SIGMA CHI INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY

Theta Alpha By-Laws
Official Copy
Andrew William Monger
11/29/2015

[This document contains the Organizational Procedures of the Sigma Chi: Theta Alpha Chapter. The International
By-Laws is Supreme and supersedes these By-Laws. The contents within this constitution shall not be
reproduced other than by those authorized to do so.]

Theta Alpha Chapter Bylaws
Revised November 29th, 2015

Vision Statement
“Building a positive and enduring brotherhood through personal development and commitment to
excellence”

Mission Statement
“The Theta Alpha Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity at Clarion University is the premier Fraternity
on campus that prides themselves in having a lifelong brotherhood, while continually raising our
standard of excellence.

Preamble
Believing that where there is law, there is liberty, we the members of the Theta Alpha Chapter of the
Sigma Chi Fraternity do establish these bylaws for the government of our chapter, and solemnly
promise to obey them in order to promote the welfare and prosperity of Sigma Chi, the Theta Alpha
Chapter, and its individual members. It must be understood that the Governing Laws of the Sigma Chi
Fraternity (Constitution, Statutes, and Executive Committee Regulations) shall be supreme.
Purpose of Sigma Chi: The fundamental purpose of the Sigma Chi Fraternity is the cultivation,
maintenance and accomplishment of the ideals of friendship, justice, and learning within our
membership. Develop values-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus, and
community.

Article I Membership
Section 1: Membership Code of Conduct
a. As a brother or brother-to-be of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, I will conduct myself in a
manner that will reflect favorably upon this fraternal organization.
b. I understand and accept the obligations stated in the Jordan Standard and the Sigma
Chi Creed.
c. I will learn and use proper etiquette and exercise good grace when among women or men,
and will strive to make those around me feel at ease.
d. I will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.
e. I will meet my financial obligations when they are due.
f. I will respect the dignity and protect the health and safety of all persons; therefore, I will
not physically, verbally, psychologically, sexually abuse or haze any human being.
g. I will respect my property and the property of other and will neither abuse nor tolerate
the abuse of property.
h. I will neither use nor condone the use of illegal drugs; I will neither misuse nor tolerate
the misuse of alcohol.
i. Paramount to this agreement is my promise to confront my peers whose actions conflict with
the standards of membership in Sigma Chi.
j. I freely accept these responsibilities and commit myself to be a Brother or Brother to be of
the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Section 2: Pledgeship
.
a. If a freshman, he must have a high school cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
b. 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.
c. The Pledge Pinning Ceremony is mandatory of all Brothers, unless a valid and preapproved excuse is provided.

Statutes and Executive Committee
Regulations relevant to pledging
Statute 3.07 Except as provided in Section 3.08, each person initiated into membership in the Fraternity
shall, at the time of his initiation,
a. Be a bona fide male student in good academic standing, not enrolled for the sole purpose of
establishing membership eligibility, at the institution specified in the charter of the initiating
chapter;
b. Not be or have been a member of any other fraternity of like character, except as specifically
approved by the Executive Committee.
c. Be judged to meet the standard of membership set forth by Founder Isaac M. Jordan, namely,
that no man shall be admitted to membership who is not believed to be a man of good character,
a student of fair ability, with ambitious purpose, a congenial disposition, possessed of good
morals, and having a high sense of honor and a deep sense of personal responsibly: and
d. Have satisfactorily completed the chapter’s program of Pledgeship, including the official
Fraternity examination.
ECR 3.07-2 To be eligible for pledging, a student must have attained an accumulated scholastic grade
point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent to that mandated for graduation from the
host institution specified in the charter of the initiating chapter. If the student, at the time of pledging,
has never attended a post-secondary institution then he must have attained one of the following
academic standards: attained a score of at least 800 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT); or attained a
score of at least 15 on the American College Test (ACT); or graduated in the top 25% of his high
school (or equivalent) graduating class. This academic standard shall be considered a minimum and,
therefore, chapters may define higher academic standards.
Statute 3.09 The foregoing criteria shall not be construed as conferring a right to membership on any
person.
Statute 3.10 A candidate for membership shall be pledged, i.e., accepted into the pledgeship program
of an active chapter, only upon formal approval of not less than 80 percent of the active members
present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the chapter. Pledgeship shall begin with the formal
Pledge Ceremony.
Statute 3.11 The pledging of each candidate shall be promptly reported to the Executive Secretary.

Section 3: Pledge Termination
a. Pledgeship shall be terminated only by the candidate’s initiation, by the agreement of the
Pledge and the Chapter, by a vote of not less than 20% of the active members present and
voting at a regular or special meeting of the Chapter, or as specifically state within these
bylaws (Statute 3.12).
Pledge Termination votes must be openly brought to the chapter by the person calling the
pledge termination vote, and during that time must discuss the motive for termination, and
the specific reason(s) why the pledge is not fit for membership into the Theta Alpha Chapter
of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
b. Pledgeship may be terminated for any Pledge, which is termed “depledged,” for:
• Withdrawal from Clarion University prior to the Official Pledge
Examination of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
• If found in any way to be in violation of the National, State, City, School, or
Chapter regulations regarding the illegal use of drugs.

Section 4: Pledge Program
a. The Chapter Meeting shall have sole authority for design, implementation, oversight, and
enforcement of the Pledge Program for the Theta Alpha Chapter. Activities involving the
active chapter as a whole shall be subject to Chapter approval.
b. The Pledge Program shall not contain any type of harassment or hazing, as defined by
Pennsylvania State Law and the Sigma Chi Statement of Position Concerning Pledge
Training and the Ritual.

Hazing
“This organization prohibits its members, both individually and collectively from committing any acts of
hazing as defined herein: “Hazing" as defined by §1006.63, Pennsylvania Statutes, means any action or
situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for
purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization
operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution, regardless of a person’s willingness to
participate. "Hazing" includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state
or federal law; any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the
elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance; or other forced physical
activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student; and also includes any
activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced
exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced
activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include
customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers
a legal and legitimate objective.
In addition to Pennsylvania Statutes §1006.63, hazing as defined by the CUP system also includes, but is
not limited to, the forced use of alcohol; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; physical
and psychological shocks; deception; verbal abuse; personal servitude; kidnapping; deprivation of
privileges granted to others in the organization by use of force or duress; and any other activities which
are contrary to academic achievement, the stated purpose of the local and/or (inter) national organization,
and/or the mission, policies or regulations of the CUP system or applicable state law.”

c. The Pledge Program must cover all material sufficiently enough to enable the Pledge to pass
the Final Pledge Examination and give the Pledge a good working knowledge of Sigma Chi
and the brothers of the Theta Alpha Chapter.
d. No person shall be initiated into membership as an undergraduate unless he has received at
most eight (8) weeks of tutelage from a Magister.
e. Election to membership shall be upon completion of the pledge period.
f. During Pledge functions the house is to remain dry from 2 hours prior to the function until the
function is complete.

Section 5: Initiation
a. No person shall be initiated into membership unless the chapter has written certification that
said person has maintained a 2.5 average or better, in all subjects carried prior to, or during
initiation (cumulative GPA). Such certification shall come from the proper college or
university officials (If Possible).
b. Any Pledge that has not passed the formal Chapter vote will either be “held over,” or
“terminated” by the vote of the active Chapter.

Statutes relevant to Initiation
Statute 3.13 Prior to initiation, each candidate’s eligibility under section 3.07 shall be
affirmed by:
a. A formal vote of final approval by not less than 80% of the active members
present and voting at a regular chapter or special meeting of the chapter.
b. The tacit approval of the Grand Consul, who shall disapprove only for a
stated cause based on the provisions of section 3.07.
Statute 5.09 Every member prior to his initiation shall pay to the Quaestor the sum of
$275 for the use and benefit of the General Fraternity, and shall receive, if eligible, a
certificate of membership and an initiation badge/Brother’s Pin.
Section 6: Hold-over Pledges
a. Any Pledge that does not meet the standards for initiation as defined by the Fraternity and the
Chapter shall not be initiated during that semester.
b. At the discretion of the Chapter, a Pledge may be “held over” until the following semester.
Such discretion shall be given upon a majority vote of the active members present and voting.
c. Pledges designated as “hold overs” shall be required to participate in all Pledge activities, all
mandatory Chapter activities, specified study hours, and any other remedial activities selected
by the Chapter to ensure the Pledge shall meet all requirements for initiation at the conclusion
of the semester. “Hold over” Pledges are not required to attend Chapter Functions in which
they have already participated.
d. “Hold over” Pledges shall be required to meet the financial obligations of a Pledge during that
semester.
If a Pledge has not been initiated by the end of the second semester, including the semester
pledged, following his pledging because of his financial or scholastic ineligibility, his
Pledgeship is automatically broken.
e. Failure to qualify for initiation, due to the Chapter’s decision to “hold over” a pledge, for two
consecutive semesters shall be cause for immediate and permanent termination of said Pledge
from the Theta Alpha Chapter.
Section 7: Affiliations
a. Any member of another Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity may affiliate with a local
Chapter, only after written confirmation from either the college or university that he
previously attended, and his original chapter that he was in good standing, financially and
otherwise.

b. Lack of good standing at the previous Chapter shall disqualify the candidate from affiliation
until the matter is successfully resolved.
c. Any affiliate is subject to all provisions of the bylaws of the Theta Alpha Chapter.

Section 8: Alumni/Inactive Membership
a. Upon approval of the active chapter, an active member may be declared an alumni member if
he marries or has been an active brother for 8 semesters, so long as the brother is in good
standing with the Chapter, financially or otherwise.
b. All Brothers must pay dues. No member of the Chapter shall be recognized as inactive
through any provision of these bylaws.
c. In order to be a normal, active member of the Theta Alpha Chapter, a grade point average of
2.0 must be held. You will not have a vote on chapter issues if under a 2.0 GPA. You will also
not be able to participate in Intramural Sports, hold an office, or attend socials, unless to
be a sober driver. Under a 2.0 GPA classifies you as on probation from the fraternity, for
at least 1 semester.
d. If a brother indeed is active for 8 semesters and is in good standing with the chapter,
financially or otherwise, the brother can request that the chapter vote to be classified by the
chapter as a ‘Fifth Year Brother’, however keeping his classification with the fraternity at
large (headquarters) as ‘Active’. This brother will then be responsible to meet the following
requirements:
• Attend at least 6 Chapter meetings per semester
• Attend at least 1 community Service event
• Attend Initiation
• Be responsible for all chapter dues

Statutes relevant to Alumni Membership
Statute 3.04 Any brother, duly initiated or affiliated into this Chapter shall be
considered active unless he shall be declared an alumni member.
Statute 3.03 Any active member automatically becomes an alumni member upon
graduation from college. A post-baccalaureate or graduate student, who is otherwise
eligible for active membership shall be, designated an active member at his request.

Article II Meeting
Section 1: Chapter Meetings
a. There shall be a weekly Ritual-based chapter meeting conducted once a week in a location
designated at the beginning of each semester. Any changes to the time or location of any
chapter meeting must be within 24 hours of the previously scheduled meeting time and must
be verified by the executive committee or the Consul.
b. Special Chapter meetings may be called by the Consul at any time, and shall be called by him
upon written request of any five brothers. In both cases, a 24-hour notice shall be given
concerning the time and location of the meeting.
c. All regular Chapter meetings shall be conducted according to the provisions of Division I in
the Ritual of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Procedures not covered in the Ritual of the Sigma Chi
Fraternity shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

Section 2: Attendance
a. In accordance with Ritualistic Statutes (pg.8), it is mandatory for all members to attend the
regular Chapter meetings, unless having a legal excuse as hereinafter prescribed.
b. Attendance at the Ceremonies of Initiation and all other Rituals are mandatory unless
having a legal excuse as hereinafter prescribed.
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 sixty percent (60%) of all Chapter events, including but
not limited to, active and special meetings will lose the right to vote as hereinafter described
and may be subject to probation as designated under the Judicial Policy.
Section 3: Absences and Excuses
a. Each brother is allowed to miss one (1) unexcused Chapter meeting per semester. This missed
meeting will not count in any way toward the maximum number of missed meetings allowed.
This bylaw does not apply to any Ritual Officer, i.e. Consul, Pro-Consul, Magister, Quaestor,
etc.
b. Legal excuse for absence shall be:
• Personal illness
• Serious illness of a member of the immediate family
• A death in the immediate family
• Sigma Chi fundraising event
• Religious holiday
• An active member is only allowed 2 homework excuses and must provide undisputable
proof that he was truly working on homework. Ex: Syllabus stating due date/exam
c. Other excuses must be approved by the Executive Committee of the Theta Alpha Chapter
d. All legal excuses must be submitted in writing/electronically to the Executive Committee
prior to the missed Chapter Meeting.
e. In the event of personal illness, the Brother is required to submit his excuse to every
member of the Executive committee at a minimum of 3 hours prior to the anticipated
absence.
f. In all other events listed above, the Brother is required to submit his excuse directly to the
Annotator at a minimum of 6 hours prior to the anticipated absence. Failure to do so shows
a lack of personal responsibility and will result in an automatic $20 fine.
g. All legal excuses must be submitted in writing/electronically to the Executive Committee at
the Executive Committee meeting prior to the week that Initiation Ceremonies are scheduled
to take place if the brother needs to be excused from attending the Initiation Ceremonies of
the Theta Alpha Chapter.
• Unless a brother is excused from attending Initiation Ceremonies as defined by the
bylaws one week prior to Initiation that brother will be fined $50 by the Quaestor.
h. A brother absent from a regular chapter meeting due to work must go before the Executive

Committee one week prior to his proposed absence(or whenever his work schedule is
released). The Executive Committee shall approve all excuses due to working.
i. Any brother who misses a Chapter meeting shall lose his voting privileges for the
subsequently scheduled Chapter.
j. Any officer that miss more than one (1) regular Chapter meetings or Executive Committee
meetings, no excuses permitted, will automatically have a vote of confidence called upon him.
k. If the Executive Board does not excuse a brother from an event he is deemed unexcused and the
consequences must be followed herein prescribed.
Section 4: Quorum
a. Quorum shall be at least 50% plus one (1) member of the active Chapter in order for issues
and/or amendments to be voted upon.
b. A two-thirds affirmative vote of the active Chapter present is needed for an amendment to be
approved, if quorum has been met in the Chapter meeting. Quorum must be met in order to
hold Chapter meetings or any other meeting that requires voting to take place.
Section 5: Voting
a. All active Chapter members shall have a vote unless hereinafter prescribed.
b. Voting shall be by acclamation and a majority vote shall decide all decisions or questions
unless otherwise provided by law. Any three (3) members may demand a secret ballot.
c. There will be no voting by proxy.
d. The Chapter may suspend the voting rights of any brother for any period for conduct contrary
to the provisions of the Sigma Chi Statutes:
e. Any member of an active Chapter, whose scholarship record causes disciplinary action to be
taken against him by Clarion University, shall lose automatically the right to vote in all
Chapter meeting until he shall file with the chapter a written certificate from the proper
officers of Clarion University of Pennsylvania as he is again in good academic standing.
f. Any brother, who misses three (3) mandatory Chapter functions and is unexcused for all
three (3), shall have no vote on Chapter business for the remaining of the semester.
g. Any brother who is financially delinquent shall have a voice, but not a vote until
the obligation is resolved with the Quaestor.
h. The Consul, or acting chair, may vote only after all other votes have been taken. Changing
of votes shall not be permitted after the chair has voted.
i. Newly initiated brothers must learn and be able to recite a said portion of the ritual to the Pro
Consul or Kustos before they are able to gain their voting privileges. Newly initiated brothers
who were initiated in the previous fall semester must receive their vote within 30 days of their
initiation date and spring initiates must earn their vote by the first chapter meeting of the
following fall semester or shall be placed on social probation until the earn their vote.
j. Brothers wishing to hold Ritual positions must learn and be able to recite a said portion of
the ritual before they are able to run for position.
k. Any brother who does not attend Chapter in business attire and badge, as determined by the
Consul, shall lose his vote for the said Chapter meeting and be fined $10.

Article III Officers
Section 1: Chapter Officers
a. The officers of the Chapter shall be those prescribed by the Ritual of the Sigma Chi
Fraternity. In addition, there will be officers as deemed necessary the Theta Alpha Chapter
as hereinafter provided for.
b. The following are Ritual Positions, Consul, Pro-Consul, Quaestor, Annotator, Magister,
Tribune, Historian, Chapter Editor, Recruitment Chairman, Historian, Kustos, and Risk
Management and any other position defined in the Sigma Chi Ritual.
c. All Ritual Positions shall be elected by the chapter. Nominations for the positions will open
the week before the election and then again immediately before each platform on the
election week.
d. All ritual positions that are required to attend all mandatory retreats, workshops, and
provinces unless they have a prior commitment that qualifies as an excused absence.
Consul
a. Term: Whole Academic Year
b. The Consul is the President of the chapter.
c. He presides over chapter meetings as well as other chapter activities.
d. He is responsible for the security of the charter, ritual, ritualistic materials, chapter
house and the individual members of the chapter.
e. He is the face of the Fraternity, which means he is responsible in maintaining great
relations with all other outside organizations. (i.e. other Fraternities, Sororities, Office
of Fraternity and Sorority Life and any other organizations that deal with the chapter)
f. Shall maintain open and regular communications with the Chapter Advisor, Grand
Praetor, and Sigma Chi Headquarters.
g. Responsible in running the Peterson/Chapter of the Year Committees.
h. When forced to make a decision he must make any decision based on what he believes
is best for the chapter at large.
i. He is required to attend all IFC meetings.
j. He is to attend all mandatory meetings by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
k. In every action the Fraternity makes whether it is good or bad, the Consul is
responsible for.
Pro Consul
a. Term: Whole Academic Year
b. The Pro Consul is the Vice President of the chapter.
c. He works with the Consul in running chapter meetings as well as other chapter
activities.
d. The Pro Consul presides over the chapter's executive committee and works with
other committees within the chapter.
e. The Pro Consul is also responsible for running Post Initiation Training (P.I.T.)
f. Must be prepared to take over the Consul's duties if the Consul were to be absent.
g. Helps the Consul in maintaining the security and relations of the chapter.
h. Responsible in making sure that the Consul and Chapter is aware of all the actions
taken by the Executive Committee.
i. Should be able to assist all positions and chairs so that the highest degree of excellence
can be achieved.

Annotator
a. Term: Yearly
b. The Annotator keeps accurate records of chapter meetings in the chapter minute book
must be released 48 hours after meeting.
c. Assists the Consul during Chapter meetings.
d. He keeps track of all chapter files and records as well as the chapter's permanent
record of member data.
e. He is charge of Philanthropies and Community Service. He assists those chairs in all
of their actions. If one of those chairs steps down he is to take over that position.
f. He is in charge in keeping the chapter informed of all things happening concerning the
chapter.
Quaestor
a. Term: The whole academic year
b. The Quaestor is the treasurer of the chapter.
c. He keeps track of all chapter funds and is responsible for collecting dues from
members.
d. He must prepare a budget before each fiscal year and presents it for approval
before the executive committee and chapter.
e. Communicates all transactions with the chapter.
f. Major (above $100) unplanned transactions must be approved by the Executive
Council.
Magister
a. Term: Academic Year
b. The Magister is the pledge educator who prepares the pledge brothers for Initiation.
c. He prepares the program, which teaches the pledge brothers about the ideals of Sigma
Chi.
d. He is allowed to assist the Pro Consul in P.I.T.
e. He is to be a positive reflection of Sigma Chi. This is required so that the pledges see
how a Sigma Chi should act. The pledge class is a reflection of the Magister that runs
the program.
f. He is to communicate to the chapter of the pledge class’s process through the program.
g. His goal is to develop young men into Sigma Chi’s that will one day leave a positive
impact on the chapter, Fraternity, University, and community.
Recruitment Chairman: Term: Yearly as stated in the Bylaws
a) The Recruitment Chairman organizes the chapters rush program.
b) He must provide the chapter with information on the rush guests
c) Responsible for providing information to rush
guests on fraternity life and expectations.
d) He is to recruit members who will positively reflect Sigma Chi
and impact our chapter in a positive light.
e) Responsible in running a working committee to assist him in all
recruitment manners.

The Risk Manager : Term: Semester
a. The Risk Manager develops and implements the chapter's
safety
management program.
b. He coordinates safety education to the chapter and addresses concerns related to
chapter risks such as building maintenance, alcohol use, drug use, hazing and
sexual abuse.
c. He is to ensure that the entire chapter is aware of the Risk Management Crisis Plan
and how to handle a situation of crisis.
d. In charge of setting up the Sober Sig Program and ensuring every brother does their
required time.
e. Helps maintain the safety of all individuals at any event sponsored by the chapter.
Tribune: Term: Semester
a. The Tribune prepares all necessary chapter correspondence, reports, and
other required information to University and Fraternity officials.
b. Sets up events that help connect the alumni with the undergraduate chapter.
c. A successful term would entail having at least one event that connects the alumni with
the undergraduates.
d. Keeps the alumni informed of all chapter activities, especially initiation, recruitment,
and major CUP activities.
Chapter Editor : Term: Semester
a. The Chapter Editor maintains files on previous chapter publications as well as
publications from other chapters and General Headquarters.
b. He publishes at least two chapter newsletters a year describing current
alumni and undergraduate activities.
c. He also coordinates the publications of chapter material such as recruitment brochures,
philanthropy programs, and quarterly news to The Magazine of Sigma Chi.
Historian
a. Term: Semester
b. The Historian gathers and creates records of the members and activities of the
chapter. He also preserves previous records of the chapter into a library to be sent to
the Grand Historian if needed.
c. He is to help maintain the chapter website.
d. At all major events he is responsible for taking pictures so that everything can be
documented for future use.
Kustos
a. Term: Semester
b. The Kustos assists with chapter meetings and keeps the privacy of the chapter room.
c. The Kustos is to protect our ritual at all cost.
d. He in charge of setting up initiation. Which entails finding a location and making sure
the chapter is well prepared for initiation.
e. He is to be at every chapter meeting. If he is not able to attend then the Risk Manager
shall take over his duties.
f. He is to work very closely with the Magister to ensure the pledge class is prepared to
understanding our ritual.

Section 2: Chapter Chairmen (Not all positions have to be filled)
a. Chapter Chairmen are positions that are not prescribed by the ritual, but appointed by the
executive committee. The Pro Consul will then ask the chairmen elect if they accept the
position.They are positions that are required if the chapter desires the highest level of
success.
b. They are not required to be eligible to have their vote for these positions.
c. There is no GPA requirement to hold a chair position in this chapter.
d. For the chapter to maintain the level of success desired and to live up to their mission/vision
statements they must hold these positions with the utmost importance.
e. Any chairman is able to hold a committee so that he can better perform his position.
House Manager: Term academic year
a. The House Manager takes care of the maintenance, safety, and cleanliness of
the chapter house.
b. He is to help the community manager maintain the house so that the house meets all
fire safety standards.
c. He is to hold all brothers 100% accountable if someone disrespects the house or the
property in the house.
Public Relations Chairman: Term academic year
a. The Public Relations Chairman develops and implements a public relations program.
b. He must generate favorable publicity in campus and community media.
c. A successful public relations chairman will go into other organizations meetings and
inform them of the chapters planned events.
Scholarship Chairman Term: academic year
a. The Scholarship Chairman develops and implements a scholastic program and
education programs with the campus.
b. He provides information on learning resources to the chapter.
c. He also serves as chapter liaison with the Sigma Chi Foundation.
d. He is to hold brothers who fall below the required GPA requirement accountable for
getting their GPA’s back to the desired level.
e. He is to work with the pledge class and make sure they understand how important
grades are to Sigma Chi and this chapter.
f. His goal is to constantly improve the GPA of the chapter and its members.
Chapter Advisor
a. The Chapter Advisor is chosen by the undergraduate chapter as well as the
international headquarters of Sigma Chi, and responsible for representing the

undergraduate chapter at and national events, as well as assisting the undergraduate
chapter with the support of other alumni.
Philanthropy Chairman Term: Academic Year
a. He is responsible for making sure the chapter is prepared to participate in all
philanthropic events possible.
b. He is to motivate the chapter to understand the importance in giving back to the less
fortunate.
c. It is his responsibility to make sure the chapter performs well in every philanthropy,
because that is a direct reflection of our chapter.
d. His goal should to participate and place in every philanthropy. Doing this will ensure
that we as a chapter are living up to our vision/mission statement.
Community Service Chairman: Term: Academic Year
a. He is responsible for setting up community service events for the chapter to participate
in.
b. He is to motivate the chapter on the importance in helping out the community.
c. A successful community service chairman will have at least two community service
events per semester. His goal is to have every brother in attendance during these
events.
d. Striving towards two events a semester will ensure our vision/mission statement.
Social Chairman: Term: Semester
a. He is to set up social events with other organizations every other week each semester
for the chapter to enjoy.
b. He is to understand the social event policy, so that we as a chapter follow all the rules.
c. A good social chairman will ensure the safety of our chapter while making enjoyable
events for every brother.
Derby Days Chairman Term: Academic Year
a. He is responsible for setting up our annual Derby Days Philanthropy.
b. He is to create excitement within the chapter and the CUP community for the event.
c. His ultimate goal is to raise as much money as possible while making sure that
everyone involved has a great time.
d. All proceeds from the Derby Days Event will be sent to the Huntsman Cancer
Institute.
e. Derby Days will be held once a year.
Brotherhood Chairman Term: Semester
b. He is responsible in setting up brotherhood events to increase the brotherhood in the
chapter.
c. He is required to have at least two brotherhood events during the semester.
d. The goal of a brotherhood chairman is to increase the bonds of brotherhood through
fellowship between all brothers.

Greek Week/Homecoming Chairman: Year Long
a. He is responsible in informing the chapter of all the events that deal with both Greek
Week and Homecoming programs.
b. Both events deal with other organizations, so he is in charge of communicating with
those organizations as well.
c. His goal is to inspire the chapter to perform well in both events while creating new
relationships with other organizations.
d. The chapter can decide to have separate chairmen for this position. (ex: Homecoming
Chair and Greek Week Chair)
Formal Chairman: Term: Year Long
a. He is responsible for setting up a formal event for the brothers during the Spring
Semester.
b. This event should be a proper example of the professionalism of the Fraternity.
c. His ultimate goal is to create a memorable experience for every brother and date that
attends.
Ritual Chairman Term: Semester
a. He is responsible in helping the Kustos and Magister in everything that they need
done. (could be either executive as well)
b. He helps with the setup of initiation and ensuring the pledge class is prepared to
understand our ritual.
Intramural/Activities Chairman Term: Semester
a. He is responsible in registering the chapter for any intramural event that takes place
on campus.
b. He must notify each brother that wants to participate the proper way to register for
intramural events.
c. If there are intramural jerseys then he is responsible in making sure that they are
washed and cleaned before every game.
d. In order to live up to our vision/mission statement he must strive to win every event
while having fun. Doing this will also increase our brotherhood as a chapter.
T-Shirt Chairman Term: Semester
a. He is in charge in the design of all t-shirts and sizes that the
chapter desires.
b. If other organizations desire our shirts it is his responsibility to
make sure they know about the shirts.
Fundraising Chairman Term: Academic Year
a) He is to raise funds for the chapter to use in the
budget or to donate towards philanthropy.
b) All fundraisers are mandatory, thus, there is to be a
minimum requirement fundraised per member. If said
member does not participate in the fundraiser he is to
pay the minimum amount of money required by the
Executive Committee.
c) The fundraising chair will create at least three(3) events per

semester that will generate money towards the chapter.

Section 3: Elections
a. The Chapter shall make nominations for the spring elections for all ritual positions on the first
regularly scheduled meeting in April. At the second regularly scheduled meeting in April,
after nominations have been made, the Chapter shall elect officers as prescribed in the Ritual.
Once elected the officers will not be installed until the spring pledge class is initiated. During
the newly initiated brother’s first chapter, the newly elected officers shall be installed to
provide a period of transition. All ritual positions shall be elected as prescribed by the ritual.
b. The Chapter shall make nominations for the fall elections for all semester long executive
positions on the first regularly scheduled meeting in November of the fall semester. At the
second regularly scheduled meeting in November, after nominations have been made, the
Chapter shall elect officers as prescribed in the Ritual. Once elected the officers will not be
installed until the fall pledge class is initiated. During the newly initiated brother’s first
chapter, the
newly elected officers shall be installed to provide a period of transition. All ritual positions
shall be elected as prescribed by the Ritual.
c. If any office except the Consul becomes vacant, nominations for the said office shall be made
at the next regular or special Chapter meeting. At the next regular or special Chapter meeting
following said nominations, but at least 24 hours after the first nominations have been made,
the Chapter shall fill the vacant office as prescribed by the Ritual.
d. Anyone wishing to run for a position must receive a majority vote by the active voting chapter
to assume their desired position. At the next regular Chapter meeting, the elected officer(s)
shall be installed according to the Ritual.
e. The Consul shall assume or delegate the duties of the vacant office until said office is filled by
a vote of the active Chapter.
f. If the office of the Consul shall become vacant, the Pro Consul shall be immediately declared
Consul.
g. If the offices of both Consul and Pro Consul become vacant, the Chapter shall fill these
vacancies immediately with a secret ballot election at the next regular or special Chapter
meeting.
h. There shall be no form of campaigning for or endorsements of candidates running for
elected office. If one is deemed in violation of this statute they will be subjected to
immediate Judicial Board and will lose voting rights for the remainder of the semester
and if the candidate is aware of campaigning and does not act to end the actions, he will
be automatically removed from the election process.
i. A candidate in the election process may discuss why he is qualified for a position and
discuss this with other voters.
Section 4: Officer Transition period
a. A newly elected officer will not assume full responsibility of their office until after he has
attended four meetings with the previous officer in his position, to discuss current goals,
and the long term vision for that particular position. The officer transition meetings must
take place within a 2 week period after elections take place, the goal being to keep progress
steady without dropping off after a new person take office.
b. The newly elected Executive Board will not assume full responsibility until after they have

attended two meetings with the previous Pro-Consul, to discuss current goals, and the long
term vision. The Executive Board transition meetings must take place within a 2 week
period after elections take place, the goal being to keep progress steady without dropping
off after a new Executive Board takes office.

Section 5: Officer Eligibility
a. No member may be elected to or installed into an office unless he has satisfied all Chapter
obligations, financially or otherwise, and is an enrolled student at Clarion University of
Pennsylvania during the semester of his election and during the term of his office.
b. No brother in the active Chapter may hold office or be nominated for an office unless he has
maintained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in all subjects carried at the University of
Clarion Pennsylvania. In order to be nominated for a Ritual Position, or hold a Ritual
Position, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
c. If an officer does not meet the GPA requirement for his position, a 2/3 vote will be required
for him to remain in his position.
d. No brother may hold more than one Ritual office at any time.
Section 6: Impeachment and Votes of Confidence
a. Any officer (i.e. Consul, Pro Consul, Quaestor, Recruitment Chairman), may be impeached
for non-exemplary conduct or conduct not becoming of a Sigma Chi.
b. Votes of confidence must be openly brought to the chapter by the person calling the Vote of
Confidence, and during that time must discuss the motive for calling the vote, and the specific
reason(s) why the officer is no longer fit for office in the Theta Alpha Chapter of the Sigma
Chi Fraternity.
c. Any office or elected position shall be declared vacant and the brother impeached by a twothirds vote of the active Chapter, but only after charges have been openly brought against the
officer in a Chapter meeting by a member of the Chapter at least one week prior to the
meeting at which the impeachment vote is taken.
d. There is a mandatory vote of confidence called on the Executive Board two chapter
meetings before the end of the fall semester.

Article IV Committees
Section 1: Committees
a. There shall be the following committees:
• Executive Committee
• Finance Committee
• Judicial Committee
b. Any member of the active Chapter not explicitly declared a member of a particular committee
shall nevertheless be welcomed in participating as a member of the said committee.
c. The meeting time and place of each committee shall be set by the chair of the said committee.
d. Any officer may elect to have a committee designed to help him carry out his duties, i.e.
Scholarship Committee, Ritual Committee, Social Committee, etc.
Section 2: Executive Committees
a. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Consul, Pro Consul (Chairman),
Magister, Quaestor, Annotator, Recruitment Chairman, Kustos, Risk Management
Chairman, Tribune, Historian and Chapter Editor
b. All officers that wish to speak at Chapter meetings must submit an oral report to the Executive
Committee at the Executive Committee meeting prior to the Chapter meeting. If the officer
cannot attend the Executive Committee meeting, he must submit a written request.
c. After each Chapter meeting, officers that have given an oral report must submit a written
report of the week’s activities.
d. The Annotator shall keep records of the Executive Committee minutes; the Pro Consul shall
keep records of all officer reports.
e. Except as provided under Subsection J, the Executive Committee shall be responsible for
planning the chapter calendar, setting the agenda of the Chapter meetings, making
recommendations to the Chapter on all unfinished business, authorizing expenditures in the
approved budget as they occur, coordinating and giving final approval for the actions of all
other committees except for such matters that said committee gives sole responsibility for in
these bylaws, and disposing of all routine administration of the Chapter provided for in the
approved budget.
f. The Executive Committee shall, at its discretion, place on the Chapter agenda any business of
general interest to the active Chapter.
g. The Executive Committee shall not make recommendations on any type of membership
ballots.
The active Chapter may consider for final approval any matter that comes before the
Executive Committee upon request from the members of the active Chapter prior to the
Chapter meeting following the Executive Committee meeting. The request must be in writing,
include the signature of five (5) dissenting brother, and submitted prior to the Chapter
meeting.
j. The Pro Consul shall include, in each report to the Chapter, the total number of absences from
Executive Committee meetings of each member of the Committee during that semester.
k. Executive Meeting times will be decided by the Pro Consul as long as the times do not inhibit
an Executive member from regularly attending the meeting.

Section 3: Finance Committees (if applicable)
a. The Finance Committee shall consist of the Pro Consul, Quaestor (Chairman), the
Chapter Advisor, and the Alumni Liaison. The Chairman of the Finance Committee
shall be the Quaestor.
b. The Alumni Liaison shall be appointed by the Consul.
c. Quorum of the Finance Committee shall be three (3) members, one of which is an alumnus.
d. Three (3) votes in the affirmative by members of the Finance Committee are required for all
decisions of the Committee, regardless of attendance.
e. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for the Financial Policy of the chapter and its
fulfillment, and in addition, any brother who does not abide by the provisions mentioned in
these bylaws or hereinafter aforementioned for the payment of bills to the chapter shall be
subject to such disciplinary actions as the Finance Committee deems best. Statute 7.02, the act
that empowers the Fraternity’s Executive Committee to initiate membership suspension, of
the Sigma Chi Constitutions will be invoked whenever necessary.
f. The Financial Policy, as adopted by the Finance Committee will take precedence over these
bylaws. The Financial Policy must be reviewed each semester by the Finance Committee with
suggestions for alterations submitted by any member of the Chapter. All requests for
amendments to the Financial Policy must be in writing.
g. The Finance committee has the sole responsibility for approval of an individual’s financial
payment plans and initiating financial expulsion proceeding.
h. If a brother is making a purchase fails to submit a purchase order form in order to be
reimbursed by the Quaestor within fourteen (14) days of the purchase, the obligation will no
longer be the chapter’s liability and the brother who made the purchase shall incur the debt.

Section 4: Judicial Board
a. Purpose of the Judicial Board shall be: Respond fairly and decisively to brothers who have
brought dishonor to the Chapter and the Fraternity through their actions at any time, either
while at a Chapter-sponsored event or otherwise. To hold Brothers accountable for breaking
any Sigma Chi Statutes and/or Bylaws. To hold Brothers accountable to the basic
expectations of Fraternity member as outlined in the Sigma Chi Ritual.
b. The Judicial Board shall consist of one brother from each class in school ( freshman,
sophomore, junior, senior),if no freshman representative the fourth brother should be the
longest active member. These four brothers will serve as the voting members of the Judicial
Board. Judicial Board Chairman will be responsible for arranging the meeting times for
Judicial Board, and will be the one who informs an accused brother of his punishment. If an
even number of brothers show up to vote on a Judicial Board case, and the vote on decision
of punishment becomes a tie, the Consul shall vote and be the tie breaker. If the Consul is
absent, the Pro-Consul or Judicial Board Chairman will be the tie breaking vote.
c. The members of the Judicial Board shall be elected each semester or as necessary in the case
of membership resignation and serve no more than three (3) consecutive terms.
d. Accusations: The Chapter’s Consul or member of the Executive Committee is informed by:
(a) a witness
(b) another Brother
(c) the Interfraternity or Pan-Hellenic Council
(d) Clarion University of Pennsylvania
(e) other credible sources, e.g. the Clarion Police Department
e. The Executive Committee, if appropriate, will automatically put the Brother(s) involved in the
incident on immediate suspension from all Chapter activities (social events, intramural sports,
etc.) for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) days pending the outcome of an investigation and
decision by the Judicial Board.
f. Investigation of Incident:
The Consul shall contact the Chairman of the Judicial Board who will notify the other board
members, begin collecting facts, and if necessary, set a trial date which must take place within
the fifteen (15) business days suspension period listed in (2) above. A Judicial Board hearing
may not be called on a brother more than 15 days after the incident occurred. The Judicial
Board Chairman shall notify the Brother(s) accused immediately and give him forty-eight
(48) hours to respond to the allegations. Responses shall only be given to the Consul and the
Pro Consul.
g. Trial:
A trial shall be held on the date set by the Judicial Board Chairman in Subsection 1 under
Investigation of Incident unless Brother(s) admit guilt in which case there is no trial and the
Chairman of the Judicial Board shall apply the appropriate punishment.
The date shall be set far enough in advance to provide participants and witnesses’ ample time
and notice to make arrangement to attend.

h. The Board shall be presented with all the facts and either: make a decision,
decide to hear further from witnesses, those accused, and any other person the board decides
will be needed. In this case, further testimony will be entertained after which a decision will
be rendered.
i. Punishments: If the Brother(s) is found to be guilty, the punishment shall be assigned by
offense. The Judicial Board will levy a first offense punishment from their first tier unless the
incident is of a serious nature to warrant the initiation of trial board proceedings. On a second
offense, the Judicial Board shall assign punishment from the second tier, etc. Each time a
brother is brought before the Judicial Board during his undergraduate membership, he shall be
given a higher tier of punishment even if the incident is different in nature.
i. First Tiera) Verbal reprimand accompanied by a signed agreement which specifically states
that the guilty party(ies) will not engage in the prohibited activity again.
b) If necessary, an acceptable letter of apology shall be written by the Brother(s)
involved in the incident approved by the Judicial Board Chairman and the Consul.
c) The brother will not be allowed any unexcused absences from chapter meetings.
d) The brother will be required to participate in at least three pledge functions
throughout the semester. (Not including brotherhood retreat)
NOTE: The above may be replaced and/or supplemented by voluntary emotional or
substance abuse counseling.
ii. Second Tiera) The Brother will be required to stay sober at the next social event. (Including but
not limited to Brotherhood retreat and Bid Party)
b) The Brother will be assigned an additional sober sig.
c) The Brother will not be allowed any unexcused absences from chapter meetings.
d) The Brother will be required to participate in at least three pledge functions
throughout the semester. (Not including brotherhood retreat)
e) Verbal reprimand accompanied by a signed agreement which specifically states
that the guilty party(ies) will not engage in the prohibited activity again.
f) The brother will be required to participate in at least three pledge functions
throughout the semester. (Not including brotherhood retreat)
g) The brother will lose his vote on chapter issues for the remainder of the semester.
NOTE: The above may be replaced and/or supplemented by voluntary emotional or
substance abuse counseling.
iii. Third Tiera) The brother will be placed on full social probation for the remainder of the
semester and may be extended into the next semester as approved by the Judicial
Committee.
b) The Brother will not be allowed to consume alcohol in the Sigma Chi chapter
house.
c) The Brother will not be allowed any unexcused absences from chapter meetings.
d) The Brother will be required to participate in at least three pledge functions
throughout the semester. (Not including brotherhood retreat)
e) Verbal reprimand accompanied by a signed agreement which specifically states
that the guilty party(ies) will not engage in the prohibited activity again.
f) The brother will be required to participate in at least three pledge functions
throughout the semester. (Not including brotherhood retreat)
g) The brother will lose his vote on chapter issues for the remainder of the semester.

h) The brother will not be allowed to play intramural sports for the chapter. NOTE:
The above may be replaced and/or supplemented by voluntary emotional or
substance abuse counseling.
iv. Fourth Tiera) The brother will be placed on full Chapter probation for the remainder of the
semester and by be extended into the next semester as approved by the Judicial
Committee, which includes the following:
1. The brother may not attend any Sigma Chi, Theta Alpha events. (These
include but are not limited to socials, philanthropies, parties, tail-gates,
brotherhood events, intramural sports, etc.)
2. May not attend chapter. (Unless otherwise approved by the Judicial Chairman)
3. May not live in or be around the Theta Alpha Sigma Chi House at any time.
4. Failure to comply with this may result in an additional semester of chapter
suspension and a possible recommendation for expulsion.
b) Verbal reprimand accompanied by a signed agreement which specifically states
that the guilty party(ies) will not engage in the prohibited activity again.
c) If necessary, an acceptable letter of apology shall be written by the Brother(s)
involved in the incident approved by the Judicial Board Chairman and the Consul.
NOTE: The above may be replaced and/or supplemented by voluntary emotional or
substance abuse counseling.
v. Fifth Tier
a) The chapter will initiate conduct expulsion proceedings pursuant to Statute No. 7
of the Sigma Chi Statutes and 7.01 through 7.02-1 of the Executive Committee
Regulations.
Appeals: Any appeal shall be heard by the Chapter Advisor within fifteen (15) days
of the decision made by the Judicial Board. To file an appeal, the brother(s) must
make a written request to the Judicial Board Chairman and the Consul who will
forward the information to the Chapter Advisor with the transcripts with the
transcripts from the trial within three (3) days. Before an appeal is heard there must
be proof that due process was not followed.
k. The preceding tier structure may be altered for specific judicial board cases, at the
decision of the Judicial Board. (for Example: Adding an additional sober sig date may
be added)
l. Failure to comply with any Judicial Board punishment will result in an automatic
revisit of the punishment by the committee and may result in an increase in
punishment.
m. At any time the judicial board may reconvene to review a specific case to either lessen
or increase the punishment of a brother. In order to increase the punishment, the
Brother must have either directly violated their current Judicial Board punishment, or
have been brought before the Judicial Board for another incident.
n. Once the Judicial Board has reached a decision for a brother’s case, the Judicial Board
Chairman will have the brother sign a copy of the exact decision of the Judicial Board
making sure the brother is aware of the specifics of his case. Both the Judicial Board
Chairman and the brother will have a copy for records.
o. The Judicial Board Chairman will be directly responsible for keeping a record of all
Judicial Board meetings and passing this record down to the next Judicial Board
p. If an incident happens over the summer or winter break the Judicial Board will
convene once the next semester has started.

Section 5: Scholarship Committee
a. All brothers below a 2.5 QPA and all new members are required to participate in our
chapter’s scholarship program. Also, brothers that have a 2.5 or better cumulative QPA and
their previous semester’s GPA is below 2.5will be required to be on the following scholarship
program.
b. Social Restrictions
a. Brothers below a 2.5 cumulative QPA will not have any privileges to attend socials or
participate in intramural sports.
b. If a brother has QPA 2.5 but his previous semester’s GPA is at least .75 better than
their QPA then they will be limited to three socials per semester.
c. Brothers who have greater than a 2.5 QPA and their previous semester’s GPA is
below a 2.5 they will have the privileges to attend all socials.
d. Chapter Meetings, New Member Functions/ Activities or Formals are not included as
socials.
c. Everyone participating in this scholarship program must meet with the scholarship
chair during the 1st two weeks of a semester.
a. During this meeting the Chairman and individuals will review GPA and QPA goals
and how to accomplish them.
b. Participants should be prepared with previous semester grades and the syllabus of all
current courses.
d. Every 2 weeks throughout the semester participants will meet with the scholarship chairman.
a. During this meeting they will review grades and achievements on any paper, projects,
tests, quizzes or assignments.
b. The scholarship chair will chart/spreadsheet achievements and ensure progress is going
along as planned by set goals.
c. If a brother misses this meeting and is unexcused, they will not be allowed to attend the
next social.
d. If a brother is excused then they have 5 days to make up their required meeting.
e. Failure to properly comply with these meeting requirements may subject new members
or brothers to be denied of membership privileges as determined by the Executive
Committee and Chapter; up to and including probation, suspension, or termination of
membership.
e. Every semester the scholarship chair will set up at least one workshop for brothers and new
members to attend on how to do well in classes.
f. All individuals participating in this program must complete 5 logged study hours a week.
g. If logged hours do not show improvement the individual must complete all hours in the
library.

Article V: Finances
Section 1: Pledge Fees
a. Pledge fees of the Theta Alpha Chapter shall be $375, $275 which shall be paid prior to the
Ceremonies of Initiation, $100 which shall be paid and sent to the General Fraternity upon
the submission of the 400A form.
Section 2: Semester Dues
a. The fees for all full membership brothers will be set at $375, and are to be paid in full by
the start of the formal Rush process, unless a payment plan and schedule are worked out

between the brother and the Quaestor by the same deadline. Fees will increase by 10% if
a brother fails to arrange a payment plan by the aforementioned deadline. All fees are to
be paid in full before the last regularly scheduled active meeting of the semester. (Unless
there are unforeseen circumstances which will be handled by the finance committee)
Section 3: Semi-Annual Dues to the General Fraternity
a. Each active member shall pay to the Quaestor the sum of $100 for the first two semesters after
his initiation. Alumni members must pay in full before graduation.
b. The Quaestor and Annotator shall submit these dues to the Executive Secretary along with
the Semi-Annual Report before the prescribed deadline for submission.
Section 4: Chapter House and Occupancy
a. In order to live in the Chapter House, the brother must be in good standing with the School,
and Fraternity. A delinquent brother may not have a preference in picking a vacant room, only
if there is no one else to fill the house will a delinquent brother or academically suspended
brother be allowed to fill a vacant room.
b. Room selection will take place whenever the lease is signed.
c. Brothers with First pick of a vacant room must be currently living in the house:
• You will have higher priority in picking a vacant room based on how many semesters
you have lived in the house. If you have lived in the house for 3 semesters, you have
priority over someone who has only lived for 2 semesters.
• If you have lived in the house for 1 full academic year, then you will have 2nd choice
to a vacant room.
• A brother who lives out of the house, and wishes to move in, shall have 3rd priority
based on initiation pin order.
• If there is a vacant room after all these circumstances, it will be first come, first serve
to brothers in good standing and pledges.
d. Brothers who are subleasing will not have priority on choosing a vacant room, since their
name is not on the housing contract.
e. All brothers living in the University registered house must submit to all the rules and
regulations of the Theta Alpha Chapter, the university, and the general fraternity.
Section 5: 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 meet with
the financial committee 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.
Section 6: Dues Structure
a. The Quaestor shall provide all members with the dues structure by the second week of each semester.
b. Dues for the spring semester will be due the last chapter of the fall in order to receive 10% off. Dues for the fall
semester will be due the last week of June in order to receive 10% off

Section 7: Financial Suspensions
a. Delinquency is defined as having an outstanding balance over $0 from a previous semester.
Brothers who owe any money from a previous semester will lose their vote on chapter issues.
Brothers who owe over $500 will be classified severely delinquent.
b. Severely delinquent brothers will be suspended from the chapter. Said brothers will not have a
vote on chapter issues, will not be able to play intramural sports, and will be on social
probation until the debt is paid down under $500. Financial suspension proceedings will
began at such time any brothers shall become delinquent.
Financial suspension shall be carried out as prescribe in the Sigma Chi Statutes, Statute 7,
Section 7.02.
c. Once a brother is suspended from the chapter, a local collection agency shall be contacted to
recover the money rightfully owed to the Chapter and Fraternity.
d. Brothers who are financially suspended, or are in the process of being expelled, or are not
current with their financial obligations to the chapter, shall abide by the following
stipulations:
Said brother will not be allowed to attend or participate in any chapter activities including, but
not limited to social events and intramural sports. Social events include brotherhood retreat
and all brotherhood events.
Section 8: Financial Suspensions
a. Any brother who has a cumulative Grade Point Average below a 2.5 will be on Academic
Probation with the Fraternity for 1 semester. Brothers with below a 2.5 QPA cannot hold a
position in the fraternity. Any brother on Academic Probation will not have a vote on chapter
issues, will not be able to participate in Intramural Sports, and will not be able to attend
socials, unless to be a sober driver.
Section 9: Billing
a. Each brother will receive a copy of their bill or invoice at least one month prior to the start of
each semester. Brothers shall make checks payable to the “Sigma Chi Fraternity.”
b. Each brother’s parents shall also receive a copy of their son’s bill, unless said brother opts out
of this service.
c. The bills sent to either the Brother or their parents shall be itemized to show a breakdown of
costs so that there is no question on as to how the money is being spent.
Section 10: Education and Prevention
a. The Bylaws shall 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
the Financial Policy with the Chapter annually.
b. No pledge shall be initiated in the chapter who has an outstanding balance with the Chapter.
c. No pledge shall be allowed to take the International Pledge Exam or enter into I-Period
unless he has paid his Initiation Fee.
d. Upon Initiation, each new brother shall:
-Fill out a financial policy under the guidance of the Quaestor. The policy shall be signed
by the brother and/or his parents.

Article VI Amendments
Section 1: Procedure to Make Amendments to Bylaws
a. To amend these Bylaws, a proposal must be presented to the Executive Committee in writing,
after which the proposal shall be presented to the next regular Chapter meeting.
b. The proposal shall not be voted upon until the second regular chapter meeting after the one in
which it was first read. A two-thirds affirmative vote of the active chapter present shall
constitute approval of said amendment. (If quorum is met in the chapter meeting, as
prescribed in these bylaws). The amendment shall go into effect immediately, unless
otherwise stated in the amendment if it is approved.

Article VII Conduct
Section 1: Personal Conduct
a. Each brother and pledge shall conduct himself as a gentleman and in a manner which shall
preclude any conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline or unbecoming of a member of
the Fraternity within the meaning of its laws while he is on the Chapter grounds, engaged in a
chapter-related function, or is engage in any activities which shall be a reflection on the
Chapter because of his actions.
b. Any serious violation of the Sigma Chi Constitution or the Theta Alpha Chapter Bylaws
described herein, determined as such by the Executive Committee or the Judicial Board, shall
be subject to the disciplinary action of the Judicial Board.
Section 2: Conduct with Pledges
a. Every active shall treat the pledges of the chapter with a high respect and esteem emulating
the ideals of the White Cross. In no way shall his conduct be in violation of the guidelines set
up in of these Bylaws.
b. Any brother in violation of the foregoing ruling shall be subject to the disciplinary action of
the Judicial Boards and at their discretion be subject to the action as put forth in the Sigma
Chi Constitution, Section 7.01, which enable the Executive Committee of the Fraternity to
impose sanctions on members due to their conduct and discipline.
Section 3: Illegal Drugs
a. Per the Governing Laws, the Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Chapter do not condone the
possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs.
b. There should be no illegal drugs present at any function associated with Sigma Chi or any
other function where Sigma Chi is represented or on any property owned, or operated by
Sigma Chi.
c. All illegal substances are banned from the chapter house property and any Sigma Chi
related event. Failure to comply will result in a Judicial Board Sanction.
d. If contraband is brought in by a non member, the individual will be asked to leave and
will be banned from the house until the end of the semester.

Article VIII General
Section 1: Distribution of the Bylaws
a. The Magister is responsible for giving each pledge a copy of the Bylaws and house rules and
seeing that he is familiar with them within three (3) weeks of his formal pledging.
b. Each Brother is entitled to a copy of the Bylaws and house rules. In addition, copies shall be
given to the Chapter Advisor, the Grand Praetor, and the General Fraternity Headquarters.
Availability of the bylaws shall be the responsibility of the Annotator.
c. The Sigma Chi organization and Theta Alpha Chapter agrees to abide by Pennsylvania
State Statutes regarding hazing. Furthermore, agrees to abide by all Office of Student
Organizations policies as outlined in the student handbook, to check the organization’s
mailbox regularly, to communicate via email upon request, and to update the organization’s
records whenever there is a change.
d. In order to attend our spring semester Formal and any other date functions we may have in the
fall semesters, all brothers must participate in a community service.
e. All community services must be approved by the community service chairman and the brother
must provide documentation of participation.
Section 2: Copy of the Bylaws
a. Every active brother and pledge will have the right to a hard copy of the bylaws at the
beginning of each semester.
Section 3: Awards (Presented at Formal)
a. Each semester a scholarship for ¼ off dues shall be given to the brother with the highest
G.P.A in the case of a tie it will default to the highest QPA. as well as the brother with the
most improved G.P.A. The brother must be an active member in good standing in order to
receive this award.
b. At the end of each year the chapter will recognize brothers with the following awards. (A
secret ballot will be cast)
1. Officer of the Year Award. This award will be given to the most outstanding officer
of the year.
2. New Member of the Year Award. This award will be given to the most outstanding
new member of the year.
3. Julio A. Varela Award. This award is the highest honor Theta Alpha can give to an
undergraduate member. This member is to exemplify the standards in the Ritual,
Creed, Jordan Standard, and has gone beyond the call of duty to make this world a
better place.

Article IX RISK MANAGEMENT
Section 1: Procedures
a. In the event of an emergency, brothers are instructed to take the
following actions respectively.
a. Contact the following if not present:
i. Emergency Service (Police Dept., Fire Dept, Ambulance etc.)
ii. Consul
iii. Chapter Advisor
iv. Grand Praetor
v. Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life
vi. Other Theta Alpha active members
b. Close facility, end event, and secure premises (Do not allow any
unauthorized personnel on premises (Including media and people who are
not brothers or emergency response.)
c. Assemble Chapter members for an emergency meeting to discuss situation and
decide course of action. (Chapter Advisor or Director of Fraternity and Sorority
Life may also be asked to be present at this meeting.)
Section II: Alcohol & Drugs
c. 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.
d. 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 is prohibited.
e. Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of
the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are
prohibited.
f. No chapter may co-sponsor, or co-finance in a function at which alcohol is
purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organization.
g.

All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may not be
held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor.

h. No member, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or
sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age)
c. 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 associate with the fraternity is prohibited.

Section III: Hazing

a. No chapter, 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, whether 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 IV: 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, whether physical, mental or emotional. This
is to include any actions, on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or
emotional. This is to include any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter
premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to women or men,
including but not limited to verbal harassment, or 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.
Section V: 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 such as initiation.
Section VI: 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
a judicial board hearing 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, to
be known as a ‘Brother-At-Arms’, 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) The Risk Manager, in order to ensure all Chapter policies are followed
and all persons in attendance at any event are safe, has the authority to
designate a ‘Brother-At-Arms’. The ‘Brother-At-Arms’ is to assist, or in
the case of his absence, perform all the duties of the Risk Manager. The
‘Brother-at-Arms’ is an appointed duty for only the duration for a specific
event.
d) The Risk Manager is to declare as many ‘Brothers-At-Arms’ based up
chapter policies for specific events or occurrences. In absence of any preset
policies, he is to assign a number of “Brother-At-Arms’ as he sees fit for the
given situation. Brothers are to be informed a week prior at chapter to an
event that they are one of/the ‘Brother-At-Arms’.
e) If a Brother is unable to perform his duties as ‘Brother-At-Arms’ for his
assigned event, it is his duty to inform the Risk Manager and find his own
replacement. If the case were to arise that the Risk Manager was to need
extra assistance during an event, he may ask for volunteers to be an
additional ‘Brother-At-Arms’.
f)

If there are no open volunteers and there is dire need, the Risk Manager may
assign ‘Brother-At-Arms’ to a Brother. The Brother must be in a sound state
of mind or any other ill effects that would impede the Brother’s ability to
perform his Risk Management Duties.

g) The assignment of ‘Brother-At-Arms’ in dire need must be voted upon by the
Executive committee for approve at the next Executive Committee.
h) If a Brother who was assigned to be ‘Brother-At-Arms’ or any other Brother
feels the Risk Manager was overstepping his boundaries or wronged by the
assignment, he may bring this issue up to the Executive Committee the
following week after the event where they will hear his case and vote upon a

solution.
i) 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.
j) The Risk Manager is to ensure that all Risk Management Policies are
followed to the fullest extent and maintain them. He is to also make sure all
Risk Manager Policies are in an open source location for all the Brothers to
see.
k) The Risk Manager is to conduct an in-depth Drug and Alcohol Seminar for
all the Brothers and New Members each semester. He is to keep the
information in the presentation up to date and relevant. The presentation must
be seen by all the Brothers and New Members, barring excuses. The seminar
will be placed It is suggested either the Chapter Advisor or the Faculty
Advisor is to be present to the seminar, but it is suggested that both attend to
ensure quality and provide insight. After the seminar, all in attendance are to
rate the value of the program and suggest ways on how to improve it.
l) Brother at arms must be selected for a social 48 hours before the event.
Section VII: War Games
The Risk Manager is to conduct a minimum of 2 ‘War Games’ per semester. The date and
times of these sessions will only be known to the Executive Board. The purpose of the ‘War
Games’ is to prepare the Brothers for the event of a real crisis scenario, test their
performance in said scenarios, and evaluate their performance. . The evaluation and
feedback from these sessions will be carried out by the Risk Manager and actors in the ‘War
Games’. The proper procedure of how to act in a crisis scenario is outlined in the ‘Crisis
Management Plan’ Policy. Throughout the Academic year, the subject of these “Crisis
Management” Sessions must include, but are not limited to, at least one session dealing
with each of the following:
a. Alcohol
i. Dealing with extremely intoxicate Brothers
ii. Dealing with extremely intoxicated non-affiliated persons
b. Death
c. Burglary
d. Extreme Injury (requiring hospitalization)
e. Missing Persons
f. Unruly Guests
i. Removing a guest who is being less than compliant or is causing a

disturbance in a proper manner
g. Sickness
i. Poison (toxic substance ingested, poisonous material involved, etc)
h. Major Property Damage
i. A portion of the house was damaged due to Brotherhood Activities
ii. A portion of the house was damaged due to an outside source

Section VII: Policy for In House Events
a. Closed Party (Must be on guest list to enter, we keep guest lists for proof of
who attended social.)
b. One monitor at front door to check IDs (wristbands to mark 21+, marker for
18+) and manage guest list. (1)
c. Sober Event Monitors (2) (President, Social Chairman, and Risk Management
Chair must remain completely sober at all social events.)
d. One bartender (remain sober and collect drinks and distribute to people with
wristbands, bartenders are instructed to not distribute to visibly intoxicated
guests) All drinks must be poured into a plastic cup.
e. One Door is used as entrance and exit. (To monitor the people who are
coming and leaving and track who is currently at our social)
f. Four Hour time limit ending no later than 2 am
g. All brothers that have attended the social must clean the house within 48 hours at
the end of the social. The house must be cleaned two days before a social can
occur.
h. All socials must be approved first by the social chair and then Executive
Committee.
i. There is only to be two social within two weeks during the semester. For example:
the chapter may have two socials in one weekend but none the following week. In
addition the chapter may spread out the two socials to be one social a week.

Section VIII: Policy for Out of House Social Events (Third Party Vendor)
a. Sober Event Monitors (3) (President, Social Chairman, Risk
Management Chair)
b. Third Party must provide bartenders and security.

Section IX: House Rules (nonsocial rules)
a. Absolutely NO Kegs, Party Balls, or Funnels shall be permitted in on the
premises at any time.
b. Absolutely no drugs, paraphernalia, illegal weapons, or other contraband in the
State of Pennsylvania shall be permitted.
c. Trash or personal items may not be stored or placed in any fire exits or in the
common areas.

f.

Violations of Risk Management Policy
a. Any violation of the Risk Management Policy will result in referral to the
Chapter’s Judicial Board and will result in an appropriate punishment.
Punishments include but are not limited to: suspensions, referrals, probation,
community service, and expulsion