Constitution of The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Texas Tech University Student Chapter

ARTICLE I

Name of Organization

The name of this organization shall be The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers-Texas Tech Student Chapter.

ARTICLE II

Purpose/Objective

The purpose of this student chapter, being founded in June 1990, is to:

1. Increase the number of Hispanic engineering students at Texas Tech University.

2. Promote the advancement of Hispanic engineers and scientists in employment and education.

3. Develop and participate in programs with industry and the university which benefits students seeking technical degrees.

4. Improve the retention of Hispanic students enrolled in engineering and science.

5. Provide a forum for the exchange of technical information among Hispanic engineering/science students enrolled at Texas Tech University.

6. Promote self-respect and self-sufficiency among Hispanics as professionals in science and engineering.

7. Promote excellence and pride among Hispanic engineers and scientists.

8. Promote fellowship and communication between upper level students and incoming freshmen and transfer students.

ARTICLE III

Association

Section 1. Affiliation

The Lubbock Student Chapter will be an affiliated chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Inc. (SHPE Inc.). The organization possesses the right to adopt its own rules and procedure within the framework of SHPE's Inc. Rules and regulations and Texas Tech University's rules and regulations. This student chapter will be part of the "local" as defined by the regional vice-president and the local professional chapter presidents.

Section 2. Non-discrimination

No person shall be denied membership in this organization because of race, color, sex, handicap, nationality, religious affiliation or belief, despite the name of Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

ARTICLE IV

Membership

Section 1. Undergraduate Student Membership

An undergraduate student member shall be any student pursuing Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Science or mathematics based science Degree. Undergraduate student members must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to retain their membership in SHPE.

Section 2. Post-Baccalaureate Membership

A post-baccalaureate member must be a full-time student pursuing an advanced degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Science or mathematics based science.

Section 3. Associate Student Membership

An associate student member shall be any student pursuing a non-technical degree. Associate student members must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to retain their membership in SHPE.

Section 4. Member Point System

A member point system may be used to help determine and promote a high level of student involvement with the chapter. A maximum of one point shall be given for attendance and/or participation in meetings, social events, and community service projects. A maximum of one additional point may be given for inviting another person to attend and/or participate provided the person accepts the invitation and attends and/or participates in the aforementioned events.

ARTICLE V

Officers

Officers shall consist of a President, External Vice President, Internal Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Internal Representative, Webmaster, Internal Mentor, External Mentor, and Moderator. The term of office shall be one semester. Officers of SHPE are required to attend all meetings and may be absent from no more than two meetings to retain their position in SHPE.

Section 1. President

The President shall represent the chapter and be responsible for all business concerning the chapter. The President shall have full power in the management and business of the chapter and shall see and establish all policy of the chapter and/or other functions or activities under the direction of the chapter. The President shall also be the official spokesperson for the chapter, manage the other operating officers and manage the day-to-day affairs of the chapter.

Section 2. External Vice President

The External Vice President shall assist the President in all business concerning the chapter and shall act as President Pro Tem in the latter's absence. The External Vice President will also be in charge of the external affairs of the chapter (industrial relations, company tours, guest speakers, etc.).

Section 3. Internal Vice President

The Internal Vice President shall assist the President and External Vice President in all business concerning the chapter. The Internal Vice President shall also be in charge of the internal affairs of the chapter (campus relations, social activities, fund raising events, community service, etc.).

Section 4. Secretary

The Secretary will take the minutes of the meeting and post them. The Secretary will also be in charge of the records of the chapter. He/she will be responsible for registering the organization with the university each academic year and for tallying election votes. The Secretary shall also be responsible for recording and reporting to members the number of points they have received and for what activities.

Section 5. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall maintain records on money received or disbursed. The Treasurer shall make quarterly financial reports listing all liabilities and assets of the organization to the entire SHPE membership. It will be the Treasurer's responsibility to present annual budget and complete financial reports to the entire SHPE membership.

Section 6. Internal Representative (SOAC Representative)

This Representative will assist the Internal Vice President in internal affairs and will also attend SOAC meetings required by the University.

Section 7. Webmaster

The Webmaster shall maintain the chapter website by posting upcoming events and news for members. The Webmaster shall also assist the other officers as required.

Section 8. Internal Mentor

The Internal Mentor shall act as liaison to the college of engineering and a personal advisor to the members.

Section 9. External Mentor

The External Mentor shall work towards the formation, maintenance, and advising of any Junior SHPE chapters in the area. The Mentor shall work, at the behest of SHPE, with other organizations which help support the goals of SHPE. The Mentor shall assist other officers as needed.

Section 10. Moderator

The Moderator shall maintain a working knowledge of the National SHPE By-Laws, chapter constitution, and University policy with regard to students and student organizations as well as maintaining and making amendments to the local constitution as requested by the president or membership. The Moderator shall act as student advisor to the officers and members on matters pertaining to the above mentioned items. The Moderator shall also be able to inform officers or members of potential disciplinary action if national or local SHPE or University policy is violated. In addition the Moderator shall preside over officer elections using an accepted Parliamentary-type procedure. The Moderator shall assist other officers as needed.

Section 11. Chairs/Committees

Chairs and Committees may be created as needed, to be supervised by the corresponding officer. The majority must vote for a chair or committee before preceding the action, in which the chair or committee has been created.

ARTICLE VI

Elections/Voting

Section 1. Nominations

1.1 Nominations shall be held by the last meeting of the long semester.

1.2 Any regular member in good academic standing is eligible for nomination. All nominations must be seconded.

1.3 Candidates may be obtained for more than one office, and may also run for more than one office.

1.4 No executive officers, who include the president, vice president, and treasurer, may hold a higher office in another organization.

Section 2. Voting

2.1 Elections shall be held by the last meeting of the semester and immediately following the nominations.

2.2 All regular members of SHPE are eligible to vote.

2.3 Voting shall be conducted by a show of hands. A winning vote shall constitute a simple majority of the eligible voters present.

2.4 Nominated persons must be present at the elections to be elected for office, unless a written request has been submitted at least two weeks prior to the election meeting.

2.5 The Secretary shall be responsible for tallying and recording votes if he/she is not being re-elected otherwise, any other outgoing officer shall tally and record the votes.

2.5 Winning candidates shall assume office beginning on the next to last meeting of the academic year.

ARTICLE VII

Meetings

Section 1. Definition of a quorum

A quorum constitutes any number of regular members who are present.

Section 2. General Meetings

The general meetings shall be held on minimum of a bi-weekly basis.

Section 3. Election Meetings

Elections shall be held by the last meeting of the long semester.

ARTICLE VIII

Resignations and Impeachment

Section 1. Resignations

1.1 A letter of resignation shall be submitted to the President or Vice Presidents by any person willing to resign from office at least a week before the next chapter meeting.

1.2 During a meeting when a resignation is presented, nominations will be taken to fill the office. A person shall be elected by the group during the following week by a show of hands.

Section 2. Impeachment

2.1 When any member feels that an officer is not fulfilling his/her duties, he/she may call upon the rest of the officers to meet within the next week to resolve the matter.

2.2 During the impeachment proceedings the case will be presented. The officer under investigation will be given the opportunity to present his/her defense before the officers vote.

2.3 A majority of the officers will decide whether the impeachment will be carried out. A new officer will be nominated and elected as described under Article VI, Sections 1 and 2.

ARTICLE IX

Amendments of the Constitution

Amendments to this constitution shall be submitted in writing to the SHPE officers for presentation to the general body during a regular meeting. Voting on amendments shall take place the following regular meeting in which the amendment was introduced. A simple majority vote is required by the general body for an amendment to pass.