Bylaws
SBE suggests that Student Chapters begin their organization with the following draft Constitution and Bylaws. Students may feel free to make changes to conform with particular college regulations. However, these changes should not change the intent or interfere with the specific requirements of SBE.
If you have any questions while starting up a chapter, please contact us at bio@aiche.org
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Article I - Name
The name of this organization shall be the (name of college or university) Student Chapter of Society for Biological Engineering of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Its official acronym is SBE
Article II - Objectives
The objectives of this chapter shall be (1) to promote the professional development of its members by its programs and by its relations with other Student Chapters, AIChE student chapters, the student chapters of other related engineering and scientific organizations, and with the parent body, the Society of Biological Engineering of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and (2) to promote the integration of biology with engineering and realize its benefits through bioprocessing, biomedical and biomolecular applicationsat (name of college or university) through activities involving the faculty and student members, including SBE participation with AIChE student chapters in its regional and annual conferences.
Article III - Membership
Any student enrolled at (name of college or university) and interested in being part of a new technological community for engineers and applied scientists integrating engineering with biologyshall be eligible for membership.
Article IV - Officers
To direct the activities of the chapter, the following officers and committee members shall serve for the entire school year: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Program Committee. The President and Treasurer, shall have held a Chapter membership for at least one complete term before being elected; however not more than half the Program Committee shall be seniors
Article V - Election of Officers
Election for the following school year of the officers listed in Article IV shall take place no later than the next to the last meeting of each school year.
Nomination for President shall be by written ballot. Choice between the two candidates receiving the first and second largest number of nominating ballots shall then be made by written ballot.
The remaining officers, except the members of the Program Committee, shall be elected by the same procedure in the order in which they are listed in Article IV.
Senior members of the Program Committee shall be elected by the chapter members who are juniors at the time of the meeting. The other members of the Program Committee shall be elected by all the chapter members present at the meeting
All other committees shall be appointed by the President.
Any vacancies in officers which should occur before the end of the school year shall be filled by means of a special election conducted in the manner specified previously.
Article VI - Amendments to the Constitution
Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed at any regular meeting by any member of the chapter.
Adoption of an amendment shall be by three-fourths vote of all members attending a later regular meeting, provided that such three-fourths majority shall include at least half the members of the chapter.
Article VII - Custody of the Constitution and Bylaws
One copy of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be in the possession of the President of the Chapter.
One copy of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be in the possession of the Advisor of the Chapter.
One copy of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be in possession of the Staff Associate, Student Activities, of the Society of Biological Engineers of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for the permanent files of the Institute.
Each of the aforementioned officers shall promptly deliver his/her copy to his/her successor.
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Article I - Procedure
The conduct of each meeting shall conform to a generally recognized Rules of Order procedure, the following being hereby adopted:
Article II - Duties of Officers
The President shall be the chief executive officer of the chapter, shall preside at all meetings, and shall serve as chairperson of the Program Committee and as an ex-offico member of all other committees.
The Vice-President shall assist the President in the performance of his/her duties and shall preside at the meetings of all other committees.
The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings in parliamentary form. He/she shall preserve all papers relating to the affairs of the chapter and deliver the same promptly to his/her elected successor. The Secretary shall prepare, obtain the written approval of the President for, and promptly submit all formal or informal reports requested by the Chapter Advisor or the officers of the Student Chapters Committee of SBE.
The Treasurer shall collect all dues and assessments promptly. He/she shall keep adequate financial records and permit their inspection by any other officer of the chapter or by the Advisor upon request. Upon request of the President he/she shall present an oral financial report at any meeting of the chapter. He/She shall present a complete and final written report at the last meeting of each school year, and at that time he/she shall deliver to his/her successor all chapter records and funds in his/her possession. He/She shall preside at meetings of the chapter in the absence of the President and Vice-President.
The Program Committee shall be responsible for planning and arranging for the various activities of the chapter.
Article III - Dues
The annual dues of the chapter shall be $XX, payable at the first meeting of each school year. The dues consists of $5 for National SBE dues and $XX for local student chapter activities. Benefits of being a National SBE member include: being part of an international professional network, discounts on the biological engineering conferences, subscription to our e-newsletter, and a voice in education, employment and technology advancement topics. National SBE members are eligible to compete for National SBE scholarships and awards. In order to compete for AIChE student awards and competitions the student must also be a National member of AIChE at a cost of $15.
Article IV - Assessments
Assessments for any specific purpose may be levied by a two-thirds vote of the members, attending any regular meeting of the chapter, provided such two-thirds majority shall include at least one-third of the members of the chapter.
Article V - Amendments to the Bylaws
Amendments to the Bylaws shall be proposed and adopted by the procedure specified in Article VI of the Constitution.