! Upsilon Tau Epsilon Chapter Bylaws Chi Sigma Iota was established to recognize and promote excellence in the profession of counseling as defined by our national accreditation standards. Its resources and talents are dedicated to those who have chosen professional counseling as a career. All specialties of counseling are a part of the Society's mission to promote excellence. Our membership comes through campus-based, active chapters of the Society. It is through the good work and efforts of the chapters that members find meaning in the CSI experience. Article 1 Name and Purposes 1.1 This organization shall be called Upsilon Tau Epsilon Chapter of CHI SIGMA IOTA, COUNSELING ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1.2 The purposes of the Society shall be to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, advocacy, and excellence in counseling, and to recognize high attainment in the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling. Article 2 Eligibility for Membership 2.1 The following shall be deemed eligible for nomination to membership in the Society through endorsement of the chapter: 2.1.1 Students: Those students who are enrolled in counselor education programs leading to graduate degrees (Master's, specialist, or doctorate). 2.1.1.1 Students shall have completed the equivalent of at least one full academic term (nine credit hours) of counseling courses carrying approved graduate credit as defined by the institution and are deemed promising for endorsement as a professional counselor whose ethical judgment and behavior will be exemplary. 2.1.1.2 Students must have maintained an overall scholastic grade point average of 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 system), or the equivalent, at time of application. 2.1.2. Faculty: Eligible faculty membership shall consist of individuals who hold a terminal degree (Ph.D./Ed.D.) in Counselor Education. They should have given evidence of distinguished scholarship and professional service to the profession of counseling or by a pattern of activities of scholarship and service which is deemed indicative of such 1!|!Page! ! ! for continued future contributions. 2.1.2.1 Eligible faculty members must have maintained an overall scholastic average of 3.5 or better (4.0 system) or the equivalent while enrolled in their counselor education program (preferably CACREP accredited). 2.1.2.2 Faculty members must be National Certified Counselors (NCC's), board eligible with the National Board of Certified Counselors NBCC) or equivalent state counselor credentialing body, Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC's), or graduates of CACREP counselor education accredited programs, or be credentialed by comparable standards as determined by the CSI Executive Council. To qualify as an accredited program, the accreditation must have been granted prior to the graduation of the candidate. 2.1.3 Alumni: The following shall be deemed eligible for alumni membership in the Society: (1) Those individuals elected into the Society while they were students and, (2) those individuals elected into membership after graduation because membership into the Society was not available while they were students in the University of Texas-El Paso nationally accredited counselor education program. 2.1.3.1 Alumni members must be National Certified Counselors (NCC's), board eligible with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) or equivalent state counselor credentialing body, Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC's), or graduates of CACREP or CORE counselor education accredited programs, or be credentialed by comparable standards as determined by the CSI Executive Council. To qualify as an accredited program, the accreditation must have been granted prior to the graduation of the candidate. 2.2 Chi Sigma Iota Upsilon Tau Epsilon does not discriminate against qualified members of the University on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex gender, age, marital status, ability, veteran status, and abides by the Non-Discrimination Policy set in place by the University of Texas at El Paso and the UT System. Article 3 Initiation 3.1 Notice of selection for membership shall be made in writing by the chapter President to each nominee. 3.2 Candidates for membership shall be initiated by taking the formal oath of membership administered by the chapter, using procedures established by the Society at least annually. 3.2.1 There shall be an installation of members at least once each year. 3.3 A membership certificate and pin shall be presented to each member to be displayed in recognition of meeting or exceeding the high standards of the Society. 2!|!Page! ! ! 3.3.1 Initiation is required for active membership of the Upsilon Tau Epsilon Chapter. Initiation and oath taking are essential and a required part of becoming a member. 3.3.2 If any candidate for membership is unable to attend the induction ceremony, they shall be given an opportunity to attend the next induction ceremony to be officially inducted into the organization chapter. Article 4 Active Membership 4.1 Participation in the initiation ceremony is required for full membership status that includes the ability to participate in voting on chapter activities, agendas and other initiatives. 4.1.2. Members shall attend at least two general meetings and two volunteer and/or community service events per semester (fall and spring), in order to receive honor chords at time of graduation. Attendance is monitored at each event and the master list of active members is kept by the secretary Article 5 Chapter Officers and Responsibilities 5.1 Chapter officers shall consist of an Executive Board. The Executive Board includes the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Representative. 5.1.1 Officer term will be one year May 1st-April 30th year. 5.2 The Executive Board shall create new committees as needed for the chapter. Approval of new positions shall be based on a two-thirds affirmative vote of all members present. 5.3 The President shall perform all duties as usually pertain to the office of President. President will organize, plan and lead to ensure the perpetuation and overall success of the chapter. Work with the Chapter Advisor to plan a calendar of activities for the upcoming year. Plan regular meeting and prepare agendas for the officers; delegate responsibilities as necessary. Coordinate the planning and the implementation of the New Member Recognition Event. Ensure that the chapter meets minimum Chapter Standards and achieves the chapter’s targeted performance level. 3!|!Page! ! ! 5.4 Vice President will fulfill President’s duties in the absence of the President and assists President in the completion of duties as needed. Coordinate executive board and committees to promote awareness of Chi Sigma Iota on campus with key constituencies (members, Honorary Members & campus VIPs, prospective members) – particularly targeting eligible students during the annual Membership Drive. Ensure that the chapter meets minimum Chapter Standards and achieves the chapter’s targeted performance level. ! 5.5 Treasurer will manage all financial transactions of the chapter with guidance from the chapter Advisor. Receive and distribute chapter funds. Work with the President and Advisor to prepare an accurate budget for the chapter within one month of the new academic year. Balance the chapter account and report to the chapter and Advisor at least once a month. 5.6 The Secretary shall keep and distribute the minutes of meetings, correspond with Headquarters through the Chapter Faculty Advisor, and execute related duties pertaining to the officer as assigned by the Executive Committee including maintaining appropriate records, and compiling necessary reports. 5.6.1 The Secretary, through the office of the Chapter Faculty Advisor, shall report the names and addresses of the chapter officers after each election and whenever there is a change for any reason. The Secretary shall also send an annual report and an annual plan to the Headquarters office including the chapter calendar of events, and include any other information requested or considered relevant to representing the success of the chapter in serving its membership and the purposes of the Society. 5.6.2 The Secretary in consultation with the Chapter Faculty Advisor and committee members shall submit the chapter Annual Report by April 30 each year and assist the Secretary elect to submit the Annual Plan to headquarters by September 30 each year. 5.7 Committee Representative shall be responsible for planning and coordinating at least four social activities for the chapter members per semester/term. Committee Representative shall also coordinate all publicity for chapter activities and events in cooperation with the Vice President. Committee representative shall explore any creative methods of advertising or publicity to increase awareness about Chi Sigma Iota. Committee Representative shall coordinate and implement initiatives to reach current and potential members. Promote meetings and activities to the membership and campus at- large. The Committee Representative shall also identify member interest in non- education service opportunities and network and partner with other student organizations. Chair shall also maintain members current status and will ensure that all meet membership academic standards. Committee Representative shall identify the sources of local funding and coordinate activities. Recruit fundraising volunteers from the chapter active