President, Lynn Cutter MSN, RN, BC, CNS, CNE                              lbclutter@lunet.edu Responsibilities: The President serves as chief representative of the chapter in inter-chapter activities.
	President Elect, Rita Williams MSN, RN  rlwilliams@lunet.edu Responsibilities:  The President Elect shall succeed into the presidency at the end of term of office and shall promote the purposes of the Society.
	Vice-President, Teressa Hunter, MS, RN    thunter@lunet.edu Responsibilities: In the absence of the president, the Vice President is to perform the duties of the president. The Vice president is to submit a report at each board meeting and assist in preparation of the Chapter Annual Report.
	Corresponding Secretary, Carolyn Kornegay Ph.D, RN, Dean Langston University School Of Nursing    ctkornegay@lunet.edu Responsibilities: The Corresponding Secretary is responsible to produce and distribute email and regular mail to chapter members.
	Recording Secretary, Irene Pappas MS, RN   irenepappas@lunet.edu Responsibilities: The secretary is to prepare and distribute agendas and submit a report with meeting minutes and correspondence. The secretary is to assist in the preparation of the Chapter Annual Report.
	Treasurer, Gretchen Graff, MS, RN    gjgraff@lunet.edu Responsibilities: The Treasurer shall be the custodian of funds of the Upsilon Pi Chapter. To treasurer shall also propose a budget to the board.
	Faculty Counselor, Langston,.Mary Newman MS, RN.                mcnewman@lunet.edu Responsibilities: The Faculty Counselor shall be a member of the faculty of Langston University. The Counselor shall serve as chairperson of the Governance Committee.
	Faculty Counselor, Tulsa, Pam Divito-Thomas Ph.D, RN, CNE              pdivito@lunet.edu Responsibilities: The Faculty Counselor shall be a member of the faculty of Langston University. The Counselor shall serve as chairperson of the Governance Committee.

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Langston University School of Nursing
Langston, Oklahoma, USA
Spring, 2007

History of Honor Society

In October 2005 during a full faculty meeting, inquiry was made about the possibility of having a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. This was not the first time the Langston University School of Nursing (LUSON) faculty had discussed membership. At least two prior discussions had taken place and initial steps were taken, but never came to fruition. The consensus at the full faculty meeting, however, was favorable for beginning an honor society. Dean Carolyn Kornegay commissioned Lynn Clutter, faculty member, to investigate STTI membership.

Impetus for having an honor society came from the many faculty members who are active members of other STTI chapters. Faculty, dean, and students have all articulated a desire for this expression of scholarship. The consensus was that the time had come in the history of LUSON to establish a chapter. Many faculty were quick to offer assistance in the process. Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert, Langston University president, has affirmed the benefits of honor societies and the LUSON honor society, specifically.

12-16 November 2005, Lynn Clutter attended the 38th Biennial Convention of Sigma Theta Tau International in Indianapolis, IN. During this time there was a session for starting new chapters that Lynn attended and received much information.

14 February 2006 was the inaugural induction and reception for the Langston School of Nursing honor society. Dean Kornegay gave the welcome and opening remarks. Declaring this ceremony "an historic event in the Langston University School of Nursing," Dean Kornegay emphasized the significance of this honor society. Lynn Clutter gave the president's address that included the purposes of the LUSON honor society and the intent to pursue membership in Sigma Theta Tau International. This inaugural induction ceremony was deemed a marvelous success.

Board member meetings continue monthly through the school year. Committee meetings have occurred as needed to ensure program success and to accomplish the work of the chapter. In addition, Pat Porter and Irene Pappas have begun to compile archival information.

The first chapter email newsletter was sent to members November 2006. The decision was made to send an email newsletter once in the fall and once in the spring of each year. The hope is that all members will contribute to the newsletter and that it will be a venue to share member achievements, information about programs, and chapter business.

Recent programs have included:

• Honor Society Induction Ceremony and Program

• Presentation by Dr. Francis R. Eason, "Current and Future Trends in Educating International Students," Oklahoma League of Nursing

• Minority Health Forum on Women's Health Issues

• Nurse Educator's Update: Minority Students, Legal Strategies, Technology, Critical Thinking

• Sponsor of Cultural Diversity Day that highlighted the culture of disability

• Program and Luncheon Sponsor for graduating seniors; included information for continuing professional development

The Langston University School of Nursing Honor Society sees its dream fulfilled by receiving a chapter charter from Sigma Theta Tau International.

List of Honor Society Officers
            President                                 Lynn Clutter
            President-elect                        Rita Williams
            Vice President                         Teressa Hunter
            Corresponding Secretary       Carolyn Kornegay
            Secretary                                Irene Pappas
            Treasurer                                Brenda Nance
            Faculty Counselor                   Mary Newman
           
Year(s) Program(s) Established
            Baccalaureate/Equivalent: 1980
            Graduate: none

Accrediting Agency
            Baccalaureate/Equivalent: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission

Membership Totals at Time of Application
            Undergraduate: 28
            Nurse Leaders: 19
            Transfer/dual members: 10

Number of Graduates Each of Past Five Years

	2002-2003	2003-2004	2004-2005	2005-2006	2006-2007
Undergraduate	49	35	46	44	49

 

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Langston University School of Nursing Honor Society
Langston and Tulsa, Oklahoma

Honor Society By-Laws of 2006-2007

 

Article I.  Name

The name of this honor society is the Langston University School of Nursing Honor Society.  It is located at Langston and Tulsa Oklahoma.

Article II. Purposes
The purposes of this Society shall be to:

1. Recognize superior achievement.

2. Recognize the development of leadership qualities.

3. Foster high professional standards.

4. Encourage creative work.

5. Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.

Article III. Status
Section 1.  Nonprofit Organization

This organization is a nonprofit corporation and does not contemplate the distribution of gains, profits or dividends to the members.

Section 2.  Limitation of Activities

No substantial part of the activities of this Honor Society shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the Honor Society shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

Article IV. Membership
Section 1.  Categories of Membership

1. Regular Member

Section 2.  Qualifications for Regular Membership
a.     Candidates for all categories of membership shall be considered without regard to race, age, gender,  
        creed, color, national origin, disability or other legally protected categories dependent upon      jurisdiction.
b.     Student candidates shall have demonstrated superior academic achievement, academic integrity, and    professional leadership potential.
c.     Regular Member
        1) Students in Basic Program
a) Definition – Basic program is defined as a baccalaureate or equivalent nursing degree program which leads to the first professional nursing degree.  
b) Academic Achievement – Students shall have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent of this measure of academic achievement.  When grade point averages are not available or used by the nursing degree program, “B” or the second highest grade of the institution shall be used.
c) Rank in class – Basic students who are elected shall rank not lower than the highest 35 percent of their class in scholarship.
d) Curriculum – Students shall have completed at least one-half of the required nursing curriculum.                                                         
e) Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Honor Societies governance committee.
2) Nurse Leader
A nurse leader, who is a registered nurse, legally recognized to practice in his/her country with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, and who has demonstrated achievement in nursing, shall be eligible for membership. 

Section 3.  Selection of Members

1. Regular Members

1) Student member candidates are required to be enrolled in an institution of higher learning where the Honor Society is located to be considered for membership in that Honor Society.
2) The nurse leader candidate may be selected for membership by any Honor Society.

Section 4.  Membership Status

1. Members may be designated as active or inactive.  Active members pay annual Honor Society fees.  Inactive members have not paid annual Honor Society fees, but shall become active at any time by paying current renewal fees.
2.  

Section 5.  Rights and Responsibilities of Active Members

1. Regular Members

2. Active regular members shall make a commitment to the purposes of the Society.

3. Active regular members shall receive:

     a. official Society publications;
     b. priority for education programs; and
     c. priority for research funding.

a. receive all communications and announcements;
b. be able to attend meetings;
c. be able to participate in activities;
d. be considered for awards;
e. be eligible to vote; and
f. hold elective and appointive office as outlined by the Honor Society bylaws.

 

Section 6.  Revocation of Membership

Membership in the Society may be revoked at any time by the inducting Honor Society for just cause and after due process.  Revocation of membership shall be determined at a meeting of the inducting Society, at which a quorum is present, by at least three-fourths vote for revocation by those present.

Article V. HONOR SOCIETY Organization and Responsibilities
Section 1.  Organization

This Honor Society shall function under bylaws, policies, and procedures which are not in conflict with those of Sigma Theta Tau, International.

Section 2.  Honor Society Responsibilities
The Society shall fulfill the following requirements:

1. Support the purposes of this Society.
2. Observe the provisions of these bylaws and comply with the Society's policies and regulations.
3. Select and induct eligible members a minimum of one time annually.
4. Meet all financial obligations.

Article VI. Meetings
Section 1.  Regular Meetings

This Honor Society shall have at least one annual business meeting and at least two programs of a scholarly nature during each fiscal year.  The annual business meeting, where officers and committees present written annual reports to the membership, may be held in conjunction with a scholarly program.

Section 2.  Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the president or upon request of six (6) members of the Honor Society.

Article VII. Board of Directors
Section 1.  Membership

The members of the Board of Directors of this Honor Society shall consist of the elected officers.  The elected members of the Board of Directors are the voting members.

Section 2.  Focus

The elected members of the Board of Directors have the authority and responsibility to manage the Honor Society consistent with these bylaws and in an appropriate legal manner.

Section 3. Functions

1. Carry forward the Honor Society's objectives.
2. Manage the business and fiscal affairs of the Society.
3. Monitor the income and disbursement of funds.
4. Make policies for its own actions and the actions of its committees.
5. Appoint chairs of elected committees and appoint members and chairs of non-elected committees.
6. Oversee elected committees, board advisory councils and board task forces.
7. Supervise and manage the committees and publications.
8. Act as a liaison between the Society and school.
9. Assure appropriate eligibility process for selection of candidates for membership.
10. Assure that the Society fulfills the requirements of the Honor Society.

Section 4. Meetings

The Board of Directors of this Honor Society shall meet as necessary to conduct the business between meetings of the general membership.

Article VIII. Officers
Section 1.  Titles

1. The officers of this chapter shall be: president, president-elect, vice-president , secretary, treasurer, and counselor one from Langston campus and one from Tulsa campus.  Officers are active members of this Honor Society.
2. The president, with the approval of the Board of Directors, when appropriate, shall appoint such other persons as may be necessary to conduct the business of the Society.

Section 2.  Vacancies

The vice-president fills the vacancy of president.  Other offices are filled by appointment of the Board of Directors until the next election.

Section 3.  Duties
The duties of the Honor Society’s officers shall be as follows:

1. The president shall be the executive officer and shall administer all business of the Society as provided for by the bylaws.  The president serves as chief representative of the Society in inter-chapter activities, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except Leadership Succession Committee.
2. The president-elect shall succeed into the presidency at the end of the term of office and shall promote the purposes of the Society.
3. The vice president shall perform the duties of the president in the president's absence.
4.  The secretary shall prepare and distribute meeting minutes, correspondence and newsletter of the  Society. 
5. The treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of this Honor Society and may be bonded in an amount equal to three-fourths of the worth of the Society.  The treasurer shall propose a budget to the board.
6. A counselor(s) shall be a member of the faculty at the institution of higher learning where the Honor Society is located.  The President-Elect shall serve as chairperson of the Governance Committee.
7. Each officer shall submit a report at the Board of Directors meeting and to members at the annual business meeting.

Article IX. Elections
Section 1.  Elections

Elections shall be held at the annual business meeting or by electronic or mail ballot.  Those elected shall assume their duties by July 1 of the year in which they are elected.

Section 2.  Positions

Elected positions shall be the Honor Society’s officers and directors.

Section 3.  Vote

1. A majority vote shall elect officers.
2. When there are more than two (2) candidates running for the same office, the candidate with the highest number of votes wins the election.
3. In the event of a tie, the election shall be determined by lot.

Section 4. Terms

1.  The length of the term of all officers is two (2) years.
2. No member of the Board of Directors shall exceed a total of six consecutive years on the Board of Directors.

Article X. Committees
Section 1.  Standing Committees

1. The standing committees shall be: Governance Committee and Leadership Succession Committee, and others if desired.
2. The term of office shall be two years.  A member may be reappointed or elected for a second consecutive term, except for members of the Leadership Succession Committee who may serve a maximum of two (2) years and are elected according to Article IX. Elections Section 4.
3. Each standing committee shall present a report to the business meetings of the Board of Directors and an annual report to the membership at the annual (business) meeting.
4. Each committee prepares reviews and makes recommendations regarding policies corresponding to its area of responsibility for Board of Directors approval.

Section 2.  Governance Committee

1. The Governance Committee shall oversee bylaws compliance, make recommendations for bylaws changes and oversee member and chapter eligibility issues.
2. The Governance Committee shall consist of at least three (3) elected/appointed members and the President-Elect as chair.

Section 3.  Leadership Succession Committee

1. Mission – The Leadership Succession Committee shall develop members in organizational leadership roles across the span of their careers, mentor members to assume organizational board and officer positions at all levels of the organization. The committee shall select nominees and prepare the ballot. The ballot will be sent to the Board of Directors at least four (4) weeks prior to a scheduled election.
2. Membership – The Leadership Succession Committee shall consist of three (3) members appointed by the Board of Directors of the Honor Society.
3. The Leadership Succession Committee members shall not be eligible for any elected office of the current ballot.

Section 4.  Additional Standing Committees

Additional standing committees, advisory councils, and task forces may be appointed by the Board of Directors if deemed appropriate. The purpose of these groups will be to carry out the work of the chapter.

Section 5. Board Advisory Councils

1. Mission – Board Advisory Councils shall inform the board of current and future issues, directions, and priorities of the chapter. 
2. Membership – Board Advisory Councils shall be appointed by the Board of Directors for a term through the next chapter election unless reappointed.

 

Section 6. Task Forces

1. Mission – Task Forces are formed to complete an assigned task within a specified time frame.
2. Membership – Task Forces are formed by the Board, Standing Committees, and Board Advisory Councils.  They are made up of members who bring expertise, interest, and commitment to complete an assigned task.

Article XI. Finance
Section 1.  Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be July 1 through June 30.

Section 2. Induction and Renewal Fee Changes

Adjustments to the fee schedule shall be approved by the Honor Society Board of Directors.  Fee schedule adjustments shall not occur more than once a biennium and shall not exceed the cumulative Consumer Price Index (CPI) percentage rate.  Any adjustments, accompanied by rationale, will be provided to membership sixty (60) days in advance of the effective date.

Section 3.  Induction Fee

Each new member shall pay an Honor Society induction fee. This shall entitle the new member to active membership with all its benefits from the date of induction for one year to the member’s anniversary date of induction.  The Honor Society induction fee is $25.00. 

Section 4.  Renewal Fee

1. Membership Status - Following the first year of membership, members are designated as active or inactive.  Each member shall pay an annual renewal fee as designated by the Honor Society board of directors. The annual Honor Society renewal fee is $25.00. 

Section 5.  Honor Society Financial Responsibilities

This Honor Society is an independent, autonomous organization. The Society determines the amounts of its fees and assessments.  The Honor Society has control of its income, expenses, contracts, accounting system and internal reports.

Article XII. Quorum
Section 1.  Membership

a.   A quorum at an Honor Society business meeting shall consist of two (2) officers and three (3) members.
b.   In the event of a revocation of membership vote, 30 days’ notice of the meeting with the revocation issue announced is required and a quorum shall consist of three (3) officers and 10% of the active membership of the Honor Society in attendance. 

Section 2.  Board of Directors
A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of three (3) members.

Article XIII. Parliamentary Authority

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern this Honor Society in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws or special rules of the Honor Society.

Article XIV. Amendments to Bylaws
Section 1.  Amendments with Notice

These bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the Honor Society members present and voting at any meeting of the Honor Society.  Proposed amendments shall be in the hands of the Honor Society secretary at least forty-five (45) days before the date of the meeting and shall be appended to the call to the meeting sent thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.

 

Section 2.  Amendments without Notice

These bylaws may be amended by unanimous vote of the members present and voting at any scheduled meeting without previous notice.

 

Article XV. Dissolution
The process for dissolution of the Langston University School of Nursing Honor Society shall be as follows:

Section 1.  Initial Action

1. A resolution for dissolution of the Honor Society is presented at a regular meeting and must be signed by a majority of active (voting) members present at the meeting.  Honor Society officers then call a special meeting of the Honor Society to vote on the resolution for dissolution of the Society.  Three-fourths of the active members present must vote to dissolve. 

Section 2.  If the Honor Society Approves Dissolution

1. The Honor Society’s officers shall notify the members of the Honor Society of the decision and take the necessary steps to conclude the affairs of the Society in accordance with statutory requirements existing at the date such action is taken.

Section 3.  Disposition of Honor Society Funds

• All cash and other assets remaining after the Langston University School of Nursing Honor Society's outstanding debts are donated to Langston University School of Nursing.

 

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