Alpha Omicron Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Bylaws

Chapter 1 | Alpha Omicron Kappa

The name of this chapter of Phi Theta Kappa shall be Alpha Omicron Kappa (assigned by Headquarters upon approval of chartering application).

Chapter 2 | Purpose

The purpose of Alpha Omicron Kappa Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Oakland Community College shall be the promotion of scholarship, the development of leadership and service, and the cultivation of fellowship among qualified students of this college.

Chapter 3 | Membership

Section 1 Types of membership in Chapter shall consist of member, provisional member, alumni member, and honorary member as defined in Article IV, Section 1, of the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws.*

1. Active Member: In addition to meeting membership eligibility requirements as stated in Article IV and Chapter 1 of the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws,* each candidate for membership must have completed 12 credit hours of coursework leading to a degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and adhere to the school code of conduct and. Grades from other postsecondary institutions will be considered. A cumulative GPA of 3.25 must be maintained to remain in good standing. Failure to maintain the required cumulative GPA will result in the member being removed from good standing as stated in the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws,* Chapter 1, Section 3. Failure to meet good standing requirements as stated in the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws* will cause membership and all membership privileges to be revoked.
2. Provisional Member: 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 a 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.
3. Alumni Member: An alumni member shall be a former member of the Alpha Omicron Kappa chapter who terminated active membership in good standing and was enrolled at least one year at Oakland Community College. Alumni status of this member is also officially recognized by the Michigan Alumni Association (MRAA). The chapter may determine whether chapter funds are used for alumni activities and travel.
4. Honorary Member: An honorary member shall be a person who was distinguished by the Alpha Omicron Kappa chapter. Honorary members are not permitted to vote or utilize chapter funds.
5. Transfer Member: A member from another Phi Theta Kappa chapter may transfer membership to Alpha Omicron Kappa Chapter if he or she is currently enrolled at Oakland Community College and meets the maintenance GPA of the chapter.

Chapter 4 | Chapter Advisor

Chapter Advisor shall:

1. 1. Oversee the completion and submission of member names and fees as well as the Chapter Annual Report to Headquarters.
  2. Install new members and officers during induction.
  3. Act as a liaison between the chapter and college administration and settle all disputes within the chapter.
  4. Appointed by the institution's administration and shall be a non-voting member of the chapter. The advisor may cast a vote in the event of a tie.
  5. Work closely with officers in planning and executing chapter events and goals
  6. Communicate with regional office on behalf of the chapter.
  7. Handle all banking and financial transactions.

Chapter 5 | Officers

Section 1 All officers must be active members in good standing, have completed the application process, paid the membership fee, good standing financially with the chapter, have completed 12-credit hours at Oakland Community College, have and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above, be of good moral character, possess recognized qualities of citizenship, abide by the Oakland Community College Student Code of Conduct, and obey the rules/regulations of Phi Theta Kappa including the Honor Code Pledge.

Section 2 All officers must represent the college and chapter in a professional manner on all levels of the society and at all times during their administration.

Section 3 The new incoming administration of officers must attend a formal leadership training session with an advisor(s), a Regional Representative or an officer who has been trained by a Regional Representative. Mid-term officers may be trained by a current officer who has attended the formal training.

Section 4 All officers must be presented with leadership training information that includes the following literature: the chapter bylaws, rules of parliamentary procedure, the five-star chapter development plan, tips for chapter success, an outline of the Honors in Action guidelines, the college project rubric, the distinguished member criteria, a description of the four hallmarks, a brief history of Phi Theta Kappa, benefits of membership, available scholarship opportunities, regional yearbook competition requirements, regional art/photography award competition rules, and the Phi Theta Kappa song. In addition, officers must have a list of all the chapter officers’ email addresses and phone numbers along with the calendar of events.

Section 5 All officers are required to attend at least one officer meeting per month and one general membership meeting per month as well as participate in the development and execution.

Section 6 Officers must attend seminars, conferences, and workshops per scheduled registration. If any fees are involved to attend said event and payment is rendered by the chapter and the officer/member is unable to attend as scheduled—the officer/member must reimburse the chapter for any and all fees incurred.

Section 7 All officers must be members of Phi Theta Kappa, in good standing, have a GPA of 3.5 and must be carrying a course load of 12 credits per academic year.

Section 8 The Alpha Omicron Kappa Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa shall have the following officers: President, Vice President of Leadership, Vice President of Fellowship, Vice President of Service, Vice President of Scholarship, Treasurer/Student Government Co-Representative, Secretary, and Director of Communication.

Section 9 Officers of the Alpha Omicron Kappa Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa shall attend all meetings whenever possible. Officers that cannot attend a meeting must formally announce their absence via email to the entire officer team, as well as the advisors, promptly to help meetings run smoothly. Likewise, Officers need to attend events whenever possible. Similarly, officers must formally announce their absence. Officers must formally announce their absence via email to the entire officer team, as well as the advisors.

Section 10 Participation in any virtual meetings or events will require that the officer have their video camera on at all times.

Section 11 All officers will adhere to utilize the agreed upon communication channel as endorsed by the Advisory Team. This includes, but not limited to OCC email, Google, communication platforms (i.e. WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, etc.). Officers will be reachable and communicate with their counterparts on a regular basis outside of chapter activities.

Section 12 It is required of all chapter officers review and sign

Chapter 6 | Officer Duties

Section 1 The duties of the President shall be as follows:

1. Preside over all business meetings.
2. Approve documents.
3. Lead meetings and create agenda.
4. Coordinate the preparation and implementation of the college project.
5. Discuss hallmark awards and 5 star competitive edge program.
6. Meet with campus administrator to determine college project.
7. Plan and organize new member orientation and induction ceremonies.
8. Organize and submit 5 star chapter development plan, transfer edge, and other courses offered on the official web page.
9. Oversee award entry preparation.
10. Appoint and establish any necessary committees.
11. Serve as an ex-officio member on all committees.
12. Present business to the organization.
13. Represent the organization at all times.
14. Appoint a committee to review and/or revise the chapter bylaws annually.
15. Appoint a committee to prepare the Annual Report to be sent to Headquarters each spring.
16. The Co-President, if applicable, or the VP of Leadership, will serve in the capacity of President in the case of a resignation or vacancy, until an officer vote can be held.
17. Overrides or vetoes agenda topics.
18. Reviews and leads revisions on chapter bylaws.

Section 2 The duties of the Vice President of Leadership shall be as follows:

1. Perform all duties of the president in the event of his/her absence.
2. Take roll at the meetings.
3. Coordinate all committees.
4. Head the committee reviewing the chapter bylaws and the annual report
5. Act as program chairman.
6. Create leadership training workshops to improve teamwork.
7. Coordinate the chapter’s participation in the Honors Case Study Challenge.
8. Coordinate the preparation of the chapter’s Honors in Action Awards entries.
9. Educate chapter about PTK Connect and ptk.org.
10. Implement procedures for officers to attend the regional convention, international convention and international honors convention.
11. Lead and organize campus projects by utilizing various resources.
12. Motivate students to get involved by recruiting members.
13. Organize the completion and submission of the Hallmark Awards applications (honors study topic, college project and individual/chapter award entries) due by the end of December and the beginning of February every year.
14. Plan and organize service hallmarks that benefit the campus.
15. Assist in overseeing projects.

Section 3 The Secretary shall:

1. Direct the chapter in the use of parliamentary procedure for meetings.
2. Establishes list of items that must be purchased for events.
3. Keep a record of attendance of meetings and events.
4. Keep a record of events and activity information.
5. Maintain a calendar of events.
6. Place a copy of all historical records in the chapter files or share access to electronic files with the chapter advisor at the end of the officer term.
7. Take notes and send them out to members.
8. Take and present minutes at each chapter meeting.
9. Update email addresses of officers and active members. Meeting minutes should be typed and distributed within 48 hours of the meeting.
10. Scheduled meetings will be determined by the group. Meetings may be postponed or rescheduled if conflict arises. New meeting dates will be posted on social media or OCC PTK webpage/digital corkboards.

Section 4 The Vice President of Scholarship shall:

1. Coordinate the preparation of the honors study topic award entry.
2. Oversee all honors study topic activities and recognize scholarships.
3. Organize participation in Honors satellite seminar.
4. Prepare reports with Phi Theta Kappa scholarships.
5. Work on Pinnacle Scholarship Award Programs.
6. Educate members about the PTK Edge Programs.

Section 5 The Vice President of Service shall:

1. Record all events for history log.
2. Organize service events.
3. Develop and maintain community partnerships.
4. Provide information about volunteer opportunities.

Section 6 The Vice President of Fellowship shall:

1. Coordinate the chapter’s C4 (Community College Completion Corp) events.
2. Implement strategies to recruit and increase membership.
3. Encourage events with other chapters within Michigan Region.

Section 7 The Communications Director shall:

1. Coordinate the photograph of all chapter events/functions and obtain signed photo-released waivers from participants.
  a. Add photos from chapter events to social media accounts after each event.
2. Maintain the chapter’s social media accounts, email account and newsletter.
3. Decorate for events/fundraisers.
4. Organize and support.
5. Post announcements of all chapter event details.
6. Publicize events by creating posters, signs, flyers and posting them. Work with the advisor.
7. Maintain social media accounts.

Section 8 The Treasurer/Student Government Rep shall:

1. Keep members updated on all upcoming fundraising events.
2. Coordinate the scheduling of fundraising events.
3. Head the planning of fundraising events.
4. Maintain records of all events and fundraisers.
5. Keep track of the profit of specific fundraising events to be used in planning future events and for updating chapter records via the Secretary.
6. Shall maintain accurate records of all Phi Theta Kappa budget expenditures related to chapter events, to serve as a reference for future chapter planning.
7. Submit appropriate documentation to advisor(s) for approval of reimbursements, event expenses, etc.

The duties of the Student Government Representative shall be as follows:

1. Represent the Alpha Omicron Kappa chapter at every activity that is required by OCC’s Student Government association.
2. Relay information about our projects and events to OCC’s Student Government association.
3. Relay information about events, changes in student engagement, and projects discussed during Student Government meetings to the chapter officers.
4. Forward important Student Government meeting information (agendas, minutes, flyers, etc.) to the chapter officers.
5. Serve as a liaison between OCC’s Registered Student Organizations and our chapter.

Section 9. Officer removal or resignation:

1. An officer may be called for removal from their position if it is felt that they are no longer fulfilling their duties and obligations as an officer. Advisors may call for a simple majority vote to remove the officer from their position, and the vote must pass with three-fourths of the members in attendance at the meeting. The voting will be conducted in the same manner as officer votes.
2. If an officer must be removed, remaining officers will share duties of the vacant position until an official appointment can be made.
3. If an officer is no longer an active member, or fails to fulfill the duties of his/her position including failure to attend both scheduled monthly meetings (officer and general membership meetings), and does not participate in the formation and execution of at least one event per month, or if the officer violates any portion of the Oakland Community College Student Code of Conduct, or violates any Phi Theta Kappa rule/regulation including standard G.P.A. membership requirements, that officer may be removed from his/her position in one of the following manners:

- - - After the current active Officer Team have thoroughly discussed the issue(s) surrounding the officer in danger of being impeached, they shall vote using the three-fourths (3/4) majority vote to impeach the officer, or they may accept a written resignation from the officer in question. Either method shall be sufficient to remove an officer from his/her position.
    - If the officer in danger of impeachment does not acknowledge or respond to any communications regarding meetings/events—the current active Officer Team shall draft a letter stating their concerns and reasons as to why they must remove that officer from his/her position. Once the letter is submitted to the officer in jeopardy either via OCC e-mail, U.S. Postal Service, or messenger, the officer is then immediately released from all of his/her duties.
    - A special meeting with the current officers and the officer in jeopardy of being impeached may be scheduled to discuss the issue(s). All officers including the officer in jeopardy shall be informed via e-mail, telephone, or in person as to the date and time of said meeting to discuss the matter.
    - The officer in danger of impeachment may have the opportunity to defend his/her position in front of the active Officer Team, or the officer in jeopardy may request a private meeting with the chapter Advisor(s) and one other current active officer (chosen by the Advisor(s)). If necessary, a meeting with the current active Officer Team, a campus administrator, and/or a Regional or International Officer may be held to determine further disciplinary action for the officer in question."

Chapter 7 |Election of Officers

Section 1 In addition to meeting requirements as stated in Chapter IV, Section 3 of the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws,* all candidates for office must be members of Phi Theta Kappa, in good standing.

Section 2 Elections must be held at the meeting preceding the meeting that the position was resigned from.

Section 3 Officers shall hold office from the time of their inauguration, which shall be at the first meeting following the election, to the time of the next inauguration.

Section 4 Nominations from the floor can be made at the same meeting as the election. Votes will be collected unanimously through a paper voting poll. All voters must be present.

Section 5 The Officer Appointment cycle will be held each spring for the Executive Board of Oakland Community College’s PTK Chapter- Alpha Omicron Kappa.

Candidate Selection Process

Any PTK member in good standing, currently enrolled at OCC, and attending OCC during the next full academic year may apply for office.

Section 6 In any case, when an officer must resign his office, appointment interviews shall be held. The president shall have the power to make a temporary appointment at his/her discretion until an election can be held. If the officer position is unable to be filled then duties will be shared by the officer team.

CHAPTER 8 | Standing Committee

Section 1 Standing committees are permitted to be created to help execute successful events/meetings.

Section 2 Duties and responsibilities:

1. Responsible for setting up / decorating for events and meetings at their respective campus.
2. Receives directives from Director of Communication.
3. Assist with social media, website, digital boards and other sources of marketing and communication.
4. Helps with the recruitment and retention of membership at their respective campus location
5. Representative from committee responsible for attending officer meetings to report out any progress or updates on any/all campuses
6. In the absence of a Campus Ambassador, the other CA’s will share the responsibilities of the empty role.

CHAPTER 9 | Meetings

Section 1 Meetings must be held at least once a month. All changed meeting dates will be posted to the public.

Section 2 All business meetings will follow the general agenda:

Order of Business

call to order
roll call
previous meetings minutes
officer reports
old business
new business
announcements/reminders
general member comments
adjournment

Section 3 A quorum shall consist of a simple majority (over 50%) of officers excluding officers excused for other school functions, must be present before any official meeting can be called to order.

Section 4 Special committee meetings shall be called by the chairman of said committee. Procedures at such meetings are left to the discretion of the chairman. Reports outreach meeting shall be given to the members at the following chapter meeting.

Section 5 Absences must be notified prior to event or meeting and excused by advisor.

Chapter 10 Finances

Section 1 Finances for this chapter will be raised by projects voted on by a majority vote of the officers.

Section 2 Payment of the International Membership fee must be received before members can be inducted.

Section 3 Disbursement vouchers must be submitted with supporting invoices and/or statements attached to the original invoice.

Section 4 Financial records of the chapter shall be annually audited by the advisor.

Chapter 11 | Amendments and Revisions

Section 1 The chapter bylaws may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been presented at a previous meeting. Any changes to the bylaws must be sent to Headquarters for final approval.

ARTICLE XV—Amendments

The Chapter Bylaws may be amended at any time in the following manner:

1. A detailed proposed change to the Bylaws must be submitted to the Dean of Student Engagement and Advisors by any active member or officer at least one week prior to the actual voting day.
2. A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote by all of the members, in attendance (at that meeting) shall approve the amendment.
3. Upon final approval, from Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters, the amendment shall be added to the Bylaws and then the new version must be distributed via e-mail to all the officers.
4. Amendments may also be added at the discretion of the Advisor(s)s to reflect matters relating to OCC policy.