Lycoming College

The Rho Delta (ΡΔ) Chapter at Lycoming College of
Gamma Sigma Epsilon (ΓΣΕ) National Chemistry Honor Society

Gamma Sigma Epsilon is a national chemistry honor society founded in 1919 at Davidson College. The purpose of Gamma Sigma Epsilon is to “unite those men with a high scholastic grade in Chemistry, in Class A colleges, in order to foster a more comprehensive and cooperative study of that great branch of Science and its immediately allied studies”. I In 1931 the "fraternity" went co-ed and became an "honor society." Today, there are over thirty active chapters throughout the United States.

Lycoming College's Rho Delta Chapter was founded in 2002. The induction ceremony is generally held the Friday of Family Weekend each Fall semester.

2012 officers and new members of the Rho Delta Chapter of Gamma Sigma Epsilon National Chemistry Honor Society at the induction ceremony

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF

THE LYCOMING COLLEGE CHAPTER OF

GAMMA SIGMA EPSILON CHEMISTRY HONOR SOCIETY

Article 1. Name

This organization shall be known as the Rho Delta chapter of Gamma Sigma Epsilon, National Chemistry Honor Society, Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA

Article 2. Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be to recognize outstanding students demonstrating exceptional ability and interest in the field of chemistry .It aims to promote professionalism and scholarship in chemistry and the general welfare of its members.

Article 3. Membership

A. The following criteria shall be used as guideline requirements for membership:

1) Active membership of the Chapter shall be composed of students who have completed a minimum of 16 credit-hours in chemistry. These students must have a declared major or minor in the field with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all chemistry courses and at least a 3.0 overall grade point average.

2) Transfer students shall be eligible for membership after one semester at Lycoming College in which they have taken one chemistry course (if they also meet the requirements for membership in Article 3, section A, 1).

3) Sophomores who are outstanding in chemistry and who will complete the requirements for membership by the end of that academic year may be nominated for membership.

4) A graduating senior whose academic record in chemistry is satisfactory for the preceding year, but whose overall scholastic average is slightly below that required for membership, may be elected to membership by special recommendation of Chemistry faculty and majority vote of the Chapter members.

5) Outstanding alumni and faculty may be elected to membership as "Honorary Members".

6) Candidates for membership must present a letter of recommendation from at least one chemistry faculty member (or shall be recommended for membership by a chemistry faculty member).

B. Election of Members:

1) Candidates nominated for membership shall be chosen once a year (or once a semester, upon decision of the officers).

2) Candidates for membership shall receive a written invitation to become a member of the local chapter and must declare theirintentions to accept or decline in writing.

3) Prior to the election of new members, the Recorder (secretary) shall present a list of all candidates who have been nominated and who meet the requirements of Article 3, Section A.

4) A candidate must receive a majority vote of a Quorum of 50% of the current active members present at the meeting called for the purpose of electing new members.

C. Continuation of Membership

1) Continued membership is contingent upon favorable academic performance. To remain in active status, a member must maintain a 3.0 GPA both overall and in chemistry.

2) To retain active status, a member must attend at least one meeting each semester. An inactive member will regain active status upon attending two consecutive meetings.

3) Members of the local chapter who are found guilty of conduct unworthy of the high standards of the Society by majority action of the local chapter members may be recommended to the National Executive Council for expulsion.

Article 4. Officers

A. The officers of the society and their duties shall be the following:

1) The Grand Alchemist (or President) shall preside at all meetings, shall appoint all committees, and act as an ex- officio member of those committees.

2) The Alchemist's Apprentice (or Vice-President) shall preside over meetings in the absence of the Grand Alchemist, and shall plan programs in conjunction with the Faculty Advisor and other officers.

3) The Recorder or Keeper of the Formulas (or Secretary) shall keep all records and papers pertinent to the chapter including minutes of meetings, roll of members, list of eligible perspective members, all correspondences, and an annual historical account of the chapter's activities.

4) The Keeper of the Solvents (or Treasurer) shall be responsible for the funds and finances of the chapter.

5) The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be responsible for maintaining order during meetings and chapter functions.

B. The election of officers shall be by secret ballot at the last meeting of the academic year or no later than the first meeting(s) of the new

year.

C. If the office of Grand Alchemist should become vacant, the duties of that office shall be assumed by the Alchemist's Apprentice. Special elections shall be held to fill all other un-expired terms of officers, which become vacant for any reason. The Recorder shall advise all members of the intended special election at least one week in advance of the date set for the election.

Article 5. Meetings

A. Meetings shall be held at the call of the officers, members, or Faculty Advisor whenever necessary for the purpose of conducting business, for election of new members, or for special programs, but not less than once per semester.

B. A quorum consisting of 50% of the active membership shall be required to conduct business.

Article 6. Finances

Each new member, at the time of pledging, shall pay the initiation fee required by the National Office plus a one-time local chapter fee of $15.00. Other special assessments may be made by a majority vote of the members.

Article 7. Amendments

A. Amendments to these Bylaws must be presented at a regular meeting of the chapter and shall be voted on at the next regular meeting. Amendments must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the active members of the chapter. It is the duty of the Recorder to see that all members are acquainted with the proposed amendments well in advance of the date schedules for the voting.

B. No chapter may pass a local bylaw that conflicts with the National Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.

Article 8. Jurisprudence

This chapter shall be under the direction of the Executive Council of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon national chemistry honorary .Chapter members shall uphold the high academic standards, rules, and regulations of Lycoming College. It shall be the duty of each member to participate in the activities of the local chapter and to promote among non-members the high scholastic standards necessary for membership.

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