Bylaws
Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
Beta Mu Chapter By-Laws
The
I. Name
A. The name of this organization shall be Beta Mu Chapter, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity (hereafter referred to as Beta Mu Chapter).
II. National Affiliation
A. This Organization is a chartered Brotherhood of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.
III. Purpose
A. The Beta Mu chapter shall be an Honor Fraternity for students at the
B. The Beta Mu Chapter and its members shall abide by federal, state, county, and municipal laws and shall adhere to The George Washington University Code of Conduct.
IV. Membership
A. The Beta Mu chapter of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity shall not
discriminate in accordance with the
B. Classes of Members shall be of the following:
1. Active Members:
i. All new Active Brothers of the Beta Mu Chapter must meet the Initiation requirements of the Beta Mu Chapter.
ii. To remain an Active Brother of the Beta Mu Chapter, the brother must:
a. Attend eighty percent (80%) of all regular meetings, eighty percent (80%) of assigned committee meetings, and one hundred percent (100%) of ritual events and special meetings.
b. Fulfill one service, one cultural/educational, one fundraising, one rush, and one initiate-related event during each semester of activity. An initiate-related event is defined as an event or meeting planned for or by the initiate class.
i. Excused absences are permitted and consist of those that are beyond the control of the individual. Notification for excused absences must be given to a brother of the Executive Board either orally or in written/electronic form within twenty-four (24) hours of the missed meeting or event
c. Pay to the National Office, via the Beta Mu Chapter, the National Dues and the Beta Mu Chapter dues by the date set forth by the Chapter Treasurer. Furthermore, additional financial obligations to the chapter incurred by a Brother must be paid by the date set forth by the Treasurer
d. Serve on at least one (1) standing committee per semester. Membership on an ad-hoc committee does not fulfill the requirement for standing committee membership
iii. If a Brother fails to meet any of the above requirements, the said
Brother will be brought before the Brotherhood for a determination of their
membership status. The Executive Board reserves the right to make a
recommendation based on extenuating circumstances.
iv. If, at any time during a semester, a brother has missed (unexcused) more
than 20% of that semester’s
meetings, that brother shall immediately be put on probation, until the brother has made up the necessary
meetings. Furthermore, should any
brother fail to fulfill their Rush Requirement by the end of the Rush period,
they shall immediately go on probation until the brother has made up the Rush
requirement.
2. Members on Probation
a. Brothers on Probation have the following rights:
i. Eligible to serve on trial board
ii. May make formal recommendations to the Brotherhood
iii. Having attended the requisite number of rush events set by the rush chairs and initiate advisor(s), the Brother may vote on the individuals in that semester’s rush class but is prohibited from voting on the split.
b. Brothers on Probation have the following restrictions:
i. May not vote on formal recommendations to the Brotherhood, even if said recommendation was made by the Brother on Probation
ii. May not vote on any fraternity business, with the exceptions stated previously
iii. May not stand for election to the Executive Board
iv. May not chair a committee or hold any other appointed office
v. May not take a Little Brother
c. In accordance with Article IV, Section B of the Beta Mu Chapter bylaws, Brothers on probation will meet all of the requirements therein or will be placed on probation the immediately following semester.
d. If on probation, the brother must fulfill all remaining requirements or, at the end of the semester, a motion will be made for the brother’s expulsion.
i. If the brother is not available to defend their expulsion (through going abroad, or other unforeseeable circumstances) the probationary status will continue until the Brother’s return.
e. Graduating on Probation
i. A Brother who graduates, transfers, or will for other reasons no longer take undergraduate classes at the sheltering institution, having failed to fulfill the requirements as stipulated in Article IV, Section B, Subsection 1 of the Beta Mu Chapter Bylaws, will be automatically expelled from the chapter.
ii. A Brother meeting the requirements as described in the above section has the opportunity to appeal his/her probationary status at the final business meeting of his/her final semester with the chapter. As a part of new business, this Brother will be given no more than five (5) minutes to plead his/her case. Then, said Brother will leave the meeting, giving the Brotherhood the opportunity to debate his/her probationary status. After sufficient debate, the Brotherhood will vote on the status of the Brother in question. A 2/3 majority of voting members is required to lift probationary status. Short of this 2/3 majority in his/her favor, the Brother will be automatically considered expelled at the end of the business meeting.
3. Inactive Members:
i. Rights and Restrictions
a. Inactive Brothers are not required to attend meetings or participate in committee meetings or ritual events.
b. Chapter dues shall be required of Inactive Brothers wishing to attend Chapter events.
c. Chapter Inactive Brothers must remit National Dues to the Chapter Treasurer
d. Brothers shall not be eligible to be inactive for more than one (1) semester unless the Brother meets the requirements of a Nationally Inactive Brother.
e. Chapter Inactivity entails a suspension of all responsibilities and privileges granted to an Active Brother.
4. Members in the Initiate Process:
i. Rights and Restrictions
a. Beta Mu initiates are not active Brothers and shall not represent Phi Sigma Pi at any function.
b. Initiates must have no fewer than two remaining semesters as an undergraduate at the time of induction.
V. Chapter/Alumni Advisors
A. The Chapter Advisor(s) of the Beta Mu Chapter shall be appointed or
elected by the Brothers of the Beta Mu Chapter in the manner approved by the
1. At least one (1) of the sheltering institution’s staff shall be designated official Chapter Advisor.
B. An Alumni Advisor of the Beta Mu Chapter may be appointed or elected by the brothers of the Beta Mu Chapter. The function of the alumni advisor shall be to facilitate relations between alumni and active brothers.
1. This role includes, but is not limited to serving as a consultant to the alumni committee and acting as a liaison between the Executive Board and alumni.
2. It is encouraged that the alumni advisor also be a member of a national alumni association of Phi Sigma Pi.
VI. Government and Officers
A. The Beta Mu Chapter shall possess a democratic/republican form of government. Checks and balances shall be maintained throughout all legislation. There shall be three branches of government:
1. The Executive Branch: The Members of the Executive Board comprise the executive branch of chapter government. The Executive branch shall have authority over all components of the Beta Mu Chapter, except the General Body, and shall represent the General Body when the General Body is not in session.
2. The Legislative Branch: The General Body is the Legislative branch of the Chapter government
3. The Judicial Branch: The Parliamentarian is the judicial branch of chapter government.
B. The Election of Officers:
1. Chapter Officers shall be elected and installed six (6) weeks before the end of the semester for a term of one calendar year.
2. Election of officers shall be by secret ballot. The election shall be held at a Regular Meeting in November or December with nominations taken by floor at the previous Regular Meeting and/or by letter within twenty-four (24) hours of the meetings at which nominations were taken.
3. The election of officers shall take place before the Induction of that semester's Initiate Class.
4. A simple majority of the Active Brothers present at the Meeting for election shall be required to elect the officers. The election date shall be announced at least thirty (30) days in advance.
5. Any vacancies shall be filled by the President until special elections are held.
C. All officer candidates shall be Active Brothers in Good Standing and fulfill the following requirements:
1. In order to serve as President, the Brother must have been an Active Brother for two full semesters, including the semester in which elections are held.
2. In order to serve as Vice President, the Brother must have been an Active Brother for either one semester as a committee chair or two full semesters as a regular Brother, including the semester in which elections are held.
3. In order to serve as Recording Secretary, the Brother must have been an Active Brother for one full semester, including the semester in which elections are held.
4. In order to serve as Corresponding Secretary, the Brother must have been an Active Brother for one full semester, including the semester in which elections are held.
5. In order to serve as Treasurer, the Brother must have been an Active Brother for one full semester, including the semester in which elections are held.
6. In order to serve as Initiate Advisor, the Brother must have been an Active Brother for two full semesters, including the semester in which elections are held. If two brothers run together for the position of Initiate Advisor, at least one must be able to serve a full year in the position, at least one must have 2 active semesters as a brother before serving as IA, and the second brother must have at least one active semester as a committee chair before serving as IA or two active semesters including the semester of election.
7. In order to serve as Historian, the Brother must have been an Active Brother for one full semester, including the semester in which elections are held.
8. In order to serve as Parliamentarian, the Brother must have been an Active Brother for one full semester, including the semester in which elections are held.
D. The duties of the Beta Mu Chapter Officers shall include, but are not limited to, those listed in the National Constitution, the Beta Mu Chapter Operating Policies, and below:
1. The President shall:
i. Preside at all meetings of the Chapter
ii. Have removal power of all non-elected positions in the Chapter subject to the approval of the Executive Board
iii. Be recognized as the official representative of the Chapter
iv. Serve as the chairperson of the Executive Board
v. Be responsible for advising the Secretary on all correspondence, in accordance with the Chapter
vi. Call special meetings of the Chapter
vii. Prepare the agenda in consultation with the Executive Board
viii. Be responsible for informing the Chapter about the national activities of Phi Sigma Pi
ix. Be a voting Member of the Executive Board
x. Serve as the Risk Management Advisor for the Chapter
2. The Vice President shall:
i. Be responsible for all duties of the President in the President's absence
ii. Act as coordinator and serve as an ex officio Member of the Chapter's Standing Committees
iii. Accept all official responsibilities and obligations deemed necessary by the President
iv. Appoint all non-elected positions in the Chapter (including Committee Chairpersons) with the approval of the Executive Board
v. Solicit reports from all the chapter officers and committees/committee heads
vi. Be a voting Member of the Executive Board
3. The Parliamentarian shall:
i. Be the Chief Judicial Officer of the Chapter.
ii. Maintain order at all meetings
iii. Serve as Sergeant at Arms during meetings and Rituals
iv. Advise Beta Mu Chapter in its activities to ensure that the National Constitution and National Operating Policy and National Interpretive Documents are adhered to in all functions of Beta Mu Chapter.
vi. Shall serve as bylaws committee chair and advise Beta Mu Chapter in its activities to ensure that the Chapter Bylaws and other Governance Policies are adhered to in all functions of the Chapter.
vii. Advise Beta Mu Chapter in its activities to ensure that the Chapter is in compliance with Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition.
viii. Be chairman of all Audit and Chapter Investigative Committees.
ix. Maintain for the Chapter the Fraternity Roll Book requiring the signatures of all Brothers at the time of their induction. All Brothers shall be numbered sequentially in the Chapter Roll according to their Greco-alphabetic Initiate name.
x. Be a voting Brother of the Executive Board.
xi: Accept responsibility to enforce a respectful environment during all rituals and escort any disrespectful brothers out.
4. The Treasurer shall:
i. Be the Chief Financial Officer of the Chapter
ii. Report at the Chapter meetings the financial status of the Chapter accounts, including, but not limited to, delinquent dues
iii. Remit appropriate funds to the National Office by the specified due date
iv. Create and propose the budget for the next fiscal year
v. Receive and record all funds of the Chapter and provide for the security of said funds
vi. Adhere to the budget approved by the Executive Board and the Brotherhood
vii. Pay all debts and expenses
viii. Maintain a record of receipts and expenditures, balance the accounts, and relinquish possession of the records to the newly-elected Treasurer before the last regular meeting of previous term of office
ix. Serve as an ex officio member of the Fund-Raising Committee and all other general purpose monetary generating committees
x. Provide explanations to questions posed by the Financial Review Board (Group conducting the Chapter's Annual Financial Review) for the completion of the Financial Review Board's report
xi. Preside over the meeting of the Chapter in the absence of the President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary
xii. Be a voting Member of the Executive Board
5. The Recording Secretary shall:
i. Keep a record of all proceedings of the Chapter and Executive Board meetings of the Chapter and enter such minutes in a permanent record.
ii. Be responsible for the distribution of the minutes to the Executive Board before the next Regular Meeting and have the minutes available for review by the Brotherhood of the Chapter.
iii. Be responsible for all intrachapter correspondence and its distribution to those designated.
iv. Be responsible for the attendance records of the Chapter.
v. Be responsible for notification of the Brothers who have reached probationary status. Notification must be made through e-mail and campus mail or USPS.
vi. If necessary, request an Undersecretary, who shall be appointed by the President, to aid in the performing the duties of the office.
vii. Be a voting Brother of the Executive Board.
6. The Corresponding Secretary shall:
i. Be responsible for all correspondence, excluding intrachapter correspondence, pertaining to the Chapter and its distribution to those designated.
ii. Preserve, supply, and submit all National and Chapter forms, documents, records, Constitution, Bylaws, National Operating Policy and National Interpretive Documents, the Ritual, other documents, and supplies.
iii. Be responsible for compiling and submitting all required membership lists and other required affiliation documentation to the appropriate divisions of The George Washington University to ensure continued affiliation.
iv. If necessary, request an Undersecretary, who shall be appointed by the President, to aid in performing the duties of the office.
v. Be a voting Brother of the Executive Board.
7. The Initiate Advisor shall:
i. Be responsible for reviewing and updating the Initiation Program of the Chapter, with the assistance of the Initiation Committee and the approval of the Brotherhood of the Beta Mu Chapter
ii. Be responsible for maintaining and upholding the integrity of the Initiation Program of the Chapter in relation to the rules of the sheltering institution, and any rules established by the Chapter
iii. Be responsible for the planning and implementation of the Initiation Program approved by the Members of the Chapter at the meeting prior to the first meet night held by the Chapter
iv. Report Initiation Activities and send a complete detailed description of the Initiation Program to the National Office by the specified due dates
v. Be responsible for, with the assistance of the Initiation Committee, the planning and the implementation of the Initiation program approved by the Brotherhood of the Chapter at a meeting prior to the first Meet Night held by the Chapter
vi. Be responsible for the production of Initiate seminars on the National Constitution and the Beta Mu Chapter Bylaws. Each initiate shall have a copy of the above documents upon entering the Initiation program
vii. Be a voting Member of the Executive Board
8. The Historian shall:
i. Keep, collect, and preserve an accurate history of the Chapter
ii. Be responsible for placing news items concerning the Chapter in local and collegiate publications
iii. Provide the National Office with historical items of the Chapter at the close of the academic year at the Chapter's discretion
iv. Be responsible for all photographs, audio, and videos of the Chapter
v. Plan and coordinate group photo, audio, and/or video sessions
vi. Provide to the Chapter each semester a historical and detailed summary of Chapter occurrences that semester
vii. Obtain and preserve a photograph of every Chapter President, from chartering to present
viii. Be a voting Member of the Executive Board at the Chapter's discretion
ix. Serve as web design committee chair.
9. The Brother-at-Large shall:
i. Attend all Executive Board meetings on the Brotherhood’s behalf
ii. Serve as ombudsman for Beta Mu Chapter
iii. Act as a mediator for any disputes that may arise between Brother’s
iv. Respect the confidence of all Brothers and maintain neutrality in all matters relating to their position
v. Brother-at-Large shall not serve as a committee chair during their semester in the position.
vi. Serve for a single semester
vii. Be elected at the end of each semester
viii. Hold weekly office hours
E. Each officer shall submit at the end of each term of office a report outlining the accomplishments and problems of the term and including recommendations for future operations of the Beta Mu Chapter.
1. These reports shall be submitted to the Executive Board and reported to the Beta Mu Chapter by the last meeting of the term of office.
F. The officers shall submit to their successors all records entrusted to them or obtained by them during their term of office.
G. Any member of the Executive Board shall not be eligible to serve as chair of any standing committee concurrent to his or her term on the Executive Board, unless a committee chairmanship remains unfilled past the deadline for applications, in which case Board members may be eligible to serve in both positions.
H. Additional officers may be appointed at the discretion of the President with the approval of the Chapter.
VII. Executive Board
A. The Executive Board shall consist of all elected officers of the Beta Mu Chapter. The Executive Board shall have the power to act on behalf of the Beta Mu Chapter on matters of immediate importance.
VIII. Committees
A. Standing Committees
1. Shall exist from year to year but membership on them shall be for one-semester terms. The vice president shall be responsible for appointing Chairpersons to the Committees no later than the first Regular Meeting.
2. The Standing Committees are as follows:
i. The Fundraising Committee - responsible with planning all moneymaking projects for the Beta Mu Chapter.
ii. The Service Committee - responsible with planning service projects for the Beta Mu Chapter.
iii. The Social Committee - responsible for all social functions and recreational events of the Beta Mu Chapter. This Committee is in charge of the National Convention.
a. Formal Subcommittee - A subcommittee within the Social Committee responsible for the planning and implementation of Beta Mu’s annual formal and semiformal
iv. The Programming Committee - responsible with planning all professional programs for Beta Mu Chapter.
v. The Initiation Committee - headed by the Initiation Advisors, responsible for the Initiation period and ensuring that the program abides by the Initiation Program approved by the Beta Mu Chapter.
vi. The Awards and Scholarship Committee - responsible for the nomination of National and Chapter Awards. Each semester the Committee shall plan activities to reward outstanding Brothers.
vii. The Alumni Committee - responsible for building strong ties with the Alumni of Beta Mu Chapter.
viii. The Web Design Committee - responsible for maintenance and improvements of Beta Mu’s website.
ix. The Convention Committee shall be a standing committee only during
semesters in which the Beta Mu chapter is hosting a Regional Convention, and
shall assist in and focus on the planning of the Convention.
x. The Inter-Chapter Relations (ICR) Committee shall be responsible for
encouraging and coordinating the Chapters attendance at ICR events at other
chapters. The committee shall be chaired
by the Regional Delegate.
B. The Vice President shall have authority to form Special Committees with the approval of the President when the need arises.
IX. Finances
A. The Financial Operating Policies of the Beta Mu Chapter shall regulate all financial matters
B. Semester Dues
1. Dues shall be collected in accordance with the Phi Sigma Pi National Constitution.
2. Each Brother shall pay Chapter Dues, as determined by the Beta Mu Chapter. These dues shall be paid to the Treasurer no later than the date set by the Treasurer.
3. Any Active Brother in the semester immediately preceding the present one shall be considered an Active Brother until the date that dues are due for the membership. At this time the Brother shall be considered an Inactive Brother until Chapter Dues are paid in full or special arrangements have been made with the Chapter Treasurer.
4. The Beta Mu Chapter shall levy any additional Chapter Semester Dues, in accordance with Chapter needs.
C. Induction Fees
1. Induction Fees shall be collected in accordance with the Phi Sigma Pi National Constitution.
2. The Beta Mu Chapter shall levy an Initiation Fee, in accordance with the needs of the Initiation program.
3. No moneys from the Chapter Treasury shall pay for the Initiation Program,
with the exception of the Induction supplies, Meet Night, and the induction
ceremony.
3a. Initiates
are required to pay national and chapter dues, as set forth by the most
recent Grand Chapter session of the
National Fraternity and the Initiate Advisor,
respectively. If, for any
reason, an Initiate fails to become a brother of this Chapter, the
Initiate Advisor shall, upon receipt of the Initiate’s pin and book, refund the
national portion of Initiate dues.
D. A minimum balance of three hundred and fifty dollars ($350.00) and what is required by the financial institution shall be established for the treasury to ensure that a viable fund shall be on hand at all times to provide for any emergency allocations which may occur between inputs to the treasury. The designated signers on all financial accounts shall be both the President and the Treasurer. Two signatures are required for all Chapter financial transactions.
E. Beta Mu’s fiscal year ends June 30. The financial policies of Beta Mu Chapter shall be governed by a budget adopted at the beginning of each fiscal year.
F. All cash funds of the Chapter shall be deposited in the name of the Chapter in a bank or credit union insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). All financial transactions requiring endorsement shall bear the signatures of the Treasurer and the President.
G. All reimbursement forms must be submitted to the
Treasurer within sixty (60) days from the date on the accompanying receipt.
X. Chapter Awards
A. There shall be only four (4) Beta Mu Chapter Awards. These Awards are given only once a year at the Chapter’s Inaugural Banquet/Ball. The Awards are named after the Founder and the Charter Brothers of the Beta Mu Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. They are as follows:
1. The Derek B. Simmons Founder’s Tripod Award: This award is the chapter’s highest award, and is given to the Chapter’s Brother who exemplifies the tripod of ideals of Scholarship, Leadership, and Fellowship. This Brother truly tries to make the ideals of Phi Sigma Pi live in every aspect of his/her life. This Brother shall receive the Chapter’s Service Key and is nominated for the National Distinguished Service Key.
2. The Guatam Gulati and Mathew Z. Kolodny Scholarship Award. This award is given to the Chapter’s Brother who shows superior academic performance while being an Active Brother of the Beta Mu Chapter.
3. The Jason T. Burdette and Jeanne M. Lowiec Leadership Award. This award it given to the Chapter’s Brother who shows great leadership skills through his/her involvement with the Chapter. This Brother is committed to getting a task done. This Brother is also a humble follower when needed: for the best leaders are also amicable followers.
4. The Diana F. Rubin and Sandeep N. Soorya Fellowship Award. This award is given to the Chapter’s Brother who expresses and lives the true meaning of friendship, love, and brotherhood. This Brother is always there to make a sad moment happy. A dark situation brighter. S/he is fellowship in its truest form.
B. The Chapter Awards shall be monetary awards with plaques or certificates. Except for the Founder’s Tripod Award, all other Chapter Awards shall be equal in value monetarily. The Founder’s Tripod Award, monetarily, shall be worth at least twenty-five (25%) greater than the Scholarship, Leadership and Fellowship Awards. The amount of the awards and the criteria for nomination shall be decided by the Beta Mu Chapter and placed in the Chapter’s Operating Policies.
XI. Disciplinary Actions of the Chapter
A. The Executive Board shall notify the Brother accused and the Official Chapter Advisor if there is to be a hearing to impeach, suspend, or expel a Brother of Phi Sigma Pi. The notice shall advise them of the time and place when Beta Mu Chapter shall hear the case.
B. An Active or Inactive Brother may be disciplined, including, but not limited to, being placed on probation, suspended, or expelled for non-payment of dues or for Conduct Unbecoming a Brother of Phi Sigma Pi by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Active Brotherhood of the Beta Mu Chapter.
1. The Brother may be reinstated at any subsequent meeting by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) the Active Brotherhood of the Beta Mu Chapter, after the terms of the disciplinary action have been completed.
C. In the case that the Brother falls below a cumulative 3.00 grade point average, the Brother shall be placed on Active Brother Academic Probation for one (1) semester. If at the end of this time, the Brother has not attained the Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00, the Executive Board, after review of the Brother’s efforts to improve the Brother’s average has the options of either:
1. Extending the probationary period one (1) semester.
i. The benefit of doubt shall rest with the Brother on Active Brother Academic Probation. As long as the Brother has shown stamina, has sought help either from within Beta Mu Chapter or outside the Chapter, and has put forth the Brother’s best efforts, the benefit of the doubt shall be given and another extension shall be granted.
2. Placing the Brother on Probation.
i. This is done in the case that a Brother dips considerably below a 3.00 cumulative grade point average and shows no improvement, stamina, and/or greater effort (as decided upon by the Executive Board).
D. According to the provisions of Article IV, Section 3, Subsection A, an Active Brother will meet all of the requirements therein or will be placed on probation the immediately following semester. If on Probation, the Brother must fulfill all remaining requirements or, at the end of the semester, a motion will be made for the Brother’s expulsion.
1. If no Brother makes a motion for expulsion, the duty falls to the Recording Secretary to do so.
2. If the Brother is not available to defend their expulsion (through graduation, going abroad, or other unforeseeable circumstances) their probationary status will continue until the Brother returns.
3. In the event of graduation, the Brother will be reported as a Brother not in good standing to the National Office.
4. Being placed on Membership Probation does not preclude the brother from being disciplined by the Chapter with more extensive measures.
XII. Rush, Initiation, and Induction Processes
A. Rush
1. All active brothers, including those on probation, must attend a minimum, 4 of rush events, if they wish to be eligible to vote on the individuals in that semester’s rush class selection. If a brother is a member of the rush committee, that brother must attend, at minimum, 2 of rush events (4 to vote on the class). For an event to count as being attended, the brother must stay for ½ the duration of the said event.
B. Initiation
1. All Initiate activities shall be in accordance with Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and The George Washington University anti-hazing policies.
2. Each Initiate shall sign an Initiate Bill of Rights before entering Beta Mu’s Initiation Program
3. Initiation is a ritual and all active brothers are required to attend, dressed in business casual attire in the colors of black, white, grey, tan, brown, and/or blue.
4. All Active brothers are required to attend one rush event and one initiate sponsored event. The initiate sponsored events include: the initiate service, scholarship, social, or fundraising event OR attendance at two initiate meetings. Those brothers who serve on the Executive Board, or are on the initiate committee as well as all big brothers, must attend one initiate sponsored event AND two initiate meetings. The Initiate Advisor will set the time and place for the initiate meetings. The initiate events may count for other requirements. However, one initiate event may not count for both an initiate requirements AND another requirement.
5. A non-binding mid-semester vote shall be taken on initiates. Initiates shall be voted on individually by secret ballot. A comment period shall take place before the vote on each individual initiate.
C. Induction
1. The Brotherhood will conduct a final vote on the initiates at the end of the semester before induction. All initiates must be voted on individually.
2. In order for initiates to be inducted they must complete interviews of the Brotherhood, the amount of which will be determined by the Initiate Advisor; they must complete the initiate service, fundraising, scholarship, and social events, they must attend all initiate meetings, excused absences are permitted and they must be beyond the control of the individual; they must pass all quizzes and the national exam, with 80% being passing.
3. Induction is a ritual and all active brothers are required to attend, dressed in business casual attire in the colors of black, white, grey, tan, brown, and/or blue.
XIII. House Corporations
A. No Chapter shall own or lease real property unless the Chapter has been incorporated under the laws of the state in which the property shall be located.
B. A Chapter shall have the right to form a house corporation. The Chapter shall submit a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation to the National Office as a permanent record.
XIV. Parliamentary Authority
A. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, shall govern Phi Sigma Pi in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the National Constitution, National Operating Policies, National Interpretive Documents, these Bylaws, the Chapter Operating Policies, and any special rules of order Phi Sigma Pi may adopt.
XV. Symbols, Logos, and Trademarks
A. The Beta Mu Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity shall establish a Chapter Licensing Program. The Licensing Program promotes, regulates, and protects the commercial use of the Chapter’s federally trademarked names, logos, symbols, mascots, and other identifying marks, both on and off campus.
B. Prior permission must be obtained from the Brotherhood before using any of the Chapter’s identifying marks. This ensures the integrity and identity of Beta Mu Chapter and Phi Sigma Pi. The following are identity marks for Beta Mu Chapter:
1. The Coat of Arms of Phi Sigma Pi is the Official Symbol of the Beta Mu Chapter. It is a formal symbol and should be used with great integrity.
2. The official colors of the Beta Mu Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi are Royal Purple and Metallic Gold. The neutral colors of white, black, and gray can be used as background colors.
XVI. Dissolution
A. In the event of the dissolution of Beta Mu Chapter, either by operation of the law, action of the sheltering institution, vote of the Chapter, action of the National Council, or action of the Grand Chapter, after the payment of all creditors, the Chapter's assets shall be distributed to the National Office as a donation to the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity for use in the Richard Cecil Todd and Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship fund as the Chapter may specify.
B. Only if the Chapter voluntarily dissolves may the Chapter request that a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the funds sent to the National Office be considered as a donation to the Richard Cecil Todd and Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship and the remaining amount of the funds be placed in an interest-bearing account for the future reactivation of the Chapter. Phi Sigma Pi does not undertake the liabilities of the Chapter in the event of the Chapter's dissolution.
XVII. Amendments
A. These Bylaws may be amended either at an announced special meeting of the Chapter or a general business meeting by a 2/3 majority vote of the Active Brotherhood, provided the amendment shall have been submitted in writing to the Active Brotherhood the preceding regular meeting.
XVIII. Scope
A. All former Beta Mu Chapter Bylaws or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
XIX. Local Philanthropy
A. Beta Mu Chapter shall select one philanthropic
organization within the
B. Beta Mu shall dedicate at least one service event to providing volunteers or funding to the selected organization.
C. At the end of the preceding semester or at the first meeting of the semester in question, the service committee chair shall propose a list of possible candidate organizations to the Brotherhood, to be voted on at the second general body meeting of the semester.
D. In the week between the first and second meeting, Brothers wishing to suggest additional candidates shall inform of any nominations and provide information as to the candidate organization’s mission and background.
E. At the second general body meeting of the semester the Brotherhood shall discuss the nominated candidates and vote on which organization to select.
F. If there are more than three organizations in question, there shall be a runoff between the top three organizations if no majority is reached in the first vote.