Chapter By-Laws Theta Kappa Chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Note: There are four categories of laws controlling the actions of members and chapters. I. International Constitution 1. Basis of the Fraternity. 2. Amended only by two-thirds vote of student chapters. II. International Laws 1. Adopted by majority vote of chapters and International officers. III. IV. Chapter By-Laws 1. Basic law of the chapter. 2. Must not conflict with International Constitution & Laws. 3. Contains backbone of chapter long-range program and policies. 4. Comparable to International Constitution. 5. Minimizes hasty legislation by requiring two-thirds vote of approval at two (or three) meetings in order to amend. Chapter Laws 1. Routine chapter action, which requires simple majority. Instruction to Chapters Every chapter is required to have a written set of chapter by-laws. Since the size, circumstances and requirements of our chapters vary, some latitude is permitted in the exact by-laws, but no chapter by-laws or chapter law may be in conflict with the International Constitution and laws of the Fraternity. Experience has indicated the soundness of the accompanying chapter by-laws. We have printed and distributed them to the chapters for your information and convenience. Every chapter should have a study of its by-laws each fall by its executive committee or some other special committee which should report to the chapter, familiarize be need from time to time. The by-laws should be changed as infrequently as possible. The SMC is responsible for seeing that the complete set of chapter by-laws is placed with the International Constitution & Laws and is immediately available for reference during chapter meetings. He should likewise furnish the International Office with a copy of chapter by-laws, and submit to it changes in the chapter by-laws as they are made. Insertions and alterations should be neatly handled. The printing is one side only and loose-leaf to allow for insertions.
Article I Name, Object, and Laws Governing Section 1. Name. This chapter shall be as Theta Kappa Chapter of The Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Section 2. Object. The object of the Fraternity shall be to advance the educational interests of its members, to promote leadership development and to make, maintain and uphold a high standard of life, happiness and integrity for its members by uniting them on closer bonds of friendship and brotherly union. Section 3. Laws Governing. The laws governing the Chapter shall be the constitution, Laws, and Ritual of the PI Kappa Alpha Fraternity: and the Chapter by-laws, and Laws. Article II Chapter Organization Section 1. Elected Officers. The elected officers of the chapter shall be SMC, Internal IMC, External IMC, SC, and ThC, (president elect) Section 2. Appointed Officers. The SMC shall appoint the MC, New Member Educator, and Rush Chairman, Health and Safety. Section 3. Term of Office. The term of office shall be one full academic year (pending graduation/alumnus ceremony). (Term of office to begin the last meeting of the spring semester, following installation and end following installation the next year.) Section 4. Committees. The SMC and the IMC shall collaborate to committee chairmen before the first regular chapter meeting of the semester for which they will serve. Article III Duties of Chapter Officers and Chairmen Section 1. General. The duties of the officers shall be prescribed in the constitution and in the Laws of The PI Kappa Alpha Fraternity, those prescribed in these by-laws, and guided by International handbook associated with each position. Section 2. Enforcing Rules. It shall be a duty of the SMC and all other Chapter members to read, thoroughly understand, and enforce all provisions of the Constitution &
Laws of The Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, all provisions of the by-laws and policies of this Chapter, and all suggested provisions stated in International handbooks for pertaining offices and chairs. Elected Officers Section 3. The SMC. The SMC shall be custodian of and responsible for (representation of the Alumni Advisory Board as well as) the Ritual Books (2), the Constitution & Laws of The Pi Kappa Alpha, and all other secret matters of this chapter, and for their safe-keeping in perfect condition. Section 4. The IMC. The IMC(s) shall perform the duties of the SMC in his absence. They shall oversee the performance of the chairmen and committees. a) The Internal IMC shall oversee the following chairmen and committees: Alumni Relations, Scholarship, Historian, Fundraising, Housing, and Brotherhood when external IMC is deemed necessary. b) The External IMC shall oversee the following chairmen and committees: Athletics, Social, Public Relations, Community Service, Campus Involvement, and Special Events when external IMC is deemed necessary. Section 5. The ThC. The ThC shall prepare and file a complete (weekly) financial report and make a (weekly) report to the Chapter. More often upon request of the SMC or Chapter, he shall make special reports as to the financial condition of the Chapter. He shall serve as chairmen of the Finance Committee. He shall be responsible for collection of semester dues from chapter members and assess fines as dictated per the by-laws. Section 6. The SC. The SC shall have the duty and responsibility of keeping these by-laws, the chapter Minute Books, as well as the Chapter Policies, completely up-to-date in writing, indexed, and properly filed. He shall keep the information up-to-date on each for the Chapter records. He is responsible for informing members of all meeting and all reporting to International Headquarters. Appointed Officers Section 7. The MC. It shall be the duty of the MC to see that the chapter room is ready for meeting and that each person who may enter is a member in good standing. He shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all chapter regalia, Initiation Regalia, meeting room property, and selecting and overseeing of the Judicial council members. Section 8. The Rush Recruitment Chairman. It is the duty of the Rush Chairman to formally organize all rush functions as well as his rush committee during his term. He shall be responsible for informing the chapter members of events and distributing a calendar at each meeting.
Section 9. The New Member Educator. It is the duty of the New Member educator to run a weekly New Member meeting and teach the new members about the history of Pi Kappa Alpha and the qualities a member should possess as well as assign their Big Brother in conjunction with the SMC and IMC. He is responsible for exemplifying the ideals of a zealous member of Pi Kappa Alpha. He is also required to give progress reports of new members to the chapter. Section 10. The Health & Safety Chairman. It is the duty of the risk awareness chair to supervise the risk awareness team. The president should appoint him. He is responsible for the overall management of the program. He should make sure that his committee members are educated and dedicated to effective risk awareness practices, in general, and to their particular area of responsibility. Section 11. The Athletic Chairman. It is the duty of the Athletic Chairman to inform chapter members of upcoming athletic events. He is responsible for posting a semester calendar, signing members up for athletic events, and assigning new members to their teams. Section 12. The Community Service Chairman. It is the duty of the Community Service Chairman to organize all chapter community service events. He is responsible for keeping Pi Kappa Alpha in good standing with the community, keeping track of members hours, and complete a weekly chair report to be submitted to the chapter. Section 13. The Fundraising Chairman. It is the duty of the Fundraising Chairman to schedule and coordinate all fundraising events for the semester. He is responsible for organization and informing chapter members of events. Section 14.The Communications Chairman. It is the duty of the Communications Chairman to maintain the website including all email and social media accounts.
Section 15. The Historian. It is the duty of the Historian to take pictures, track all members attendance, and submit a report of all events during the semester. He shall also work with the continuing education chairman to document the history of the fraternity and chapter. His main responsibility is to compile a year-end report to submit to International. Section 16. The Social Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Social Chairman to plan all social functions given during his term of office. It shall be a specific duty of the Social Chairman to prepare a social calendar of all scheduled events for the semester in which he serves, and to keep it up-to-date at all times. Section 17. The Alumni Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Alumni Chairman to keep all the alumni files up-to-date at all times and to inform alumni of all events that pertain to them as well as be a representative to the Alumni Association. Section 18. The Public Relations Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Public Relations Chairman to keep the Fraternity in good standing with the University and the general public. It is also his responsibility to coordinate press for applicable events including newspaper/etc. coverage, and campus/community awareness of events/happenings of the chapter. It is also the responsibility to manage social media accounts. Section 19. The Sorority Relations Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Sorority Relations Chairman to maintain records and inform the chapter of Sorority events, founding dates, etc. It is also his responsibility to keep in contact with the sororities to maintain good relations and to maintain a calendar of all upcoming Sorority events. Section 20. The Campus Involvement Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Campus Involvement Chairman to keep track of and inform the chapter of all campus events as well as attend all Student Involvement Board meetings and keep a good relationship with the campus staff and organizations. It is also the duty to keep Grenadier Central updated and to make sure every active member is involved with another organization on campus. Section 21. The Brotherhood Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Brotherhood to ensure that kind feeling is harbored to brothers and coordinate brother-only events to ensure this as well as mediate disputes between brothers. Section 22. Provisional Chairs. It may be necessary for the appointing officer to create additional chairs. It is then the responsibility of the appointing officer to create the duties of the Chairman to be ratified by a majority within the chapter.
Section 23. Member at Large Chairman. It shall be the duty to maintain good standing between the Executive Council, and the Active Chapter.. He will be responsible for mediating between conflicting brothers and promoting a sense of brotherhood throughout the Fraternity and must work closely with the Brotherhood Chairman on projects that will promote such an environment. He will also be responsible for planning the last week of the New Member Process. Article IV Executive Council Section 1. Jurisdiction. The SMC shall serve as chairman of the Executive Council. This council shall meet at least one time between chapter meetings to discuss and recommend various Chapter matters, which are submitted by chapter members for discussion. Article V Election of Officers Section 1. When Elected. All elected Chapter officers shall be elected at a regulation election to be held at least two weeks before installation. Section 2. Filling Vacant Offices. In the event of a resignation or inability of elected officers to serve, the SMC shall call for an election to fill that vacancy, to be held at the earliest suitable time after the vacancy occurs. Section 3. Qualifications for Holding Office. A candidate must be and remain in good financial standing with the chapter. A. The SMC shall have been enrolled in at least six hours of classes, and have a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative GPA or an 2.75 average GPA over the last two semesters.an Executive Council member for at least two semesters prior to election, and demonstrate the qualities that the office requires. B. The External IMC shall have been an active member for no semesters prior to election, be enrolled in at least six hours of classes, and have a minimum of a 2.70 cumulative GPA or an 2.70 average GPA over the last two semesters., and demonstrate the qualities that the office requires. C. The Internal IMC shall have been an active member for no semesters prior to election, be enrolled in at least six hours of classes, and have a minimum of a 2.70 cumulative GPA or an 2.70 average GPA over the last two semesters., and demonstrate the qualities that the office requires. D. The ThC shall have completed at least one class in accounting, or display apt knowledge of the subject, And show organizational skills to keep records. E. The SC must display knowledge of computer literacy, Possess the required note taking skills, time-management, and organizational skills needed to fulfill office duties. F. Positions and suspension will be determined by the end of each semester session(s) GPA, which has to be a minimum of 2.70 cumulative GPA.
G. Any active member that holds a position on the executive council will be required to remain to maintain a 2.7 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. They will also be required to maintain a 2.5 semesterly GPA as well. Failure to comply with the GPA s listed will result in the position being taken.
Article VI Installation of Officers Section 1. When Installed. The officers shall be installed at the last meeting of the spring semester, unless vacancies dictate else (See Article V, Section 2). Article VII Removal of Chapter Officers from Office Section 1. Procedure. Any Chapter officer may be removed from office by the following procedure: A petition signed by at least twenty percent of the chapter must be filed with the executive committee. The petition must state the reasons for removal and the committee must make a full report to the Chapter as to its findings; provided, however, that the petitioning members names shall not be disclosed to anyone not a member of the committee. An affirmative vote for removal by two-thirds of the members present at a duly constituted meeting shall effect the removal from office, and the office shall be declared vacant, and a new election shall be held. The executive committee contains all officers of Executive Council, less the officer in question. Article VIII Meetings Section 1. When Held. Meetings will be held on a basis as called by the SMC. Section 2. Notice Required. The SC is required to inform all active members of meetings time, place, and requirements in at least 48 hours in advance of scheduled meeting. Section 3. Notice Required for Initiation. The Chapter upon regular motion shall set the date and time for each meeting at which any person is to be initiated. The SC shall post a notice of time and date so selected 14 days prior to the date selected. Section 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Chapter upon adoption of a motion in any regular meeting; or may be called by the SMC whenever, in his discretion, such meetings are necessary. Section 5. Absent from Meetings. Any active member absent in excess of four chapter meetings shall pay a fine determined by the fining structure (See Article 9, Section 8). Section 6. Absent from Initiation. Any active member absent from initiation meeting shall pay a fine determined by the fining structure (See Article 9, Section 8).
Section 7. Parliamentary Procedure in Effect. Robert s Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern the parliamentary proceedings of all meetings. Except that the same shall in no manner change the order of business prescribed in these by-laws, and shall in no manner change the effect of the Constitution & Laws of The Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity in regard to meetings. Article IX Finances Section 1. Finance Committee. The finance committee shall be responsible for the financial welfare and security of the Chapter. It shall meet not less than once every month during the school year. If any officer entrusted with the spending of funds sees that his expenses are going to exceed the money allotted, he shall at once place the matter before the committee. The committee shall endeavor to budget funds so that the Chapter will show a profit each month. Section 2. Depository of Funds. The ThC shall deposit all money of the Chapter from all sources in the appropriate Chapter account in a chosen financial institution and such funds shall only be withdrawn by checks signed by the ThC and countersigned by the SMC. Section 3. Books to be kept. The ThC shall keep a set of books and such other records as are necessary to give a complete written record of all financial transactions. These shall be audited at the close of his term of office. Section 4. Fiscal Year Defined. The fiscal year is defined to be the twelve-month period from July 1 st of each year through June 30 th of the next year. Section 5. Dues. (Dues will consist of a $350 fee that will be due by the second meeting of the semester. If not paid in full, a payment plan will be required to avoid suspension. Payment plans will be established, and created by the Treasurer and signed off by the SMC. If a late payment occurs it will result in a fine and the member will be sent to the Judicial Board.) If not paid in full prior to second full week of the semester, a payment plan will be established through the ThC limited to first 8 weeks of the semester. If the member s payment plan is not upheld by the individual member, suspension will ensue until member has caught up on payment plan. If a member does not establish plan, immediate suspension will ensue.
Section 6. Pinning Fee. Each man shall pay a determined pinning fee prior to the time of receiving the pledge oath and becoming a pledge. Determined fee of $30. Section 7. Initiation Fee. Each pledge of this Chapter shall pay a determined initiation fee. This fee must be paid prior to his initiation determined fee of $320. Section 8. Fines. Any member who deviates from his pre-arranged agreements, including but not limited to: dues payment and attendance; are subject to the appropriate fines for absence as follows: First meeting of semester $ 25.00 Pledging ceremony $ 25.00 Big Brother/Little Brother ceremony $ 25.00 Ingress event $ 10.00 Initiation $ 40.00 Chapter Retreat $ 25.00 Elections $ 25.00 Rush Event (fine starts assessing after 5 $ 10.00 missed rush events) Chapter sponsored event $ 10.00 Brotherhood event $ 25.00 Meeting (more than 2 per semester, $ 15.00 per meeting including any previous listed meeting) 3 Athletic Events (Does not have to $ 20.00 participate in the actual athletic event) Minimum 20 Community Service hours $ 5.00 an hour Late payments (starting with the second payment due) More than 1 Executive Council Meeting missed $ 10.00 per late payment $ 10.00 per meeting Section 9. Assessment of Fines. Any member that is fined is required to pay said fine within 30 calendar days according to the following scale: Excused 0% Telephone call or text to SC regarding absence or late at least 12 hours in 50% advance No call or text to SC regarding absence 100%
All fines are assessed at the next scheduled meeting by the ThC. Section 10. Appeal of Fines. Any member can appeal a fine in writing or via e-mail to the SMC and MC within 48 hours of fine assessment. Appeal approval will be determined by the Judicial Board. Article X New Members Section 1. Pledging. The procedure for voting on new members shall be as follows: An affirmative vote for acceptance by two-thirds of members present at a duly constituted meeting. Section 2. Procedure for Terminating New Membership. The procedure will be as stated in the International Constitution & Laws. An affirmative vote for termination of New Membership by two-thirds of members present at a duly constituted meeting. Section 3. Requirements for Initiation. All new members must have a two-thirds approval of members present in meeting called for the purpose of granting membership. In addition, all new members must have the following qualifications. 1. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.5. 2. Have completed a course in pledge education set forth by the Membership Development Manual and the New Member Educator of this Chapter. 3. Have paid his initiation fee prior to ritual initiation in full, as well as any other bills that he might owe the Chapter; part-payment shall not be deemed as compliance with this section. 4. Have complied with the International requirements for initiation.. Section 4. Vote for Initiation. A new member shall be initiated unless the Chapter shall have voted secretly and the candidate received negative votes totaling at least 2/3 of the chapter. Article XI Membership Status
Section 1. Member in Good Standing. To be a member in good standing, an active member must maintain at least a 2.7 grade point average on a 4.0 scale unless on Academic Probation by the Judicial Board, maintain no debt with the chapter outside of an arranged payment plan with the ThC, and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at IUS or an approved college or university. Section 2. Member Rights. If a member is not in good standing with the Chapter as defined, they relinquish their voting privileges in all Chapter affairs. Section 3. Suspension of Membership. In the event a member is suspended, said member relinquishes all rights associated with membership. Details of the suspension will be determined by the Executive Council which can include, but is not limited to, relinquishing rights to attendance of any Fraternity sponsored events, admittance into the Fraternity s office, or wearing of the Fraternity s letters. Article XII Chapter Advisor Section 1. Election of. There shall be an election of our chapter advisor coinciding with officer elections. Section 2. Duties of Chapter Advisor. The duties of the Chapter Advisor are to assist the active chapter in any manner he deems necessary or that the chapter requests. He also appoints his Alumni Advisory Board. He is responsible to comply with the Constitution & Laws of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and exemplify the aspirations of a zealous member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Section 3. Termination of Chapter Advisor. The termination of Chapter advisor is as listed in the International Constitution. Article XIII Leave of Absence (LoA) Section 1. Requesting a LoA. A member may submit a letter to the SMC requesting a leave of absence. The details, or stipulations, of the leave of absence will be at the discretion of the SMC. Section 2. Requirements for allowing a LoA. The requesting member must be in good standing with the chapter at the time of the request. Members are allowed to take their LoA as a result of prolonged illness, death in the family, and collegiate workload. When on LoA, the member s financial obligation remains intact unless otherwise stated by the SMC during his review of the LoA request. Members are allowed one LoA throughout their active status which is to last no longer than one semester unless otherwise stated by the chapter SMC.
Article XIV By-Laws Section 1. Amendment. The adoption, amendment, suspension, or the alteration in any manner of these by-laws shall only be accomplished by the following procedure: The proposed by-law, or amendment, or suspension, or alteration, shall be read to the Chapter at each of two (2) successive meetings and must be passed at the second reading by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present at the constituted meeting. When the proposed change is presented to the Chapter for the second reading, it shall not be subject to amendment or change from the floor, but must be adopted or rejected as read. If completed prior or in the first two weeks of the semester, the new established amendment(s) will immediately go into effect. After this point, the amendment will be adopted at the end of the current semester. This only pertains to Grade Point Average (GPA).