ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED Lambda Mu Omega Chapter Chicago, Illinois BYLAWS
Approved November 12, 2017 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS Article Description Page Number I Name 3 II Purpose 3 III Membership 3 IV Officers 8 V Meeting 16 VI Executive Board 17 VII Standing Committees 17 3
VIII Special Committees 20 IX Parliamentary Authority 23 X Amendment of Bylaws 23 XI Dissolution 23 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter Bylaws 4
Article I. NAME This organization shall be known as the Lambda Mu Omega Chapter, located in Chicago, Illinois of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Inc.). This chapter shall be composed of Graduate Sorors as defined by the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. Article II. PURPOSE The purpose of the Lambda Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to propose unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social status, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Article III. MEMBERSHIP Classes of membership shall consist of those Graduate, Associate, and Life members who meet requirements as stated in Article IV., Section 3 of the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Section 1. Classification. Active Members. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is a soror who meets all financial requirements for the current year, of both her Chapter and the Boule. Every active member is a member of the Boule. Every active member of the Chapter is a member of the Leadership Mentoring Opportunities (L.M.O.) Foundation, the fundraising arm of the chapter. A soror is financial when she has paid all dues, fines, other financial obligations and assessments of the Chapter and Foundation. 5
Inactive Members. An inactive soror is one who does not meet requirements under Article III, Section 2 of the Chapter Bylaws. A soror may be inactive in dues, assessments, etc. Inactive sorors must be reinstated after complying with all financial requirements. New Members. Candidates for membership must comply with regulations as set forth in Article IV of the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the regulations set forth in the newly revised Membership Intake Process (MIP) Manual. Sponsoring/ Co-Sponsoring Candidates for Membership. Active sorors who wish to sponsor or co-sponsor a candidate for membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. must have demonstrated active participation in the sorority and Lambda Mu Omega Chapter. Active Participation: For the purpose of sponsoring or co-sponsoring a candidate, an active soror in Lambda Mu Omega Chapter must have demonstrated behavior that strengthened the chapter s goals and community activities. Such behavior shall include the following: 1. The soror shall have attended at least four (4) chapter meetings during the year prior to sponsoring or co-sponsoring a candidate. 2. The soror shall have attended at least one (1) of the following within the four (4) years immediately prior to her sponsoring or co-sponsoring a candidate: Chapter Retreat, Cluster Retreat, Regional Conference, or International Conference. 3. The soror shall have held an elected or appointed office, or chaired or served on one or more committees within the two (2) years immediately prior to sponsoring or cosponsoring a candidate. 4. The soror shall have met all current financial obligations. Delegates to Boule/Conferences: Sorors who can serve as delegates to the Boule/Conferences are elected by the body with the exception of the Basileus/Graduate Advisor as they are 6
automatically delegates to said conference(s). Section 2. Assessments, Fees or Dues. The Chapter dues and assessments shall be based on the Chapter's budget adopted for the current fiscal year, January 1 - December 31. The established amount shall include all financial obligations to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Corporate Office. Dues are due and payable January 1 of each year. Dues are subject to a late fee of ten percent (10%) of the entire amount if received after the second Sunday in January. Vouchers for budgeted items must be authorized and submitted by committee chairman or officers for reimbursement. All checks returned by the bank for non-sufficient funds (NSF) must be repaid immediately by cash, money order, or cashier's check. This payment must include all bank charges incurred. If a soror, within the same fiscal year, submits more than one NSF check, then she must pay by cash, money order, or cashier's check, for a period of one year (starting from the date that the NSF check was submitted) for all financial matters. Both the Pecunious Grammateus and the Tamiouchos shall keep accurate records, including the start and completion dates. All registration fees for Boule, Regional Conference, and/or other conferences paid by a soror elected as a delegate shall be reimbursed by the chapter upon verification of meeting attendance and receipt of the written report. Written reports are due at the next scheduled chapter meeting following the conference. Reimbursement shall be decreased by 10% every month that the receipts and/or written reports are late. All Transferring and Reactivating sorors shall pay on a prorated basis, excluding regional and national assessments. 7
All chapter assessments must be paid by yearly-designated deadlines. Chapter privileges and duties will be suspended until restoration of good standing. Pursuant to Article VI Penalties and Restoration of Privileges of the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Fines will be assessed to sorors arriving after the stated call to order of chapter meetings. Golden Sorors are exempt from fines. The amount will be determined at the January chapter meeting. Section 3. Rights of Membership. Transfer. A graduate member may request Membership in the Chapter of her choice. A transferring soror must clear through the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Corporate Office all financial obligations to her former Chapter and the Boule before receiving her transfer. No Chapter shall accept a soror into active membership before receiving the soror s transfer from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Corporate Office, and no Chapter shall have the power to refuse to accept a soror for whom a transfer has been received. Restoration to Good Standing. A member subject to withdrawal of individual privileges shall be restored to good standing when the cause of the penalty is removed; when the time specified in the Bylaw has expired; when financial obligations have been met; or by two-third vote of the Chapter when the penalty was invoked by the Chapter as stated in Article VI, Section 4, for violation in accordance to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws. Where two or more Graduate Chapters exist in a city, a transfer from the other Chapter will be issued to either Chapter in accordance with the sorors request. The inactive soror(s) of a city where there are two or more Graduate Chapters may be reinstated in either Chapter. Member Selection. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter shall have the power to select its own members, subject to rules and regulations of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Power to Make Bylaws. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter shall have the power to make its own bylaws and standing rules. These bylaws must not conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of 8
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Plurality Vote. A plurality vote of 15 active members present shall be required on all regular business conducted, and election of officers, unless otherwise provided for in the Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. According to Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised Edition: In a plurality vote, the winning candidate must receive the most votes, but not necessarily a majority of those cast. Quorum. All regular business, including election of officers shall be conducted by a quorum of 15 active members present. New Members. Voting for new members will follow the guidelines stipulated in the Membership Intake Process Manual. Memorial Services. Memorial services shall be conducted in the manner prescribed in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rituals. Boule Representatives. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter shall be required to have representatives at a Boule within a six-year period. Every financial chapter at a Boule shall be entitled to not less than two delegates and two alternates to serve as substitutes if delegates are absent. Every chapter at a Boule having a membership of more than ten (10) shall be entitled to one additional delegate and one alternate delegate for every fifteen members or fraction thereof, up to the maximum number of twelve delegates. (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws, Art. VIII, Sec. 5). No soror may represent the chapter as a delegate at two consecutive boules unless she is the Basileus or Graduate Advisor. A soror, other than the Basileus or Graduate Advisor, may be elected as a delegate to consecutive boules and be allowed to serve only when there are no other available sorors to serve as a delegate. The formula (according to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Manual of Standard Procedure, p. 9
55) for determining the chapter delegates is as follows: 1. From 1 to 10 active members 2 delegates 2. From 11 to 25 active members 3 delegates 3. From 26 to 40 active members 4 delegates 4. From 41 to 55 active members 5 delegates 5. From 56 to 70 active members 6 delegates 6. From 71 to 85 active members 7 delegates 7. From 86 to 100 active members 8 delegates 8. From 101 to 115 active members 9 delegates 9. From 116 to 130 active members 10 delegates 10. From 131 to 145 active members 11 delegates 11. From 146 and over active members 12 delegates Regional Conference Representatives. The selection of delegates for the Regional Conferences will be based on the same formula to determine the representative to the Boule. No soror may represent the chapter as a delegate at two consecutive regional conferences unless she is the Basileus or Graduate Advisor. A soror, other than the Basileus or Graduate Advisor, may be elected as a delegate to consecutive regional conferences and be allowed to serve only when there are no other available sorors to serve as a delegate. The formula (according to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Manual of Standard Procedure, p. 55) for determining the chapter delegates is as follows: 1. From 1 to 10 active members 2 delegates 2. From 11 to 25 active members 3 delegates 10
3. From 26 to 40 active members 4 delegates 4. From 41 to 55 active members 5 delegates 5. From 56 to 70 active members 6 delegates 6. From 71 to 85 active members 7 delegates 7. From 86 to 100 active members 8 delegates 8. From 101 to 115 active members 9 delegates 9. From 116 to 130 active members 10 delegates 10. From 131 to 145 active members 11 delegates 11. From 146 and over active members 12 delegates Election of Officers. Chapter Officers shall be elected in November and installed at the close of the December meeting. Appointed Committee chairmen shall be named by the Basileus at the December meeting and installed with the Elected Officers. Filing of Chapter Bylaws. The Chapter shall file with the Regional Director, for review and approval, two copies of the Chapter's bylaws. One of these copies shall be filed at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Corporate Office. Copies of subsequent changes shall be forwarded to the Regional Director and to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Corporate Office. Meeting Requirements. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter shall have at least one meeting per month except during the summer months. Failure to meet three consecutive months between September and June will make the Chapter inactive and ineligible for representation in the Boule. Except for specific officers, attendance at chapter meetings and activities shall be voluntary. Attendance at chapter retreat shall be for active chapter members only. 11
Joint Meetings with Undergraduate Chapter. There shall be at least two joint meetings during the year between Lambda Mu Omega and Xi Kappa Chapters. One of the purposes of these meetings shall be social in order to increase fellowship and better understanding. Such meetings shall be presided over alternately by the Basileus of each Chapter and attended by the active members of the Chapters. Supporting Program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter, through its local program, shall sponsor selected activities, which interpret, implement and support the Program of the Sorority. Annual Report of Chapter Program. An annual report of Chapter Program activities and finances shall be submitted to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Corporate Office by December. Founders Day. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter shall observe Founders' Day annually. Chapter Recommendations to Regional Conference. Chapter recommendations must be submitted to the Regional Conference by an authorized delegate. Circulation of Communication. Chapters desiring to circulate within the sorority: letters, telegrams, requests for contributions, and/or purchase of tickets, shall do so only with the approval of the Basileus. Chapter Rosters. Chapter rosters, residential addresses, phone numbers and email addresses shall be used for chapter authorized activities and materials only. Approval of Correspondence. All correspondence shall have the Basileus' approval prior to mailing and on chapter stationery. 12
Newsletter to soror active during previous fiscal year. A soror who was an active member of the chapter during the previous fiscal year shall receive one newsletter. Visiting Sorors. The Basileus may use her discretionary power to excuse any visiting sorors during the chapter meeting. Visiting Sorors shall be allowed to attend no more than half of the chapter meetings consecutively in a fiscal year. Section 4. Resignations and Disciplinary Actions. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter shall have the power to hear and adjust matters of differences between its members; to suspend and restore members; and to recommend to the Directorate cases for expulsion, via the Regional Directorate. Where no settlement of differences is reached within the Chapter, an appeal may be made to the Regional Director, and if necessary, to the Directorate. Article IV. Officers. Section 1. Elected Officers. The Elected Officers of the Chapter shall be the following: Basileus, Anti-Basileus, Grammateus, Anti-Grammateus, Tamiouchos, Pecunious Grammateus, Anti-Pecunious Grammateus, Epistoleus, Ivy Leaf Reporter, Hodegos, Graduate Advisor, Assistant Graduate Advisor, Philacter, and Nominating Committee Members. Basileus. The Basileus is the official representative of the Chapter. She presides at all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Committee, performs the usual duties of the Chief Office including the appointment of the Chairman of all committees with the approval of the Executive Board. She shall decide votes, is an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee, shall countersign all checks along with the Tamiouchos or Pecunious Grammateus, represent the Chapter at Leadership Seminar, and shall be a delegate to the Boule 13
and Regional Conferences. She shall be certified through the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Leadership Development Training Program and Basileus Training Institute. A soror is eligible for the office of Basileus when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for a four (4) year period prior to her candidacy; 2. Served as Anti-Basileus for two (2) years. 3. Attended a Boule and/or Leadership Conference within two (2) years prior to her candidacy and each year in office. 4. The candidate shall have attended a Regional Conference, Cluster Retreat, and Chapter Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy and each year in office. 5. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy and seven (7) chapter meetings each year in office. 6. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. Anti-Basileus. The Anti-Basileus shall represent the Chapter in the absence of the Basileus. She shall be a member of the Executive Committee, an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee, and shall assist the Basileus in the performance of her duties. She shall serve as chairman of the Program Committee. She shall be certified through the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Leadership Development Training Program. A soror is eligible for the office of Anti-Basileus when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for a four (4) year period prior to her candidacy. 2. Within two (2) years prior to her candidacy, she must serve as general chairman of a committee and a member of the Program Committee. 3. Soror will have attended a Boule and/or Leadership Conference within two (2) years prior to her candidacy and each year in office. 14
4. The candidate shall have attended a Regional Conference, Cluster Retreat, and Chapter Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy and each year in office. 5. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy and seven (7) chapter meetings each year in office. 6. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 7. The Anti-Basileus moves into the office of Basileus after completing her two year term of office. Grammateus. It shall be the duty of the Grammateus to serve as recording secretary of the Chapter s Executive Committee and Bylaws Committee. She shall keep a record of the location of all Chapter property; she shall keep a permanent record book/ledger with handwritten minutes in a bound book. She shall distribute minutes to the chapter members. She is a member of the Bylaws Committee and serves as the secretary. A soror is eligible for the office of Grammateus when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for two (2) years prior to her candidacy; 2. Served on a committee in the Chapter. 3. Attended a Boule, or Leadership Conference, or Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 4. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 5. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 6. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. Anti-Grammateus. It shall be the duty of the Anti-Grammateus to serve in the absence of the 15
Grammateus and to assist the Grammateus as needed. It shall be her duty to serve as recording secretary of the Chapter s Executive Committee and Bylaws Committee in the absence of the Grammateus. She shall keep a record of the location of all Chapter property. A soror is eligible for the office of Anti-Grammateus when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for two (2) years prior to her candidacy; 2. Served on a committee in the Chapter. 3. Attended a Boule, or Leadership Conference, or Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 4. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 5. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 6. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. Tamiouchos. It shall be the duty of the Tamiouchos to receive all monies from the Pecunious Grammateus or Anti-Pecunious Grammateus. In the absence of the Pecunious Grammateus the Tamiouchos will receive monies from the Anti-Pecunious Grammateus. She shall give proper receipts for the same, pay all expenses of the Chapter for which properly signed vouchers have been received. Make monthly and annual reports in writing of the financial operations of her office, and countersign all checks along with the Basileus. In addition, she shall serve as Chairperson of the Budget/Finance Committee. She shall reconcile bank statements monthly; report monthly to the chapter of income received, expenditures and balance; list special funds, bank accounts to include special fund raising projects, maintain the checkbook (must have three signatures on checking account); and make all disbursements by check rather than by cash or credit to a Soror for monies spent. She shall be bonded for a minimum of five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars. She shall present a current roster of financial members and give each soror a copy of the roster. She shall be required to mail all per capita and chapter taxes to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Corporate Office. She shall keep a record of transferred sorors. She shall be certified by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Finance Training Institute. 16
A soror is eligible for the office of Tamiouchos when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror two (2) years prior to her candidacy, 2. Attended Boule and/or Leadership Conference; and Regional Conference within two years prior to her candidacy. 3. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two years prior to her candidacy. 4. Served on the Budget/Finance or Auditing Committee of the chapter. 5. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to candidacy and seven (7) chapter meetings each year while in office. 6. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. Pecunious Grammateus. It shall be the duty of the Pecunious Grammateus to receive all monies, keep accurate accounts of the same and transfer such funds to the Tamiouchos. Funds collected at Chapter meeting shall be turned over immediately to the Tamiouchos. Money collected during the interim must be received by the Tamiouchos at the next meeting. She shall be a member of the Budget/Finance Committee and bonded for a minimum of five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars. She shall make monthly and annual reports in writing. She shall be certified by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Finance Training Institute. A soror is eligible for the office of Pecunious Grammateus when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror two (2) years prior to her candidacy, 2. Attended Boule and/or Leadership Conference; and Regional Conference within two years prior to her candidacy, 3. She must also attend a Chapter retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two years prior to her 17
candidacy, 4. Served on the Budget/Finance or Auditing Committee of the chapter. 5. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to candidacy and seven (7) chapter meetings each year while in office. 6. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. Anti-Pecunious Grammateus. It shall be the duty of the Anti-Pecunious Grammateus to serve in the absence of the Pecunious Grammateus. She shall be a member the Budget/Finance Committee and bonded for a minimum of five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars. She shall be certified by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Finance Training Institute. A soror is eligible for the office of Anti-Pecunious Grammateus when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror two (2) years prior to her candidacy, 2. Attended Boule and/or Leadership Conference; and Regional Conference within two years prior to her candidacy, 3. She must also attend a Chapter retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat. 4. Served on the Budget/finance or auditing Committee of the chapter. 5. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to candidacy and seven (7) chapter meetings each year while in office. 6. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. Epistoleus. It shall be the duty of the Epistoleus to notify all members at least seven days prior to the dates of meetings. She shall notify all financial members of special meetings and activities by E-mail and/or regular mail according to the directive of the Basileus. She shall mail a notice of one (1) Chapter meeting to non-financial sorors once a year, keep a master roster, and keep her mailing list current. 18
A soror is eligible for the office of Epistoleus when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 2. Served on a committee in the Chapter. 3. Attended a Boule, or Leadership Conference, or Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 4. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 5. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 6. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. Ivy Leaf Reporter. It shall be the duty of the Ivy Leaf Reporter to be responsible for Chapter publicity in the Ivy Leaf. She shall serve as Chairman of the Public Relations Committee. She shall compile, type and edit news releases. She shall send news releases to all news media, Ivy Leaf, newspapers, radio and television stations. She shall develop rapport with the news media. She shall attend all key committee meetings, cover all major chapter activities, arrange for photographs to be made of major activities, and set up a monthly calendar of events. She shall establish communication with committee chairman to secure documentation of events. A soror is eligible for the office of Ivy Leaf Reporter when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for two (2) years prior to her candidacy; 2. Served on a committee in the Chapter. 3. Attended a Boule, or Leadership Conference or Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 4. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to 19
her candidacy. 5. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 6. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. Graduate Advisor. It shall be the duty of the Graduate Advisor to serve as Advisor to an Undergraduate Chapter, liaison person between the Graduate and Undergraduate Chapter; establish a working relationship with the university or college officials; and between the Undergraduate Chapter and the Regional Director. She shall serve as Advisor to the Undergraduate Chapter in the interpretation and implementation of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Program, Constitution and By-Laws; Manual of Standard Procedure; the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Anti-Hazing Handbook and other official handbooks. She must approve and supervise all facets of the Membership Intake Process, be present for all Membership Intake Meetings, and be present for all Membership Intake Activities. She shall attend all chapter meetings and all chapter activities, and serve as Chairman of the Graduate Advisor s Council. The Graduate Advisor shall also keep the Undergraduate Chapter records during the summer vacation months. She must keep in her possession the charter for the undergraduate chapter. She must require students to maintain academic standards, submit grades/transcripts timely; and to make sure that end of the year reports, chapter evaluation, and self-assessments are submitted in a timely manner. She is bonded by the Undergraduate Chapter. She must countersign all checks. A soror is eligible for the office of Graduate Advisor when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror two (2) years prior to her candidacy 2. Attended Boule and/or Leadership Conference; and Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 3. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 4. She shall not have been suspended for hazing and shall be at least a five (5) year post graduate from an undergraduate college or university program. 20
5. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy and seven (7) chapter meetings each year while in office. 6. She must have been certified, prior to election by the Graduate Advisors Certification Program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 7. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. Assistant Graduate Advisor. It shall be the duty of the Assistant Graduate Advisor to serve at the direction of the Graduate Advisor and to serve as the Graduate Advisor in her absence. She is to attend all meetings and activities of the Undergraduate Chapter. She must be present for all Membership Intake Meetings, and be present for all Membership Intake Activities. She shall serve on the Graduate Advisor s Council. A soror is eligible for the office of Assistant Graduate Advisor when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 2. Attended Boule and/or Leadership Conference; and Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 3. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 4. She shall not have been suspended for hazing and shall be at least a five (5) year post graduate from an undergraduate college or university program. 5. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy and seven (7) chapter meetings each year while in office. 6. She must have been certified, prior to election by the Graduate Advisors Certification Program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 7. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 21
Philacter. It shall be the duty of the Philacter to assist in maintaining order during the meeting, stand guard on the door to admit sorors with financial cards or other satisfactory credentials to the meeting. She must distribute voting cards and ensure that each active soror is in good standing. She shall count "yea" and "nay" votes and distribute all Chapter literature, take attendance and keep record of attendance. A soror is eligible for the office of Philacter when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for two (2) years prior to her candidacy; 2. Served on a committee in the Chapter. 3. Attended a Boule, or Leadership Conference, or Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 4. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 5. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 6. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. Hodegos. It shall be the duty of the Hodegos to receive and introduce visitors, maintain chapter morale, take care of all courtesies such as: purchasing gifts, sending cards, flowers and telegrams, recognizing marriages, births, deaths, promotions, and/or retirements. She assists the Philacter, and assists the Basileus with Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony and arrangements. Serves as Courtesy Committee Chairman, consultant to committee chairmen and Protocol Chairman during special events. A soror is eligible for the office of Hodegos when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for two (2) years prior to her candidacy; 2. Served on a committee in the Chapter, and 3. Attended a Boule, or Leadership Conference, or Regional Conference within two (2) years 22
prior to her appointment. 4. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 5. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 6. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. Section 2. Appointed Positions: Membership Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Membership Chairman to provide for the retention of members, reactivation of inactive sorors, and perform duties as stated in the Membership Intake Process Manual. She shall be certified through the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Leadership Development Training Program. A soror is eligible for the office of Membership Chairman when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror four (4) years prior to her appointment; 2. Attended a Boule, or Leadership Conference, or Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 3. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 4. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 5. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. 6. Served on a committee in the Chapter. Parliamentarian. It shall be the duty of the Parliamentarian to assist the Presiding Officer in 23
the interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Lambda Mu Omega Chapter Bylaws and to serve as Chairman of the LMO Bylaws Committee. A soror is eligible for the office of Parliamentarian when she is: 1. Experienced in parliamentary procedures, 2. Thoroughly familiar with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws, Manual of Standard Procedures, Lambda Mu Omega s Bylaws and Robert s Rule of Order Newly Revised Edition. 3. She has been an active chapter soror four (4) years prior to her appointment by the Basileus. 4. Attended Boule, or Leadership Conference or Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 5. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 6. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 7. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her appointment. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. Historian. It shall be the duty of the Historian to compile the history of the Chapter and keep it current during her term of office. The Historian serves as the Chairman of the History/Anniversary Committee. A soror is eligible for the office of Historian when she has been: 1. An active chapter soror for two (2) years prior to her appointment by the Basileus. 2. Served on a committee in the Chapter. 3. Attended a Boule, or Leadership Conference, or Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 24
4. She must also attend a Chapter Retreat; and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her appointment. 5. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. 6. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her appointment. She must attend seven (7) chapter meetings while in office. Section 3. Term of Office. Chapter Officers shall be elected in November and installed at the close of the December meeting. Appointed Officers shall be named by the Basileus at the December meeting and installed with the Elected Officers. The Parliamentarian and Nominating Chairman shall be appointed by the Basileus. Section 4. Nominations and Elections. All Officers shall be elected for two (2) year terms. She shall not serve in an office for more than three consecutive terms (6 years). Elected Officers of the Chapter and Chairman of the Standing Committees and Special/Ad Hoc Committees shall constitute the Executive Board. The slate of Officers shall be elected each year according to the following: ODD YEARS EVEN YEARS Basileus Epistoleus Anti-Basileus Pecunious Grammateus Grammateus Grammateus Five (5) Nominating Committee Members Ivy Leaf Reporter Anti- 25
Tamiouchos Graduate Advisor Anti-Pecunious Grammateus Graduate Advisor Assistant Philacter Hodegos Appointment of soror to position of Officer/Chairman unable to complete her term of duty. In case of failure of any Officer and/or chairman to fulfill her duty, the Basileus, subject to the confirmation of the Executive Board, shall appoint a member to fulfill the unexpired term only. In addition, if a soror elected or appointed to the position of an officer and/or chairman fails to pay her chapter dues by the second Sunday of January, then she becomes ineligible to serve as an officer and/or chairman. The Basileus shall immediately appoint a qualified soror in her stead. Appointment of Committee Chairman. The Chairman of all committees, shall be appointed by the Basileus with the approval of the Executive Board. Filling an unexpired term of the Basileus. In case of an unexpired term of the Basileus, the vacancy shall be filled by the Anti-Basileus and a special election shall be held to elect an Anti- Basileus. Officer/Chairman duties upon completing term of office. It shall be the duty of each Officer and Chairman to deliver to her successor all files, supplies, and other materials in her possession within 30 days after new Officers have been installed or when the chairman s term has expired. She shall also submit to the Grammateus a written report of the activities of her office. 26
Article V. Meetings. Section 1. Executive Meeting. The Executive Board shall meet once each month on the Monday prior to the second Sunday of Chapter meeting, except during the months of July and August. The Executive Board meetings will be held on Tuesday if the regular Executive Board meeting falls on a Monday holiday. Section 2. Chapter Meeting. Lambda Mu Omega Chapter shall have at least one chapter meeting per month except during the summer months (July and August). The regular chapter meeting of Lambda Mu Omega Chapter is held the second Sunday of each month. If the meeting falls on a holiday, it will be rescheduled. Section 3. Joint Meetings with Undergraduate Chapter. There shall be at least two joint meetings during the year (May and December) between Lambda Mu Omega and Xi Kappa Chapters. Section 4. Special Meetings. Special Meetings can only be called by the Basileus if needed. Section 5. Meeting Notifications. Notification of meetings can be done by mail, telephone, E-mail, or fax. Section 6. Quorum. All regular business, including election of officers shall be conducted by a quorum of 15 active members present. Article VI. Executive Board. 27
Section 1. All Officers of the Chapter and Chairmen of all committees shall constitute the Executive Board. Section 2. Powers. The Executive Board shall be empowered to make decisions for the Chapter where immediate action is necessary between regular meetings. It shall be the duty of this committee to examine, evaluate and make recommendations regarding Chapter business prior to its presentation to the general body. Section 3. Meetings. The Executive Board shall meet once each month on the Monday prior to the second Sunday Chapter meeting, except during the months of July and August. The Executive Board meetings will be held on Tuesday if the regular Executive Board meeting falls on a Monday holiday. Requests for Contributions. Any requests for contributions should be submitted in writing to the Basileus and channeled through the Executive Board prior to presentation to the general body. Section 4. Quorum. All regular business, including election of officers shall be conducted by a quorum of 10 active members present. Article VII. Standing Committees. The Standing Committees shall be: Archives Committee Membership Committee 28
Budget/Finance Committee Building and Properties Committee Bylaws Committee Connection Committee Nominating Committee Program Committee Standards Committee Technology Committee Graduate Advisor s Council. The Chairmen, of all committees and members of all committees can be appointed by the Basileus. Members may also volunteer to be a member of a committee, with the exception of the Nominating Committee. Annually, committees shall submit a budget to establish a line item for items that may be needed by the Executive Board Meeting in June. Chairmen of all committees shall submit a written end of the year report to the Anti-Basileus by the December Executive Board Meeting. All legal documents (contracts, applications and etc.) must be signed by the Basileus for all committees or events. Section 1. Archive Committee. The purpose of the Archives committee is to identify, collect, preserve and make available records, activities and events of historical significance available to the membership, scholars and researchers to enhance the chapter s image. Archives must ensure appropriate and permanent care for records of historical value for both the present and the future. Number of Members: The number of committee members are to be established at seven (7) which includes the Historian. 29
Manner of Selection: The Archives Chairman is appointed by the Basileus. Committee members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The archives committee will document chapter activities and/or experiences of historical significance which may include organizational records, personal leadership papers, i.e., certifications, memberships, chapter publications, Sorors of the Year, Sorors holding regional and national offices, including political, property owned, etc. The chapter is to discharge formal action to authorize a collection of archive materials and identify a repository for the storage of materials and information. There will be an annual report submitted thru the chapter to the national office. Each soror in the chapter has a responsibility to support and assist the Archives Committee in collecting and identifying records, photos and memorabilia to assess its historical value. Additionally, each chapter soror has a responsibility to assist in determining what records should be permanently retained for legal and/or fiscal reasons. Materials preserved for the chapter s historical significance may be in print, digitized, electronic, etc. Section 2. Budget/Finance Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is five to seven. Manner of Selection: Committee members consist of the Tamiouchos and Pecunious Grammateus, Program Chairman, and Anti-Pecunious Grammateus. Other members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Budget/Finance Committee plans the Chapter Budget estimating the income and expenditures for the fiscal year. The Budget must be presented in October and approved in November. Section 3. Building and Properties Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Building and Properties Committee shall oversee building and properties that can be used for chapter meetings. This committee shall also research properties that could become a permanent place of residence for the chapter and make recommendations to the chapter. 30
Section 4. Bylaws Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: The committee shall consist of the Parliamentarian, who serves as Chairman, the Grammateus serves as the secretary. Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Bylaws Committee shall keep the Chapter bylaws up to date and in harmony with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws, and Manual of Standard Procedure. Two copies of the bylaws shall be filed with the Regional Director for review and approval. Two copies of subsequent changes shall be forwarded to the Regional Director. All approved changes will be sent to the AKA Corporate Office. Section 5. Connection Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Connection Committee shall carry out the duties prescribed by the International Program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Section 6. Graduate Advisor s Council. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Graduate Advisor s Council shall be mentors and assist the Graduate Advisor as needed in relation to the undergraduate chapter. All members of this committee must be certified by the Graduate Advisors Certification Program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. before joining the committee. 31
Section 7. Membership Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Membership Committee shall provide for retention, reclamation and recruitment of members. It will follow the National Membership Committee guidelines in recruitment, orientation and initiation. Section 8. Nominating Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is five. Manner of Selection: Members of the Nominating Committee are elected by the chapter. Each member must meet the requirements for the Nominating Chairman to be eligible. The Nominating Chairman shall be appointed by the Basileus from those elected to the committee. 1. Must be an active chapter soror four (4) years prior to her candidacy. 2. Attended Boule and/or Leadership Seminar; and Regional Conference within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 3. She shall have attended a Chapter Retreat and/or Cluster Retreat within two (2) years prior to her candidacy. 4. She must have attended five (5) chapter meetings during the year prior to her candidacy and seven (7) chapter meetings each year while in office. 5. She must be dependable, responsible, and resourceful. Duties: The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting and certifying nominees for each elected office to be filled. It will present its report at the October meeting. Members of the Chapter may nominate from the floor. The Chapter will select from the slate at the November Chapter meeting and those elected will be installed at the December Chapter Meeting. Section 9. Program Committee. 32
Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: The Program Chairman is the Anti-Basileus. Committee members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Program Committee shall plan the total Chapter program according to the International Program emphasis of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Program Committee shall plan the chapter retreat and the calendar of the Chapter meetings for the year. The Program must be presented in October and approved in November. Section 10. Standards Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Standards Committee shall evaluate the Chapter's operations in accordance with the National Standards Committee guidelines. Section 11. Technology Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Technology Committee shall develop and maintain a website for the chapter to increase communication and connection within the chapter. They will increase communication and connection about the chapter sisterhood. 33
Article VIII. Special Committees. Special Committees shall include, but are not limited to the following and any other committees that are needed for special purposes: Auditing Committee Awards/Display/Scrapbook Committee Community Service Committee Courtesy Committee EAF Committee Founders Day Committee History/Anniversary Committee Leadership Council Facilitators (LCFs) National Pan Hellenic Council Protocol/Ritual Committee Public Relations Committee Regional Conference Committee Risk Management Committee Step Team The Basileus, shall create committees as needed to facilitate the purpose and objectives of the Chapter. The Chairmen shall be appointed by the Basileus with the approval of the Executive Board. Annually, committees shall submit a budget to establish a line item for items that may be needed in order to carry out their operation. The Chairmen of special committees shall submit a written report at the conclusion of each activity. 34
Section 1. Auditing Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Committee members consist of members with a financial background or are a certified public accountant. Other members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Auditing Committee shall conduct an internal audit of all financial records of the Chapter once per year. A written report of the chapter's financial progress shall be made to the Chapter. When there is a change of Basileus, Tamiouchos and Pecunious Grammateus an external audit shall be taken Section 2. Awards/Display/Scrapbook Committee Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Awards/Display/Scrapbook Committee shall construct a visual model of the Chapter s programs that is reflective of the chapter s implementation of the international program. This visual model is to be used by the Chapter for the purposes of conferences or any other venue for which the Basileus requests. The scrapbook shall include, but not be limited to, Sisterly Relations and Program activities. Section 3. Community Service Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: To identify, develop and coordinate the annual community service project of Lambda Mu Omega Chapter. This annual community service project will benefit and provide needed services to the larger community. Section 4. Courtesy Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. 35
Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Courtesy Committee shall provide amenities to Chapter sorors and members of their immediate families. Amenities should also include visiting Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. dignitaries and other Greek organizations, depending upon the occasion. The Hodegos shall serve as the Chairman. Section 5. EAF Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Educational Advancement Committee (EAF) shall support all endeavors implemented by the Sorority. Section 6. Founders Day Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Founders' Day Committee shall plan annual observance in celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha's Founders. Section 7. History/Anniversary Committee. Number of Members: The number of committee members is seven to ten. Manner of Selection: Members may be appointed and may also volunteer. Duties: The Historian shall compile and keep current the history of the chapter and plan the annual observance of the Chapter's Anniversary. 36