Drafting Alumni Association By-Laws
Each alumni association must submit by-laws to the International Headquarters. By-laws serve as a governing document for the alumni association. These by-laws should adhere to and not contradict the Phi Theta Kappa International Constitution. Sample alumni association by-laws are enclosed. The Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters staff suggests you use the enclosed sample as a guideline. Your by-laws may differ from this sample depending on your alumni association climate and the institution you serves.
When writing the by-laws, the alumni association's Executive Committee should keep in mind that the document should be general in content and should reflect the purpose, goals and objectives of Phi Theta Kappa Alumni. The committee should also consult with officials of the host institution to ascertain specific requirements and policies which must be included in a campus organization's by-laws.
The Executive Committee should present a completed draft of the by-laws to the charter membership for ratification prior to its installation. Upon acceptance, the Alumni Association By-Laws should be submitted to the Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters for final approval. A permanent copy of your By-Laws will remain on file at the Center for Excellence.
Sample goals and bylaws (in Rich Text Format) are available.
Official Institutional Recognition
Official Recognition for a Regional Alumni Association is given by the Phi Theta Kappa Region so disregard this section.
In order for the Phi Theta Kappa alumni association to share in the same benefits of other recognized organizations of the hosting institution, official recognition may be necessary. Benefits could include financial assistance, access to the host institution's facilities for meetings, as well as other services. In most instances the host institution's Dean of Students Office can explain the proper procedures to follow in obtaining official recognition.
This recognition process also affords the host institution's administration the opportunity to become further acquainted with the purpose and proposed programs of the alumni association. The Executive Committee members and advisor(s) should meet with the host institution's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Dean of Students to discuss the interest in establishing an alumni association. While meeting with these administrators, the Executive Committee should present a statement describing the purpose, objectives and goals of the alumni association. This statement should include an explanation of how the alumni association proposes to serve the institution.
Related Information:
- Alumni History
- Organizing an Alumni Association
- Required Forms (in Rich Text Format)
- Member Search Request Form
- Charter Petition Form
- Information Form
- Chartering Information Form
- Advisor Form
- Membership Reporting Form
- Chartering Checklist (in Rich Text Format)
© Copyright by Phi Theta Kappa, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this document may be reprinted or used
without the permission of Phi Theta Kappa.
Updated 9/26/09
