Article I- Mission Statement

 

            The purpose of this fraternity shall be to assemble college students in a National Service Fraternity in fellowship; to develop Leadership, to promote Friendship, and provide Service to humanity; and to further the freedom that is our educational and intellectual heritage.

 

Article II- Membership Procedure

 

Section 1. Votes on membership:

 

1. The votes shall be by secret ballot.
2. A quorum of one half of the entire active membership shall be present for these votes.
3. The required percentage “yes” votes for a vote to be affirmative shall be 80% of the votes cast.
4. Any pledge that fails to receive an affirmative vote, either during or immediately following his/her pledge period, shall be refused active membership.

 

Section 2. Active Status:

 

1. Active brothers will be required to perform 15 service hours over the course of an academic semester.
2. Five of the required service hours may be performed in activities planned outside of the Phi Kappa chapter.
3. Active brothers will be required to join at least one chapter committee each semester, and regularly attend its meeting and activities.
4. Active brothers must pay all dues set up by the executive committee.

 

Section 3. Associate Status:

 

1. An associate brother must pay the full amount of dues set up by the executive committee.
2. Associate brothers may not vote, but may speak at chapter discussions.
3. Associate brothers must perform three service hours.
4. The executive committee may waive associate dues and service requirements.

 

Section 4: Status changes:

 

1. Any active brother who wishes to become an associate or inactive member, or any associate brother or sister who wishes to become inactive must notify the Membership Vice-president of the change in status. Associate brothers are subject to the restriction in Article II, Section 3. Inactive brothers will not be entitled to the rights and privileges of this chapter, and will not be listed on the roster.

 

Section 5. Graduate Students:

 

1. Any APO brother who is a graduate student may choose to remain or become an active brother, but may not hold any type of office.

 

Section 6. Inactive Status:

 

1. Inactive brothers forfeit all rights and privileges of Phi Kappa chapter, which include but are not limited to voting and speaking at meetings.
2. Inactive brothers will be taken off the chapter rooster.

 

Section 7. Honorary Membership:

 

1. Chapter honorary membership without voting privileges may be conferred by an affirmative vote as stated in Article II, Section 1, provided that the name of the prospective honorary member was submitted to the chapter at the previous meeting. Chapter honorary membership may be conferred upon educators, outstanding citizens, and others whom the chapter determines to have merited such honor.

 

Section 8. Conditions of Honorary Membership:

 

1. Initiation of persons into Alpha Phi Omega as either active or honorary members is subject to approval by the National Executive Board.

 

Section 9. Records:

 

1. A permanent record of active, advisory, honorary, and alumni members of this chapter shall be kept in the archives.

 

Section 10. Membership Policy:

 

1. Phi Kappa chapter of Alpha Phi Omega is a non-discriminatory fraternity that does not consider race, color, creed, sex, major, national origin, or sexual preference in its criteria for membership.
2. Any discriminatory violations should be reported to Phi Kappa advisors for examination.

 

Section 11. Expulsion:

 

1. For just cause and after due deliberation, a member may be suspended from the chapter by the affirmative vote as stated in Article II, Section 1, provided that the membership was notified of such action at the previously regularly scheduled meeting.

 

Article III- Pledge Process

 

Section 1. Pledging:

 

1. Pledge classes will take place in the spring and fall. Neither should extend past eight weeks, nor shall they over-lap each other in any way.
2. An affirmative vote as stated in Article II, Section 1, shall be necessary to enter pledge ship in this chapter.

 

Section 2. Pledge Requirements:

 

The Phi Kappa chapter minimum pledge requirements adhere to the National pledge requirements. Specific Phi Kappa requirements include:

 

1. A minimum of 13 Phi Kappa planned service hours.
2. Participation in the pledge project.
3. Prompt payment of dues.
4. An affirmative vote as stated in Article II, Section 1, at final review.
5. Attendance at a brotherhood meeting.
6. Completion of the number of interviews determined by the pledge master.

 

Section 3. Pledge Conditional:

 

1. Brothers who believe that a pledge is not acting in accordance with the principles of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity or of Phi Kappa chapter, or have otherwise legitimate concerns, are obligated to file notice explaining the infraction and the circumstances to the pledge master.

 

Section 4. Completion of Pledge Process:

 

1. Those who have successfully completed their pledge training must receive an affirmative vote, as according to Article II, Section 1, at final review, or upon the presentation of a valid excuse to the pledge master prior to final review, at the next brotherhood meeting. Final review will be held at the end of the pledge period. No pledge may be put on conditional at this time.

 

 

 

Section 5. De-pledging:

 

1. Any pledge of Phi Kappa chapter who wishes to de-pledge may do so at anytime, for any reason.
2. Any pledge that de-pledges at any time during the pledge process may not at a later time during the same pledge period petition the brotherhood for readmission to the pledge program.

 

Article IV- Brotherhood Meetings

 

Section 1. Brotherhood Meetings:

 

1. The President will hold the regular meetings of the chapter in a designated room reserved for that purpose.
2. There will be one meeting of the chapter each week during the fall and spring semesters of the academic year.

 

Section 2. Special Meetings:

 

1. The President, or the Executive Committee on their own initiative may call special meetings of the chapter. A notice of all special meetings will contain a statement of the purpose of the meeting, or of the special business to be transacted. The Executive Committee members will notify each brother of any such meeting.

 

Section 3. Attendance:

 

1. Attendance at all Brotherhood meetings is required. Meetings may be missed without penalty upon the presentation of a valid excuse, prior to the meeting to the Sergeant-at-Arms. Two unexcused absences results in a status change from active to associate brother. In emergency cases, the Sergeant-at-Arms may use his or her own discretion.

 

Article V- Election of Officers

 

Section 1. Offices:

 

All officers, elected and appointed must hold active status during their term of office.

 

1. The elected officers of Phi Kappa chapter shall be; President, Service Vice-President, Membership Vice-President, Fellowship Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Historian.
2. The terms for elected officers will be one academic semester.

 

 

 

Section 2. Nominating Process:

 

Any active brother may make nominations for offices.

 

1. Elected officers will be nominated at least one week before the final meeting of each semester.
2. Each nominated brother, or pledge must read the duties of the position that they are nominated for, as the duties are enumerated in the by-laws, so that they have a concrete idea of the position to which they have been nominated.

 

Section 3. Elections:

 

1. Election will be held the last meeting of each semester. No one may simultaneously hold two offices. Any undergraduate may succeed himself or herself once for each office.

 

Section 4. Voting:

 

1. All elections will be by secret ballot, with a quorum present.
2. Voting by proxy or absentee ballot will not be permitted.
3. Votes for write in candidates will be void.
4. The Sergeant-at-Arms will count the ballots and the President will appoint a brother.
5. A simple majority vote of the brothers present will be necessary for election to any office.
6. Run-offs will be held until one candidate accumulates a majority.
7. The outgoing Sergeant-at Arms will destroy ballots after the installation of new officers.

 

Section 5. Special Elections:

 

1. In case of a vacancy in another office, the President shall appoint an active brother to serve until a new election is held. Such special elections shall be held the second regular meeting after the vacancy occurs. Any active undergraduate Phi Kappa member may run for any vacant office.

 

 

Article VI- Duties of Officers

 

Section 1. President:

 

1. The president shall give supervision to the chapter and its officers, and see that its constitutional duties and obligations, national and local, are fulfilled. They shall preside at all meetings of the chapter and Executive Committee, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. They shall follow the authorized procedure in appointing special committee chairs carrying out the programs of the chapter. They shall perform the other duties his/her office requires.

 

Section 2. Service Vice-President:

 

1. The service vice-president will perform all presidential functions in the absence of the president. They will be chairman of the service committee. They will carry out other assignments the president may prescribe. They will also report to the membership the number of service hours each brother has completed prior to the election of officers.

 

Section 3. Membership Vice-President:

 

1. The membership vice-president will serve as chair of the membership committee, and be responsible for facilitating the pledge process (i.e. room reservations, etc.). The membership vice-president is responsible for the status of all brothers. They keep and maintain an updated chapter roster. They assist the pledge master in running the pledge-training program.

 

Section 4. Secretary:

 

1. The secretary will keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all chapter meeting and inform the executive committee whenever any member becomes delinquent. The secretary shall issue all chapter notices, and invitations, carry on all necessary correspondences with the national office, and direct letters of appreciation to persons and/or organizations who have cooperated with the chapter service program. They will perform the duties his/her office requires.

 

Section 5. Treasurer:

 

1. The treasurer will receive all incoming money and keep an accurate record thereof. He/she will make all payments of the chapter accounts upon proper authorization. He/She will diligently collect all membership fees and dues, pledge and initiation fees, and all assessments. He/she will keep an accurate written record of the payments made by each individual member of the chapter and if requested give a written receipt of all such funds. He/she will promptly transmit the funds due to the National Fraternity and keep on file all receipts for such payments. He/She will make reports on the conditions of the chapter treasury at the chapter meetings and at meetings of the executive committee. He/she will perform all other duties their office requires.

 

Section 6. Historian:

 

1. The historian will maintain a scrapbook (newspaper clippings, photographs, etc.) pertaining to the activities of the chapter during his/her term of office. The historian must also maintain a list of all former members of the fraternity. Money shall be appropriated each semester for the office of historian.

 

Section 7. Sergeant-at-Arms:

 

1. The sergeant-at-arms will guard the disciplinary and parliamentary procedures deemed necessary by the president. He/she will distribute the ballots when voting is done by written ballots.

 

Section 8. Fellowship Vice-President:

 

1. The fellowship vice-president will plan and carry out all social functions. For all weekend excursions, the fellowship vice-president will make accommodations for the brothers and their guests. He/she will schedule at least one social function a month.

 

Section 9. Fundraising Chair:

 

1. The fundraising chair coordinates all fundraising activities within the chapter. They have a minimum of one fundraising event per semester.

 

 

Article VII- Chapter Committees

 

Section 1. Service Committee:

 

1. The service committee will be responsible for coordinating all service projects not designated for another officer. This committee will meet once a week with the service vice-president acting as chairperson.

 

Section 2. Fellowship Committee:

 

1. The fellowship committee will consist of the fellowship vice-president and volunteer brothers.
2. The duties of this committee shall be to aid the fellowship vice-president in his/her duties as stated in Article VI, Section 8.
3. The duties of this committee shall include the publication of all chapter wide projects.

 

Section 3. Fundraising Committee:

 

1. The fundraising committee will aid in the planning of the fundraising events that are to take place during the academic semester. They will help gather materials to perform the events.

 

 

Article VIII- Executive Committee

 

Section 1.

 

1. The executive committee of the chapter will consist of all elected officers and all appointed officers. The president will serve as chairperson. Only the president, service vice-president, membership vice-president, fellowship vice-president, and treasurer will be required to attend executive committee meetings. All other officers can attend, and if an all-executive meeting is needed, the President will call this meeting. The executive meetings will be open to all brothers and anyone else by invitation from the committee.
2. The executive committee will meet at least once a week during the academic year. Special meetings of the executive committee may be held subject to call of the president, or upon written request of a majority of the membership of the executive committee.

 

Section 2. Duties of Executive Committee:

 

1. The executive committee will advise the president in the coordination of all chapter functions.
2. The executive committee will analyze particular problems of the chapter pertaining to the program or administration and plan for their solution.
3. The executive committee will receive financial reports from the treasurer and give proper consideration to the reports.
4. The executive committee will at regular intervals check on the program and projects of the chapter.

 

 

Article IX- Dues and Fees

 

Section 1.

 

1. All money raised by the fraternity will be used for chapter and charity-related purposes.
2. Each person becoming an active member in this chapter will be required to pay the current national membership fee.
3. Semester dues will be based on the semester budget, which must be approved by a majority of the brotherhood at a regularly scheduled meeting with a quorum present. The dues must be paid the fifth regularly scheduled meeting. All brothers who have not met these deadlines with sufficient payment will have their active status revoked and will not be entitled to the rights or privileges of this chapter. If a brother cannot pay the proposed dues, he/she must receive a waiver from either the treasurer or the president in order to remain active. Payment of dues plus a $5 late fee and an affirmative vote as stated in Article II, Section 1, would be necessary to return to active status.
4. There will be a chapter-pledging fee as set by the executive committee and as approved by the brotherhood in addition to the National pledge and initiation fee.

 

 

Article X- Budget

 

Section 1. Established Funds:

 

1. Social Fund: The executive committee will be empowered to establish a fund to be maintained by the treasurer for the purpose of financing any and all fraternity social functions deemed necessary by the brotherhood, and/or executive committee. The president and the treasurer will be empowered to distribute funds to the Fellowship Committee for payment of any and all expenses for fraternity social functions subject to brotherhood approval at a regular meeting of the chapter where a quorum prevails.
2. Projects Fund: All funds placed in this account are to be used solely as contributions to the charities that the chapter designates, and as grants to special projects as directed by the chapter. None of the money in these categories, either principle amounts or interest income, may be used to pay the operating expenses of this fund or of the chapter at large unless approved by the executive committee. The brotherhood must approve, by majority vote with a quorum present, any and all disbursements from this account, regardless of the amount of the transaction at issue.

 

Section 2. Expenditures:

 

1. The brotherhood will exercise sole discretionary approval over expenditures from the Social fund and projects.

 

 

Article XI- Awards and Recognition

 

Section 1. Distinguished Service Award:

 

1. The Distinguished Service Award may be given to as many as three brothers in each semester. The award is intended primarily to honor those who have demonstrated a superior dedication and sacrifice to service, whether through leadership, participation, or innovation, as an active brother during the course of the semester in which the award is presented. But the award may also be given to honor whose who have, over their tenure or membership in Phi Kappa chapter, demonstrated and accumulated excellence and dedication to service spanning several semesters, and have not been honored for that service as having been distinguished in one particular semester. Written nominations for the Distinguished Service Award must be submitted to the presidential appointee in charge of the award two weeks in advance of the regularly scheduled brotherhood elections for the semester. These nominations will be made anonymously and will include a list of the nominee’s contributions. The names of the nominees will be listed on the board the night of voting (the following week), and the presidential appointee will read the written nominations to the brotherhood. There will be no discussion, no nominations from the floor, and no write-in votes; the names of the nominees shall simply be listed on the board on the night of voting. Each brother may vote for up to four candidates so nominated, or may vote “NO AWARD.” A three-fifths vote will secure an award for the candidate or candidates receiving such a total. If more than three candidates receive three-fifths vote, the top three delegates will receive the award.

 

Section 2. Outstanding Senior Award:

 

1. This award is presented yearly to that senior who has exemplified during his/her membership, the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship, and service. The election for this award shall be held on week before the election of chapter officers each spring, and the award given at the spring brotherhood Initiation/Officer Installation Banquet. The names of all senior brothers and sisters graduating in May and those graduating the following December will appear on the ballot. The recipient of the award must poll a majority of the votes cast; if no senior receives a majority on the first ballot, a run-off will be held between the top three candidates, and the one receiving a plurality shall receive the award. At no time during the process shall there be any discussion and all balloting shall be secret. The president will appoint a brother who is an underclassman to conduct Outstanding Senior Award elections.

 

 

Article XII- Procedural

 

Section 1.

 

1. These by-laws may be amended at any regular meeting of the chapter upon the affirmative vote of more than two-thirds of the entire active membership present, provided the proposed amendment was submitted to the chapter for consideration at the previous regularly scheduled meeting. The vote will follow standard Robert’s Rules of Order procedure with more consideration of the defeated proposed amendment unless the proposed amendment is again submitted to the chapter for consideration

 

Section 2.

 

1. Amendments proposed by the executive committee affecting the form but not the meaning, intent and application of these by-laws may be adopted with unanimous consent of all active brothers attending an executive committee meeting for which such amendments have been scheduled.

 

 

Section 3.

 

1. The executive committee may correct all spelling and grammatical errors which will not change the content and meaning of these by-laws.

 

Section 4.

 

1. The latest edition of Robert’s Revised of Order will be the authority for all procedural matters not mentioned in these by-laws.