CONSTITUTIONAL BY-LAWS OF TAU BETA SIGMA OMEGA CHAPTER UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Revised: Spring 2014 by Parliamentarian: Nicholas Cohen In compliance with its charter rights and obligations, the Omega Chapter shall be subject to the rules contained in the Tau Beta Sigma National Constitution. 1. Name 1.101 The name of this organization shall be Tau Beta Sigma. 1.102 This is the Omega Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. 1.103 The organization is a student organization at the University of Arizona. 2. Objectives 1.104 This chapter was adopted at this university on May 14 th 1950. 2.101 The objectives of the organization shall be: 2.101a To promote equality and diversity, including empowering women, in music. 2.101b To serve the University of Arizona Bands. 2.101c To educate its members about the teachings of Tau Beta Sigma. 2.101d To advocate the education and appreciation of music in the community. 2.102 The Omega chapter specific objectives shall be: 2.202a To develop leadership through active participation in the band program. 3. Membership 3.101 Any student in a performing wind, percussion or auxiliary ensemble, hereafter known as a band, at the University of Arizona is eligible to be an Active member of Tau Beta Sigma. 3.102 To be an Active member of the Sorority a person must be initiated into Tau Beta Sigma, be a student at a college or university, be currently enrolled and actively participating in band, and
have paid yearly dues. The Active must also serve on at least one (1) Chapter committee. 3.103 All Active members must be enrolled in at least one (1) academic credit of coursework at a college or university. 3.104 Active members must also be enrolled in at least one (1) academic credit of a performing ensemble at the University of Arizona per academic year. Any exceptions must be approved by the Chapter and sponsor. 3.105 An Active member is expected to attend all functions of the Chapter. 3.105a Those functions which are dictated by this constitution include the following: all meetings, the recruitment social, Midpoint Interviews, Finals, all rituals, Band Day, Family Weekend, and Spring Fling. 3.105b Any service, social, fundraising, and candidate activity will be considered a function by a majority vote of the Active Chapter only when the function is approved two (2) or more weeks before the date of the function. 3.105c If any Active member has three (3) or more unexcused absences per semester, she or he will be contacted by the chapter President to discuss her/his situation and then encouraged to become Conditional. 3.106 Active members are expected to attend a designated number of service and fundraising events, hereafter known as Activities. 3.106a Active members shall be required to attend a minimum of two (2) service Activities per semester of which there will be at least four (4) opportunities created by the Vice President of Activities. 3.106b Active members shall be required to attend a minimum of two (2) fundraising Activities per semester of which there will be at least four (4) opportunities created by the Treasurer. 3.106c Active members shall be required to attend a minimum of one (1) Candidate-Active activities per semester of which there will be at least two (2) opportunities created by the Vice President of Activities or MOTS. 3.107 Active members will be given Progress Reports a minimum of three (3) times per semester, notifying them of their current attendance point totals at Service, Fundraising, and Candidate- Active events. 3.107a Service points will be awarded for the attendance of a service event. One (1) point will be awarded per event.
3.107b Fundraising points will be awarded for the participation and execution of a fundraising event. One (1) point will be awarded for working one (1) shift at a fundraiser, one (1) point will be awarded for making baked goods for a bake sale, a half point (1/2) will be awarded for buying items at the Candidate Fundraiser, and a half point (1/2) will be awarded for participation in a Profit Share. 3.107c Candidate-Active points will be awarded for the attendance of a Candidate-Active event. One (1) point will be awarded per event. 3.108 Active members are required to maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 at the University of Arizona. If the member fails to meet these requirements at the beginning of each semester, they will be encouraged to go Conditional. 3.107a If an Active member transfers to the University of Arizona from a different institution, the member will be exempt from the grade check for the one (1) semester following the change of institution to give the opportunity to establish a new GPA. 3.109 A member who has not met the requirements for attendance at functions shall be placed on probation in accordance with section 6.618 of the National Constitution. Probation shall consist of a written complaint brought against the Active by the Executive Council along with a consequence, which shall be removed upon completion of the guidelines set out in the complaint. 3.110 A member who has become delinquent in any obligations to the Chapter or who displays conduct in violation of National, District, or Chapter policies may be placed on probation in accordance with the National Constitution. 3.111 If an Active member is unable to attend any of the events specified in 3.105, the Active member must be excused by chapter, or within 24 hours by the secretary, and will provide a proxy if needed. Emergencies will be dealt with by the executive council. 3.111a If an Active member fails to meet this requirement, the absence will be considered unexcused unless approved by the Executive Council. An approval will require a majority vote of and thorough examination by the Executive Council considering extenuating circumstances volunteered by the Active member in question. 3.111b An Active member is allowed five (5) excused absences per semester. If any Active member has six (6) or more excused absences per semester, she/he will be contacted by the chapter President to discuss her/his situation and encouraged to become Conditional. 3.112 If a member has conflicts with work or class schedules that prevent the member from full participation in Activities or functions, she/he shall be encouraged to go Conditional in
accordance with the National Constitution. 3.113 After enforcing by-law 5.105, former Active members who are enrolled in school but do not pay member dues will be classified as Inactive members in accordance with the National Constitution. 3.114 If a member has been delinquent in paying a fee by more than two (2) weeks, the Executive Council shall vote to put a member on probation in accordance with the National Consitution. 3.115 Honorary membership may be extended to persons demonstrating outstanding ability, devotion, and/or accomplishment in music in accordance with the National Constitution. 3.116 Alumni Membership - refer to National Constitution heading 6.608. 3.116a If a member who has gone Alumni wishes to return to Active status upon re-establishing ties with the University, a 2/3 vote of approval by the current Active Chapter and approval from the Chapter sponsor shall be required to return to Active status. 3.117 Life Membership - refer to the National Constitution heading 6.616. 3.118. Conditional Membership refer to the National Constitution heading 6.604. 3.118a If an Active member has not been enrolled in such an ensemble as described in section 3.104 for at least one (1) semester during the academic year, she/he should be encouraged to move to Conditional status by the chapter President. 3.118b If a member wishes to become Conditional past the first three (3) weeks following the opening of the Chapter, they must submit a request for Conditional Status to the Executive Council. The request must be approved by a simple majority vote of Active Chapter. 4. Officers 4.101 Each officer shall be an Active member of the sorority in good standing at the time of election and in consistent good standing during the term of office. Each officer shall possess more than ordinary business ability and shall be capable of representing the Chapter under all conditions. Each officer shall have the best interest of the sorority at heart and be willing to devote the necessary time to the execution of the office. 4.102 An officer must be enrolled in a performing ensemble at the University of Arizona for each semester of their term in office. In the event that an officer cannot enroll in the band due to a class schedule of subjects required for graduation, the person elected can continue as an officer for that academic term, with the approval of the Chapter. In this event, if this officer does not enroll in band the following academic term, the individual is automatically dropped
as an officer. 4.103 If an elected officer of the Chapter is unable to attend a meeting or a function, the elected officer shall have their absence voted on by the Chapter. If an elected officer misses three (3) or more meetings and/or functions without notice, she/he must meet with the rest of the Executive Council to discuss remaining in their office. 4.104 Officers shall maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 throughout their term of office. If her/his GPA does not meet this requirement at the beginning of each semester, the officer will be asked to resign. 4.105 The elected officers of this Chapter shall be President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Activities, Treasurer, Secretary, Alumni Secretary, and Historian. An appointed position may be the Parliamentarian, as chosen by the Executive Council and approved by the President. 4.200 Qualifications 4.201 A nominee shall be an Active member and have met active requirements and have paid all monetary dues. 4.202 A nominee for office shall have a GPA of at least 2.5 at the time of nominations. 4.203 A member elected to the office of President must have been an Active member of the Chapter at least one (1) year prior to elections. 4.203a A nominee for the office of President must have held at least one other officer position for at least one (1) semester within the Chapter prior to the time of nomination. 4.204 A member elected to the office of Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Activities, Moderator of the Sisterhood, Secretary, Alumni Secretary, Treasurer, or Historian must have been an Active member of the Chapter at least one (1) semester prior to elections. 4.205 Each officer shall serve a period of one (1) term (December to December) and no more than two (2) full terms in any one office. 4.206 Elected and appointed officers of the organization must be enrolled in at least seven (7) academic credits at the University of Arizona. Any irregularities may be forwarded to the University's Co-Curricular Activities Review Committee pending a majority vote of the Chapter supporting the officer in question s continuance of the office despite enrollment discrepancies. 4.300 Vacancies and Impeachments
4.301 The Presidential line of succession shall be President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Activities, Treasurer, Secretary, Alumni Secretary, Historian, then Parliamentarian (If appointed). Should a vacancy arise in any office the next officer in line will assume the duties of the vacated office, in addition to their own, until a new officer is chosen. 4.302 For good cause, and after written notice and an opportunity to respond to the charges, an officer may be removed from office by a unanimous vote of the remaining officers and a two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of Active Chapter. 4.303 Vacancies in the offices shall be filled by special election at the end of the second regular meeting after the vacancy occurs, which shall follow the general procedures of regular elections. 4.304 The retiring administration is required to pass all materials relevant to the functioning of his/her office in a timely manner following elections. 4.400 Duties of Officers 4.401 PRESIDENT: The President shall preside at all meetings. She/he shall appoint all committees, committee chairpersons, and be an ex-officio for each committee. She/he shall sign all checks, contracts, and other instruments of business. The President shall check the current GPAs of Active members and officers through the ASUA Dean of Students Office and Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. She/he shall also be designated as the official representative of the Chapter. 4.402 VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP: The Vice President of Membership shall be responsible for making a list of qualified persons for candidacy. The Vice President of Membership shall be responsible for the training of all candidates and keep the Chapter informed of their progress. She/he shall perform the duties of President in her/his absence. The Vice President of Membership shall oversee the Membership Committee. 4.403 VICE PRESIDENT OF ACTIVITIES: The Vice President of Activities shall be responsible for creating and organizing service projects. She/he will also work jointly to organize joint social activities. The Vice President of Activities shall oversee the Activities Committee. 4.404 MODERATOR OF THE SISTERHOOD: The Moderator of the Sisterhood shall be responsible for promoting and maintaining strong bonds of sisterhood within the chapter. She/he shall organize sisterhood events, bonding activities, and the Sisterhood Retreat. She/he shall assume the role of mediator in conflicting matters between sisters. She/he shall be responsible for the preparation of Ritual. She/he shall be responsible for all post-membership lessons to Actives. She/he shall plan all Candidate/Active activities. The Moderator of the Sisterhood
shall oversee the Sisterhood Committee and the Ritual and Regalia Committee. 4.405 TREASURER: The Treasurer shall manage all the finances of the Chapter, submit reports and recommendations concerning financial matters when necessary, sign all checks for the money disposed, and be responsible for the collection of dues, fines, and other monies. At the closing of each term the Treasurer shall have the financial records of the Chapter audited through the Office of Student Programs. She/he shall be responsible for the ordering of regalia from the National Office. The Treasurer shall oversee the Ways and Means Committee. 4.406 SECRETARY: The Secretary shall maintain a permanent record of each member in Chapter, record the minutes of joint and separate meetings and post them within three (3) days to the proper listserv via email. She/he shall be responsible for all Chapter correspondence including any to the National Office, if the President deems it necessary. The Secretary shall be responsible for the maintenance of the website. The secretary shall also be responsible for the planning and execution of receptions. The Secretary will also distribute Progress Reports a minimum of three (3) times per semester. 4.407 ALUMNI SECRETARY: The Alumni Secretary shall maintain a permanent record of all Alumni. She/he shall be responsible for the creation and distribution of the Alumni newsletter, for communicating activities and events with Alumni, as well as sending out invitations to degrees. The Alumni Secretary shall maintain contact with the present Honoraries. She/he shall also implement activities involving Alumni. The Alumni Secretary shall oversee the Alumni Committee. 4.408 HISTORIAN: The Historian shall be responsible for maintaining a written and pictorial record of Chapter and band activities. She/he shall contact perspective Honoraries as deemed by chapter. The Historian shall oversee the History Committee. 4.409 PARLIAMENTARIAN: The Parliamentarian shall serve as counsel to the officers of the Chapter in matters concerning the Chapter separate and joint bylaws, Western District separate and joint bylaws, the National Constitution of Tau Beta Sigma, and Roberts Rules (most updated edition). She/he shall revise the bylaws every even numbered Spring semester. The Parliamentarian shall also maintain order during Chapter meetings and ensure that proper dress code be maintained for ritual functions and other appropriate occasions. 5. Finances 5.101 The Omega Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma is a not-for-profit organization 501(c)3. 5.102 Dues shall be determined by the Chapter but shall include all annual membership fees as determined by the National Chapter and payable to Tau Beta Sigma Sorority on or before
September 30 of each year. 5.102a Membership dues will be collected by the Tau Beta Sigma Omega chapter treasurer on the third week of the Fall semester. 5.102b Failure to pay the dues or set up a payment plan by the determined collection date will result in a ten (10) dollar late fee in addition to the total membership dues. 5.102c Failure to pay dues or set up a payment plan by the meeting before September 30th (if meeting falls on the 30th, then the meeting on the 23rd) will result in being made an inactive member of Tau Beta Sigma Omega. 5.103 Initiation fees shall be fees required by the National Office plus a Chapter fee and shall be paid within one (1) week after Third Degree. New Initiates may establish a payment plan with the Treasurer within one (1) week after Third Degree. 5.104 The Chapter shall pay for the initiation dues and Third Degree dinner costs for all newly initiated Honorary members. 5.105 The voting rights of those Active members who hold outstanding debts for more than one month overdue shall be withheld until arrangements for payment have been made. If after a set amount of time, determine by chapter, to make a payment or payment plan while voting rights are withheld, the executive council will then refer to by-law 3.112. 5.106 All elected officers must submit a proposed budget for the semester no later than the fourth separate meeting of the semester. 5.107 A specific member or members designated by this organization shall be responsible for payment in full of all debts accumulated by the organization not covered by funds on deposit. 6. Committees 6.101 Standing committees shall be: Activities/Service, Alumni, Ways and Means, History, Membership, Publications, Sisterhood/Ritual, Music, and District. 6.102 All committees and their chairpersons shall be appointed by the President and shall consist of as many members as the President deems necessary. Standing committee members shall serve for one (1) semester and may be reappointed. 103. Committees shall be required to meet as needed, at the discretion of the President, chairperson, or the officer overseeing the committee.
104. ACTIVITIES/SERVICE: The Vice President of Activities shall oversee this committee. 6.104a The committee shall be responsible for assisting the Vice President of Activities in organizing joint and separate activities, as well as creating and implementing new activities. 6.105 ALUMNI: The Alumni Secretary shall oversee this committee. 6.105a The committee shall be responsible for assisting the Alumni Secretary in maintaining contact with alumni regarding rituals and chapter events. 6.105b The committee shall be responsible for assisting the Alumni Secretary in compiling and distributing an alumni newsletter. 6.106 WAYS AND MEANS: The Treasurer shall oversee this committee. 6.106a The committee shall be responsible for assisting the Treasurer in organizing chapter fundraising projects, of which there will be a minimum of four (4) per semester. 6.107 HISTORY: The Historian shall oversee this committee. 6.107a The committee shall assist the Historian with keeping a written and pictorial record of all chapter and Arizona Bands events. They may also choose to produce a presentation to the membership each calendar year. 6.109 MEMBERSHIP: The Vice President of Membership shall oversee this committee. 6.109a The committee shall assist the Vice President of Membership in the planning of activities for candidates. 6.109b The committee shall assist the Vice President in the education of the candidates. 6.110 PUBLICATIONS: The Secretary shall oversee this committee. 6.110a The committee shall be responsible for the creation of the Leaky Bugle and for sending submissions to the Accent and the Podium. The committee will also help create or contribute to other publications as needed. 6.111 SISTERHOOD/RITUAL: The Moderator of the Sisterhood shall oversee this committee. 6.111a The committee shall be responsible for creating and implementing sisterhood activities including the participation in sisterhood week and executing Experience.
6.112a The committee shall be fully versed in the preparation and execution of the Ritual and assist the Moderator of the Sisterhood in preparation of the Ritual room. 6.112 MUSIC COMMITTEE: The Historian shall oversee this committee. 6.112a The committee shall be responsible for the Chapter s involvement in music and related activities. 6.113 DISTRICT COMMITTEE: The President shall oversee this committee. 6.113a The committee shall be responsible for submitting nominations for District and National awards. 6.113b The committee shall work with the Vice-President of Activities to assist with the planning and execution of National and District programs. 6.113c The committee shall keep the chapter updated on any National and District programs and encourage the chapter s participation in them. 6.114 LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE: The Parliamentarian shall oversee this committee. 6.114a The committee shall be responsible for implementing leadership programs in the chapter. 6.114a The committee may organize a leadership retreat with assistance from the President. 7. Meetings 7.101 A quorum shall consist of fifty (50) percent plus one (1) of all Active members with at least three (3) officers present. A quorum is necessary to conduct business of the meeting. 7.102 Regularly called meetings of the Chapter shall be held at the discretion of the members. Joint meetings shall be held once a week, time dependent on the semester. Separates shall be held following joints. 7.103 Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the President and fifty (50) percent vote of the Chapter officers or a seventy-five (75) percent vote of the Chapter membership. 7.104 Officer meetings shall be held at the discretion of the President. 7.105 All voting shall be subject to the rules of Parliamentary Procedure. 7.106 All Active members, except the President, shall have one (1) vote on each motion at all
meetings of the Chapter. The President shall only vote when the vote is by secret ballot, or when his/her vote will affect the result. 7.107 JOINT MEETINGS: Meetings will follow the rules of Joint Assembly for Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, Omega Chapters. 7.108 Amendments to these Rules must follow the guidelines prescribed within the Rules of the Joint Assembly. 8. Ritual Dress Code 8.101 WOMEN: Active members shall wear either solid white or off white dresses, skirts, and/or tops. 8.101a Skirts or dresses are preferred. Hemlines should touch the knee when standing. Clothing should be of a non-revealing nature and in good taste at the discretion of the Parliamentarian. Professional slacks or capris are acceptable. Heeled and no heeled formal solid white, off white, metallic or gold dress shoes are acceptable footwear. 8.101b Heavily applied make up is inappropriate to the seriousness of the situation. 8.102 MEN: Active members shall wear a white or blue long-sleeved shirt, professional slacks with a belt, and dress shoes. If a tie is worn, it must also be white, blue, or black. 8.103 Candidates shall follow these guidelines, with the exception that they are to wear concert black attire. 8.104 Active members shall decide as a chapter if colored accessories may be worn for second degree. 9. Candidacy 9.101 Prospective candidates will be considered upon attitude, interest, and cooperation in the band. 9.102 At least one (1) function will be held each semester to provide an opportunity for the Active members to become familiar with prospective candidates. 9.103 A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better is necessary to consider a person for candidacy. First semester freshmen shall be considered for candidacy based on the discretion of the Chapter. 9.104 A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the total eligible voting membership of the Chapter shall be required to elect a person to membership candidacy. A bid shall be extended to those persons receiving such a vote.
9.105 If a candidate fails to meet the requirements of the Chapter or the Membership Education Program, a motion to terminate that member s candidacy may be entertained. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Chapter s total eligible voting membership shall be required to terminate said candidacy. 9.106 Candidate and prospective mothers shall be Active members of the Chapter who shall act as a counselor for a candidate (Daughter or Son); shall be responsible for paying mother's dues (of the candidates for Tau Beta Sigma) and the purchasing of meals after rituals during candidacy. 9.106a Candidate and prospective mothers shall be Active members who have met the Active requirements as specified in Section 3.106 in the previous semester. 9.106b If a potential mother was conditional the previous semester, the mother must have met active requirement in their most recent active semester. 9.107 When the chosen mother is found to be negligent or unfulfilling in their motherly duties, their status as a mother may be brought to question by the Executive Council. The Executive Council will present them with a list of grievances; the mother will have a week s time to respond to the charges before the Executive Council votes on the issue. 9.108 EDUCATION: The program prescribed for the candidates to learn about Tau Beta Sigma is called the Membership Education Program. 9.109 Candidate meetings shall be held at least once a week. The times of these meetings shall be arranged by the candidate class and the Vice President of Membership. 9.110 Candidate exams shall be standardized and given at regularly scheduled meetings. A score of ninety (90) percent or better must be achieved to consider the exam passed. 9.111 Candidates must score ninety (90) percent or better on the final and all candidate exams. Upon the third (3) failed test and after all additionally failed tests, the VPM shall move to terminate her/his candidacy. 112. Candidates must attend at least three (3) Active meetings during his/her candidacy and are encouraged to attend all meetings. Candidates are expected to attend all candidate activities and functions of the Chapter. 9.113 If a candidate is unable to attend a function, the candidate shall discuss their absence with the Vice President of Membership who will then discuss it with chapter, at least 24 hours prior to function. In the case of an emergency, the candidate will discuss their absence with the Vice President of Membership and their mother. If the candidate fails to meet this requirement, the
absence will be considered unexcused unless approved by the Vice President of Membership. 9.114 If a candidate has three (3) or more unexcused absences and/or has missed 30 percent of all functions (including but not limited to those specified in 3.105 and 3.106) by the fourth week of candidacy, these absences shall be discussed with the Active Chapter. 9.115 If a candidate has three (3) or more unexcused absences from functions, the Vice President of Membership shall move to terminate their candidacy. 9.116 Candidates are encouraged to complete a candidate book, containing all active chapter bios, and any quests or question given to them throughout their process. Guidelines fro this are listed in the Membership Education Program. 9.117 Candidates shall complete the previously listed requirements on or by Finals unless otherwise notified by the Vice President of Membership. 9.118 Active members may be DOSAs to candidates. Alumni and conditional members may be DOSAs to candidates at the discretion of the chapter. 10. Amendments 10.101 The bylaws of the Omega Chapter must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Chapter. A copy shall be submitted to the National Office with the Chapter Summary Report by July 1 of even numbered years. Another copy must be submitted to ASUA. 11. Other 11.101 STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in any of its policies, procedures, and practices. This policy will include, but is not limited to recruiting, membership, organization activities, or opportunity to hold office 11.102 STATEMENT OF NON-HAZING: This organization will not conspire to engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm or personal degradation, or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending the institution.
11.103 STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH CAMPUS REGULATIONS: This organization shall comply with all University and campus policies and regulations, in addition to all local, state, and federal laws.