Sample Local Constitution

The purpose of this, the Chapter of ALPHA PSI OMEGA is to stimulate interest in theatre activities at __________________ (college or university) and to secure for the college/university all the advantages and mutual helpfulness provided by a large national honor society. By electing students to membership the society provides a reward for their participation in theatre activities of the college/university. The chapter is not intended to take the place of any existing theatre organization.

Section 1. To be eligible for membership in this chapter of ALPHA PSI OMEGA the student must be regularly enrolled in this college or university.

Section 2. After meeting the requirements of the National Constitution, the local chapter may establish higher or additional criteria for eligibility.

Section 3. Honorary membership may be bestowed on persons who have made special continued contributions to the theatre program of a particular college or university after approval from the National Office.

Section 1. Candidates will be elected to membership by the active membership of their chapter.

Section 1. The officers of this chapter will be the President, Vice-President, and Business Manager. (Additional officers may be specified as need demands – many chapters have Secretaries, Historians, and/or Parliamentarians, for example).

Section 2. The President will call meetings, preside at all meetings, appoint committees, and provide general supervision of the affairs of the society in consultation with the Faculty Sponsor.

Section 3. The Vice-President will assist the President and assume the responsibilities of the President in case of his/her absence.

Section 4. It will be the duty of the Business Manager to collect all dues and assessments of members; to pay bills sanctioned by the society; to keep an account of all receipts and expenditures (with the assistance of the Vice-President); to keep and read minutes of meetings; and report on the financial status of the chapter at each regular meeting. (Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.)

Section 1. Officers for the following year will be elected at a regular spring meeting and formally installed by the incumbent officers.

Section 2. Officers will be elected by a majority vote of the chapter.

Section 3. If officers do not return to school, new officers will be elected to fill the vacancies at the next meeting.

Section 1. There will be at least one regular meeting of the chapter each term.

Section 2. Special meetings may be called at any time by the President or at the request of the Faculty Sponsor.

Section 3. A Quorum will consist of a majority of the chapter’s active membership.

Section 1. One-time national dues with induction report must be paid to the National Office within two weeks of the induction.

Section 2. In addition to the required national dues, the chapter may require any local dues as deemed necessary or appropriate.

Section 3. Each inductee may be required by their chapter to purchase an ALPHA PSI OMEGA pin.

Section 4. Special assessments may be levied on members only by a two-thirds vote of the active membership.

Section 1. The standing committees of the chapter will be:

• (a) Executive Committee. This committee will be composed of the elected officers and the Faculty Sponsor. This committee will handle all minor business arising between meetings.
• (b) Induction Committee. The Faculty Sponsor and President will confer and appoint this committee, which is the chapter induction team for conducting the induction ceremony.
• (c) Each chapter will encourage formation of an alumni chapter among graduates and former members of the chapter as appropriate.
• (d) Other standing committees may be appointed as deemed necessary.

Section 1. The articles of this constitution may be amended, revised, or altered in whole or in part at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members of the chapter, provided such amendment and a notice of the proposed vote is given to each member in writing at least one week prior to the vote.

Section 1. Additional by-laws may be adopted at any meeting by a two-thirds vote of the active membership.

Section 2. The chapter will keep an accurate record of each member with accomplishments in the field of the theatre.

Section 3. Each chapter will submit to the National Business Manager (who edits the annualPlaybill) the following: university name, city, state; chapter name; season for the current year; list of chapter officers; list of faculty and staff; list of cast, tech crew, director for each photograph submitted, and the annual production photographs for inclusion in Playbill at the discretion of the National Business Manager.