Article I. Name
The name of this organization shall be the SOU Chemistry Club (SOU Chem Club) Chapter of Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society.
Article II. Objects
The objects of this Chapter shall be to afford an opportunity for students of a chemical science to become better acquainted, to secure the intellectual stimulation that arises from professional association, to obtain experience in preparing and presenting technical material before chemical audiences, to foster a professional spirit among the members, to instill a professional pride in the chemical sciences, and to foster an awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of the modern chemist.
Article III. Membership
The membership of this organization shall be composed of Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society and Associate Members of the American Chemical Society. Students who are not ACS Student Affiliates or Associate Members may be chapter members but may not hold office.
Article IV. Officers
The officer of this Chapter shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, who shall constitute the Executive Committee. The officers shall be elected at the first meeting in September from nominees chosen by previous club members who are ACS Student Affiliates. They shall take office in September and shall hold office for one year or until their successors are duly elected.
Article V. Duties of Officers
President
Chapter presidents must realize that the organization of the chapter ultimately rests on their shoulders. This position provides the president with an opportunity to develop strong leadership and administrative skills. At the beginning of a term, the president should ask these questions: what is the president’s role? How can the talents of the officers and members be used most effectively? What kind of assistance and guidance will be required from the faculty advisor? (A close liaison between the officers and the faculty advisor is essential.)
The chapter president acts as the primary coordinator for all chapter activities, and is expected to:
• Prepare and distribute the agenda for each meeting;
• Learn and enforce parliamentary procedures;
• Preside at all meetings and chapter functions;
• Conduct regular meetings with the officers and the advisor;
• Coordinate the membership recruitment campaign;
• Plan the chapter’s calendar year;
• Establish committees and appoint chairs to carry out assignments;
• Monitor the progress of activities;
• Encourage cooperation and participation of chapter members;
• Be available to listen to problems, suggestions, and complaints of chapter members;
• File the chapter’s annual report; and,
• Represent the chapter at special university or community events.
Vice President /ICC Representative
The vice president acts for the president when the president is unavailable for chapter activities. The vice president should help oversee committees and generally share the workload of the president. The vice president often serves as program chair. The vice president is also the club’s Inter-Council Committee (ICC) representative. She shall attend all ICC meetings and prepare all ICC documents and reports.
Secretary
The secretary is expected to:
• Record the minutes of all meetings;
• Compile the membership roster;
• List committee assignments;
• Compile calendars of activities;
• Handle chapter correspondence;
• Maintain the club's website; and,
• Submit an organized set of chapter records to the faculty advisor at the end of the year.
Treasurer
The treasurer’s job involves basic financial management. Sound financial skills and accountability are essential. The treasurer should prepare a tentative budget at the beginning of the chapter year or at the end of the prior year. Often, the treasurer or president must attend student senate meetings, especially when activity budgets are discussed.
The treasurer must keep a balanced checkbook, report present income and project future income, record all cash advances, and handle reimbursements. The treasurer should submit all financial statements to the chapter president at the end of the year.
Article VI. Faculty Advisor
The Chapter at its annual election shall elect as its Faculty Advisor a faculty member who is a member of the American Chemical Society, whose duties shall be to advise the Chapter both in its local activities and in its relations with the Society. The Advisor shall be kept informed of all Chapter activities and shall advise the Chapter on any policy matters.
Article VII. Meetings
Regular meetings shall be held every Friday. Special events may be arranged through the Executive Committee. There shall be at least four activities per year.
Article VIII. Annual Reports
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members, provided that the amendments shall have been proposed at least one meeting previous to the time of voting. Such amendments shall confirm to the ACS regulations established for Student Affiliates Chapters.
