Constitution and Bylaws

Pre-Health Honors Society Constitution

Alpha Epsilon Delta – Colorado Alpha Chapter

Article I: Purpose

Section 1: Name

The name of this Chapter shall be Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta. It shall function as a Pre-Professional Health Honor Society.

Section 2: Objectives

This Chapter, the Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, shall abide by the objectives of the society:

1. To build a community of students with similar interests and future career goals.
2. To stimulate an appreciation of the importance of pre-professional health education.
3. To promote cooperation and contact between professional and pre-professional students and educators.
4. To use its knowledge for the benefit of health organizations, charities, and the community.
5. To provide resources and support to members, enhancing their academic, professional, and personal development through access to educational materials, career guidance, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

Section 3: Motto

The motto of this Chapter, the Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, “Alpha Epsilon Delta – Truth I Pursue” shall be honored by members of this Chapter.

Section 4: Insignia

The insignia of this society will be honored and respected by this Chapter. It consists of:

1. A hexagon key or pin, on the face of which shall be inscribed AED in longitudinal column. The shape, reminiscent of the benzene ring, indicates the marked learning of this order toward the study of organic chemistry.
2. A Coat of Arms consisting of the: Crest: An open book debruised by a death’s head above a wreath of the colors. Arms: A silver shield bearing a black caduceus below a red Greek cross. The shield is surmounted by an esquire’s helmet and draped with a mantling of scroll work. Motto: Alpha Epsilon Delta in upper- and lower-case Greek letters.
3. A Seal consisting of an outlined benzene ring surrounded by a paneled border containing the words: “Alpha Epsilon Delta Founded in 1926.”
4. A cloth patch bearing the Coat-of-Arms of this Society.

Section 5: Colors

The Chapter acknowledges that the colors of Alpha Epsilon Delta shall be red and violet.

Section 6: Flower

The Chapter acknowledges that the flower of Alpha Epsilon Delta shall be the red rose.

Article II: Membership

All student members shall be considered due-paying members, unless fees are waived upon official request.

Student members must meet the requirements outlined in Article II, Sections I and II (depending on level of membership). 

Section I: Affiliate Membership

An affiliate member is a member who meets the requirements set by the Colorado Alpha Chapter (stated below). Affiliate members are eligible for all local benefits of membership except the right to serve as the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Executive Board. Affiliate members are not eligible for the privileges of national membership–stated in Article II, section II. All CU Boulder students, of any major, are eligible to become affiliate members of the club, per CU Center for Student Involvement policy.

The requirements to maintain affiliate status shall be:

1. The student shall pay semesterly dues as set by the Executive Board. The treasurer shall collect dues, set due dates, and determine payment plan or waiver options for members who are unable to pay dues in full.
2. The student shall attend all active meetings.
3. The student shall participate in at least one philanthropy, or social event per month.
4. The student shall complete 15 hours of community service each semester. An image of attendance or a supervisor’s contact must be documented and submitted to the Secretary for credit.
5. The student must attend and serve the Health Fair.
6. Save these requirements, those held by The University of Colorado at Boulder for membership in registered student organizations, and the probation process outlined in Article IV, no student shall be excluded from affiliate membership in the Chapter for any reason, including race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, course of study, or grade point average.

Section II: National Membership

The Colorado Alpha Chapter is part of the national organization, Alpha Epsilon Delta. While membership in the national organization is not required for CU Boulder chapter members, they have the option to pay an additional fee to join as national members, which grants access to attending a convention, eligibility for scholarships, and inclusion on the official national record. To maintain active status as national members, the following requirements, in accordance with the Alpha Epsilon Delta national organization, shall apply:

1. The student shall meet all of the requirements of affiliate (non-national) membership listed in Section I of this Article. In addition, the student must also meet the following requirements.
2. The student shall be engaged in courses leading to the study of their chosen health profession. Chosen health professions include careers in medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), dentistry, optometry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and other health care professions requiring post baccalaureate study leading to an advanced degree.
3. The student shall have completed at least three semesters of health pre-professional studies work with an overall cumulative grade average of at least 3.30 on a 4.00 scale (A= 4.00) and also with a cumulative average of 3.30 in the sciences; biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics (BCPM). GPAs are not to be rounded up.
4. Any student with an overall science (BCPM) and overall cumulative grade point average of 3.30 on a 4.00 scale (A = 4.0) for at least two semesters transferring from a school will be eligible for membership after the completion of one semester at CU Boulder). The grade point averages used to determine scholastic eligibility at CU Boulder will be determined by averaging all grades from both schools.
5. Members shall be selected with no discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed or national origin.

The Membership Record Form (MRF) and National Membership fee for each initiate must be remitted to and acknowledged by the National Office. MRFs will be submitted by the Chapter on behalf of qualifying members, and a single check will be submitted to the National Office covering all membership fees.

The National Office shall issue certificates at the time of the registration for qualifying members. The qualifying members officially become national members and receive their certificates at the Chapter initiation ceremony.

Any member of one Chapter may become affiliated with another Chapter by completion and presentation of a Membership Transfer Certificate.

Section III: Honorary Membership

Honorary members are those educational and/or professional practitioners whom the Chapter wishes to honor with AED membership for their services and contribution to AED and health pre-professional education. Honorary members shall enjoy full privileges of active membership. To become effective, the National Officers must approve the election of honorary members.

Section IV: Pledge-ship

Pledge-ship is the process by which members are introduced to and integrated into the club. It lasts two semesters and has no relation to national membership. Both affiliate and national members participate in pledge-ship. The requirements to complete pledge-ship shall be: 

1. The student must attend all pledge and active meetings for two semesters. The Pledge Trainer must excuse all absences.
2. The student shall attend all active meetings.
3. The student shall participate in at least one philanthropy or social event per month.
4. The student must serve on the day of the Health fair.
5. The student shall write a reflection paper concerning a health-related shadowing experience. Sources must come from a direct, hands-on preceptorship with a professional in a specialty of specialty. Each paper will be submitted to the Pledge Trainer.
6. The student must complete 20 hours of volunteer service for each semester during the pledge year. An image of attendance or a supervisor’s contact must be documented and submitted to the Secretary for credit.
7. The student shall pay semesterly dues for pledges as set by the Executive Board. The dues for pledges may differ from the dues set for other members. The treasurer shall collect dues, set due dates, and determine payment plan or waiver options for members who are unable to pay dues in full.
8. The student must attend the initiation ceremony at the end of the year.
9. The Pledge Trainer shall supervise the pledge process and make determinations regarding members who fail to fulfill the above requirements.

Section V: Membership Accommodations

The above requirements, excluding National Membership requirements, shall be adjusted depending on the individual. Members shall not be removed from AED due to inability to pay dues or attendance. 

1. If a member is unable to pay dues, there is a form they must fill out to determine if they can be paid at a later time, in increments, or need to be waived.
2. If a member is unable to complete community service hours, the due date shall be pushed to the next semester and assistance will be provided to find volunteer locations.
3. If a member is unable to attend events, they must communicate their inability to attend, but shall not be punished for their absence.

Article III: Officers

Section I: Eligibility to run for office

The President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer must be national and affiliate members. All other officers' positions require affiliate membership (completed pledge-ship).

Candidates for President and Vice-President must have previously served on the board for a minimum of two semesters.

Section II: Removal of Officers

Any officer may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the active, registered members, except for the Chapter Advisors.

A vacancy left in any position will be filled by an immediate election following the guidelines for election of officers (Section 1).

Section III: Offices

The officers of the Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta shall be the following:

• President
• Vice-President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Pledge Trainer
• Philanthropy Coordinator
• Social Coordinator
• Health Fair Coordinator/s
• Faculty Chapter Advisor

The duties of each office are listed in the bylaws. 

Article IV: Probation

Members who fail to meet the requirements, including attendance, participation, due-paying, etc. as outlined in Article III, or any other specific requirements set by the Executive Board shall be placed on probation. If the violation of the requirements continues for a 2nd semester, the member can be removed from the Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta by three-fourths vote of the Executive Board.

Any member may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the Executive Board, but they shall retain their lifetime national membership.

The Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta cannot revoke National Membership Status. 

Article V: Committees

The committees shall meet for the entire scholastic year. The members of the AED community may choose to change committees at the end of each semester. The overseeing officer is responsible for calling all meetings of the committee and must ensure that the goals of the committee are being met. Committee chairs are responsible for the smooth operation of the committee and must give updated reports to the entire AED community at each meeting. Committees shall meet as needed. The following committees are standing committees that will already have been created. The President can form additional committees as they are needed. Executive Board members may request and create committees upon the approval of the President. 

The committees are as follows:

1. The social committee: responsible for planning social events for the members to attend.
2. The philanthropy committee: responsible for assisting the Philanthropy Coordinator in planning philanthropy events.
3. The Health committee: responsible for assisting the Health Fair Coordinator(s) with the medical, non-medical, and planning/breakdown of the health fair throughout the year and on the day of. 

Article VI: Elections

At the end of the scholastic year, the chapter will hold elections for the upcoming year. The rules and regulations pertaining to the election process are as follows:

1. The term for all officers will be one year.
2. Every affiliate member is eligible to run for office. Pledges that will be initiated at the end of the year are also eligible to run for office.
   1. You must be a national member to run for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer due to their need to coordinate with the national organization.
3. Only a member who has served on the Executive Board for 2 semesters may run for President or Vice President
4. The officers may change from year to year if the current officers decide to create or delete an office.
5. Officers may choose to run again for the same office or any other office they wish.
6. Officers will be allowed to vote in the officer elections.
7. Officers are allowed to nominate themselves for an officer. However, no officer is allowed to nominate any other member. Likewise, no officer can publicly endorse or recommend any other member for an officer position. All members, except for officers, can nominate themselves or other members for an officer position.
8. The elections will be done by secret ballot. The President (or an Executive Board-appointed election commissioner if the President is running for office again) shall be allowed to determine the specifics of the election, including the voting system (first past the post, ranked choice, run-offs, instant run-offs, etc.), and the rules for campaigning and speeches.
9. Current officers not running for office again will count the votes. 

Article VII: Chapter Governance

Section 1

The Chapter shall be governed by this Constitution and a set of By-laws, which will abide by the Constitution of the Society and contain no laws in contravention of the By-Laws of the National Society.

Section 2

The Charter of this Chapter may be revoked by a two-thirds majority vote of the National Officers. Chapters that do not discharge responsibilities as defined by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Society may be placed on probation. Upon resolution of the problems, probation will be rescinded. The National Officers may declare inactive any Chapter that has held no election, initiation of new members, nor reported such initiations to the National Office for a period of three years.

Section 3

The Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, as required by the National Constitution and By-Laws, shall submit an Annual Report that will include a statement of finances and the exact number of persons initiated. The report shall be signed by the Chapter Advisor and submitted to the National Office. The Annual Report must be submitted no later than October 1. Prior to each convention, a comprehensive report shall be submitted to the National Office in a format provided by the National Office.

Section 4

Upon dissolution of this Chapter for any reason whatsoever, after the discharge of its debts and settlements of its affairs, all assets and property of the Chapter shall be conveyed to the Society for use in the promotion of the objectives of the Society.

Article VIII: Constitutional Revisions

The constitution and bylaws of the Colorado Alpha Chapter can be made at any time by the officers of the society. Any officer can present a motion to amend the constitution. An amendment will be passed by a majority of votes. The President will not participate in the voting process unless there is a tie among the officers. The President will have the tie-breaking vote in such a case. The President shall have presidential override on all the matters except the motions that affect bylaws or policies. 

Revised February 5, 2025

Pre-Health Honors Society By-Laws

Alpha Epsilon Delta – Colorado Alpha Chapter 

Prologue 

As a Chartered Honor Society of University of Colorado at Boulder, this organization is bound by the requirements and principles of its Charter and the Student Government Association Constitution. These By-laws are intended to inform the membership and any others of the rules and procedures by which this Honor Society operates and are binding upon all members and officers.

Mission Statement 

The mission of Name of the Colorado Alpha, Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, is to encourage and recognize excellence in scholarship within health sciences; to stimulate an appreciation of the importance of health science education; to promote communication between health science students, educators and professionals; to provide service to the community in area healthcare settings; to provide a forum for students with common interests; to uphold and exemplify University of Colorado Boulder to the community; and to be recognized by Alpha Epsilon Delta, a National Society, as a local Chapter. 

Chapter One: Membership Rights and Responsibilities

By-Law 1.1

National members of the Colorado Alpha, Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta shall be required to commit themselves for one academic year to Honor Society activities and to abide by the decisions and directives of the Society. Members will recommit themselves every academic year. 

By-Law 1.2

Each board member shall have one vote during meetings on questions presented and for each of the several offices. One-third of the Executive Board must be present for a vote to be taken. 

By-Law 1.3

The requirements for affiliate members of Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta shall be, those outlined in Article II of the constitution.

By-Law 1.4

Individuals invited to be Honorary members, Article II, Section IV, shall pay a national membership registration fee set by the National Office and local dues set by the local Executive Board, which may be paid on their behalf by the Chapter with an appropriate resolution and vote. 

By-Law 1.5

Failure to abide by any of the By-laws may result in sanctions imposed by the Executive Board. 

Chapter Two: Officer Rights and Responsibilities 

By-Law 2.1

Any student who is an affiliate member of the Chapter (or will be by the time an officer position begins) and has shown a strong commitment to the activities of the Chapter, may seek specific office positions (stated in Article VI) and hold office if elected by a majority vote of AED members at a regular meeting of the Chapter at which three-fourths of the members are present. 

By-Law 2.2

Each office shall have a term of one year beginning with the start of the autumn semester immediately following the spring semester in which they were elected. Newly elected officers will work with the current officers to assure a smooth transition. 

By-Law 2.3

The official positions of the Executive Board and the duties of each shall be as outlined in III of the Constitution.

By-Law 2.4

President

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the chapter and shall preside over all chapter functions and meetings. The duties of the president are as follows:

• Confirms that activities are scheduled at all meetings.
• Calls officer meetings whenever necessary.
• Responsible as the liaison between the pre-professional advisor and AED.
• Responsible as the liaison between the faculty advisor and the chapter officers.
• Responsible for the smooth operation of the chapter.
• Reviews monthly financial statements from the Treasurer.
• Creates the committees for the chapter and reviews the progress of the committees.
• Schedules time and place for meetings.
• Serves as the point of contact between AED and the University, as well as all other organizations.
• Oversees all officers and committees, ensuring they perform their duties in a satisfactory manner.
• Responsible for updating and maintaining the website and social media.
• Runs elections.
• Responsible for making and approving changes to bylaws.
• In exceptional instances, any member (excluding that of the president or vice president) may be elevated to the title Chief of Staff. This promotion may be nominated for by the president and bestows the greatest honor upon the nominee. The title Chief of Staff will be confirmed by the rest of the Executive Board only by unanimous vote. A member must display qualities of strong leadership, dedication, pride, scholarship, and devotion to AED in order to be nominated and confirmed elevation to the title Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff will share in the responsibilities of the president and vice-president.

By-Law 2.5

Vice President

The Vice President shall assist the President. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall temporarily assume the full powers of the President. In the event of vacancy in the Presidency, the Vice President shall assume the office of the President. The duties of the Vice President are as follows:

• Documents all chapter activities for the biennial report, which shall be done every year.
• Submits a typed report for the Scalpel Report at the end of the year summarizing the chapter activities and business.
• Checks the AED National webpage to stay up-to-date with chapter requirements and deadlines.
• Responsible for National AED scholarships, both nominations and information.
• Responsible for the marketing and advertisement of AED, including design and manufacture of shirts and other paraphernalia.
• Responsible for organizing and planning Senior Night/Initiation.
• Works with the Social Coordinator and social committee. 

By-Law 2.6

Secretary

The Secretary shall maintain records on all due-paying members and is responsible for internal communication within the society. The duties of the Secretary are as follows: 

• Takes attendance at all meetings and monitors member attendance and other records.
• Responsible for identifying members who have complied with chapter guidelines to graduate with AED honors.
• Responsible for reapplying for the office in the UMC.
• Submits names of the officers to the national office.
• Responsible for the AED e-mail account and the AED roster.
• Responsible for taking official minutes of all chapter and board meetings.
• Signs the completed AED Membership Record Form (MRF - encouraging new members to fill out the online MRF and print the form to submit) for all new active student and honorary members, and coordinates completion/verification with the Chapter Advisor. Then forwards the verified MRFs along with a check for the total membership fees from the Chapter Treasurer to the AED National Office, keeping copies. Maintains a Chapter file with University of Colorado, Pre-health Office of all membership records including: copies of completed/signed MRFs, including those that do not qualify, and the list of national membership numbers (Batch Report - is sent to the Chapter Advisor along with the new membership packets for newly registered inductees) from the National Office.
• During the school year, distributes membership materials to new members registered with the National Office. Certificates for those initiates registered by the AED National Office, at the termination of the school year, the chapter will make all possible attempts to contact the student and send their membership packet to the permanent address listed on the AED Membership Record Form, unless provided with an updated address. If unable to make contact, will keep them with chapter records.
• Maintains contact and correspondence with AED National Office and Regional Director including keeping the names and addresses of the Chapter officers up-to-date, including submission of the Chapter Information Form to the National Office.

By-Law 2.7

Treasurer 

The Treasurer shall receive and deposit in the name of the chapter in a bank or a trust, as well as handle all the money, issue receipts, and make all authorized disbursements. The duties of the Treasurer are as follows:

• Collects national and chapter dues for all paying members.
• Prepares a budget every year to be approved by the chapter.
• Maintains a bank account.
• Changes the signature cards at the bank.
• Sends the national dues to the national officer for initiates.
• Responsible for paying all bills of the chapter.
• Submits a typed report at the end of the year itemizing expenses and income.
• Responsible for completing and submitting the AED Annual Report every calendar year to the AED National Office by October 1st.
• Responsible for providing necessary reports for completion of the Biennial Report of the chapter activities financial section that will be approved by the Chapter Advisor – this report is due every convention year.
• Maintains an accurate account of all financial transactions for the permanent records of the Chapter using Financial Record Book, collects all membership fees and Chapter dues and pays all expenses, which must be kept in a secure location. The financial records should be audited at the end of the Treasurer’s term of office by a committee or by the Chapter Advisor.
• Completes and submits the AED Annual Financial Audit Report every calendar year (covering part of two school years) to the AED National Office by February 1st.
• Will provide necessary reports for completion of the Biennial Report of Chapter Activities financial section that will be approved by the Chapter Advisor – this Report is due every Convention.
• Provides the Secretary with a check covering the total national membership fees due for all initiates (new members) submitted to the AED National Office.
• Clears signatures and title of Chapter account with University officials as soon as a new Treasurer is elected and installed, so that checks can be processed without delay.

By-Law 2.8

Pledge Trainer

The Pledge trainer shall handle the programs for the pledge class and decide who has qualified to initiate. The duties of the Pledge Trainer are as follows: 

• Responsible for creating the pledge requirements for the year and tracking each pledge’s progress.
• Runs the pledge meetings.
• Creates a pledge handbook and all other handouts for the pledges.
• Monitors progress of the requirement fulfillment for all pledges.
• Works with pledges to coordinate their pledge philanthropy.
• Works with the Social Coordinator on the Big/Little program.
• Responsible for initiation. Can delegate responsibilities to other officers. 

By-Law 2.9

Philanthropy Coordinator 

The Philanthropy Coordinator shall plan and organize the philanthropies the chapter participates in during the year. The duties of the Philanthropy Coordinator are as follows: 

• Plan philanthropies for the year.
• Plans multiple active and donation philanthropy events per semester
• Oversees the philanthropy committee.
• Serves as liaison between AED and the blood drive coordinators on campus.

By-Law 2.10

Social Coordinator

The Social Coordinator shall plan all social events each year and will work with the Vice-President. The duties of the Social Coordinator are as follows:

• Plan multiple social events per semester
• Work with the Vice-President in planning socials and overseeing the social committee.
• Coordinate the Big Little program and events with the Pledge Trainer.
• Create advertisements for socials in our Alpha Epsilon Delta – Colorado Alpha. 

By-Law 2.11

The Colorado Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta must function under the guidance of a Chapter Advisor/s who shall be CU faculty member and who can verify a member’s qualifications. One Chapter Advisor must be designated as the “primary” contact. The Advisor should be an individual actively interested in the challenges and activities of preprofessional health students. The duties of the Chapter Advisor include: 

1. Promotes the general welfare of the Chapter, adhering to the Chapter’s Constitution and By-Laws, and advances the ideals of the Society.
2. Provides guidance, counsel and encouragement to officers and members.
3. Ensures that all candidates selected for membership meet the requirements of both the National and Chapter Constitution and Bylaws.
4. Verifies the membership credentials of each member by signing the Chapter verification statement on each AED Membership Record Form (MRF) submitted to the National Office for processing.
5. Assists with and verifies submission of the Annual Report and the comprehensive report (Biennial Report of Chapter Activities) submitted prior to each convention.
6. Assists the officers and members in the selection of appropriate leaders in the educational and health professions as honorary members.
7. Encourages the selection of capable leadership to ensure continuity of the Chapter and maintenance of an effective program of activities of interest and benefit to the members and other interested students on campus.
8. The Advisor’s office will serve as a place to maintain and access permanent Chapter records.
9. The Chapter Advisor will keep the National Office informed of any contact information changes – this is reported to the IRS as a requirement of the Society.
10. Alpha Epsilon Delta is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization exempt from Federal Income Tax. This tax-exempt status extends to each Chapter as a subordinate of the Society. This status carries with it a responsibility to file the appropriate tax return with the Internal Revenue Service each year on the 15th day of the 5th Month after the end of the Chapter’s fiscal year. The Chapter Advisor shall ensure that the Chapter files the form (Form 990, Form 990n, or other appropriate form) on time. The Chapter recognizes that the Internal Revenue Service can rescind the subordinate’s (Chapter’s) tax exempt status for failure to file the tax return.

By-Law 2.12

The Executive Board shall be composed of the officers and the Chapter Advisor. 

Chapter Three: Rules and Budget 

By-Law 3.1

Budget requests and allocations will be made by the membership with approval of the Chapter Advisor. 

By-Law 3.2

The Chapter will adhere to all fiscal policies of the Student Government Association and the University. 

By-Law 3.3

If a vote of the membership results in a tie, it shall be decided by the President. 

By-Law 3.4

The membership shall have the right to override a decision of the President or remove an officer with a two-thirds majority vote of active members present in any scheduled meeting with a minimum of three-fourths of members present.

By-Law 3.5

Committees shall be formed, and their chairpersons appointed by the President. 

By-Law 3.6

By-laws may be added or amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present at a regular meeting. Proposed additions or amendments must be presented to the membership at least one meeting prior to the vote. Additions and amendments approved by the membership must be reported to the Student Government Association and shall be in compliance with Article IV, Section IV, Section 1, and a final copy forwarded to the National Office.

Revised February 5, 2025