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BY-LAWS OF
SIGMA CHI THETA
“Sigma Chi was my first love; it shall be my last”
- Issac M. Jordan, Founder (1857)
First Edition,
September 9, 2012
Official By-Laws of
Sigma Chi Theta
First Edition
Last Revised by: Brett M. Laidacker, Consul (F’11)
October 28th, 2012
PREAMBLE
A. In order to uphold the values becoming of all members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity as established
by our Founding Fathers before us, we, the brothers of Sigma Chi Theta Colony of Clarion
University do hereby establish and solemnly swear to uphold and hold all fellow brothers
accountable to the bylaws listed here-in, with the understanding that all times we as individuals
represent the Fraternity as a whole and are therefore bound to supplement, support, and safeguard
the Sigma Chi Ritual, Constitution, and Statutes of the Fraternity.
PURPOSE
A. Sigma Chi is a social fraternity dedicated to the cultivation, maintenance and accomplishment of
the ideals of friendship, justice, and learning within its membership. We as Brothers of the Sigma
Chi Theta Colony of Clarion University will therefore, in the spirit of Sigma Chi, strive to achieve
these objectives through lifelong friendship and brotherhood amongst Brothers of different
temperaments, talents, and convictions; upholding justice via service to the community, diverse
membership, human dignity and responsible personal conduct, and continued learning by means of
superior scholarship of our members and sound relations with collegiate institutions.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 1
ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP
Pledgeship
Section I : Definition
A. To be eligible for pledging within the Sigma Chi Theta Fraternity, a student must have attained an
accumulated Grade Point Average of at least a 2.50 on a 4.00 scale from Clarion University of
Pennsylvania.
B. A candidate for membership amongst the Fraternity will be extended a bid only upon formal
approval of not less than 80% of the current active members present and voting at a regular or
special meeting of the Colony.
C. In order for an active member to be eligible to cast a vote pertaining to membership, the Brother
must have only missed one recruitment event without a valid and pre-approved excuse.
D. Formal Pledging shall begin following the formal Pledge Pinning Ceremony. Attendance of the
Pledge Pinning Ceremony is mandatory of all Brothers, unless a valid and pre-approved excuse is
provided. (See Article V; Section II – B)
E. Pledgeship status shall persist from completion of the Pledge Pinning Ceremony until the point of
Formal Crossover to the status of a recognized Colony Brother.
Section II: Removal
A. If a pledge, because of his financial or scholastic ineligibility, has not been initiated by the end of
his second semester of pledging, his pledgeship shall be automatically terminated, unless
otherwise overturned by a unanimous vote by all current active members in good standing.
B. All pledge classes are mandatory attendance, unless a valid and pre-approved excuse is provided.
Failure to attend two classes shall result in automatic deferral to a Judicial Board hearing to
determine continued pledgeship with the Fraternity.
C. A pledge may be automatically subject to a hearing by the Judicial Board at anytime if deferred
by the Magister for conduct unbecoming of a Sigma Chi.
D. Any active member in good standing may propose a vote for termination of a pledge for conduct
unbecoming that does not represent Sigma Chi before the rest of the colony. If 60% of the colony
votes to terminate the pledge, the pledge will be immediately terminated and be ineligible to
receive a bid from the Fraternity again during the immediate next semester. If the vote fails by
less than 20%, the pledge will be notified of the vote called against him.
General Membership
Section III: Initiation
A. No person shall be eligible to Crossover into Colony Membership unless he has received
instruction under the tutelage of the Magister and has passed the Official Pledge Examination, as
witnessed and certified in writing by the current Pro-Consul of the Colony.
B. A pledge is not eligible to receive the Official Pledge Examination unless all pledge dues have
been paid in full, as determined by the current Quaestor of the Colony.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 2
Section IV: Non-Discrimination
A. The Sigma Chi Fraternity and this Colony as representatives shall under no circumstances be
discriminatory while selecting men for membership amongst their numbers in terms of race,
color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or financial or social status.
Section V: Affiliation
A. Any member of another Colony of the Sigma Chi Fraternity may affiliate with Sigma Chi Theta
of Clarion University upon review of written confirmation from his original Colony that he was
in good standing, financially and otherwise. He must be voted in with an 80% vote of the current
active members.
B. Any affiliated member is immediately subject to all provisions of the bylaws of Sigma Chi Theta
Colony of Clarion University, regardless of former obligations.
Section VI: Good Standing & Probation
A. To remain in good standing with the Colony, an active member must maintain the standards
required for initiation and meet all other requirements and obligations mentioned hereinafter.
Members not in good standing, as determined by a Judicial Board hearing, are suspended from all
social activities of the Colony, but and may vote on issues discussed by the Colony unless
otherwise stated here-in until good standing has been achieved.
B. Remaining on probation for a term of two or more consecutive semesters is grounds for
suspension from the Colony, as determined by the Judicial Board and a 51% vote of the Colony’s
active members in good standing.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 3
ARTICLE II: OFFICER POSITIONS
Chapter Offices
Section I: Executive Board
A. Sigma Chi Theta will at all times retain the following Executive Board Officer Positions:
a. Consul – The Consul shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Colony and will preside over active meetings of the Colony. He will enforce the
By-Laws, Constitution, and Statues of the Fraternity, and will ultimately be held
accountable for what the Chapter does and does not do. The Consul shall serve as
a source of external communication for the Chapter and conduct communications
between the Colony and Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
b. Pro Consul – The Pro Consul shall serve as Vice President and Chief Operations
Officer of the chapter. In the absence of the Consul the Pro Consul shall serve as
Consul and perform his roles with due diligence and responsibility. The Pro
Consul shall chair the Executive Committee and the Judicial Committee, as well
as conduct Post Initiation Training (when applicable) and preserve internal order.
c. Annotator – The Annotator will serve as the Secretary of the Colony and will
handle all correspondences and minutes of the Colony’s meetings. The Annotator
is charged with distributing said minutes to the Colony within a timely and
orderly fashion. He will oversee programs involving community service,
philanthropy, and, in combination with the Consul, public relations.
d. Quaestor – The Quaestor will serve as Treasurer of the Colony and thus handle
all finances and financial obligations of the Colony, as well as preparing an
annual budget. The Quaestor shall prepare and deliver a financial report each
semester at the discretion of the Executive Board, and will be in charge of
maintaining and collecting dues from all Colony Brothers.
e. Magister – The Magister will serve as the pledge process trainer with
responsibility for preparing the pledges for full membership in the Fraternity by
carrying out the Colony’s Pledge Program. The Magister will assist the Pro
Consul in Post Initiation Training (when applicable.)
f. Risk Manger – The Risk Manager will be in the charge of all Social Events of
the Colony, assigning risk management teams to monitor the event and, in the
event of their necessity, control any problems that arise. Additionally, he will take
measures to insure the safety of all members and their guests.
Section II: Other Officer Positions
A. For detailed descriptions of other common Chapter Offices, consult the Norman Shield.
B. As necessary, the Colony may elect other officers required for special duties.
C. An assistant officer will be appointed to assist and officer at his request or the
suggestions of the Colony. An assistant officer will automatically be nominated during
the next election if has satisfactorily completed his duties.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 4
Terms of Service
Section I: Nominations & Elections
A. Nomination for offices will take place during a Colony meeting in April, with at least one
week of time between nominations and official elections. Voting will be by secret ballot
or as otherwise determined by the Executive Committee. The nominee receiving a
majority of the votes shall be elected for the position during the next term.
B. Quorum needed for elections must be at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all active
Colony members.
Section II: Eligibility
A. Academic - No person is the Colony may hold office or be nominated for an office
unless he has maintained, in the semester prior to his nomination, a scholastic GPA of all
subjects carried equivalent to the required scholastic average that is a prerequisite for
initiation into Sigma Chi Theta. If at any time during his term of office a Brother falls
below the aforementioned scholastic average, his office may be declared vacant.
B. Membership - In order to be nominated for an Executive Board position, a Brother must
have been active for at least a period of one semester, not including pledgeship. In
extreme circumstances, the Executive Committee may vote with a 100% majority to
make an exception.
Section III: Term of Office
A. The term of office for elected officers will be for one year following their election or
appointment. Appointed officer positions will remain as needed or until the next
upcoming election period.
Section VI: Impeachment
A. Any officer of the Colony may be impeached for non-exemplary conduct or conduct
unbecoming of a Sigma Chi. A two-thirds vote of the active members of the Colony will
be needed to impeach any officer, provided charges have been openly proffered against
the officer by the Judicial Board one week prior to the meeting at which the impeachment
vote is to be taken. Upon an officer’s impeachment, his office will be declared vacant.
ARTICLE III: UNIVERSITY ADVISORS
Section I: Chapter Advisor
A. The Chapter Advisor will be a member in good standing of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and
will be appointed on an annual basis by the Grand Praetor.
Section II: Faculty Advisor
A. The Faculty Advisor will preferably be a member in good standing of the Sigma Chi
Fraternity as well as a member of the faculty at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. The
Faculty Advisor shall be elected by the Executive Committee and approved by the University.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 5
ARTICLE IV: COMMITEES
(Postponed)
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 6
ARTICLE V: MEETINGS
Section I: Active Meetings
A. Regular Active Meetings will be held weekly on Sunday at 6:00pm. Any deviation from this
schedule will be announced by the Consul in writing at least 24 hours prior to the regular
meetings time.
B. Special Active Meetings may be called by the Consul at any time and will be called by him upon
the written requests of a group of brothers. In both cases, due notice will be given in writing
concerning the time of the meeting.
C. All Meetings will be conducted according to the provisions of Robert’s Rules of Order, which
may be modified as the Colony or Executive Committee deems necessary.
Section II: Attendance
A. It is mandatory for all members to attend the regular Active Meetings, with the exception of legal
excuses as hereinafter described.
B. Attendance at the Ceremonies of Initiation is mandatory, with the exception of legal excuses as
hereinafter described.
C. Attendance at Recruitment and Brotherhood events is mandatory, with exception of legal excuses
as hereinafter described.
D. Any other events deemed mandatory by the Executive Committee must be declared as such no
later than two weeks prior to the event.
E. Brothers who fail to attend at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all Colony events, including but
not limited to, active and special meetings will lose the right to vote as hereinafter described in
Article V, Section IV and may be subject to probation as designated under the Judicial Policy.
Section III: Absences and Excuses
A. There are four legal excuses for absence from Colony events:
a. Personal Illness
b. Serious Illness or Death of a Family Member
c. Educational Classes
d. Excuses Approved by the Executive Committee
B. Whenever possible, a Brother who anticipates an absence will present his reason to the Pro
Consul and/or the Executive Committee at least one week prior to his proposed absence. The Pro
Consul and/or Executive Committee will approve all legal excuses.
C. Brothers absent from a regular Active Meetings, Initiation Ceremony, or official Colony event
without a legal excuse will be held accountable by the Executive Committee.
D. A Brother absent for any of the previously mentioned events due to an emergency situation must
inform the Pro Consul or the Executive Committee of the circumstance behind said absence as
soon as possible but no later than the beginning of the following regular Active Meeting.
Penalties for such an absence will be left to the discretion of the Executive Committee.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 7
Section IV: Voting & Eligibility
A. Quorum – Quorum will consist of at least seventy percent (70%) of the active chapter
membership. This quorum will be required for all voting, unless otherwise stated in the By-Laws.
B. All Initiated Colony Brothers will have a vote except as hereinafter provided.
C. Voting will be by accumulation and a majority vote of the Active Colony members present will
decide all questions unless otherwise provided by the By-Laws. Any members present may
demand a secret ballot. The Consul will vote only to break a tie.
D. Eligibility to vote will be determined by the following factors:
a. Any members of the Active Colony who scholarship record causes disciplinary action to
be taken against him by Clarion University of Pennsylvania or the Sigma Chi Theta
Colony will automatically lose the right to vote in all Active Meetings and Elections,
until he files with the Colony a written certificate from the proper office of the University
that he is in good scholastic standing.
b. Any member of the Colony with two or more consecutive unexcused absences shall lose
their voting privileges on all matters before the Colony, including but not limited to
Elections. The Consul shall reinstate voting privileges once the member is question has
attended the number of Active Meetings they have missed, consecutively, without any
additional absences, excused or otherwise.
c. Any member of the Colony whose finances have become delinquent according the
Financial Policy and/or the discretion of the Quaestor will automatically lose their voting
privileges and will only have their privileges reinstated once their account has been
reviewed and cleared the by the Executive Committee.
d. Any member of the Colony who has been placed on probation by the Judicial Board for
any reason immediately forfeits his voting privileges until the issue has been resolved at
the discretion of the Executive Committee.
Section V: Committee Decisions
A. Any decision made by a Committee may be overruled by a majority vote of the Chapter.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 8
ARTICLE VI: FINANCIAL POLICY
Section I: Semester Dues
D. Pledge Fees
1. Pledging Dues will be $150 and cover Pledge Pin, T-shirt, and Headquarters Fees
E. Active Fees
1. The fees for all active brothers will be $250, if paid in full by start of rush week. Fees
will increase by 10% to $275 if a brother wishes to arrange a payment plan. All fees are
to be paid in full before the last regularly scheduled active meeting of the semester.
F. Initiation Fees
1. The initiation fees will be $175.00 which is covered by pledge dues.
Section II: Payment of bills
A. All bills will be due and payable to the chapter on the first day of each month or at the first
regular active meeting of each month
B. All bills will be delinquent if not paid by midnight on the tenth day of the month, unless a brother
has requested, in writing, and is granted a five day extension so he may request permission to
meet with the financial committee to ask to enter into a payment plan.
C. Any brother whose account becomes delinquent through lack of timely payment will
automatically lose voting privileges and may be subject to probation at the suggestion of the
Judicial Board or the financial committee.
D. Any brother whose account remains delinquent for one semester will be subject to financial
suspension as described in Article IX, section G.
Section III: Payment plans
A. Payment plans must be approved by the Financial Committee.
B. Any Brother who enters into a payment plan must sign a written contract committing him to meet
his periodic fiduciary responsibility to the active chapter.
C. Financial Plans shall not permit payment any later than the last active meeting of the semester.
Section IV: Financial Suspension
A. Financial suspension proceedings will begin at such a time when any Brother’s account becomes
delinquent one semester.
B. Once a Brother is suspended from the chapter, a local collection agency will be contacted to
recover the money rightfully owed to the chapter.
Section V: Participation
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 9
A. No brother will be allowed to participate in any chapter activities, including but not limited to,
social events and intramural sports, until he is current in all financial obligations to the chapter.
Section VI: External Notification
A. The Brother’s parents will be sent a copy of the bill for the Brother’s account, if the brother is
delinquent. Each brother will receive a copy of the bill when it is sent to his parents. The bill sent
to the parents. The bill will be itemized to show a breakdown of costs.
Section VII: Education & Prevention
A. These bylaws will be given to all pledges at their first pledge meeting where the Quaestor will
address the pledge class about their fiduciary responsibility. The Quaestor will also review this
financial policy with the active chapter annually.
1
No pledge will be initiated into the chapter who has an outstanding balance with chapter
or the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
2
No pledge will be allowed to take the official pledge exam unless he has paid his dues.
B. Upon crossover each new brother will:
a. Fill out and sign a financial policy under the guidance of the Quaestor.
b. Fill out a financial form to be kept in chapter files.
ARTICLE VII: OFFICIAL SIGMA CHI RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 10
Section I: Alcohol & Drugs
A. The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on chapter premises
or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any
event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all
applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and
must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.
B. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the
purchase of the same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in
the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common
source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example kegs or cases, is prohibited.
C. Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity,
without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited.
D. No chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at which alcohol
is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organization.
E. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter maybe held at or in conjunction
with a tavern or alcohol distributor.
F. No member, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic
beverages to any minor (i.e., those under leagle drinking age)
G. The possession, sale or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances while on chapter
premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associatr with the
fraternity is prohibited.
Section II: Hazing
A. No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities.
Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined
as:
“Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, weather on or off fraternity
premises to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or
ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol,
paddling in any form, creation of excess fatigue, physical and psychological shocks,
quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on
outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is
conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts and buffoonery,
morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, and any other activities which
are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the
regulations and policies of the educational institution applicable state law.”
Section III: Sexual Abuse & Harassment
A. The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on
the part of its members, weather physical, mental or emotional. This is to include and actions,
part of its members, weather physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions,
activities or events, weather on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning
to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by
individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers
or escorts, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is
prohibited.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 11
Section IV: Fire, Health, & Safety
A. The chapter house should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
B. Emergency numbers for fire, police, and ambulance should be posted by common phones and
locations along with evacuation routes.
C. The chapter house should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the
insurance company or municipal authorities.
D. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind within
the confines and premises of the chapter house is prohibited.
E. Candles should not be used in the chapter house or individual rooms except under controlled
circumstances suck as initiation.
Section V: Risk Manager’s Duties
A. It is the duty of the risk manager to ensure that guidelines put forth in this policy are adhered
to. If a policy is broken the offender may be subjected to J-Board depending on the severity
of the offence as determined by the risk manager.
B. It is the duty of the risk manager to make sure a member of the fraternity or himself is
designated to stay sober at any event where alcohol is present to handle any problems that
may arise, this includes making sure that any brother who is in need of a designated driver
has one, as well as checking identification at the door of events hosted by us to ensure no
person under 21 is drinking. The position of the person to stay sober will rotate so that every
member has a turn, the rotation being designated by the risk manager.
C. For any situation that a member deems risky they can consult the risk manager for advice on
whether or not they should do it. For applicable situations, if the risk manager feels the action
is safe he should be willing to do it first to make sure it is indeed safe.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 12
ARTICLE VIII: JUDICIAL BOARD
Section I: Personal Conduct
A) Any Brother in violation of the Oath of Initiation of the Ritual or accused of conduct thought to
be unbecoming of Sigma Chi Theta (Colony) will be subject to the disciplinary action of the
Judicial Board.
Section II: Conduct with Pledges
A) Every active member will treat pledges (new members) of the chapter with the same levels of
respect as those active members, in accordance with the ideals of the Fraternity and the anti
hazing policy established by the Sigma Chi International Fraternity and Clarion University Of Pa.
B) Any Brother in violation of the foregoing clause will be subject to the disciplinary action of the
Sigma Chi Theta Judicial Board.
Section III: Judicial Board
A) The Judicial Board has three purposes:
1. Hold Brother accountable to the expectations of the Sigma Chi Theta Ritual.
2. Respond fairly and decisively to Brothers who have brought dishonor to the chapter and the
Fraternity through their actions at anytime, while in or out of the chapter.
3. Hold Brothers accountable for violating and Sigma Chi governing law or chapter bylaws
and/or negligence to their positions held within the Fraternity.
B) The Judicial Board will consist of the Pro Consul and Risk Management chair in current term, as
well as four brothers; one being from each of the fresh,am. Sophomore, junior, and senior classes,
who will each be elected not by the chapter but by the members of the respective class with the
approval of the Pro Consul and an alumni advisor, who will participate in Judicial matters when
need be.
C) The members of the board will be elected every semester as necessary in the case of membership
resignation or graduation.
Section IV: Judicial Process
A) Accusation1. An accusation occurs when the Consul, Pro Consul, or a member of the Executive Committee
is informed of a infraction of a Brother, by a member of the community
2.
including one of the following:
a) a witness
b) another brother
c) the Inter-Fraternity or Panhellenic Councils
d) a faculty member of Clarion University
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 13
e) the faculty advisor
f) or any other credible source
3. The Executive committee, if appropriate, will automatically and immediately suspend the
accused from all chapter activities (social events, intramural, pledge interaction, wearing
letters, etc.) The suspension time will be determined by the extremity of the accusation at
hand, but will never in any case last more than (15) days and will be pending the outcome of
the investigation and decision by the Judicial Board.
B) Investigation of Incident1. The Pro Consul will be contacted, who in his capacity as chairman of the Judicial Board will
notify the other Board members, begin collecting facts, and if necessary set a trial date. The
trial date will be set such that the accused brother(s) have sufficient time to make scheduling
arrangements.
2. The Pro Consul will notify the Brother(s) accused immediately and give him/them forty-eight
hours to respond to the allegations. Responses should be given to the Consul and/or Pro
Consul who shall, in his powers, act as Judicial Board Chairman.
3. Failure of the Brothers(s) to reply within the designated time period will result in a plea of
NO CONTEST. (“No Contest” does not imply guilt or innocence.)
C) Trial1. A trial will be held on the date set by the Pro Consul and Executive board unless the
Brother(s) admit guilt in which case a trial is waived and the Judicial will apply appropriate
punishment and/or extended suspension.
2. The date will be set far enough in advance to provide participants and witnesses ample time
and notice to make arrangements to attend.
3. The board will be presented with all the facts and either:
a) Make a ruling or,
b) Choose to hear further testimony from the witnesses, the accused Brother(s), and any
other person(s) the board deems relevant. In this case, a decision will be rendered after
the additional testimony.
D) Punishment – If found guilty, the punishment will be at the discretion of the Judicial Board.
Unless the incident is of serious enough nature to warrant the use of General Fraternity trial
proceedings, the RECOMMENDED punishments are give in the tier system (Section 4, Statute
D, 2&3). The Judicial board can chose one or all four punishment in the first tier depending on
the extremity of the punishment needed. On a second offense the second tier will be used. If the
situation warrants, probation may also be assigned (Section 4, Statue D: Probation). Each time a
brother is brought before the Judicial Board during his undergraduate membership he will be
given a more severe punishment, without regard to the nature of the incident. After the third
offense of which a brother is found guilty within his undergraduate career, the chapter will begin
the expulsion process. (Sanctioned Brother(s) are not exempt from normal Fraternal obligations,
including active meeting attendance, chapter financial obligations, and attendance to chapter
philanthropy and community service events.)
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 14
1. Probation – Automatic suspension of attendance to all chapter events, including but not
limited to the following: social functions, intramural sports, Brotherhood events, and any
wearing apparel that may associate themselves with the Fraternity. As stated above
sanctioned Brother(s) are not exempt from normal Fraternal obligations, including active
meeting attendance, chapter financial obligations, and attendance to chapter philanthropy and
community service events.
2. First Tier
a) Five to Ten hours of service to the chapter, the University, or community to be decided
by the Chapter Executive Committee.
b) Five hours of study time to be devoted to review the Norman Shield and/or Ritual.
c) Verbal reprimand accompanied by a signed agreement that specifically states the guilty
party(ies) will not engage in the accused prohibited activity again.
d) If necessary, an acceptable letter of apology will be written by the brother(s) involved in
the incident approved by the Pro Consul and/or Consul.
e) (The above may be replaced and/or supplemented by voluntary emotional or substance
abuse counseling.)
3. Second Tier
a) Fifteen hours of service to the chapter, the University, or community to be decided by the
Chapter Executive Committee.
b) Ten hours of study time to be devoted to review the Norman Shield and/or Ritual,
followed by a quiz of appropriate material.
c) Verbal reprimand accompanied by a signed agreement that specifically states the guilty
party(ies) will not engage in the accused prohibited activity again.
d) If necessary, an acceptable letter of apology will be written by the brother(s) involved in
the incident approved by the Pro Consul and/or Consul.
e) (The above may be replaced and/or supplemented by voluntary emotional or substance
abuse counseling.)
Section V: Appeals
A) Any appeal will be heard by the Chapter advisor and Faculty advisor within thirty (30) days of
the decision by the Judicial board. To file an appeal, the Brother(s) must make a written request
to the Pro Consul, who will forward within three (3) days all the relevant information, including
transcripts from the trial, to the Chapter advisor and Faculty advisor. Before the appeal is heard,
the Chapter advisor and Faculty advisor must agree that due process was not served due to a
deprivation of one or more of the following rights: the right of one to face one's accuser, the right
to be privy to all evidence, the right to an appeal, and/or the right not to testify against oneself.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 15
SIGMA CHI THETA
“Sigma Chi was my first love; it shall be my last”
- Issac M. Jordan, Founder (1857)
First Edition,
September 9, 2012
Official By-Laws of
Sigma Chi Theta
First Edition
Last Revised by: Brett M. Laidacker, Consul (F’11)
October 28th, 2012
PREAMBLE
A. In order to uphold the values becoming of all members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity as established
by our Founding Fathers before us, we, the brothers of Sigma Chi Theta Colony of Clarion
University do hereby establish and solemnly swear to uphold and hold all fellow brothers
accountable to the bylaws listed here-in, with the understanding that all times we as individuals
represent the Fraternity as a whole and are therefore bound to supplement, support, and safeguard
the Sigma Chi Ritual, Constitution, and Statutes of the Fraternity.
PURPOSE
A. Sigma Chi is a social fraternity dedicated to the cultivation, maintenance and accomplishment of
the ideals of friendship, justice, and learning within its membership. We as Brothers of the Sigma
Chi Theta Colony of Clarion University will therefore, in the spirit of Sigma Chi, strive to achieve
these objectives through lifelong friendship and brotherhood amongst Brothers of different
temperaments, talents, and convictions; upholding justice via service to the community, diverse
membership, human dignity and responsible personal conduct, and continued learning by means of
superior scholarship of our members and sound relations with collegiate institutions.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 1
ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP
Pledgeship
Section I : Definition
A. To be eligible for pledging within the Sigma Chi Theta Fraternity, a student must have attained an
accumulated Grade Point Average of at least a 2.50 on a 4.00 scale from Clarion University of
Pennsylvania.
B. A candidate for membership amongst the Fraternity will be extended a bid only upon formal
approval of not less than 80% of the current active members present and voting at a regular or
special meeting of the Colony.
C. In order for an active member to be eligible to cast a vote pertaining to membership, the Brother
must have only missed one recruitment event without a valid and pre-approved excuse.
D. Formal Pledging shall begin following the formal Pledge Pinning Ceremony. Attendance of the
Pledge Pinning Ceremony is mandatory of all Brothers, unless a valid and pre-approved excuse is
provided. (See Article V; Section II – B)
E. Pledgeship status shall persist from completion of the Pledge Pinning Ceremony until the point of
Formal Crossover to the status of a recognized Colony Brother.
Section II: Removal
A. If a pledge, because of his financial or scholastic ineligibility, has not been initiated by the end of
his second semester of pledging, his pledgeship shall be automatically terminated, unless
otherwise overturned by a unanimous vote by all current active members in good standing.
B. All pledge classes are mandatory attendance, unless a valid and pre-approved excuse is provided.
Failure to attend two classes shall result in automatic deferral to a Judicial Board hearing to
determine continued pledgeship with the Fraternity.
C. A pledge may be automatically subject to a hearing by the Judicial Board at anytime if deferred
by the Magister for conduct unbecoming of a Sigma Chi.
D. Any active member in good standing may propose a vote for termination of a pledge for conduct
unbecoming that does not represent Sigma Chi before the rest of the colony. If 60% of the colony
votes to terminate the pledge, the pledge will be immediately terminated and be ineligible to
receive a bid from the Fraternity again during the immediate next semester. If the vote fails by
less than 20%, the pledge will be notified of the vote called against him.
General Membership
Section III: Initiation
A. No person shall be eligible to Crossover into Colony Membership unless he has received
instruction under the tutelage of the Magister and has passed the Official Pledge Examination, as
witnessed and certified in writing by the current Pro-Consul of the Colony.
B. A pledge is not eligible to receive the Official Pledge Examination unless all pledge dues have
been paid in full, as determined by the current Quaestor of the Colony.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 2
Section IV: Non-Discrimination
A. The Sigma Chi Fraternity and this Colony as representatives shall under no circumstances be
discriminatory while selecting men for membership amongst their numbers in terms of race,
color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or financial or social status.
Section V: Affiliation
A. Any member of another Colony of the Sigma Chi Fraternity may affiliate with Sigma Chi Theta
of Clarion University upon review of written confirmation from his original Colony that he was
in good standing, financially and otherwise. He must be voted in with an 80% vote of the current
active members.
B. Any affiliated member is immediately subject to all provisions of the bylaws of Sigma Chi Theta
Colony of Clarion University, regardless of former obligations.
Section VI: Good Standing & Probation
A. To remain in good standing with the Colony, an active member must maintain the standards
required for initiation and meet all other requirements and obligations mentioned hereinafter.
Members not in good standing, as determined by a Judicial Board hearing, are suspended from all
social activities of the Colony, but and may vote on issues discussed by the Colony unless
otherwise stated here-in until good standing has been achieved.
B. Remaining on probation for a term of two or more consecutive semesters is grounds for
suspension from the Colony, as determined by the Judicial Board and a 51% vote of the Colony’s
active members in good standing.
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ARTICLE II: OFFICER POSITIONS
Chapter Offices
Section I: Executive Board
A. Sigma Chi Theta will at all times retain the following Executive Board Officer Positions:
a. Consul – The Consul shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Colony and will preside over active meetings of the Colony. He will enforce the
By-Laws, Constitution, and Statues of the Fraternity, and will ultimately be held
accountable for what the Chapter does and does not do. The Consul shall serve as
a source of external communication for the Chapter and conduct communications
between the Colony and Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
b. Pro Consul – The Pro Consul shall serve as Vice President and Chief Operations
Officer of the chapter. In the absence of the Consul the Pro Consul shall serve as
Consul and perform his roles with due diligence and responsibility. The Pro
Consul shall chair the Executive Committee and the Judicial Committee, as well
as conduct Post Initiation Training (when applicable) and preserve internal order.
c. Annotator – The Annotator will serve as the Secretary of the Colony and will
handle all correspondences and minutes of the Colony’s meetings. The Annotator
is charged with distributing said minutes to the Colony within a timely and
orderly fashion. He will oversee programs involving community service,
philanthropy, and, in combination with the Consul, public relations.
d. Quaestor – The Quaestor will serve as Treasurer of the Colony and thus handle
all finances and financial obligations of the Colony, as well as preparing an
annual budget. The Quaestor shall prepare and deliver a financial report each
semester at the discretion of the Executive Board, and will be in charge of
maintaining and collecting dues from all Colony Brothers.
e. Magister – The Magister will serve as the pledge process trainer with
responsibility for preparing the pledges for full membership in the Fraternity by
carrying out the Colony’s Pledge Program. The Magister will assist the Pro
Consul in Post Initiation Training (when applicable.)
f. Risk Manger – The Risk Manager will be in the charge of all Social Events of
the Colony, assigning risk management teams to monitor the event and, in the
event of their necessity, control any problems that arise. Additionally, he will take
measures to insure the safety of all members and their guests.
Section II: Other Officer Positions
A. For detailed descriptions of other common Chapter Offices, consult the Norman Shield.
B. As necessary, the Colony may elect other officers required for special duties.
C. An assistant officer will be appointed to assist and officer at his request or the
suggestions of the Colony. An assistant officer will automatically be nominated during
the next election if has satisfactorily completed his duties.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 4
Terms of Service
Section I: Nominations & Elections
A. Nomination for offices will take place during a Colony meeting in April, with at least one
week of time between nominations and official elections. Voting will be by secret ballot
or as otherwise determined by the Executive Committee. The nominee receiving a
majority of the votes shall be elected for the position during the next term.
B. Quorum needed for elections must be at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all active
Colony members.
Section II: Eligibility
A. Academic - No person is the Colony may hold office or be nominated for an office
unless he has maintained, in the semester prior to his nomination, a scholastic GPA of all
subjects carried equivalent to the required scholastic average that is a prerequisite for
initiation into Sigma Chi Theta. If at any time during his term of office a Brother falls
below the aforementioned scholastic average, his office may be declared vacant.
B. Membership - In order to be nominated for an Executive Board position, a Brother must
have been active for at least a period of one semester, not including pledgeship. In
extreme circumstances, the Executive Committee may vote with a 100% majority to
make an exception.
Section III: Term of Office
A. The term of office for elected officers will be for one year following their election or
appointment. Appointed officer positions will remain as needed or until the next
upcoming election period.
Section VI: Impeachment
A. Any officer of the Colony may be impeached for non-exemplary conduct or conduct
unbecoming of a Sigma Chi. A two-thirds vote of the active members of the Colony will
be needed to impeach any officer, provided charges have been openly proffered against
the officer by the Judicial Board one week prior to the meeting at which the impeachment
vote is to be taken. Upon an officer’s impeachment, his office will be declared vacant.
ARTICLE III: UNIVERSITY ADVISORS
Section I: Chapter Advisor
A. The Chapter Advisor will be a member in good standing of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and
will be appointed on an annual basis by the Grand Praetor.
Section II: Faculty Advisor
A. The Faculty Advisor will preferably be a member in good standing of the Sigma Chi
Fraternity as well as a member of the faculty at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. The
Faculty Advisor shall be elected by the Executive Committee and approved by the University.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 5
ARTICLE IV: COMMITEES
(Postponed)
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 6
ARTICLE V: MEETINGS
Section I: Active Meetings
A. Regular Active Meetings will be held weekly on Sunday at 6:00pm. Any deviation from this
schedule will be announced by the Consul in writing at least 24 hours prior to the regular
meetings time.
B. Special Active Meetings may be called by the Consul at any time and will be called by him upon
the written requests of a group of brothers. In both cases, due notice will be given in writing
concerning the time of the meeting.
C. All Meetings will be conducted according to the provisions of Robert’s Rules of Order, which
may be modified as the Colony or Executive Committee deems necessary.
Section II: Attendance
A. It is mandatory for all members to attend the regular Active Meetings, with the exception of legal
excuses as hereinafter described.
B. Attendance at the Ceremonies of Initiation is mandatory, with the exception of legal excuses as
hereinafter described.
C. Attendance at Recruitment and Brotherhood events is mandatory, with exception of legal excuses
as hereinafter described.
D. Any other events deemed mandatory by the Executive Committee must be declared as such no
later than two weeks prior to the event.
E. Brothers who fail to attend at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all Colony events, including but
not limited to, active and special meetings will lose the right to vote as hereinafter described in
Article V, Section IV and may be subject to probation as designated under the Judicial Policy.
Section III: Absences and Excuses
A. There are four legal excuses for absence from Colony events:
a. Personal Illness
b. Serious Illness or Death of a Family Member
c. Educational Classes
d. Excuses Approved by the Executive Committee
B. Whenever possible, a Brother who anticipates an absence will present his reason to the Pro
Consul and/or the Executive Committee at least one week prior to his proposed absence. The Pro
Consul and/or Executive Committee will approve all legal excuses.
C. Brothers absent from a regular Active Meetings, Initiation Ceremony, or official Colony event
without a legal excuse will be held accountable by the Executive Committee.
D. A Brother absent for any of the previously mentioned events due to an emergency situation must
inform the Pro Consul or the Executive Committee of the circumstance behind said absence as
soon as possible but no later than the beginning of the following regular Active Meeting.
Penalties for such an absence will be left to the discretion of the Executive Committee.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 7
Section IV: Voting & Eligibility
A. Quorum – Quorum will consist of at least seventy percent (70%) of the active chapter
membership. This quorum will be required for all voting, unless otherwise stated in the By-Laws.
B. All Initiated Colony Brothers will have a vote except as hereinafter provided.
C. Voting will be by accumulation and a majority vote of the Active Colony members present will
decide all questions unless otherwise provided by the By-Laws. Any members present may
demand a secret ballot. The Consul will vote only to break a tie.
D. Eligibility to vote will be determined by the following factors:
a. Any members of the Active Colony who scholarship record causes disciplinary action to
be taken against him by Clarion University of Pennsylvania or the Sigma Chi Theta
Colony will automatically lose the right to vote in all Active Meetings and Elections,
until he files with the Colony a written certificate from the proper office of the University
that he is in good scholastic standing.
b. Any member of the Colony with two or more consecutive unexcused absences shall lose
their voting privileges on all matters before the Colony, including but not limited to
Elections. The Consul shall reinstate voting privileges once the member is question has
attended the number of Active Meetings they have missed, consecutively, without any
additional absences, excused or otherwise.
c. Any member of the Colony whose finances have become delinquent according the
Financial Policy and/or the discretion of the Quaestor will automatically lose their voting
privileges and will only have their privileges reinstated once their account has been
reviewed and cleared the by the Executive Committee.
d. Any member of the Colony who has been placed on probation by the Judicial Board for
any reason immediately forfeits his voting privileges until the issue has been resolved at
the discretion of the Executive Committee.
Section V: Committee Decisions
A. Any decision made by a Committee may be overruled by a majority vote of the Chapter.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 8
ARTICLE VI: FINANCIAL POLICY
Section I: Semester Dues
D. Pledge Fees
1. Pledging Dues will be $150 and cover Pledge Pin, T-shirt, and Headquarters Fees
E. Active Fees
1. The fees for all active brothers will be $250, if paid in full by start of rush week. Fees
will increase by 10% to $275 if a brother wishes to arrange a payment plan. All fees are
to be paid in full before the last regularly scheduled active meeting of the semester.
F. Initiation Fees
1. The initiation fees will be $175.00 which is covered by pledge dues.
Section II: Payment of bills
A. All bills will be due and payable to the chapter on the first day of each month or at the first
regular active meeting of each month
B. All bills will be delinquent if not paid by midnight on the tenth day of the month, unless a brother
has requested, in writing, and is granted a five day extension so he may request permission to
meet with the financial committee to ask to enter into a payment plan.
C. Any brother whose account becomes delinquent through lack of timely payment will
automatically lose voting privileges and may be subject to probation at the suggestion of the
Judicial Board or the financial committee.
D. Any brother whose account remains delinquent for one semester will be subject to financial
suspension as described in Article IX, section G.
Section III: Payment plans
A. Payment plans must be approved by the Financial Committee.
B. Any Brother who enters into a payment plan must sign a written contract committing him to meet
his periodic fiduciary responsibility to the active chapter.
C. Financial Plans shall not permit payment any later than the last active meeting of the semester.
Section IV: Financial Suspension
A. Financial suspension proceedings will begin at such a time when any Brother’s account becomes
delinquent one semester.
B. Once a Brother is suspended from the chapter, a local collection agency will be contacted to
recover the money rightfully owed to the chapter.
Section V: Participation
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 9
A. No brother will be allowed to participate in any chapter activities, including but not limited to,
social events and intramural sports, until he is current in all financial obligations to the chapter.
Section VI: External Notification
A. The Brother’s parents will be sent a copy of the bill for the Brother’s account, if the brother is
delinquent. Each brother will receive a copy of the bill when it is sent to his parents. The bill sent
to the parents. The bill will be itemized to show a breakdown of costs.
Section VII: Education & Prevention
A. These bylaws will be given to all pledges at their first pledge meeting where the Quaestor will
address the pledge class about their fiduciary responsibility. The Quaestor will also review this
financial policy with the active chapter annually.
1
No pledge will be initiated into the chapter who has an outstanding balance with chapter
or the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
2
No pledge will be allowed to take the official pledge exam unless he has paid his dues.
B. Upon crossover each new brother will:
a. Fill out and sign a financial policy under the guidance of the Quaestor.
b. Fill out a financial form to be kept in chapter files.
ARTICLE VII: OFFICIAL SIGMA CHI RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 10
Section I: Alcohol & Drugs
A. The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on chapter premises
or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any
event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all
applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and
must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.
B. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the
purchase of the same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in
the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common
source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example kegs or cases, is prohibited.
C. Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity,
without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited.
D. No chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at which alcohol
is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organization.
E. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter maybe held at or in conjunction
with a tavern or alcohol distributor.
F. No member, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic
beverages to any minor (i.e., those under leagle drinking age)
G. The possession, sale or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances while on chapter
premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associatr with the
fraternity is prohibited.
Section II: Hazing
A. No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities.
Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined
as:
“Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, weather on or off fraternity
premises to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or
ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol,
paddling in any form, creation of excess fatigue, physical and psychological shocks,
quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on
outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is
conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts and buffoonery,
morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, and any other activities which
are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the
regulations and policies of the educational institution applicable state law.”
Section III: Sexual Abuse & Harassment
A. The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on
the part of its members, weather physical, mental or emotional. This is to include and actions,
part of its members, weather physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions,
activities or events, weather on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning
to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by
individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers
or escorts, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is
prohibited.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 11
Section IV: Fire, Health, & Safety
A. The chapter house should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
B. Emergency numbers for fire, police, and ambulance should be posted by common phones and
locations along with evacuation routes.
C. The chapter house should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the
insurance company or municipal authorities.
D. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind within
the confines and premises of the chapter house is prohibited.
E. Candles should not be used in the chapter house or individual rooms except under controlled
circumstances suck as initiation.
Section V: Risk Manager’s Duties
A. It is the duty of the risk manager to ensure that guidelines put forth in this policy are adhered
to. If a policy is broken the offender may be subjected to J-Board depending on the severity
of the offence as determined by the risk manager.
B. It is the duty of the risk manager to make sure a member of the fraternity or himself is
designated to stay sober at any event where alcohol is present to handle any problems that
may arise, this includes making sure that any brother who is in need of a designated driver
has one, as well as checking identification at the door of events hosted by us to ensure no
person under 21 is drinking. The position of the person to stay sober will rotate so that every
member has a turn, the rotation being designated by the risk manager.
C. For any situation that a member deems risky they can consult the risk manager for advice on
whether or not they should do it. For applicable situations, if the risk manager feels the action
is safe he should be willing to do it first to make sure it is indeed safe.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 12
ARTICLE VIII: JUDICIAL BOARD
Section I: Personal Conduct
A) Any Brother in violation of the Oath of Initiation of the Ritual or accused of conduct thought to
be unbecoming of Sigma Chi Theta (Colony) will be subject to the disciplinary action of the
Judicial Board.
Section II: Conduct with Pledges
A) Every active member will treat pledges (new members) of the chapter with the same levels of
respect as those active members, in accordance with the ideals of the Fraternity and the anti
hazing policy established by the Sigma Chi International Fraternity and Clarion University Of Pa.
B) Any Brother in violation of the foregoing clause will be subject to the disciplinary action of the
Sigma Chi Theta Judicial Board.
Section III: Judicial Board
A) The Judicial Board has three purposes:
1. Hold Brother accountable to the expectations of the Sigma Chi Theta Ritual.
2. Respond fairly and decisively to Brothers who have brought dishonor to the chapter and the
Fraternity through their actions at anytime, while in or out of the chapter.
3. Hold Brothers accountable for violating and Sigma Chi governing law or chapter bylaws
and/or negligence to their positions held within the Fraternity.
B) The Judicial Board will consist of the Pro Consul and Risk Management chair in current term, as
well as four brothers; one being from each of the fresh,am. Sophomore, junior, and senior classes,
who will each be elected not by the chapter but by the members of the respective class with the
approval of the Pro Consul and an alumni advisor, who will participate in Judicial matters when
need be.
C) The members of the board will be elected every semester as necessary in the case of membership
resignation or graduation.
Section IV: Judicial Process
A) Accusation1. An accusation occurs when the Consul, Pro Consul, or a member of the Executive Committee
is informed of a infraction of a Brother, by a member of the community
2.
including one of the following:
a) a witness
b) another brother
c) the Inter-Fraternity or Panhellenic Councils
d) a faculty member of Clarion University
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 13
e) the faculty advisor
f) or any other credible source
3. The Executive committee, if appropriate, will automatically and immediately suspend the
accused from all chapter activities (social events, intramural, pledge interaction, wearing
letters, etc.) The suspension time will be determined by the extremity of the accusation at
hand, but will never in any case last more than (15) days and will be pending the outcome of
the investigation and decision by the Judicial Board.
B) Investigation of Incident1. The Pro Consul will be contacted, who in his capacity as chairman of the Judicial Board will
notify the other Board members, begin collecting facts, and if necessary set a trial date. The
trial date will be set such that the accused brother(s) have sufficient time to make scheduling
arrangements.
2. The Pro Consul will notify the Brother(s) accused immediately and give him/them forty-eight
hours to respond to the allegations. Responses should be given to the Consul and/or Pro
Consul who shall, in his powers, act as Judicial Board Chairman.
3. Failure of the Brothers(s) to reply within the designated time period will result in a plea of
NO CONTEST. (“No Contest” does not imply guilt or innocence.)
C) Trial1. A trial will be held on the date set by the Pro Consul and Executive board unless the
Brother(s) admit guilt in which case a trial is waived and the Judicial will apply appropriate
punishment and/or extended suspension.
2. The date will be set far enough in advance to provide participants and witnesses ample time
and notice to make arrangements to attend.
3. The board will be presented with all the facts and either:
a) Make a ruling or,
b) Choose to hear further testimony from the witnesses, the accused Brother(s), and any
other person(s) the board deems relevant. In this case, a decision will be rendered after
the additional testimony.
D) Punishment – If found guilty, the punishment will be at the discretion of the Judicial Board.
Unless the incident is of serious enough nature to warrant the use of General Fraternity trial
proceedings, the RECOMMENDED punishments are give in the tier system (Section 4, Statute
D, 2&3). The Judicial board can chose one or all four punishment in the first tier depending on
the extremity of the punishment needed. On a second offense the second tier will be used. If the
situation warrants, probation may also be assigned (Section 4, Statue D: Probation). Each time a
brother is brought before the Judicial Board during his undergraduate membership he will be
given a more severe punishment, without regard to the nature of the incident. After the third
offense of which a brother is found guilty within his undergraduate career, the chapter will begin
the expulsion process. (Sanctioned Brother(s) are not exempt from normal Fraternal obligations,
including active meeting attendance, chapter financial obligations, and attendance to chapter
philanthropy and community service events.)
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 14
1. Probation – Automatic suspension of attendance to all chapter events, including but not
limited to the following: social functions, intramural sports, Brotherhood events, and any
wearing apparel that may associate themselves with the Fraternity. As stated above
sanctioned Brother(s) are not exempt from normal Fraternal obligations, including active
meeting attendance, chapter financial obligations, and attendance to chapter philanthropy and
community service events.
2. First Tier
a) Five to Ten hours of service to the chapter, the University, or community to be decided
by the Chapter Executive Committee.
b) Five hours of study time to be devoted to review the Norman Shield and/or Ritual.
c) Verbal reprimand accompanied by a signed agreement that specifically states the guilty
party(ies) will not engage in the accused prohibited activity again.
d) If necessary, an acceptable letter of apology will be written by the brother(s) involved in
the incident approved by the Pro Consul and/or Consul.
e) (The above may be replaced and/or supplemented by voluntary emotional or substance
abuse counseling.)
3. Second Tier
a) Fifteen hours of service to the chapter, the University, or community to be decided by the
Chapter Executive Committee.
b) Ten hours of study time to be devoted to review the Norman Shield and/or Ritual,
followed by a quiz of appropriate material.
c) Verbal reprimand accompanied by a signed agreement that specifically states the guilty
party(ies) will not engage in the accused prohibited activity again.
d) If necessary, an acceptable letter of apology will be written by the brother(s) involved in
the incident approved by the Pro Consul and/or Consul.
e) (The above may be replaced and/or supplemented by voluntary emotional or substance
abuse counseling.)
Section V: Appeals
A) Any appeal will be heard by the Chapter advisor and Faculty advisor within thirty (30) days of
the decision by the Judicial board. To file an appeal, the Brother(s) must make a written request
to the Pro Consul, who will forward within three (3) days all the relevant information, including
transcripts from the trial, to the Chapter advisor and Faculty advisor. Before the appeal is heard,
the Chapter advisor and Faculty advisor must agree that due process was not served due to a
deprivation of one or more of the following rights: the right of one to face one's accuser, the right
to be privy to all evidence, the right to an appeal, and/or the right not to testify against oneself.
Sigma Chi Theta – By-Laws | Page 15