Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Penn State Student Chapter Bylaws
Article I: Chapter Name 1.01 The Chapter name is PCMA Penn State University Chapter.
Article II: Object or Purpose 2.01 The principle purpose of the PCMA Penn State University Chapter shall be to familiarize its members with the basic aspects of the meetings and conventions field through educational and networking opportunities supported or developed by PCMA and its members.
Article III: Membership 3.01 Application: Membership is open, without discrimination, to all students who are attending full time and are in good standing with the University and the Chapter. Membership is designed for all hospitality, tourism, meeting, convention management (major, minor, or graduate) students, but is open to students of all degree programs. Application for membership must be in writing on the official forms provided by PCMA headquarters office. All Student Chapter members must be members of PCMA. 3.02 Obligation: Every student member shall subscribe to, and be bound by, the laws and ethical and professional standards of Penn State University as well as those of PCMA. 3.03 Privileges: Every student member whose dues are paid shall receive all benefits and privileges that they are entitled under the bylaws of PCMA. 3.04 Termination: Membership in PCMA Penn State University Chapter shall be terminated immediately upon resignation of the student, non-payment of dues, or failure to abide by the ethical and professional standards of Penn State University or PCMA.
Article IV: Membership Meetings and Voting 4.01 Meetings: Penn State Student Chapter must hold a meeting at least one a month throughout the school year at a time and place determined by the Penn State Student Chapter Executive Committee. Special meetings may be formal, informal, open, or closed. Formal chapter meetings are closed to the public. Informal chapter meetings are open to anyone. 4.02 Voting: At all meetings of the membership, each member in good standing shall have one vote. Two-thirds (2/3) of membership must be present to vote (for quorum). Student members must vote in person only. The decision shall rest with a majority vote of those members present.
Article V: Officers 5.01 Officers: The officers of PCMA Penn State Chapter shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Student Chapter Representative. 5.02 Election: All officers shall be elected during the last membership meeting of the spring semester. The election shall be by ballot, and a majority vote of the membership present is required. 5.03 Tenure: Officers shall assume positions on the first day of the fall semester and will hold office until the following fall semester. If elected, any officer may serve more than one term. 5.04 Removal: Any officer may be removed from office by the membership if he/she is found guilty by that body of neglect of duty, improper conduct, violation of university or PCMA bylaws, dismissal from school, or other causes. Removal of an officer shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members, except in the event of leaving school, when the officer is automatically removed. PCMA must be notified of any removal from office. 5.05 Vacancies: In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice-President shall automatically succeed to the Presidency. Any member upon majority vote of the Executive Committee may fill vacancies in any other office. An officer selected to fill a vacancy shall serve until the expiration of that term.
Article VI: Duties 6.01 President: The President shall serve as the chief executive officer and spokesperson for the Penn State Student Chapter, and shall preside at all meetings of the membership. The President shall appoint such committees as may be required and may propose courses of action or suggest such procedures to be followed which will, in the President’s opinion, promote the general welfare of the Student Chapter. The President shall be responsible for updating PCMA Headquarters at least once a semester with information on the Chapter, such as number of members and any newsworthy events to include in the student newsletter, students@pcma, members@pcma, and, if appropriate, PCMA’s magazine, Convene. Duties of the President include notifying PCMA Headquarters of the Chapter’s intention to attend the PCMA Annual Meeting. The President shall also be responsible for ensuring that all reports are sent to PCMA Headquarters. 6.02 Vice-President: In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall be the presiding officer. The Vice-President must enforce rules to maintain order while a Student Chapter meeting is in session. The Vice-President shall have such powers and perform other duties as the President may prescribe. 6.03 Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping accurate records of all members, for keeping all minutes of each meeting, and for making contact with other people in the organization. 6.04 Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds and shall present reports at each chapter meeting as needed. 6.05 Student Chapter Representative: The Student Chapter Representative shall represent the Student Chapter in the local PCMA Chapter and keep the student members informed of any relevant material. 6.06 Executive Committee: The Executive Committee of the Penn State Student Chapter shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Student Chapter Representative.
Article VII: Faculty Advisor 7.01 The Penn State University Student Chapter shall have a faculty advisor. PCMA should have this advisor’s address, phone number, and fax number so chapters can receive time-sensitive materials.