Chapters

If you already have been chartered but have not been active, you need to update your officers and request a reactivation of the chapter. If you do not have the by-laws, develop them and do as noted above. You will be recognized at the IFT Annual Meeting.

MODEL BY-LAWS (Courtesy of the Florida and Cornell Chapters)

I. Name

Phi Tau Sigma Honorary Society, Florida Chapter
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
Chartered on July 23, 2003

Purpose
The purpose of this organization are to encourage and recognize outstanding achievement in the area of food science and technology, to promote the exchange of scientific information among food scientists and related disciplines through meetings, seminars, and publications, and to recognize the achievement of promising young scientists and to enhance professionalism among food science and related disciplines.

II. Membership

A) Eligibility: Persons eligible for membership in the society shall be Seniors or graduate students who have a GPA equal to or greater than 3.0. Faculty, or staff may be associate members who cannot vote or hold office (However in most cases (including other chpaters), faculty and other members vote in a society like this since it is honorary and not a student club).

B) Members shall be nominated and elected in accordance with Article II, Section 4a, of the Constitution of the National Society.

C) Nominations must be by one student memeber and one faculty member and will be reviewed by the chapter executive committee. After acceptance the nomination will the voted upon by all the members of the chapter.

D) Procedure for revoking membership: Active membership in the University of Florida Chapter of Phi Tau Sigma will be revoked if:

1. A Student’s GPA falls below a 3.0.

2. A Student withdraws from school.

3. Failure to pay national dues.

III. Regulations

This organization will adhere to the Student Guide and the other laws, rules, and regulations governing the University of Florida and its students. This organization is non-profit and non-commercial in nature. This organization promises not to discriminate against any race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. This organization also promises not to harass or haze. Additionally, members of this organization will be free to disassociate without fear of harassment or retribution.

IV. Finance

The cost to each student member for national dues is $10/year. The cost to all associate members is $15/year, subject to change by the National organization. These monies will be paid directly to the appropriate organization. The Chapter will not be involved in collecting these dues. Programs and activities for the local chapter (club) will be financed by donations made to the organization.

V. Officers

As a group, the officers will be referred to as the Executive Committee.

President – The duties of the president will be to conduct all meetings, correspond with the parent organization, handle all public relation issues for the club, and promote membership in Phi Tau Sigma.

Vice President – The duties of the vice president will be to assist the president with club meetings and events, attend meetings in the president’s absence, and handle all social activities and events.

Secretary – The duties of the secretary will be to take minutes at all club and executive committee meetings, type the minutes, keep a record book of all minutes, and have minutes on hand at all meetings, handle all paperwork encountered by the organization, and send out notices (emails) to club members with announcements and dates for meetings.

Treasurer – The duties of the treasurer will be to handle any money issues encountered by the club, manage all financial accounts, deposit any donations received, set up hotel accommodations and transportation for any speakers that come to the university.

Amendments

If an amendment to the by-laws (constitution) needs to be made, the amendment must be drafted by the Secretary and announced at the next club meeting. The amendment will be discussed and voted upon at the meeting following the one at which it was announced. The amendment will be accepted by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting.

There are 38 chapters (primarily at educational institutions) in the U.S., Mexico and China. These are formed to better serve the members at the local level. The chapters, instllation dates and first president are as follows: