Beta Psi Omega Constitution Test (FA'25) - Delta Chapter

When was BPsiO founded?

March 9th, 2010

Where was BPsiO founded?

The University of Maryland College Park

What was the original name of Beta Psi Omega?

Beta Iota Omicron (BIO)

What is the purpose of Beta Psi Omega?

To help students help themselves

What are Beta Psi Omega's colors?

Green and gold

What are the five core pillars?

Intellect, service, unity, diversity, and proactivity

Intellect pillar

Beta Psi Omega aims to extend beyond the normal realm of education and allows its members to approach learning with a unique attitude. WE WOULD LIKE OUR MEMBERS TO LEARN HOW TO THINK, NOT WHAT TO THINK, and learn to apply this knowledge in a variety of situations.

Service pillar

We are a community based organization with the basic goal of HELPING STUDENTS HELP THEMSELVES. In addition to serving the professional needs of students in the biological sciences, BETA PSI OMEGA EXTENDS ITS HELPING HAND TO OTHER SERVICE BASED PROJECTS.

Unity pillar

Beta Psi Omega believes that the POWER OF THE SUM IS GREATER THAN THE INDIVIDUAL PARTS. The organization therefore aims to foster connections not only with its members, but with resources on campus, and the surrounding professional world as a whole.

Diversity pillar

This organization is a representation of the varied perspectives in the biological sciences. Since biology has such an eclectic foundation, WE AIM TO EXPOSE STUDENTS TO THIS DIVERSITY WITHIN THE FIELD AND WITHIN THEIR CAREER OPTIONS. Therefore, there is no particular student template we are searching for, but rather students who simply love what it is that they do. We encourage all majors to be a part of this organization.

Proactivity pillar

A key feature our members should embody is the ability to APPROACH PROBLEMS AND ISSUES CONSTRUCTIVELY. We constantly SEEK IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION AND WITHIN EACH OTHER TO ENSURE THE SURVIVAL OF THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST VERSIONS OF OURSELVES. If we can achieve that, it ensures that Beta Psi Omega is continuously improving and evolving.

What does the national board do?

Oversees all chapter and colony activity

What do chapter and colony officers do?

Plan events for brothers and sisters

What is a colony?

A group of students at a 4 year university that 1) has been approved to begin rush/pledging by the national board and 2) has initiated an Alpha class.

When can a colony petition to be a chapter?

After 3 years

What is the definition of a chapter?

Any colony that has 1) been in existence for at least 3 years, 2) has met the colony benchmarks, and 3) has received a chapter charter from the National Board.

Semester 1 colony benchmarks

1) Fill 5 core office positions (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, public relations)

2) Induct Alpha class

Semester 2 colony benchmarks

1) Fill any remaining board positions listed in the Constitution

2) Conduct at least 3 pillar events

3) Acquire an advisor

Year 2 colony benchmarks

1) Induct a Beta class

2) Conduct any remaining pillar events

3) Members are now responsible for completing 12 service hours each semester

4) Have Founder's Day event

Year 3 colony benchmarks

1) Induct Gamma class

2) Hold Founder's Day event

3) Conduct all pillar events

4) Meet national philanthropy fundraising goals

End year 3 colony benchmarks

Become eligible to petition to the National board for chapter charter

Set-up of the National Board

Max of 3 co-presidents, treasurer, one liaison per chapter/colony, and webmaster (possible event planner and alumni liaison)

How often are National Board elections held?

Once a year at the end of the academic year

Who is eligible to run for the National Board

All alumni

Who can propose an amendment to the Constitution?

Any member. Colonies may not formally amend the Constitution until they become a chapter.

What happens when a chapter or colony violates the Constitution?

Probation or disaffiliation

When are national dues paid?

Twice a year (February and September)

What positions are elected once per year (end of spring semester)?

President, Vice President, Treasurer, Historian, and Academic Chair (Also Pledgemaster depending on if there is a spring rush and if the current pledgemaster wants to continue for 2 semesters)

What elections occur twice a year (end of fall and spring semesters)?

Secretary, Service Chair, Public Relations, Social Chair, Rush Chair (if there is spring rush)

Is there a GPA requirement to become a member (rush and pledge)?

No

Is there a GPA requirement to maintain a member?

Yes, 2.75 GPA

What happens if GPA falls under 2.75?

Placed on academic probation for a semester and will not be able to attend social events

Who do members submit their GPA's to at the beginning of each semester?

Academic Chair

Requirements to be an inactive member

Must attend 2 chapters and pay half dues

Can a member be inactive for more than one semester?

No

Does study abroad count as an inactive semester?

No

The proper protocol for thanking anyone who assists Beta Psi Omega?

A hand written thank you card

Who can amend the Constitution?

Any active member

When are strikes wiped clean?

One year after they were given

Who are the original founders?

Divya Kulshreshtha, Nareh Issayans, James Booth, David Accame, Breonna Smith, Amy Carpenter, and Julie Adhya

How many service points are required of active members?

8 service points

How many academic points are required of active members?

7 academic points

How many social points are required of active members?

6 social points

Can a student say no to pledging after the rush process?

Yes

Who is responsible for the impeachment of an officer?

The other officers

What are the consequences of missing chapter without an excuse?

Strike

What is the academic dishonesty policy?

Not tolerated and leads to disaffiliation

Where can the expansive rules for pledging be found?

The pledge handbook

If there is a tie during an election of an officer, how will the tie be broken?

The person with the higher attendance will win

What is the fine amount for coming more than 10 minutes late to a meeting or an event without an adequate excuse, or missing an email or monetary deadline? (we don't do this)

$5

What is the fine amount for missing mandatory events without an adequate excuse? (we don't do this)

$25

What is the fine amount for more serious offenses such as failing to plan a substantial pillar event in the allotted time, failing to fulfill the service hour requirement, behaving inappropriately towards another brother or sister, or impeding the mission of the fraternity? (we don't do this)

$50, accompanied by a meeting with the executive board

What happens after the first strike is given?

A warning is given out

What happens after the second strike is given?

A meeting with the executive board will take place

What happens after the third strike is given?

Disaffiliation/termination of membership

Is it required to be on one pillar planning committee before you graduate?

Yes

Is hazing tolerated in Beta Psi Omega?

No

Who is invited to Founder's Day?

Alumni and active members

What is the national philanthropy of Beta Psi Omega?

The American Cancer Society

How often are chapter meetings conducted?

Twice a month

What are the requirements of active members?

- 8 service points

- 7 academic points

- 6 social points

- Attend all chapter meetings (unless excused)

- 2.75 GPA

- Attend all pillar events

- Pay dues

- Attend 2 pledge meetings

- Sign up for 2 coffee chats

- Attend 2 rush events

- Attend one speed friending

- Run one interview

When was Beta Psi Omega established as a colony at UIUC?

Fall 2016

When was Beta Psi Omega granted chapter status at UIUC?

Spring 2019

How frequent are National Board elections held?

Annually

What chapter are we at UIUC?

The Delta chapter

What are the requirements to run for Pledgemaster?

Serve on the executive board for at least 1 semester or serve on the pledge committee for at least 1 semester

What are the requirements to run for President?

Serve on the executive board for at least 1 semester

How many warnings result in a strike?

3 warnings

Can potential new members participate in the pledging process more than once (if they drop the first time)?

No

Are members who are in a relationship allowed to parent together?

No

How many pillar events are held annually?

5 (one for each pillar)

When is Founder's Day?

March 9th

When was Beta Psi Omega made a nationwide foundation, which happened when the Beta Chapter was appointed at California State University - Fullerton?

September 12th, 2014

How often must each Chapter touch base with their National Board liaison?

Once per academic year

What is the name of our faculty advisor?

Christina Swanson