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BY-LAWS
OF SIGMA DELTA TAU SOCIETY SECTION 1 - NAME: The name of this fraternal organization shall be Sigma Delta Tau Society, a Delaware not-for-profit corporation, as registered and to be perpetuated. SECTION 2 - PURPOSE: It shall be the purpose of this fraternal organization to form a close social and fraternal union of those of similar ideals and to foster, maintain, and instill such ideals in the hearts of its members as will result in actions worthy of the highest precepts of true womanhood, democracy, and humanity. SECTION 3 - COLORS: The colors of this fraternal organization shall be cafe au lait and old blue. SECTION 4 - INSIGNIA: The insignia of this fraternal organization shall consist of a jeweled Torch. SECTION 5 - JEWEL: The jewel of this fraternal organization shall be the lapis lazuli. SECTION 6 - FLOWER: The flower of this fraternal organization shall be the yellow tea rose.
ARTICLE II - CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP: SECTION 1 - DEFINITION: A chapter shall consist of the undergraduate and graduate students and faculty members regularly admitted to membership in the chapter and in attendance at the college or university where the chapter is located. All undergraduates or graduates in good standing from other chapters may be admitted to membership as provided in ARTICLE II, SECTION 4, of the Rules, Regulations & Procedures. SECTION 2 - LOCATION: Chapters may be located in any recognized institution of learning of collegiate standing in any country of the world. SECTION 3 - NOMENCLATURE: Undergraduate chapters shall be named in the order in which they are chartered from letters of the Greek alphabet in regular sequence. Upon completion of letters by the use of every Greek letter in regular sequence, there shall be prefixed thereto the name of another Greek letter in regular sequence, as Alpha Beta, etc. Hence, a chapter shall be known as "___________ Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau Society".
ARTICLE III - MEETINGS OF MEMBERS: SECTION 1 - PLACE OF MEETING: Any or all meetings of the members, and of the Board of Directors, of this Society may be held in the City of Indianapolis, State of Indiana or at such other places as may be determined by the Directors. SECTION 2 - BIENNIAL MEETING OF VOTING MEMBERS: A biennial meeting of the members shall be held in each even-numbered year in the month of June. No change of the date for the biennial meeting of members shall be made within thirty (30) days next before the day on which such meeting is to be held, unless consented to in writing, or by a resolution adopted at a meeting, by all members entitled to vote at the biennial meeting. One of the purposes of the meeting shall be the election of a slate of officers who shall constitute the Board of Directors. SECTION 3 - NOTICE OF BIENNIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS: At least ten (10) days prior to the date fixed by Section 2 of this article for the holding of the biennial meeting of members, written notice of the time, place, and purpose of such meeting shall be mailed, as hereinafter provided, to each member entitled to vote at such meeting. SECTION 4 - DELAYED BIENNIAL MEETING: If, for any reason, the biennial meeting of the members shall not be held in the month herein before designated, such meeting may be called and held as a special meeting, and the same proceedings may be had thereat as at a biennial meeting, provided, however, that the notice of such meeting shall be the same herein required for the biennial meeting, namely, not less than a ten-day notice. SECTION 5 - BIENNIAL MEETING "CONVENTION": Subsection 1 - Name of Meeting: The biennial meeting of the members of this Society shall be known as the Convention. Subsection 2 - Attendance: All classes of members shall be entitled to attend the Convention, but only those who are voting members, as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation and in Article XI of these by-laws, shall be entitled to vote on any matters coming before the Convention. Attendance of chapter delegates is required. Subsection 3 - Powers of Members: The ultimate and overall powers of this Society, subject to such limitations and restrictions as are imposed upon it by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and these by-laws, are lodged in and possessed by the voting members of this Society and shall be exercised by them at and in their biennial meeting in Convention assembled or at any special meeting of said members for the purpose(s) set forth in the notice of any such special meeting. Such powers shall include but not be limited to amending by-laws and electing officers. No action previously taken by the Board of Directors (Executive Committee) provided for in said General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or in these by-laws shall be rescinded, reversed or made invalid by said voting members except by a two-thirds majority vote of said members present and voting thereon, and any such action by the said members shall have only a prospective effect and shall not have any retroactive effect to invalidate any contract or obligation of this Society legally entered into by said Board of Directors (Executive Committee) with any third person(s). Subsection 4 - Voting: A. Each chapter in good standing shall have two (2) votes on all matters coming before the members of this Society. Each chapter shall be represented at the Convention or at any other meeting of the members of this Society by two (2) delegates, one of whom shall be the chapter president and the other of whom shall be a junior or sophomore at the time of the Convention or other meeting and shall be an officer when possible, chosen by a vote of the members of the chapter.Each such delegate shall be entitled to one vote. In the event of the inability of the chapter president and/or the second delegate to attend any such meeting, the National Advisor shall be consulted before her alternate is chosen. Should the chapter, due to an emergency situation, be represented by one delegate, said delegate shall be entitled to cast two (2) votes for her chapter on all matters coming before the meeting. B. Each Alumnae League in good standing, as defined in Article XI, Section 3, shall be entitled to be represented at the convention by an accredited delegate who shall be entitled to cast one vote on behalf of her league on all matters coming before any meeting of the voting members of this Society, and also by an alternate delegate who shall be entitled to vote on said matters only in the absence or disability of the official delegate of her league. C. Each National Advisor, except as herein otherwise provided in Article XI, Section 2, Subsection 2 of these by-laws and in the Certificate of Incorporation, shall be entitled to one vote on all matters coming before any meeting of the voting members of this Society. D. Each Standing Committee Chairperson, except as herein other wise provided in Article XI, Section 2, Subsection 2 of these by-laws and in the Certificate of Incorporation shall be entitled to one vote on all matters coming before any meeting of the voting members of this Society. E. Each member of the Board of Directors, except as herein otherwise provided in Article XI, Section 2, Subsection 2 of these by-laws and in the Certificate of Incorporation shall be entitled to one vote on all matters coming before any meeting of the voting members of this Society. Subsection 5 - Order of Business at the Convention: The order of business at the Convention of the members shall be as follows: (a) Filing of credentials of voting members (delegates), (b) Call to Order, (c) Prayer, (d) Oath of Reaffirmation, (e) Roll Call, (f) Adoption of the Rules of the Convention, (g) Appointment of Convention Committees, (h) Report of the President, (i) Report(s) of the Vice-Presidents, (j) Report of the Secretary/Treasurer, (k) Report of other members of the Board of Directors, (l) Report of the National Office, (m) Reports of Standing Committees, (n) Report of Nominating Committee, (o) Report of Chapter Consultant(s), (p) Reports of Special Committees, (q) Transaction of other business mentioned in notice of meeting, (r) Unfinished business, (s) New Business, (t) Election of Officers, (u) Installation of Officers, (v) Adjournment, provided that in the absence of any objections the presiding officer may vary the order of business at her discretion. Subsection 6 - Certification of Convention Delegates: All delegates and alternates must be chosen at least one month before the Convention and certified by the President and Secretary of their respective chapters or alumnae leagues to the Convention Chairman. Subsection 7 - Report of Nominating Committee and Election of Officers: A. The Nominating Committee shall propose a slate of officers to the Convention at a General Session. B. Additional nominations, with the prior consent of any nominees, may be made from the Convention floor at the following General Session. C. Election of officers shall take place at the General Session following that at which the slate is presented. D. In the event there is more than one nominee for the same office, voting shall be by closed ballot. E. Installation of offices shall take place at the Convention.
SECTION 6 - SPECIAL MEETING OF VOTING MEMBERS: A special meeting of the voting members may be called at any time by the President, or by a majority of the Board of Directors. The method by which such meeting may be called is as follows: Upon receipt of a specification in writing setting forth the date and objects of such proposed special meeting, signed by the President, or by a majority of the Board of Directors, the Secretary shall prepare, sign, and mail the notices requisite to such meeting. Such notice may be signed by stamped, typewritten or printed signature of the Secretary. SECTION 7 - NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF VOTING MEMBERS: At least ten (10) days prior to the date fixed for the holding of any special meeting of voting members, written notice of the time, place, and purpose of such meeting shall be mailed, as herein before provided, to each member entitled to vote at such meeting. No business not mentioned in the notice shall be transacted at such meeting. SECTION 8 - ORGANIZATION MEETING OF BOARD: At the place of holding the Convention of members and immediately following the same, the Board of Directors as constituted upon final adjournment of such Convention shall convene for the purpose of appointing additional officers, if necessary, and transacting any business properly brought before it, provided, that the organization meeting in any year may be held at a different time and place than that herein provided, by consent of a majority of the new Board of Directors. SECTION 9 - SPECIAL MEETING OF BOARD: Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President at any time by means of such written notice by mail of the time, place, and purpose thereof to each Director as the President in her discretion shall deem sufficient, but action taken at any such meeting shall not be invalidated for want of notice if such notice shall be waived as herein before provided.
SECTION 1 - QUORUM OF MEMBERS: A majority of the voting members of the Society shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the members. SECTION 2 - QUORUM OF DIRECTORS: A majority of the Directors shall constitute a quorum.
SECTION 1 - WHO ENTITLED TO VOTE: Except as the Certificate of Incorporation or an amendment, or amendments, thereto otherwise provide, each voting member of this Society shall, at every meeting of the voting members, or by mail vote, be entitled to one vote in person upon each subject properly submitted to vote, but each chapter in good standing of this Society shall be entitled to and have two votes on each such matter properly submitted to vote.
ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DIRECTORS: SECTION 1 - NUMBER AND TERM OF DIRECTORS: The business, property, and affairs of this Society shall be managed by a Board of Directors composed of nine (9) persons who shall be the following seven (7) officers of this Society; the President, five (5) Vice-Presidents, and a Secretary/Treasurer who shall be elected at the Convention of the voting members of this Society, and the Immediate Past President and the National Panhellenic Delegate. Each Director shall hold office for the term for which she is elected and qualified. SECTION 2 - VACANCIES: Vacancies in the Board of Directors shall be filled by appointment made by the remaining Directors. Each person so appointed to fill a vacancy shall remain a Director until her successor has been elected by the members of this Society, who may make such election at their next biennial meeting or at any special meeting duly called for that purpose and held prior thereto. SECTION 3 - ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT: When not in session, the Board of Directors may vote by mail on any matter properly brought before it, and a majority vote of the members thereof shall be required for passage, except that in any matter of suspension, probation or disciplining of chapters or alumnae leagues a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors shall be required. Ballots not returned by the designated deadline shall be considered as affirmative. SECTION 4 - MEETINGS BY CONFERENCE TELEPHONE OR SIMILAR COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT: The Board of Directors may hold a meeting by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment. Participation in a meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at such meeting and any business transacted in any such meeting shall be just as binding and have the same effect as though all such persons had been personally present at one place in such meeting. SECTION 5 - POWERS: The Board of Directors shall, in the interim between Conventions, have all the powers granted to the members with the exceptions of that of amending the by-laws and electing of officers other than to fill a vacancy. Its actions shall be subject to reversal, repeal or made invalid by the members only as provided in Article III, Section 5, Subsection 3. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such other officers and agents as it may deem necessary for transaction of the business of the Society. SECTION 6 - REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND AGENTS: Any appointed officers or agents may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever in the judgment of the Board the business interests of the Society will be served thereby. SECTION 7 - POWER TO FILL VACANCIES: The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill any vacancy in any office occurring for any reason whatsoever. SECTION 8 - DELEGATION OF POWERS: For any reason deemed sufficient by the Board of Directors, whether occasioned by absence or otherwise, the Board may delegate all or any of the powers and duties of any officer to any other officer or Director, but no officer or Director shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity. SECTION 9 - POWER TO REQUIRE BONDS: The Board of Directors shall require the Treasurer and such other members as they may designate to be bonded in a sum to be determined by the Board of Directors. SECTION 10 - COMPENSATION: The Board of Directors shall have the power to fix the compensation of employees and agents for services rendered.
ARTICLE VII - NATIONAL COUNCIL: SECTION 1 - COMPOSITION OF NATIONAL COUNCIL: The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint a body which shall be known as the National Council. It shall be composed of the following persons, all of whom shall be voting members of this Society by virtue of their holding any of the following positions, except as herein provided in Article XI, Section 2, Subsection 2: the elected officers (in their capacity only as such officers), the Immediate Past President, the National Panhellenic Delegate, the Historian, the TORCH Editor when she is a member of Sigma Delta Tau, the Standing Committee Chairpersons, and the National Advisors. Each member of the National Council shall have only one vote on all matters coming before that body even though her membership on the National Council may be derived from more than one of the foregoing positions. SECTION 2 - QUORUM: A quorum of the National Council shall consist of a majority of the members thereof. SECTION 3 - VOTING: A majority vote of the members present shall be required for passage of any matter brought before the National Council. SECTION 4 - ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT: When not in session, the National Council may vote by mail on any matter properly brought before it, and a majority vote of the members thereof shall be required for passage. Ballots not returned by the designated deadline shall be considered as affirmative. SECTION 5 - POWERS AND DUTIES: The Council shall have the following powers and duties and such other powers and duties, not inconsistent with these by-laws, as are delegated to it by the Board of Directors, which powers and duties shall be exercised by it pursuant to the supervision and control of the Board of Directors: 1. To propose and recommend changes in legislation, rules and regulations governing chapters and alumnae leagues and the members thereof; 2. To review annually those inactive chapters; 3. To investigate and recommend where new member colonies shall be pursued and established; 4. To perform such other duties and acts as may be required of it by the Board of Directors. SECTION 6 - MEETINGS: The National Council shall meet at least once a year at a time and place designated by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS: SECTION 1 - OFFICERS TO BE ELECTED: At each Convention of this Society the following officers shall be elected by the members entitled to vote at such meeting: the President, five (5) Vice-Presidents, and the Secretary/Treasurer, who shall hold office until the next Convention or until their successors have been elected and qualified. With the exception of the Vice-Presidents, no elected officer shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. A Vice-President may serve in that office for a maximum of six (6) consecutive terms. The Secretary/Treasurer may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. Members of the National Council who have served a minimum of two (2) years are eligible for election to office. SECTION 2 - PRESIDENT: The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Society. She shall preside over all meetings of the Board of Directors, the National Council, and of the members. She shall preside over the business of the Society and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. She shall be ex-officio a member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee, and shall have the general powers and duties of supervision and management usually vested in the office of president of a corporation. SECTION 3 - VICE-PRESIDENTS: There shall be five (5) Vice Presidents, each of whom shall be responsible for the administration of the department of the Society assigned to her by the President. The Board of Directors shall designate the Vice President who shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President during the absence or disability of the President. They shall attend all meetings of the members, the Board of Directors, and the National Council. SECTION 4 - SECRETARY/TREASURER: The Secretary/Treasurer shall attend all meetings of the members, of the Board of Directors, and of the National Council and shall preserve in books of the Society true minutes of the proceedings of all such meetings. She shall be responsible for the seal of the Society and shall have authority to affix the same to all instruments where its use is required. She shall give all notices required by statute, by-law or resolution. She shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to her by the Board of Directors. She shall oversee all corporate funds and securities and shall be responsible for full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements; she shall be responsible for seeing that all monies, securities and other valuable effects are deposited in the name of the Society in such depositories as may be designated for that purpose by the Board of Directors. She shall disburse the funds of the Society as may be ordered by the Board, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and Directors at the regular meetings of the Board, and whenever requested by them, an account of all her transactions as Secretary/Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Society. She shall prepare the National budget with the aid of a committee. She shall keep in force, a bond in form, amount and with a surety or securities satisfactory to the Board, conditioned for faithful performance of the duties of the office, and for restoration to the Society in case of her death, resignation, retirement, or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and property of whatever kind in her possession or under her control belonging to the Society. SECTION 5 - REMOVAL FROM OFFICE: In case of the failure and neglect of any elected officer to perform her duties, the charges against her shall be drafted by the President, or if the President is the subject of the charges, by a Vice President, and the officer charged shall be notified thereof in writing. The President, or in her failure to do so within fifteen (15) days, thereof, a Vice President shall call a special meeting of the Board of Directors upon fifteen (15) days written notice specifying the time and place of the special meeting, to the person charged and to the other members of the Board of Directors, to hear the charges. If the charges are established by a preponderance of this evidence, and the party charged thereupon fails to resign, the Board of Directors by a two-thirds majority vote shall remove such officer from office. The Board of Directors shall then appoint her successor to serve until the completion of the term of office of the officer who was removed from office.
ARTICLE IX - EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS: SECTION 1 - CHECKS, ETC.: All checks, drafts, and orders for payment of money shall be signed in the name of the Society and shall be countersigned, by such officers or agents as the Board of Directors shall from time to time designate for that purpose. SECTION 2 - CONTRACTS, CONVEYANCES, ETC.: When the execution of any contract, conveyance or other instrument has been authorized without specification of the executing officers, the President, or any Vice President, or the Secretary/Treasurer, may execute the same in the name and behalf of this Society and may affix the corporate seal thereto. The Board of Directors shall have power to designate the officers and agents who shall have authority to execute any instrument in behalf of this Society.
SECTION 1 - POWER OF BOARD TO BORROW MONEY: The Board of Directors shall have full power and authority to borrow money whenever in the discretion of the Board of Directors the exercise of said power is required in the general interests of this Society. In such case the Board of Directors may authorize the proper officers of this Society to make, execute, and deliver in the name and behalf of this Corporation such notes, bonds, and other evidence of indebtedness as said Board of Directors shall deem proper. Said Board of Directors shall have full power to mortgage the property of this Society, or any part thereof, as security for such indebtedness, and no action on the part of the membership of this Society shall be requisite to the validity of any such note, bond, evidence or indebtedness or mortgage. SECTION 2 - GENERAL FUND: The revenues of this Society not raised for or designated to be used only for a specific purpose, such as, but not limited to, that of the Convention Fund or of the Endowment Fund, shall be paid into and carried in the General Fund, and shall be used to finance the general purposes and activities of this Society, as specified in the Society's budget. SECTION 3 - CONVENTION FUND: The Convention Fund shall consist of the fee which the Board of Directors requires each active member and each new member to pay to this Society. It shall be used for the payment of the expenses of the Convention of this Society, of the Leadership School and of the Regional Conclave(s) in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the same adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors of this Society. Any funds remaining over and above the amounts necessary to pay said expenses shall be retained in the Fund for the next Convention, the next Leadership School, and the next Regional Conclave(s). In the event that there is a deficit in the Fund after paying the foregoing expenses, it shall be met in such manner as the Board of Directors may deem proper. SECTION 4 - ENDOWMENT FUND: Subsection 1 - Purpose: It shall be the purpose of the Endowment Fund to extend assistance to chapters. Subsection 2 - Source: The Fund shall be composed of monies collected from the Endowment Fund Fee and monies transferred into the Fund by the Board of Directors, as provided herein, and such portions of the Fund's accumulated income as is not distributed and is designated as principal, as provided herein. Subsection 3 - Management: The Fund shall be held and managed by the Trust Department of a bank designated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of this Section 4, shall supervise the management of the Fund and shall have direction and control of and over the monies and other property thereof. Subsection 4 - Disposition of Principal and Income of the Fund: A. The term "principal", as used herein, shall mean all monies and all other property composing the Fund as of April 30, 1974, together with (i) all monies and all other property transferred into the Fund thereafter and designated as principal by the person or persons transferring such monies or other property, and (ii) all accumulated income of the Fund which is designated as principal. The value of the principal of the Fund, as it may exist from time to time, shall be computed annually on the basis of the fair market value of the assets composing such principal as of the final date of this Society's fiscal year ("valuation date"), as determined by the Society's accountant according to generally accepted accounting principles. B. The Fund's principal, as it may consist from time to time, shall be invested or reinvested by the bank with the approval of the Board of Directors in such securities as persons of prudence, discretion, and intelligence would invest in the management of another's affairs, not in regard to speculation but in regard to permanent disposition of their funds, considering the probable income, as well as the probable safety of their capital. Any such securities may be pledged as collateral in order to carry out the purpose stated in Subsection 1, above. C. The Fund's income (i) may be permitted to accumulate and, to the extent not distributed, may, from time to time be added to the Fund's principal, or (ii) may, from time to time be distributed (a) to be used to carry out the purpose stated in Subsection 1, above, or (b) to the General Fund of the Corporation to help defray its regular expenses. D. The Fund's Principal may not be invaded except: (1) as appears necessary or appropriate to repay any loan or obligation of the Society which is in default and which is secured by the Fund's principal, or any part thereof, provided, however, that any such invasion of principal shall be in the minimum amount necessary to cure any such default; or (2) as appears necessary or appropriate, from time to time to pay to the bank an amount equal to the reasonable value of the investment and custodial services it has rendered to the Society; or (3) as appears necessary or appropriate to carry out the purpose stated in Subsection 1, above, provided, however, that any single calendar year, exclusive of any invasion of the Fund's principal pursuant to paragraphs D(1) and D(2) hereof, shall not exceed an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the Fund's principal. E. All decisions, designations, pledges, invasions of the Fund's principal, and other actions respecting the Fund under this Subsection 4, unless otherwise specifically expressed, shall be made, directed, and taken by the approval at a meeting or in writing, of not less than three-fourths majority of the members of the Board of Directors. F. The Board of Directors may at any time or times transfer any surplus funds of the Society into the Fund.
SECTION 1 - MEMBERSHIP: A Certificate of Membership shall be issued to each member of this Society. No membership or Certificate of Membership shall be transferable. Subsection 1 - How Acquired: Membership is acquired by election as an active member of a chapter or by election as an honorary member, as those classifications of membership are defined in the Certificate of Incorporation and in these by-laws (see Article XI, Section 2, Subsection 1), and once so acquired is a lifetime affiliation. Subsection 2 - Eligibility: Any female student who has not been previously initiated into any of the recognized NPC sororities or fraternities and, who has ideals similar to those of Sigma Delta Tau Society and is matriculating at a college or university where there is a chapter may be proposed by any member as a candidate for membership, or a person may be elected to honorary membership as hereinafter provided in Section 2, Subsection 1A(C) hereof. Subsection 3 - Sisterhood Development Training, Election, and Initiation: Candidates for membership shall enter into a probationary period termed new member education upon their election thereto by the chapter, but this provision is not applicable to those elected to honorary membership. In any vote by active members in good standing on candidates for membership a chapter may set the number of negative votes which will make a candidate ineligible for new member status, which number shall not be less than ten percent of those members present and voting, but in no case less than three members. Upon fulfillment of the new member education, as stipulated by the Society in its Rules, Regulations & Procedures, the new member shall be duly initiated as an active member upon payment of all fees prescribed therefore by the Board of Directors. Subsection 4 - New Member Disaffiliation: A chapter may disaffiliate a new member when circumstances warrant this action. Before any such action shall become final and effective: A. The Local Advisor shall be consulted and her approval obtained. Where there is no Local Advisor, the National Advisor shall be consulted and her approval obtained. B. The National Advisor shall be informed fully of the circumstances involved. C. The new member shall be informed of the contemplated action, including the reasons therefore, and afforded the opportunity of appearing before the Local Advisor and the New Member Review Board which shall consist of the chapter President, New Member Educator, Assistant New Member Educator, Rush Chairperson, Standards Board Chairperson, and a duly appointed new member representative to counter the reasons advanced. If the new member fails or declines to appear or if, after such hearing, the determination of the parties conducting the hearing is that the new member should be disaffiliated, the new member shall be so informed in their presence, and such affiliation shall then be terminated. D. No new member once disaffiliated shall be re-affiliated until a chapter has obtained written permission from the Board of Directors. SECTION 2 - CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING RIGHTS: The membership of this Society, from among which the officers and Board of Directors shall be elected, shall be composed of the following classes of members: Subsection 1 - Individual Voting Members: Active Members: Those full time (as defined by the college or university) matriculating undergraduate and graduate students admitted to membership in the chapter of this Society at the college or university where they are in attendance. Each active member shall have one vote on all matters coming before the members of the chapter. Active Members: Part Time Students: Those members who fall below full time status as defined by the college or university. A part time student may not be placed on the active chapter roster if prohibited by the College Panhellenic. Part time students, when permitted by the College Panhellenic, must fulfill all sorority obligations. Each part time student shall have one vote on all matters coming before the members of the chapter. Part time students are responsible for all financial obligations to the Society and the local chapter. Subsection 1A - Individual Non-Voting Members: A. Inactive Members: Inactive status be may granted to a member by the National Board of Directors upon receipt of a written request for such status. See Rules, Regulations and Procedures, Article II, Section I, regarding Inactive Status. The request shall have the approval of the chapter Executive Board, and Local or National Advisor. Inactive status shall be granted for one semester/quarter at a time. Reasons for inactive status include. (1) Serious health problems (2) Extreme financial burden B. Special Status Members*: (1) Temporary residence outside the campus community (2) Student Teaching a distance from campus (3) Internship (4) Study Abroad (5) Co-op and other academic programs *Active member status resumes upon return to campus C. Alumnae Members: The following members shall be considered alumnae members: (1) Members who have graduated in good standing (2) Members, in good standing, who have left a college or university before receiving a degree (if undergraduate resumes college attendance and is admitted to sorority membership, she again becomes an active member rather than an alumna) (3) Members who transfer to another college or university where there is no chapter of the Society. (4) Members who transfer to another college or university where there is a chapter of the Society and who desire not to affiliate (if transfer student does decide to affiliate, she again becomes an active member rather than an alumna) (5) Members who marry as undergraduates and who desire to be considered alumnae members (6) Former members of a local group which becomes a chapter of the Society and who, having been approved by the Board of Directors, are initiated into the Society (7) Former members of a reorganized/re-colonized chapter still matriculating at the university but, by decision of the Board of Directors, not participating in the newly organized chapter. (8) Fifth year seniors: Those members in their fifth year of college who have completed at least two full years as an active member. D. Honorary Members: The following members shall be considered honorary members: (1) Local Honorary Members: Those persons who are not members of any other fraternity, except an honorary or professional one, and who, by unanimous vote of the chapter and with the consent of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors, have been elected to such honorary membership. She shall be regularly initiated and have all the privileges of non-voting membership upon payment of the Initiation Fee, the Publication Fee, and the Jeweled Torch Fee. (2) National Honorary Members: Those persons, not members of any other fraternity except an honorary or professional one, who have rendered distinguished service to the Society or to a chapter of the Society and who, by a two- thirds vote of the Board of Directors or of the Convention are elected to such honorary membership. She shall be regularly initiated and have all the privileges of non-voting membership upon payment of the Initiation Fee, the Life Publication Fee, and the Jeweled Torch Fee. Subsection 2 - Society Voting: Except as hereinafter set out in Section 2, Subsection 2a of this Article, the voting power of all voting members of this Society shall be equal, each voting member being entitled to one vote only on all matters coming before the members of this Society, even though a voting member may be a member of more than one category of voting members. A. Chapters: Chapters are composed of active members as the same are herein before defined. Each chapter in good standing is entitled to two (2) votes on all matters submitted to the members of this Society. B. Alumnae Leagues: Alumnae Leagues are composed of not less than five (5) alumnae members in good standing, to whom the Board of Directors, on petition to it and the payment of the charter fee, has granted an Alumnae League charter. Each Alumnae League shall be named after the area in which it exists. Each Alumnae League in good standing is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to the members of this Society. C. National Advisors: National Advisors are those alumnae members in good standing appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, to consult with and supervise the chapter(s) under their respective jurisdictions. Each National Advisor, after completing six months service on the National Council, is entitled to one vote on all matters coming before the members of this Society. D. Standing Committee Chairpersons: Standing Committee Chair persons are those alumnae members in good standing appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, to serve in such capacities. Each Standing Committee Chairperson, after completing six months of service on the National Council, is entitled to one vote on all matters coming before the members of this Society. E. Members of the Board of Directors: The Board of Directors is composed of nine (9) members of this Society who are the seven (7) elected officers, the Immediate Past President of the Society, and the National Panhellenic Delegate. Each member of the Board of Directors is entitled to one vote on all matters coming before the members of this Society.
Subsection 1 - Dues and Fees: A. Individuals: (1) Candidates for membership shall pay such National fees as shall be required by the Board of Directors and set forth in the Rules, Regulations & Procedures, and such chapter fees as are required by the Chapter by-laws. (2) Members of new member chapters or new member colonies shall be required to pay the Charter Fee, the Convention Fund Fee and the Foundation Fund Fee. (3) Individual members shall pay such National fees as shall be required by the Board of Directors and set forth in the Rules, Regulations & Procedures, and such other dues and fees as may be required by the Chapter or Alumnae League by-laws, whichever may be applicable. B. Chapters: Chapters shall pay such National dues and fees to the National treasury as shall be required by the Board of Directors of this Society and set forth in the Rules, Regulations & Procedures, and all monies collected from candidates for membership and from individual members due to and required to be paid to the National treasury. C. Alumnae Leagues: Alumnae Leagues shall pay to the National treasury the annual Alumnae League fees established by the Board of Directors of this Society and set forth in the Rules, Regulations & Procedures. Subsection 2 - Membership Obligations: It shall be the duty and privilege of each member to do everything in her power to promote the interests, welfare, and dignity of the chapter, alumnae league, and the Society; to pay all fees, dues, and assessments which may be imposed or levied by the Convention or other governing body of the fraternity. Subsection 3 - Good Standing: A. Definitions: The status of "good standing" for all members of this Society including individuals, chapters, and alumnae leagues shall be the fulfillment of all financial, academic, and ethical obligations, duties, and privileges as prescribed by these by-laws, Chapter by-laws and Alumnae League by-laws. B. Interpretations: (1) Individual Members: a) A member who has failed to meet her financial obligation for two consecutive months shall be considered not in good standing and shall be suspended and be denied the legislative and social privileges of membership and shall not be permitted to transfer from one chapter to another. Upon payment of all past due financial obligations such member shall be considered in good standing and all privileges of membership restored to her. b) A member who has failed to meet the academic requirements as set forth in Article XI, Section 6, Sub-section 3b of the Rules, Regulations & procedures shall be considered not in good standing and shall be denied the legislative privileges of membership until such time as she meets the academic requirements. c) A member who has failed to meet other obligations may be considered not in good standing and may be suspended. (2) Chapters: a) A chapter that has failed to meet its financial obligations to this Society for a period of two consecutive months shall be considered not in good standing. b) A chapter that has failed to submit its report at a specified time shall, at the discretion of the Board of Directors of this Society, be considered not in good standing. c) A chapter that has failed to follow directives of the Board of Directors of his Society, a National officer or its National Advisor shall, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, be considered not in good standing. d) A chapter that has failed to send required monies and forms and that, prior to initiation, has not received permission to initiate from the National Office shall be considered not in good standing, and shall be subject to fine. e) Chapters considered not in good standing shall not be entitled to voting privileges at the Convention. SECTION 4 - SUSPENSION AND TERMINIATION OF MEMBERSHIP: Subsection 1. - Procedure for a Standards Board Hearing: A. A member who fails to meet her obligations of membership may be brought before the Chapter Standards Board for a hearing. B. 1.) Before any action is taken by the Standards Board, the member shall be given a written explanation of the charges against her. The member will be given an opportunity at a meeting of the Standards Board to defend herself against the charges. She must have at least 72 hours written notice of the date, time and place where the Standards Board meeting will be held. She must also be given a copy of this procedure for a Standards Board Hearing. This meeting must be held at an appropriate time of the day, mutually agreed upon by the parties. 2.) Prior to the Standards Board meeting, a Hearing Officer should be appointed/selected to conduct the meeting. This should be a person who does not have any decision making authority for the Standards Board, but merely maintains control and order during the hearing. This person should be a member of the chapter’s executive board and is usually the President. 3.) A secretary should be selected to record minutes and the results of any votes taken. 4.) At the hearing there should be an opportunity for the chapter or individuals bringing the charges or allegations to support these with testimony, including bringing witnesses. There shall be no anonymous witnesses. 5.) At the time of the hearing, the accused member has the right to bring with her one other person. This person has the right to consult with the accused member but cannot participate in the hearing or ask any questions. The accused member shall have the opportunity to ask questions of any witnesses and to challenge the evidence. In addition, she has the right to testify and introduce evidence to support her position, including bringing in her own witnesses. 6.) Failure of the member to appear before the Standards Board shall constitute a waiver of the members right to so appear and be heard. 7.) The Standards Board shall determine what, if any punishment, shall be imposed upon the member. The punishment/penalty shall be put in writing and given to the member within 72 hours. A member will not be considered in good standing until the Standards Board penalty/punishment is completed. In addition, if the Standards Board finds no punishment necessary, that finding shall be put into writing within 72 hours as well. C. Once a member has completed her punishment/penalty, she will be immediately returned to good standing in the chapter. Subsection 2 - Suspension: A. A member who fails to meet her obligations of membership (other than financial), shall be suspended from chapter privileges for a period not exceeding three months unless there are mitigating circumstances, the validity of which shall be determined by the Chapter Standards Board with the approval of the Local Advisor and the National Advisor. B. 1) Before any action is taken, the member shall be given a written explanation of the charges against her. The member will be given an opportunity at a meeting of the Standards Board to defend herself against the charges. She must have 72 hours notice of the date, time, place where the Standards Board meeting will be held. This meeting must be held at an appropriate time of the day, mutually agreed upon by the parties. 2) Prior to the Standards Board meeting, a Hearing Officer should be appointed/selected to conduct the meeting. This should be a person who does not have any decision making authority for the Standards Board, but merely maintains control and order during the hearing. This person should be a member of the chapter’s Executive Board and is usually the President. 3) A secretary should be selected to record minutes and the results of any votes taken. 4) At the hearing, there should be an opportunity for the chapter or individuals bringing the charges or allegations to support these with testimony, including bringing witnesses. There shall be no anonymous witnesses. 5) At the time of the hearing, the accused member has the right to bring with her one other person. This person has the right to consult with the accused member but cannot participate in any hearing or ask any questions. The accused member shall have the opportunity to ask questions of any witnesses and to challenge the evidence. In addition, the accused member has the right to testify and introduce evidence to support her position, including bringing in her own witnesses. 6) Following said meeting, the Standards Board shall make its recommendation to the chapter. The member may appear at the chapter meeting at which the recommendation is presented. 7) Failure of the member to appear before the Standards Board and/or the chapter shall constitute a waiver of her right to so appear and be heard. C. Suspension under this section shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the active members of the chapter who are entitled to vote, present and voting, and the approval of the Local Advisor and the National Advisor. The National Advisor shall determine the length of any such suspension. The suspended member shall be given written notice of the appropriate procedures. D. All National fees shall be paid the National treasury during any such suspension. E. Upon fulfillment of her obligations of membership, as determined by the Standards Board, the member shall be reinstated with the approval of the Local Advisor and National Advisor. F. If, in the judgment of the Standards Board, the cause for suspension has not been remedied by the member within three (3) months after such suspension has become effective or within the time to which such period of suspension has been extended by the National Advisor, dismissal proceedings shall be initiated against the member. Subsection 3 - Dismissal of Active Members: A. Misconduct and/or failure to meet her membership obligations (as provided in Subsection 2 of Section 3) shall cause the member to be dismissed unless there are mitigating circumstances, the validity of which shall be determined by the chapter Standards Board with the approval of the Local Advisor and the National Advisor. B. Action for dismissal may be initiated against a member by the chapter Standards Board: 1) The member must have at least 72 hours notice of the date, time and place where the Standards Board meeting will be held. The meeting must be held at an appropriate time of day, mutually agreed upon by the parties. The member shall receive written notification from the chapter Standards Board, with the approval of the Local Advisor and the National Advisor, of the charges against her and given an opportunity to appear before the chapter Standards Board to defend herself against the charges. She shall be given a copy of the by-laws prior to the hearing. Failure of the member to so appear and be heard. 2) Prior to the Standards Board meeting, a hearing officer should be appointed/selected to conduct the meeting. This should be a person who does not have any decision making authority for the Standards Board but merely maintains control and order during the hearing. This person should be a member of the chapter’s Executive Board and is usually the President. 3) A secretary should be selected to record minutes and the results of any vote taken. 4) At the hearing, there should be an opportunity for the chapter or individuals bringing the charges or allegations to support these with testimony. There shall be no anonymous witnesses. 5) The accused member shall have the opportunity to ask questions of any witnesses and to challenge the evidence. In addition, the accused member has the right to testify and introduce evidence to support her position. The accused member has the right to bring with her one other person. This person has the right to consult with the accused member but cannot participate in the hearing or ask any questions. 6) If the chapter Standards Board cannot resolve the matter with the member, or if the member fails to appear before such Board, the Board, with the approval of the Local Advisor and the National Advisor shall present its findings and reason(s) for dismissal to the chapter president for presentation to the chapter for discussion at its next meeting. 7) The member may appear at the chapter meeting at which the findings and reason(s) for dismissal are presented. At that time she has the right to confront the charges against her. Failure of the member to appear at the meeting shall constitute a waiver of her right to appear and be heard. At the chapter meeting a vote shall be taken on such question of dismissal. A three-fourths majority vote of the chapter membership entitled to vote, that is present and voting, shall be required for a recommendation of dismissal. 8) The findings of the chapter shall be put in writing and sent to the National Advisor for her approval and then to the President of this Society for action. If the President of this society deems the reasons sufficient, the member shall be dismissed from the society. The chapter president and the dismissed member shall be informed in writing of the action taken. The dismissed member shall be requested to return her Certificate of Membership and pin to the National Office. The dismissed member shall be given written notice of the appellate procedures. C. Action for dismissal may be initiated by a member herself: 1) If the member herself requests such dismissal proceeding, she shall so inform the chapter Executive Committee in writing of the reason(s) for requesting to appear before the chapter Executive Committee to explain her reason(s) and to resolve with such Committee any differences with the chapter which may exist. Her failure to so appear shall constitute a waiver of her right to so appear. 2) If the chapter Executive Committee cannot resolve the matter with the member, or if the member fails to appear before such Committee, the Committee, with the approval of the Local Advisor and the National Advisor, shall present its findings and reason(s) for dismissal to the chapter for discussion at its next meeting. 3) The member may appear at the chapter meeting at which the findings and reason(s) for dismissal are presented. Failure of the member to appear at the meeting shall constitute a waiver of her right to appear. At the chapter meeting a vote will be taken on such question of dismissal. A three-fourths majority vote of the chapter membership entitled to vote, present and voting, shall be required for recommendation of dismissal. 4) The findings of the chapter shall be put in writing and sent to the National Advisor for her approval and then to the President of this Society for action. If the President of this Society deems the reasons sufficient, the member shall be dismissed from the Society. The chapter president and the dismissed member shall be informed in writing of the action taken. The dismissed member shall be requested to return her Certificate of Membership and pin to the National Office. D. If a chapter fails to initiate such proceedings against a member and the National Advisor determines such action should be taken, then, at her request, with the approval of the chapter president, such proceedings shall be initiated by the chapter. E. If a chapter fails to initiate such proceedings against a member and the National Advisor and/or the Board of Directors determines such action should be taken, the Board of Directors may initiate such proceedings. 1) The member in question shall be informed by certified letter from the Board of Directors and given 30 days to reply in writing to defend herself against the charges. Failure of the member to so reply shall constitute a waiver of her right to so reply. 2) The reply of the member shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors. A three-fourths majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be required for the dismissal of the member. 3) The findings of the Board of Directors shall be sent in writing to the Board of Directors, chapter president, and the member in question. The dismissed member shall be requested to return her Certificate of Membership and pin to the National Office. F. A dismissed member shall be ineligible thereafter for admission to any chapter or alumnae league of this Society. Subsection 4 - Appellate Process: A. Any member who has been suspended or dismissed has the right to have her case heard by the National Board of Directors. B. A decision of suspension or dismissal must be appealed within 30 days after the decision has been rendered. C. The member wishing the suspension or dismissal reviewed must submit to the National Office a typewritten appeal stating the reasons that the member feels she should not be suspended or expelled from the chapter along with any supporting documentation. D. The National Board of Directors has 60 days to review all documentation submitted and render its decision. E. The National Board of Directors shall respond in writing. Subsection 5 - Dismissal of Alumnae Members: A. Failure to have met National and/or chapter obligations shall cause the member to be dismissed unless there are mitigating circumstances the validity of which shall be determined by the Board of Directors. B. The member shall be informed in writing of her past due financial obligation(s) by the Treasurer of the Society and given the opportunity to fulfill same. If she fails to respond accordingly within six (6) weeks, she shall be informed in writing of her dismissal by the President of the Society. Subsection 6 - Reinstatement of Dismissed Member: An action of dismissal may be reviewed by the Board of Directors upon written application of the dismissed member. Upon the unanimous vote of the Board of Directors to reinstate the dismissed member, she shall be reinstated to membership in the Society. SECTION 5 - NATIONAL SUPERVISION, PROBATION, INACTIVATION OR DISESTABLISHMENT OF A CHAPTER: Subsection 1 - National Supervision: A chapter that is not functioning and performing according to the National by-laws, Rules, Regulations & Procedures and National Policies of this Society, including, but not limited to, failure to comply with any directives of the National Advisor, the National Office, and/or any member of National Council, failure to pay National dues, fees, fines or penalties, or refusal to submit required reports or information at a specified time, shall be placed under special supervision of the National organization. The Board of Directors shall inform the chapter of its being placed under National Supervision and shall advise them of the areas in which they are deficient. The period of National Supervision shall be determined by the Board of Directors, during which time additional visits shall be made by members of National Council. The chapter will be reviewed at each Board of Directors meeting for possible release from this sanction. Subsection 2 - Probation: A chapter shall be placed on probation by the Board of Directors if the chapter fails to comply with the by-laws, Rules, Regulations & Procedures and/or Policies of this Society. The chapter shall be placed on probation for not more than two (2) years, and shall be notified immediately in writing of such action and of the terms and conditions of such probation as prescribed by the Board of Directors. At the end of the period of probation, if the chapter has complied with the terms and conditions of its probation, it shall be relieved of its probation and restored to good standing; but if it has not complied with the terms and conditions of its probation, action shall be taken by the Board of Directors of this Society by a two-thirds majority vote, either to cause the chapter's disestablishment or to make it subject to such other affirmative action as may be deemed necessary to correct the situation. Subsection 3 - Inactivation: A. If the active members of a chapter, by a seven-eighths majority vote, file with the Board of Directors a voluntary petition requesting inactivation, and stating the reasons for such a request, the Board of Directors may grant such inactivation or may defer indefinitely acting upon such request. B. In the event that the members of a chapter cannot maintain the functions of a chapter, the Board of Directors may declare such chapter inactive or may defer taking such action. If the Board of Directors defers declaring a chapter inactive, at each of its meetings thereafter, it shall review the chapter's status. If a chapter is declared inactive, all property and liquid assets revert to the chapter housing corporation. If no such corporation exists, or after final disposition of real (property and equipment) assets of the housing corporation, monies shall be held by the National Society of Sigma Delta Tau. Monies shall be held in a separate account, invested in such securities as are approved for use in the endowment fund, for the period of six years. After six years, funds shall revert to the endowment fund of Sigma Delta Tau Society. If a chapter should be re-colonized within the initial six year period, monies held in the chapter’s name shall be returned to a functioning housing corporation. If no housing corporation exists, or there is no need for one, distribution of monies shall be overseen by a committee which will include the Local and National Advisors, the Director of Finance and the National Treasurer. If a chapter should be re-colonized after the six year period, the Executive Board may vote to release funds from the endowment fund for the chapter’s use according to the by-laws governing the endowment fund (presently 10% of principal in any one year). Subsection 4 - Disestablishment of Chapter (Removal of Charter): A. Reasons: A chapter may be disestablished: 1) Whenever the welfare, dignity or interest of the Society makes such action in its best interests; 2) When there has been a refusal to comply with the by-laws, Rules, Regulations & Procedures and/or Policies of this Society; 3) When there has been a refusal to adhere to the directives of the National Advisor(s), the Board of Directors of this Society, the National Council, or of the Convention body; 4) When there has been a refusal to pay dues, fees, fines, penalties, or other lawful obligations of the chapter; or 5) When there has been a refusal to enforce the laws and regulations of the Society or to uphold its standards. B. Procedure to Disestablish: 1) Upon passage at the Convention of a motion to disestablish a chapter, the matter shall be referred to the Board of Directors for investigation. The Board of Directors shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the next Convention, at which time action shall be taken thereon. 2) The chapter which is the subject of such pending action shall be informed of the Board of Directors' findings and recommendations at least thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the Convention and have the opportunity of defending itself at the Convention against such charges. 3) A two-thirds majority vote of all those members entitled to vote, that are present and voting, at the Convention shall be required to disestablish a chapter. 4) In the event that the vote is to disestablish a chapter, the chapter shall be notified in writing and required to return its charter and all fraternity paraphernalia to the National Office of the Society and to remit to the Treasurer of the Society all monies remaining in the chapter's treasury. Such funds shall be used to pay all outstanding obligations of the chapter and the balance, if any, shall be paid into the Society's General Fund. Any real property shall be disposed of in a manner designated by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE XII - COMMITTEES AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS: SECTION 1 - APPOINTMENT AND TERMS: Except as otherwise provided, all special committees, the various standing committees, and the standing appointments shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. The term of all standing committees, special committees, and standing appointments shall expire at the close of the next succeeding Convention after their appointment unless hereinafter provided. SECTION 2 - STANDING COMMITTEES: The following standing committees may be appointed by the President of the Society, with the approval of the Board of Directors, promptly after the close of the Convention: A. Alumnae: This committee shall supervise establishment of alumnae leagues and remain in communication with all leagues. B. Awards: This committee shall establish criteria of eligibility and merit for awards annually and shall, in consultation with the Board of Directors, determine award recipients. C. Budget: This committee shall prepare the National Biennial Budget. D. By-laws: This committee shall review the by-laws periodically and make appropriate recommendations, as may be necessary. E. Convention: This committee shall propose dates and sites for the Convention to the Board of Directors; prepare a budget for the Convention with the approval of the Society's Treasurer, and supervise all arrangements for the Convention. F. Corporation: This committee shall supervise the local housing corporations. The committee shall oversee the employment of house directors and give direction to local housing corporation boards. G. Educational Loan: This committee shall administer the Educational Loan Fund. H. Extension: This committee shall investigate and recommend chapter establishments. I. Insurance: This committee shall review annually the National Insurance Program and recommend any changes to the Board of Directors. It shall also advise chapters and/or corporations on all matters pertaining to insurance. J. Long Range Planning: This committee shall consider plans for the future direction and development of the Society. K. New Member Education: This committee shall supervise the new member education program of each chapter. L. Parents Club: This committee shall supervise the establishment of Parents Clubs and remain in communication with all Parents Clubs. M. Philanthropic and Community Service: This committee shall investigate opportunities for community service, and advise chapters of the National philanthropic project(s). N. Policy: This committee shall supervise the gathering of information on all established policies of the Society, keep a permanent record of them, and recommend changes. O. Realty: This committee shall supervise the purchase and management of the real estate of the various chapters' housing corporations. The committee shall also monitor the activities of the local housing corporations of the Society and make recommendations to them. P. Risk Management: This committee shall supervise the risk management program of the Society. The committee shall monitor each chapter's Risk Management Program and review their risk management policies. Q. Rush: This committee shall supervise the rush plans of chapters and provide National rush help when deemed necessary. R. Scholarship: This committee shall supervise the scholarship programs of the chapters. S. Sig-Net: This committee shall supervise the career networking program. SECTION 3 - SPECIAL COMMITTEES: All special committees shall be appointed to handle particular non-recurring situations that have arisen and shall be disbanded when the situations have been resolved. In no case shall their existence continue beyond the close of the ensuing Convention, unless the members at such Convention specifically authorize extension of its existence for a period not extending beyond the next succeeding Convention. SECTION 4 - NOMINATING COMMITTEE: The nominating committee shall consist of seven (7) members chosen as follows: A. Three (3) regular members and three (3) alternates shall be chosen from among the members of the National Council by written ballot at the regular meeting of the Council held one year before the next Convention. To be eligible for election, these women shall have served a minimum of two years on National Council and shall not currently be serving as a member of the Board of Directors or as Convention Chairperson(s). The person receiving the highest number of votes shall be the chairperson of the Nominating Committee and, with the persons receiving the second and third highest number of votes, shall be a member of the committee. The persons receiving the fourth, fifth and sixth highest number of votes shall, in that order, be alternate members of the committee. In the event of a tie, order of committee membership shall be by National Council seniority. B. The remaining four (4) members of the committee shall be the Presidents of each of four (4) chapters of the Society appointed on an alphabetical rotating basis of the chapters. Each such chapter President shall be notified of her appointment at least two (2) months preceding the Convention and, in her absence or disability, the chapter alternate delegate shall serve in the chapter President's place on the committee. SECTION 5 - STANDING APPOINTMENTS: The following standing appointments may also be made by the President of the Society with the approval of the Board of Directors of this Society promptly after the close of the Convention: 1. Chairperson of Chapter by-laws; 2. National Counselor; 3. Editor of the Society's magazine "TORCH"; 4. Assistant Secretary - The assistant secretary, in the absence or disability of the secretary, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary; 5. Assistant Treasurer - The assistant treasurer, in the absence or disability of the treasurer, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the treasurer; 6. National Ritualist; and 7. Historian. SECTION 6 - NATIONAL ADVISORS: The Vice President of this Society to whom the President has delegated charge of the National Advisors shall confer with the President on possible choices for National Advisors. The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint the various National Advisors. The National Advisors shall serve in such capacity for a one year term unless a National Advisor resigns or is removed by a three-fourths majority vote of the Board of Directors. The National Advisors shall maintain continuous communication with each chapter under her jurisdiction and shall have such further duties as shall be required of them by the Board of Directors and set forth in the Rules, Regulations & Procedures.
SECTION 7 - NPC DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES: A. The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint the National Panhellenic Delegate for a term of two (2) years. She may serve in that capacity for a maximum of twelve (12) consecutive years. B. The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint the National Panhellenic Conference alternate delegates for a term of two (2) years each. They may be re-appointed for additional terms.
ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS: SECTION 1 - AMENDMENTS BY MEMBERS: These by-laws may be amended, altered, revised, added to or repealed by the affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the members entitled to vote that are present and voting at any regular meeting of the members or at any special meeting of the members, if notice of the proposed amendment, alteration, revision, addition to or repeal be contained in the notice of such special meeting; or by a vote conducted by mail with the final date for receipt of ballot not exceeding sixty (60) days from the date of mailing, to be shown on the ballot. Such vote shall be conducted only during the academic year. Ballots not returned by the designated deadline shall be considered as affirmative. SECTION 2 - NOTICE TO MEMBERS: When these by-laws are to be amended, revised, altered, added to or repealed by the members, notice in writing of any such proposed amendment or revision of these by-laws setting forth the portion(s) and manner in which it is proposed to so amend or revise these by-laws and the way in which each amended portion or revision thereof shall read if such amendment(s) or revision is adopted shall be sent by prepaid first class mail to each voting member of the Society at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting of the members, regular or special, at which such proposed amendments or revision will be acted upon.
ARTICLE XIV - REVIEW OF BY-LAWS: SECTION 1: These by-laws shall be reviewed by the Convention by-laws Committee. The National by-laws Committee shall review the by-laws at least every six (6) years.
ARTICLE XV - PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE: SECTION 1 - PURPOSE AND GOVERNING AUTHORITY: The conduct of all meetings of the members, the Board of Directors, the National Council, committees, chapters, and alumnae leagues of this Society shall be governed by and in accordance with the provisions of Robert's Rules of Order, Revised.
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