History of Phi Sigma Tau


Founded at Muhlenberg College in 1930, Phi Sigma Tau is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. At both the national and local levels, the organization of the Society is instrumental -- a means for developing and honoring academic excellence as well as philosophical interest. The goal of Phi Sigma Tau is to make philosophy a living experience, bringing together students with a common interest and competence in philosophical studies and providing opportunitites for the publication of student research papers.


Phi Sigma Tau Constitution:

ARTICLE I — NAME AND AFFILIATION

The name of this organization is Phi Sigma Tau. It is affiliated with the Phi Sigma Tau International Honor Society.

ARTICLE II — PURPOSE

Its central purpose is to serve as a means of awarding distinction to students having high scholarship and personal interest in philosophy; to promote student interest in philosophy in terms of research and advanced study; to provide opportunities for the publication of student research papers of merit; to encourage a professional spirit and friendship among those who have displayed marked ability in this field; and to popularize interest in philosophy.

ARTICLE III — MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to all who meet the membership requirements enumerated in the By-Laws. Membership and services provided by the organization will be denied to no one on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry, or medical condition.

ARTICLE IV — OFFICERS

The elected officers of this club shall be: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and other any other officers elected in accordance with the Chapter’s By-Laws. The term of office shall be as long as the individual wishes to hold it. The President shall appoint qualified persons to temporarily fill all vacancies until such a time when a Quorum can be called in order to provide for a vote on a permanent replacement.

ARTICLE V — ADVISORS

A faculty advisor shall be selected at inception. Their term of office shall be as long as the individual wishes to hold it. The advisor may suggest a successor but any advisor must be approved by a simple majority of all elected officers.

ARTICLE VI — MEETINGS

Unless otherwise provided by the elected officers, meetings shall be held monthly on campus.

ARTICLE VII — QUORUM

A two-third (2/3) vote of the members shall be required to conduct club business.

ARTICLE VIII — AMENDMENTS

The Constitution may be amended by two-third (2/3) vote of the members. Members will be notified at the regular meeting and will be asked to vote by ballot to be tallied in the presence of a quorum.


By-Laws:

A.  Membership: Membership is open to all currently enrolled uncergraduate and graduate students, qualifying alumni, and faculty of the Philosophy Department adn related fields at the University of New Mexico who meet the minimum requirements for membership as established by National Phi Sigma Tau and the local executive board as follows:

      1.  Undergraduate members of Phi Sigma Tau must have at least two semesters of attendance at UNM, sophmore standing, a 3.0 overall GPA, and the successful completion of at least two Philosophy classes with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

      2.  Graduate Members must meet the requirements established for undergraduates.

      3.  Alumni members must have been Phi Sigma Tau members in good standing prior to graduation or have graduated from UNM with a degree in Philosophy or a related field.

      4.  Facuty members must be faculty or associated faculty of the UNM Philosophy Department.

      5.  Associate members must be currently enrolled UNM students who are interested in joining the UNM chapter of Phi Sigma Tau but who do not yet meet the requirements for regular membership. Associate members must reasonably be expected to meet requirements for full membership within a year of induction and will be members of the UNM chapter of Phi Sigma Tau alone with no affiliation with national Phi Sigma Tau. Associate memberships will be assigned at the discretion of the chapter's Esecutive Board of Directors.

B.  Mambership Dues: Membership dues are a one-time $35 for all levels of membership.

C.  Meetings: Regularly scheduled meetings will be held throughout the school year. A planning meeting shall be held as close as possible to the beginning of each spring and fall semester in order to plan semester activities and schedule meetings for the current semester. Initiation meetings will be held twice yearly.

D.  Quorum: Neither Article VII or Article VIII of the Constitution shall be construed to prevent voting through proxy or absentee ballot. A quorum for the purpose of performing announced club business may be declared at the discretion of the presiding officer at any scheduled meeting. Alumni and associate members will not be counted for quorum-determination purposes at any Chapter Meeting unless present and voting.

E.  Executive Board of Directors: The Board will minimally consist of the offices of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary who will respectively be assigned the following duties:


      1.  The President will:
            a.  Call and Preside over meetings
            b.  Appoint and dissolve any Special Committees and appoint Committee Chairs as needed
            c.  Cull the University files for eligible candidates for membership and lead recruitment activites.

      2.  The Vice-President will:
            a.  Preside when the president is unable to do so
            b.  Serve as coordinator for the Chapter's various activities on campus
            c.  Assist the President with recruitment efforts.

      3.  The Treasurer will:
            a.  Prepare and maintain the Chapter's semester budget and ASUNM account(s)
            b.  Serve as chief liaison with ASUNM
            c.  Collect and submit membership fees and materials to national Phi Sigma Tau.

      4.  The Secretary will:
            a.  Handle all matters of correspondence
            b.  Keep minutes of Chapter meetings
            c.  Prepare the annual report to the National Executive Secretary
            d.  Notify new members of their selection
            e.  Maintain Chapter membership roster.

F.  Election of Officers: Elections will be held when an officer resigns from his/her post.

G.  Creation of Executive Offices: Additional postings on the Chapter's Executive Board of Directors not enumerated above or in the Constitution may be created or eliminated at the Board's discretion as needed. All Board Offices shall have equal standing in executive votes.

H.  Vote of No Confidence: Any member of the organization, at any regular meeting may make a motion of no confidence in the Officers and/or the Faculty advisor. If sufficient second is found, the Officers and/or Faculty Advisor shall be put up to a vote of no confidence. A vote of no confidence by a two-thirds majority of the entire clup membership shall result in either the resignation or removal of the body of Officers and/or Faculty Advisor. If applicable, an immediate vote shall be called to appoint a new body of Officers. If applicable, a new Fauclty Advisor shall be appointed through established methods.

I.  Committees: Standing Committees may be formed and dissolved by the Board of Directors at their discretion as needed. Special Committees can be created at the sole discretion of the President for a set, non-perpetual term. A Committee chair, who can be an Officer, shall be appointed to lead all Committees and act as liaison to the Board of Directors.

J.  Change of By-Laws: The foregoing By-Laws may be changed at any time by two-thirds vote of those present and ovting at any Chapter Meeting.

Return to the PHI SIGMA TAU HOMEPAGE