Constitution and By-Laws of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society

Amended July 2025

I. Name

Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society

II. History

The first chapter of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society was founded at Westhampton College, University of Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia, on April 12, 1990.

III. Preamble: Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society is to recognize the outstanding scholars in the discipline of Gender and Sexuality Studies. Its goals are the promotion of scholarship and gender equality in and out of the classroom. It is a forum for all students and faculty to express interest or concern over gender issues and sexuality issues, and should be a positive influence on campus, striving to foster understanding among people in a university setting. It does not require any member to agree with the ideas and opinions of the group as a whole or any of the individual members.

IV. Activities

The Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society will meet on a regular monthly basis to discuss issues that are of interest or concern to its members, students at the university, or the faculty and administration, on topics related to gender issues and sexuality issues. It will sponsor or co-sponsor a lecture, event, or program geared toward promoting gender equality, an examination of issues, or any other topic related to this field of study, once a semester.

V. Membership

Core Members of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society will academically hold junior standing or have completed four semesters at the university and at least 4 units of Gender and Sexuality Studies credit. The student will have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) no lower than 3.0, and their GPA in GSS will be no lower than 3.2.

Associate Members of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society are students who are particularly interested in the field of Gender and Sexuality Studies and its related issues and concerns.

Advisory members of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society are members of the faculty or administration who have expressed an interest in promoting a more gender-equal campus climate for people and who have actively worked toward establishing this type of environment. These members will share their experience and knowledge with other members and will aid the Core members in the decision-making process.

VI. Leadership

Since hierarchical methods of organization are not consistent with feminist theory, and in keeping with these theories' concern for and support of collaborative efforts, the Gender and Sexuality Studies Honorary Society will have no formal elections or nominations for the traditionally held posts of president, vice president, etcetera. Rather, the Core Members will organize meetings and make final decisions, but these actions will be based on the opinions and sentiments of the group as a whole.