The following is the text from the original constitution of the Southern Illinois University Chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which is still in effect today.

Constitution and By-Laws for the Southern Illinois
Chapter of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers


Preamble

Sec. 1. This organization shall be known as the Southern Illinois University Chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Sec. 2. The purpose of this organization shall be the advancement and dissemination of the theory and practice of mechanical engineering, the presentation of the proper perspective of engineering work and the opportunity to become acquainted with the personell and activities of the Society as well as to promote a professional consiousness and fellowship.

Sec. 3. The relations of the Student Section to the ASME shall be governed by the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules of the ASME.


ARTICLE I (Membership)

Sec 1. Membership in the Student Section shall consist only of Student Members who have followed the regular procedure of applying for Student Membership and who have been accepted by the society. Membership is limited by ASME to students enrolled in engineering related fields.

Sec. 2. Each applicant for Student Membership shall be submitted on the form provided by the Society and shall be endorsed by the Faculty Adviser. The applicant shall forward the application and dues to Headquarters.

Sec. 3. Each full member shall be given full voting privileges and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the society.

Sec. 4. Any member may be suspended by an affirmative vote of three-fourths of a quorum at a regular society meeting. Reasons for suspension may be:

ARTICLE II (Dues)

Sec. 1. The annual dues shall be five dollars payable in advance to The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Sec. 2. In case of unusual expenses by the Chapter, the Executive Committee shall have the power to buy assessments upon endorsement by two-thirds vote of the membership of the Chapter.


ARTICLE III (Officers)

Sec. 1. The officers of this Chapter shall be Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer chosen from those who are student members who are academically in good standing.

Sec. 2. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Student Section, shall appoint all committees subject to the approval of the Executive committee, and assume all other executive duties not otherwise delegated.

Sec. 3. The Vice Chairman shall perform all duties of the Chairman in the absence of that officer or at his request.

Sec. 4. The Secretary shall keep record of all meetings, inspection trips and any business transacted by the Chapter and report this information to the regional Vice President promptly. He shall act as Secretary to the Executive Committee. Also, he shall cooperate with the Faculty Advisor in obtaining his endorsement of applications for student membership, and aid in forwarding applications and dues to Headquarters.

Sec. 5. The Treasurer shall receive all monies for the Student Section, shall pay all bills authorized by the Faculty Advisor and shall keep an exact amount of all receipts and expenditures and report them to the Secretary of the Chapter on a form furnished by him.

Sec. 6. The officers shall be elected in the Spring Semester for one year, to take office at the beginning of the Fall Semester, by majority vote of the Student Section.

Sec. 7. Any vacancies among the officers shall be filled by majority vote of the student section.

Sec. 8. Any society officer may be impeached for the following reasons:

Charges of impeachement may be filed in a letter to the Chairman by any member in good standing. The Chairman shall appoint a committee to investigate the charges. If the Chairman is the object of the charges, the Vice Chairman shall appoint a committee and shall officiate at all proceedings. If both the Chairman and Vice Chairman are the object of the charges, the Faculty Advisor shall appoint a committee and a committee chairman to conduct all impeachment proceedings.

If the charges are found to be reasonable, the person charged shall be notified and allowed to present his defense at a closed committee meeting. Upon finding further action justifiable, the investigating committee shall inform all society members by special letter. All impeachment proceedings shall be recorded and submitted to the Academic Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology.

ARTICLE IV (Executive Committee)

Sec. 1. The executive committee shall consist of the officers listed in Article III with election procedures as designated in Article III, sec. 6.

Sec. 2. The affairs of the Chapter shall be managed by the Executive Committee.

Sec. 3. Vacancies in the Executive Committee shall be filled as per the procedure outlined in Article III, sec. 7.


ARTICLE V (Meetings)

Sec. 1. The Student Section shall hold regular meetings with time and place designated by the Executive Committee. Additional or special meetings may be held as arranged by the Executive Committee.


ARTICLE VI (Amendments)

Sec. 1. This constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the student members, provided the amendment shall have been proposed at least one meeting previous to the time of voting.


ARTICLE VII (Faculty Advisor)

Sec. 1. The Student Section shall nominate each year a member of the faculty, who is a member of ASME, for appointment as Faculty Adviser. The Head or Chairman of the Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering Technology Department should be consulted to determine which faculty members are available to serve as Faculty Adviser. This nomination shall be sent prior to May 1st to the Field Service Office. The Vice President for that Region shall make the appointment for a one-year period beginning June 1st. The Faculty Adviser may not serve for more than three years in succession unless he is the only ASME member on the faculty, or is reappointed by the Regional Vice President as being uniquely well-qualified to continue as Faculty Adviser.