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CONSTITUTION
of the
DELTA ZETA SORORITY
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Originally presented by
ELIZABETH COULTER STEPHENSON
Alpha
and adopted at the 1908
National Convention
2010
Confidential Property of the Delta Zeta Sorority
Constitution •
1
The Original Articles of Incorporation
THESE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
-ofThe Sorority
Witnesseth, That we, the undersigned, All of whom are citizens of the
State of Ohio, desiring to form a corporation, not for profit, under the
general corporation laws of said State, so hereby certify:
FIRST. The name of said corporation shall be Delta Zeta Sorority.
SECOND. Said corporation shall be located, and its principal business
transacted at Miami University, Oxford in Butler County, Ohio.
THIRD. The purpose for which said corporation is formed is as
follows:
To build up the character and cultivate the truest and deepest
friendship among its members. To stimulate one another in the pursuit of
knowledge and the attainment of a high standard of morality; to inculcate
elevated sentiments and noble principles and to afford each other every
possible assistance and to incite all to the attainment of a memorable
fame. Grateful to God for His bountiful gifts, rich blessings and tender
mercies – do hereby associate ourselves together, under the laws of Ohio –
for the incorporation of secret societies.
In Witness, Whereof, We have hereunto set our hands, this twentyfourth day of October, A.D. 1902.
ALFA LLOYD
MARY COLLINS
ANNA LOUISE KEEN
JULIA LAWRENCE BISHOP
MABELLE M. MINTON
ANNE DIAL SIMMONS
2 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
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The State of Ohio, County of Butler, ss.:
On this 28 day of October, A.D. 1902, personally appeared before me
the undersigned, a Notary Public within and for said county, the above
names Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Louise Keen, Julia L. Bishop,
Mabelle M. Minton, and Anne Dial Simmons, who each severally
acknowledged the signing of the foregoing articles of incorporation to be
her free act and deed, for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.
Witness my hand and official seal on the day and year last aforesaid.
O. B. FINCH
Notary Public County of Butler
The State of Ohio, County of Butler, ss.:
I, John L. Hoffman, Jr., Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within
and for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that O. B. Finch, whose
name is subscribed to the foregoing acknowledgment as a Notary
Public, was at the date thereof a Notary Public, in and for said county,
duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized as such to take said
acknowledgement; and further, that I am well acquainted with his
hand-writing, and believe that the signature to said acknowledgement is
genuine.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Court, at Hamilton, this 28 day of October, A.D. 1902.
JOHN L. HOFFMAN, JR.
Clerk
I, Louis C. Laylin, Secretary of State, of the State of Ohio, do hereby
certify that the foregoing is an exemplified copy, carefully compared by me
with the original record now in my official custody as Secretary of State,
and found to be true and correct, of the Articles of Incorporation of Delta
Zeta Sorority, filed in this office on the 7th day of November, A.D. 1902,
and recorded in Volume 92, Page 54, of the Records of Incorporation.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed
my official seal at Columbus, the 7th day of November, A.D. 1902.
LOUIS C. LAYLIN
Secretary of State
4 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
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CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
To implement the Articles of Incorporation signed on October
twenty-fourth, nineteen hundred and two by our Founders, we therefore,
as members of the Delta Zeta Sorority, desiring to unite more closely in
the bonds of sincere friendship, recognizing it as a basis of union and for
the advancement of its purpose, do hereby ordain and establish these laws
for its government.
Any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation as specified by the
Founders of the Delta Zeta Sorority shall require a seven-eighths vote
of the National Convention.
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this Sorority shall be Delta Zeta.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
Section 1. The purpose of this Sorority shall be to unite its members
in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in
the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its
members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action; objects
worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort.
Section 2. The purpose of this Sorority shall be advanced through the
National Convention, the National Council and the college and alumnae
chapters.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility. Membership in Delta Zeta may be obtained
only by initiation into a college chapter and is open only to matriculated
students, former students and faculty women of colleges and universities
of recognized standing; or by the consent of the National Council upon
presentation of equivalent qualifications.
Section 2. Admission. Admission into Delta Zeta shall be by vote
of the members in good standing in the chapter in which the candidate is
proposed for membership or by approval of the National Council.
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Section 3. Qualifications. All members of Delta Zeta shall be chosen
for moral, social and intellectual worth. Membership shall not be denied
because of race, religion, national origin or disability status. It shall be
the duty of each member to exemplify in her daily conduct the noble
principles of this Sorority, to promote the welfare of the whole by every
means consistent with a high sense of honor, to obey its laws, to avoid
all conduct which may be criticized among acquaintances or be offensive
to her fellow members and to exert herself to promote and maintain
harmony and prosperity of the Sorority.
Section 4. Records. Membership in Delta Zeta shall include all
persons recognized as such on the books and records of the Sorority
and such persons as shall become members under the provisions of this
Constitution.
Membership in Delta Zeta shall be for life unless terminated for cause by
action of the National Council.
ARTICLE IV
GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE V
NATIONAL CONVENTION
Section 1. The National Convention shall meet biennially at a time
and place specified by the National Council except during a period of
national emergency or because of circumstances beyond its control when
it may be postponed by a seven-eighths vote of the National Council.
Notice of the time and place of the National Convention shall be sent to
each member of the National Convention by the Executive Director at
least ninety days before the date of Convention.
Section 2. The National Convention shall have the power to enact
laws in accordance with this Constitution for the government of the
Sorority and to make amendments thereto; to designate the location of
the executive office known as National Headquarters; to transact business
necessary to the development of the Sorority; to formulate policies; to
elect the officers and members of the National Council; to provide for
the creation, administration and audit of all funds of the Sorority; and to
cause to have published and distributed records of its proceedings.
Section 2. The executive and judicial authority is vested in the
National Council with all the power over the affairs of the sorority in the
interim between conventions, except the modification of any convention
action and the amendment of the Constitution.
Section 3. Members. The members of the National Convention shall
be: one delegate and the College Chapter Director from each college
chapter in good standing; one delegate from each alumnae chapter in
good standing; National District Directors; Regional Collegiate Directors;
Area Alumnae Directors; the chairmen of standing and designated special
committees; the National Council; and former members of National
Council. Each member is entitled to one vote in Convention regardless
of dual classification.
Section 3. For purposes of systematic government and organization,
this Sorority shall be divided as follows:
Section 4. Credentials. All members of National Convention shall
present credentials before receiving a seat and vote at Convention.
Section 1. The supreme legislative authority of the Delta Zeta Sorority
shall be vested in the National Convention.
National:
National Convention
National Council
Executive Board
Collegians:
National District Directors
Regional Collegiate Directors
College Chapter Directors
College Chapters
Section 5. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of two-thirds of the
voting members of the Convention.
Section 6. Officers. The officers of the National Convention shall be
the officers of the National Council.
Section 7. Rules. Rules of procedure for the Convention shall be
adopted at the first business meeting.
Alumnae:
Area Alumnae Directors
Alumnae Members
Alumnae Chapters
Chapter Associations
8 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
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Section 8. Reports. The National Convention shall consider the reports
of officers and committees and take action upon the recommendations,
provided that such recommendations are submitted in writing to the
Resolutions Committee.
All biennial reports of the National Council, and other reports deemed
necessary, shall be published for distribution at Convention to officers,
committee chairmen and official delegates.
Section 4. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee
shall consist of a chairman who shall be a Past National Officer appointed
by National Council at least six months prior to the next Convention.
In the event the chairman is unable to serve once the meeting has been
established, an alternate shall be appointed by National Council. Eight
members shall be chosen at random at the last business meeting of
Convention. The delegates shall be divided into six groups as follows:
1. National District Directors, Regional Collegiate Directors
Section 9. Convention Expense. All necessary expenses of the
National Convention shall be paid from the national treasury by order of
the National Council.
2. Area Alumnae Directors
3. National Standing Committee Chairmen
ARTICLE VI
NATIONAL OFFICERS’ ELECTION
Section 1. Officers. The national officers elected at each National
Convention shall be a President, a Vice President of Membership, a
Vice President of Collegians, a Vice President of Alumnae, a Vice President
of Finance and a Vice President of Administration.
Section 2. Qualifications. The elected officers of the National
Council shall be college graduates. They shall be chosen from among the
alumnae members of wide sorority, professional and volunteer experiences
or service to Delta Zeta and other organizations; and shall be members in
good standing. No member shall hold concurrently more than one elective
office; no member shall be elected to National Council until she shall have
been a member of Delta Zeta for two years; and no member shall be elected
to the presidency who has not previously held a National elective office.
No salaried employee member of the Delta Zeta Sorority shall be
eligible for an elected or appointed office in the Sorority. No former
employee member of the Delta Zeta Sorority shall be eligible for an elected
or appointed office until after she has been unemployed by the Sorority for
at least one year.
Section 3. Nomination. In January before Convention, the
members of National Council, former National Council members,
National District Directors, Regional Collegiate Directors, Area Alumnae
Directors, College Chapter Directors, National Standing Committee
Chairmen and all college and alumnae chapters shall be canvassed by the
Executive Director for names of persons to be considered as candidates
for election at Convention. These names shall be sent to both the chairman
of the Nominating Committee and the National Constitution Chairman
and shall be postmarked by February 10, unless otherwise determined
by National Council.
10 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
4. College Chapter Directors (2)
5. College Chapters (2)
6. Alumnae Chapters
These groups shall meet separately to select by random drawing one
representative, excepting group four, which shall select two individuals and
group five, which shall select two chapters. Each region may submit one
representative from College Chapter Directors, and one from the College
Chapters. The members selected at Convention to the Nominating
Committee from group five, designated College Chapters, and group six,
designated Alumnae Chapters, shall be selected as a chapter representative
and not as an individual. First and second alternates for each group shall
be selected by random drawing at the same time. In the event the member
or the alternates are unable to serve, the National Council shall appoint a
person to serve from the members of their respective groups.
A. Procedure. The Nominating Committee shall meet at a central
location at least ninety days prior to Convention to consider the
recommendations and to nominate at least one candidate for each
elective office to be filled at Convention.
If a member of the Nominating Committee agrees to be a nominee
for National Council, she shall resign from the committee and the
alternate shall succeed her.
Constitution •
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B. Report. The Nominating Committee report shall be published
within thirty days after the committee meeting and presented at the
first-day’s business meeting of Convention. Nominations from the
floor may be made at the second-day business meeting by any
delegate provided the nominee has all the necessary qualifications
and her name has been submitted to the Nominating Committee
for certification not later than 6:00 p.m. of the first-day business
meeting. The consent of all nominees shall be secured before their
names are placed in nomination, either by the Nominating
Committee or by a member from the floor.
Section 5. Election of National Officers. Election shall be by written
ballot or by a voting machine. A plurality vote shall elect. The polls shall
be opened no later than thirty-six hours after the presentation of the
Nominating Committee report. When there is only one candidate for each
office, the Vice President of Administration can be authorized to cast a
vote of the assembly for the candidates.
Section 6. Installation. The officers of the National Council shall be
installed by the presiding officer of the Convention which elects them.
Should such presiding officer be re-elected to the National Council, the
installation shall be conducted by a former national president.
Section 7. Tenure. The term of office for all elected national officers
shall be two years or until a successor has been elected and installed.
Elected officers shall serve no more than two terms consecutively in
the same position. One term shall be defined as a period of two years
beginning with election at one Convention and extending to the next
Convention. An individual shall serve no more than twelve consecutive
years on National Council whether elected or appointed without a leave
of absence of two years with the exception of the Past National President.
The twelve years of a national officer may be extended by two years when
she is completing a second term in the same position.
Section 8. Removal from Office. For cause, any officer may, by a
two-thirds vote of the National Council, be requested to resign, and upon
her failure to resign as requested, the remaining officers shall declare such
office vacant.
Section 9. Vacancy. A vacancy occurring in an office on the
National Council, including that of the President, in the interim between
Conventions, shall be filled by a written ballot vote of the members of
National Council. In case a vacancy occurs in the office of the President,
the Vice President of Membership shall give the notice of such election.
12 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
ARTICLE VII
NATIONAL COUNCIL
Section 1. Members. The members of National Council shall be the
elected officers, the appointed National Panhellenic Conference Delegate,
an appointed Past National President, and such other members as may be
appointed by National Council.
Section 2. Duties. The National Council shall have general
supervision of the affairs of Delta Zeta, interpret and execute the laws of
the Sorority, and have the authority to sign the name of the Sorority when
necessary in the performance of their respective duties.
The National Council shall have specific power as follows:
A. To appoint:
i.
the Past National President;
ii. the National Panhellenic Conference Delegate and
alternates;
iii. the National District Directors; the Regional Collegiate
Directors and the Area Alumnae Directors;
iv. Standing and Special Committee Chairmen;
v. Members to the Board of Trustees of the Delta Zeta
Foundation and the Board of Trustees of the National
Housing Corporation.
B. To approve the appointment of:
i.
College Chapter Directors;
ii. Area Alumnae Chairmen;
iii. Members of all standing and special committees.
C. To cause to be edited and published at least three issues yearly
of The LAMP of Delta Zeta, the magazine of the Sorority, and all
other material deemed necessary, for the proper conduct of the
work of the Sorority.
D. To grant charters for the establishment of college chapters; to
recognize alumnae chapters; to withdraw the charter of, to place
on probation or suspension any chapter for due cause; and to
re-establish a chapter after the withdrawal of a charter.
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E. To have sole power to expel members for cause and to reinstate
members.
ARTICLE IX
COMMITTEES
F. To maintain the executive office known as National Headquarters
and for this purpose to execute a lease, sign deeds, purchase
equipment, and employ an Executive Director.
G. To adopt standing rules of procedure for the Sorority.
H. To present recommendations for consideration to the
National Convention.
I. Where there is flagrant substantiated violation of Delta Zeta
Sorority standards and purposes, to cause the immediate
withdrawal of a chapter charter.
Section 3. Meetings. The National Council shall meet prior to and
immediately after each National Convention. Additional meetings of the
National Council may be called by the President or any three officers.
Notice of the time and place of any such meeting shall be sent at least ten
days before the date of the meeting.
Section 4. Voting. National Council may take action without
meeting, provided a majority of members give consent. In cases requiring
a two-thirds, three-fourths or unanimous vote of National Council, these
requirements shall be met.
Section 1. Standing Committees. The following standing committees
shall be established by the National Council:
Academics
Awards
Constitution
Extension
Field Activities
Finance
History
Music
New Member Education
Philanthropy
Publications
Recruitment
Risk Management
Ritual
Standards
Training and Program Development
The chairmen of standing committees shall be appointed for a two-year
term by National Council and the committee members shall be approved
by the National President. Each chairman shall submit an annual report to
the National Council. All vacancies in the chairmanships shall be filled by
the National Council.
Section 2. Special Committees. Other committees, as authorized by
the National Convention or the National Council, shall be appointed by
the National President and approved by the National Council.
ARTICLE VIII
ARTICLE X
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The Executive Board of the National Council shall consist
of the President and the Vice Presidents. The President may appoint
additional Council members as may be deemed necessary. The Executive
Board shall have general supervision of the Sorority and act for the
National Council according to adopted policy in the interim between
Council meetings.
Section 2. The Executive Board shall act in cases of emergency in the
interim between Council meetings, subject to ratification by National
Council, and shall perform such other duties as may be authorized by
National Council.
Section 3. The Executive Board shall meet at the call of the President
or upon request of three of its members. Notice of the time and place of
the meeting shall be sent by the Executive Director at least six days before
the date of the meeting. It shall make a complete report of each meeting to
the National Council.
14 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
DIVISION
Section 1. Areas. The National Council shall establish and name areas
consisting of any number of states or portions thereof to form convenient
units of alumnae government.
Section 2. Regions. The National Council shall establish and name
regions, consisting of states, provinces or portions thereof, to form a
convenient unit of college government.
Section 3. Districts. The National Council shall establish and name
districts, consisting of regions, states, provinces or portions thereof, to
form a convenient unit of region government.
Section 4. Officers. The National Council shall appoint a National
District Director for each district, a Regional Collegiate Director for each
region and an Area Alumnae Director for each area for a two-year term.
Constitution •
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ARTICLE XI
COLLEGE CHAPTER - ESTABLISHMENT
Section 1. Extension. Each extension possibility shall be approved
by the National Council before any official contact is made. A colony of
Delta Zeta may be established by petition or colonization at any college or
university qualified to confer the bachelor’s degree and which is accredited
by the regional accrediting authority and when the potential for fulfilling
all requirements for chartering exist.
Section 2. Name. Chapters shall be named in order of acceptance into
the Sorority by letters of the Greek alphabet. National Council may omit
certain combinations when it is appropriate. If a chapter becomes inactive
or if its charter is withdrawn, its name and place on the chapter roll shall
remain intact, except when transferring the charter to another college is
advisable. In this case, the name of the transferred chapter shall be granted
to the new chapter.
Section 3. Charter. A charter may be granted by the National
Council only when all the necessary requirements have been fulfilled or
by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at National
Convention. Each charter shall be signed by the National President and
National Vice President of Administration and attested by the seal of the
Sorority. It shall be transmitted to the new chapter upon fulfillment of
all requirements.
Section 4. Charter Withdrawn. A charter may be withdrawn by a
unanimous vote of the members of National Council or a three-fourths
vote of the National Convention if the campus conditions or the conduct
of a chapter is prejudicial to the policies and existence of Delta Zeta.
Ninety days before the withdrawal of the charter of a chapter, the
National Council shall notify in writing the College Chapter Director, the
Regional Collegiate Director, the President of the Chapter, the President
of the House Corporation, and the Area Alumnae Director of the reasons
and terms for the withdrawal and the procedure for reestablishment.
Where there is flagrant substantiated violation of Delta Zeta Sorority
standards and purposes, the charter withdrawal may be immediate.
Section 5. Re-establishment. A chapter which has become inactive or
whose charter has been withdrawn may be re-established by a two-thirds
vote of National Council or the National Convention when all necessary
qualifications have been fulfilled for establishing a new chapter.
Section 6. Reorganization. A chapter may be reorganized by decision
of the National Council. In the event of a reorganization, all collegiate
members in good standing shall be immediately placed on alumnae status
in good standing.
ARTICLE XII
COLLEGE CHAPTER - POWER AND DUTIES
Section 1. Initiation. The college chapter is the basic unit of the
organization and shall have the exclusive right of initiating members into
Delta Zeta in accordance with the rules and ritual of the Sorority except as
provided for in Article VII, Section 2 that the National Council shall have
the power (a) to initiate members at installation and Convention or (b) to
delegate to qualified alumnae the responsibility of initiating members at
special initiations approved by the Executive Board.
Section 2. Jurisdiction. The college chapter shall conduct the work
of the Sorority in local affairs. It shall have custody of all records and
property of the Sorority entrusted to the chapter. It shall make and
enforce such bylaws and standing rules for its own government as are
not inconsistent with those herein prescribed and which have been
approved by the College Chapter Director and the National Constitution
Chairman. The college chapter shall have jurisdiction and disciplinary
powers as herein prescribed over all members of the Sorority matriculated
in the college or university and affiliated with the chapter.
The chapter shall instruct its members on the principal policies of
Delta Zeta, shall send the president of the chapter as the official delegate
to the National Convention and make such reports as shall be required.
If a chapter should become inactive or have its charter officially
withdrawn, its charter, all assets, properties and records shall be returned
to National Headquarters.
Section 3. Dues and Fees. The college chapter shall be responsible for
collecting all fees due the national treasury and shall levy and collect dues
for chapter purposes.
Section 4. Officers and Committee Chairmen. Each college chapter
shall elect a President, a Vice President of Membership, a Vice President
of New Member Education, a Vice President of Programs, a Secretary, a
Treasurer, a Historian/Chaplain, a Panhellenic Delegate, and the chairmen
of all standing committees.
A Parliamentarian and two Guards shall be appointed by the President
with the approval of the newly elected officers.
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Constitution •
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All officers elected or appointed shall meet the requirements for good
standing. A member may serve as President of her chapter only if she has
been an initiated member for at least one college year at the time of the
installation of officers except with the special permission of the College
Chapter Director.
Section 5. Election. A nominating committee shall be selected at least
two weeks before the election of officers. The chairman shall be elected by
the chapter as a whole, and one member from each undergraduate class
shall be elected by the initiated members of her class unless otherwise
determined by a national representative. Each member of the committee
shall canvass the members of her class and from the names proposed,
the committee shall prepare and present the report at least one week
before election. The names of the proposed officers shall be approved
by the College Chapter Director or national representative before the
report is read at the chapter meeting. Nominations from the floor may be
made following the presentation of the Nominating Committee report,
provided the candidates have given their consent, have all the necessary
qualifications and the approval of the College Chapter Director and their
names have been submitted to the Nominating Committee not later than
forty-eight hours prior to the election.
Election shall be by written ballot. A majority of those members
present and in good standing shall elect the candidate. Before the vote is
taken, the names of all ineligible to vote shall be read by the Secretary.
All chapter officers and committee chairmen shall be elected no later
than March 1 unless the campus or chapter situation requires an exception
to be made with approval of the College Chapter Director or the Regional
Collegiate Director. Their term of office shall begin immediately following
installation. The retiring President shall install the newly elected officers
according to the prescribed ritual.
Section 6. Term of Office. All officers shall serve for a period of
twelve months or until their successors are elected and installed. A vacancy
occurring in any office including that of the President shall be filled by
nomination and general election at the first regular meeting thereafter.
If a vacancy occurs while the school is not in regular session or when
time does not permit for elections, an appointment may be made by the
College Chapter Director in consultation with the Executive Board or
any designated national representative. For cause, any officer or chairman
may, by two-thirds vote of the college chapter, be requested to resign.
If she fails to resign as requested, the College Chapter Director shall
declare such office vacant, and shall report such action to the Regional
Collegiate Director.
18 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Section 7. College Chapter Director. The College Chapter Director
shall be appointed annually by the Regional Collegiate Director or official
chapter visitor, subject to the approval of the National Council. Where
feasible, a College Chapter Director shall appoint an advisory board of
alumnae to assist her with the college chapter. She shall work with the
Regional Collegiate Director to aid the college chapter to maintain high
achievement in all phases of the sorority program.
ARTICLE XIII
ALUMNAE CHAPTERS
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of an alumnae chapter shall be to
unite members of Delta Zeta in a given geographical area in order to assist
the college chapters and to foster friendship, ideals and the general interest
of Delta Zeta.
Section 2. Establishment. Recognition of an alumnae chapter may
be made upon request of any group of alumnae who provide a contact
alumna, a complete roster and make an annual per member dues payment
to the Sorority as established by the National Convention. The request
shall come through the Vice President of Alumnae. Upon an affirmative
vote of the majority of the National Council, appropriate recognition
shall be sent to the contact alumna and the chapter listed in The LAMP.
An alumnae chapter shall be named for the city, town or district in
which it is located.
Section 3. Membership. An initiated member of Delta Zeta in
good standing who has assumed alumna status, graduated or who has
withdrawn from college shall be eligible for membership in the alumnae
chapter of her choice.
Section 4. Power and Duties. Each alumnae chapter shall have the
following power and duties: to accept initiated members in good standing
into the alumnae chapter; may adopt bylaws and shall conduct its affairs
in a manner consistent with the standards and purposes of Delta Zeta
Sorority; to elect an official delegate to the National Convention; to make
such reports as are required or requested; and to levy and collect fees for
chapter use.
Section 5. Eligibility and Voting Criteria. Each alumnae chapter
shall be encouraged to support the Delta Zeta Foundation. Those chapters
desiring to be eligible for national awards shall make an annual per
member dues payment to the Sorority, as established by the National
Constitution •
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Convention. Chapters desiring a vote at National Convention shall meet
the following criteria each year of the biennium:
a. Provide a contact person by the designated deadline.
Section 5. Dissolution. In the event of the termination, liquidation
or dissolution of the Sorority, all of its assets shall be distributed for
educational and charitable purposes, the details of such distribution to be
administered by the National Council.
b. Provide a complete roster of all members.
c. Make a minimum specified annual per member dues payment to
the Sorority.
Section 6. Withdrawal. Recognition of an alumnae chapter may be
withdrawn for cause and its rights suspended.
Section 7. Chapter Associations. Chapter associations shall unite
collegiate and alumnae members of a college chapter for the purpose
of establishing close communication and advancing the best interests
of the chapter and Delta Zeta. Each member initiated into the Sorority
automatically becomes a member of her own chapter association.
ARTICLE XIV
FINANCE
Section 1. Funds. The National Council shall administer all funds of
the Sorority based on the budget adopted at Convention.
National Council shall prepare a written certified financial report each
year. The financial report shall be supported by a detailed analysis showing
income, expenses and investments, which shall be available upon request.
Within five months after the end of the fiscal year, affiliate
organizations shall submit a certified financial report to the National
Council.
Section 2. The Fiscal Year. The fiscal year shall begin July first each
year and continue through June thirtieth of each succeeding year.
Section 3. Solicitation of Funds. No funds shall be solicited from any
person in the name of the Sorority or any collegiate chapter or alumnae
chapter or special purpose group, or in the name of Delta Zeta Sorority, an
Ohio Corporation, without prior written approval of the Executive Board
of the National Council.
Section 4. Expenses. All Delta Zetas on official business may be
reimbursed for the expenses incurred according to the procedure adopted
by the National Council.
20 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
ARTICLE XV
HOUSING
Section 1. House Corporation. Alumnae members shall upon
authorization of National Council, organize and operate a non-profit
corporation to hold title to or rent real and/or personal property for
the meeting or housing requirements of a college chapter. Any such
corporation shall be organized and operated in conformity to the statutes
of the state in which the college chapter is located and to the Constitution
and Code of Regulations of the Delta Zeta Sorority. The Articles of
Incorporation, charter, constitution, code of regulations and bylaws of
any such house corporation, together with any amendments thereto,
shall only be adopted with prior approval of the National Housing
Administrator, appointed by National Council.
Section 2. In the event the college chapter for which a house
corporation was organized becomes inactive, upon request of National
Council, the house corporation shall promptly dissolve and after payment
of legal house corporation debts, transfer all remaining assets to Delta
Zeta Sorority. All assets of a house corporation are held in trust for the
benefit of Delta Zeta Sorority. If any such college chapter is reactivated,
Delta Zeta Sorority, an Ohio Corporation, shall make available to any
house corporation organized for the benefit of such reactivated chapter
an amount equal to the net amount, plus interest at a rate established by
the National Council, which Delta Zeta Sorority, an Ohio Corporation,
received upon the dissolution of the house corporation. No member of
the Sorority or of the House Corporation shall receive any property or
funds of any house corporation without the prior approval of National
Council. Upon request of National Council, any members of the House
Corporation shall resign their office as director, trustee, officer or member.
Section 3. It shall be the duty of every member of Delta Zeta
associated with a House Corporation, whether organized before or
after the date of this amendment (June 21, 1979), to cause such House
Corporation to comply with the Constitution and Code of Regulations
of the Delta Zeta Sorority and to honor any financial obligations which
the House Corporation may have to the Sorority.
Constitution •
21
ARTICLE XVI
ARTICLE XVII
INSIGNIA AND FOUNDERS DAY
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1. Badge. Delta Zeta recognizes only one badge of
membership. It shall be the Roman lamp in gold, resting upon an Ionic
column and having upon each side three wings of Mercury. The official
jeweling shall be a diamond in the flame, and four pearls at the base of
the lamp. The lamp shall bear the Greek letters ΔΖ in black enamel.
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall
govern the Sorority in all cases to which they are applicable and in
which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution.
All Delta Zeta badges are the property of the Sorority. A badge shall be
loaned to an initiated Delta Zeta for her own use during her lifetime or
until she shall be officially requested to forfeit it. Any member loaning her
badge to one not entitled to wear it shall forfeit it.
Section 2. Colors. The colors shall be rose and green.
Section 3. Flower. The flower shall be a rose in the hue of rose.
Section 4. The Motto. Dia-Karturoi Zuperon
Section 5. Other Insignia. Other insignia of the Sorority shall be the
Coat of Arms, the Delta Zeta flag, the seal, pins including the pledge,
badge guard, mother’s, father’s, and husband’s, recognition, the Order of
the Golden Rose, and the Order of the Pearl; and only such other insignia
which may be established by the National Convention.
ARTICLE XVIII
AMENDMENT
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any business
meeting of the Convention, provided the amendment has been proposed
by National Council or by a special committee so authorized, or has been
sent in writing to the Vice President of Administration; and provided a
copy of the proposed amendment has been sent to each chapter by April
first before the Convention. If the amendment is not so submitted, it may
be presented to the Convention by approval of a three-fourths vote of the
voting delegates.
CONSTITUTION REVISIONS AND REPRINTINGS 1916, 1926,
1933, 1940, 1945, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1965,
1966, 1970, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996,
1998, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010
Section 6. Symbols. The symbols shall be those specified by the
Founders in our Ritual.
Section 7. Any changes in the Ritual, badge, symbols, colors or other
insignias as specified by the Founders shall require a seven-eighths vote of
the National Convention.
Section 8. Founders Day. The twenty-fourth of October shall be
set aside and known as Founders Day, at which time every college and
alumnae chapter shall arrange appropriate observance. On this day, the
colors shall be worn under the badge.
22 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
23
INDEX
Alumnae Chapters
Chapter Associations ..................20
Eligibility and Voting Criteria .....19
Establishment .............................19
Membership................................19
Power and Duties........................19
Purpose .......................................19
Withdrawal.................................20
Amendment.......................................21
Articles of Incorporation ................... 3
College Chapter – Establishment
Charter .......................................16
Charter Withdrawn ....................16
Extension ....................................16
Name ..........................................16
Reestablishment ..........................16
Reorganization ...........................17
College Chapter – Power and Duties
College Chapter Director ............19
Dues and Fees .............................17
Election.......................................18
Initiation .....................................17
Jurisdiction .................................17
Officers and Committee
Chairmen ..............................17
Term of Office.............................18
Committees
Special Committees .....................15
Standing Committees ..................15
Constitution Revisions and
Reprintings .................................23
Division
Areas ..........................................15
District........................................15
Officers .......................................15
Regions .......................................15
Executive Board ................................14
Finance
Dissolution .................................21
Expenses .....................................20
Fiscal Year ..................................20
Funds ..........................................20
Solicitation of Funds ...................20
Government
National ................................... 8
Collegians ................................ 8
Alumnae................................... 8
24 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Housing
House Corporation ..................21
Insignia and Founders Day
Badge .......................................22
Colors ......................................22
Flower ......................................22
Founders Day ...........................22
Motto, The...............................22
Other Insignia ..........................22
Symbols....................................22
Membership
Admission ................................
Eligibility..................................
Qualifications ...........................
Records ....................................
7
7
8
8
National Convention
Convention Expense.................10
Credentials ............................... 9
Members .................................. 9
Officers .................................... 9
Quorum ................................... 9
Reports ....................................10
Rules ........................................ 9
National Council
Duties.......................................13
Meetings ..................................14
Members ..................................13
Voting ......................................14
National Officers’ Elections
Election of National Officers ......12
Installation ...............................12
Nominating Committee............11
Nomination..............................10
Officers ....................................10
Procedure .................................11
Qualifications ...........................10
Report ......................................12
Removal from Office ................12
Tenure ......................................12
Vacancy ....................................12
Parliamentary Authority.................23
Preamble ........................................ 7
Purpose .......................................... 7
of the
DELTA ZETA SORORITY
Printerfor placement
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Originally presented by
ELIZABETH COULTER STEPHENSON
Alpha
and adopted at the 1908
National Convention
2010
Confidential Property of the Delta Zeta Sorority
Constitution •
1
The Original Articles of Incorporation
THESE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
-ofThe Sorority
Witnesseth, That we, the undersigned, All of whom are citizens of the
State of Ohio, desiring to form a corporation, not for profit, under the
general corporation laws of said State, so hereby certify:
FIRST. The name of said corporation shall be Delta Zeta Sorority.
SECOND. Said corporation shall be located, and its principal business
transacted at Miami University, Oxford in Butler County, Ohio.
THIRD. The purpose for which said corporation is formed is as
follows:
To build up the character and cultivate the truest and deepest
friendship among its members. To stimulate one another in the pursuit of
knowledge and the attainment of a high standard of morality; to inculcate
elevated sentiments and noble principles and to afford each other every
possible assistance and to incite all to the attainment of a memorable
fame. Grateful to God for His bountiful gifts, rich blessings and tender
mercies – do hereby associate ourselves together, under the laws of Ohio –
for the incorporation of secret societies.
In Witness, Whereof, We have hereunto set our hands, this twentyfourth day of October, A.D. 1902.
ALFA LLOYD
MARY COLLINS
ANNA LOUISE KEEN
JULIA LAWRENCE BISHOP
MABELLE M. MINTON
ANNE DIAL SIMMONS
2 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
3
The State of Ohio, County of Butler, ss.:
On this 28 day of October, A.D. 1902, personally appeared before me
the undersigned, a Notary Public within and for said county, the above
names Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Louise Keen, Julia L. Bishop,
Mabelle M. Minton, and Anne Dial Simmons, who each severally
acknowledged the signing of the foregoing articles of incorporation to be
her free act and deed, for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.
Witness my hand and official seal on the day and year last aforesaid.
O. B. FINCH
Notary Public County of Butler
The State of Ohio, County of Butler, ss.:
I, John L. Hoffman, Jr., Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within
and for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that O. B. Finch, whose
name is subscribed to the foregoing acknowledgment as a Notary
Public, was at the date thereof a Notary Public, in and for said county,
duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized as such to take said
acknowledgement; and further, that I am well acquainted with his
hand-writing, and believe that the signature to said acknowledgement is
genuine.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Court, at Hamilton, this 28 day of October, A.D. 1902.
JOHN L. HOFFMAN, JR.
Clerk
I, Louis C. Laylin, Secretary of State, of the State of Ohio, do hereby
certify that the foregoing is an exemplified copy, carefully compared by me
with the original record now in my official custody as Secretary of State,
and found to be true and correct, of the Articles of Incorporation of Delta
Zeta Sorority, filed in this office on the 7th day of November, A.D. 1902,
and recorded in Volume 92, Page 54, of the Records of Incorporation.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed
my official seal at Columbus, the 7th day of November, A.D. 1902.
LOUIS C. LAYLIN
Secretary of State
4 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
5
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
To implement the Articles of Incorporation signed on October
twenty-fourth, nineteen hundred and two by our Founders, we therefore,
as members of the Delta Zeta Sorority, desiring to unite more closely in
the bonds of sincere friendship, recognizing it as a basis of union and for
the advancement of its purpose, do hereby ordain and establish these laws
for its government.
Any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation as specified by the
Founders of the Delta Zeta Sorority shall require a seven-eighths vote
of the National Convention.
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this Sorority shall be Delta Zeta.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
Section 1. The purpose of this Sorority shall be to unite its members
in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in
the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its
members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action; objects
worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort.
Section 2. The purpose of this Sorority shall be advanced through the
National Convention, the National Council and the college and alumnae
chapters.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility. Membership in Delta Zeta may be obtained
only by initiation into a college chapter and is open only to matriculated
students, former students and faculty women of colleges and universities
of recognized standing; or by the consent of the National Council upon
presentation of equivalent qualifications.
Section 2. Admission. Admission into Delta Zeta shall be by vote
of the members in good standing in the chapter in which the candidate is
proposed for membership or by approval of the National Council.
6 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
7
Section 3. Qualifications. All members of Delta Zeta shall be chosen
for moral, social and intellectual worth. Membership shall not be denied
because of race, religion, national origin or disability status. It shall be
the duty of each member to exemplify in her daily conduct the noble
principles of this Sorority, to promote the welfare of the whole by every
means consistent with a high sense of honor, to obey its laws, to avoid
all conduct which may be criticized among acquaintances or be offensive
to her fellow members and to exert herself to promote and maintain
harmony and prosperity of the Sorority.
Section 4. Records. Membership in Delta Zeta shall include all
persons recognized as such on the books and records of the Sorority
and such persons as shall become members under the provisions of this
Constitution.
Membership in Delta Zeta shall be for life unless terminated for cause by
action of the National Council.
ARTICLE IV
GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE V
NATIONAL CONVENTION
Section 1. The National Convention shall meet biennially at a time
and place specified by the National Council except during a period of
national emergency or because of circumstances beyond its control when
it may be postponed by a seven-eighths vote of the National Council.
Notice of the time and place of the National Convention shall be sent to
each member of the National Convention by the Executive Director at
least ninety days before the date of Convention.
Section 2. The National Convention shall have the power to enact
laws in accordance with this Constitution for the government of the
Sorority and to make amendments thereto; to designate the location of
the executive office known as National Headquarters; to transact business
necessary to the development of the Sorority; to formulate policies; to
elect the officers and members of the National Council; to provide for
the creation, administration and audit of all funds of the Sorority; and to
cause to have published and distributed records of its proceedings.
Section 2. The executive and judicial authority is vested in the
National Council with all the power over the affairs of the sorority in the
interim between conventions, except the modification of any convention
action and the amendment of the Constitution.
Section 3. Members. The members of the National Convention shall
be: one delegate and the College Chapter Director from each college
chapter in good standing; one delegate from each alumnae chapter in
good standing; National District Directors; Regional Collegiate Directors;
Area Alumnae Directors; the chairmen of standing and designated special
committees; the National Council; and former members of National
Council. Each member is entitled to one vote in Convention regardless
of dual classification.
Section 3. For purposes of systematic government and organization,
this Sorority shall be divided as follows:
Section 4. Credentials. All members of National Convention shall
present credentials before receiving a seat and vote at Convention.
Section 1. The supreme legislative authority of the Delta Zeta Sorority
shall be vested in the National Convention.
National:
National Convention
National Council
Executive Board
Collegians:
National District Directors
Regional Collegiate Directors
College Chapter Directors
College Chapters
Section 5. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of two-thirds of the
voting members of the Convention.
Section 6. Officers. The officers of the National Convention shall be
the officers of the National Council.
Section 7. Rules. Rules of procedure for the Convention shall be
adopted at the first business meeting.
Alumnae:
Area Alumnae Directors
Alumnae Members
Alumnae Chapters
Chapter Associations
8 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
9
Section 8. Reports. The National Convention shall consider the reports
of officers and committees and take action upon the recommendations,
provided that such recommendations are submitted in writing to the
Resolutions Committee.
All biennial reports of the National Council, and other reports deemed
necessary, shall be published for distribution at Convention to officers,
committee chairmen and official delegates.
Section 4. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee
shall consist of a chairman who shall be a Past National Officer appointed
by National Council at least six months prior to the next Convention.
In the event the chairman is unable to serve once the meeting has been
established, an alternate shall be appointed by National Council. Eight
members shall be chosen at random at the last business meeting of
Convention. The delegates shall be divided into six groups as follows:
1. National District Directors, Regional Collegiate Directors
Section 9. Convention Expense. All necessary expenses of the
National Convention shall be paid from the national treasury by order of
the National Council.
2. Area Alumnae Directors
3. National Standing Committee Chairmen
ARTICLE VI
NATIONAL OFFICERS’ ELECTION
Section 1. Officers. The national officers elected at each National
Convention shall be a President, a Vice President of Membership, a
Vice President of Collegians, a Vice President of Alumnae, a Vice President
of Finance and a Vice President of Administration.
Section 2. Qualifications. The elected officers of the National
Council shall be college graduates. They shall be chosen from among the
alumnae members of wide sorority, professional and volunteer experiences
or service to Delta Zeta and other organizations; and shall be members in
good standing. No member shall hold concurrently more than one elective
office; no member shall be elected to National Council until she shall have
been a member of Delta Zeta for two years; and no member shall be elected
to the presidency who has not previously held a National elective office.
No salaried employee member of the Delta Zeta Sorority shall be
eligible for an elected or appointed office in the Sorority. No former
employee member of the Delta Zeta Sorority shall be eligible for an elected
or appointed office until after she has been unemployed by the Sorority for
at least one year.
Section 3. Nomination. In January before Convention, the
members of National Council, former National Council members,
National District Directors, Regional Collegiate Directors, Area Alumnae
Directors, College Chapter Directors, National Standing Committee
Chairmen and all college and alumnae chapters shall be canvassed by the
Executive Director for names of persons to be considered as candidates
for election at Convention. These names shall be sent to both the chairman
of the Nominating Committee and the National Constitution Chairman
and shall be postmarked by February 10, unless otherwise determined
by National Council.
10 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
4. College Chapter Directors (2)
5. College Chapters (2)
6. Alumnae Chapters
These groups shall meet separately to select by random drawing one
representative, excepting group four, which shall select two individuals and
group five, which shall select two chapters. Each region may submit one
representative from College Chapter Directors, and one from the College
Chapters. The members selected at Convention to the Nominating
Committee from group five, designated College Chapters, and group six,
designated Alumnae Chapters, shall be selected as a chapter representative
and not as an individual. First and second alternates for each group shall
be selected by random drawing at the same time. In the event the member
or the alternates are unable to serve, the National Council shall appoint a
person to serve from the members of their respective groups.
A. Procedure. The Nominating Committee shall meet at a central
location at least ninety days prior to Convention to consider the
recommendations and to nominate at least one candidate for each
elective office to be filled at Convention.
If a member of the Nominating Committee agrees to be a nominee
for National Council, she shall resign from the committee and the
alternate shall succeed her.
Constitution •
11
B. Report. The Nominating Committee report shall be published
within thirty days after the committee meeting and presented at the
first-day’s business meeting of Convention. Nominations from the
floor may be made at the second-day business meeting by any
delegate provided the nominee has all the necessary qualifications
and her name has been submitted to the Nominating Committee
for certification not later than 6:00 p.m. of the first-day business
meeting. The consent of all nominees shall be secured before their
names are placed in nomination, either by the Nominating
Committee or by a member from the floor.
Section 5. Election of National Officers. Election shall be by written
ballot or by a voting machine. A plurality vote shall elect. The polls shall
be opened no later than thirty-six hours after the presentation of the
Nominating Committee report. When there is only one candidate for each
office, the Vice President of Administration can be authorized to cast a
vote of the assembly for the candidates.
Section 6. Installation. The officers of the National Council shall be
installed by the presiding officer of the Convention which elects them.
Should such presiding officer be re-elected to the National Council, the
installation shall be conducted by a former national president.
Section 7. Tenure. The term of office for all elected national officers
shall be two years or until a successor has been elected and installed.
Elected officers shall serve no more than two terms consecutively in
the same position. One term shall be defined as a period of two years
beginning with election at one Convention and extending to the next
Convention. An individual shall serve no more than twelve consecutive
years on National Council whether elected or appointed without a leave
of absence of two years with the exception of the Past National President.
The twelve years of a national officer may be extended by two years when
she is completing a second term in the same position.
Section 8. Removal from Office. For cause, any officer may, by a
two-thirds vote of the National Council, be requested to resign, and upon
her failure to resign as requested, the remaining officers shall declare such
office vacant.
Section 9. Vacancy. A vacancy occurring in an office on the
National Council, including that of the President, in the interim between
Conventions, shall be filled by a written ballot vote of the members of
National Council. In case a vacancy occurs in the office of the President,
the Vice President of Membership shall give the notice of such election.
12 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
ARTICLE VII
NATIONAL COUNCIL
Section 1. Members. The members of National Council shall be the
elected officers, the appointed National Panhellenic Conference Delegate,
an appointed Past National President, and such other members as may be
appointed by National Council.
Section 2. Duties. The National Council shall have general
supervision of the affairs of Delta Zeta, interpret and execute the laws of
the Sorority, and have the authority to sign the name of the Sorority when
necessary in the performance of their respective duties.
The National Council shall have specific power as follows:
A. To appoint:
i.
the Past National President;
ii. the National Panhellenic Conference Delegate and
alternates;
iii. the National District Directors; the Regional Collegiate
Directors and the Area Alumnae Directors;
iv. Standing and Special Committee Chairmen;
v. Members to the Board of Trustees of the Delta Zeta
Foundation and the Board of Trustees of the National
Housing Corporation.
B. To approve the appointment of:
i.
College Chapter Directors;
ii. Area Alumnae Chairmen;
iii. Members of all standing and special committees.
C. To cause to be edited and published at least three issues yearly
of The LAMP of Delta Zeta, the magazine of the Sorority, and all
other material deemed necessary, for the proper conduct of the
work of the Sorority.
D. To grant charters for the establishment of college chapters; to
recognize alumnae chapters; to withdraw the charter of, to place
on probation or suspension any chapter for due cause; and to
re-establish a chapter after the withdrawal of a charter.
Constitution •
13
E. To have sole power to expel members for cause and to reinstate
members.
ARTICLE IX
COMMITTEES
F. To maintain the executive office known as National Headquarters
and for this purpose to execute a lease, sign deeds, purchase
equipment, and employ an Executive Director.
G. To adopt standing rules of procedure for the Sorority.
H. To present recommendations for consideration to the
National Convention.
I. Where there is flagrant substantiated violation of Delta Zeta
Sorority standards and purposes, to cause the immediate
withdrawal of a chapter charter.
Section 3. Meetings. The National Council shall meet prior to and
immediately after each National Convention. Additional meetings of the
National Council may be called by the President or any three officers.
Notice of the time and place of any such meeting shall be sent at least ten
days before the date of the meeting.
Section 4. Voting. National Council may take action without
meeting, provided a majority of members give consent. In cases requiring
a two-thirds, three-fourths or unanimous vote of National Council, these
requirements shall be met.
Section 1. Standing Committees. The following standing committees
shall be established by the National Council:
Academics
Awards
Constitution
Extension
Field Activities
Finance
History
Music
New Member Education
Philanthropy
Publications
Recruitment
Risk Management
Ritual
Standards
Training and Program Development
The chairmen of standing committees shall be appointed for a two-year
term by National Council and the committee members shall be approved
by the National President. Each chairman shall submit an annual report to
the National Council. All vacancies in the chairmanships shall be filled by
the National Council.
Section 2. Special Committees. Other committees, as authorized by
the National Convention or the National Council, shall be appointed by
the National President and approved by the National Council.
ARTICLE VIII
ARTICLE X
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The Executive Board of the National Council shall consist
of the President and the Vice Presidents. The President may appoint
additional Council members as may be deemed necessary. The Executive
Board shall have general supervision of the Sorority and act for the
National Council according to adopted policy in the interim between
Council meetings.
Section 2. The Executive Board shall act in cases of emergency in the
interim between Council meetings, subject to ratification by National
Council, and shall perform such other duties as may be authorized by
National Council.
Section 3. The Executive Board shall meet at the call of the President
or upon request of three of its members. Notice of the time and place of
the meeting shall be sent by the Executive Director at least six days before
the date of the meeting. It shall make a complete report of each meeting to
the National Council.
14 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
DIVISION
Section 1. Areas. The National Council shall establish and name areas
consisting of any number of states or portions thereof to form convenient
units of alumnae government.
Section 2. Regions. The National Council shall establish and name
regions, consisting of states, provinces or portions thereof, to form a
convenient unit of college government.
Section 3. Districts. The National Council shall establish and name
districts, consisting of regions, states, provinces or portions thereof, to
form a convenient unit of region government.
Section 4. Officers. The National Council shall appoint a National
District Director for each district, a Regional Collegiate Director for each
region and an Area Alumnae Director for each area for a two-year term.
Constitution •
15
ARTICLE XI
COLLEGE CHAPTER - ESTABLISHMENT
Section 1. Extension. Each extension possibility shall be approved
by the National Council before any official contact is made. A colony of
Delta Zeta may be established by petition or colonization at any college or
university qualified to confer the bachelor’s degree and which is accredited
by the regional accrediting authority and when the potential for fulfilling
all requirements for chartering exist.
Section 2. Name. Chapters shall be named in order of acceptance into
the Sorority by letters of the Greek alphabet. National Council may omit
certain combinations when it is appropriate. If a chapter becomes inactive
or if its charter is withdrawn, its name and place on the chapter roll shall
remain intact, except when transferring the charter to another college is
advisable. In this case, the name of the transferred chapter shall be granted
to the new chapter.
Section 3. Charter. A charter may be granted by the National
Council only when all the necessary requirements have been fulfilled or
by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at National
Convention. Each charter shall be signed by the National President and
National Vice President of Administration and attested by the seal of the
Sorority. It shall be transmitted to the new chapter upon fulfillment of
all requirements.
Section 4. Charter Withdrawn. A charter may be withdrawn by a
unanimous vote of the members of National Council or a three-fourths
vote of the National Convention if the campus conditions or the conduct
of a chapter is prejudicial to the policies and existence of Delta Zeta.
Ninety days before the withdrawal of the charter of a chapter, the
National Council shall notify in writing the College Chapter Director, the
Regional Collegiate Director, the President of the Chapter, the President
of the House Corporation, and the Area Alumnae Director of the reasons
and terms for the withdrawal and the procedure for reestablishment.
Where there is flagrant substantiated violation of Delta Zeta Sorority
standards and purposes, the charter withdrawal may be immediate.
Section 5. Re-establishment. A chapter which has become inactive or
whose charter has been withdrawn may be re-established by a two-thirds
vote of National Council or the National Convention when all necessary
qualifications have been fulfilled for establishing a new chapter.
Section 6. Reorganization. A chapter may be reorganized by decision
of the National Council. In the event of a reorganization, all collegiate
members in good standing shall be immediately placed on alumnae status
in good standing.
ARTICLE XII
COLLEGE CHAPTER - POWER AND DUTIES
Section 1. Initiation. The college chapter is the basic unit of the
organization and shall have the exclusive right of initiating members into
Delta Zeta in accordance with the rules and ritual of the Sorority except as
provided for in Article VII, Section 2 that the National Council shall have
the power (a) to initiate members at installation and Convention or (b) to
delegate to qualified alumnae the responsibility of initiating members at
special initiations approved by the Executive Board.
Section 2. Jurisdiction. The college chapter shall conduct the work
of the Sorority in local affairs. It shall have custody of all records and
property of the Sorority entrusted to the chapter. It shall make and
enforce such bylaws and standing rules for its own government as are
not inconsistent with those herein prescribed and which have been
approved by the College Chapter Director and the National Constitution
Chairman. The college chapter shall have jurisdiction and disciplinary
powers as herein prescribed over all members of the Sorority matriculated
in the college or university and affiliated with the chapter.
The chapter shall instruct its members on the principal policies of
Delta Zeta, shall send the president of the chapter as the official delegate
to the National Convention and make such reports as shall be required.
If a chapter should become inactive or have its charter officially
withdrawn, its charter, all assets, properties and records shall be returned
to National Headquarters.
Section 3. Dues and Fees. The college chapter shall be responsible for
collecting all fees due the national treasury and shall levy and collect dues
for chapter purposes.
Section 4. Officers and Committee Chairmen. Each college chapter
shall elect a President, a Vice President of Membership, a Vice President
of New Member Education, a Vice President of Programs, a Secretary, a
Treasurer, a Historian/Chaplain, a Panhellenic Delegate, and the chairmen
of all standing committees.
A Parliamentarian and two Guards shall be appointed by the President
with the approval of the newly elected officers.
16 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
17
All officers elected or appointed shall meet the requirements for good
standing. A member may serve as President of her chapter only if she has
been an initiated member for at least one college year at the time of the
installation of officers except with the special permission of the College
Chapter Director.
Section 5. Election. A nominating committee shall be selected at least
two weeks before the election of officers. The chairman shall be elected by
the chapter as a whole, and one member from each undergraduate class
shall be elected by the initiated members of her class unless otherwise
determined by a national representative. Each member of the committee
shall canvass the members of her class and from the names proposed,
the committee shall prepare and present the report at least one week
before election. The names of the proposed officers shall be approved
by the College Chapter Director or national representative before the
report is read at the chapter meeting. Nominations from the floor may be
made following the presentation of the Nominating Committee report,
provided the candidates have given their consent, have all the necessary
qualifications and the approval of the College Chapter Director and their
names have been submitted to the Nominating Committee not later than
forty-eight hours prior to the election.
Election shall be by written ballot. A majority of those members
present and in good standing shall elect the candidate. Before the vote is
taken, the names of all ineligible to vote shall be read by the Secretary.
All chapter officers and committee chairmen shall be elected no later
than March 1 unless the campus or chapter situation requires an exception
to be made with approval of the College Chapter Director or the Regional
Collegiate Director. Their term of office shall begin immediately following
installation. The retiring President shall install the newly elected officers
according to the prescribed ritual.
Section 6. Term of Office. All officers shall serve for a period of
twelve months or until their successors are elected and installed. A vacancy
occurring in any office including that of the President shall be filled by
nomination and general election at the first regular meeting thereafter.
If a vacancy occurs while the school is not in regular session or when
time does not permit for elections, an appointment may be made by the
College Chapter Director in consultation with the Executive Board or
any designated national representative. For cause, any officer or chairman
may, by two-thirds vote of the college chapter, be requested to resign.
If she fails to resign as requested, the College Chapter Director shall
declare such office vacant, and shall report such action to the Regional
Collegiate Director.
18 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Section 7. College Chapter Director. The College Chapter Director
shall be appointed annually by the Regional Collegiate Director or official
chapter visitor, subject to the approval of the National Council. Where
feasible, a College Chapter Director shall appoint an advisory board of
alumnae to assist her with the college chapter. She shall work with the
Regional Collegiate Director to aid the college chapter to maintain high
achievement in all phases of the sorority program.
ARTICLE XIII
ALUMNAE CHAPTERS
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of an alumnae chapter shall be to
unite members of Delta Zeta in a given geographical area in order to assist
the college chapters and to foster friendship, ideals and the general interest
of Delta Zeta.
Section 2. Establishment. Recognition of an alumnae chapter may
be made upon request of any group of alumnae who provide a contact
alumna, a complete roster and make an annual per member dues payment
to the Sorority as established by the National Convention. The request
shall come through the Vice President of Alumnae. Upon an affirmative
vote of the majority of the National Council, appropriate recognition
shall be sent to the contact alumna and the chapter listed in The LAMP.
An alumnae chapter shall be named for the city, town or district in
which it is located.
Section 3. Membership. An initiated member of Delta Zeta in
good standing who has assumed alumna status, graduated or who has
withdrawn from college shall be eligible for membership in the alumnae
chapter of her choice.
Section 4. Power and Duties. Each alumnae chapter shall have the
following power and duties: to accept initiated members in good standing
into the alumnae chapter; may adopt bylaws and shall conduct its affairs
in a manner consistent with the standards and purposes of Delta Zeta
Sorority; to elect an official delegate to the National Convention; to make
such reports as are required or requested; and to levy and collect fees for
chapter use.
Section 5. Eligibility and Voting Criteria. Each alumnae chapter
shall be encouraged to support the Delta Zeta Foundation. Those chapters
desiring to be eligible for national awards shall make an annual per
member dues payment to the Sorority, as established by the National
Constitution •
19
Convention. Chapters desiring a vote at National Convention shall meet
the following criteria each year of the biennium:
a. Provide a contact person by the designated deadline.
Section 5. Dissolution. In the event of the termination, liquidation
or dissolution of the Sorority, all of its assets shall be distributed for
educational and charitable purposes, the details of such distribution to be
administered by the National Council.
b. Provide a complete roster of all members.
c. Make a minimum specified annual per member dues payment to
the Sorority.
Section 6. Withdrawal. Recognition of an alumnae chapter may be
withdrawn for cause and its rights suspended.
Section 7. Chapter Associations. Chapter associations shall unite
collegiate and alumnae members of a college chapter for the purpose
of establishing close communication and advancing the best interests
of the chapter and Delta Zeta. Each member initiated into the Sorority
automatically becomes a member of her own chapter association.
ARTICLE XIV
FINANCE
Section 1. Funds. The National Council shall administer all funds of
the Sorority based on the budget adopted at Convention.
National Council shall prepare a written certified financial report each
year. The financial report shall be supported by a detailed analysis showing
income, expenses and investments, which shall be available upon request.
Within five months after the end of the fiscal year, affiliate
organizations shall submit a certified financial report to the National
Council.
Section 2. The Fiscal Year. The fiscal year shall begin July first each
year and continue through June thirtieth of each succeeding year.
Section 3. Solicitation of Funds. No funds shall be solicited from any
person in the name of the Sorority or any collegiate chapter or alumnae
chapter or special purpose group, or in the name of Delta Zeta Sorority, an
Ohio Corporation, without prior written approval of the Executive Board
of the National Council.
Section 4. Expenses. All Delta Zetas on official business may be
reimbursed for the expenses incurred according to the procedure adopted
by the National Council.
20 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
ARTICLE XV
HOUSING
Section 1. House Corporation. Alumnae members shall upon
authorization of National Council, organize and operate a non-profit
corporation to hold title to or rent real and/or personal property for
the meeting or housing requirements of a college chapter. Any such
corporation shall be organized and operated in conformity to the statutes
of the state in which the college chapter is located and to the Constitution
and Code of Regulations of the Delta Zeta Sorority. The Articles of
Incorporation, charter, constitution, code of regulations and bylaws of
any such house corporation, together with any amendments thereto,
shall only be adopted with prior approval of the National Housing
Administrator, appointed by National Council.
Section 2. In the event the college chapter for which a house
corporation was organized becomes inactive, upon request of National
Council, the house corporation shall promptly dissolve and after payment
of legal house corporation debts, transfer all remaining assets to Delta
Zeta Sorority. All assets of a house corporation are held in trust for the
benefit of Delta Zeta Sorority. If any such college chapter is reactivated,
Delta Zeta Sorority, an Ohio Corporation, shall make available to any
house corporation organized for the benefit of such reactivated chapter
an amount equal to the net amount, plus interest at a rate established by
the National Council, which Delta Zeta Sorority, an Ohio Corporation,
received upon the dissolution of the house corporation. No member of
the Sorority or of the House Corporation shall receive any property or
funds of any house corporation without the prior approval of National
Council. Upon request of National Council, any members of the House
Corporation shall resign their office as director, trustee, officer or member.
Section 3. It shall be the duty of every member of Delta Zeta
associated with a House Corporation, whether organized before or
after the date of this amendment (June 21, 1979), to cause such House
Corporation to comply with the Constitution and Code of Regulations
of the Delta Zeta Sorority and to honor any financial obligations which
the House Corporation may have to the Sorority.
Constitution •
21
ARTICLE XVI
ARTICLE XVII
INSIGNIA AND FOUNDERS DAY
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1. Badge. Delta Zeta recognizes only one badge of
membership. It shall be the Roman lamp in gold, resting upon an Ionic
column and having upon each side three wings of Mercury. The official
jeweling shall be a diamond in the flame, and four pearls at the base of
the lamp. The lamp shall bear the Greek letters ΔΖ in black enamel.
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall
govern the Sorority in all cases to which they are applicable and in
which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution.
All Delta Zeta badges are the property of the Sorority. A badge shall be
loaned to an initiated Delta Zeta for her own use during her lifetime or
until she shall be officially requested to forfeit it. Any member loaning her
badge to one not entitled to wear it shall forfeit it.
Section 2. Colors. The colors shall be rose and green.
Section 3. Flower. The flower shall be a rose in the hue of rose.
Section 4. The Motto. Dia-Karturoi Zuperon
Section 5. Other Insignia. Other insignia of the Sorority shall be the
Coat of Arms, the Delta Zeta flag, the seal, pins including the pledge,
badge guard, mother’s, father’s, and husband’s, recognition, the Order of
the Golden Rose, and the Order of the Pearl; and only such other insignia
which may be established by the National Convention.
ARTICLE XVIII
AMENDMENT
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any business
meeting of the Convention, provided the amendment has been proposed
by National Council or by a special committee so authorized, or has been
sent in writing to the Vice President of Administration; and provided a
copy of the proposed amendment has been sent to each chapter by April
first before the Convention. If the amendment is not so submitted, it may
be presented to the Convention by approval of a three-fourths vote of the
voting delegates.
CONSTITUTION REVISIONS AND REPRINTINGS 1916, 1926,
1933, 1940, 1945, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1965,
1966, 1970, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996,
1998, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010
Section 6. Symbols. The symbols shall be those specified by the
Founders in our Ritual.
Section 7. Any changes in the Ritual, badge, symbols, colors or other
insignias as specified by the Founders shall require a seven-eighths vote of
the National Convention.
Section 8. Founders Day. The twenty-fourth of October shall be
set aside and known as Founders Day, at which time every college and
alumnae chapter shall arrange appropriate observance. On this day, the
colors shall be worn under the badge.
22 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Constitution •
23
INDEX
Alumnae Chapters
Chapter Associations ..................20
Eligibility and Voting Criteria .....19
Establishment .............................19
Membership................................19
Power and Duties........................19
Purpose .......................................19
Withdrawal.................................20
Amendment.......................................21
Articles of Incorporation ................... 3
College Chapter – Establishment
Charter .......................................16
Charter Withdrawn ....................16
Extension ....................................16
Name ..........................................16
Reestablishment ..........................16
Reorganization ...........................17
College Chapter – Power and Duties
College Chapter Director ............19
Dues and Fees .............................17
Election.......................................18
Initiation .....................................17
Jurisdiction .................................17
Officers and Committee
Chairmen ..............................17
Term of Office.............................18
Committees
Special Committees .....................15
Standing Committees ..................15
Constitution Revisions and
Reprintings .................................23
Division
Areas ..........................................15
District........................................15
Officers .......................................15
Regions .......................................15
Executive Board ................................14
Finance
Dissolution .................................21
Expenses .....................................20
Fiscal Year ..................................20
Funds ..........................................20
Solicitation of Funds ...................20
Government
National ................................... 8
Collegians ................................ 8
Alumnae................................... 8
24 • Delta Zeta Sorority 2010
Housing
House Corporation ..................21
Insignia and Founders Day
Badge .......................................22
Colors ......................................22
Flower ......................................22
Founders Day ...........................22
Motto, The...............................22
Other Insignia ..........................22
Symbols....................................22
Membership
Admission ................................
Eligibility..................................
Qualifications ...........................
Records ....................................
7
7
8
8
National Convention
Convention Expense.................10
Credentials ............................... 9
Members .................................. 9
Officers .................................... 9
Quorum ................................... 9
Reports ....................................10
Rules ........................................ 9
National Council
Duties.......................................13
Meetings ..................................14
Members ..................................13
Voting ......................................14
National Officers’ Elections
Election of National Officers ......12
Installation ...............................12
Nominating Committee............11
Nomination..............................10
Officers ....................................10
Procedure .................................11
Qualifications ...........................10
Report ......................................12
Removal from Office ................12
Tenure ......................................12
Vacancy ....................................12
Parliamentary Authority.................23
Preamble ........................................ 7
Purpose .......................................... 7