SHPE National History
 

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community.

The concept of Networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation.

GMU Chapter History

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at George Mason University has been present as Mason since the late 1990's but with active members graduating it laid dormant till 2004. SHPE was revived by Eliezer Medina (President 2004-2005) with the help of Dean Bernard White who still remain as SHPE's advisor and strongest supporter. Since that time GMU's SHPE chapter has be thriving and growing steadily.

Statement of Values

We are brought together by heritage, social responsibility and desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology. We value excellence in education, professional pursuits and leadership. We obtain excellence through integrity, empowerment, achievement, diversity and continuous improvement.

Vision

SHPE is the leading social-technical organization whose primary function is to enhance and achieve the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math and science.

Mission

SHPE is the Source for Quality Hispanic Engineers and Technical Talent.

Strategic Focus Areas

We will fulfill our mission by increasing educational opportunities, promoting professional and personal growth, carry out our social responsibility to be involved in education, business and government issues and enhancing pride within our organization and reinforcing our reputation as a vital Hispanic organization.

BENEFITS

•      Access to Internships & Scholarship

•      A Free Subscription to the SHPE Magazine & the SHPE Newsletter

•      Discounted Registration Fee For Conferences

•      Life-long Networking Opportunities

•      Can Enter Technical Paper, Poster & Other Competitions

•      Career Development, Leadership Training, & Professional Development

•      Membership Pin & Certificate

By-Laws

ARTICLE I. Membership

Section 1-General Membership

A. Membership in good standing shall be those with paid dues as per Section 2.

B. All members in good standing who have attended at least 60% of the quarterly general meetings shall vote.

Section 2-Dues

A. Dues for the academic year shall be $5 per person (National Dues)

B. SHPE at GMU agrees to pay the yearly chapter and national dues for all executive board members.

ARTICLE II. Organization Leadership

Section 1-Officers

A. The officers of SHPE shall be President, Internal Vice-President, External Vice-President Secretary, and Treasurer and Webmaster must be elected by the members.
B. At any point during the course of the academic year, the President may create a new officer position (i.e. Historian, Social Chair) to meet the Organization’s current needs. Any member who meets the requirements outlined in Section 2 of this article may be appointed by the executive-board to the position and will be entitled to the same benefits enjoyed by the current officers.
C. The terms of office shall be for one year, beginning on the first day of spring quarter, and ending the last day of winter quarter.

Section 2-Qualifications

A. Any member in good standing who has attended at least 60 % of the quarterly general meetings may be nominated for office.

Section 3 – Duties

The duties of the executive board shall be:

A. The President shall be the official leader of SHPE and shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Be the principal leader and role model for SHPE members.
2. Acts as the principal spokesperson for SHPE.
3. Serves as main contact with SHPE National.
4. Ultimately and wholly responsible for the matters dealing with the Organization. To expedite matters, he/she may assign tasks to any SHPE member.
5. May appoint any committee chairpersons deemed necessary to maintain or better the Organization or the campus community.
6. Represents SHPE on any campus-wide committees having a seat assigned to a representative of SHPE or may appoint his/her representative
7. Prepares agenda and acts as chairperson over meetings.
8. Serves as chairperson of the executive board.
9. Oversees SHPE’s funds management.
10. Votes only in the event of a tie.
11. Ensures all work is being done, officers are fulfilling their responsibilities.
12. Responsible for creating all funding proposals.

B. The Internal Vice-President shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Act as President when the President is not available.
2. Oversees the committee chairs; Coordinates and facilitates the completion of projects by committees.
3. Manages the registration and update of the Organization with the university.
4. Keeps record of the point system.
5. Responsible for overseeing the academic component of SHPE.
6. Responsible for logistics having to do with all meetings.

C. The External Vice-President shall have the following responsibilities:
1. Responsible for all outside communication (i.e. other SHPE Chapters, Private/Public Identities) deemed necessary by the President.
2. Responsible for maintaining all contacts (Refer to 1.).
3. Responsible for acquiring industry sponsorship.
4. Responsible for outside Organization publicity.
5. Preside at meetings in the absence of the President and Internal Vice-President.

D. The secretary shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Responsible for maintaining the minutes of meetings, agendas, and attendance records.
2. Manages all paperwork of the Organization.
3. Presents minutes from previous meetings at every general and executive board meeting.
4. Maintains the SHPE calendar.
5. Notifies members of regular and specially scheduled meetings, with proper prior notice.

E. The Treasurer shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Manages all financial affairs of the Organization.
2. Assists the President in preparing a budget for the academic year.
3. Collects due from every member and keeps records of the financial status of each member.
4. Pays SHPE National membership dues for members.
5. Presents a written financial statement to the Organization each quarter.
6. Works with SHPE representatives at UCHO meetings in order to look after SHPE’s financial interest.

ARTICLE III. Executive Board

A. The executive board shall consist of the executive officers and the appointed officers.
B. The executive board is responsible for creating all major initiatives for the year.
C. Elections for the executive board positions shall be held winter quarter.
D. The term of office for officers shall be one year.
E. In case of vacancy in the office of the President (i.e. resignation, acceptance a coop job, leaving the university, etc.) the Vice-President shall succeed to the office of President, serving for the balance of the year.
F. In case of a vacancy in the office of Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer, the vacancy shall be filled by an executive board appointed member.

ARTICLE IV. Order of Business

The order of business for regular SHPE meetings be as follows:

A. Call to order—President
B. Reading of minutes--Secretary
C. Treasurer's report
D. Vice-Presidents’ reports
E. Committee reports--committee chairpersons Old Business
F. Old Business
G. New Business
H. Others
I. Adjournment

ARTICLE V. Amendments

A. Proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be submitted in writing to the executive board at least one month prior consideration.
B. The text to the proposed amendment shall be printed and presented to the general body at least one week prior to consideration.
C. This Constitution shall be amended only by a majority vote of the members.
D. Unless otherwise provided, all amendments shall take effect immediately.