Bylaws of Alpha Gamma Sigma

Epsilon Chapter

Fullerton College

ARTICLE I. NAME

This organization shall be known as the Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Gamma Sigma Inc., (AGS) of The California College Honor Scholarship Society.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to foster, recognize, promote, and help maintain superior scholastic achievement among Fullerton College students as well as provide students with the opportunity to serve both the college and community through different social and cultural events.

* The core mission of this chapter is to cultivate, acknowledge, and advance academic excellence among Fullerton College students. We are dedicated to providing members with a culture of servant leadership to both our campus and the broader community through social events and volunteerism.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Allowance of Members

AGS membership is structured to accommodate Fullerton College students at every phase of their college career.

Any enrolled student at Fullerton College may apply to become a member of AGS.

* Our membership is established to provide inclusivity for Fullerton College students at all stages of their academic journey. Eligibility for AGS membership is granted to any actively enrolled Fullerton College student who meets the Membership Requirements.

Section 2. Membership Requirements

  1. General Membership for each semester shall consist of a cumulative minimum college GPA of 3.0, submission of a membership form, submission of unofficial transcripts, and payment of membership dues.
  2. All qualified applicants for membership must submit a completed Membership application form, attached with the required items, to the AGS advisor.
  3. All members, except Permanent Members, shall pay membership dues each semester. The amount of the membership due shall be determined by the Executive Board and approved by the membership after consideration of the budget, prepared and presented by the Treasurer.

Section 3. Restriction on Membership

  1. In determining eligibility, units must be counted beginning with those recently completed and going back chronologically until the number of units is reached. If any units from a semester (or quarter) are used to establish eligibility, all units in graded courses and all intervening transcripts must enter the calculation of the GPA.
  2. Any courses completed within 2 or more years prior to application for permanent membership, whether at a community college or other institution, shall not be used to meet the minimum requirement of 60 units. The limit for units used in determining permanent membership shall not be more than 10 years.

Section 4. Privileges of Membership

  1.  All members shall have all rights, privileges, and duties associated with AGS and membership therein. These rights shall include the right to vote and hold elective office as well as all benefits provided in the AGS State Bylaws, except those listed herein.
  2. All initial and continuing members shall be eligible to receive scholarships given by the organization.
  3. Temporary members shall have all rights, privileges, and duties connected with the AGS and membership therein, except the right to hold executive office in the chapter, hold state office, or apply for scholarships.
  4. Students who have academic record sufficient to qualify them as Initial, Temporary, or Continuing members and who have applied for membership, participate in the chapter’s activities, and paid (if applicable) their membership dues shall be considered as voting members.
  5. Continuing Members may receive the officially adopted silver pin of the organization.
  6. Permanent Members will be given the opportunity to receive a stole upon time of graduation, receive the Alpha Gamma Sigma Permanent Membership Certificate, as well as the adopted gold pin of the organization.

ARTICLE IV. TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Temporary Membership

  1. All life members of the California Scholarship Federation who have graduated with a minimum GPA of 3.50 at the high school level shall be invited to become temporary members during their first semester in the community college. They shall have all privileges of membership, except that of holding elective office.
  2. All Temporary Members must complete a minimum of 10 service hours per semester of club activities (See Article VIII)

Section 2. Initial Membership

  1. A person may attain initial membership upon completion of at least 12 semester units or 18 quarter units of college work. There shall be a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. No units acquired more than 2 years prior to application shall be used.
  2. All Initial Members must complete a minimum of 10 service hours per semester of club activities. (See Article VIII)

Section 3. Continuing Membership

An initial or temporary member may attain status of continuing membership through the following:

  1. Achieving, for the previous semester, no less than a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in courses of recognized college standing.
  2. Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in courses of recognized college standing.
  3. Continuing members shall receive one-semester grace for every semester of earned continuing membership. There shall be no two consecutive grace periods.
  4. Any continuing member whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 shall not be eligible for any scholarship that requires academic consideration.
  5. All Continuing Members must complete a minimum of 20 service hours per semester of club-sanctioned activities and non-club activities. (See Article VIII)

Section 4. Permanent Membership

A permanent member of AGS is defined as any person who has completed a minimum of 60 semester units of college courses, with a minimum of 30 units completed at a community college. A member shall apply for permanent membership and shall meet either of the following requirements.

*A permanent member of AGS is defined as an individual who has successfully completed a minimum of 60 semester units of college courses, with at least 30 units completed at a community college. To be eligible for permanent membership, a member must meet one of the following requirements:

A person who has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in all recognized coursework and has been a member of AGS for at least one term.

OR

Any continuing member who has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better in all recognized college work and has been a member of AGS for at least two terms.

Permanent membership is not granted automatically. Student members must apply for this status through their chapter advisor(s), who determines the eligibility of applicants.

  1. All Permanent Members must complete a minimum of 10 service hours per semester of club activities.

Section 5. Alumnus Membership

Any Permanent member shall be considered an alumnus member.

Upon applying, the member must fill out the application and return it to either the Executive Board or the club Advisor. Must provide proof of permanent membership if records are not on file with AGS.

ARTICLE V. EXECUTIVE BOARD/OFFICERS

Section 1. Executive Board Requirements

The Executive Board shall consist of all elected or appointed officers and the faculty advisor(s) (non-voting). The Executive Board shall carry on all business of AGS in conformity with the policies and programs of AGS.

The Executive Officers shall include the following: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Inter-Club Council (ICC) Representative.

*The Executive Officers shall include the following:

  • Chapter President
  • Chapter Vice-President
  • Vice-President of Finance
  • Vice-President of Communications
  • Club Ambassador
  • Director of Fundraising
  • Director of Membership
  • Director of Publicity

  1. Each Officer holding an elective office may not be an executive officer of Associated Students (Student Senate).
  2. All Executive Officers are expected to attend all Executive meetings and general meetings. If a joint office is held, only one of the officers of that office is required at the general meeting, but all joint officers must attend 50% of all general meetings.
  1. The Executive Board must have at least one advisor present in all Executive Board meetings.
  1.  All Executive Officers need a minimum of 10 hours of outside activities to the club.
  2. Each officer is expected to maintain accurate records of all activities to their respective office. These records shall be kept in an organized binder and officially transferred to the successor at an orientation meeting.
  3. Each Officer is encouraged to attend the annual AGS Southern Regional Conference in the Fall semester.
  4. Each Officer is responsible for carrying out extra duties delegated by the President or Vice President pertaining to their office, which are not included in the duties of elective office.

Section 2. Roles of the Executive Board

The Chapter President shall:

  1. Be the official representative of the chapter in the state activities of Alpha Gamma Sigma, Inc.
  2. The President shall give attention to club membership, public relations, and support club functions.
  3. Maintain the bylaws of the chapter. After each state convention, the President shall see that all chapter bylaws are brought in conformity to those required by Alpha Gamma Sigma, Inc.
  4. Preside at all meetings of the chapter and the Executive Board as well as special meetings.
  5. Expand efforts in creating and seeking beneficial programs for the chapter.  
  6. Chair the review board for scholarships.
  7. Upon presiding over the meeting, abstain from all voting that occurs during the meeting.
  8. In the event of vacancies within the Executive Board, assume their charges and attend respective meetings on their behalf.
  9. Keeping members informed of any necessary recruiting or information changes and help publicize all meetings and events.

The Chapter Vice President shall:

  1. Collaborate with the President to ensure the success of club functions
  2. Resume all duties of the President in the President’s absence.
  3. Help in setting up and overseeing all community service activities.
  4. Be responsible for having a calendar prepared each semester.
  5. Keeping members informed of any necessary recruiting or information changes and help publicize all meetings and events.
  6. Keep a record of all activities during each semester.
  7. Take over the job of Secretary in the event the Secretary cannot make it in both general and executive meetings.

The Treasurer shall:

*The Vice-President of Finance shall:

  1. Keep a printed record of all financial accounts and report the financial status of the organization.
  2. Receive all monies during chapter meeting and record the names and amount on a collection sheet.
  3. Shall have all checks photocopied twice, with copies kept in the binder and in the office for permanent record.
  4. Collect assessments and contributions for any special activities.

The Secretary shall:

*The Vice President of Communications shall:

  1. Record the minutes of the general and executive board meetings.
  2. Carry on all correspondence of the organization with other chapters and the State Board.
  3. Type all necessary letters and forms at the request of any officer.
  4. Send thank you letters to all persons who have made contributions to AGS.
  5. Type an agenda and minutes from the previous meetings that is to be distributed at executive and general meetings.
  6. Maintain a list of all active members of AGS along with their information.
  7. Send out bulk emails to all club members to inform them of upcoming events and/or meetings.
  8. Assist the *Club Ambassador ICC Representative in preparing a year-end report of all Epsilon Chapter activities for the Inter-Club Council for their “Club of the Year” contest.
  9. Keeping members informed of any necessary recruiting or information changes and help publicize all meetings and events.

The Inter-Club Council Representative shall:

*The Club Ambassador shall:

  1. Be the official representative of AGS at the Inter-Club Council meeting.
  2. If not able to make it, the Club Ambassador Alternative will go in their place and report back to the executive board.
  3. Be responsible for organizing and participating in all Inter-Club Council sponsored events with the completion of filling out any necessary facility requests for meetings, club days, nightlife and any other functions sponsored by AGS.
  4. Oversee the year-end report which shall include all AGS activities that shall be submitted to the ICC for their “Club of the Year” contest.
  5. At general and executive meetings, relay the information from ICC to the members and Executive Board.
  6. Keeping members informed of any necessary recruiting or information changes and help publicize all meetings and events.

*The Director of Membership shall:

  1. Welcome and orient new members to the club, providing them with information about club activities, expectations, and benefits of membership. Ensure they feel integrated into the club's community
  2. Gather feedback from members about their experiences, expectations, and suggestions for improvement. Use this feedback to enhance the membership experience.
  3. Work with the club's leadership to create and maintain a list of benefits and incentives for club members. Highlight these benefits to attract new members and retain existing ones.
  4. Take on the responsibility for supervising, organizing, and coordinating club events in the absence of the Chapter Vice President.
  5. Collaborate closely with the Vice President to assist in preparing for club events, ensuring that all necessary arrangements, logistics, and details are thoroughly addressed for the successful execution of each event

*The Director of Fundraising shall:

  1. Receive and deposit money collected through fundraising activities.
  2. Make deposits and disbursements within Bursar’s Office and complete all necessary documents.
  3. Keeping members informed of any necessary recruiting or information changes and help publicize all meetings and events.
  4. Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy and plan that aligns with the club's goals and financial needs. This plan may include short-term and long-term fundraising goals
  5. * Take on the responsibility for maintaining financial records and collecting dues and deposits from fundraisers, events, etc.  in the absence of the Vice President of Finance.

The Historian shall:

*The Director of Publicity

  1. Be familiar with the Brown Act and inform the Executive Board, when necessary, if a rule is being violated.
  2. Update the AGS website regularly when needed.
  3. Take control of all Manage AGS social media accounts and update or post regularly when necessary.
  4. Maintain a record of all AGS events, including advertisements, posters, emails, or other announcements.
  5. Collect and keep calendars of all AGS events.
  6. Take photos of all AGS events.
  7. Keeping members informed of any necessary recruiting or information changes and help publicize all meetings and events.
  8. * Take on the responsibility of corresponding with members, community members, and organizing the AGS calendar of events in the absence of the Vice President of Communications.

The Club Advisor(s) shall:

  1. Be members of the faculty or staff of Fullerton College.
  2. Serve as the liaison between AGS and Fullerton College.
  3. Assist the treasurer with financial transactions.
  4. Attend general meetings and executive meetings of AGS.
  5. Maintain close contact with the Executive Board and ensure each officer serves their office properly.
  6. Make certain that all elected officers are acquainted with the Bylaws of the Epsilon Chapter as well as the Bylaws of the state organization of Alpha Gamma Sigma, Inc.
  7. Whenever possible, attend regularly scheduled meetings of the AGS State Advisory Board and relay information in meetings with the Executive Board and general members.
  8. Ensure that the faculty and staff are made aware of the events and activities that AGS will put on.
  9. Accompany members of the chapter to the Southern Regional Conference and/ or the State Convention.
  10. Attend all off campus events that the chapter puts on *hosted by the chapter
  11. Collect Permanent membership applications and ensure that each applicant is qualified and subsequently present an official certificate and gold pin to each one that qualifies.
  12. Report to Admissions and Records the names and Student I.D. numbers of all members who have met the qualifications for membership during the semester. Also, report the names of all new Permanent Members of AGS so that the membership can be recorded on their transcripts.
  13. If unable to continue as advisor, find a replacement advisor that will carry on the duties as Club Advisor.

Section 3. Eligibility Requirements

The requirement for elective and appointive officers should meet all of the following:

  1. Must be enrolled in a minimum of five units.
  2. Must not be on disciplinary or academic probation.
  3. Must meet requirements during the semester of candidacy.
  4. Initial and continuing members may hold office in the AGS.

Section 4. Election Process

  1. The election of officers shall take place on the second to the last meeting of the year.
  2. Qualified members may nominate or run for an officer position.
  3. Officers shall be elected by a simple majority of the votes casted by AGS members. Nominees who are unopposed shall be elected by acclamation.
  4. The nominees have until the next meeting to prepare a statement explaining why they should hold this office and why they are qualified to hold this office.
  5. At the following meeting, the floor must be open to accept nominations of officers for the next term
  6. Each member qualified to vote will only have one vote per office.
  7. In the event of a tie, further statements will be made, and subsequently followed by a re-vote.
  8. If the tie cannot be resolved, the Executive Board will determine who is better qualified to hold this position.

Section 5. Term of Office

  1. The term of office shall be one year for all officers, beginning each academic year.
  2. The length of office may be amended by club voting process to be changed to one semester in length.
  3. Successors will take office as soon as the old semester has ended.

Section 6. Removal of Office

*The removal of office shall be conducted in compliance with, but not limited to, the following grounds:

 

  1. *Missing general or executive meetings without providing advance notice and valid reasons to the Executive Board
  2. *Failure to fulfill assigned responsibilities
  3. *Neglecting communication with the Executive Board and the Advisor.
  4. *Unethical behavior misaligned with the principles of the AGS Honor Society.

*Officers who fail to meet the duties stipulated in the Constitution and Bylaws shall undergo a formal reprimand process. The issuance of a letter of reprimand shall be the responsibility of either the President or Secretary. If an officer continues to neglect their duties despite reprimand, they may face a hearing and potential removal from office, as determined by the Executive Board. Upon receiving a third letter of reprimand from the President or Secretary, the officer shall be automatically dismissed from their office.

*Reinstatement of a dismissed officer can only occur through majority approval by the members of the Executive Board during a formal hearing.

*Officers may voluntarily step down from their office and assume a regular membership role. However, such a decision must be communicated in advance to both the Executive Board and the Advisor. In such cases, the President shall temporarily assume an interim role until a new Officer is appointed

Section 7. Special Election Format

In the event of a vacated office, a special election may be held.

  1. An announcement shall be made at the next general meeting to inform members that an office is open.
  1. Nominations will be taken in the next general meeting.
  2. Protocol will follow rules stated in Article V, Section 4.

ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS

Section 1. General Meetings

*General Meetings shall be held at least twice each month, with the days and times determined by the Executive Board.

The meeting format shall follow general parliamentary procedure (Newly Revised Robert’s Rules of Order) with the following procedure:

Call to order, roll call, public comment, officer reports, old business, new business, open discussion, advisor comments, and adjournment.

Each member shall receive 1 hour towards the required service hours for attending the meeting. To receive the credit, members must sign in on the attendance sheet present at each meeting.

At least one Advisor must be present during the meeting.

Section 2. Executive Board Meetings

The Executive Board shall hold meetings at times and dates determined by mutual agreement within the board, adhering to the regulations of the organization. These meeting details shall be announced to members during general meetings. It is noted that Executive Board meetings are not mandated to follow parliamentary procedure, though it is required that the Advisor be in attendance during these sessions.

Section 3. Minutes

It is the job of the Secretary to keep track of all events that occur during general and Executive Board meetings.

These minutes shall be emailed to each member after every general meeting.

Section 4. Quorum

Quorum shall be defined as half the number of members present at the meeting.

This shall be used when determining club activity or election processes.

The Executive Board shall not count towards the quorum number.

ARTICLE VII. SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships shall be given out once a year at the year-end banquet that is held at the end of each spring semester.

Section 1. Alpha Gamma Sigma, Inc. Scholarships

The Alpha Gamma Sigma, Inc. issues scholarships every spring semester with chapters in good standing able to send in applicants.

The Epsilon Chapter may nominate up to three candidates, one for service and two for academics.

Criteria for scholarships listed in Alpha Gamma Sigma, Inc. Standing Rules.

Nominees are selected by the club advisor(s).

The nominees are responsible for completion of their packet prior to the appointed deadline to the State.

Per state rule, all nominees must attend the spring convention (non-refundable), regardless if it is local or in northern California.

Section 2. Scholarship Committee

The Honorarium committee shall consist of the President as chair, the Vice President as co-chair, at least three continuing members, and the Advisor.

The advisor or instructor shall sit on the committee as a non-voting member.

The committee shall create an application, criteria, and a fair process in selecting scholarship recipient(s) under the advisement of the club advisor(s).

Section 3. Scholarship Categories

There shall be at least two categories in which members can apply to. There shall be one recipient in each of the categories.

Recipients who do not have a Social Security, Tax Identification Number, or equivalent, will receive their scholarship as determined by the board.

Section 4. Scholarship Distributions

The dues, five percent, for the State shall be left in the account for the next year.

The semesters shall the remainder of the money in the AGS with 50% being for the fall semester and 50% being for the spring semester.

The split shall be 60% for officers and 40% for the members.

The split shall be distributed evenly.

Section 5. Restrictions on Scholarships

  • Officers currently in term shall not be able to apply for membership honorariums.
  • A Community Service Verification Letter, containing a contact phone number, is required for the verification of outside service hours.
  • All members applying for a scholarship shall have completed required 10 hours of community service through the club at time of application.

ARTICLE VIII. SERVICE HOURS AND CLUB ACTIVITIES

Section 1. Service Hours

  1. Each member must complete at least 20 service hours per semester to maintain good standing.
  2. Members must sign in to gain credit for the hours.
  3. Hours will be split between AGS sanctioned activities and outside hours.
  4. AGS sanctioned events will include all events brought to the club by the Executive Board, Club Advisor, or club member.
  5. Outside hours will be performed

Section 2. Club Activities

*AGS activities encompass a range of events, including community service initiatives, fundraisers, and social gatherings. Both officers and members have the authority to organize AGS activities

*Members are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements to and from off-campus sanctioned events. Neither the North Orange County Community College District, Fullerton College, Associated Students, nor any of their affiliates shall bear liability for any incidents involving a member during such events, except when transportation is provided through college vehicles sanctioned by Fullerton College

*AGS sanctioned events will adhere to all policies and procedures established by the Inter-Club Council (ICC),, which is taken in charge by the Club Ambassador. AGS shall provide advance notification to ICC of all planned activities and seek their approval in accordance with ICC protocols

ARTICLE IX. LIABILITY AND CLUB FUNDS

Section 1. Liability

All students participating in any off-campus AGS Sanctioned activities shall sign a Field Trip Agreement Form and Liability waiver releasing the NOCCCD, Fullerton College, Associated Students, AGS, instructor, advisor, or assistant from responsibility for any injuries.

Section 2. Club Funds

Expenditures obtained from the club fund must be approved through a majority vote.

Any purchases for the club must be filed through both Student Affairs and Bursar’s to gain approval on the purchase request.

Reimbursement may be obtained to members who contribute funding to approved club expenditure. This is not guaranteed without approval through the club advisor(s), Student Activities office, and the Bursar’s Office.

ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS

Any punctuation, spelling, or grammatical errors that do not change the meaning of a statement may be corrected without amendment with approval by the Executive Board.

All proposed amendments to the AGS Epsilon Chapter Bylaws shall be approved by the Executive Board with a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present at a general meeting. Must follow the following procedure:

All amendments must be submitted in writing by one or more members to the Executive Board or at a general meeting. The Executive Board must verify that the proposed amendment is not in conflict with the bylaws/constitution of Alpha Gamma Sigma, Inc.

Once approved, the amendment will be brought forth to the AGS members at the next general meeting. The member(s) proposing the amendment change will read it aloud.

After the amendment is changed, members will be given the opportunity to ask questions or make statements.

After every member that requests to speak has spoken, the proposed amendment will be voted on through a majority show of hands and the proposed amendment will be revisited at a later date and time.

On the decided day, the proposed amendment shall be read once more.

The proposed amendment may only pass through a 2/3 majority vote.

A copy of the new AGS Bylaws shall be submitted to Fullerton College and Alpha Gamma Sigma, Inc.