Constitution of Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) [supplement to existing Bylaws]

Purpose: Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) is the International Hospitality Honor Society. ESD is a national organization, and currently found in fifty higher education institutions worldwide that have hospitality (includes tourism, events as well) programs. The Cyclone Chapter was created by Dr. Robert H. Bosselman (chair of Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management) in 2009. Bylaws were prepared and reviewed by the Board of Governors of ESD, and the Cyclone Chapter was granted active status. ESD is a student organization within the Hospitality Management Program, and the Events Management Program in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management (AESHM).

Statement of Compliance: Eta Sigma Delta abides by and supports Iowa State University policies, State and Federal Laws and follows local ordinances and regulations. ESD agrees to annually complete President’s Training, Treasurer’s Training and Advisor Training (if required).

Non-Discrimination Statement/Equal Opportunity: Iowa State University and Eta Sigma Delta do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or status as a U.S. veteran.

Membership: Membership is open to ALL registered students in good standing at Iowa State University. ESD is an honor society. Membership qualifications include junior and above status in events management or hospitality management degree program (culinary science majors may also be considered), and a grade point average greater than 3.00.

Risk Management: A member of ESD will be designated Risk Management Officer. The role of the Risk Management Officer is to recommend risk management policies or procedures to Eta Sigma Delta, to submit documentation to ISU’s Risk Management Office, and to ensure that Risk Management procedures are implemented at all ESD events.

Officers: In following national ESD standards, the Cyclone Chapter has a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President serves as executive officer, leads all meetings, and represents the chapter at any industry events (example: International Hotel Show in NYC; National Restaurant Show in Chicago). The Vice-President assists the President and serves in their capacity if the President is absent. The Secretary serves as the recorder for all ESD events, and communicates to the membership. The Treasurer maintains financial records. The Cyclone Chapter holds annual elections, and each officer serves during that academic year. Elections are held during the last meeting of each spring semester. Balloting is by paper (a secret ballot), and majority vote recipient is elected. If only one candidate for an office is nominated, election may be acclamation. An officer may be removed from office for failure to fulfill their respective duties. The membership would vote on removal from office, and 2/3 of the membership must vote for removal. The officer is not allowed to speak at the meeting, nor vote. An appeal may be submitted to the national ESD Board of Governors. Should an office be vacated in the academic year an election will be held at the next meeting, and will follow secret ballot noted above. All officers of ESD must meet the following academic requirements: a) Be in good standing with the university and enrolled: at least half-time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) during the term of office, and at least half time (four or more credits), if a graduate level student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement) during their term of office. b) Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as stated below and meet that minimum GPA in the semester immediately prior to the election, the semester of election and semesters during the term of office. For undergraduate the minimum cumulative GPA is 3.00, for graduate students the minimum GPA is 3.50. In order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (half-time credits) must have been taken for the semester under consideration. c) Be ineligible to hold an office should the student fail to maintain the requirements as prescribed in a) and b).

Advisor: The ESD faculty advisor must be a member of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE). ICHRIE is the parent organization for ESD, and is the largest association of professionals in the field of hospitality and tourism education. The faculty advisor supervises and counsels ESD students in activities. The advisor prepares an annual report for the ESD Board of Governors. The current advisor (Dr. Bosselman) was self-appointed. Dr. Bosselman has been active with ESD for over 25 years, and felt he was the best individual to initiate the Cyclone Chapter. As department chair, the practice followed for all student organizations in our department is that the advisor is appointed by the chair. The chair knows each faculty member’s responsibilities and expertise, and can make the best decision as to who is best suited for advisor roles. Once appointed, the advisor serves until they request removal, or the students request a different advisor.

Finances: To become a member of ESD, a one-time dues payment of $30 is payable to ICHRIE. There are no additional dues, and once an individual has been inducted into ESD, they are always a member. All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a bank account established for this organization at the Campus Organizations Accounting Office and/or approved institution/office (must receive authorization via Campus Organizations Accounting Office). All funds must be deposited within 48 hours or two business days after collection. The Advisor to this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment.

Amendments: Amendments must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Cyclone Chapter membership.