Constitution of Alpha-Omicron of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International at The University of California, Santa Barbara

Transcription

1 Constitution of Alpha-Omicron of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International at The University of California, Santa Barbara Preamble Alpha-Omicron of Sigma Pi Fraternity International (hereinafter Sigma Pi ) was originally established at the University of California, Santa Barbara (hereinafter UCSB ) by the Grand Chapter of Sigma Pi in 1947, and reestablished in January Like its parent organization, Alpha-Omicron was established to the end that fellowship might be cultivated, the general knowledge of its members extended, the cause of general education advanced, literacy and culture promoted, and a high degree of academic excellence maintained. As such, the Alpha-Omicron brotherhood shall stress and promote both the intangible values and inspirational benefits of Sigma Pi membership through the mediums of discussion, practice, and exemplification. Article I - Authority and Governance Section 1. Alpha-Omicron is an unincorporated, non-profit association pursuant to the laws of the State of California, and its governance shall be based upon this Constitution, its By-Laws and Standing Rules, and upon the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Chapter of Sigma Pi. Section 2. Alpha-Omicron, as a recognized and approved student organization at UCSB pursuant to UCSB s policies, rules and regulations pertaining to Student and Greek Organizations, shall comply with such UCSB promulgated policies, rules and regulations, and shall support and promote the purpose and objectives of UCSB. Alpha-Omicron will also cooperate with the administration, the faculty, and student organizations on the UCSB campus for the mutual benefit of all concerned. Section 3. No part of Alpha-Omicron s Constitution, By-Laws or Standing Rules shall supersede, nor conflict with either the Constitution or By-Laws of Sigma Pi, nor the policies, rules and regulations of UCSB, and Alpha-Omicron shall neither enact, nor enforce any laws or rules contrary thereto. Page 1 of 15

2 Section 4. At least three official copies of Alpha-Omicron s Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules shall be maintained at all times. One copy will be in the custody of the Sage (president), one shall be in the custody of the Fourth Counselor (secretary), and one shall be placed in an area designated as Alpha- Omicron s official library. These copies must be accessible and available to members and new members at all times. As amendments or revisions are adopted or provided for, they shall be added to or noted on all official copies by the Fourth Counselor (secretary), along with the date of adoption. A copy will also be placed on disk for future purposes. Article II - Membership Section 1. The fundamental qualifications for membership, and the rights and obligations of members are and will be as set forth in the Constitution of the Grand Chapter, its Article on Membership, and the Grand Chapter s By-Law on Members. Alpha-Omicron of Sigma Pi is a men s fraternity and is a member of the National Inter-Fraternity Council (NIC). Section 2. Membership Eligibility: Alpha-Omicron will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender, disability status, height, martial status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight. Although our organization will not discriminate on the basis of gender, historically only male persons who are worthy of emulation shall be accepted as members. Alpha-Omicron hereby adopts and will comply with the non-discrimination policy espoused by UCSB. Membership in Alpha-Omicron shall be open to all male undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing, as well as alumni and members of the faculty in accordance with the policies of Sigma Pi and UCSB. There shall be three classes of membership: Page 2 of 15

3 i ii iii Active - Those brothers who have been duly pledged and initiated into Alpha-Omicron of Sigma Pi and are registered as students in good standing at UCSB. Alumni - Those previously initiated brothers of Sigma Pi who are no longer in registered attendance at UCSB whether by graduation, termination or otherwise. Initiated members of the faculty or community will be classified as Alumni members. Pledge - Those individuals who have assented to become brothers and who have been elected to membership, but who have not yet been initiated into Sigma Pi. (C) (D) (E) There shall be no honorary or inactive member classifications unless granted by a majority vote of the Executive Council in exceptional circumstances. A Sigma Pi brother initiated at another Chapter of the Fraternity, may affiliate with Alpha-Omicron as an Active member provided that he obtains a letter from his home Chapter certifying that he is in good standing, and upon his acceptance by Alpha-Omicron. If such Active member desires to permanently transfer his membership, he must, in addition to the aforesaid requirements, apply to his original Chapter for an official transfer pursuant to the forms provided by the Grand Chapter. Former Active members Alpha-Omicron who have transferred, resigned or been granted inactive status may be reinstated to their Active member status upon their written request and a two-thirds majority favorable vote of the members. Page 3 of 15

4 Section 3. Membership Standards: (C) (D) (E) (F) Upon entry into Pledge member status, and to qualify for initiation and continuation as an Active member, each individual must have a minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA. Failure of an Active or Pledge member to maintain minimum GPA requirements shall cause him to be placed on Academic Probation which shall restrict said member from participating in or attending any officially recognized Alpha-Omicron social or athletic event. Every member shall conduct himself in a manner consistent with his Oath, the Sigma Pi Creed and Code of Conduct, and his Brotherhood Agreement. Every member shall comply with the Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules of Alpha-Omicron, as well as with the Constitution and By-Laws of Sigma Pi, and the policies, rules and regulations of both Sigma Pi and UCSB. Every member shall assume and be responsible for the financial and other obligations required of members of Alpha-Omicron, and failure to do so shall subject a member to suspension or other disciplinary action pursuant to the By-Laws. Every member in good standing with Alpha-Omicron, and not under suspension or expulsion, shall be required to attend all regular and special meetings of the Chapter, and all official functions, events and activities, unless the member has requested an excuse in writing, given to the Sage and the First Counselor and approved by both, before the meeting, function, event or activity. Absence from such meetings and functions shall be considered a failure to assume member responsibilities and may subject the member to discipline. Page 4 of 15

5 Section 3. Member Discipline: Through its By-Laws, Alpha-Omicron will establish a Brotherhood Standards Committee for the purpose of handling disciplinary problems, imposing sanctions upon members, and resolving conflicts. The Brotherhood Standards Committee shall have the power to impose the following disciplinary sanctions on any member: 1) Expulsion; 2) Financial Suspension; 3) Suspension; 4) Academic Probation; 5) Social Probation; 6) Monetary Fines; or, 7) Service. Article III - Membership Meetings Section 1. Alpha-Omicron shall have regular, mandatory general weekly meetings during the regular academic year at a time and location to be established by a Standing Rule, unless notified by the Sage at the previous meeting. Section 2. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Sage, Executive Council, or upon the request of 1/4 of all members, provided adequate advance notice will be given. No business will be transacted at a special meeting other than that specified in the call for said special meeting. Section 3. Unless otherwise established in this Constitution, Alpha- Omicron s By-Laws or Standing Rules, a quorum of 50 % of the membership shall be required for the transaction of any business at any meeting. An attendance record will be kept of all meetings. Section 4. Only Active and Pledge members shall have the right to vote in meetings on the business of Alpha-Omicron, and only Active members shall have the right to vote to extend bids to new members and to initiate Pledge members into Active status. Page 5 of 15

6 Section 5. Minutes of all meetings shall be prepared and maintained by the Fourth Counselor or his designate. The original of such minutes shall be maintained in Alpha-Omicron s official records, and copies thereof shall be made available to the members, the Chapter Director and the Faculty Advisor, and a copy of said minutes shall be sent to the Executive Office of Sigma Pi. Section 6. Pledge members shall be expected to attend the non-ritual portions of regular and special meetings, and shall have the same rights to be heard and vote on Chapter business as Active members. In addition, the Pledge members shall hold a separate, weekly meeting for purposes of New Member Education at the same time as the Active members regular weekly meeting. Section 7. All meetings will utilize a ritual opening and closing, and all meetings shall be governed by the current edition of Robert s Rules of Order for all parliamentary situations that are not provided for in Alpha-Omicron s Constitution, By-Laws, or Standing Rules. Section 8. Alpha-Omicron shall hold a formal meeting at least monthly during the academic year. This may be a regular meeting or a special meeting, and notice of a formal meeting shall be given to the members at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting. Either the Sage, or the Executive Council by a majority vote shall have the power to designate a meeting as formal. A formal meeting shall utilize the full ritual as set forth in the Sigma Pi Manual of Ceremonies, and all attending members shall be attired in a buttoned collared shirt with a tied tie, tucked into a pair of dress slacks and wearing their Sigma Pi emblem pins. The First Counselor will remove any brother who is not properly attired, and any such brother removed from a formal meetings will be charged with an unexcused absence. Only initiated Active and Alumni members shall be permitted to attend a formal meeting, or the ritual opening and closing of a regular meeting. Section 9. Excuses for non-attendance at any meeting will only be accepted if the excuse is put in writing, given to the Sage and the First Counselor and approved by both, before the meeting. Any unexcused absence, whether by non-attendance or removal from a meeting by the Sage or First Counselor, or more than three excused absences during an academic quarter will subject the member to disciplinary action by the Brotherhood Standards Committee. Page 6 of 15

7 Article IV - Officers Section 1. Executive Officers: The Executive Officers of Alpha-Omicron, and their order of succession shall be: 1) Sage (president); 2) Second Counselor (vice president); 3) Third Counselor (treasurer); 4) Fourth Counselor (secretary); 5) First Counselor (sergeant at arms); and, 6) Herald (historian and keeper of the ritual). The term of office for the Executive Officers shall be one year. Section 2. Officer Duties, Powers and Responsibilities: In addition to those assigned to each of the Executive Officers by the Constitutions and By-Laws of Sigma Pi and Alpha-Omicron, or as delegated by the Executive Council, the Membership, or Chapter Director, the duties, powers and responsibilities of each Executive Officer shall be as follows: The Sage shall be the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha- Omicron, its primary spokesman. He shall be the Chapter s liaison to the public, UCSB, the Inter Fraternity Council, and other such campus wide organizations. He shall preside at all membership meetings, and he shall preside as the chairman of both the Executive Council and the Brotherhood Standards Committee. He shall make such Committee Chair and Special Assignment appointments as provided for in the By-Laws. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. He will be one of four officers authorized to sign Chapter checks. The Sage shall oversee all Chapter operations, and assure that all officers, committees, and members are performing their various duties and meeting their obligations in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and Ritual of the Fraternity, and the rules and regulations of UCSB. The Sage shall have the power to declare any Chapter event, function or activity as official requiring the mandatory participation of all members. The Sage shall have the inherent powers necessary to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. Page 7 of 15

8 (C) The Second Counselor shall be in charge of the internal operations of the Chapter. His specific duties shall be to: 1) assist the Sage and preside at meetings in the Sage s absence or disability; 2) supervise the various committees and assure the fulfillment of their assignments and responsibilities; 3) coordinate the functions and activities of the committees, and act as the liaison between them; 4) act as the liaison between the committees and the Executive Council; and, 5) provide for and maintain the Chapter s annual and quarterly calendars of events and activities. He shall not have a vote on any committee unless actually appointed thereto, and his general function shall be advisory. As supervisor and coordinator of the committees, he will be the chair and preside at meetings of the Committee of Committees which shall consist of each Chairman of the various committees. He will be one of four officers authorized to sign Chapter checks. The Second Counselor shall have the inherent powers necessary to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. The Third Counselor shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Chapter, and as such, he shall be automatically bonded through a blanket policy taken out by the Grand Chapter. He shall be entrusted with all funds, and responsible for all collections and disbursements. He shall at all times keep an accurate record of all financial matters pertaining to the Chapter. He shall make regular reports to the membership, Executive Council, Chapter Director/Comptroller, and to the Grand Chapter and its Executive Office. He shall be one of four officers authorized to sign Chapter checks. As an agent of the Grand Chapter, he will see that all new member deposits and initiate fees are forwarded promptly to Executive Office of the Grand Chapter. He will prepare and oversee the Chapter s annual and quarterly budgets, and shall submit such budgets to the Chapter s Executive Council and the Chapter Director/Comptroller at least quarterly. The Third Counselor shall have the inherent powers necessary to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. Page 8 of 15

9 (D) (E) (F) The Fourth Counselor shall be the custodian of the general files, forms, and records of the Chapter. He shall perform those duties which are generally discharged by the secretary of an organization. He will be one of four officers authorized to sign Chapter checks. Specifically, he shall: 1) maintain the required copies of the Chapter s Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules; 2) prepare and keep the minutes of all Chapter and Executive Council meetings; 3) distribute and provide copies of meeting minutes as required; 4) be responsible for having each Neophyte and Initiate complete in a timely manner the necessary Pledge and Membership forms for the Executive Office of Sigma Pi, and keep the Chapter s records thereof; 5) keep and file the Proclamation of Officers promptly upon the installation of any new officer of officers; and, 6) keep and maintain a current roster of Chapter members and their individual information. The Fourth Counselor shall have the inherent powers necessary to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. The First Counselor shall be the Sergeant at Arms, the Chairman of the Risk Management Committee, and the chief prosecutor for the Brotherhood Standards Committee. As such, he shall maintain decorum at all Chapter meetings, events and functions, and he shall assure the Chapter and its members comply with all Alpha-Omicron, Sigma Pi and UCSB risk management, FIPG and insurance policies, rules and regulations. As the chief enforcement officer of Alpha- Omicron, he shall monitor and oversee the members fulfillment of their eligibility and standards requirements, and shall make recommendations to the Brotherhood Standards Committee for member discipline in regard thereto. The First Counselor shall have the inherent powers necessary to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. The Herald shall be the historian, alumni liaison, and keeper of the ritual for the Chapter. As the historian, he shall maintain Page 9 of 15

10 a chronological history of Alpha-Omicron by way of written narratives, news articles, photographs, videos, and other such media and formats. He shall keep and maintain the Charter, plaques, trophies, awards, and other such memorabilia that the Chapter may receive. He will be responsible for submitting articles to the Executive Office of Sigma Pi for publication in The Emerald. As the alumni liaison, he shall maintain an upto-date directory or mailing list of alumni, and such other alumni records as might be desirable or required. He shall be responsible for promoting alumni relations and contacts, especially between the undergraduate and the alumni members, by way of newsletters, s, alumni social functions, and other such methods. As the keeper of the Ritual, he shall secure, protect and maintain all of the Chapter s ritual equipment and regalia. The Herald shall have the inherent powers necessary to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. Section 3. Election of Officers: The Executive Officers of Alpha-Omicron shall be elected on an annual basis before the last day of instruction of the Fall academic quarter pursuant to the procedures established in the By-Laws of Alpha-Omicron. Newly elected Executive Officers shall be installed during the first two weeks of each academic Winter quarter pursuant to the By-Laws of Alpha-Omicron and the ritual set forth in the Sigma Pi Manual of Ceremonies. Section 4. Eligibility for Office: Only Active members in good standing, with a 2.25 cumulative GPA and a 2.25 GPA for the previous quarter are eligible for election to an Executive Office. No member may simultaneously hold two Executive offices. Page 10 of 15

11 Section 5. Removal From Office: Any elected officer of Alpha-Omicron may be removed from office for any of the following: i ii iii iv v Continual gross or willful neglect of the duties of office. Failure or refusal to disclose necessary information to the members or Executive Council on matters of Alpha- Omicron business. Unauthorized expenditure or misuse of funds. Conduct unbecoming of an Officer or Member of Alpha- Omicron or Sigma Pi, based upon non-compliance with any of the following: the membership and Officer eligibility standards, his Oath, the Sigma Pi Creed or Code of Conduct, his Brotherhood Agreement, the Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules of Alpha- Omicron, the Constitution and By-Laws of Sigma Pi, or the policies, rules and regulations of both Sigma Pi and UCSB. Conviction of a felony. (C) (D) If an elected officer does not maintain a cumulative GPA above a 2.25 during his term of office, then proceedings for removal from office will commence automatically. The procedures and processes for the removal of an Executive Officer shall be established in the By-Laws of Alpha-Omicron. If a member is removed from office by Alpha-Omicron and he disagrees with that decision and finds it to be unacceptable, he may appeal to the Grand Council of Sigma Pi Fraternity in accordance with the Constitution of Sigma Pi. Page 11 of 15

12 Section 6. (C) Filling a Vacant Executive Office: If any elected officer position set forth in Article IV becomes vacant before the expiration of that position s term of office by reason of resignation, removal, or that officer s inability to carry out the duties of his office, the officer ranked immediately below the vacant position, or immediately above it if the Herald s position is vacant, shall immediately assume the duties of that vacant office. Within one (1) week after the occurrence of any vacancy, the Executive council, by a majority vote, shall appoint an emergency replacement to assume the duties and responsibilities of the vacant office until an election is held. If more than two (2) months remain in the term of office for the vacant position, the Executive council shall schedule a special meeting for the purpose of a special election to fill the unexpired term of office of the vacant position. Said special election shall be scheduled and held as promptly as possible. Article V - Executive Council Section 1. The Executive Council shall consist of the elected officers as provided for in Article IV, and the Chapter Director appointed by Sigma Pi. Each member of the Executive Council shall be a voting member thereof. All decisions and rulings of the Executive Council shall be by a majority vote of its members. The Sage shall chair meetings of the Executive Council. Section 2. The Executive Council shall meet prior to each regular, weekly membership meeting to consider and discuss business that will be brought before the next Chapter meeting. Section 3. In addition to any duties, powers and responsibilities conferred upon the Executive Council by the By-Laws and Standing Rules of Alpha- Omicron, and the Constitution and By-Laws of Sigma Pi, the duties, powers and responsibilities of the Executive Council shall be as follows: Page 12 of 15

13 (C) (D) (E) (F) The Executive Council and its individual members shall assure and enforce the Chapter s and its members adherence to and compliance with the ideals, Creed and Code of Sigma Pi; the Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules of Alpha-Omicron and Sigma Pi; and, the policies, rules and regulations of UCSB. The Executive Council shall have the power to discipline members pursuant to the processes and procedures established in the By-Laws when sitting as the Brotherhood Standards Committee. The Executive Council shall have the duty and responsibility to oversee and coordinate all Chapter functions, operations, activities and events, and it shall have the power to designate any Chapter meeting, function, event or activity as official thereby requiring the mandatory attendance and participation of all members. The Executive Council shall have the power to set the day of week, time and location for regular, weekly chapter meetings, and shall have the power to call special meetings. The Executive Council shall have the power to set the rate of membership dues and to make special assessments on the membership, and it shall have the power to approve the disbursement of Chapter funds. It shall have the power and authority to obligate the Chapter. The Executive Council shall have the power to approve or reject the Sage s appointments of Committee Chairs, and shall have the power to appoint Committee members and make special assignments to members. It shall have the power to remove any Committee Chairman by a majority vote. It shall have the power to require any member to report to it. Page 13 of 15

14 (G) (H) (I) The Executive council shall have the power to establish the members Code of Conduct, and Brotherhood Agreement. It shall have the power to establish rules and regulations pertaining to the Chapter House, its use and maintenance. The Executive Council shall have the power to enact, modify or repeal Standing Rules, and it may propose to the members Amendments to the Constitution or By-Laws. The Executive Council shall have the inherent powers necessary to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. Section 4. Any decision, action or enactment by the Executive Council may be overruled by a two-thirds majority vote of the Chapter s members. Article VI - By-Laws and Standing Rules Section 1. From time to time and as required, the Chapter s members shall enact, amend and/or repeal By-Laws to establish the procedures and processes necessary to implement and effectuate this Constitution. Such enactments, amendments and annulments shall be by a two-thirds majority vote of the Chapter s members. Any proposed enactments, amendments or annulments of the By-Laws shall be tabled for one (1) week prior to any vote thereon. Section 2. From time to time and as required, the Executive Council or the Chapter membership shall enact, modify and/or repeal by a simple majority vote the Standing Rules necessary to establish the details of the Chapter s operations, such as the day of week, time and location of regular, weekly meetings, the amount of dues and special assessments, and other such details. Article VII - Adoption and Amendment of Constitution Section 1. This Constitution shall be adopted and become effective upon a two-thirds majority favorable vote of the Chapter s members. Page 14 of 15

15 Section 2. Any action of the Grand Chapter of Sigma Pi, either at an International Convocation or by Grand Council Order, which has the effect of amending or revising any part of this Constitution, shall be deemed an amendment, and a revision hereto will occur without any action by Alpha-Omicron. Section 3. Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed to the membership by the Executive Council or any member. Any proposed amendment shall be tabled for one (1) week prior to any vote thereon. This Constitution may thereafter be amended by a two-thirds majority vote in favor of the proposed amendment. HISTORY Adopted: September 2007 Amended: November 16, 2009: Article VI, Section 1; and, Article VII, Section 3 Page 15 of 15