PREAMBLE:

We, the members of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, in order to make the Criminal Justice professors and their practitioners more effective; to recognize scholastic achievement and excellence; to encourage research and the dissemination of knowledge so acquired to all members of the professions; to inspire a just pride in their work; and to apply scientific practices and techniques within the Criminal Justice fields, do hereby submit ourselves to be governed by the following Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE I: NAME

This organization shall be known as Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purposes of Alpha Phi Sigma shall be to recognize and promote high scholarship among students actively engaged in collegiate preparation for professional services; to keep abreast of the advances in scientific research; to elevate the ethical standards of the Criminal Justice professions and to establish in the public mind the benefit and necessity of education and professional training.

ARTICLE III: REGULAR MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be granted to those individual declared their major, minor, or equivalent in Criminal Justice fields in pursuit of an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree at a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and holding a chapter charter. If there is no local chapter at the institution the individual attends, the individual may apply directly to the national headquarters for membership in the Chapter-at-large. Additionally, the individual must complete one-third of the units or credit hours required by the institution for graduation, and shall rank in the top 35% of his/her class. A minimum of four courses of the above course work must be in the declared Criminal Justice major, minor or equivalent.

ARTICLE IV: OATH OF MEMBERSHIP

I, (state your name), a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, The National Criminal Justice Honor Society, do hereby submit myself to be governed by the Constitution, Bylaws, and duties therein. It is my mission to make the Criminal Justice professions and their practitioners more effective; to encourage research and the dissemination of knowledge so acquired to all members of the professions; to inspire a just pride in their work; and to apply scientific practices and techniques within the criminal justice fields. Bearing these words in mind, to the best of my ability, I will execute the society's purpose, in order that I may better serve human kind.

ARTICLE V: NATIONAL OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The national officers shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The National Advisor(s), the Regional Directors, and the National Officers shall comprise the National Executive Committee. The National Advisor(s) and the Regional Directors shall be non voting members of the National Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VI: NATIONAL MEETING

The national meeting of Alpha Phi Sigma shall be held annually or more often when deemed appropriate and necessary by a majority vote of the active chapters.

ARTICLE VII: CHAPTER OFFICERS

Each chapter of the society may have officers in the positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer; or a Secretary-Treasurer. These officers should be elected annually at a time deemed appropriate by the local chapter.

ARTICLE VIII : AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Amendments to this Constitution require approval by a two-thirds vote of all active chapters. This vote shall be conducted by the National Executive Committee.

Section 2: All proposed constitutional amendments shall be submitted to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Proposed amendments approved by this Committee shall be submitted to the active chapters for a vote. No amendment shall conflict with the requirements set forth by the Association of College Honor Societies.

ARTICLE IX: NON-PROFIT STATUS

Section 1: Alpha Phi Sigma is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

Section 2: No part of the net earnings of Alpha Phi Sigma shall inure to the benefit of any private individual and no substantial part of the activities of the Society shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Society shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

Section 3: Upon dissolution of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Executive Committee shall, after the paying or making provisions for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Society, dispose of all

of the assets of the Society, exclusively for the purposes of the Society in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the National Executive Committee shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the Society is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes. If Alpha Phi Sigma dissolves, funds will be given to the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences for use as student scholarships.

ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Regular membership shall be limited to both undergraduate part-time and full- time students who have a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average, a 3.2 grade-point average (determined on a 4.0 scale) in Criminal Justice fields, who are in the top 35% of their class, and who are of good moral character. Currently enrolled graduate students are eligible for membership based upon their undergraduate major or based upon their enrollment in a graduate program in Criminal Justice. Graduate students shall have completed at least 12 hours of graduate work with a 3.4 grade-point average in their major and have minimum 3.4 cumulative grade-point average. Upgrading these guidelines shall be at the discretion of the local chapters. Ten qualified members are required for the formation of a chapter at a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency.

Any Alpha Phi Sigma member who transfers, due to graduation or other reason, to another college or university shall be accepted into the local chapter provided national requirements are met. Upon entry to the local chapter, the new student shall pay the local chapter fee, if any. After one term, the member shall be subject to all rules, regulations, and requirements of the local chapter. It will be the local chapter's responsibility to notify the national office of any acceptances. No new certificate of membership will be issued unless specifically requested and paid for by the new member.

A prospective member shall submit an application form to one's chapter officers or advisor(s) for approval. The approved application shall require the signature of the student and the verification of academic eligibility by the local chapter advisor. Application can be made to the National Executive Committee if no local chapter exists at the student's institution. If applying directly to the National Executive Committee, the applicant shall have one's institution submit an official transcript to the National Executive Committee or have one's academic eligibility verified by a faculty member in the applicant's major department.

All applicants shall be notified in writing on the official letterhead of the local chapter, of their acceptance or rejection. A copy of the local chapter's Constitution and Bylaws shall be promptly forwarded after acceptance.

Regular membership may be suspended or revoked upon three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the total active membership of the chapter, upon breach of the Oath of Membership (Article IV of the Constitution).

Failure to maintain the academic requirements as defined in Article III of the Constitution, and Article I, Section 1 of these Bylaws, will be grounds for revocation of membership.

Section 2: If it should occur that a regular member's grade-point average falls below the requirements set forth in Article III of the Constitution and Article I, Section 1, of these Bylaws, it shall be the responsibility of that member to report to the Chapter Executive Committee such a deficiency. At such time, the member shall be placed on probation without loss of privileges, for one semester or quarter. If, at the end of the probationary period, the member has not reestablished one's academic eligibility, the member will be asked to resign one's membership. Failure to submit a voluntary resignation under these conditions will result in revocation of membership.

Upon revocation of membership the member's name shall be stricken from the rolls of the local and national chapter.

Section 3: The purpose of Honorary Membership is to recognize outstanding professional achievement and service to the Criminal Justice field by persons not eligible for regular membership in the Society. It is intended to be viewed as an honorable recognition of service by the recipients to enhance the potential of the Society in meeting its basic objectives by expanding the membership base into the non-academic community.

To preserve the status of Honorary Membership, no more than two such awards may be granted by any chapter in any given academic year.

A nomination for Honorary Membership shall be signed by not less that three active chapter members in good standing and shall include, in addition to a biographical sketch, a detailed explanation of the achievements or services to the Criminal Justice field that warrant the award.

A three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the chapter members present at the meeting will be required to confer honorary membership on a nominee; but, in no case shall such membership be conferred with less than a majority of the total active membership.

Presentation of the Certificate of Honorary Membership will be made at a function conducive to the honor of the event.

Honorary members shall enjoy all the privileges of active membership with the exception of the right to vote and the right to hold office. A current mailing list of honorary members shall be maintained by the Secretary of the Chapter.

Section 4: Inactive life membership shall be conferred upon all active members in good standing at the time of graduation from their respective institutions.

Active life membership shall be conferred upon all active members in good standing at the time of graduation from their respective institution and upon payment of fees. Active life members shall receive copies of the Alpha Phi Sigma Newsletter.

A current mailing list of active members shall be maintained by the national headquarters.

ARTICLE II: DUTIES OF NATIONAL OFFICERS

Section 1: The National President shall open each session at the time at which the Society is to meet by taking the chair and calling the members to order. The President shall enforce on all occasions the observance of order and decorum among those present. The National President shall vote only in the case of a tie vote among the delegates. The President shall make certain the formation of all committees and, if there are no volunteers, the President shall appoint the committee members. The National President shall be responsible for appointing the committee chairperson. The President shall be chairperson of the Executive Committee.

Section 2: The National Vice-President shall perform all the duties of the President during the President's temporary absence. The Vice-President shall be responsible for publishing the national newsletter on at least a semi-annual basis.

Section 3: The National Secretary shall be the recording officer for all National Events including national conferences, National Officer meetings, and all national committee meetings. The National Secretary shall be responsible for domestic and international member recruitment and will oversee the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.

Section 4: The National Treasurer shall be responsible for raising funds and developing criteria for National Scholarships. The National Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring that the National President, Secretary and Treasurer are operating within their budget as approved by the National Membership at each annual meeting. The National Treasurer shall also develop and prepare a budget for the National Office for approval by the national membership annually.

Section 5: Duties of each officer not prescribed herein shall be as prescribed by Roberts Rules of Order.

Section 6: The National Executive Committee may employ various support services such as but not limited to secretarial help which are necessary for the maintenance and operation of the national office.

Section 7: All outgoing national officers shall prepare a transition report to include work performed, procedures established, and make recommendations for the following years. Copies of the reports shall be kept on file by the National Secretary.

Section 8: At the beginning of each academic year, the National Executive Committee shall submit an updated National Chapter Directory to the local chapters.

ARTICLE III: NOMINATION FOR NATIONAL OFFICERS

Section 1: Nominations for the National Offices of President, Secretary and Treasurer shall consist of a slate of three students from the same school. The nominee(s) for the office of Vice-President shall be at a different school.

Section 2: Chapters interested in running for the national offices of President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice-President must submit a letter of intention to the National Executive Committee at least six (6) weeks prior to the opening of the national convention. The purpose of the letter and submission date is to ensure that chapters and potential candidates fully understand the requirements of operating the national office prior to their nomination at the convention and that the decision to run for national office reflects a well-considered evaluation of their ability to fulfill the job. During the term of the National Office, the newly elected national officers must be enrolled at least part-time. For the remainder of the term, the newly elected officers must be enrolled at least part-time for one quarter/semester. This letter of intention shall bear the signature of the local chapter President and faculty advisor. In the event that no letters of intention have been submitted, nominations will be accepted from the floor.

Section 3: The national office must respond to the letter of intention within (10) days of receipt by informing the chapter of the duties and responsibilities of the national office. Four (4) weeks prior to the opening of the convention, the national office shall distribute a list of all chapters submitting letters of intention to all active chapters.

Section 4: Actual nominations for national offices will be accepted from the floor during the national convention on a day prior to the election process. Nominations shall be accepted only if a letter of intention to seek office is on file with the national office.

ARTICLE IV: ELECTION OF NATIONAL OFFICERS

Section 1: The election process will be the first order of business on the last day of the annual national convention. Voting will be by written secret ballot. Each chapter, including the Chapter-at- Large, will have one vote for the slate and one vote for the Vice-Presidential candidate.

Section 2: The National President shall conduct the elections. In the absence of the National President, the National Vice-President shall conduct the elections. Ballots for each election shall be verified by two persons appointed by the conducting officer. No person holding or nominated for a national office shall be appointed to verify the ballots. The slate or candidate must receive a majority of the total ballots cast in order to win the election. If the slate or candidate does not receive a majority on the first ballot, the top two vote receivers shall be placed in a runoff election. In the event that a tie still remains, the President, Vice- President, and Advisors shall devise a tie-breaking system. A winner shall be announced within 24 hours. Results of each election shall be publicly announced by the conducting officer immediately after verification. The above procedure shall be repeated for the slate and the national Vice-President.

Newly elected national officers will submit a written resignation from any local chapter office within seven(7) days after assuming a national office and may hold no local chapter office during their tenure as national officer.

ARTICLE V: RECALL OF NATIONAL OFFICERS

Section 1. Any National Officer or National Advisor may be recalled for failure to adequately perform the duties of the office, or upon being placed on academic probation under Article I, Section 1, of the Bylaws.

Section 2: National Officers may not be recalled prior to the fourth month after taking office. Removal shall be authorized by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all active chapters responding within 45 days of receiving the recall notice.

ARTICLE VI: FILLING VACANT NATIONAL OFFICES

Section 1. Excluding elections, if the office of National President is vacated, such vacancy shall be verified by the National Executive Committee. Upon such verification, the National Vice-President shall assume the office and powers of the National President for the remainder of the term, and a National Vice-President will be appointed by the new National President, at the school that houses the National Office.

Section 2: If the office of National Vice-President is vacated for any reason, excluding annual national elections, the National Executive Committee shall appoint a national Vice- President by majority vote of the National Executive Committee.

Section 3: If the office of National Secretary and/or National Treasurer shall be vacated for any reason, excluding annual national elections, such vacancy shall be verified by the National Executive Committee. Upon such verification, the National President shall appoint an individual to the vacant national office for the remainder of the term.

ARTICLE VII: SELECTION OF NATIONAL ADVISORS

National Advisors for Alpha Phi Sigma shall be selected by the national officers from criminal justice faculty at colleges and universities having Alpha Phi Sigma chapters and from past national officers. At least one national advisor shall be from the school faculty represented by the Vice-President. Additional faculty from these schools or other schools may be selected by the national officers as deemed appropriate.

ARTICLE VIII: NATIONAL COMMITTEES

Section 1: The following National Standing Committees are authorized to conduct business relevant to the designated areas. Standing committees shall make recommendations to the National Executive Committee and/or the general membership whenever deemed appropriate.

1. National Constitution and Bylaws Committee is charged with the task of reviewing and making recommendations concerning the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.

2. National Awards Committee is charged with the development and oversight of awards presented by the Society.

Section 2: The National President can appoint Ad Hoc Committees whenever necessary to conduct and facilitate the business of the Society.

ARTICLE IX: NATIONAL FEES AND DUES

Section 1: The National membership initiation fee for regular and honorary membership shall be $30.00. This shall entitle each new regular and honorary member to a pin, wallet card, and membership certificate. Each regular member shall receive at least two (2) newsletters a year. Each honorary member shall receive at least two (2) newsletters per year for four (4) years.

Section 2: Active life membership dues shall be $5.00 annually. Payment of these dues shall entitle the member to at least two (2) copies of the newsletter. A life membership can pay a one time fee of $l00.00 to become a permanent life member. Payment of this fee shall entitle the member to a lifetime subscription to the newsletter.

Section 3: National chapter dues in the amount of $50.00 shall be paid at the beginning of each calendar year. March 1 will be the deadline for payment. Failure to pay chapter dues by the deadline of March 1 will result in a late charge of $10.00. Chapters that are established January through August shall pay dues at the time of application for a charter. Chapters that are established September through December are not required to pay dues until the following January. Payment of annual dues shall be the criterion for determining an active chapter.

Section 4: The chartering fee for accepting new chapters of Alpha Phi Sigma shall be$75.00.

ARTICLE X: NATIONAL AUDIT AND ACCOUNTING

Section 1: The fiscal year shall begin May 1 and end April 30.

Section 2: An annual accounting of the national ledgers will be conducted by the out-going National Treasurer and shall be available for distribution to the membership 90 days following the close of the fiscal year.

Section 3: At the end of a fiscal year, an audit of the national ledgers may b~ requested by two or more chapters. This audit should be conducted by a certified public accountant. The cost of the audit shall be borne by the national office.

ARTICLE XI: REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Section 1: The duties of the Regional Directors shall be to coordinate regional activities and act as a liaison between the national officers and the local chapters.

Section 2: The National Executive Committee will provide a budget in order to finance the activities of the Regional Directors.

Section 3: Regional Directors are optional and shall be selected from a list of candidates submitted by the local chapters of that region and appointed by the National Executive Committee. The individual's appointment shall be based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the duties assigned in Article XI, Section 1, of the Bylaws and to protect the interest of the organization as interpreted by the National Executive Committee.

Section 4: The term of office shall be from time of appointment until the following May 1 with reappointment permitted. Upon selection as Regional Director, all persons will immediately resign all local offices held in their respective local chapters.

Section 5: Vacancies in the offices of regional Directors shall be verified by the National Executive Committee. The replacement of Regional Directors shall be carried out in the manner prescribed in Article XI, Section 3, of the Bylaws. The New Regional Director will complete the unexpired term of office.

ARTICLE XII: THE REGIONS OF THE SOCIETY

Section 1: The Society will be divided into at least six regions.

Section 2: Newly established chapters of Alpha Phi Sigma shall be placed in the appropriate region by the National Executive Committee.

ARTICLE XIII: CHAPTER MEETINGS

Section 1: Regular chapter meetings shall be determined each semester or quarter to be held at the most convenient time for the academic schedule.

Section 2: Special meetings may be called by the President.

Section 3: Simple majority of the active members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 4: Regular members who are absent more than three consecutive meetings with no valid excuse as determined by the Chapter Executive Committee, shall be brought before the Chapter Executive Committee for consideration of expulsion from the chapter. If the Executive Committee finds such member to be voluntarily delinquent, they shall submit the issue and their recommendations at the next regular meeting of the chapter. A quorum shall be present and a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present shall be required for expulsion.

ARTICLE XIV: CHAPTER ADVISOR(S)

Section 1. Each chapter shall be assisted by an elected advisor(s) whose tenure shall be subject to annual renewal by the membership and who shall be a non-voting member of the local Executive Committee. The advisor(s) shall be elected by a majority ballot of two-thirds (2/3) of the total active members. If no nominee receives the required number of votes on the first ballot, a second ballot shall be cast for the individuals with the two highest vote tallies.

Section 2: The chapter advisor(s) shall be chosen for their interest, ability to work with students effectively, and desire to promote the ideals set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.

ARTICLE XV: CHAPTER COMMITTEES

Section 1: The Chapter Executive Committee may consist of all elected officers of the chapter, the Advisor(s), and an Executive Committee Representative to be elected at large by the general membership. The Executive Committee shall act as an advisory body to the President and shall make recommendations concerning any matter involving policy.

At the beginning of each school year, the local chapter executive committee must submit an updated membership list to the National Office. Such lists shall include members; full local and permanent address, members; anticipated dates of graduation, members; concentrations, and members' telephone numbers.

Section 2: The Chapter Projects and Activities Committee may be responsible for initiation, supervision, and coordination of projects undertaken by, and activities sponsored by each individual chapter. Projects may include, but in no way be limited to: fund raising events, social activities, research projects, public relations projects, a speaker program both to get prominent persons from the academic and professional communities to speak to the chapter and to have chapter members speak to campus and community groups. Subcommittees may be formed to assist the Projects and Activities Committee for each project or activity category.

Section 3: The Chapter Constitution and Bylaws Committee may be responsible for the continuous review of established policies and guidelines to determine any possible conflict within the local Constitution and Bylaws or with the National Constitution and Bylaws. In those instances where such action is warranted, this committee will draft proposed amendments to the local Constitution or Bylaws to be submitted to the general membership for ratification.

Section 4: Ad Hoc Committees may be formed by the chapter President or by majority vote of the members present at any meetings. Ad Hoc committees shall be formed when necessary to perform one time functions.

Section 5: Committee chairpersons who fail to properly supervise and to have committees properly perform their tasks may be relieved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee members.

ARTICLE XVI: CHAPTER FEES AND DUESS

Section 1: Local fees and dues shall be set by each local chapter.

Section 2: No person shall be excused from the payment of local fees and dues except those who are honorary members or the advisor(s) of the Chapter.

ARTICLE XVII: PROXY VOTES

Proxy votes may not be used at any time for any purpose by this Society.

ARTICLE XVIII: AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended at any national meeting by a simple majority vote of all attending chapters including the Chapter-at-Large with representation of one vote per chapter.

Without a national meeting the Bylaws may be amended through written ballot by a two- thirds (2/3) majority vote of all active chapters of this Society responding within 45 days of receiving the proposed amendment.

ARTICLE XIX: PROVISIONS AND RULES

The provisions and rules set forth in this Constitution and Bylaws reflect the minimum requirements set forth by the Association of College Honor Societies for acceptance as a member of the association. Individual chapter constitutions must not fall below the technical requirement outlined herein. However, chapters may at their option elevate the technical requirements previously stated.

ARTICLE XX: ALPHA PHI SIGMA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Section 1: Five percent of the regular member initiation fee and fifty percent of alumni dues shall be allocated and placed in a separate scholarship fund.

Section 2: An Alpha Phi Sigma Scholarship Fund committee shall be appointed each year by the National Executive committee. This committee shall consist of one regular member, one active life member and one faculty advisor. The committee is charged with the administration of the scholarship fund and shall develop policy and guidelines with respect to the administration and distribution of the scholarship fund. This committee shall serve with the advice and consent of the National Executive Committee.

Section 3: The Scholarship Fund Committee shall annually appoint an advisory council that may include representatives of businesses, industries, government and academia. This council shall provide guidance and assistance to the Scholarship Fund Committee.

ARTICLE XXI: NATIONAL SECRETARIAT (HEADQUARTERS)

Section 1: Alpha Phi Sigma shall have a National Headquarters which responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, processing new applications, routing mail and phone calls from universities and other duties as assigned by the National Executive Council.

Section 2: The National budget will consist of the operating expenses of the National Secretariat and the national office. All excess funds will be invested into a no risk bank account under the direction of the National Executive Council. The National Executive Council shall be responsible for the administration of the budget and maintaining all Alpha Phi Sigma bank accounts. The National Secretariat shall submit a financial report to the general assembly at the annual meeting.

Section 3: The membership approved the creation of the executive council. The executive council term runs concurrent with the term of the national secretariat. The general assembly approved the following executive council: Dr. Regina Shearn, Dr. Terry Cox, Dr. James Vardalis, and the current President.