CONSTITUTION
OF
ALPHA ETA MU BETA, INCORPORATED

That those in the profession of Biomedical Engineering who, by their attainments in college or in practice, have manifested a deep interest and marked ability in their chosen life work may be brought into a closer union so as to promote an understanding of their profession, and to mark in an outstanding manner those who, as students in Biomedical Engineering, have conferred honor on their Alma Mater by distinguished scholarship, activities, leadership and exemplary character and to aid those students to progress through association with alumni who have attained prominence, we do hereby ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alpha Eta Mu Beta welcomes you into a growing association of biomedical engineers who share a common desire to recognize and encourage excellence in biomedical engineering. Perhaps we can make a few suggestions that will help you in getting started.

Each local chapter may set minimal scholastic standards within the guidelines of the national constitution. Determining the character and general abilities of each candidate for membership is left up to each chapter. This might be accomplished by inviting candidates to meet with present members to discuss things such as their futures in biomedical engineering, their interests--professional and social--and so forth. Other possibilities include a written exam, writing a brief report on the history of biomedical engineering, and obtaining signatures from present members. These and similar activities are designed to determine the candidate's level of interest and ability in biomedical engineering. Some of these activities also help to promote association with other outstanding colleagues. As far as the very first members of a chapter, possession of these more abstract qualities must be determined by the faculty advisor and student organizers themselves.

Possible activities for the chapter include an awards presentation each year, tutoring sessions for biomedical engineering courses, or other motivational/incentive programs for your university. If any overlap ever appears between your AEMB Chapter and any professional organization for biomedical engineering students on your campus, remember that your main purpose is to recognize and promote excellence in the field while the other groups are primarily concerned with social and professional enrichment. In matters of common interest, attempt to work together. For example, you may be able to co-sponsor a spring awards banquet or picnic.

Section 1. Name

This organization shall be known as Alpha Eta Mu Beta Association, The National Biomedical Engineering Honor Society. Referred to herein as the Society.

Section 2. Symbol

The symbol shall be the early form of the Greek letters Alpha, Eta, Mu, and Beta. Use of the symbols AEMB shall be permitted.

Section 1. Active Membership

• There shall be but one class of active members.
• Active membership shall be open to those undergraduate students duly registered in a Bioengineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), who are ranked as juniors or seniors by their college and are in good and regular standing. All such curricula shall be referred to herein as Biomedical Engineering. Biomedical Engineering Technology programs are not considered comparable curricula.
• Only those juniors who have maintained an average scholastic grade in the upper one-fifth and those seniors who have maintained an average scholastic grade in the upper one-third of the Biomedical Engineering class of which they are a member shall be eligible for active membership. The scholastic requirements of the individual chapters may be raised above those set forth in this Constitution. In all cases, candidates for membership shall have completed at least six semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of Biomedical Engineering courses.
• Candidates for membership to AEMB, in addition to having the required scholastic rank, must be of unimpeachable character, have ability to make use of the knowledge and information acquired, have capacity and willingness for hard work, and have a genial nature and ability to work in harmony with all sorts of people.
• In the case of students whose eligibility is in doubt because of irregular standing or curriculum, the matter shall be referred to the National Executive Council for appropriate action.
• Membership in any other fraternity or society shall not prevent a student from active membership in AEMB.
• Transfer students ranked as juniors or seniors who have transferred from some other institution or school or from some other department in the same school shall be eligible for active membership provided they have maintained a scholastic grade average in the upper one-fifth if a junior, or upper one-third if a senior, of the class from which they transferred and provided they maintain this average for one grade period after the transfer. In all cases, candidates for membership shall have completed at least six semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of Biomedical Engineering courses.
• Graduate students may be eligible for active membership provided they are in regular standing or candidates for a degree and have a written recommendation from the Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering or a member of the faculty to be designated by the Department Head. Graduate student candidates shall have been graduated from a school of recognized standing and shall possess substantially the same scholastic and other qualifications as required for undergraduate membership.

Section 2. Alumni Membership

• Any graduate Biomedical Engineer from a school now having a chapter of AEMB, who during his or her scholastic career fulfilled the requirements for membership, may be eligible for alumni membership providing that the degree was received during a period when the school was accredited by the ABET.
• Any active member, upon completion of his/her studies, shall become an alumni member.
• A member having received a degree at one institution and pursuing an advanced degree at a second institution may apply to the AEMB chapter at the second institution to have his/her alumni membership reverted to active membership, pursuant to that chapter's by-laws, if so desired.

Section 3. Faculty Membership

• Faculty membership may be granted to a faculty member of an ABET-accredited Department of Biomedical Engineering who has made an outstanding contribution to education in the field of Biomedical Engineering, upon review and approval of his/her credentials by the National Executive Council. Active solicitations of prospective faculty members by individual chapters may not be undertaken prior to approval by the National Executive Council of such prospective faculty members.
• The purpose of the faculty membership is to provide a direct and manifest means for faculty of the program in Biomedical Engineering to be identified with and participate in the activities of AEMB. While there is no intent that a faculty member should participate as an active member in the chapter, faculty need to be fully aware of the ideals and objectives of the chapter and to render aid and assistance to the chapter as needed. The traits expected of members of AEMB-- scholarship, character, sociability, diligence, and widespread interest--are of prime consideration in faculty-student relationships. The affiliation of the faculty and their contribution to the welfare of AEMB are encouraged.
• Qualifications for faculty membership are as follows:
  • The candidate shall hold rank above instructor in the program in Biomedical Engineering.
  • The candidate shall have at least three years of full-time teaching and/or research experience as a faculty member in Biomedical Engineering program at that particular university.
  • The candidate shall be clearly identified with the Biomedical Engineering courses and research of the department.
  • Faculty memberships may be extended to outstanding faculty in Biomedical Engineering programs which have no active student chapter of AEMB. The individual receiving the faculty membership is required to attend the initiation on the campus of the sponsoring chapter.
  • The chapter membership should view every proposed faculty member as a chapter advisor.
  • Seven (7) copies of a biography of each candidate and of qualification statements written by two (2) members of the proposing chapter, indicating outstanding contributions, must be submitted to the National Office six (6) weeks prior to the scheduled initiation date for approval or disapproval by the National Executive Council. In no case may a faculty member be initiated without specific written approval from the National Executive Director.
  • A candidate must receive at least two-thirds affirmative votes of the total number of eligible votes in the National Executive Council to be elected.
• Upon receipt of written approval from the National Executive Director, the candidates for faculty membership are processed in the same manner as active member candidates.
• The faculty member is initiated at the next regularly scheduled initiation ceremony of the sponsoring chapter.

Section 4. Eminent Membership

Section 5. Election of Members

• Election of members shall be conducted either by secret or open ballot as the chapter sees fit at the time of election. Elections shall be held as soon after the date of determining the eligibility of the candidates as possible. A three-quarter vote of all active members present shall be required to elect a person to membership.
• All candidates for membership shall be elected by an active chapter. They shall be initiated, according to the prescribed ritual, either by the active chapter or by a group of members to be designated by the National Executive Director.

Section 6. Eligibility Questions

Section 7. Inactive Members

Section 1. Chapters

Section 2. Chapter Names

Section 3. General Government

Section 4. The National Executive Council

• The National Executive Council shall be composed of the President, Vice President, Executive Director, Treasurer, and the three members of the Advisory Board (none of the above can be a student member). Each National Executive Council member shall have one vote.
• Election of the National Executive Council members shall be held during the spring of even-numbered years. In those even-numbered years in which a National Convention is held, the election will take place at the Convention. Otherwise, elections will be held by mail prior to April 1st of the non-convention even year. If there is a National Convention, the President will appoint a Nominating Committee that will present a slate of candidates to the Convention, with installation of the new National Executive Council being made just prior to the conclusion of the Convention. If no Convention is held in the even-numbered year, the President shall chair a Nominating Committee composed of the President and the Advisory Board. Nominations will be solicited from the active chapters by the Nominating Committee at least two months prior to the mail election deadline of April 1st. Installation of the National Executive Council, elected by mail, will be accomplished by the outgoing President just prior to the conclusion of the first National Executive Council meeting that follows the election.
• The President, Vice President, Executive Director, and Treasurer shall be elected by a plurality of the National Executive Council and eligible chapter votes received. Tie votes will be resolved by a plurality vote of the National Executive Council. Any vacancy, whether resulting from death, resignation, removal or other cause, shall be filled by an act of election by the remaining members of the National Executive Council.
• The National Executive Council shall empower the National Executive Director to secure such assistance as the Council may consider necessary.
• The National Executive Council shall have the following powers and duties in addition to those heretofore set forth:
  • To uphold and enforce the Constitution of the Society.
  • To charter new chapters of the Society inaccordance with Article V, Section 3, and Article VI, Section 2.
  • To expel any chapter in accordance with Article VIII, Section 1, paragraph c.
  • To suspend any chapter until the next National Convention.
  • To expend the monies of the treasury of the National Society and to adopt, by a majority vote, a budget for the Society.
  • To prescribe the duties of the National Officer and to provide for the regulation and operation of the business of the Society.
  • To invoke and carry out such discipline as may be provided for in this Constitution.
  • To publish all literature, catalogs, and official publications of the Society, issue all certificates of membership, and keep all official documents and properties of the Society.
  • To perform any other acts of government deemed necessary for the good of the Society.
  • To give consideration to recommendations of the Advisory Board.
  • To consider expulsion of any active member in accordance with Article VIII, Section 3.

Section 5. National Officers

• Names. The National Officers of the Society shall be the members of the National Executive Council.
• President. The President shall call and preside at meetings of the National Executive Council, shall preside at each National Convention, and shall submit a report on the welfare of the Society at each National Convention. The term of office of the President shall be two years.
• Vice President. The Vice President shall assume all duties of the office of the President in the event of absence, disability, or death. (S)he shall assist the President in all matters of the Society. The term of office of the Vice-President shall be two years.
• Executive Director. The Executive Director shall act as the administrative officer of the Society. The term of office of the Executive Director shall be six years.
• (S)he shall:
  • Collect and have charge of all funds of the Society.
  • Keep all minutes and records of each National Convention and distribute copies to each chapter and Executive Council member.
  • Keep all records of proceedings and actions of the National Executive Council.
  • Make a report to the National Society at the National Convention assembly.
  • Keep a written record of all lnformation concerning the founding, historical development, and operation of the Society.
  • Perform such other duties as the National Executive Council may direct.
• Treasurer. The Treasurer shall act as the financial officer of the Society. The term of office of the Treasurer shall be two years.
• (S)he shall:
  • Be responsible for the disbursement of the funds of the Society.
  • Keep a written record of all such transactions and submit a financial statement at each National Convention and each National Executive Council Meeting.
  • Be the Financial Advisor to the National Executive Council and perform other duties as the Council may direct.
  • Be empowered to invest the funds of Alpha Eta Mu Beta under authorization of the National Executive Council.
  • Be responsible for submission of all financial statements as required by state and/or federal agencies.
• Advisory Board. The three most recent past presidents shall serve as the Advisory Board of the National Executive Council.

Section 1. Ultimate Authority

• The ultimate authority on affairs of the Society shall rest with the various active chapters and members of the National Executive Council with each having one vote. The active chapters may delegate authority on matters not specifically herein provided for to the National Officers, National Executive Council, or Committees and Conventions of the Society.
• All constitution changes may be handled by mail vote of the eligible voters, through the Executive Director, with a three-fourths affirmative vote of those eligible voters responding required for constitution changes. Constitution changes can be initiated by the National Executive Council, a majority of delegates at a National Convention, or by petition from a minimum of three (3) chapters.

Section 2. National Conventions

• Legislative Powers. A National Convention shall have control of all matters pertaining to the governance of the Society. Between conventions, legislative powers are delegated to the National Executive Council with constitution changes requiring a vote of the chapters as indicated in Article V, Section 1.
• How Constituted. The National Convention shall consist of the National Executive Council and one or more delegates from each of the Active Chapters, provided the chapters are in good standing with the National Society.
• Delegates. Delegates to the National Convention shall be elected or selected by the chapter which they represent. Each Active Chapter is expected to send one official voting delegate to the National Convention. Delegates from chapters must be members of the Society and in good and active standing of the chapter electing them.
• Votes. Each member of the National Executive Council and each Active Chapter shall have one vote in all matters of business. All matters of business arising in the National Convention shall be decided by vote. A majority vote of those voting, non-abstaining delegates shall be required for positive action on any motion.
• Quorum. A two-thirds representation of the active chapters by the official voting delegates shall constitute a National Convention. A quorum at sessions of the National Convention shall consist of two-thirds of the number of official voting delegates actually present at the Convention.
• Time and Place. The National Convention shall, in normal times, meet every four years, at such time and place as is determined by action of the National Executive Council. In abnormal times when it is impractical for the Convention to meet at its regular time, it may be postponed by the National Executive Council until such time that the Council believes it is practical to convene.
• Powers. In those years in which a National Convention is held, the Convention shall:
  • Transact all business pertaining to the Society except that which may be otherwise delegated.
  • Be the final court of appeal for all questions regarding the interpretation of the Constitution and all matters of discipline that may be referred to it.
  • Elect the members of the National Executive Council of the Society; their term of office shall be as provided for in Article III, Section 5, of this Constitution.

Section 1. Government

Section 2. How Constituted

Section 3. Issuance of Charter

Section 4. Officers

Section 5. Duties of Officers

Section 6. Removal of Officers

Section 7. Meetings

• Each chapter shall hold a minimum of four (4) meetings during each academic school year. For the purpose of this requirement, each meeting must have a quorum present. Additional meetings may be held during the summer if the active members attending summer school so desire.
• Special meetings may be called at any time at the discretion of the President of the chapter.
• A quorum shall consist of at least fifty percent of the active membership of the chapter. No member shall be allowed to vote on any matter by proxy.

Section 8. Annual Report

• Complete financial statement.
• National Office General Questionnaire.
• A copy of the current chapter bylaws.
• Records of all chapter events during the interim period since the preceding report including minutes of meetings.

Section 1. Organization

• A Branch of Alpha Chapter may be established by unanimous vote of the National Executive Council in a college having an accredited Biomedical Engineering Department as heretofore defined and not having an Active Chapter of Alpha Eta Mu Beta, upon the written consent of the Dean of Engineering and the Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and upon submission of a petition to the National Executive Director. The Branch shall seek active chapter status when conditions permit.
• A Branch of Alpha Chapter shall be known by the name of the school followed by "Alpha Chapter" (Example: "X" University Branch, Alpha Chapter).
• No formal chapter organization shall be established at any branch of Alpha Chapter. The National Officers of the Society shall be considered the officers of Alpha Chapter. Alpha Chapter shall not have a vote in the National Convention.
• In the event conditions at a school in which a Branch of Alpha Chapter has been established become such that in the opinion of the National Executive Council a chapter could be active therein, then the National Executive Council should request that group to submit a petition for an Active Chapter as heretofore provided.

Section 2. Membership

• A candidate membership in the Alpha Chapter shall conform to the academic qualifications set forth in Article II, Section 1. (S)he shall be nominated by a member of Alpha Eta Mu Beta and endorsed by the Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the school in which his/her Branch is located and must receive the unanimous approval of the National Executive Council.
• Upon the establishment of an Active Chapter at a school where a Branch of Alpha Chapter formerly existed, all members who were initiated as members of that Branch of Alpha Chapter shall be known as members of the newly established Active Chapter.

Section 1. Movement for Expansion

Section 2. Petitions for Active Chapters

• Petitions for charters from college groups shall be submitted to the National Executive Director. These petitions shall be signed by at least nine persons qualified for membership as set forth in Article II, the Department Head and the Dean.
• The National Executive Council shall act upon these petitions within sixty days of the receipt of the petition by the National Executive Director.
• No fee shall be assessed for the charter of an Active Chapter.

Section 3. Installation

• When a charter for an Active Chapter is granted to the petitioning group, the National Executive Director shall arrange the details of the installation.
• Any Active Chapter may reouest permission from the National Executive Director to install a new chapter. Decisions as to the installing chapter shall be determined by the National Executive Director.
• A minimum of three members from the Active Chapter chosen to conduct the installation shall be required to be present at an installation ceremony.

Section 1. Chapters

• Failure to Submit the Annual Report. Failure to submit the annual report as described in Article V, Section 8, will result in the following action:
  1. The chapter will be placed on probationary status for the next year by the National Executive Director and the Department Head will be notified by registered mail with copies to the Chapter President and Faculty Advisor.
  2. If, while on probation, the chapter fails to meet the reporting requirement on both the delinquent and current reports, they will be reported to the National Executive Council, and that body shall have the power to determine if the chapter should be placed on inactive status. Inactive chapters cannot initiate new members and cannot vote at the National Convention. After a minimum of one year of inactive status, a charter wishing reactivation must submit a petition to the National Executive Council.
• Failure to Send a Delegate to the National Convention. Failure to send a delegate to the National Convention may result in the chapter being placed on probationary status by the Executive Director. Failure to send a delegate to the National Convention while on probation may result in the chapter being placed on inactive status by the National Executive Council.
• The Expulsion of Chapters. Expulsion of a chapter for failure to live up to the Constitution of the Society, for the performance of some act that brings discredit upon the Society, or for any other cause, shall be decided upon by the National Executive Council. Their decision shall be submitted to the Active Chapters for ratification. Approval by at least three-quarters of the chapters shall be required to uphold the decision of the National Executive Council.

Section 2. Inactive Chapters

Section 3. The Expulsion of Members

• An active member may be expelled from his/her chapter and the Society for failure to live up to the Constitution and for the performance of some act that brings discredit upon the member or the Society, or for any just cause as shall be ruled upon by the chapter itself, except as set forth in Article VIII, Section 3.b.
• The method of expulsion is by vote of four-fifths of the active membership of his chapter upon charges presented and signed by four members of that Active Chapter and after a thorough and impartial trial of the member concerned, except in the following situation. Any case involving an active member convicted by a student honor court or a school administration shall be referred to the National Executive Council. Authority for expulsion, in the case of a convicted honor violation, is vested solely in the National Executive Council; and action taken shall follow the procedure set forth in Article VIII, Section 3.c.
• In the case where an active member is found guilty of an honor violation by a student honor court or by a school administration, the faculty advisor of that Chapter shall submit a complete report to the National Executive Director for action by the National Executive Council. A notation of the violation shall be made on the member's permanent record, subject to removal at the discretion of the National Executive Council. In the case of an extreme honor violation, the National Executive Council shall expel the member.
• A member so expelled has the right of appeal within thirty (30) days to the National Executive Council.

Section 1.

Section 2.

Section 3.

Section 4.

Section 5. Budget

Section 1.

Section 2.

Section 3.