Philanthropic Society Constitution
We, the members of the Philanthropic Literary Society at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in order to advance the higher ideals of citizenship, developing the arts of debating and oratory, promoting the welfare of the University of North Carolina, encouraging literary arts, facilitating the interchange of ideas, and cultivating lasting friendships, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the Philanthropic Literary Society at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Section 1. Name. This organization shall be officially known as the Assembly of the Philanthropic Literary Society at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Section 2. Motto. The motto of the Philanthropic Literary Society shall be "Virtus, Libertas, et Scientia," "Virtue, Liberty, and Knowledge."
Section 3. Official Song. The official song of the Philanthropic Literary Society shall be the Battle Cry of Freedom.
Section 4. Official Animal. The official animal of the Philanthropic Literary Society shall be the Atlantic Puffin.
Section 5. Official Color. The official color of the Philanthropic Literary Society shall be White and shall be the color corresponding to Hex Code #ffffff.
Section 1. Vision. The vision of the Philanthropic Literary Society is to become an institution of learning and center of debate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Section 2. Mission. The mission of the Philanthropic Literary Society is to encourage participation in parliamentary discussion and continuing education.
Section 3. Purpose. The purpose of the Philanthropic Literary Society is to promote the value of Libertas and ensure that all can learn and develop virtuous qualities.
Section 4. Specific Purpose. The Philanthropic Literary Society shall endeavor to:
Maintain amicable relations with the Dialectic Literary Society; and
Ensure naval supremacy over the Dialectic Literary Society.
Article III. Membership
Section 1. General Membership. Membership in the Philanthropic Literary Society shall follow the guidelines of the Constitution of the Joint Senate of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies.
Section 2. Honorary Membership. The Philanthropic Literary Society retains the right to at any time bestow honorary membership upon members of the community at the Society's discretion.
Section 3. Address of Members. Members of the Philanthropic Literary Society shall refer to each other as "Representative" unless such member has been elected to an Office with the Society or Joint Senate.
Section 4. No member of the Philanthropic Society shall be a member of the Dialectic Society.
Article IV. Land Ownership
Section 1. Land Ownership. The Philanthropic Literary Society owns land under its name in the nation of Scotland. Said land was purchased in the Summer of 2021 and is being used to preserve a national forest. The parcel of land is located in respect of Glencoe Wood, Keil Hill, in the Parish of Lismore and Lordship of Lorne, and is listed as plot A632743.
Article V. Meetings
Section 1. Officers. Members shall nominate and elect a Speaker, Speaker Pro Tempore, Parliamentarian, and Sergeant at Arms. Candidates for such positions shall be nominated and elected by the Representatives.
Section 2. Speaker. The duties of the Speaker shall include, but are not limited to:
The Speaker shall preside over all regular meetings of the Philanthropic Society,
Call the meeting to order,
Administering the Oath of Office to incoming Officers,
Announce all business in its correct parliamentary order, properly state each motion, and give the results of the vote,
Serve as the Society's chief administrator and spokesperson,
Call to order, fine, or admonish any members,
Ensure that all duties of the Society and its Officers are properly executed,
Decide all questions of order and interpretation of the Constitution, and,
Serve as the Chair of the Executive Committee,
Serve as the representative of the Society to the Foundation of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, Inc.
Serve as a non-voting ex officio member of all committees,
Perform all duties required by the Joint Senate,
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Societies, and
Appoint special committees when necessary.
Section 3. Speaker Pro-Tempore. The duties of Speaker Pro-Tempore shall include but are not limited to:
The Speaker Pro-Tempore shall serve as the Speaker in the absence of the Speaker,
Organize discussions, invite guest speakers, and encourage debates by members of the Society when requested,
Chair the Constitutional Committee of the Philanthropic Literary Society, and.
Serve as an advisor to the Speaker on matters of procedure and Constitutionality,
Enforce the rulings of the Speaker as well as any other internal resolutions passed by the Society.
Section 4. Parliamentarian . The duties of the Parliamentarian shall include but are not limited to:
The Parliamentarian shall keep a record of the attendance of members and visitors, and keep the current membership roll in order of seniority,
Call the roll at the commencement of each meeting and determine the presence of a quorum as well as tabulate all votes of the Philanthropic Literary Society,
At the request of the Speaker notify all members of all sessions of the Philanthropic Literary Society,
Make and keep accurate, complete, and up-to-date minutes of all meetings and transactions of the Philanthropic Literary Society, as well as submit them to the Speaker for their signature,
Keep a volume of internal resolutions passed by the Philanthropic Literary Society, and pass it onto their successors:
a. Responsible for the finances of the Philanthropic Society,
b. Keep true and accurate financial records, and
c. Collect all fees, fines, and assessments.
Report on the condition of the treasury if requested at each regular meeting.
All accounts approved as correct shall be paid by the Parliamentarian, and no one else. They shall:
a. Pay out money only when instructed to do so by the Society.
b. Obtain and file receipts for all payments.
c. Keep a book of bank receipts with stubs attached, and shall give a receipt to every member who shall pay money to the Society.
They shall at the end of their term, submit to the Philanthropic Literary Society a minute account of the condition of the treasury, and shall submit all books to the inspection of the Philanthropic Literary Society,
Serve as Organizational Treasure if the Assembly becomes a Registered Student Organization, and
At the end of their term, they shall turn over to their successor all funds and records pertaining to the treasury.
Section 5. Sergeant at Arms. The duties of the Sergeant at Arms shall include but are not limited to:
Enforce order and decorum in the Chambers,
Tabulate votes during meetings of the Assembly,
Ensure the Chambers of the Assembly are maintained,
Serve as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces during times of War, and
To notify the members of the Society of all regular and special meetings.
Section 6. Terms of Officers. All Officers shall serve one term in office. One term shall be defined as one regular session of the Joint-Senate of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies.
Section 7. Vacancy. If a confirmed vacancy of an Officer position occurs, then the Society shall elect a new Officer who will remain in that position for the remainder of the term.
Section 8. The Officers of the Society shall have such powers, authority and responsibilities in the management of the Society as shall be provided in this Constitution or by resolution of the Assembly, which is not inconsistent with this Constitution or the Constitution of the Joint Senate, and, to the extent not so stated, as generally are incident to their respective Offices, subject to the direction and oversight of the Executive Committee. Officers shall also have and perform such powers, authority, and responsibilities as the Executive Committee may from time to time determine by resolution or as the Speaker may from time to time specifically direct, provided that such directed powers, authority, and responsibilities are not inconsistent with this Constitution or with any outstanding resolutions.
Section 9. Any Officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the Parliamentarian. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, and unless otherwise specified therein, no acceptance of such resignation shall be necessary to make it effective.
Section 10. Immediately before assuming Office, the Representative shall take the following Oath of Office to be administered by the Speaker: "I, (full name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) do affirm that I will preserve, protect, and defend the general welfare of the Philanthropic Literary Society and its Constitution and all laws enacted under its authority; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter." .
Article VI. Executive Committee
Section 1. The Executive Committee is the caretaker body of the Assembly with all powers of governing and directing, and of overseeing the management and affairs of the Assembly. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the Executive Committee shall, subject to any limitations in the Constitution, or as may otherwise be provided by applicable law, have the power, authority, and responsibility to:
oversee succession planning for Officers;
provide oversight of the financial stability of the Society;
assist in ensuring the inclusiveness and diversity of the Society;
monitor through evaluations the effectiveness of the governance practices under which the Society operates; and
exercise such other powers, authority, and responsibilities as may be set forth in this Constitution or as may be otherwise determined by the Assembly. Section 2. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Speaker, Speaker Pro-Tempore, Parliamentarian , and Sergeant at Arms.
Section 3. Regular meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at such times and at such places as the Speaker shall from time to time determine. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at such times and at such places whenever called by the Speaker or by the Parliamentarian upon the written direction of any two Officers.
Section 4. A majority of the entire Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Executive Committee, and the vote of a majority of the Officers present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Executive Committee. Voting by proxy is not allowed at any meeting of the Executive Committee.
Section 5. The Executive Committee may adopt such rules, regulations, and policies not inconsistent with applicable laws or this Constitution for the conduct of its meetings.
Section 6. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Executive Committee may be taken without a meeting if all of the members of the Executive Committee individually or collectively consent in writing to such action.
Article VII. Constitutional Committee
Section 1. The Constitutional Committee shall be chaired by the Speaker Pro-Tempore, and shall be charged with handling constitutional matters for the Assembly in situations such as the following:
Drafting the Code of the Philanthropic Assembly;
Keeping members supplied with current copies of the Constitution and Statutory Code of the Philanthropic Society;
Discussing and reporting on all proposed amendments to the Constitution and Code submitted or referred to it;
Proposing from time to time such amendments as may be necessary;
It shall also keep a volume of internal resolutions passed by the Society, and shall see that these resolutions are enforced for the duration specified in such a resolution; and
It shall pass all papers and records on to the succeeding Committee.
Article VIII. Ways and Means Committee
Section 1. The Ways and Means Committee shall be chaired by the Parliamentarian, and shall be charged with handling financial matters for the Assembly in situations such as the following:
Supporting the Parliamentarian in the performance of their duties;
Approving expenditure request exceeding $100;
Conducting an internal audit at least once per term;
Ensuring that the finances of the Assembly are transparent; and
Coordinating with the Joint Senate on expenditures.
Article IX. Society Pins and Emblem
Section 1. The Assembly of the Philanthropic Literary Society is the meeting of the members of the Philanthropic Literary Society for the election of Officers and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. This meeting shall be held on such date and at such hour as shall be determined by the Speaker. The Speaker may prescribe such rules, regulations, and procedures with respect to and covering such matters affecting notice of, and the conduct and proceedings of Assemblies of the Philanthropic Literary Society, and to do all such acts and things as are determined by the Speakers to be necessary or advisable with respect thereto; provided, however, that unless otherwise determined by the Speaker, the Speaker shall be required to provide to members reasonable notice of the time, place and manner of the Assembly of the Philanthropic Literary Society.
Section 2. In matters requiring a vote at the Assembly of the Philanthropic Literary Society, each member is entitled to one vote, and voting on all matters may be conducted by mail, telephone, telegram, cablegram, electronic mail, or any other means of electronic or telephone transmission, provided that:
the person voting shall state, or submit information from which it can be determined, that the method of voting chosen was authorized by such person, and
and such means of voting shall have been determined by the Speaker to be advisable for such Assembly.
Section 3. A quorum shall be considered present at any Assembly of the Philanthropic Literary Society if fifty percent (50%) of the total active members are present (or deemed present) at or prior to the time such Assembly is convened in accordance with such guidelines as the Speaker may adopt.
Section 4. At any Assembly of the Philanthropic Literary Society, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the Assembly, including the nomination and election of Officers.
Section 5. For any matter to be properly brought before any Assembly of the Philanthropic Literary Society, the matter must be:
Specified in the notice of the Assembly given by or at the direction of the Speaker or,
Otherwise brought before the Assembly in accordance with such rules and procedures as are adopted by the Speaker.
Members shall have the right to petition the Speaker of the Philanthropic Literary Society for the presentation of a matter before the Assembly. Such a petition must have a number of signatures equal to ten percent (10%) of the total membership of the Philanthropic Literary Society. The Speaker shall have the authority to further regulate the procedure by which members can petition.
Section 6. Special meetings of the Assembly may be called at the discretion of the:
the Executive Committee, or
by a petition containing the signatures of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the active Representatives of the Assembly. Such petition must be submitted to the Parliamentarian for it to be effective.
Section 7. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Assembly may be taken without a meeting if all of the members of the Assembly individually or collectively consent in writing to such action.
Article X. Finances
Section 1. Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution or by resolution of the Assembly, the funds of the Society shall be deposited in such banks or other financial institutions as may be designated by the Assembly or the Parliamentarian of the Society.
Section 2. The Society shall not lend money to or guarantee the obligation of any Officer of the Society.
Section 3. All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money shall be signed by such Officer or Officers or such other person or persons as the Assembly may from time to time designate.
Section 4. All contracts, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness and leases of space for the Society shall be signed by such Officer or Officers or such other person or persons as the Assembly may from time to time designate.
Section 5. The fiscal year of the Society shall commence and end on dates fixed from time to time by resolution of the Assembly.
Article XI. Disciplinary Actions
Section 1. The Executive Committee by a two-thirds (2/3) vote may suspend the powers, authority, and responsibilities of any Officer for no longer than two (2) weeks to permit the Assembly a reasonable opportunity to consider and act upon a bill relating to the reinstatement, further suspension, or impeachment of such person.
Section 2. The Assembly shall have the power to impeach and remove from office Officers upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote.
Section 3. Grounds for the impeachment of officers shall consist of nonfeasance, misfeasance, or malfeasance of duty.
Article XII. Society Pins and Emblem
Section 1. There shall be a pin known as the Phi Society pin that may be worn by any member of the Society who desires to purchase it.
Section 2. A model of the pin shall be kept by the Parliamentarian as the permanent property of the Phi Society.
Section 3. The emblem of the Phi Society shall be a Maltese cross with its arms joined by a circle upon which there shall be written: "Virtus, Libertas, et Scientia" and in the center of which there shall appear the Greek letter Phi.
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 1. The Society, including all Sub-Divisions thereof, and the Officers, volunteers, agents, and Representatives thereof shall comply fully with all applicable provisions of the Code of the Philanthropic Literary Society.
Section 2. The Constitution and Joint Code of the Joint Senate shall supersede the Constitution and Code of the Philanthropic Society in all matters. The Constitution of the Society shall be severable and all sections of this Constitution that are in conflict with the Constitution of the Joint Senate shall be null and void.
Article XIV. Amendment Procedure
Section 1. This Constitution may be amended, repealed, or changed at any regular or special meeting of the Constitutional Committee by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Constitutional Committee provided that notice containing the general effect and intent of the proposed amendments has been given to all members of the Constitutional Committee at least three (3) days prior to such meeting. In order for the amendment, repeal, or change to be effective, it must then be approved by the Assembly at any regular or special meeting of the Assembly by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Representatives of the Assembly present provided that notice containing the general effect and intent of the proposed amendments has been given to all Representatives of the Assembly at least three (3) days prior to such meeting.
Article XV. Adoption
Section 1. This Constitution has been adopted as the Constitution of the Philanthropic Literary Society by the Assembly of the Philanthropic Literary Society. We, the undersigned, are all of the Officers of the Assembly, and we consent to, and hereby do, adopt the foregoing Constitution, consisting of the fifteen (15) preceding pages, as the Constitution of the Society.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Assembly on this 2nd day of March 2022.
Marie Thorn | Speaker
Alex Rhinehalt | Speaker Pro-Tempore
Gianluca Ciuffreda | Parliamentarian
Andrew Shaw | Sergeant at Arms
Regular meetings are held on Monday evenings at 7:30 post meridiem on the top floor of New West. Guests are welcome, and in fact encouraged, to attend and participate.
Add yourself to our guest email list to start receiving guest invitations and consult our currently scheduled events on the Facebook calendar.
UPCOMING DEBATES
January 30: Impromptu Topic
February 6: The use of genetically modified food is on-net good.
February 16: Experimental Debate
February 20: Computer programs are capable of becoming sentient.
February 27: Spectacle is detrimental to art.