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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
DELTA OMICRON CHAPTER OF
TAU BETA SIGMA
National Honorary Band Sorority
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
This revised constitution was adopted on ____________ and shall therefore nullify any other
previous versions.
President ___________
Parliamentarian ______________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preamble………………………………………………………………………………….4
Part I……………………………………………………………………………………...5
I. Name and Organization……………………………………………………………….5
1.1 Local Information……………………………………………………………5
II. Constitutional Amendments…………………………………………………………5
III. Membership………………………………………………………………………….5
3.1 Chapter Membership……………………………………….………………..5
3.2 Active Membership…………………………………………………………..6
3.3 Conditional Membership……………………………………………………6
3.4 Inactive Membership………………………………………………………...6
3.5 Associate Membership……………………………………………………….6
3.6 Honorary Membership………………………………………………………6
3.7 Life Membership……………………………………………………………..7
3.8 Probation of Membership…………………………………………………...7
3.9 Suspension of Membership………………………………………………….7
3.10 Expulsion of Membership………………………………………………….7
IV. Officers and Their Duties…………………………………………………………...7
4.1 Chapter Officers……………………………………………………………..7
V. Election of Officers………………………………………………………….………..8
5.1 Procedure for Elections……………………………………………………...8
5.2 Order of Elections……………………………………………………………9
5.3 Vacancies of Offices……………………………………………………….....9
VI. Committees………………………………………………………………………….10
6.1 Chapter Committees………………………………………………………..10
VII. Finances…………………………………………………………………………....10
VIII. Delegates and Proxies…………………………………………………………….….....10
IX. Functions and Activities………………………………………....……………………,,,,.11
9.1 Ritual………………………………………………………………………...11
X. Membership Candidate Education Program……………………………………...11
XI. Impeachment………………………………………………………………………..11
XII. Hazing……………………………………………………………………………...12
XIII. Chapter Policy on Behavior and Controlled Substances………………………12
Delta Omicron Chapter Disciplinary System ………………………………………...13
Four Step Disciplinary System ………………………………………………………..16
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XIII. Points of Order…………………………………………………..……………………...16
XIX. Grades…………………………………………………………...…………………….….16
Part II……………………………………………………………………………..……..17
Joint Chapter Operations………………………….……………………...……………17
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CONSTITUTION OF THE DELTA OMICRON
CHAPTER OF TAU BETA SIGMA
Preamble to the Constitution of the Delta Omicron Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
Be it known that Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Sorority for members of the college band, is an
organization operating exclusively in the field of the college and university bands, for the following
purposes:
1. To promote the existence and welfare of the collegiate bands and to create a respect and appreciation
for band activities and achievements among the listening public everywhere.
2. To honor outstanding band members through the privilege of membership, in the Sisterhood, extended
in recognition of musical achievement, demonstrated leadership, and an enthusiastic approach to band
activities.
3. To develop leadership through active participation with the band, and all through it, to strengthen those
traits of conduct, thought, and idealism which characterize the responsible membership of the band.
4. To encourage a close relationship between collegiate bands and promote a high average of attainment
by the performance of good music and selection of worthwhile projects.
5. To provide a meaningful and worthwhile social experience for all engaged in collegiate band work, and
to cooperate with other musical organizations and societies in every manner consistent with our mutual
purposes and those of the institutions at which chapters are located.
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Part I. Local Information
1. Local Information
1.11
The name of the local Chapter shall be Delta Omicron.
1.12
The local colors shall be Hunter Green and White.
1.13
The local flower shall be the White Lily with purple trim.
1.14
The local song shall be Lean on Me.
1.15
The local fish shall be “Tau” the Beta Fish.
II. Constitutional Amendments
2.1 Constitutional Amendments
2.11
Any proposed amendments to the Chapter Constitution must be approved by the Jurisdiction
Committee prior to reaching the floor of New Business at a regularly called Chapter Meeting.
2.12
After being approved by the Jurisdiction Committee, all proposed amendments to the Chapter
Constitution must be submitted to the Active members at a regularly scheduled Chapter meeting.
2.13
Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be presented at a regularly called Chapter
Meeting. If two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by the Chapter are favorable, the proposed amendment shall
be declared adopted and shall become operational and effective at the adjournment of the Chapter
Meeting, unless otherwise stated in the amendment.
2.14
If the favorable vote on the proposed amendment is less than two-thirds (2/3), yet there is a
favorable majority vote, the proposed amendment shall be tabled until the next meeting of the Chapter.
During the interim period between the meetings, the tabled amendment shall be published in the minutes
of the meeting under the caption, “Proposed Amendments to the Constitution.”
A.
If at the next meeting, the tabled amendment receives a favorable two-thirds (2/3)
of the votes cast, it shall then be declared adopted and shall become operational
and effective at the adjournment of the Chapter Meeting, unless otherwise stated
in the amendment. If a favorable two-thirds (2/3) vote is not obtained, the
amendment shall be declared defeated and shall not again be proposed for
consideration.
2.15
Alumni historian-Office Shall be elected following the election of secretary any active sister
maybe eligible to be the Alumni historian officer.
The office of Alumni historian will be in charge of the following:
1. Update all social media accounts associated with Tau Beta Sigma-Delta Omicron.
2. Interacting with the alumni of Delta Omicron and telling them when the chapter is holding events
(such as rituals, elections, and when the chapter gains MC’s etc.)
3. Updating the bulletin board located in the Boyd.
4. Talk to other chapters in the NED and other chapter in the nation.
5. Keeps member records of the chapter.
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In the event that the chapter shrinks to a size where only the following officer positions can be filled
President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Special Projects, Secretary, Treasurer, and
Parliamentarian then the Alumni Historian position shall be given to the Secretary of the chapter during
that time.
2.16
1.
2.
3.
Secretary is responsible for the following:
Taking minutes at the chapter meetings
Sending out minutes to the chapter following a meeting
In charge of presenting excuses to the e-board if an active sister misses any mandatory event
relating to the chapter.
4. Taking attendance at mandatory chapter functions for example but not limited to chapter
meetings, service projects, and fundraisers.
III. Membership
3.1 Chapter Membership.
3.11
Any band member who is currently enrolled in any of the university bands (excluding string
orchestra members) during the current fall semester and has achieved a minimum of a Quality Point
Average of at least a 2.5 at the end of the fall semester shall be eligible for nomination into the
Membership Candidate Program.
3.12
Nominations to extend bids, as well as the handing out of bids, shall take place on a sate chosen
in conjunction with the Epsilon Phi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
3.13
Sisters are prohibited from discussing the bid process with any non-Sister. This includes making
implications towards potential membership candidacy.
a) Any Sister who is found in suspicion of this shall be brought to the attention of the
President, Vice President of Membership, and the Parliamentarian immediately and appropriate action
will be taken as stated in the Disciplinary System of the Constitution.
3.14
One (1) week following the close of nominations for the Membership Candidate Program, a
discussion will proceed on why/why not the nominee should be elected. A negative vote of twenty-five
(25) percent of the assembled body of Sisters and Brothers, or of five (5) members, whichever is greater,
shall be required to prevent the acceptance of a nominee to the Membership Candidate Program.
3.2 Active Membership
3.21
At the beginning of each semester, the Chapter President will check all member’s Cumulative
Quality Point Averages and semester Grade Point Average. Sisters and Brothers must maintain at least a
2.5 cumulative Quality Point Average and at least a 2.5 semester Grade Point Average. Disciplinary
actions are outlined in the Disciplinary System of the Chapter Constitution.
3.3 Conditional Membership
3.31
Conditional members shall not hold office, propose candidates for membership, introduce
business, vote on any matters, or act in the capacity of a Big Sister or Big Brother.
3.4 Inactive Membership
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3.41
An Inactive member who wishes to be reinstated as an Active member must submit the request in
writing and appear before the Sisterhood. The request must be approved by a three- fourths (3/4) vote of
the assembled Active Sisters and Brothers and the Chapter Advisor.
3.5 Associate Membership
See National Constitution
3.6 Honorary Membership
3.61
Any member moving to accept a person into the Sisterhood as an Honorary member must notify
the President, in writing, at least one (1) week prior to the beginning of the meeting. The President shall
use this time to discuss the matter with the Chapter Executive Board and Chapter Advisor. Upon
approval of the Chapter Executive Board and the Chapter Advisor, the motion can be recognized.
3.62
After a motion to accept some one into the Sisterhood as an Honorary member is seconded, a
negative vote of twenty-five (25) percent of the assembled body of Sisters and Brothers, or of five (5)
members, whichever is greater, shall be required to prevent the acceptance of the person into the
Sisterhood as an Honorary member.
3.7 Life Membership
See National Constitution
3.8 Probation of Membership
3.81
A member moving for Probation must notify the President of the Chapter, in writing, of his/her
intention to make the motion by the start of a regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting.
3.82
Upon due cause, a member of the Sorority may be placed on Probation following a favorable
majority vote on the motion of the Chapter’s Executive Board.
3.83
The member on Probation will adhere to the guidelines set by the Chapter’s Executive Board.
3.84
Those on probation must complete the terms of their probation before moving to become an
inactive member.
3.9 Suspension of Membership
3.91
A member moving for Suspension must notify the President of the Chapter, in writing, of his/her
intention to make the motion, prior to the start of a regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting.
3.92
Upon due cause, a member of the Sorority may be placed on Suspension following a favorable
majority vote on the motion of the Chapter’s Executive Board
3.94
The member on Suspension will adhere to the guidelines set by the Chapter’s Executive Board.
3.95
Those on suspension must complete the terms of their suspension before moving to become an
inactive member.
3.10 Expulsion of Membership
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3.101 A member moving for Expulsion must notify the President of the Chapter, in writing, of his/her
intention to make the motion, prior to the start of a regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting.
3.102 Upon due cause, a member of the Sorority may be expelled following a favorable majority vote
on the motion of the Chapter’s Executive Board.
IV. Officers and Their Duties
4.1 Chapter Officers
4.11
The officers of this organization shall be: President, Vice President of Membership, Vice
President of Special Projects, Secretary, Alumni Historian, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian.
4.12
Each officer shall present a weekly report to the Chapter President regarding his/her office. The
report must be given to the Chapter President by 11:59 p.m. the night before the regularly scheduled
Executive Board Meeting. If no report is handed in, the officer cannot report anything pertaining to
his/her office during the meeting.
V. Elections of Officers
5.1 Procedure for Elections
5.11
Nominations for all offices will be held one (1) week prior to the elections of the offices.
5.12
In order to be nominated for any office, an individual must be in good standing with the
university and the Sorority. The individual must possess a cumulative Quality Point Average of at least
2.5 as of the end of the most recent Fall semester. The Chapter President will be responsible for obtaining
a list of individuals that meet this qualification by the closing of nominations.
5.13
In order to be nominated for the office of President or Vice President of Membership, the Sister
or Brother must have served at least one (1) full year on the Executive Board in addition to the criteria in
section 5.12 prior to nominations. This article may be suspended if deemed absolutely necessary by a
vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the Sisterhood.
A.
In the event that the above mentioned should not be possible, a member who has served
at least one (1) full semester, without a period of inactivity, inclusive of the semester the nominations are
being held, may be nominated for the Presidency.
B.
In the event that the both of the above do not match set criteria, then seek counsel from
the Chapter Advisor.
5.14
On the given day of elections (one (1) week following nominations), the nominee(s) must present
a statement of qualifications as to why he/she believes he/she should be elected to the position(s) that
he/she is running for in the Sisterhood.
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5.15
On the given day of elections (one (1) week following nominations), the nominee(s) must present
a timed three (3) minute statement of qualifications as to why he/she believes he/she should be elected to
the position(s) that he/she is running for in the Sisterhood, unless slated in.
5.16
After the nominee speeches, a nominee question and answer session will take place.
5.17
After the nominee question and answer session, the nominee(s) shall leave the room and
discussion by the remaining Active Sisters and Brothers will follow.
5.18
After discussion, the vote will be secret ballot. The votes cast will either be a nominee’s name or
no, no abstentions, with all Active Sisters and Brothers voting including the President. The candidate
with the majority of the vote is elected to the said office.
5.19
A run-off election shall be held if more than two nominees are running for an office and none
receive a favorable majority vote. In this case, the two nominees with the greatest number of favorable
majority votes will be eligible for the run-off.
5.110 The office of Parliamentarian shall not be elected, but shall be appointed by the President with the
approval of the Executive Board.
5.111
Newly elected and appointed officers shall be installed on a date chosen by the chapter.
5.2 Order of Elections
5.21
Order of elections shall be as follows: President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President
of Special Projects, Secretary, Alumni Historian, and Treasurer.
5.3 Vacancies of Offices
5.31
In regard to vacancies arising in any position besides President, elections shall be held to fill the
vacancy. If the vacancy occurs during the time between the end of the Spring semester and the beginning
of the Fall semester, the Executive Board may appoint a Sister or Brother to act as officer temporarily
until nominations and elections can be held.
5.32
In the event of a vacancy Presidency, the Vice President of Membership shall have the option of
assuming the position of President or of retaining the position of Vice President of Membership. An
election will be held to fill the position not assumed by the originally elected Vice President of
Membership.
VI. Committees
6.1 Chapter Committees
6.11
The standing committees of the Chapter shall be: Membership Education, Special Projects, Ways
and Means, Jurisdiction, Ritual, Sisterhood, Music, and Joint.
6.12
The President shall appoint the chairperson(s) of the committees: Ritual, Sisterhood, and Joint.
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6.13
The President shall appoint all committees deemed necessary to actively maintain the functions of
the Sisterhood.
6.14
Special committees shall be appointed as required by the Chapter.
6.15
Membership of all committees shall be determined by the President annually. A Sister is to sit on
a minimum of (3) committees. One of these must be Service, Ritual and Regalia or Jurisdiction. If a sister
is to chair a committee, this will count towards their total.
6.16
Members of all committees shall serve until relieved of their position by the President.
6.17
The times and places of the committee meetings shall be determined by the chair.
6.18
Minutes shall be taken at every committee meeting. The President shall determine the means by
which these minutes shall be submitted to the Sisterhood.
6.19
All committees shall present a report of the committee’s activities at each regularly scheduled
Chapter Meeting.
6.110 Each committee shall review applicable sections of the National Constitution and the Chapter
Operations Handbook.
VII. Finances
7.1 General
7.11
The fiscal year for the Chapter shall be from June 1 to the succeeding May 31.
7.12
All funds of the Chapter shall be received and expended by the Chapter Treasurer.
7.13
All expenditures shall be made by checks drawn from a bank selected by the Chapter.
7.14
Money used by committee chairs, which is allocated in the budget, does not need to be voted on
individually. Additional requests for reimbursement not allocated in the budget needs to be approved by a
2/3 favorable vote.
7.15
All items purchased with Chapter funds shall be property of the Chapter.
7.16
Income of the Chapter shall be derived from annual dues contributed by each Active member and
fundraising projects conducted by the Chapter. These dues shall be determined by the Chapter, but shall
include an annual National Membership Fee as determined by the National Director on or before January
1 of each year.
7.17
Money from fundraisers will be paid to the Treasurer on the date due. Exceptions may be granted
to an individual at the discretion of the Treasurer.
7.18
Attendance at all fundraisers that the Chapter has voted on is mandatory.
7.19
Failure to meet the financial obligations shall result in the immediate implementation of the
Chapter Disciplinary System of this Chapter Constitution.
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VIII. Delegates and Proxies
8.1 General
8.11
The Active and Associate Sisters and Brothers shall elect its Chapter delegates for District and
National Conventions at a regularly scheduled meeting.
8.12
The Active and Associate Sisters and Brothers shall elect its proxy Chapter for District and
National Conventions at a regularly scheduled meeting.
IX. Functions and Activities
9.1 Ritual
9.11
The penalty for any unexcused absence(s) from ritual can be found in the Chapter’s Disciplinary
System Section of this Chapter Constitution.
9.12
The Chapter’s ritual dress code will be set by the new Ritual and Regalia chairperson.
9.13
Violation of ritual dress code will result in implementing the first step of the four step disciplinary
process listed in the chapters disciplinary section of this constitution.
X. Membership Candidate Education Program
10.1 General
10.11 The Membership Education program shall uphold the ideals established in the Guide to
Membership Education.
10.12 Sisters, Brothers, and Membership Candidates are required to understand fully the hazing policies
of Tau Beta Sigma, the University, and the State.
10.13 The Vice President of Membership shall hold a hazing workshop prior to First Degree. This
workshop will inform prospective members of the hazing policy, the Chapter Membership Education
program, and a line of communication to follow if the prospective members feel hazing may be occurring.
XI. Impeachment
11.1 General
11.11 Upon due cause, any member may move to impeach any officer. Said member must inform the
President (or Vice President of Membership, if the President is to be impeached) at least twenty-four (24)
hours prior to the beginning of the meeting, and the President (or V.P.M) must inform said officer of the
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upcoming motion at least twelve (12) hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. The member moving
for impeachment must also get the approval of the Chapter Advisor prior to the beginning of the next
meeting.
11.12 Once the motion is seconded, it will be automatically tabled until the next regularly scheduled
meeting, and a motion shall be entertained to have the officer in question temporarily removed from
office, and a motion shall be entertained to have them placed on Probation until the next regularly
scheduled meeting.
11.13 If the office left vacant is essential for the continuing existence of the organization, the Executive
Board shall appoint a Sister or Brother to act in the capacity of the officer for the Probationary period. If
the President is to be impeached, the Vice President of Membership shall serve as President for the
Probationary period and the Executive Board shall appoint someone to serve as Vice President of
Membership. The Sisterhood and the Chapter Advisor must approve the appointed officer, except in the
case of the Presidency. This shall also apply if an officer is placed on Probation or Suspension.
11.14 There shall be a hearing in which an equal amount of time will be allotted for discussion of
reasons for impeachment, reasons against impeachment, and defense of the accused by the accused.
11.15
A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Active Sisters and Brothers is required to pass the impeachment.
11.16
The process for impeachment shall adhere to “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
11.17 Any Sister or Brother wishing to impeach any chairperson must inform the President twenty-four
(24) hours prior to the next Chapter Meeting. The President must inform said person twelve (12) hours
prior to the meeting of the intent of impeachment. When the motion in the meeting is made, the Sister or
Brother being impeached will have a chance to state his/her reasons for remaining as the chairperson.
The Sisterhood will then vote on the impeachment motion. A two-thirds (2/3) vote is needed to pass.
The President will then appoint another chairperson for the vacant chair.
XII. Hazing
12.1 General
12.11 Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, to
produce mental or physical discomfort on or off campus involving members and/or prospective members,
which may cause embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
12.12 If an act of hazing is suspected, it must be taken to the President of the Sorority. The President
shall then take it to the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall then conduct an investigation of the
matter. An investigation shall consist of the Executive Board obtaining both sides of the situation taking
the credibility of the sources into consideration.
12.13 If the Executive Board feels an act of hazing has occurred, they must notify the accused, in
writing, of their intent to bring it before the Sisterhood at least twelve (12) hours prior to the start of the
next regularly scheduled meeting. The accused shall be allowed to present their side of the situation at
that time. If the Sisterhood feels the suspected act is in fact hazing, then the procedures for expelling a
member shall be initiated.
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XIII. Chapter Policy on Behavior and Controlled Substances
13.1 General
13.11 The Chapter defines controlled substances as: any alcoholic or illicit substances, which include
but are not limited to: beer, liquor, and marijuana.
13.12 The Chapter will not tolerate any possession, consumption, and/or distribution of controlled
substances at functions given in the name of Tau Beta Sigma, which include but are not limited to:
Chapter Meetings, service projects, fundraisers, membership education events, and social events.
13.13 This Chapter will not tolerate Sisters or Brothers attending any function given in the name of Tau
Beta Sigma, intoxicated or inhibited in any manner not associated with a medical prescription.
13.14 While this Chapter does not condone drinking or substance abuse, we will not tolerate drinking or
substance abuse in Sorority letters or any other Sororal emblems.
13.15 Sisters or Brothers found in violation should be immediately reported to the Chapter President or
Chapter Parliamentarian. Said Sister or Brother will be issued a Suspension letter by the Chapter
Parliamentarian and shall remain on Suspension for a period of one (1) meeting. At the second meeting
following the date of Suspension, said Sister or Brother will be returned to Active status to explain their
actions to the Sisterhood. After the explanation, said Sister or Brother will be asked to leave the meeting
and the Active Sisters and Brothers will discuss the future status and/or punishment for the Sister or
Brother in question. Said Sister or Brother will be notified of the Sisterhood’s decision by either the
Chapter President or Chapter Parliamentarian.
XIV. Service
14.1 General
14.12
All Active sisters must complete all service projects that are deemed mandatory.
14.13 The Vice President of Service, under the suggestion and supervision of the Executive Board, shall
deem which service projects shall be decided mandatory.
14.14 If a member is unable to fulfill the service requirements without undue hardship, the said member
shall meet with the Executive Board to decide if revocation of the service hours is deemed necessary to
allow the member to retain their current status in the Sisterhood.
A. If a member has more than two (2) unexcused absences from service events, they will be
required to make their own service event to fulfill double the amount of hours from the missed service
event.
Delta Omicron Chapter Disciplinary System
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XV. Absences
15.1 General
15.11 This system will apply to all Chapter Meetings, Committee meetings, Rituals, and other events
deemed mandatory by the Executive Board.
15.12 Any absences from a meeting or a mandatory event must be excused to maintain Active status in
the Sisterhood. Excuses must be turned into the Secretary via e-mail or handwritten excuse one (1) week
after the absence. The Executive Board will then vote on each excuse to either excuse it, or not.
15.13 Anyone not turning in an excuse within one (1) week after being absent will be considered
unexcused, and will be subject to the repercussions outlined in this Disciplinary System.
15.14
Acceptable excuses are as follows:
A.
Schoolwork
I. Must be a legitimate school work excuse and must provide reasonable interference for
excuse to be passed.
B.
Illness
I.
More than three (3) consecutive will require the presentation of a doctor’s
excuse.
C.
Death in the family
D.
Work
E.
Family function
F.
Religious
G.
On Campus Events (see 15.23)
15.15 There may also be extenuating circumstances that merit excuse, or extension of the allotted time
period. If this is the case, it shall be brought to the attention of the Executive Board at the earliest
possible convenience of the member.
15.16 Class or direct involvement in a musical recital/rehearsal or a mandatory event for any other
Sorority or Fraternity does not apply to the Chapter Disciplinary System but does require a written
excuse.
15.17 Each member will submit a best to his/her knowledge finalized copy of his/her schedule for the
semester to the President at the start of each semester.
15.2 Excused Absences
15.21 Any Sisterhood event scheduled as mandatory during the duration of the semester that conflicts
with a member’s prior submitted schedule that was received by the President must be counted as excused.
15.22 The member whose excuse is to be voted on shall not be present when the vote is discussed or
carried out. This excludes members of the Executive Board.
15.23 Mandatory events for other on campus organizations require a written excuse form a person of
authority from the organization. The member must attend 75% of our meetings, events, and service
projects. This does not exclude you from rituals.
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15.3 Unexcused Absences
15.31 Unexcused absences are absences for which the excuse is unacceptable, or there is no excuse
turned in. Members who have not been excused for an absence shall be notified of the fact in writing, the
consequences of the absence, and the future consequences of being unexcused again.
15.32 Upon the third unexcused absence, a motion shall be entertained to have the member placed on
Probation for a period of three (3) additional regularly scheduled meetings, during which the member
must attend all meetings, service projects, and committee meetings of which he/she is a part, and the
Disciplinary System of the Chapter Constitution will be implemented.
15.33 Upon the fourth unexcused absence, a motion shall be entertained for the member to be placed on
Suspension for a period of two (2) regularly scheduled meetings. The member will also meet with the
Executive Board and Chapter Advisor to discuss future status of his/her membership, and the Disciplinary
System of the Chapter Constitution will be implemented.
15.34 Upon the fifth unexcused absence, a motion shall be entertained for the member to be placed on
Suspension indefinitely, until the Executive Board and Chapter Advisor can reach a decision of the
repercussions. At this time, Expulsion shall be considered.
15.4 Secret Word
15.41 A secret word will be italicized in each weekly meeting minutes, to ensure each sister is reading
them. Active and conditional sisters will have until 11:59 pm the night before the regularly scheduled
chapter meeting to send the secret word to the Secretary. If they do not, they are required to handwrite the
minutes and turn them in to the Secretary by the next meeting.
XVI. Financial Obligations
16.1 General
16.11 This system shall also apply to all financial obligations imposed upon each Active member by
either the Chapter or the Sorority, including, but not limited to, Annual Dues, registration fees, and
fundraisers.
16.12 All dues must be turned in ten (10) day prior to the date set by Nationals. Anyone not turning in
the full amount by that date may make arrangements for a payment plan by meeting with the Chapter
Treasurer. If a member has not either paid or made arrangements to pay, they will not be considered
Active for that academic year.
16.13 The payment amounts listed in the different payment plans are the minimum amounts for the
dates.
16.14 If a member chooses a payment plan, they must specify which plan, and must make the minimum
payments by the specified date. If a member fails to meet these obligations, a motion will be made to
suspend said Sister or Brother. Said Sister or Brother will be deemed inactive upon seventy-five (75)
percent of the Chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval from the Chapter Advisor
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16.15 If a member fails to meet the payment plan, a motion will be made to suspend said Sister or
Brother. Said Sister or Brother will be suspended upon seventy-five (75) percent of the Chapter’s eligible
voting membership and approval from the Chapter Advisor.
16.16 If a member is absent from the meeting in which dues are to be paid, said member has until the
next scheduled Sisterhood meeting to submit dues or the next installment of the payment plan, pending an
excused absence, before disciplinary action is taken.
16.17 If a member fails to meet any other financial obligations imposed by the Chapter, a motion will
be made to suspend said Sister or Brother. Said Sister or Brother will be suspended upon seventy-five
(75) percent of the Chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval from the Chapter Advisor.
XVII. Four Step Disciplinary System
17.1 Four Step Disciplinary System
17.11
The first step in the disciplinary process is to award each sister with two (2) warnings: first, a
verbal then a written. After the second warning, the sister will go on to the second step of this disciplinary
system.
17.12
The second step in the disciplinary process is the offending sister will be placed on probation
for a time determined by the members of the executive board.
17.13
The third step in the disciplinary process is the offending sister will be placed on suspension for
a two (2) week period.
17.14
If all other steps have been exhausted, and the situation has not been rectified, the executive
board will follow the procedures for expelling the sister from the chapter.
XIII. Points of Order
.
18.1 Points of Order
18.11 Any Active member may give any member of the Chapter a Point of Order (with the approval of
the President) for any unnecessary outburst or interruption while another member has the floor. A
member is allotted three (3) Points of Order per meeting. Any more than three (3) then said member will
be asked to leave. If any member reaches six (6) Points of Order in a semester, then due cause for
Probation shall ensue.
XIX. Grades
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19.1 Grades
19.1 If a member’s semester Grade Point Average should fall below a 2.5 and his/her cumulative
Quality Point Average is above a 2.5, the member will be placed on Academic Probation in the
Sisterhood. Said member will still be considered Active and may hold office while on Academic
Probation in the Sisterhood so long as the terms of the Probation are upheld. The terms of Academic
Probation are as follows:
A.
Said member must complete at least ten (10) hours per week of logged study time
with a study buddy.
I.
The logged study week will be from Chapter Meeting to Chapter
Meeting. At the end of the study week, said member must turn in logged
study hours with a signature from his/her study buddy.
B.
Said member has until the end of the semester to bring up his/her grades above a
2.5 Grade Point Average for the semester.
C.
Other terms of the Academic Probation may be determined at the discretion of
the Executive Board.
19.12 If a member’s cumulative Quality Point Average should fall below a 2.5, the member will be
placed on immediate Suspension. Said member will lose all Active member privileges. The terms of
Suspension are as follows:
A.
Said member must complete at least ten (10) hours per week of logged study time
with a study buddy.
I.
The logged study week will be from Chapter Meeting to Chapter
Meeting. At the end of the study week, said member must turn in logged
study hours with a signature from his/her study buddy.
B.
Said member has until the end of the semester to bring up his/her grade above a
2.5 cumulative Quality Point Average.
C.
Said member will also abide by the terms of Suspension outlined in the National
Constitution.
D.
Other terms of the Suspension may be determined at the discretion of the
Executive Board.
Part II
I. Joint Chapter Operations
1.1 General
1.11
The Joint Chapter of Clarion University’s Chapters of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi
shall be comprised of those members of each organization who are in good standing.
1.12
Robert’s Rules of Order, current edition, shall govern all Joint Chapter Meetings.
1.13
Joint Chapter Meetings shall be governed by the presiding officers of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa
Kappa Psi jointly. All officers from each organization shall be responsible for performing their duties as
coordinated by the presiding officers.
1.14
The presiding officers, prior to each Joint meeting, shall determine the agenda for Joint meetings
of the Joint Chapter.
17
1.15
Motions brought forth by Tau Beta Sigma require a second from Kappa Kappa Psi and vice versa.
1.16
Each separate organization shall require a simple majority of all present members in Active
standing to pass a Joint motion.
1.17
Decisions of the Joint Chapter at Clarion University are binding on both parties and should be
carried out in the same manner as motions passed at separate Chapter Meetings.
1.18
Psi.
Changes to motions passed jointly require the consent of both Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa
1.19
The Delta Omicron Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma recognizes the decisions of the Joint Chapter and
avows to pursue those ends in the manner most consistent with the best interest of the Sorority.
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DELTA OMICRON CHAPTER OF
TAU BETA SIGMA
National Honorary Band Sorority
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
This revised constitution was adopted on ____________ and shall therefore nullify any other
previous versions.
President ___________
Parliamentarian ______________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preamble………………………………………………………………………………….4
Part I……………………………………………………………………………………...5
I. Name and Organization……………………………………………………………….5
1.1 Local Information……………………………………………………………5
II. Constitutional Amendments…………………………………………………………5
III. Membership………………………………………………………………………….5
3.1 Chapter Membership……………………………………….………………..5
3.2 Active Membership…………………………………………………………..6
3.3 Conditional Membership……………………………………………………6
3.4 Inactive Membership………………………………………………………...6
3.5 Associate Membership……………………………………………………….6
3.6 Honorary Membership………………………………………………………6
3.7 Life Membership……………………………………………………………..7
3.8 Probation of Membership…………………………………………………...7
3.9 Suspension of Membership………………………………………………….7
3.10 Expulsion of Membership………………………………………………….7
IV. Officers and Their Duties…………………………………………………………...7
4.1 Chapter Officers……………………………………………………………..7
V. Election of Officers………………………………………………………….………..8
5.1 Procedure for Elections……………………………………………………...8
5.2 Order of Elections……………………………………………………………9
5.3 Vacancies of Offices……………………………………………………….....9
VI. Committees………………………………………………………………………….10
6.1 Chapter Committees………………………………………………………..10
VII. Finances…………………………………………………………………………....10
VIII. Delegates and Proxies…………………………………………………………….….....10
IX. Functions and Activities………………………………………....……………………,,,,.11
9.1 Ritual………………………………………………………………………...11
X. Membership Candidate Education Program……………………………………...11
XI. Impeachment………………………………………………………………………..11
XII. Hazing……………………………………………………………………………...12
XIII. Chapter Policy on Behavior and Controlled Substances………………………12
Delta Omicron Chapter Disciplinary System ………………………………………...13
Four Step Disciplinary System ………………………………………………………..16
2
XIII. Points of Order…………………………………………………..……………………...16
XIX. Grades…………………………………………………………...…………………….….16
Part II……………………………………………………………………………..……..17
Joint Chapter Operations………………………….……………………...……………17
3
CONSTITUTION OF THE DELTA OMICRON
CHAPTER OF TAU BETA SIGMA
Preamble to the Constitution of the Delta Omicron Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
Be it known that Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Sorority for members of the college band, is an
organization operating exclusively in the field of the college and university bands, for the following
purposes:
1. To promote the existence and welfare of the collegiate bands and to create a respect and appreciation
for band activities and achievements among the listening public everywhere.
2. To honor outstanding band members through the privilege of membership, in the Sisterhood, extended
in recognition of musical achievement, demonstrated leadership, and an enthusiastic approach to band
activities.
3. To develop leadership through active participation with the band, and all through it, to strengthen those
traits of conduct, thought, and idealism which characterize the responsible membership of the band.
4. To encourage a close relationship between collegiate bands and promote a high average of attainment
by the performance of good music and selection of worthwhile projects.
5. To provide a meaningful and worthwhile social experience for all engaged in collegiate band work, and
to cooperate with other musical organizations and societies in every manner consistent with our mutual
purposes and those of the institutions at which chapters are located.
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Part I. Local Information
1. Local Information
1.11
The name of the local Chapter shall be Delta Omicron.
1.12
The local colors shall be Hunter Green and White.
1.13
The local flower shall be the White Lily with purple trim.
1.14
The local song shall be Lean on Me.
1.15
The local fish shall be “Tau” the Beta Fish.
II. Constitutional Amendments
2.1 Constitutional Amendments
2.11
Any proposed amendments to the Chapter Constitution must be approved by the Jurisdiction
Committee prior to reaching the floor of New Business at a regularly called Chapter Meeting.
2.12
After being approved by the Jurisdiction Committee, all proposed amendments to the Chapter
Constitution must be submitted to the Active members at a regularly scheduled Chapter meeting.
2.13
Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be presented at a regularly called Chapter
Meeting. If two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by the Chapter are favorable, the proposed amendment shall
be declared adopted and shall become operational and effective at the adjournment of the Chapter
Meeting, unless otherwise stated in the amendment.
2.14
If the favorable vote on the proposed amendment is less than two-thirds (2/3), yet there is a
favorable majority vote, the proposed amendment shall be tabled until the next meeting of the Chapter.
During the interim period between the meetings, the tabled amendment shall be published in the minutes
of the meeting under the caption, “Proposed Amendments to the Constitution.”
A.
If at the next meeting, the tabled amendment receives a favorable two-thirds (2/3)
of the votes cast, it shall then be declared adopted and shall become operational
and effective at the adjournment of the Chapter Meeting, unless otherwise stated
in the amendment. If a favorable two-thirds (2/3) vote is not obtained, the
amendment shall be declared defeated and shall not again be proposed for
consideration.
2.15
Alumni historian-Office Shall be elected following the election of secretary any active sister
maybe eligible to be the Alumni historian officer.
The office of Alumni historian will be in charge of the following:
1. Update all social media accounts associated with Tau Beta Sigma-Delta Omicron.
2. Interacting with the alumni of Delta Omicron and telling them when the chapter is holding events
(such as rituals, elections, and when the chapter gains MC’s etc.)
3. Updating the bulletin board located in the Boyd.
4. Talk to other chapters in the NED and other chapter in the nation.
5. Keeps member records of the chapter.
5
In the event that the chapter shrinks to a size where only the following officer positions can be filled
President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Special Projects, Secretary, Treasurer, and
Parliamentarian then the Alumni Historian position shall be given to the Secretary of the chapter during
that time.
2.16
1.
2.
3.
Secretary is responsible for the following:
Taking minutes at the chapter meetings
Sending out minutes to the chapter following a meeting
In charge of presenting excuses to the e-board if an active sister misses any mandatory event
relating to the chapter.
4. Taking attendance at mandatory chapter functions for example but not limited to chapter
meetings, service projects, and fundraisers.
III. Membership
3.1 Chapter Membership.
3.11
Any band member who is currently enrolled in any of the university bands (excluding string
orchestra members) during the current fall semester and has achieved a minimum of a Quality Point
Average of at least a 2.5 at the end of the fall semester shall be eligible for nomination into the
Membership Candidate Program.
3.12
Nominations to extend bids, as well as the handing out of bids, shall take place on a sate chosen
in conjunction with the Epsilon Phi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
3.13
Sisters are prohibited from discussing the bid process with any non-Sister. This includes making
implications towards potential membership candidacy.
a) Any Sister who is found in suspicion of this shall be brought to the attention of the
President, Vice President of Membership, and the Parliamentarian immediately and appropriate action
will be taken as stated in the Disciplinary System of the Constitution.
3.14
One (1) week following the close of nominations for the Membership Candidate Program, a
discussion will proceed on why/why not the nominee should be elected. A negative vote of twenty-five
(25) percent of the assembled body of Sisters and Brothers, or of five (5) members, whichever is greater,
shall be required to prevent the acceptance of a nominee to the Membership Candidate Program.
3.2 Active Membership
3.21
At the beginning of each semester, the Chapter President will check all member’s Cumulative
Quality Point Averages and semester Grade Point Average. Sisters and Brothers must maintain at least a
2.5 cumulative Quality Point Average and at least a 2.5 semester Grade Point Average. Disciplinary
actions are outlined in the Disciplinary System of the Chapter Constitution.
3.3 Conditional Membership
3.31
Conditional members shall not hold office, propose candidates for membership, introduce
business, vote on any matters, or act in the capacity of a Big Sister or Big Brother.
3.4 Inactive Membership
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3.41
An Inactive member who wishes to be reinstated as an Active member must submit the request in
writing and appear before the Sisterhood. The request must be approved by a three- fourths (3/4) vote of
the assembled Active Sisters and Brothers and the Chapter Advisor.
3.5 Associate Membership
See National Constitution
3.6 Honorary Membership
3.61
Any member moving to accept a person into the Sisterhood as an Honorary member must notify
the President, in writing, at least one (1) week prior to the beginning of the meeting. The President shall
use this time to discuss the matter with the Chapter Executive Board and Chapter Advisor. Upon
approval of the Chapter Executive Board and the Chapter Advisor, the motion can be recognized.
3.62
After a motion to accept some one into the Sisterhood as an Honorary member is seconded, a
negative vote of twenty-five (25) percent of the assembled body of Sisters and Brothers, or of five (5)
members, whichever is greater, shall be required to prevent the acceptance of the person into the
Sisterhood as an Honorary member.
3.7 Life Membership
See National Constitution
3.8 Probation of Membership
3.81
A member moving for Probation must notify the President of the Chapter, in writing, of his/her
intention to make the motion by the start of a regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting.
3.82
Upon due cause, a member of the Sorority may be placed on Probation following a favorable
majority vote on the motion of the Chapter’s Executive Board.
3.83
The member on Probation will adhere to the guidelines set by the Chapter’s Executive Board.
3.84
Those on probation must complete the terms of their probation before moving to become an
inactive member.
3.9 Suspension of Membership
3.91
A member moving for Suspension must notify the President of the Chapter, in writing, of his/her
intention to make the motion, prior to the start of a regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting.
3.92
Upon due cause, a member of the Sorority may be placed on Suspension following a favorable
majority vote on the motion of the Chapter’s Executive Board
3.94
The member on Suspension will adhere to the guidelines set by the Chapter’s Executive Board.
3.95
Those on suspension must complete the terms of their suspension before moving to become an
inactive member.
3.10 Expulsion of Membership
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3.101 A member moving for Expulsion must notify the President of the Chapter, in writing, of his/her
intention to make the motion, prior to the start of a regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting.
3.102 Upon due cause, a member of the Sorority may be expelled following a favorable majority vote
on the motion of the Chapter’s Executive Board.
IV. Officers and Their Duties
4.1 Chapter Officers
4.11
The officers of this organization shall be: President, Vice President of Membership, Vice
President of Special Projects, Secretary, Alumni Historian, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian.
4.12
Each officer shall present a weekly report to the Chapter President regarding his/her office. The
report must be given to the Chapter President by 11:59 p.m. the night before the regularly scheduled
Executive Board Meeting. If no report is handed in, the officer cannot report anything pertaining to
his/her office during the meeting.
V. Elections of Officers
5.1 Procedure for Elections
5.11
Nominations for all offices will be held one (1) week prior to the elections of the offices.
5.12
In order to be nominated for any office, an individual must be in good standing with the
university and the Sorority. The individual must possess a cumulative Quality Point Average of at least
2.5 as of the end of the most recent Fall semester. The Chapter President will be responsible for obtaining
a list of individuals that meet this qualification by the closing of nominations.
5.13
In order to be nominated for the office of President or Vice President of Membership, the Sister
or Brother must have served at least one (1) full year on the Executive Board in addition to the criteria in
section 5.12 prior to nominations. This article may be suspended if deemed absolutely necessary by a
vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the Sisterhood.
A.
In the event that the above mentioned should not be possible, a member who has served
at least one (1) full semester, without a period of inactivity, inclusive of the semester the nominations are
being held, may be nominated for the Presidency.
B.
In the event that the both of the above do not match set criteria, then seek counsel from
the Chapter Advisor.
5.14
On the given day of elections (one (1) week following nominations), the nominee(s) must present
a statement of qualifications as to why he/she believes he/she should be elected to the position(s) that
he/she is running for in the Sisterhood.
8
5.15
On the given day of elections (one (1) week following nominations), the nominee(s) must present
a timed three (3) minute statement of qualifications as to why he/she believes he/she should be elected to
the position(s) that he/she is running for in the Sisterhood, unless slated in.
5.16
After the nominee speeches, a nominee question and answer session will take place.
5.17
After the nominee question and answer session, the nominee(s) shall leave the room and
discussion by the remaining Active Sisters and Brothers will follow.
5.18
After discussion, the vote will be secret ballot. The votes cast will either be a nominee’s name or
no, no abstentions, with all Active Sisters and Brothers voting including the President. The candidate
with the majority of the vote is elected to the said office.
5.19
A run-off election shall be held if more than two nominees are running for an office and none
receive a favorable majority vote. In this case, the two nominees with the greatest number of favorable
majority votes will be eligible for the run-off.
5.110 The office of Parliamentarian shall not be elected, but shall be appointed by the President with the
approval of the Executive Board.
5.111
Newly elected and appointed officers shall be installed on a date chosen by the chapter.
5.2 Order of Elections
5.21
Order of elections shall be as follows: President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President
of Special Projects, Secretary, Alumni Historian, and Treasurer.
5.3 Vacancies of Offices
5.31
In regard to vacancies arising in any position besides President, elections shall be held to fill the
vacancy. If the vacancy occurs during the time between the end of the Spring semester and the beginning
of the Fall semester, the Executive Board may appoint a Sister or Brother to act as officer temporarily
until nominations and elections can be held.
5.32
In the event of a vacancy Presidency, the Vice President of Membership shall have the option of
assuming the position of President or of retaining the position of Vice President of Membership. An
election will be held to fill the position not assumed by the originally elected Vice President of
Membership.
VI. Committees
6.1 Chapter Committees
6.11
The standing committees of the Chapter shall be: Membership Education, Special Projects, Ways
and Means, Jurisdiction, Ritual, Sisterhood, Music, and Joint.
6.12
The President shall appoint the chairperson(s) of the committees: Ritual, Sisterhood, and Joint.
9
6.13
The President shall appoint all committees deemed necessary to actively maintain the functions of
the Sisterhood.
6.14
Special committees shall be appointed as required by the Chapter.
6.15
Membership of all committees shall be determined by the President annually. A Sister is to sit on
a minimum of (3) committees. One of these must be Service, Ritual and Regalia or Jurisdiction. If a sister
is to chair a committee, this will count towards their total.
6.16
Members of all committees shall serve until relieved of their position by the President.
6.17
The times and places of the committee meetings shall be determined by the chair.
6.18
Minutes shall be taken at every committee meeting. The President shall determine the means by
which these minutes shall be submitted to the Sisterhood.
6.19
All committees shall present a report of the committee’s activities at each regularly scheduled
Chapter Meeting.
6.110 Each committee shall review applicable sections of the National Constitution and the Chapter
Operations Handbook.
VII. Finances
7.1 General
7.11
The fiscal year for the Chapter shall be from June 1 to the succeeding May 31.
7.12
All funds of the Chapter shall be received and expended by the Chapter Treasurer.
7.13
All expenditures shall be made by checks drawn from a bank selected by the Chapter.
7.14
Money used by committee chairs, which is allocated in the budget, does not need to be voted on
individually. Additional requests for reimbursement not allocated in the budget needs to be approved by a
2/3 favorable vote.
7.15
All items purchased with Chapter funds shall be property of the Chapter.
7.16
Income of the Chapter shall be derived from annual dues contributed by each Active member and
fundraising projects conducted by the Chapter. These dues shall be determined by the Chapter, but shall
include an annual National Membership Fee as determined by the National Director on or before January
1 of each year.
7.17
Money from fundraisers will be paid to the Treasurer on the date due. Exceptions may be granted
to an individual at the discretion of the Treasurer.
7.18
Attendance at all fundraisers that the Chapter has voted on is mandatory.
7.19
Failure to meet the financial obligations shall result in the immediate implementation of the
Chapter Disciplinary System of this Chapter Constitution.
10
VIII. Delegates and Proxies
8.1 General
8.11
The Active and Associate Sisters and Brothers shall elect its Chapter delegates for District and
National Conventions at a regularly scheduled meeting.
8.12
The Active and Associate Sisters and Brothers shall elect its proxy Chapter for District and
National Conventions at a regularly scheduled meeting.
IX. Functions and Activities
9.1 Ritual
9.11
The penalty for any unexcused absence(s) from ritual can be found in the Chapter’s Disciplinary
System Section of this Chapter Constitution.
9.12
The Chapter’s ritual dress code will be set by the new Ritual and Regalia chairperson.
9.13
Violation of ritual dress code will result in implementing the first step of the four step disciplinary
process listed in the chapters disciplinary section of this constitution.
X. Membership Candidate Education Program
10.1 General
10.11 The Membership Education program shall uphold the ideals established in the Guide to
Membership Education.
10.12 Sisters, Brothers, and Membership Candidates are required to understand fully the hazing policies
of Tau Beta Sigma, the University, and the State.
10.13 The Vice President of Membership shall hold a hazing workshop prior to First Degree. This
workshop will inform prospective members of the hazing policy, the Chapter Membership Education
program, and a line of communication to follow if the prospective members feel hazing may be occurring.
XI. Impeachment
11.1 General
11.11 Upon due cause, any member may move to impeach any officer. Said member must inform the
President (or Vice President of Membership, if the President is to be impeached) at least twenty-four (24)
hours prior to the beginning of the meeting, and the President (or V.P.M) must inform said officer of the
11
upcoming motion at least twelve (12) hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. The member moving
for impeachment must also get the approval of the Chapter Advisor prior to the beginning of the next
meeting.
11.12 Once the motion is seconded, it will be automatically tabled until the next regularly scheduled
meeting, and a motion shall be entertained to have the officer in question temporarily removed from
office, and a motion shall be entertained to have them placed on Probation until the next regularly
scheduled meeting.
11.13 If the office left vacant is essential for the continuing existence of the organization, the Executive
Board shall appoint a Sister or Brother to act in the capacity of the officer for the Probationary period. If
the President is to be impeached, the Vice President of Membership shall serve as President for the
Probationary period and the Executive Board shall appoint someone to serve as Vice President of
Membership. The Sisterhood and the Chapter Advisor must approve the appointed officer, except in the
case of the Presidency. This shall also apply if an officer is placed on Probation or Suspension.
11.14 There shall be a hearing in which an equal amount of time will be allotted for discussion of
reasons for impeachment, reasons against impeachment, and defense of the accused by the accused.
11.15
A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Active Sisters and Brothers is required to pass the impeachment.
11.16
The process for impeachment shall adhere to “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
11.17 Any Sister or Brother wishing to impeach any chairperson must inform the President twenty-four
(24) hours prior to the next Chapter Meeting. The President must inform said person twelve (12) hours
prior to the meeting of the intent of impeachment. When the motion in the meeting is made, the Sister or
Brother being impeached will have a chance to state his/her reasons for remaining as the chairperson.
The Sisterhood will then vote on the impeachment motion. A two-thirds (2/3) vote is needed to pass.
The President will then appoint another chairperson for the vacant chair.
XII. Hazing
12.1 General
12.11 Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, to
produce mental or physical discomfort on or off campus involving members and/or prospective members,
which may cause embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
12.12 If an act of hazing is suspected, it must be taken to the President of the Sorority. The President
shall then take it to the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall then conduct an investigation of the
matter. An investigation shall consist of the Executive Board obtaining both sides of the situation taking
the credibility of the sources into consideration.
12.13 If the Executive Board feels an act of hazing has occurred, they must notify the accused, in
writing, of their intent to bring it before the Sisterhood at least twelve (12) hours prior to the start of the
next regularly scheduled meeting. The accused shall be allowed to present their side of the situation at
that time. If the Sisterhood feels the suspected act is in fact hazing, then the procedures for expelling a
member shall be initiated.
12
XIII. Chapter Policy on Behavior and Controlled Substances
13.1 General
13.11 The Chapter defines controlled substances as: any alcoholic or illicit substances, which include
but are not limited to: beer, liquor, and marijuana.
13.12 The Chapter will not tolerate any possession, consumption, and/or distribution of controlled
substances at functions given in the name of Tau Beta Sigma, which include but are not limited to:
Chapter Meetings, service projects, fundraisers, membership education events, and social events.
13.13 This Chapter will not tolerate Sisters or Brothers attending any function given in the name of Tau
Beta Sigma, intoxicated or inhibited in any manner not associated with a medical prescription.
13.14 While this Chapter does not condone drinking or substance abuse, we will not tolerate drinking or
substance abuse in Sorority letters or any other Sororal emblems.
13.15 Sisters or Brothers found in violation should be immediately reported to the Chapter President or
Chapter Parliamentarian. Said Sister or Brother will be issued a Suspension letter by the Chapter
Parliamentarian and shall remain on Suspension for a period of one (1) meeting. At the second meeting
following the date of Suspension, said Sister or Brother will be returned to Active status to explain their
actions to the Sisterhood. After the explanation, said Sister or Brother will be asked to leave the meeting
and the Active Sisters and Brothers will discuss the future status and/or punishment for the Sister or
Brother in question. Said Sister or Brother will be notified of the Sisterhood’s decision by either the
Chapter President or Chapter Parliamentarian.
XIV. Service
14.1 General
14.12
All Active sisters must complete all service projects that are deemed mandatory.
14.13 The Vice President of Service, under the suggestion and supervision of the Executive Board, shall
deem which service projects shall be decided mandatory.
14.14 If a member is unable to fulfill the service requirements without undue hardship, the said member
shall meet with the Executive Board to decide if revocation of the service hours is deemed necessary to
allow the member to retain their current status in the Sisterhood.
A. If a member has more than two (2) unexcused absences from service events, they will be
required to make their own service event to fulfill double the amount of hours from the missed service
event.
Delta Omicron Chapter Disciplinary System
13
XV. Absences
15.1 General
15.11 This system will apply to all Chapter Meetings, Committee meetings, Rituals, and other events
deemed mandatory by the Executive Board.
15.12 Any absences from a meeting or a mandatory event must be excused to maintain Active status in
the Sisterhood. Excuses must be turned into the Secretary via e-mail or handwritten excuse one (1) week
after the absence. The Executive Board will then vote on each excuse to either excuse it, or not.
15.13 Anyone not turning in an excuse within one (1) week after being absent will be considered
unexcused, and will be subject to the repercussions outlined in this Disciplinary System.
15.14
Acceptable excuses are as follows:
A.
Schoolwork
I. Must be a legitimate school work excuse and must provide reasonable interference for
excuse to be passed.
B.
Illness
I.
More than three (3) consecutive will require the presentation of a doctor’s
excuse.
C.
Death in the family
D.
Work
E.
Family function
F.
Religious
G.
On Campus Events (see 15.23)
15.15 There may also be extenuating circumstances that merit excuse, or extension of the allotted time
period. If this is the case, it shall be brought to the attention of the Executive Board at the earliest
possible convenience of the member.
15.16 Class or direct involvement in a musical recital/rehearsal or a mandatory event for any other
Sorority or Fraternity does not apply to the Chapter Disciplinary System but does require a written
excuse.
15.17 Each member will submit a best to his/her knowledge finalized copy of his/her schedule for the
semester to the President at the start of each semester.
15.2 Excused Absences
15.21 Any Sisterhood event scheduled as mandatory during the duration of the semester that conflicts
with a member’s prior submitted schedule that was received by the President must be counted as excused.
15.22 The member whose excuse is to be voted on shall not be present when the vote is discussed or
carried out. This excludes members of the Executive Board.
15.23 Mandatory events for other on campus organizations require a written excuse form a person of
authority from the organization. The member must attend 75% of our meetings, events, and service
projects. This does not exclude you from rituals.
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15.3 Unexcused Absences
15.31 Unexcused absences are absences for which the excuse is unacceptable, or there is no excuse
turned in. Members who have not been excused for an absence shall be notified of the fact in writing, the
consequences of the absence, and the future consequences of being unexcused again.
15.32 Upon the third unexcused absence, a motion shall be entertained to have the member placed on
Probation for a period of three (3) additional regularly scheduled meetings, during which the member
must attend all meetings, service projects, and committee meetings of which he/she is a part, and the
Disciplinary System of the Chapter Constitution will be implemented.
15.33 Upon the fourth unexcused absence, a motion shall be entertained for the member to be placed on
Suspension for a period of two (2) regularly scheduled meetings. The member will also meet with the
Executive Board and Chapter Advisor to discuss future status of his/her membership, and the Disciplinary
System of the Chapter Constitution will be implemented.
15.34 Upon the fifth unexcused absence, a motion shall be entertained for the member to be placed on
Suspension indefinitely, until the Executive Board and Chapter Advisor can reach a decision of the
repercussions. At this time, Expulsion shall be considered.
15.4 Secret Word
15.41 A secret word will be italicized in each weekly meeting minutes, to ensure each sister is reading
them. Active and conditional sisters will have until 11:59 pm the night before the regularly scheduled
chapter meeting to send the secret word to the Secretary. If they do not, they are required to handwrite the
minutes and turn them in to the Secretary by the next meeting.
XVI. Financial Obligations
16.1 General
16.11 This system shall also apply to all financial obligations imposed upon each Active member by
either the Chapter or the Sorority, including, but not limited to, Annual Dues, registration fees, and
fundraisers.
16.12 All dues must be turned in ten (10) day prior to the date set by Nationals. Anyone not turning in
the full amount by that date may make arrangements for a payment plan by meeting with the Chapter
Treasurer. If a member has not either paid or made arrangements to pay, they will not be considered
Active for that academic year.
16.13 The payment amounts listed in the different payment plans are the minimum amounts for the
dates.
16.14 If a member chooses a payment plan, they must specify which plan, and must make the minimum
payments by the specified date. If a member fails to meet these obligations, a motion will be made to
suspend said Sister or Brother. Said Sister or Brother will be deemed inactive upon seventy-five (75)
percent of the Chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval from the Chapter Advisor
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16.15 If a member fails to meet the payment plan, a motion will be made to suspend said Sister or
Brother. Said Sister or Brother will be suspended upon seventy-five (75) percent of the Chapter’s eligible
voting membership and approval from the Chapter Advisor.
16.16 If a member is absent from the meeting in which dues are to be paid, said member has until the
next scheduled Sisterhood meeting to submit dues or the next installment of the payment plan, pending an
excused absence, before disciplinary action is taken.
16.17 If a member fails to meet any other financial obligations imposed by the Chapter, a motion will
be made to suspend said Sister or Brother. Said Sister or Brother will be suspended upon seventy-five
(75) percent of the Chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval from the Chapter Advisor.
XVII. Four Step Disciplinary System
17.1 Four Step Disciplinary System
17.11
The first step in the disciplinary process is to award each sister with two (2) warnings: first, a
verbal then a written. After the second warning, the sister will go on to the second step of this disciplinary
system.
17.12
The second step in the disciplinary process is the offending sister will be placed on probation
for a time determined by the members of the executive board.
17.13
The third step in the disciplinary process is the offending sister will be placed on suspension for
a two (2) week period.
17.14
If all other steps have been exhausted, and the situation has not been rectified, the executive
board will follow the procedures for expelling the sister from the chapter.
XIII. Points of Order
.
18.1 Points of Order
18.11 Any Active member may give any member of the Chapter a Point of Order (with the approval of
the President) for any unnecessary outburst or interruption while another member has the floor. A
member is allotted three (3) Points of Order per meeting. Any more than three (3) then said member will
be asked to leave. If any member reaches six (6) Points of Order in a semester, then due cause for
Probation shall ensue.
XIX. Grades
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19.1 Grades
19.1 If a member’s semester Grade Point Average should fall below a 2.5 and his/her cumulative
Quality Point Average is above a 2.5, the member will be placed on Academic Probation in the
Sisterhood. Said member will still be considered Active and may hold office while on Academic
Probation in the Sisterhood so long as the terms of the Probation are upheld. The terms of Academic
Probation are as follows:
A.
Said member must complete at least ten (10) hours per week of logged study time
with a study buddy.
I.
The logged study week will be from Chapter Meeting to Chapter
Meeting. At the end of the study week, said member must turn in logged
study hours with a signature from his/her study buddy.
B.
Said member has until the end of the semester to bring up his/her grades above a
2.5 Grade Point Average for the semester.
C.
Other terms of the Academic Probation may be determined at the discretion of
the Executive Board.
19.12 If a member’s cumulative Quality Point Average should fall below a 2.5, the member will be
placed on immediate Suspension. Said member will lose all Active member privileges. The terms of
Suspension are as follows:
A.
Said member must complete at least ten (10) hours per week of logged study time
with a study buddy.
I.
The logged study week will be from Chapter Meeting to Chapter
Meeting. At the end of the study week, said member must turn in logged
study hours with a signature from his/her study buddy.
B.
Said member has until the end of the semester to bring up his/her grade above a
2.5 cumulative Quality Point Average.
C.
Said member will also abide by the terms of Suspension outlined in the National
Constitution.
D.
Other terms of the Suspension may be determined at the discretion of the
Executive Board.
Part II
I. Joint Chapter Operations
1.1 General
1.11
The Joint Chapter of Clarion University’s Chapters of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi
shall be comprised of those members of each organization who are in good standing.
1.12
Robert’s Rules of Order, current edition, shall govern all Joint Chapter Meetings.
1.13
Joint Chapter Meetings shall be governed by the presiding officers of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa
Kappa Psi jointly. All officers from each organization shall be responsible for performing their duties as
coordinated by the presiding officers.
1.14
The presiding officers, prior to each Joint meeting, shall determine the agenda for Joint meetings
of the Joint Chapter.
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1.15
Motions brought forth by Tau Beta Sigma require a second from Kappa Kappa Psi and vice versa.
1.16
Each separate organization shall require a simple majority of all present members in Active
standing to pass a Joint motion.
1.17
Decisions of the Joint Chapter at Clarion University are binding on both parties and should be
carried out in the same manner as motions passed at separate Chapter Meetings.
1.18
Psi.
Changes to motions passed jointly require the consent of both Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa
1.19
The Delta Omicron Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma recognizes the decisions of the Joint Chapter and
avows to pursue those ends in the manner most consistent with the best interest of the Sorority.
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