles monthly and yearly activity summaries.

(c) Keeps records of Chapter Officers, Membership, and Sponsors.

(d) Stores pictures and articles of all functions, activities, and personalities.

(e) Maintains a card file of Alumni Members.

 6.  FACULTY SPONSOR

Effective faculty sponsorship is vital to the success of the Society.  The Sponsor should be selected or appointed with this need in mind.  The Sponsor should assume the responsibility only if he or she is sincerely interested in the welfare of the students and Department.  The Faculty Sponsor's enthusiasm is requisite to full attainment of the purpose of Gamma Theta Upsilon.  The Sponsor represents the Chapter in its relationship to the school administration.

The Sponsor should see that proper records (files) are maintained and reports are prepared.  He/she should encourage attendance and should personally participate in the Chapter's activities.  He/she should encourage and support the officers in carrying out their duties.  The Sponsor should be dedicated, recognizing that the sponsorship of Gamma Theta Upsilon is an honor.  Care should be taken to turn over complete files to his or her successor.

7.  EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee should consist of the Chapter Officers and the Sponsor (ex officio).  The Committee should conduct the business of the Chapter between meetings and plan the overall operation of the Chapter.

 8.  DEPARTMENT HEAD

1.  The Department Head may serve as the Faculty Sponsor, otherwise he should serve as an ex officio Member and Regular Member.  The Department Head should provide financial backing, a filing cabinet, and other support.

 9.  COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Such appointive Officers as Chairs of regular or special committees should carry out the responsibilities and functions assigned them by the President.

 II.  CHAPTER MEETINGS

 1.  SUGGESTED AGENDA FOR CHAPTER MEETINGS

(a) Call to order by the President.  (A Parliamentarian is appointed at this time or prior to the meeting.) 

(b) Roll Call.

(c) Reading of the minutes of the last meeting by the Secretary.  Corrections and additions made, if necessary.  Motion and Second for approval.  Vote.

(d) Presentation of the Treasurer's report.  Explanations if necessary.

Motion and Second for approval.  Vote.

(e) Reports of Officers.

(f) Reports of Committees

(g) Any other old or unfinished business.

(h) New business.  Suggestions, questions, motions.

(i) Appointment of new committees or new tasks for present committees.

(j) Presentation of initiate lists, etc.

(k) Adjournment.

Note:  Steps may be omitted when found desirable; however, before a meeting, the President should always prepare the agenda in the above order.

The program may follow, or may be interjected at some convenient time in the agenda, following the device of temporary adjournment.  It is usually advisable to permit invited speakers to take part early in the meeting and then be excused.  The Business Meeting may also be held either before or after the program.

 2.  PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

To insure orderly conduct of a meeting, a Parliamentarian should be appointed and function in that capacity.  The Parliamentary Procedure below should be followed unless the Chapter desires to follow the more formal procedure as set forth in the latest revision of Robert's Rules of Order.

 Parliamentary Procedure usually takes this order:

Obtaining the Floor

            (1) Rise

            (2) Address the Chair

            (3) Wait to be recognized.

            (4) Speak

Passage of a Motion

            (1) Motion - required

            (2) Second - required

            (3) Rereading of the motion - required.

            (4) Debate not required.

            (5) Amendments to the motion - not required.

            (6) Reading of the amended motion - required.

            (7) Voting on the motion - required.

            (8) Announcing the vote - required.

Order of Precedence of Motions

            (1) Privileged Motions are not debatable.  This include the following motions:

                        a. Fixing the time of the next meeting.