Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ΣΩ Sigma Omega Chapter Bylaws

Transcription

1 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Carole Cutter-Hawkins Basileus Shelly Sherman-Greene Anti-Basileus

2 Table of Contents ARTICLE ARTICLE NAME PAGE ARTICLE I NAME 3 ARTICLE II PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES 3 ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP 3 ARTICLE IV OFFICERS, ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE 5 ARTICLE V CHAPTER MEETINGS 11 ARTICLE VI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 12 ARTICLE VII STANDING COMMITTEES 13 ARTICLE IIX WITHDRAWAL OF INDIVIDUAL PRIVILEGES AND RESTOR 17 ARTICLE IX HAZING 18 ARTICLE X AMENDING THE BYLAWS 19 ARTICLE XI RATIFICATION 19 ARTICLE XII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY 19 ARTICLE XIII DISSOLUTION 20

3 ARTICLE I. NAME This organization, a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, shall be known as, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. ARTICLE II. PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES The purpose of is to cultivate and encourage high ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature; to carry out, on the local level, programs of the International body, and to be of service to all mankind. ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1. shall be composed of Graduate Sorors as defined by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and, as amended. SECTION 2. Membership in shall be governed by Article IV of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and. SECTION 3. Membership intake and Initiation Membership Intake and Initiation shall be governed by Article IV Sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and, as amended. All procedures of the Membership Intake Process shall be followed per the revised Graduate Membership Intake Process Manual. In addition, a Soror who desires to serve as the sponsor of a prospective candidate or co-sponsor and/or submit a letter(s) of recommendation for prospective candidates must complete the following prior to MIP vote: 1. Attend one of the last two Regional Conferences or one of the last two Boules; 2. Participate in four chapter program activities within twelve months of the vote for the Chapter to conduct a Membership Intake Process; 3. Attend at least six chapter meetings within the last two years. Page 3

4 SECTION 4. DUES AND ASSESSMENTS a. Annual dues and assessments shall be apportioned and recommended to the body by the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall make recommendations regarding the dues and assessments through its annual budget submission. Approval of the budget by the body shall constitute approval of the dues and assessments. Payment of dues and assessments is necessary to maintain active status. b. Pursuant to Article VII, Chapter 6 of the International, each member affiliated with the Chapter shall pay all regular dues and assessments constituting the annual budget, which must include the cost of one copy of the current Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Constitution and and the Manual of Standard Procedure, unless the member presents her own copies of these documents. c. The per capita tax, which shall be included in the Chapter budget, shall not be transmitted to the International Office until financial obligations to the Chapter have been met in accordance these. For General Members, the cost of the International Constitution and and implementing handbook will accompany their per capita tax. d. Sorors graduating from college and transferring into Sigma Omega shall pay dues as apportioned by the Finance Committee and approved by the body. Said payments shall give the soror active status for the ensuing fiscal year. e. A member of a graduate chapter who has been un-financial for one year or more may reactivate by paying a designated fee. The fee may be paid through the Chapter or to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office. Payment of the reinstatement fee will be accepted after the previous indebtedness to her former chapter and the Boule has been repaid. Current dues and assessments will begin at the time of reactivation f. Sorors transferring from another graduate chapter into Sigma Omega shall pay dues and assessments as apportioned by the Finance Committee and approved by the body. Said payments shall give the soror active status for the ensuing fiscal year. g. Sorors transferring from general membership into Sigma Omega shall pay dues and assessments as apportioned by the Finance Committee and approved by the body. Said payments shall give the soror active status for the ensuing fiscal year. Page 4

5 h. Sorors who are members for fifty years, or more, shall pay dues and assessments as apportioned by the Finance Committee and approved by the body. Said payments shall give the soror active status for the ensuing fiscal year. i. The Chapter shall pay the per capita tax for the offices of Basileus, Anti-Basileus, Grammateus, Anti-Grammateus, Tamiouchos, Pecunious Grammateus, Epistoleus and Graduate Advisors. In the event the officer is a Life Member, the same per capita waiver applies. j. Dues for the next calendar year may be paid in installments. The January meeting shall be the deadline for payment of chapter dues and assessments without penalty. Pursuant to Article VII, Section 6 of the International Constitution dues shall not be transmitted to Alpha Kappa Alpha Headquarters until financial obligations to the Chapter have been met in accordance with chapter bylaws. k. The first year of chapter dues for Undergraduate Sorors who transfer into Sigma Omega immediately after graduation will be waived. These Sorors will be required to pay per capita tax and any other fees assessed by our International Office. ARTICLE IV. SECTION 1. OFFICERS, ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE OFFICERS shall have the following officers: Basileus, Anti-Basileus, Grammateus, Anti-Grammateus, Tamiouchos, Anti-Tamiouchos, Pecunious Grammateus, Anti-Pecunious Grammateus, Epistoleus, Ivy Leaf Reporter, Hodegos, Philacter, Parliamentarian, Chaplain, Historian, Nominating Committee, Member at Large, Graduate Advisor to the Undergraduate Chapter(s) elected according to Article III, Sections 21 and 22 of the International, as amended; except as otherwise provided all shall be elected by ballot. All officers with the exception of the office of Graduate Advisor, shall serve in the same position for no more than four consecutive years Page 5

6 SECTION 2. DUTIES OF OFFICERS The duties of chapter officers shall correspond to those of like designation in the International, Article I, Sections 6 through 11. a. It shall be the duty of the Basileus to preside at Executive and chapter meetings, appoint committee chairmen, request special meetings, sign financial orders of the Tamiouchos and co-sign checks. She shall be bonded. The Basileus shall enforce due observance of the Constitution and and implement programs of the Chapter. The Basileus shall be ex-officio, member of all committees except Nominating and Audit. The Basileus shall officially represent the Chapter. She shall name the chairman of the Nominating Committee. She shall vote only during the election of officers and/or to break a tie vote. She shall serve as an official delegate to the Boule, Regional Conference, and be a representative at International Leadership Seminar. She shall make an annual report at the December meeting. b. The Anti-Basileus shall possess all required qualifications of the Basileus at the time of her election. It shall be the duty of the Anti-Basileus to assist the Basileus in the performance of her duties and shall preside and/or represent the Chapter in the absence of the Basileus. The Anti-Basileus shall be the Chairman of the Program Committee. She shall serve as a delegate to the Boule and the Regional Conference. The Anti-Basileus shall be ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. She shall serve as an official delegate to the Boule, Regional Conference and be a representative at Leadership Conference. c. It shall be the duty of the Grammateus to keep a complete record of chapter meetings, activities and the Executive Committee meetings, and assist in preparing the agenda. She shall record minutes at each meeting; distribute minutes via electronic or US mail, at least 7 days prior to scheduled Executive and chapter meetings; and timely issue any necessary information to the Corporate Office. The Grammateus shall be a member of the Committee. She shall perform other tasks requested by the International Office and the local chapter. d. It shall be the duty of the Anti-Grammateus to assist the Grammateus in the performance of her duties to the Executive Committee and chapter. In the absence of the Grammateus, the Anti-Grammateus shall perform duties of the Grammateus. She shall prepare a monthly calendar of all meetings and distribute to the Chapter seven days prior to the 1st day of the month. Page 6

7 e. It shall be the duty of the Epistoleus to prepare and send the monthly newsletter with written notices of all meetings to the membership. This officer shall attend to official Sorority correspondence to include reading of chapter correspondence, retrieval of mail, responding to correspondence as directed by action of the Basileus, Executive Committee and/or chapter. Distribute correspondence within seven days of receipt. She shall serve as Chair of the Newsletter Committee. f. It shall be the duty of the Tamiouchos to keep accurate account of all money transactions, fees, and assessments. She shall receive from the Pecunious Grammateus all monies for the Chapter, deposit money in the name of the Chapter within five business days in the designated bank, and make monthly, itemized reports of all receipts and expenditures. She shall issue checks upon receipt of completed and properly signed vouchers. The Tamiouchos shall be bonded. She shall make an annual financial report at the January meeting. The Tamiouchos shall be chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee. g. It shall be the duty of the Anti-Tamiouchos to assist the Tamiouchos in keeping an accurate account of all money transactions, fees and assessments. To assist in record keeping and audit/evaluation preparation as needed. She will assist in securing the necessary signatures on all vouchers. The Anti-Tamiouchos will perform the duties of Tamiouchos due to absence and/or as necessary, but shall not sign checks. She shall be bonded. h. It shall be the duty of the Pecunious Grammateus to collect all monies, including dues and assessments, and give receipts for same. All monies shall be given within five business days to the Tamiouchos. She shall keep duplicate records of the Tamiouchos, and sign orders on the Tamiouchos for money. The Pecunious Grammateus shall be bonded. She shall maintain and update a financial roster. She shall distribute said roster to all officers at the Chapter meeting. She shall issue any necessary financial information to the Corporate Office. i. It shall be the duty of the Anti-Pecunious Grammateus to maintain a record of chapter properties and perform the duties of Pecunious Grammateus due to absence and/or as necessary. She shall, at all times, also have a current and accurate record of the financial status of each chapter member. She shall be a member of the Executive and Finance Committees. She shall also be bonded. j. It shall be the duty of the Ivy Leaf Reporter to send news before deadline dates to the International Office for publicizing activities of the Chapter in the Ivy Leaf, the press, other suitable media, and prepare chapter ads upon request. The Ivy Leaf Reporter shall serve as chairman of the Public Relations Committee and be a member of the Newsletter Committee. Page 7

8 k. The duties of the Graduate Advisor are as prescribed by the International Constitution and. These officers are under the direct supervision of the Regional Director and shall cooperate closely with the Regional Graduate Advisor Committee l. It shall be the duty of the Officers Assistant to perform such tasks as the Chapter officers require. The Officers' Assistant is appointed by the Basileus. m. The Member-at-Large shall represent the body on the Executive Committee. She shall serve as a member of the Nominating Committee. n. It shall be the duty of the Chaplain to provide opening reflections and/or inspirations for Executive Committee and chapter meetings. The Chaplain is appointed by the Basileus. o. It shall be the duty of the Historian to compile a record of the notable events and activities. She shall serve as chairman of the Archives Committee. She shall be appointed by the Basileus p. It shall be the duty of the Hodegos to serve as the official hostess of the Chapter. She shall maintain a record of all visitors. She shall receive and introduce visitors and serve as chairman of the Courtesy Committee. She shall be a member of the Membership Committee. She shall be appointed by the Basileus. q. It shall be the duty of the Parliamentarian to interpret the Constitution and of the Sorority and assist the presiding officers in matters of business procedures using Robert s Rules of Order, Newly Revised as a guide. The Parliamentarian shall be chairman of the Committee. She shall have in her possession at all meetings the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and and Manual of Standard Procedure, chapter bylaws, and Robert s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. She shall have voting privileges in chapter meetings and on ballot issues. She shall be appointed by the Basileus. r. It shall be the duty of the Philacter to serve as Sergeant at Arms and fulfill assigned duties in rituals. She shall guard the entrance to the meetings, admitting members only after proper identification. The Philacter is appointed by the Basileus. s. All officers and committee chairmen must make an annual report and file a written copy of the same with the Grammateus by the December meeting. t. All officers shall deliver to their successors all files, supplies, and other materials in their possession within thirty days of installation. Page 8

9 SECTION 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS a. There shall be named bi-annually a Nominating Committee composed of the Member-at-Large and four sorors elected; two elected during odd and two elected during even calendar years. b. Election of officers shall be held at the November meeting. Active sorors shall have electronic mail and written notice seven days prior to the meeting. Officers elected in November shall be installed at the December meeting. 1. In even years, these officers shall be elected: Anti-Pecunious Grammateus, Grammateus, Tamiouchos, Ivy Leaf Reporter, Member at Large and two Nominating Committee members. 2. In odd years, the Anti-Basileus shall succeed to the office of Basileus. These officers shall be elected: Anti- Basileus, Anti-Grammateus, Anti-Tamiouchos, Epistoleus, Pecunious Grammateus and two Nominating Committee members. 3. Annually, the Graduate Advisors shall be elected according to the procedure outlined in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Manual of Standard Procedure. c. A candidate for the office of Basileus and Anti-Basileus must have been an active member of for two consecutive years immediately prior to her nomination. She should have attended at least one of the last two Boules, and one of the last two Regional Conferences. She must have completed the International Financial Officer s Certification. d. A candidate for the office of Tamiouchos, Anti-Tamiouchos, Pecunious Grammateus, and Anti-Pecunious Grammateus must have been an active member of Sigma Omega for two consecutive years; must have attended one of the last two Regional Conferences; and completed the International Financial Officer s Certification. e. A candidate for any elected office shall have been an active member of Sigma Omega for a calendar year, January through December, prior to nomination. She shall also have attended six chapter meetings, January through December, prior to nomination. She must have participated in chapter fundraising activities within a calendar year, January through December, prior to nomination. She must also have participated in at least four chapter program activities within a calendar year, January through December, prior to nomination. Page 9

10 SECTION 4. FILLING VACANCIES a. In the case of an unexpired term of the Basileus, the vacancy shall be filled by the Anti-Basileus. If there are candidates that meet the criteria for Anti-Basileus outlined in Article 2, Section 3c, then a special election for the Anti- Basileus shall be held within sixty days after receipt of written notification of resignation to the Executive Board. Active sorors shall have electronic mail and written notice seven days prior to the meeting. b. In the case of the unexpired term of the Anti-Basileus, a special election shall be held within sixty days after written notification to the Executive Committee. Active sorors shall have electronic mail and written notice seven days prior to the meeting. c. The unexpired term of the Grammateus shall be filled by the Anti-Grammateus; and the unexpired term of the Pecunious Grammateus shall be filled by the Anti-Pecunious Grammateus. d. The unexpired term of the Anti-Grammateus and other elected officers shall be filled through appointment by the Basileus as follows: the Basileus shall recommend a soror to fill the vacancy to the Executive Committee, which may approve the recommendation by a majority vote of Executive Committee Members present and voting. The body shall be asked to approve the appointment at the next regularly scheduled monthly chapter meeting. Page 10

11 ARTICLE V. SECTION 1. CHAPTER MEETINGS MEETING DATES a. Sigma Omega shall hold one chapter meeting per month, 10 per year, except during the summer months, July and August., with certain exceptions. Chapter meetings are to be held in a manner that allows sorors to be in a room together, for face-to-face discussion, of chapter business. In the event of an emergency or special circumstances, a chapter meeting may be held electronically upon approval of the Regional Director. 1. Meetings shall not be held on holidays. 2. Meetings shall not be held in conflict with National Organizational meeting dates. 3. The September, June and other special meetings may be scheduled otherwise. 4. A special meeting of the membership may be called for a specific purpose by the Executive Committee or by a group of thirty or more active members by providing seven days written notice to the membership b. The presence of thirty active sorors shall constitute a quorum for conducting business SECTION 2. CHAPTER REGULATIONS a. The Chapter shall have joint meetings with undergraduate chapters at least twice per year. b. The Chapter shall sponsor one or more of our International Projects. c. The Chapter shall observe Founders Day annually. d. The Chapter shall sponsor an annual project for the benefit of scholarship funds, community services, or other worthy causes as recommended by the Executive Committee subject to approval by the Chapter. e. The Chapter shall send delegate(s) to Boule and Regional Conference, and the Basileus and Anti-Basileus as representative(s) to the International Leadership Conference. Boule and Regional Conference delegate representation shall be voted on by the Chapter. The Chapter shall also send officer(s) to other sorority activities/ conferences as mandated by the Directorate. Page 11

12 SECTION 3. VOTING a. Sorors shall be given electronic mail and written notice of elections. Thereafter, elections shall be by ballot. b. Business shall be voted upon by a show of hands using voting cards, or by secret ballot, at the discretion of Basileus. c. Voting on Candidates for Initiation. Sigma Omega shall adhere to and follow the Membership Intake Process outlined in the International Constitution and. Prior to voting on candidates for initiation, sorors shall be given electronic mail and written notice of the vote. d. Chapter voting in special elections shall be by written ballot. ARTICLE VI SECTION 1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMPOSITION The Executive Committee shall be composed of all elected officers, Standing Committee Chairmen and Co-chairmen. SECTION 2. MEETINGS The Executive Committee shall meet monthly at an established date and time. A quorum for this committee is twelve. Special meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at the call of the Basileus upon her own initiative or at the written request of seven active members of the Executive Committee. Page 12

13 SECTION 3. DUTIES a. The Executive Committee shall hear reports of all Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, consider member requests, approve recommendations and vote on appropriate issues for presentations to the body. b. The Executive Committee shall report to the body by having the Basileus or other designated person read the Executive Committee s recommendations' summary report at the monthly chapter meeting. c. The chairmen of Standing and Ad Hoc Committees may present to the body a written recommendations previously approved by the Executive Committee. d. The Executive Committee shall act on behalf of the Chapter when issues arise which require a timed response. ARTICLE VII SECTION 1. STANDING COMMITTEES NAMES AND APPOINTMENTS a. The Basileus shall appoint the following Standing Committee Chairmen: Archives Leadership Development Regional Awards Audit Membership Scholarship Connection Nominating Standards Fundraising Program Technology Graduate Advisory Committee Protocol Strategic Planning b. In addition, the Basileus may appoint any other committee chairmen deemed necessary to implement the programs of the Chapter. c. All appointments shall be confirmed by chapter members at the January chapter meeting or as appropriate. d. Committee chairmen shall not serve in the same position for more than four consecutive years.. e. All members of the Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees must be financial members of the Chapter. Page 13

14 SECTION 2. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES a. The Finance Committee shall prepare an annual budget and present it to the Executive Committee and chapter for review in October. The budget shall be presented to the Chapter for adoption at the regular meeting in November of each year. The Tamiouchos, Anti-Basileus, Pecunious Grammateus, and Anti-Pecunious Grammateus shall be among the members of this committee and the Tamiouchos shall be the chairman. Sorors shall be governed by the Fiscal Fitness Guide to Chapter Financial Procedures and the Sigma Omega Financial Policies and Procedures b. The Audit Committee shall be composed of three members appointed by the Basileus, who are not involved in making an official financial report. It shall be the duty of this committee to investigate the accuracy of all financial records. No financial record shall be adopted by the Chapter which has not been authenticated by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall audit annually the books of the Pecunious Grammateus and Tamiouchos and submit a report. The Audit Committee should complete an annual audit and submit report to Executive Committee by April 30th and read during May s Executive Committee and chapter meetings. c. The Program Committee shall have the responsibility of planning and overseeing implementation of program events and projects as well as a chapter Program Calendar, all in accordance with International Program Guidelines. The Chapter calendar must include a Founders' Day Observance in January, February or March. It shall be the duty of the Program Committee to submit proposed programs to the Chapter in October for approval and in November for adoption. d. The Public Relations Committee shall have as its goal the enhancement of the sorority s image in the community that will be admired and respected via the use of various media. The committee shall work with the Anti-Basileus and Program Committee in achieving its goals. e. The Courtesies Committee shall have the responsibility of extending courtesies in cases of illness, death, or recognition of outstanding sorors, Corporate Officers or other persons worthy of commendation. The Hodegos will serve as chairman and Chaplain will serve as a member. f. The Nominating Committee shall announce at the June meeting that nominations elected positions are being accepted. The Nominating Committee shall report at the regular meeting in September and October before the election at the November chapter meeting. The Nominating Committee shall maintain data regarding eligibility of sorors for all elective offices. It shall seek, review, and evaluate sorors, based on available data, and determine their eligibility for candidacy for offices in regular elections and special elections. The committee will certify and notify all candidates of their eligibility. The committee shall prepare ballots when required and adhere to all deadlines. Page 14

15 g. The Committee shall review the, prepare and present proposed revisions and/or amendments, and prepare same for printing. The committee shall be responsible for compiling and maintaining a guide for general chapter operations. h. The Chapter Archives Committee shall collect historic information, documents, and maintain permanent historical records. Materials of this committee shall be available for the annual report to the Corporate Office, chapter awards, and chapter exhibits. i. The Graduate Advisory Committee acts under the direction of the Graduate Advisor and shall assist the Graduate Advisor in their work per established International guidelines. All member of this committee must be certified. The committee must support the advisor in the following ways: attend undergraduate events, meetings and assist with the Membership Intake Process upon request from the Graduate Advisor and the Basileus of the Undergraduate Chapter. The committee shall serve as mentors and role models for undergraduate sorors. j. The Scholarship Committee shall establish guidelines for the purpose of awarding scholarships. k. The Membership Committee shall work throughout the year to maintain and increase the active membership of the Chapter. It shall be responsible for assisting the Basileus and the Membership Chairman as needed during the orientation and initiation period. It shall assume the responsibilities for retention, reclamation, and recruitment. This committee includes the Sisterly Relations subcommittee, which is charged with developing activities for fun and to foster sisterly social relations. l. The Standards Committee shall be composed of at least three persons appointed by the Basileus, who are not chapter officers. The committee shall administer chapter standards assessments and survey chapter programs and operations. The committee shall devise and utilize evaluation tools which ensure objectivity. The Standards Committee shall present recommendations to the Chapter and Executive Committee for operational and program improvements. The committee shall prepare reports of the Chapter s objectives and status for submission to the Corporate Office. m. The Connection Committee shall identify and study national trends and issues. It shall mobilize the Chapter for action to formulate and recommend position statements for the Chapter per International Guidelines. n. The Regional Awards Committee shall collect materials to document Regional Award entries. The collection shall take place from January to December of each year. This committee is responsible for the preparation of scrapbooks. Page 15

16 o. The Fundraising Committee shall plan events and activities to raise the necessary revenues to continue our support of community service programs, scholarship and projects. p. The Strategic Planning Committee shall be composed of at least five members appointed by the Basileus. This committee is responsible for evaluating, documenting, and executing strategic two-four year goals/objectives for the Chapter. The Chapter s strategic planning should be aligned with those of the International Office. q. The Technology Committee shall address technology issues for the Chapter and provide strategic direction on the effective utilization of technology. This committee shall monitor the list serve and update the web site monthly. r. The Newsletter Committee shall assist the Epistoleus with the monthly publication of the Chapter newsletter. The Epistoleus shall serve as the chairman. s. The Protocol Committee shall be responsible for developing and maintaining current protocol guidelines for chapter meetings, sorority functions and other public events. The committee will assist with protocol needs for meetings and serve as a consultant, as needed. t. The Leadership Development Committee shall be responsible for developing and coordinating the implementation of workshops and other development efforts at the transition meeting and chapter retreat. The committee shall also coordinate the implementation of leadership training for members seeking office in the chapter. Page 16

17 ARTICLE IIX WITHDRAWAL OF INDIVIDUAL PRIVILEGES AND RESTORATION a. Each member shall have knowledge of and fully comply, in good faith, with the International Constitution and of the Sorority and the of the Chapter. Penalties of sanctions shall be imposed when an individual member or chapter violates her/their obligations under the Constitution and. Any member of the Executive Committee, who is found guilty of violating the International Constitution and, the Chapter or established procedures, or neglect of or failure to discharge her duties, shall be removed from office. b. Removal proceedings against Executive Committee Members, other than the Basileus shall be instituted and/or proceed as follows: 1. Officers and committee chairmen who are unwilling or unable to perform their duties are expected to resign. If an impropriety has been determined, the Basileus will ask the soror to resign. The Basileus shall institute the proceeding by providing oral and written notice to the offending member. 2. The Basileus shall appoint a Findings Committee composed of three Executive Committee officers and four non-officers. Within thirty days of appointment, the findings committee shall report to the Executive Committee. This committee will conduct an investigation and present its findings to the Executive Committee. Any officer or committee chairman who is found guilty of violating the Chapter and/or Sorority s Constitution and, disregarding established procedures, or of constantly neglecting or failing to discharge her duties (this includes misappropriation of chapter funds and/or property, embezzlement and disobeying the law) shall be removed from the office by two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee and the Chapter. 3. Any chapter member found guilty of one of the aforementioned infractions may be recommended for the penalty of withdrawal of individual chapter privileges. The decision to invoke this penalty must be voted on by two-thirds vote of the membership at a meeting for which written notice is given within ten days prior to voting. This may include recommendation suspension up to and including expulsion to the Boule of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The member must be notified in writing of the action taken by the Chapter Page 17

18 4. In the event the offender is the Basileus, the procedure in Sub-Section 3 (b) of this Article shall be followed, with the exception that at the approval of the Executive Committee, the Findings Committee Chairmen shall be appointed by the Parliamentarian and the committee members composed of three members of the Executive Committee and four sorors not holding office in the Chapter. These sorors shall be selected by special election. The responsibilities of the committee remain as stated in Sub-Section 3 (b). 5. The penalties for violation of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and by an individual member or chapter may include: a) withdrawal of individual privileges, b) suspension, c) expulsion, d) revocation of chapter charter, and e) fines. 6. Any individual having grievances with the ruling of the Chapter affecting any substantial question should not hesitate to appeal according to the steps and as outlined in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Manual of Standard Procedure. ARTICLE IX HAZING a. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated defines hazing as an act or series of acts which includes, but is not limited to physical acts such as hitting, striking, laying hands upon or threatening to do bodily harm to any individual(s) while acting in one s capacity as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, behavior which is directed against any individual(s) for the purpose of causing shame, abuse, insult, humiliation, intimidation or disgrace, and a variety of prohibited practices, including but not limited to underground hazing, financial hazing, pre-pledging, post-pledging, or post-initiation pledging. Hazing is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated in any form by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. b. The penalty for hazing by an individual member or chapter shall be suspension or expulsion or revocation of chapter charter. A fine may also be imposed on an individual or chapter for hazing. (Please see Anti Hazing document) Page 18

19 c. The penalty for an individual member or chapter who subjects themselves to hazing shall be suspension or expulsion or revocation of chapter charter. A fine may also be imposed on an individual or chapter who subjects themselves to hazing 1. Section of the Ohio Revised Code provides that a person subjected to hazing may sue for injuries or damages including mental pain or suffering. Participants in the hazing and the organizations that authorize or tolerate it may be sued 2. Members and/or chapters found guilty of hazing may be subject to criminal and/or civil prosecution ARTICLE X AMENDING THE BYLAWS a. The of may be altered, amended, or revised by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting b. Any changes in these bylaws must be discussed by the Chapter. A vote to amend or revise the may only be taken after all active members have been given not less than thirty days written notice of the meeting at which the vote is to be taken. c. The shall be reviewed annually by the Committee ARTICLE XI RATIFICATION These bylaws shall become effective immediately upon a vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting. ARTICLE XII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order adopted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Page 19

20 ARTICLE XIII DISSOLUTION Upon dissolution of the Chapter, its assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Sec 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or for one or more exempt purposes within in the meaning of Sec 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. AMENDED: November 18, 2017 ADOPTED: November REFERENCES: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and, 2012 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Manual of Standard Procedure, 2012 Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised Page 20