Constitution

The Constitution of the Kappa Delta Pi of UNC Wilmington

Article One: Name

The name of this organization is the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP).

The Greek name assigned to this chapter is Alpha Alpha Pi (AAP).

Article Two: Purpose and Objectives

The purpose and objectives of this organization are to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. We provide a variety of programs, services, and resources for our members including professional development seminars and webinars, opportunities for service to the campus and community, and recognition of academic excellence and accomplishments in furthering research and development related to education by our members in pursuit of their goals at UNC Wilmington and the Watson College of Education.

Kappa Delta Pi supports and advances educators throughout the phases and levels of their teaching careers beginning with aspiring educators, and because teachers create the future, it is Kappa Delta Pi’s mission to prepare all learners for future challenges.

Article Three: Affiliation

The Alpha Alpha Pi of Kappa Delta Pi is affiliated with the national Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education organization.      

Article Four: Adherence

This organization will adhere to all University rules, regulations, and policies, as well as to all local, state, and federal laws.

Article Five: Membership

5.1.0 Section One: Non-Exclusionary Membership Clause

5.1.1 It is the policy of UNCW and Kappa Delta Pi that this organization practices an open membership policy for members of the university community without regard to age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, military service member or veteran status, or sexual orientation. Membership and participation in this student organization must be open to all currently registered students without regard to gender, unless exempt under Title IX. Pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1681(a)(6)(A), social fraternities and sororities may limit membership on the basis of sex.

Student groups that select their members on the basis of commitment to a set of beliefs (e.g., religious or political beliefs) may limit membership and participation in the group to students who, upon individual inquiry, affirm that they support the group and agree with its beliefs, so long as no student is excluded from membership or participation on the basis of his or her age, race, color, national origin, disability, religious status or historic religious affiliation, military veteran or service member status, sexual orientation, or, unless exempt under Title IX, gender.

All fee sponsored programming must be open to the entire university community. All student organizations and their leaders must further comply with the UNCW Code of Student Life, University policies and applicable state, federal, and local laws.

5.2.0 Section Two: Active Membership

5.2.1 The active members of Kappa Delta Pi consist of any interested student currently enrolled at the UNCW Watson College of Education who meet the following criteria:

         5.2.1.1 Must be in the top 20% of the students in Education Majors

         5.2.1.2 Minimum of 3.0 GPA for Undergraduates; Minimum of 3.5 GPA for Graduate students

         5.2.1.3 Committed to education as a career

5.2.2 To retain active status, members must not be absent for any meetings, and pay dues required by the national and chapter organizations. 

5.2.3 Active members are allowed to run for office, propose new amendments, nominate, and vote.

5.2.4 Only active members are eligible for Student Government Association (SGA) funded financial support and/or student organization generated funds.

5.2.5 Active members are required to complete 6 hours of volunteer work (or equivalent) each semester.

5.2.6 Active members must pay dues within 30 days of joining the organization. 

5.2.7 Active member dues shall be decided each year by Executive Committee members with at least a 50% + 1 simple majority vote.

5.3.0 Section Three: Inactive Membership

5.3.1 A person is an inactive member if they fail to pay dues within 30 days of joining, miss more than the prescribed number of meetings allowed in 5.2.2, and/or fail to complete the required participation in 5.2.5.

5.3.2 Inactive members are not allowed to run for office, propose new amendments, nominate, vote or wear Kappa Delta Pi cords at graduation.

5.3.3 To become an active member again, the inactive member has to attend all remaining meetings in the semester after being informed of their inactive status and/or pay outstanding dues if that is the cause for inactive status after being notified. 

5.4.0 Section Four:  Membership Removal Procedures

5.4.1 The Kappa Delta Pi reserves the right to remove any member because of disruptive behavior, being in violation of UNCW policy, or failure to uphold the constitution.

5.4.2 The member who is subject to removal is sent an e-mail notice of the violation from the President.

5.4.3 The Executive Committee will hold a special meeting concerning the removal of the member in question within two weeks after the member, subject to removal, is sent the email notice.

5.4.4 The member will be given the special meeting date and will be allowed to speak for no more than 5 minutes on their behalf at a meeting with the Executive Committee.

5.4.5 At least a 50% + 1 simple majority vote of the Executive Committee is needed to remove the member in question.

5.5.0 Section Five: Appeal Process

5.5.1 There is no appeal process.

Article Six: Meetings

6.1.0 Section One: Meeting Details

6.1.1 The general meetings shall be held at least once a month during the academic year.

6.1.2 General meetings will be run by the President. The Executive Committee has the authority to call a special meeting with a minimum 48 hour notice via email. 

6.2.0 Section Two: Meeting Structure

6.2.1 The President will ensure that an open forum is maintained at all meetings.

6.3.0 Section Three: Quorum

6.3.1 Quorum shall be composed of at least 50% + 1 of the active members.

6.3.2 To pass a vote within the organization, at least a 50% + 1 simple majority vote of the active members is needed.

Article Seven: Officers

7.1.0 Section One: Executive Committee Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the President include:

7.1.1 Preside over all meetings of Kappa Delta Pi and create an agenda for meetings.

7.1.2 Maintain Kappa Delta Pi registration status with the University via the Campus Activities & Involvement Center (CAIC).

7.1.3 Delegate authority to other officers and members as needed.

7.1.4 Provide the second signature of authority on fiscal matters.

7.1.5 Chair the Executive Committee and serve as the primary voice on behalf of the organization.

7.1.6 Attend meetings and educational sessions that are available through the SGA and CAIC that are pertinent to this position.

7.1.7 Compose official invitation to potential Initiates and provide it to the Secretary utilizing templates

            provided in the official Kappa Delta Pi Google Drive.

7.1.8 Complete forms required by the National Kappa Delta Pi organization and submit them by the deadlines

            prescribed on their website.

The responsibilities of the Vice President include:

7.1.9 Perform the President’s duties in their absence.

7.1.10  Attend meetings and educational sessions that are available through the Student Government Association and CAIC that are pertinent to this position.

7.1.11   Request list of qualified potential Initiates from the Kappa Delta Pi Advisor prior to each semester.

7.1.12   Serve as the official chairperson for the Programs committees.

7.1.13   Assist the Treasurer in requesting funding from the SGA for programs and travel.

7.1.14   Maintain and update social media accounts

The responsibilities of the Secretary include:

7.1.15   Perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President and Vice-President.

7.1.16   Record minutes at all meetings and make the minutes available to the members of the organization.

7.1.17   Take attendance at all meetings and track active and inactive membership status informing members of inactive membership status.

7.1.18   Maintain member list(s) and ensure their contact information is updated.

7.1.19   Attend meetings and educational sessions that are available through the SGA and CAIC that are pertinent to this position.

The responsibilities of the Treasurer include:

7.1.20   Oversee the financial aspects of the organization.

7.1.21   Provide the first signature of authority on fiscal matters.

7.1.22   Ensure that all funds are used in accordance with the purposes of the organization.

7.1.23   Update and report all financial records including both on and off-campus accounts.

7.1.24   Attend meetings and educational sessions that are available through the SGA and CAIC that are pertinent to this position.

7.1.25   Oversee fundraising programs.

7.1.26   Work with Vice President to request SGA funding and track funds received.

The responsibilities of the Membership Coordinator include:

7.1.27   Chair the chapter’s membership committee.

7.1.28   Oversee the recruitment of new members.

7.1.29   Organize and ensure execution of Informational/Recruitment meetings.

7.1.30   Organize and ensure execution of Orientation Meetings.

7.1.31   Oversee the organization of each initiation ceremony.

7.1.32   Ensure the collection and submission of all new member/initiate forms.

7.1.33   Develop retention efforts including membership education.

7.2.0 Section Two: Election Process

7.2.1 Any active member in the Kappa Delta Pi can nominate another member, including themselves.

7.2.2 Inactive members are not allowed to nominate themselves or any other members.

7.2.3 The nomination process will start at the February general members’ meeting and nominations will be accepted up until a week before the election, which will be held during the March general members’ meeting.

7.2.4 After the nomination process is over, the candidates will be allowed to submit a photo and a brief (125 words or less) statement of purpose to populate the election materials and ballot. Candidates will also be allowed to campaign including a brief speech (3 minutes or less) prior to voting at the March meeting.

7.2.5 Elections will occur during the March general members’ meeting.

7.2.6 Quorum must be present, and officers will be elected by at least a 50% + 1 simple majority vote of the active members.

7.2.7 Officers will serve a one-year term unless removal or resignation occurs.

7.2.8 If an officer intends to resign, they should give the Secretary a letter of resignation at least one week before the resignation. If the Secretary is resigning, that person should give the letter of resignation to the President.

7.2.9 Newly elected officers will shadow and meet with the current officers from the time they are elected until the end of the semester.

7.2.10  The newly elected officer will begin the term by the end of the spring semester.

7.3.0 Section Three: Removal Procedures

7.3.1 The active members of Kappa Delta Pi reserve the right to remove any officer not performing the duties required of their position, violating UNCW policy, disruptive behavior, or failure to uphold the constitution.

7.3.2 The officer will be sent written notice of the violation from the President. If the President is in violation of UNCW, then the Vice President will give notification.

7.3.3 The officer will be given the special meeting date and will be allowed to speak for no longer than 5 minutes on their behalf at a meeting with the active members.

7.3.4 At least a 50% + 1 simple majority vote of the active members is needed to remove the officer.

7.3.5 If the officer is removed, they can remain an active member in the organization.

7.3.6 There is no appeal process.

7.4.0 Section Four: Elected Member Replacement Process

7.4.1 If an elected officer is found to be in violation and is removed from their position, then elections for that position must be held at either the following meeting or a special meeting will be held within two weeks of resignation.

7.4.2 Only active members can nominate themselves or another active member.

7.4.3 After the nomination process is over, the candidates will be allowed to campaign in the interim and present a formal speech of no more than 5 minutes prior to voting at the next meeting.

7.4.4 Quorum must be present, and officers will be elected by at least a 50 % + 1 simple majority vote of the active members.

Article Eight: Advisor

8.1.0 Section One: Qualifications

8.1.1 The advisor(s) of the Kappa Delta Pi will be chosen by at least a 50 % + 1 majority vote of the Executive Committee.                                                                       

8.1.2 The advisor(s) must have the desire to advise and knowledge to foster excellence in education and in educators.

8.1.3 The advisor(s) will serve a one-year renewable term concurrent with the Executive Committee.

8.2.0 Section Two: Responsibilities

8.2.1 It is the responsibility of the advisor to meet as needed (at least twice a semester) with the officers during the academic year.

8.2.2 The advisor will provide guidance to the student organization when needed.

8.2.2 The advisor(s) will attend organizational meetings as schedule permits, have a close working relationship with the Kappa Delta Pi and will be expected to help guide the organization.              

8.2.3 The advisor(s) will not have voting privileges within the organization.

8.3.0 Section Three: Removal Procedures

8.3.1 The active members of Kappa Delta Pi reserve the right to remove the advisor for not performing the duties required of their position, violating UNCW policy, disruptive behavior, or failure to uphold the constitution.

8.3.2 The advisor will be given written notice of the violation from the President.

8.3.3 The advisor will be given the special meeting date and will be allowed to speak on their behalf at a meeting with the Executive Committee.

8.3.4 At least a 50 % + 1 Simple majority vote of the active members in needed to remove the advisor.

8.3.5 There is no appeal process.

Article Nine: Committees

9.1.0 Section One: Standing Committees:

Executive Committee

9.1.1 The Executive Committee consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and Membership Coordinator.

9.1.2 The Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the main functions of the organization, organizing meetings, organizing programing, organizing events, and facilitating elections.

9.1.3 The Executive Committee functions with a goal of guiding the organization towards its purpose.

9.1.4 Quorum of this committee is defined as at least ¾ of the members.

9.1.5 To pass a vote within the Executive Committee, at least a 50% + 1 simple majority vote is needed.

9.2.0 Section Two: Ad-hoc Committees

9.2.1 Ad-hoc committees will be created by at least a 50% + 1 simple majority vote of the Executive Committee.

9.2.2 The Executive Committee will elect a chair of an ad-hoc committee by at least a 50% + 1 simple majority vote.

Article Ten: Finances

10.1.0  Section One: Budget Authority

10.1.1   The Treasurer shall keep, maintain and report the financial records of the Kappa Delta Pi. 

10.1.2  The Treasurer will be the first signature authority on all fiscal matters and the President will be the second signature authority.

10.2.0  Section Two: Dues

10.2.1   If needed, a membership fee will be decided by at least a 50% + 1 simple majority of the Executive Committee.

10.2.2   Membership dues will be voted upon at the end of the Spring Semester.

Article Eleven: Amendments

11.1.1   Section One: Proposed Amendments

11.1.2   All proposed amendments must be presented to the President in writing at least 2 weeks before a meeting.

11.1.3   Once the President has received the amendment, they will present the amendment to the active members at the next meeting.

11.1.4   The amendment will be open for questions and discussions for no more than 10 minutes prior to voting.

11.1.5   Quorum must be present, and at least a 2/3 vote of active members is needed to pass the amendment.

Article Twelve: Nonprofit Clause

12.1.0   Section One: Non-Profit Clause

12.1.1   Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, pleasure, recreation, or scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, similar to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under either section 501 (c) (3), 501 (c) (7), or 501 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of its members, directors, officers, or other persons except that the organization shall be authorized to and empowered to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the exempt purposes of the organization.

The university has no responsibilities for the financial or fundraising activities of the organization; the organization further agrees and accepts sole responsibility for any tax treatment, consequences, record-keeping or filings required for its activities pursuant to state or federal laws.  In the event of dissolution, remaining funds will be handled pursuant to established university policy.