Our Constitution

The Honor Society chapter constitution has been paused for the time being, both as a result of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of our ongoing efforts to make Honor Society more accessible and inclusive to all members.

Given the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have had to re-evaluate and adjust our operations to ensure the safety and well-being of our members and their communities. As part of this process, we have made the decision to pause the use of the chapter constitution until further notice.

In addition to this, we are also committed to making Honor Society more inclusive and accessible to all members. By pausing the use of the chapter constitution, we are exploring new and innovative ways to engage and connect with our members in a manner that is more accessible to everyone. This will help to ensure that all members have equal opportunities to participate and benefit from the valuable resources and experiences offered by the organization.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we work through these changes, and we look forward to the day when we can resume the use of the chapter constitution in a way that is safe and inclusive for all members.

PDF Version Here

Honor Society Constitution

ARTICLE I NAME

The name of this organization shall be Honor Society (also known as HonorSociety.org), known from here as the “Society”.

ARTICLE II MISSION

The mission of the Society is to recognize student success and to empower students to achieve. The Society facilitates members to realize their highest potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and networking.

All academic institutions that support this mission may establish chapters or individual membership affiliations with the Society. Students and professionals of sound scholarship and character who support this mission may be elected to membership.

ARTICLE III MEMBERS

The Society is a membership organization, of Active Members, defined below individually as a “Member” and, collectively as the “Members”, as set forth below.

Section 1. Classes of Members.

Members shall meet the following minimum criteria for membership. Any chapter, at its discretion, may establish higher criteria.

Active Members.

Members of an academic institution who pay bi-annual national dues shall be “Active Members” of the Society.

Collegiate Members.

“Collegiate Members” shall be students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at the time of initiation.

Professional Members.

Alumni of collegiate chapters shall be “Professional Members.” Additionally, an individual who has made a distinctive contribution to a profession may be elected to become a Professional Member of an Alumni chapter in their geographic area despite not being an alumnus of that collegiate chapter.

Section 2. Membership in the Society.

Membership in the Society is open to qualified candidates including persons with any disability, without regard to age, color, gender, national origin, race, religion, and/or sexual orientation.

The Society does not discriminate against qualified members on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, ability, or veteran status.

Section 3. Privileges of Membership.

Active Members shall have the right to participate in chapters, vote for their chapter’s Board of Executives and be elected as Board of Executive members to their chapters.

Section 4. Failure to Pay Dues.

If a Member fails to pay dues, such Member will no longer be an Active Member. A Member may be reinstated to Active Member status by payment of past due dues.

Section 5. Member Resignation.

A Member desiring to resign from the Society shall submit such resignation in writing to the Executive Director by submitting the form found at http://support.honorsociety.org/hc/en-us/requests/new.

Section 6. Reinstating Members.

Any Member having resigned from membership may be reinstated upon application and upon meeting such terms and conditions as may be established by the National Office.

Section 7. Suspension and Termination.

Membership in the Society may be suspended or terminated by the Chapter Board of Executives in consultation with the National Office or the National Office for cause. Cause for such suspension or termination of membership may be violation of this Constitution or any lawful rule or practice adopted by the Society or other conduct deemed by the Board of Executives or the National Office to be prejudicial to the best interests of the Society. A statement of the charges shall be sent by registered mail or overnight commercial courier to the last recorded address of the Member, accompanied by notice of the time and place of the meeting at which the charges are to be considered. At least thirty days’ notice shall be given, and the Member shall have the opportunity to appear in person or to be represented by counsel and to present any defense to such charges before action is taken by the Chapter Board of Executives and/or the National Office. The National Office may adopt such rules as may be necessary to assure due process to the Member. A Member suspended or terminated for just cause shall not be entitled to a refund of any dues paid.

Section 8. National Dues.

The amount of any national dues for any class of membership in the Society shall be established by the National Office. The dues must be submitted every 6 months from the time of sign up.

ARTICLE IV CHAPTER OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

Section 1: President

The President is the leader of the Society’s chapter who oversees the overall operation of the chapter. The President ensures that the chapter members are active participants and represent the Society’s core values.

The President shall:

Oversee the overall operation of the chapter.
Preside and maintain order at all meetings of the Chapter and Executive Board.
Understand expectations of officers and individual members.
Be familiar with all chapter resources, requirements and chapter documents.
Maintain communication with members and the Campus Advisor, as well as serve as a liaison to the National Office, the campus and the public.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.

Section 2: Vice President

The Vice President’s role in the chapter is to implement and oversee the Chapter Strategic Plan including Marketing and Recruitment, support the President and work with the other chapter officers.

The Vice President shall:

Implement and oversee the Chapter Strategic Plan process including Recruitment and Marketing strategies.
Work with the Executive Board in creating the Master Calendar. Make adjustments as needed, freeze the monthly calendar and distribute to the chapter and advisers as needed.
Conduct and tabulate the Chapter Survey. Share results with Executive Board.
Direct Executive Board in the creation of goals as part of the Strategic Goals Template.
Plan and conduct chapter leadership training/development.
Establish chapter committees.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.
Spearhead marketing efforts on campus to promote the organization.
Assist the President in conducting chapter meetings.

Section 3: Secretary

The Secretary’s role in the chapter is to manage internal communication, member attendance, and chapter tools and resources.

The Secretary shall:

Take attendance at chapter meetings.
Order chapter supplies, pins and regalia as needed.
Keep a file of all chapter correspondence.
Answer and send correspondence as necessary.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.

Section 4: Treasurer

The Treasurer’s role in the chapter is to manage the chapter finances and budget. The Treasurer is responsible for the overall financial health of the chapter.

The Treasurer shall:

Disburse appropriate fees to Members and the National Office.
Prepare yearly budget reports.
Educate members about financial responsibilities.
Implement and carry out proper financial procedures.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.

Section 5: Event/Programming Chair

The Event/Programming Chair’s role in the chapter is to manage chapter events and activities.

The Event/Programming Chair shall:

Plan and coordinate chapter events and activities.
Define acceptable behavior from conduct at social events to personal etiquette.
Collaborate with the Vice President Organization in planning and executing chapter events.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.
Work with the Treasurer for planning the budget for events.

Section 6: Member Success Chair

The Member Success Chair’s role is to assist the Vice President in recruiting new members and ensuring that all members of the chapter are having a positive experience during chapter meetings, events, and outside of chapter organized times.

The Member Success Chair shall:

Work with Vice President to recruit new members.
Serve as a resource for any member questions.
Work with, and delegate to, related committees.
Serve as liaison between the chapter and its advisor as well as the National Office.
Help all new members get involved in chapter activities.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.

Section 7: Community Service Chair

The Community Service Chair’s role in the chapter is to create community service programs that allow all chapter members to give back to their community through volunteered time or fundraising activities.

The Community Service Chair shall:

Plan and supervise chapter philanthropy events.
Educate the chapter prior to each event on the foundation it is benefiting.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Model the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.

Section 8: Public Relations Chair

The Public Relations Chair’s role in the chapter is to maintain the Society’s positive image on campus and to keep all members and the university’s community up to date with the Society’s news and upcoming events.

The Public Relations Chair shall:

Be in charge of all chapter specific social media. (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
Update chapter page on HonorSociety.org regularly with news and upcoming events.
Act as the steward of chapter’s positive reputation.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent what the chapter and the organization stand for to others on campus and in the community.

Section 9: Registrar

The Registrar’s role in the chapter is to maintain and track all chapter documents and to track the chapter’s history over the years.

The Registrar shall:

Serve as the chapter historian.
Maintain records of chapter membership. Document chapter successes and milestones.
Maintain/update chapter history on HonorSociety.org.
Write articles for HonorSociety.org.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.

Section 10: Faculty Relations/Success Chair

The Faculty Relations/Success Chair’s role in the chapter is to maintain a positive relationship with the university’s faculty and to ensure there is communication between the chapter and university officials.

The Faculty Relations/Success Chair shall:

Serve as liaison between the chapter and its advisor as well as the National Office.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.

Section 11: Career and Benefits Chai

The Career and Benefits chair’s role in the chapter is to provide the chapter members with career advancement resources and tools. The Chair will also be responsible for keeping members up to date with the latest benefits and scholarships available to them through the Society.

The Career and Benefits Chair shall:

Know the benefit and scholarship opportunities and teaches members how to apply for these.
Updates students on new benefits and scholarships available.
Organize career events with the Event/Programming Chairman.
Serve as a role model to the rest of the chapter.
Represent the values of the chapter to others on campus and in the community.

ARTICLE V BOARD OF EXECUTIVES GUIDELINES

Section 1. Election.

Officers shall be elected by ballot. Each Active Member shall be eligible to run and to vote. Intent to run must be submitted to the sitting President. Chapter elections shall take place two months before the end of the year at a chapter meeting. If Members cannot be present for voting, they may submit electronically through email to the President. Completed ballots shall be tallied by sitting Board of Executives. The new Board of Executives shall be announced at the last Chapter meeting by the sitting board and turnover procedures will take place.

Section 2. Eligibility.

No Member shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. A Member having served more than half a term shall be deemed to have served a full term. The term of office shall begin on January 1 immediately following the election.

Section 3. Officer Removal.

Any elected Board of Executives officer may be removed for cause. Cause for such removal may be violation of this Constitution or any lawful rule, practice, or procedure adopted by the Society or other conduct deemed by the National Office to be prejudicial to the best interest of the Society. For removal of an elected Board of Executives officer for cause, it shall be necessary for the Chapter Board of Executives in consultation with the National Office to hold a formal hearing. A statement of the charges shall be sent by registered mail to the last recorded address of the officer/Student Board Member, accompanied by notice of the time and place of the meeting at which the charges are to be considered. At least thirty days’ notice shall be given, and the officer/Student Board Member shall have the opportunity to appear in person or to be represented by counsel and to present any defense to such charges before action is taken. The Chapter Board of Executives in consultation with the National Office shall adopt such rules as may be necessary to assure due process to the officer/Student Board Member.

Section 4. Compensation.

No Member other than a Society employee shall receive compensation for service to the Society, unless specifically authorized by the Board of Directors and the National Office by way of the Executive Director.

Section 5. Expenses.

In consultation with the National Office, the Board of Executives may authorize reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties for the Society and prescribe procedures for approval and payment of such expenses.

ARTICLE VI  CHAPTER MEETINGS

Section 1. Chapter Meetings.

The meeting of the Society shall be known as Chapter Meetings; chapter meetings shall be held at a time and place the Chapter Board of Executives, in conjunction with the school, shall determine and at which time the Chapter shall meet. All meetings (other than chapter meetings) may take place electronically.

Section 2. Policy-Making.

The National Office staff shall be the policy-making body of the Society, subject to this Constitution and the laws of the State of Nevada.

ARTICLE VII  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Executive Director shall serve under the direction of the Board of Directors as the chief executive officer of the Society. The Executive Director shall implement policies and programs; be responsible for relations with chapters, Members, and external groups; supervise and manage the offices of the Society and engage all employees; serve as custodian of properties, deeds, records, and archives belonging to the Society and hold, invest, and disburse monies according to policies established by the National Office; provide leadership for long-range planning; and serve as Editor of Society publications.

ARTICLE VIII CHAPTERS

Section 1. Collegiate Chapters.

A. A chapter of the Society may be established in any academic institution in the United States of America and its territories. The institution shall be fully accredited by its regional accrediting agency, and the program shall meet uniform criteria determined by the National Office.

B. A chapter-at-large may be established by two or more institutions such that the institutions are located close enough in distance that a joint chapter is feasible and provided that, other than the size of the program, each institution is qualified to be a collegiate chapter.

C. A person or group desiring a charter for a collegiate chapter shall petition the National Office. The petition shall be approved by upper the National Office first and then the appropriate department of the pending chapters institution. The National Office will work to aid the pending chapter in getting recognized by their institution until the process is complete.

Section 2. Alumni Chapters.

A. An alumni chapter may be established in a geographic locality. Professional Members who cannot participate in a collegiate or alumni chapter may belong to a national alumni chapter.

B. At least fifteen Professional Members of the Society living in a geographic area and desiring to form an alumni chapter may petition the National Office for a charter. Upon approval of their aims and proposed program, the National Office may grant a charter.

Section 3. Chapters in Good Standing.

To be considered a chapter in good standing, a chapter shall comply with the Constitution, shall meet uniform criteria determined by the National Office, shall have filed all required reports with the Executive Director and Director of Chapters, and shall be current in all financial obligations to the Society. The National Office shall apply uniform criteria to determine those chapters which are not in good standing.

Section 4. Chapters Not in Good Standing.

A. A chapter shall be declared inactive by the National Office in the event that (1) the institution at which the chapter is located fails to meet the requirements listed in Section 1 of this Article or (2) the chapter requests inactive status.

B. A chapter may be placed on probation by the National Office if it fails to meet the criteria for a chapter in good standing for two consecutive years.

C. A chapter may be suspended for cause by the National Office. Sufficient cause for such suspension may be violation of this Constitution or any lawful rule or procedure adopted by the Society. Due notice shall be given by the National Office to the chapter in question by registered mail or electronic mail, and reasonable opportunity shall be allowed for the chapter to meet the requirements or correct infractions before final action to suspend is taken.

Section 5. Number of Meetings.

Each chapter shall hold a minimum of 8 chapter meetings to be held during the year. 1 meeting per semester may be hosted virtually.

Section 6. Chapter Roles.

A chapter must have at least three elected officers representing the functions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer if there are not enough members to fill every role on the Board of Executives.

Section 7. Collegiate Chapter Names.

Chapter names shall be designated according to the Greek alphabet in order of chartering by the National Office.

Section 8. Alumni Chapter Names.

Alumni chapter names shall be chosen by the Members of the chapter with geographical location taken into account.

Section 9. Election of Members.

Nominations of chapter Members shall comply with the Society’s guidelines. Nominations of Professional Members to a chapter may be made by either a collegiate or an alumni chapter. Election shall be by a two-thirds vote of the chapter or by mail ballots returned by a date clearly specified on the ballot.

ARTICLE IX LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

At the conclusion of the term of office, each former Board of Executive member shall become a member of the “Leadership Council.” The Leadership Council shall recognize the contribution of Board of Executive members and shall have such other duties as may be determined by the National Office.

ARTICLE X PUBLICATIONS

Section 1. Official Publication.

The official publication of the Society shall be called "Elevate". It shall be published and distributed regularly as a refereed journal and a communication link to the Society.

Section 2. Additional Publications.

Additional publications may be authorized by the National Office.

ARTICLE XI AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION

Section 1. Amendment Submission.

Any member of the Society may submit to the National Office a proposal of an amendment to the constitution. The National Office will be approved by a two-thirds vote conducted by the National Office.

Section 2. Chapter Amendments.

If an amendment is requested by a member of a collegiate or alumni chapter and is not approved, it will be reviewed for approval into that chapter’s by laws.