FRATERNITY BYLAWS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA XI CHAPTER
OF PHI DELTA THETA AT CLARION UNIVERSITY
(LAST REVISED April 4, 2012)
PREAMBLE
In accordance with Title IX, Section 8, of the Constitution and General Statutes of Phi Delta
Theta International Fraternity (1970), these rules are instituted for the self-government of the
Clarion University Chapter of the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity Chapter. They are
subject to the interpretation of the President, the Judicial Board, and the Bylaws Committee of the
Chapter, and such interpretation shall be final. The Clarion University Chapter believes that
certain policies and regulations are fundamental to the successful operation and conduct of this
Chapter in keeping with the teachings of Phi Delta Theta and for the strengthening of the Greek
system as a whole. No portion of these Bylaws shall be constructed as to conflict with the
Constitution and General Statutes of the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity.

Article 1: Statement of Policies
Section 1.1: Hazing and Illegal Substances
We the Brothers and Phikeias of the Clarion University Chapter adhere to and support the
Fraternity’s further plan of action regarding hazing and pre-initiation activities and
support the Risk Management policies of Phi Delta Theta.
Section 1.2: Changes to the Bylaws
Any or all of these policies and Chapter Bylaws may be stricken or altered by a
unanimous vote by the Bylaws Committee, at their monthly meeting so long as Section
5.3 Quorum applies. A new policy/alteration will be brought up and discussed during a
Chapter meeting and voted on during the same meeting. Should there be any conflicts of
opinion, the proposition may be carried over to the next weekly Chapter meeting, or until
there can be a compromise. It will then be the duty of the Bylaws Chairman to amend the
Chapter Bylaws prior to the next Chapter meeting and to notify all Brothers and Phikeia
of said alterations.
Section 1.3: Distribution of Bylaws
A copy of these Chapter Bylaws shall be distributed to each Brother and Phikeia. Others
are to be kept on file by the Bylaws Chairman.
Section 1.4: Acts Unbecoming
All Phikeia, Initiates, and Brothers shall not disgrace or in any manner harm the
reputation of another Fraternity or Sorority, nor shall he act in a way; unbecoming of Phi
Delta Theta. This shall be subject to the interpretation by the Judicial Board.
Section 1.5: Fighting
Any fighting involving Brothers and/or Phikeias shall result in an automatic appearance
in front of the Judicial Board.
Section 1.6: Lavaliering
A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Chapter is required for a lavaliering.

Article II: Officers*
Section 2.1: Office of the President

The President of a chapter shall preside at all meetings thereof, and, within the chapter,
shall enforce the laws and rules of the Fraternity. He shall be charged with the custody of
The Bond, Constitution, General Statutes, Rituals, and Bylaws, and shall deliver them to
his successor. He shall be charged with the authority to call such special meetings, as he
deems necessary. He shall serve as Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee. He shall
perfect the organization, make recommendations for the improvement of the
Organization, and shall be responsible for the general policy of the Chapter at all times.
Section 2.2: Office of the Vice President
The Vice President shall, in the temporary absence of the President, assume the full
responsibilities of the President; serve as chairman of the Executive Committee and
coordinate the activities of all the officers. He will be responsible for the preparation of
all special reports as assigned by the President and shall supervise the Secretary in the
preparation of all the routine correspondence of reports. He shall appoint all special
committees.
Section 2.3: Office of the Secretary
The Secretary shall prepare a permanent record of the proceedings of every meeting and
shall record each roll call therein, one copy to be placed in the President’s file and one to
be maintained by the chapter. The Secretary shall conduct the official correspondence of
the chapter; give an account thereof at each meeting; preserve all official
communications, and write newsletters for The Scroll. He shall file all minutes and
reports from meetings onto a disk.
Section 2.4: Office of the Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial management of the Chapter. He shall
collect all money due to the General Fraternity and the Chapter, giving receipts thereof
and shall disburse the same giving receipts thereof. He shall make all payments to the
General Fraternity and keep proper account books as prescribed by the General Council.
He shall render a statement for the financial condition of the Chapter monthly to the
General Headquarters of the Fraternity, to the Province President, and weekly to the
Chapter.
Section 2.5: Office of the Warden
The Warden shall serve official notices, attend the keeping of the chapter rooms, ensure
that all required ritual paraphernalia is in proper order, and be responsible for the care of
all chapter room equipment. The Warden shall be responsible for keeping order during all
Chapter meetings and for teaching the secrets of Phi Delta Theta to new initiates. He shall
oversee and assist with all ritual activity of the chapter and he shall ensure The Bond is
read and ritual ceremonies reviewed during a regular chapter meeting once each month.
The Warden may also establish fines in order to keep the meetings in order.
Section 2.6: Office of the New Member Educator
The New Member Educator, or Pledgemaster, shall be responsible for the supervision of
Phikeia group activities, including their meetings and learning program. He shall enforce
the laws and rules of the Organization regarding Phikeia education. The Pledgemaster
shall have complete custody over all Phikeias and shall keep an adequate supply of
pledge manuals and pins up to date. He shall also have the sole power to appoint an
assistant to assist him in his duties. The Pledgemaster must follow a written pledge
program approved by the Chapter.

Section 2.7: Office of the Scholarship Chairman
The Scholarship Chairman shall appoint such members he considers necessary to
constitute a Scholarship Committee. It shall be the duty of this Committee, with such
assistance as it deems necessary to promote the scholarship of the entire chapter.
Section 2.8: Office of the Historian
The Historian shall collect the biographical information regarding the active members of
the Chapter and enter it promptly in the Chapter Roll Book. He shall keep the Chapter
scrapbook up to date and in good order. On the night of initiation, the Historian shall
forward General Headquarters, without delay, the names and Bond numbers together
with the date of initiation of all new initiates on the standard form prepared for that
purpose.
Section 2.9: Office of the Chaplain
The Chaplain shall conduct any and all religious exercises that occur within the Chapter.
Section 2.10: Office of the Chorister
The Chorister shall promote and endeavor to improve the efficiency of the Chapter in
singing songs of the Fraternity. He shall supervise the Phikeia in their learning of the
songs of the Chapter.
Section 2.11: Office of the Awards Chairman
It shall be the responsibility of the Awards Chairman to make the Chapter aware of
awards granted by the General Fraternity, University, Community, and Chapter and he
shall be responsible for the coordinating and forwarding the awards report.
Section 2.12: Office of the Risk Management Chairman
It shall be the responsibility of the Risk Management Chairman to develop a written
safety plan and an emergency evacuation procedure to be used at the Chapter House. He
shall make sure these documents are posted at the house and educate all Brothers and
Phikeia about the safety and evacuation procedures. He shall also complete the Phi Delta
Theta Fraternity Chapter Facility Life Safety Checklist no less than two (2) times during
the scholastic year. He shall keep in order the DD system and designate which ones will
be on for the next meeting

Article III: Election of Officers
Section 3.1: Elected Officers
The elected officers of the Chapter shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, Warden, New Member Educator, and Recruitment.
Section 3.2: Non-Elected Committee Chairs
Historian, Chaplain, Chorister, Awards Chairman, Alumni Secretary, Risk Management,
Softball, Brotherhood, Community Service, Fundraising, Housing Manager, Social,
Scholarship, IFC, and Formal.
Section 3.3: Eligibility of Office
Officers from each Chapter shall be selected from the active members thereof. Members
with scholastic delinquencies as stipulated in Section 149 of the General Statutes or
members who are financially delinquent shall not be eligible for election or continuance
of office.

Section 3.4: Terms of Office
All elected officers shall serve for one year with the exception the New Member Educator
who will serve for one semester. In the event that an officer cannot fulfill their position
for a full year, nominations will be taken and a new person elected.
Section 3.5: Time of Election
All Executive Board positions shall be nominated and elected in the month of December.
Nominations shall occur during the first meeting in December, with election and
installation of the new officers occurring during the next meeting.
Section 3.6: Method of Election for Executive Board Positions
The nomination of Executive Board Officers shall occur during the course of a weekly
Chapter meeting. The elections and installation of Executive Board Officers shall occur
during the subsequent meeting. A maximum of three (5) nominees will be accepted for
each position. Officers will be nominated and voted on in the following order: President,
Vice President, New Member Educator, Treasurer, Warden, and Secretary. The House
Manager shall be elected by the Brothers presiding in the house.
Section 3.7: Method of Election for non-Executive Board Positions
The nomination of non-Executive Board Officers shall occur during the course of a
weekly Chapter meeting. The election of non-Executive Board Officers shall occur
during the course of a subsequent Chapter meeting. A maximum of three (3) nominees
will be accepted for each position. Officers will be nominated and voted on one by one in
the following order: Alumni Secretary, Scholarship Chairman, Risk Management
Chairman, Awards Chairman, Chaplain, Chorister, and Historian.
Section 3.8: Removal from Office
If it is felt that a Brother is neglecting the duties of his position, he may be removed from
that position. After a motion is made for his removal and seconded, a discussion will
occur. The final vote for the removal will occur at the subsequent meeting. The individual
being brought up has no vote. If removed from an elected position, a maximum of three
(3) nominees shall be nominated, elected, and installed during that meeting. If removed
from a non-elected position, the Vice President before the next meeting will appoint a
new chairperson for that committee.

Article IV: Committees
Section 4.1: Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of seven (7) members: President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer, New Member Educator, Recruitment, and Warden. The Chairman
of the Executive Committee shall be the Vice President, and he is responsible for running
each Executive Board meeting.
Section 4.2: Duty of Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the President and the
Committee may meet privately. However, if an open meeting is conducted, only the
Executive Committee members may vote on proposals referred to the Committee. Only
Committee members may be present during the vote.
Section 4.3: Judicial Board
The Judicial Board shall consist of five (5) members that will compromise of three (3)
elected members as well as the Vice-President and the Warden who shall be elected a full

year. The Judicial Board member who has the lowest Bond number shall serve as the
head of the Judicial Board.
Section 4.4: Duties of the Judicial Board
The Judicial Board shall meet, when necessary, and be in charge of the interpretation of
the Bylaws of the Chapter, determination whether the Bylaws have been violated, to what
extent, and shall hand down punishments it deems necessary for the well being of the
Chapter and/or individual.
Section 4.5: Judiciary Procedure
The Brother who is head of the Judicial Board shall be in charge of the Judiciary
Procedure. A letter shall be sent to the accused Brother no less than seven (7) days prior
to the date of his hearing. This letter shall include: (a) the charges he is accused of, (b) the
date and the time of the hearing, and (c) potential punishments he may receive. Each side
(the accused Brother and the accusing Brother) shall be allowed no more than three (3)
witnesses to speak on their behalf. The Judicial Board shall write a report of the contents
of the hearing and present it at the next weekly Chapter meeting.
Section 4.6: Voting of the Judicial Board
While Brothers may attend all open sessions of the Judicial Board, no one may be present
during the voting session of the Judicial Board, however all Brothers may be present for
the punishment/verdict. A majority vote of the members of the Judicial Board is needed
in order to hand out a punishment to a Brother. No punishment may be in conflict with
the Code.
Section 4.7: Alternates for Judicial Board
The Brother with the lowest Bond number in the Chapter shall be the alternate in
instances where a member of the Judicial Board brings ups another Brother in front of the
Board, or when a member of the Judicial Board is brought up in front of the Judicial
Board.
Section 4.8: Suspension from Voting of a Judicial Board Member
A Judicial Board member may not vote on a punishment for a Brother when he has
brought up that brother in front of the Judicial Board.

Article V: Meeting Rules and Procedures
Section 5.1: Regular Meetings
The Chapter shall hold regular meetings conducted according to the ritual at least once
every week throughout the scholastic year at a regular time, day and location as
previously determined by the Chapter
Section 5.2: Special Meetings
The President shall call special meetings whenever he or three (3) other brothers may
deem it advisable. Anyone calling a special meeting shall notify all active members of the
special meeting. It shall be the duty of every active member to attend all regular and
special meetings.
Section 5.3: Quorum
A Quorum shall be required before any matters may be voted on during a Chapter
meeting. A quorum is a majority consisting of all the Chapter members that are entitled to
vote.

Section 5.4: Absences
Each Brother is allowed excused absences from the Chapter meetings and events. If an
absence is anticipated, a Brother must notify the Secretary beforehand then at the next
Chapter meeting, under New Business, the Brother must move to be excused followed by
a second and then some sort of explanation for the absence. The Chapter will then vote
on whether or not the absence shall be excused. All unexcused absences shall result in a
$5.00 fine. Repeated unexcused absences are subject to be brought up on the Judicial
Board.
Section 5.5: Dress for Formal Chapter Meetings
Formal meetings shall be conducted once a month, the last meeting of the month. Each
Brother shall be dressed neatly in business attire. Acceptable attire shall be no less than a
collared dress shirt with a tie, or a sweater, dress slacks or khakis, and dress shoes. The
Warden shall consider anyone dressed inappropriately absent from the meeting.
Section 5.6: Dress for Letter Chapter Meetings

Section 5.7: Dress for Informal Chapter Meetings
Informal Chapter meetings shall be all other meetings that are conducted by the Chapter
besides formal meetings. Each Brother should be neatly dressed in business casual attire.
Acceptable attire shall be no less than, khakis or jeans with no rips or holes, button-up
shirts, sweaters, or collared polo shirts and matching non-athletic shoes. The Warden
shall consider anyone dressed inappropriately absent from the meeting.
Section 5.8: Etiquette
The use of any tobacco product or consumption of food is strictly prohibited, along with
the use of cell phones unless given permission form the President, while a Chapter
meeting is in session. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action as seen fit by the
Warden.
Section 5.9: Speaking Order
In the event that multiple Brothers wish to speak on a subject they will be heard in order
from lowest Bond to highest Bond, with no Brother speaking twice before all Brothers
wishing to be heard speak. The Warden has the authority to interject in order to keep
control of the meeting room.
Section 5.10: Closed Voting
Closed voting shall occur on topics concerning elections, bids, azure balls, sweetheart,
and removal from office. The plurality of the vote decides the outcome with the President
voting only in case of a tie. In the case of bids and azure balls the President shall receive
no vote.
Section 5.11: Open Voting
Open voting shall occur on topics concerning Inter-Fraternity Council votes and chair
motions. A majority is needed in open voting with the President included.
Section 5.12: Sweetheart
Sweetheart voting will occur during the first meeting of the month of April. Sweetheart
voting will consist of one round of nominations with a maximum of five (5) nominees

taken. After the nominees are decided, the first round of voting occurs with the nominee
with the least amount of votes being eliminated. The sweetheart(s) will be selected from
the four remaining nominees in the second round of voting. The sweetheart nominee who
received the most voted will then be assigned with the Pallas title. In either case the
President gets a vote only in case of a tie. Under no circumstances can any Maggie
Zimmerman or Heather Moore cannot be nominated for Phi Delta Theta Sweetheart ever
again, nor any with the same last name.

Article VI: Financial Responsibilities
Section 6.1: Delinquencies
Fall semester dues are to be paid in full by the third (3rd) meeting in the month of
September and will be considered late after that. Spring semester dues are to be paid in
full by the second meeting in the month of February and will be considered late after that.
Once dues are past due a fee of $10 per month will be until the balance is paid (Omega),
and may be brought up on Judicial Board for further punishment. Any brother who
reaches Charge Off Status (three months late) will have his balance sent to a collection
agency. Any brother who falls behind two billing periods without payment (i.e. a pledge
period/semester as a brother, or two semesters as a brother) will be brought up on Judicial
Board, and considered for expulsion.
Section 6.2: End of the Year
Any brother who has not paid his bill/fines in full at the end of the academic year must
sign a notarized promissory note with a payment schedule as determined by the
Treasurer.
Section 6.3: Responsibilities of Monies Raised Through Fundraisers
The Treasurer shall have sole responsibility of all monies that are collected through
Chapter fundraisers.

Article VII: Bid Session Protocol
Section 7.1: Bid Session Meetings
The Rush Chairman shall preside over all activities concerning bid session meetings, with
the President presiding in his absence. It is at the discretion of the Rush Chairman to
decide when and if a prospective member is to be brought up for discussion and/or bid
extension.
Section 7.2: Voting Process
In the process of extending a bid, the white ball is a yes vote and the black ball is a no
vote. Three (3) no votes require immediate discussion and re-vote upon the Rushee until
they either receive or are denied a bid. In cases where five (5) or more no votes are given,
the President does not disclose the number of votes, he simply announces, “No bid.”
Section 7.3: Completion
When voting is completed, the Vice President and the Warden will check the voting box
to determine whether or not a bid is to be extended.

Article VIII: Membership Status
Section 8.1: New Membership
New Membership is granted by a Chapter vote. In order for a New Member to be
proposed for a vote, he must pass all criteria outlined in the Phikeia program. Twenty-

five percent (25%) or more (no votes) deny membership. A denied member must
participate in the Phikeia program again in order to be brought up again for new
membership.
Section 8.2: Requirements for Initiation
No Phikeia may be initiated until his initiation and pledge dues are paid in full. This is up
to the Treasurers discretion.

Article IX: Chapter House Management
Section 9.1: Events Occurring at the Chapter House
All events desired to take place at the Chapter House must be approved by the majority of
the Brothers residing in the Chapter House at least twenty four (24) hours before the
anticipated date of the event. A monthly calendar of events is to be placed at the Chapter
House.
Section 9.2: House Manager
The Brothers residing in the Chapter House will have the responsibility of appointing a
House Manager. He will have the main tasks of, among other responsibilities, assigning
crew/committees to ensure the general maintenance of the Chapter House and its
surrounding property. (Such tasks consist of, but are not limited to, daily and/or weeklycleaning responsibilities, payment of bills, collecting parlor fees, housing finances,
general repairs, yard work, snow removal, etc.) All Brothers and Phikeia are eligible to be
a part of these crews/committees.
Section 9.3: Housing Committee
The House Manager shall form a Housing Committee consisting of the Chapter House
residents, Social Chairman, and Risk Management Chairman. The Housing Committee
will aid the House Manger in his delegation of authority, responsibilities and may assist
him in other related decisions.
Section 9.4: Report of Finances
It will be the duty of the House Manager to report any and all payments made from the
parlor fee fund to all the Chapter members during the weekly Chapter meeting. The
House Manager shall also keep accurate records of all transactions that occur from the
parlor fund.
Section 9.5: Alteration and/or Modification of the Property
No alteration and/or modification of any existing structure or any property of the Chapter
House shall be made or undertaken without prior consent of the Chapter House residents
and, above all, the property landlord. All approved alterations and/or modifications must
be performed legally and comply with all relevant Fraternal, local, state, and federal
laws/ordinances. Any damage or alterations caused by Brothers to the Chapter House will
result in an immediate appearance before the Judicial Board.
Section 9.6: Written Safety Plan
A written plan of general safety rules and regulations will be assembled by the Housing
Committee and the Risk Management Chairman and is to be posted throughout the
Chapter House. Each Phikeia and Brother shall be issued and should review a copy of
these safety regulations in order to become more familiar with them.

Section 9.7: Emergency Evacuation Procedures
The Housing Committee and Risk Management Chairman shall be responsible for
developing, implementing, and maintaining a written plan of evacuation of the Chapter
House should any emergency originate. The House Management will then be responsible
for posting the evacuation plan throughout the Chapter House. It will be the duty of the
Housing Committee and the Risk Management Chairman to educate each Brother and
Phikeia on all emergency evacuation procedures.
Section 9.8: Chapter House Safety Checklist
They House Manager shall be responsible for completing the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
Chapter Facility Life Safety Checklist no less than two (2) times during the scholastic
year. It will then be the task of the Housing Committee to make any essential
improvements within a reasonable period.

Article X: Scholarship
Section 10.1: Scholarship Requirements for Brothers
All Brothers are required to maintain good Clarion University academic standing in order
to retain membership in the Chapter. If a Brother falls below a 2.0 cumulative QPA, he
shall be suspended from all Chapter activities with the exception of meetings. He shall
still be required to pay dues in full, participate in all fundraisers and attend all community
service events, and Inter-Fraternity Council mandated events.
Section 10.2: Scholarship Requirements for New Members
No bid shall be extended to a potential who is a first semester freshman, or who does not
have an established Clarion University GPA. For further instruction consult the Greek
Plan.
* See Title XI of the General Statures (pages 142-145 in the Phikeia Manual) for a more detailed
description of some of these officers’ duties.