Standing Rules of Ralph C. Darrow Chapter
Article I: Attendance and Participation
Section 1: Unexcused Absence (Officer): An officer who has one (1) unexcused absence from
any required meeting will automatically lose one (1) point of participation.
NOTE: Some acceptable excuses for these events are documented illness, any COVID-19 issues
(ex., exposure, symptoms, positive test result, etc.), direct class conflict, or unavoidable family,
personal or professional commitments (i.e., death in the family, wedding, interviews, etc.). An
officer must let the Chapter President know 24 hours before the meeting if they will not be in
attendance. The Chapter President has the authority to determine the appropriate measures for
specific circumstances.
Section 2: Participation/Point System: Points will be awarded for participation and involvement.
At every meeting/event, the Chapter Account Executive will take attendance and document the
points in the point document for the member to receive credit. The point system runs from the
first day after the National Conference to one week before the following National Conference.
The points will be tallied consistently throughout the semester to update members on their totals.
Point Values
● Dues Paying Member: 1 point for each semester.
● Meeting Attendance: 2 points for each meeting.
● Darrow Attendance: 0 points for each meeting, but subtract 1 point from board members
with an unexcused absence.
● Social Attendance: 1 point for each social.
● Miscellaneous Board Involvement: 1 point per service initiative.
● PRSA Meeting/Event Attendance: 1 point for each event.
● National/Regional Conference Attendance: 2 points for each conference (points will then
be attributed to the following National/Regional Conference).
● Writing for the blog/newsletter: 2 points for each piece.
● Participation in the Bateman Case Study Competition: 7 points.
● Officers: 10 points (see above for deduction of officer points).
● Miscellaneous Participation: Officers can determine additional opportunities for members
to earn points.
NOTE: One’s overall commitment to PRSSA determines Officer Points. Officers can only
receive extra points through participation done outside of a committee. No points are awarded
for meeting attendance or participation within their own committee.
NOTE: Bateman participants will receive seven points each to cover point opportunities missed
due to Bateman scheduling conflicts.
NOTE: The person with the most participation points in one year will receive a free PRSSA
membership or a free graduation stole if a graduating senior. Board members are not eligible to
receive this award.
Section 3: Unexcused Absence: Any person who signs up for an activity and does not show up
loses one (1) point. A person MUST contact the officer or chair of the activity/event at least 12
hours in advance to be excused.
Section 4: Extended Officer Absence: Any officer who needs to be excused from the weekly
chapter meeting regularly or for an extended period must contact the Chapter President. Upon
approval, the President will delegate the duties of the officer until they can assume full
responsibility again.
Section 5: Membership: Chapter membership shall be composed of only those students who
meet the requirements for PRSSA membership and have paid the necessary national and Chapter
dues. Chapter members also must be enrolled in a course or courses at the college or university
to which the Chapter charter was granted. A student may not be a member of more than one
PRSSA Chapter simultaneously.
Article II: Election Procedures
Section 1: Officer Grade Requirement: All officers must be registered at the university with at
least 8 credit hours and have a minimum 2.75 GPA as required by university regulations in order
to hold office.
Section 2: Nominations: A candidate may be nominated for multiple positions. If the candidate
does not win the position, they may run for another position. All candidates must be dues-paying
members of PRSSA. Members may nominate an eligible member from the floor with their
permission by writing in the name of the nominee.
Section 3: Elections: Election of chapter officers and advisors shall be held before April 15, with
those elected assuming office the following June 1 for one calendar year. An officer may run
again for the position previously held. Elections for committee chairs must be held before
November 15 for spring chair positions and before April 15 for fall chair positions.
Section 4: Running for Office: Members interested in running for an officer position will
complete an application indicating those offices in which they would like to be considered.
Section 5: Running for Committee Chair Positions: Members interested in running for a
committee chair position will complete an application indicating those positions in which they
would like to be considered. If a candidate does not win an officer position, they may run for a
committee chair position. Committee chair positions require a one-semester commitment.
Section 6: Leadership Transition: Leadership transition will occur before the end of the spring
semester for officers. Outgoing officers will meet with incoming officers to confer individually.
Outgoing officers must present incoming officers with pertinent role information and post
relevant documents to the officer’s Google Drive folder. It is the responsibility of the President to
see that this procedure is followed and that all officers are present. It will be the incoming
President’s responsibility to schedule and finish any officer transition that has not yet been
completed by a new officer’s predecessor.
Section 7: Voting: All positions will be determined by the majority vote. The President has the
authority to vote only when a vote is tied. All votes will be confidential.
Section 8: Vacancy and Succession
In the event an officer forfeits or is removed from their respective position, the Chapter Advisor
and Chapter President will either a.) decide to delegate the officer's work until the next elections
or b.) bring before the board a proposed candidate to fulfill the vacancy, in which the board will
require a (⅔) majority vote to deem valid.
Article III: Financial Rules
Section 1: Dues: Member dues are $65, of which $55 must be received at PRSSA Headquarters
no later than November 1 for members joining in the fall and March 1 for members joining
midyear. The remaining $10 will be deposited into the Chapter account to be used toward
programming. Dues are for one (1) calendar year following each deadline payment. Prorating of
dues is not permitted. The Chapter President is responsible for ensuring the VP of Membership
receives updated membership rosters throughout the academic year.
Section 2: NSF Check Charges: A member whose check fails to clear must pay the bank’s late
charges within two (2) weeks.
Section 3: Funding for Regional and National Conferences: To receive reimbursement funding
for the Regional Conference, a member must have five (5) participation points. To receive
reimbursement for the National Conference, a member must have fifteen (15) participation
points.
NOTE: Depending upon the available Chapter funds, to be eligible to attend the
National Conference, an application process may be required in addition to having fifteen (15)
participation points.
Section 4: Budget: A proposed budget must be presented to the Darrow Committee by the
second Darrow Committee meeting of each semester by the Chapter Account Executive.
Article IV: Offices Serving the PRSSA Kent State Chapter
Section 1: Titles: The chapter shall elect a President, Vice President of Professional
Relations, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of
Fundraising and Community Outreach, Chapter Account Executive, Special Event Coordinator,
Web and Social Co-Chairs, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator.
Section 2: Duties and Responsibilities: The duties of the positions listed above shall be such as
usually pertain to the offices they hold. Specific duties and responsibilities of these and other
officers elected by this Chapter shall be cited accordingly within these bylaws, based on local
needs and suggestions provided in the PRSSA Chapter Handbook.
A) President. The duties of the President shall include, but not be limited to: All duties as cited
in the PRSSA Chapter Handbook; keep current on university regulations governing
organizations; collect weekly updates from officers and committee chairs; organize status report;
meet with adviser Professor Michele Ewing once a week to discuss upcoming events, projects,
concerns; consult with PRSSA Professional Advisor each semester; establish organization’s
objectives and goals (set deadline and delegate responsibilities; evaluate and refine plan
monthly); preside over Darrow Committee meetings; monitor the timely distribution of meeting
minutes compiled by Chapter Account Executive; preside over general chapter meetings (work
with VP of Professional Relations to draft and approve semester agenda; welcome attendees,
announcements); organize committees at the beginning of the semester (motivate members to
join committees by conveying the opportunity to refine PR skills, earn points toward conference
and enhance time management skills; see that meetings are routinely held and obtain reports
from committee chair each month; meetings can be held as scheduled by each committee chair);
schedule any necessary meeting rooms represented by the PRSSA Chapter (i.e. Public Relations
Campaigns Capstone Presentation Room); assist Chapter Account Executive with requests for
funding; initiate communications with PRSA chapters in Akron and Cleveland; coordinate
Chapter participation in local and regional leadership conferences, submit paperwork and
registration, and organize logistics; preside over officer transition to assure procedure is followed
strictly; delegate responsibilities if an officer resigns or forfeits position; collaborate with other
elected officers to collect materials for the University CSI award entries, due in early March;
national PRSSA Teahan award entry, due at the beginning of June; attend PRSSA National
Leadership Rally in June, if possible (flight covered by PRSSA Kent, registration by PRSSA
National); obtain guidance from faculty adviser and professional adviser; encourage
communication and teamwork. NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the President must have been an officer before running for this position and at least a junior standing during the acting term.
B) Vice President of Professional Relations. The duties of the Vice President of Professional
Relations shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may
reflect on the betterment of the chapter; perform all duties of the Chapter President if the
president is absent or unable to perform their duties; assist the President in coordinating and
directing committee activities and chapter operations and perform such duties as may be
delegated by the president; recommend to the Chapter President goals, objectives, plans and
programs for the benefit of the chapter. Schedule speakers for general meetings; coordinate
meeting programs according to the desire of officers and members (example: speakers,
workshops); Schedule general meeting rooms that fit 20-50 people once to twice a month on
Thursdays; brainstorm meeting topics; review past meeting topics and compare; develop
full programming schedule for each semester; support flyers and any social media promotion
(coordinate with the Social Media Co-Chair when needed) to promote upcoming meetings;
obtain speaker bio information and photo to write and deliver an introduction and copy points for
emails and web promotion at least two weeks before speaking engagement; have gifts and thank
you cards for all speakers; evaluate meetings, make adjustments as needed; network and make
contacts with possible speakers; keep a file of contacts made throughout the year and place in a
designated Google Drive folder. Support relationships between PRSA Cleveland and PRSA
Akron; update officers and members on current PRSA events and encourage them to attend
them; keep PRSSA informed of any PRSA activity; attend any PRSA meetings and functions.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Vice President of Professional Relations must
be a junior or a senior and is strongly encouraged to have previously taken or be currently
enrolled in Public Relations Publications.
C) Vice President of Communications. The duties of the Vice President of Communications
shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on
the betterment of the chapter; write, edit, and distribute monthly chapter e-newsletter while
school is in session; press releases on accomplishments, meetings and activities to local and
national media and PRSSA National Chapter News; manage PRSSA Kent listserv and add/delete
recipients; utilize the PRSSA Kent and PRSSA National style guides, as well as AP style, in all
Chapter communications; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each
year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Vice President of Communications is strongly
encouraged to have completed Public Relations Publications accompanied by Media Relations
and Publicity or has taken a writing-intensive course that is approved by the Chapter Faculty
Advisor.
D) Vice President of Membership. The duties of the Vice President of Membership shall
include, but not be limited to: attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the
betterment of the chapter; perform all duties of the Chapter President if the president and Vice
President of Professional Relations are absent or unable to perform the president’s duties;
coordinate and carry out efforts to recruit, enlist, and retain membership (focus on face-to-face
efforts while considering remote substitutions when needed, including CCI/MDJ events, class
visits, informational tables, etc.; plan recruitment efforts before each semester begins to allow
sufficient time for new members to pay dues; coordinate a mentor/mentee program and plan
activities throughout both semesters); classroom visits (include other majors such as marketing,
advertising, communication studies, fashion merchandising, etc.); find PR sequence and
journalism class schedule on FlashLine and ask officers to sign up for classes when
they’re available to talk about PRSSA to other students and promote activities; create the
communications strategies and tactics within the annual plan—to inform members of upcoming
events and work with VP of Communications and the Web and Social Media Manager to
promote all membership activities; coordinate social activities for general membership; serve as
head chair to plan the End-of-Year Celebration to recognize graduating seniors and
outgoing/incoming officers; act as an information center for general membership; coordinate and
disseminate information about PRSA Associate Membership to graduating PRSSA members;
ensure prospective members understand the online dues process; maintain a record of chapter
members, including the email and phone of each; attend Admitted Student Days in Franklin Hall
to recruit incoming freshmen; participate in OSMA presentations for incoming journalism
students at Kent State’s main campus; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional
meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: This position requires at least a sophomore standing for the duration of the acting term and is
strongly encouraged of previously completed/enrolled in Public Relations Publications.
E) Vice President of Fundraising and Community Outreach. The duties of the Vice President
of Fundraising shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that
may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; work with each officer and committee to establish
financial needs; create a budget and set goals for the year of how much money to raise with the
help of the Chapter Account Executive; create and implement fundraising projects—preferably
ones which do not require start-up money; contact by letters and email and send thank-you
letters to those who contribute; serve as a co-chair to the Homecoming Committee and assist the
Homecoming Committee Chair as needed; research and present a comprehensive list of service
opportunities for the chapter to participate in; organize community service and volunteer
opportunities for chapter members; oversee the collection of items for any National or Regional
PRSSA Community Service Initiatives; organize a community service or fundraising project in
the spring semester; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year;
write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: This position requires at least a sophomore standing during acting term.
F) Chapter Account Executive. The duties of the Chapter Account Executive shall include, but
not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of
the chapter; record minutes of all Darrow Committee meetings and handle the appropriate
distribution of minutes; make sure all permanent documents are recorded and kept for
files, including updates of the local and national handbook; create and maintain an updated and
accurate record of chapter minutes, photographs, anniversaries, news clippings and other
information to record chapter’s history and accomplishments; notify PRSSA headquarters and
sponsoring PRSA chapters of changes in chapter officers and advisors; obtain up-to-date
directories from sponsoring PRSA chapters, district and national directories; handle all chapter
in-house correspondence; take attendance at each general and Darrow meetings; keep track of
the attendance/participation point system and post updates; create name tags for all PRSSA Kent
members and host welcome table at all general meetings; proofread all content for the chapter’s
various publications, including the chapter website, blog, e-newsletter, and promotional
materials; Work collaboratively with the VP of Communications on e-newsletter edits and
revisions. Including design recommendations, proofreading written pieces, and providing any
feedback. The Chapter Account Executive is responsible for communicating finalized revisions
of the e-newsletter to the Chapter Faculty Advisor; proofread all items submitted to PRSSA
National, including award submissions, bid to present Chapter Development Sessions, and
Chapter News submissions; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting
each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog. Work with Chapter President to coordinate
PRSSA Kent’s trip to National Conference, which includes funding (USG allocations
presentation, Dennis Eckart applications, divide receipts for reimbursement), hotel registration
and flights; provide safekeeping for all chapter funds and keep accurate financial records of all
campus and external accounts held by this Chapter (including petty cash for general meeting
food and beverages, speaker gifts, etc.); attend with the Vice President of Fundraising any
required meetings by university regulations for obtaining funds from undergraduate senate or any
relating university disbursement of funds committees; serve as an active member of all
fundraising committees (Homecoming, etc.); collect fees for any chapter special events and
fundraisers; disperse chapter funds with approval of the Faculty Adviser and/or Darrow
Committee or Chapter Account Executive’s authorization determined by the Darrow Committee;
work with the Chapter President and Vice President of Fundraising in preparing the annual
budget; assist any committee, as necessary.
NOTE: This position requires sophomore standing and having completed Writing Across
Platforms
G.) Web and Social Media Co-Chairs. The duties of the Web and Social Media Co-Chairs shall
include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the
betterment of the chapter; serve as official chapter photographer—acquire pictures at all events;
coordinate developing and posting on website and blog; coordinate and draft updates to the
chapter website weekly while classes are in session (create an editorial calendar for the
website/blog each semester with post topics - meeting promotion, recaps, speaker bios, etc.;
expand web content, as appropriate, to improve member communications; conduct annual
Website evaluations with officers and members; write or receive any blog posts from members
and send to President/other officer for editing; keep events, general officer information, etc.
updated on the blog and website each year; write stories for the website, send along for editing
and post stories to www.prssakent.com; assist Chapter Account Executive and VP of
Membership with maintaining an updated list of chapter history; assist VP of Communications
with promoting the website among members; coordinate developing and posting on the
Chapter’s Google Drive, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn; coordinate and draft updates to
the chapter social media accounts weekly while classes are in session (create an editorial
calendar for social media each semester with post copy); promote meetings and events, recognize
hard-working PRSSA members, highlight meeting information, etc.; assist VP of
Communications with promoting the chapter’s social media among members; oversee social
media and web content committees; attend any PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Web and Social Media Co-Chairs must have
completed or be currently registered for Digital Public Relations and Public Relations
Publications.
H) Special Event Coordinator. The duties of the Special Event Coordinator shall include, but
not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of
the chapter; network with student organizations; research other student organizations and majors
(Ad, Marketing, Fashion) for event collaboration, meeting promotion, etc.; support the VP of
Professional Relations where needed; support PRSSA Initiatives (PRSSA National Conference);
plan Communications Connection, invite other related student organizations; recruit members to
become involved with the planning committee; create and hold weekly committee
meetings); assist MDJ with student recruitment efforts and coordinating assistance of other
officers; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
I) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator. The duties of the Diversity,
Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any
leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the Chapter; host a DEI&B
event/workshop every semester; build relationships with relevant student organizations and
departments on campus; write about diversity-related topics for the blog; create social media
highlight reels and posts containing the diversity statement and other content; spotlight diverse
professionals and how they navigate the workplace on our social media; point of contact for any
grievances or ideas from members or public relations students; make sure the entire board is
incorporating DEI&B in decisions; create a safe space for students to have an open discussion
about DEI&B; provide guidance on how to celebrate diversity. Monitor and promote DEI&B
initiatives and resources:
● Kent State Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (https://www.kent.edu/diversity)
● Kent State College of Communication and Information
(https://www.kent.edu/cci/diversity)
● Kent State School of Media and Journalism (https://www.kent.edu/mdj/annual-events)
● National PRSA (https://voices4everyone.prsa.org/)
Article V: —NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY The membership of this organization shall be
composed of students, regardless of their race, color, creed or national origin, who either are
public relations majors or have demonstrated an interest in a related communication field,
including, but not limited to, public relations, journalism, communication, or marketing.
Membership shall be open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Members shall have all
rights granted to them by PRSSA National Bylaws. This organization and its members shall not
discriminate against any individual(s) on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender
identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other bases under the law, in its activities,
programs, admissions and employment.
Article VI: Officer Accountability and Removal
Section 1: Expectations of Officers - All elected officers of the chapter are expected to fulfill
the duties outlined in their position descriptions, attend required meetings and events,
communicate consistently, and uphold the values and professionalism of the chapter and the
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
Section 2: Grounds for Review - An officer may be subject to review if they:
● Fail to complete assigned responsibilities
● Miss multiple required meetings or events without a valid excuse
● Demonstrate lack of communication or responsiveness
● Engage in behavior that negatively impacts the chapter’s operations or reputation
● Fall below X* amount of points
○ * points to be set at the beginning of the term by President and Chapter Account
Executive
Section 3: Tiered Accountability Process
Tier 1: Initial Concern & Informal Warning. Triggered after the first documented concern or
pattern of missed responsibilities. The officer will receive a verbal or written notice from the
Chapter President outlining the concern. Expectations for improvement and a reasonable timeline
will be clearly communicated.
Tier 2: Formal Review Meeting. Initiated if concerns persist after Tier 1. The officer must attend
a formal meeting with the Chapter President and Chapter Advisor. A written performance
improvement plan (PIP) will be created, including specific expectations, deadlines, and check-in
points. Documentation of the meeting will be recorded and maintained.
Tier 3: Executive Board Review. Initiated if the officer fails to meet the terms of the
improvement plan. The Executive Board will convene to review the officer’s performance and
documented concerns. The officer will be allowed to speak on their behalf. A vote
may be called to determine whether probation or removal is appropriate.
Tier 4: Removal from Office. Removal requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Executive
Board. The Chapter Advisor must be present during the vote. The officer will be formally
notified in writing of the decision and effective date of removal.
Section 5: Vacancy and Succession
If an officer is removed, the vacancy will be filled according to the chapter’s established
succession or election procedures as outlined in the bylaws.
Section 6: Fairness and Documentation
All steps in this process must be documented to ensure transparency and fairness. The officer in
question has the right to be informed of all concerns and to respond at each stage
