Lambda Bylaws

8/4/2019 Lambda Bylaws

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The University of Michigan

Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi

Constitution & Bylaws

What a few men united in object and effort will to do can be done;

and more than that, such associations teach us in their records how

far human friendship can carry us from the idol shrine of self.

Pater John Reily Knox, Miami 1839


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Preamble

For the better accomplishments of the objects and designs of Beta Theta Pi, a fraternity established

by Pater John Reily Knox, Samuel Taylor Marshall, David Linton, James George Smith, Charles Henry

Hardin, John Holt Duncan, Michael Clarkson Ryan, and Thomas Boston Gordon, of ever honored-

memory, at Miami University, in the state of Ohio, in the month of August, 1839, the University of

Michigan chapter, the Lambda of Beta Theta Pi, installed on the campus of the University of

Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan in July of 1845, founded November of 1845, hereby adopts the

following Bylaws on the 18th of September, 2011, which shall be in line with the Code and

Regulations of the Lambda chapter of Beta Theta Pi.


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Table of Contents

Preamble ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

Table of Contents......................................................................................................................................... 3

ARTICLE I General Information............................................................................................................... 4

ARTICLE II Membership .......................................................................................................................... 4

ARTICLE III Officer Election Procedures ................................................................................................ 8

ARTICLE IV Officer Responsibilities ..................................................................................................... 11

ARTICLE V Executive Board .................................................................................................................. 15

ARTICLE VI Committees ........................................................................................................................ 16

ARTICLE VII Kai Committee .................................................................................................................. 18

ARTICLE VIII Ritual and Customs ......................................................................................................... 20

ARTICLE IX Brotherhood Point System................................................................................................ 22

ARTICLE X General Guidelines .............................................................................................................. 25


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ARTICLE I General Information

1.1 Constitution

All provisions of the Constitution of Beta Theta Pi for part of these Bylaws as if attached, and

are included herein by reference.

1.2 Constitutional Conflicts

If these Bylaws conflict in any way with the Constitution of Beta Theta Pi, the article or

section of these Bylaws found to be in conflict shall be void.

1.3 Previous Bylaws

These Bylaws replace and supersede all prior existing Bylaws of the Lambda Chapter of

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

1.4 Repeal and Amendment

These Bylaws, or any part of them, may be repealed or amended at any chapter meeting

where quorum is reached as stated in Article VIII, subsection 8.1, point 6 of these Bylaws.To repeal or amend these Bylaws, a two-thirds majority of the brothers present must pass

the amendment, provided the proposal is read at a chapter meeting at least one week in

advance of its approval, and submitted to the Vice President of Communications in writing.

Furthermore, if changes are to be made on the amendment at the chapter meeting where it

is being voted on, a three-fourths majority is required to amend the proposed amendment.

1.5 Policy Protection and Enforcement

The Kai Committee strictly protects and enforces the Bylaws of the Lambda Chapter.

1.6 SecrecyThese Bylaws are not secret and may be read by any interested party at any time.

ARTICLE II Membership

2.1 Definition of an Active Member

Any brother of the Lambda Chapter of the University of Michigan will be hereafter referred

to as a member of Beta Theta Pi. Members duly initiated shall be considered active

members until:

1. He graduates from the University and becomes an alumnus.2. He permanently leaves the University, at which point he will become an alumnus unlesstransferring to another chapter.3. He is no longer a full-time student at the University, as defined by the University, but is

still taking classes at the University. A member following this path shall be placed on

probationary status.

4. The executive board or Kai Committee changes his status.


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2.2 Definition of a Temporarily Inactive Member

Members of the fraternity, who would otherwise be active members, may become

temporarily inactive in accordance with the Code of Beta Theta Pi.

1. A brother wishing to change his status to that of a temporarily inactive member willsubmit a paragraph of explanation to the Kai Committee before the start of the semester

they wish to become temporarily inactive, explaining why their status change isnecessary. During the first two weeks of the semester, the Kai Committee will review all

submissions and respond to the brothers in question outlining for each the status of

their membership.

2. The following conditions outline the grounds for the temporary inactive member status:a. Study abroad of internship away from the Ann Arbor area.b. Temporary withdrawal from the University.c. Temporary withdrawal from the Fraternity.

3. The following restrictions outline the rights of a temporarily inactive member status:a. A brother considered temporarily inactive will not be allowed at any chapter

function, unless the event is open to the public or if the chapter invites himthrough voting approval of a two-thirds majority of the active chapter.

b. The Kai Committee will determine the final restrictions on rights or privileges ofthis member. This may not be appealed.

c. A brother may only be a temporarily inactive member for a maximum of twosemesters, in total. At that time the brother is moved to suspended membership

status and will go before the Kai Committee to review the overall status of his

membership.

4. A temporarily inactive brother does not pay dues.2.3 Definition of a Financially Restricted Member

Members of the fraternity, who would otherwise be active members but are unable to fulfill

their financial responsibilities to the Lambda Chapter, may become financially restricted.

1. The following guidelines explain how to move to a financially restricted member status:a. A brother wishing to change his status must meet individually with the Vice

President of Finances before the final deadline to pay dues to review his

personal financial situation. During this meeting, the two will consider other

financial options and determine the most fair payment plan for the member.

b. A brother wishing to change his status will submit a paragraph of explanation tothe Kai Committee before the start of the semester, explaining why their status

change is necessary. During the first two weeks of the semester, the Kai

Committee will review all submissions and respond to the brothers in questionoutlining for each the status of their membership.

2. A brother may move to financially restricted status provided that the chapter has nomore than three financially restricted members per semester.

3. The following restrictions outline the rights of a financially restricted member status:


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a. A financially restricted member is allowed at a maximum of half the chapter-sponsored functions, exterior of regular chapter meetings. Any events past this

that the financially restricted member wishes to attend, he must pay for himself.

b. A financially restricted member does not have voting rights unless granted so bya two-thirds majority of the chapter. This privilege of voting for the brother lasts

only as long as the Chapter meeting where this is permitted.c. The Kai Committee, considering suggestions from the Financial Committee, will

provide any additional restrictions on rights or privileges of this member

regarding social activities, brotherhood events, or any other Chapter-funded

function. This may not be appealed.

d. A brother may only be a financially restricted member for a maximum of twosemesters. At that time the brother is moved to suspended membership status

and will go before the Kai Committee to review the overall status of his

membership.

2.4 Definition of a Probationary MemberDuly initiated members who are not fulfilling the responsibilities of membership as outlined

in Article II, subsection 2.9 of these Bylaws, or as further determined by the Executive Board

or Kai Committee, will be placed on probationary status.

1. Probationary members are welcome at the chapter house as active members and areonly allowed the rights and privileges granted by the Executive Board or Kai Committee.

2. Probationary members have all the obligations of an active member.3. A probationary member does not have voting rights unless granted so by a two-thirds

majority of the chapter. This privilege of voting for the brother lasts only as long as the

Chapter meeting where this is permitted.

2.5 Definition of a Member on Scholastic Probation

A member shall be placed on scholastic probation for failing to maintain a 3.0 grade point

average per semester or a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 as a full-time student at the

University of Michigan.

1. The Kai Committees Scholastic Chairman will be responsible for maintaining a list of allmembers on scholastic probation.

2. The Scholastic Chairman will responsible for holding members on scholastic probationas defined by the Kai Committee.

3. Members on scholastic probation will have all the rights of an active member, except theright to run for officer or committee positions. Members on scholastic probation will

have additional obligations assigned to them following the judgment of the KaiCommittee and the guidelines of the Academic Standards, as they appear in the

Appendix of these Bylaws.

4. If a member on scholastic probation does not obtain a 3.0 grade point average duringhis semester on scholastic probation, he will be placed on probationary status, and his

rights, privileges, and obligations will be established according to the Kai Committee


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and the guidelines of the Academic Standards, as they appear in the Appendix of these

Bylaws.

2.6 Definition of a Suspended Member

A suspended member is a member of the fraternity whose rights and privileges have been

suspended, for no more than one academic semester, through a disciplinary proceeding, butis still required to fulfill the responsibilities of an active member, including, but not limited

to, dues and minimum point requirements.

1. Suspended members are welcome at the house only as guests of the house, and have nomembership privileges.

2. The suspended member shall be evaluated by the Executive Board and the KaiCommittee at the end of his suspension. The Executive Board and the Kai Committee

shall conclude:

a. The member has not rectified the situation for which he was suspended. In thisevent, the member will go to Trial by Chapter.

b.

The member has satisfactorily rectified his situation. In this event, the memberwill regain all membership privileges and be returned to active status.

2.7 Definition of a Pledge

A man will be considered a pledge, therefore not yet an active member of the fraternity, if:

1. He is a full-time student at the University of Michigan, as defined by the University.2. He has accepted a bid given by the unanimous consent of the Lambda Chapter.3. He has assumed the obligations of a pledge.4. He has been pledged according to the Ritual of Beta Theta Pi.A student of the University of Michigan may not be a pledge of the Lambda Chapter for more

than two semesters, unless he qualifies for a special circumstance approved by a two-thirds

majority vote of the active chapter.

2.8 Initiation of a Pledge

A pledge will become an active member when all of the following criteria are met:

1. He meets all requirements set forth by the Beta Theta Pi Constitution.2. He achieves a 3.0 grade point average during a pledging semester in which he is a full-

time student at the University, as defined by the University.

3. He is in good financial standing with the house.4. He completes all requirements set forth by the Vice President of Education and the

Pledge Education program.

5. He completes the Ritual and is formally initiated by the chapter.2.9 Rights of Membership

1. Only active members are eligible to run for an officer position.2. Active and Probationary members may vote in accordance with Article 7.1, subsection 5

of these Bylaws.


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3. Active members, probationary members, and pledges may attend events and activitiessponsored by the chapter. Financially restricted members are allowed to attend a

maximum of half of the functions held by the chapter, exterior of chapter meetings.

4. Active, probationary, and financially restricted members may live in the chapter house.Members currently living in the chapter house who become suspended may continue to

live in the house through their current housing contract with the approval of the KaiCommittee and Executive Board, but may not sign a new housing contract if on

suspended status.

2.10 Member Responsibilities

All members, regardless of standing, except where otherwise noted, have the following

responsibilities:

1. To have knowledge of, understand, and strive to live by the principles and obligationsoutlined in the Ritual of Beta Theta Pi.

2. To obey all Bylaws, rules, regulations, orders, and directives of the Lambda chapter asset forth by the executive board, Kai Committee, or approved by the Chapter at achapter meeting.

3. To attend chapter meetings and rituals of Beta Theta Pi. See Article IX, for a full outlineof chapter obligations.

4. To attend all chapter functions designated as mandatory by the President or theExecutive Board.

5. To maintain a 3.0 grade point average and to be a full-time student at the University ofMichigan, as defined by the university.

6. To pay all bills, fees, and fines by the assigned due date, or arrange a payment plan withthe Vice President of Finances.

7. To maintain at least the minimum points required for active brothers as outlined inArticle IX, subsection 9.6.

ARTICLE III Officer Election Procedures

3.1 Definition of an Officer

When the word officer is used, and where there is no corresponding section referring to

executive officers, officer shall be construed to mean members of the Executive Board.

3.2 Conditions of Officer Eligibility

Unless the Kai Committee permits other conditions, the Executive Board shall certify that a

candidate is eligible for an officer position given that he meets the following criteria:

1. Is an active member of the chapter;2. Has been an active member for no less than two semesters prior to taking office;3. Has attended at least one Initiation other than his own;4. Is in good financial standing with the chapter;5. Has no outstanding infraction with the Kai Committee;6. Is not on academic probation; and


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7. Has fulfilled the minimum point requirements as outlined in Article IX, subsection 9.6.3.3 Officer Positions

The following positions shall be considered Executive Officers of the Executive Board:

1. President2. Vice President of Brotherhood3. Vice President of Risk Management4. Vice President of Finances5. Vice President of Recruitment6. Vice President of Education7. Vice President of Communications8. Vice President of Programming

3.4 Officer Elections

All official Executive Board elections will follow these procedures, given that they satisfy the

conditions of Regular Chapter, as given in Article VIII, subsection 8.1:1. The chapter shall place nominations for Executive Board the second-to-last week of the

fall semester and conduct elections the last week of fall semester.

2. Nominations for officers shall be conducted as follows:a. Nominations shall be held in the order of enumeration of the offices listed in

Article III, sections 3.3 of these Bylaws, such that nominations shall be closed for

one office before the opening of nominations for the next office.

b. In the event that elections are conducted for officers who have been vacatedduring the term, nominations may be opened only for the vacated office.

c. The President shall read the appropriate section of Article IV of these Bylawsenumerating the duties of the office being contested before nominations for the

said office may be opened.

d. The President shall announce the opening for a particular office.e. Each nomination for office shall be only for the office for which nominations are

open.

f. Each nomination for office shall be a motion made from the floor and must beseconded.

g. If a motion for nomination is not seconded, then it may not be made againduring that session of nomination.

h. The closing of nominations for a particular office shall require a motion from thefloor, a second, and a two-thirds majority vote.

3. Once nominations for all offices have been closed:a. The Vice President of Communications shall post the nomination roll within

twelve hours of closing nominations.

b. The President consults the Executive Board to ensure each nominee satisfies theConditions of Officer Eligibility as given in Article III, subsection 3.2 of these

Bylaws. If any of these conditions are not met, the brother will be removed from

the nomination roll.


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c. The casting of ballots for each officer position must take place at the nextchapter meeting.

4. A nominee may decline nomination:a. During the nominations meeting, by verbally requesting that the Vice President

of Communications strike his name from the nomination roll.

b. During the interval between the posting of the nomination roll and thebeginning of the meeting in which the voting for officers takes place, by striking

and initialing his name from the posted nomination roll.

c. During the meeting in which the voting for officers takes place, by verballyrequesting that the Vice President of Communications strike his name from the

nomination roll.

5. Voting for the nominees for office shall be conducted as follows:a. Voting shall be held in the order of enumeration of the offices pursuant to

Article III, subsection 3.3 of these Bylaws, such that one office shall be filled

before the casting of ballots for the next office.

b.

The Vice President of Communications shall begin the proceedings by readingthe appropriate section of Article IV of these Bylaws enumerating the duties and

responsibilities of the office being contested.

c. An opportunity to speak shall be given to each nominee before the casting ofballots.

i. Speaking order shall be from lowest to highest chapter roll number.ii. The President gives a time limit, equal for all nominees of that position,

such that each nominee has at most that amount of time to address the

chapter. The time limit will be fair and reasonable such that the Vice

President of Brotherhood approves the time allotted.

iii. The nominees shall leave the chapter room and each in turn shall bebrought back to the chapter room to speak to the active chapter and to

answer questions. When finished or when the time limit has expired, the

nominee shall leave the chapter room.

d. Upon the completion of the speaking process and all discussion regarding thenominees, the President shall call for a vote.

i. The vote shall be by a secret ballot.ii. The President shall vote only in the case of a tie, or when his vote could

determine the majority.

iii. The President will tally the votes.iv. A simple majority of those present is necessary for election.v. If no candidate receives a simple majority of the votes present, the

candidate with the lowest number of votes shall be dropped from

consideration, and the President shall call for another vote with that

candidate present.

6. Upon completion of an election, the President shall call all of the nominees back into thechapter room and announce the winner.


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7. Upon the completion of all elections, the new officers shall be installed according to theRitual of Beta Theta Pi.

8. As his last duty to the brotherhood, the outgoing president will preside over theremainder of the election process and chapter meeting.

3.5 Officer ObligationsIf at any time, an elected officer does not fulfill his obligations to the chapter as according to

the Conditions of Officer Eligibility, Article III, subsection 3.2, elections for that position will

be reopened such that the elections will take place at the next possible regular chapter

meeting. However, with the Kai Committees permission, given under a suspension of the

Bylaws, the brother not fulfilling his obligations may keep his office.

ARTICLE IV Officer Responsibilities

4.1 President

1. To enforce the Constitution, Bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, and resolutions inconformance with these, the Bylaws of the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

2. To be the liaison officer between the Chapter and the Inter-Fraternity Council, theGeneral Fraternity of Beta Theta Pi, the media, and all other constituents.

3. To be responsible for all actions of the chapter.4. To preserve order in meetings and to ensure the observance of the Fraternitys

purposes and ideals by the chapter.

5. To provide the Chapter Meetings and perform such other duties as prescribed by theseBylaws.

6. To be the senior delegate at Convention, or find a suitable replacement.7. To, when necessary, create special committees to discuss issues of a non-recurringnature.8. To attend and chair all Executive Board meetings.9. To attend all advisor and alumni board meetings, as a representative of the chapter.10.To oversee the collection and submission of all materials pertaining to awards for the

chapter. These awards include, but are not limited to Greek Awards and Beta Theta Pi

General Fraternity Awards.

4.2 Vice President of Brotherhood

1. To perform all day-to-day activities of the President in his absence.2. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.3. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.4. To call and preside over regular and special Kai Committee meetings.5. To be knowledgeable about all rituals of Beta Theta Pi.6. To organize and oversee all rituals of Beta Theta Pi.7. To make sure all brotherhood objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are

completed successfully.


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8. To inform new members of general brotherhood expectations with the help of the VicePresident of Education through the pledge education program.

9. To assist the Vice President of Education with the organizing and execution of pledgeactivities and rituals.

10.To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon date.11.To plan and facilitate all brotherhood events, chapter retreats, and the like.12.To develop the membership, officers, and chapter in accordance with the principles of

the fraternity.

13.To promote and maintain high scholarship standing of brothers in accordance with theAcademic Standards of the chapter, as outlined in the Appendix of these Bylaws.

4.3 Vice President of Risk Management

1. To be responsible for a safe chapter environment by enforcing policies as well aseducating brothers and maintaining crisis management and substance abuse.

2. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.3.

To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.

4. To call and preside over regular and special Risk Management Committee meetings.5. To keep the Bylaws of the Lambda chapter current and up-to-date with all IFC, NIC, and

General Fraternity Bylaws and policies.

6. To be knowledgeable on all current procedures for risk management.7. With the assistance of the President, to organize all emergency meetings.8. To serve in the place of the President in all emergency situations, parties, or other

events deemed appropriate by the executive committee or the President.

9. To create and develop a crisis management plan.10.To develop a fire evacuation plan.11.To conduct one fire drill at the chapter house per semester.12.Adhere to all Risk Management policies described within the Risk Management Manual

provided by the administrative office.

13.Submit the Risk Management annual report to the Administrative Office and DistrictChief.

14.To inform active and new members of general risk management procedures.15.To work with the House Manager to ensure that the chapter house is safe for everyone.16.To make sure all risk management objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are

completed successfully.

17.To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon date.18.To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary

responsibilities.

4.4 Vice President of Finances

1. To be the chief financial officer of the chapter.2. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.3. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.4. To call and preside over regular and special Finance Committee meetings.


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5. To deposit all chapter funds, as soon as expeditious, in a bank to be designated by thechapter.

6. To exercise control over the time, place, and method of disbursement of chapter funds.7. To maintain a record of all accounts owned by the chapter, and maintain signature

authority over all of them.

8. To delegate signature authority over the main chapter account to one other person,preferably the chapter President, who must live-in.

9. To give receipts for all money received when requested.10.To render each semester an itemized statement of his indebtedness to the chapter.11.To enforce a regular schedule of billing.12.To attend all executive committee meetings.13.Oversee all boarding processes (contracts, room picks, etc.) in assistance with the

housing management company, if needed.

14.Oversee summer boarding selection, contracts, payments, and room picks in assistancewith the housing management company, if needed.

15.To make sure all financial objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are completedsuccessfully.

16.To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinaryresponsibilities.

4.5 Vice President of Recruitment

1. To be ultimately responsible for an effective recruitment program.2. To organize and arrange all events and activities pertaining to recruitment. If an event is

not necessarily a recruitment event, the Vice President of Recruitments duty is to

contact recruitment guests so they may attend.

3. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.4. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.5. To call and preside over regular and special Recruitment Committee meetings.6. To ensure that all recruitment is completed without the use of alcohol, drugs, or other

illegal substances and so that recruitment is in accordance with the local Interfraternity

Council (IFC) policies.

7. To be responsible for recruitment contacts throughout the entire year, includingsummer.

8. To keep an updated and accurate file on all men potentially interested in Beta Theta Pi.9. To utilize the Men of Principle Scholarship for recruitment purposes.10.To make sure all recruitment objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are

completed successfully.11.To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon date.12.To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary

responsibilities.

4.6 Vice President of Education


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1. To be responsible for the education of the active members of Lambda as well as thepledges of the chapter.

2. To be responsible for the overall operation of the entire program according to currentchapter practices.

3. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.4. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.5. To call and preside over regular and special Education Committee meetings.6. To schedule and conduct all pledge meetings.7. To act as a liaison between the pledge class(es) and the chapter officers and actives.8. To be responsible for the scheduling of pledge ceremonies and activities; ordering

pledge manuals, pins, paddles, and to coordinate the selection of Big Brothers with the

Vice President of Brotherhood.

9. To organize and conduct pledge study nights in conjunction with the ScholasticChairman.

10.To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon date.11.

To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinaryresponsibilities.

4.7 Vice President of Communications

1. To coordinate and update all general information regarding the chapter and chapteroperations.

2. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.3. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.4. To call and preside over regular and special Communications Committee meetings.5. To be responsible for all online reporting forum submissions and keep all online chapter

contact and roster information up to date.

6. To submit pledge cards, initiation reports, and badge & shingle order forms to theAdministrative Office.

7. To record and distribute the minutes of the weekly chapter meeting.8. To take and keep an up-to-date record of chapter meeting attendance.9. To publish a chapter newsletter/magazine at least once a semester.10.To update the roll book once a semester or whenever deemed necessary.11.To serve as the house Parliamentarian.12.To maintain and update the list serve of Lambda to contain only, and all, active

members.

13.To update and distribute a chapter contact list including all active members and pledgesof Lambda once a semester.

14.To maintain an updated electronic copy of the Bylaws and all other standing policies ofthe Lambda chapter.

15.To print the most up-to-date copy of the Bylaws for reference in chapter meetings.16.To give the most up-to-date copy of the Bylaws to the Technology Chairman for

updating of the Bylaw section on the chapters website.

17.To update, organize, and periodically distribute point totals for the members.


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18.To make sure all communications objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards arecompleted successfully.

19.To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon date.20.To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary

responsibilities.

4.8 Vice President of Programming

1. To arrange all open social events outside of recruitment or brotherhood activities.2. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.3. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.4. To call and preside over regular and special Programming Committee meetings.5. To plan a variety of events that could include alumni, intramural sports, social,

community service, scholarship, and special events.

6. To organize serenades at sororities in cooperation with the chapter s Chorister and thecorresponding sorority.

7.

To organize events and oversee opportunities for the chapter to be involved with theGreek Community.

8. To enforce responsible personal conduct at social events, with the assistance of the VicePresident of Risk Management and the Risk Management Committee.

9. To submit a tentative social calendar to the President on or before the second week ofeach academic semester for approval.

10.To arrange a fall and winter formal each year.11.To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon date.12.To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary

responsibilities.

ARTICLE V Executive Board

5.1 Membership

The officers stated in Article III, section 3.3 of these Bylaws are members of the Executive

Board. Any interested active member may be present at meetings with the Presidents

invitation, but will not be granted the privilege of voting or speaking at the meetings, unless

otherwise allowed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board.

5.2 Purpose

1. To facilitate the operation of the chapter.2. To aid in the control of chapter finances.3. To report at stated times and intervals on the condition of the chapter.4. To prepare business so that chapter meetings may be as orderly and brief as possible.5. To determine and manage the operations of the chapter.6. To introduce and implement policies that allow for the most effective and efficient

chapter operations.


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7. To provide in all other ways possible for the more business-like administration ofchapter affairs and policies.

5.3 Meetings

Meetings of the Executive Board shall be at the request of the chapter President or upon the

request of any three members of said committee.

5.4 Voting Privileges

All members of the Executive Board, except for the President, are granted a vote. The

President may vote in the case of a tie or in the case that his vote determines the majority.

5.5 Business

A quorum for Executive Board meetings, given by at least four voting members of the

Executive Board, must be satisfied before any business is conducted. All findings and

proceedings of the Executive Board shall be reported to the chapter and all actions of the

Executive Board are subject to a majority vote approval of actives present at a regularchapter meeting.

5.6 Length of Terms

The length of the term for each officer shall be one year, beginning and ending at the last

chapter meeting of the fall semester, unless an individual officer leaves or is otherwise

removed in accordance with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE VI Committees

6.1 Committees of the Lambda ChapterThe chapters committees are responsible for specific operating business and given as

follows such that they are chaired by a member of the Executive Board, comprised of

brothers of the Lambda Chapter, and mentored by an advisor:

1. Kai Committee2. Risk Management Committee3. Finances Committee4. Recruitment Committee5. Education Committee6. Communications Committee7. Programming Committee

6.2 The Kai Committee

The purpose and responsibilities of the Kai Committee are given in Article VII and, unless

otherwise specified, the Kai Committee will function under the same guidelines as the other

committees of the Lambda Chapter.

6.3 Committee Chairs


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Each member of the Executive Board, except for the President, will chair a committee. He

will call and preside over committee meetings and committee-sponsored events and is

ultimately responsible for all business regarding his committee. The chairs are as follows:

1. Vice President of Brotherhood, chair of the Kai Committee.2. Vice President of Risk Management, chair of the Risk Management Committee.3. Vice President of Finances, chair of the Finances Committee.4. Vice President of Recruitment, chair of the Recruitment Committee.5. Vice President of Education, chair of the Education Committee.6. Vice President of Communications, chair of the Communications Committee.7. Vice President of Programming, chair of the Programming Committee.

6.4 Conditions of Committee Membership

Unless the Kai Committee permits other conditions, any brother of the Lambda Chapter may

serve on a committee, given that he meets the following criteria:

1. Is an active member of the chapter;2.

Is not on academic probation;

3. Is in good financial standing with the chapter; and4. Has no outstanding infraction with the Kai Committee.

6.5 Determining Committee Membership

Committee membership will be determined as follows:

1. The outgoing committee members will create and distribute a committee memberapplication. Through this written application, brothers can apply for the committee of

their choice.

2. Committee member applications are due before Officer Elections, as given in Article III,subsection 3.4, point 1 of these Bylaws.

3. After Officer Elections, each Lambda Chapter committee will form their respectiveCommittee Selection Team (CST), comprised of the outgoing committee members, along

with both the outgoing and incoming committee chairs. The CST will select their new

committee members for the upcoming year.

4. In the case that a committee member is re-applying, he will not serve on the CST.6.6 Committee Positions and Responsibilities

See the Appendix of these Bylaws for a full list of positions according to committee.

6.7 Length of Terms

1. Committee members will hold office for the duration of one officer term.2. Committee members shall be selected at the beginning of officer terms. If a senior

member graduates at the end of the Winter Semester, the position shall be filled at the

last regular meeting of the Winter Semester.

3. In the event that a member of the committee leaves the committee before the end of histerm or if an additional committee position is created during semester, the chair of the

committee may fill the vacant position through one of the following methods:


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a. Open the position to the brotherhood and invite any member to join.b. Review applications and select a member from the previous applicants.c. Appoint a member to the committee.

6.8 Committee Meetings

Committee meetings shall be at the call of the chair of the committee or upon the request ofany two members of the committee. Three voting members shall constitute a quorum for

the transaction of business.

1. Committee members may not have more than three unexcused absences fromcommittee meetings. If a member is to be absent, he must notify the committee chair

prior to his absence.

2. If a committee member exceeds these allotted absences, the committee can recommenda new representative be appointed.

6.9 Committee Obligations

If at any time, a committee member does not fulfill his obligations as according to theConditions of Committee Members, Article VI, subsection 6.3 of these Bylaws, he may be

asked to leave his committee position. However, with the committee chairs permission and

approval from the Kai Committee, the brother not fulfilling his obligations may keep his

position on the committee.

6.10 Special Committees

If needed, the President may create an ad-hoc committee, comprised of appointed members

of the brotherhood. This committee will last only as long as necessary, but not longer than a

semester, and will not be considered a Committee of the Lambda Chapter, as defined by

Article VI, subsection 6.1 of these Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII Kai Committee

7.1 Purpose

The Kai Committee serves as the governing body of the chapter.

7.2 Committee Structure

The Kai Committee operates in a similar fashion to that of the other committees, as given in

Article VI of these Bylaws, with the exception of its membership, as given in Article VII,

subsection 7.3 of these Bylaws.

7.3 Committee Representatives

1. The Kai Committee shall be presided over by the Vice President of Brotherhood andcomposed of five members such that there is one representative from each pledge year:

a. One undergraduate seniorb. One undergraduate juniorc. One undergraduate sophomore


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d. One undergraduate freshmane. One at-large representative

2. If a senior representative graduates, a fifth year senior representative will be selected inthe fall. If there are no fifth-year seniors, an additional at-large member will serve as the

sixth member of the committee.

7.4 Determining Kai Committee Membership

Kai Committee membership will be determined as follows:

1. The outgoing committee members will create and distribute a committee memberapplication. Through this written application, brothers can apply for the committee of

their choice.

2. Committee member applications are due before Officer Elections, as given in Article III,subsection 3.4, point 1 of these Bylaws.

3. After Officer Elections, the Kai Committee Selection Team (KCST), comprised of theoutgoing committee members, along with both the outgoing and incoming committee

chairs. The KCST will meet to prepare Kai Committee nominees for the chapter.4. Nominations will go before the chapter before the second week of the winter semester.5. Voting for the nominees for office shall be conducted as follows:

a. Voting shall be held in the order of enumeration of the committees listed inArticle III, subsection 3.3 of these Bylaws.

b. The Vice President of Communications shall begin the proceedings by readingthe appropriate Appendix of these Bylaws enumerating the duties and

responsibilities of the committee position being contested.

c. An opportunity to speak shall be given to each nominee before the casting ofballots.

i. Speaking order shall be from lowest to highest chapter roll number.ii. The President gives a time limit, equal for all nominees of that position,

such that each nominee has at most that amount of time to address the

chapter. The time limit will be fair and reasonable such that the Vice

President of Brotherhood approves the time allotted.

iii. The nominees shall leave the chapter room and each in turn shall bebrought back to the chapter room to speak to the active chapter and to

answer questions. When finished or when the time limit has expired, the

nominee shall leave the chapter room.

d. Upon the completion of the speaking process and all discussion regarding thenominees, the President shall call for a vote.

i. The vote shall be by a secret ballot.ii. The President shall vote only in the case of a tie, or when his vote could

determine the majority.

iii. The President will tally the votes.iv. A simple majority of those present is necessary for election.

e. Upon completion of an election, the President shall call all of the nominees backinto the chapter room and announce the winner.


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6. If not all Kai Committee positions are filled the KCST will meet again to prepare newnominees to the chapter. The selection process will follow the same structure as given

in Article VII, subsection 7.4, point 5 of these Bylaws.

7.5 Fines

Fines may be given to brothers for property damage to the Lambda Chapter House, etc. TheKai Committee has the final authority to level all fines. If any situation should occur where

fines are necessary, the committee has the authority to vote and act upon any suggested

remedy. The fine may be appealed through the same process of referral as outlined in

Article VII, subsection 7.8 of these Bylaws.

7.6 Academic Assistance

The Kai Committees guideline for actions with regard to members failing to meet the

minimum scholastic requirements shall be the Academic Assistance Plan.

7.7 Brotherhood Point SystemThe Kai Committee will oversee all disputes regarding the Brotherhood Point System.

7.8 Kai Committee Referrals

Any brother with due reason may refer business or another brother to the Kai Committee.

ARTICLE VIII Ritual and Customs

8.1 Chapter Meetings

1. Ordinary meetings of this chapter will take place behind closed doors where onlyactives and invited guests are allowed to attend. These restrictions may be removed bya two-thirds majority vote of the chapter.

2. Regular meetings will be held on Sunday of each week during the school year. ThePresident may, however, call such additional meetings or may omit a meeting should it

be deemed in the best interest of the chapter.

3. Regular chapter meetings shall be one of two styles: formal or informal.a. Formal Chapter will be held at the end of each month according to the form

prescribed in the Ritual of Beta Theta Pi. The President shall take care to hold

Formal Chapter Meetings so that they comply with the laws, instructions, and

desires of the General Fraternity. Expectations for Formal Chapter Meetings are

outlined in Article X, subsection 10.2 of these Bylaws.

b. All chapter meetings other than Formal Chapter will be designated as InformalChapter. Expectations for Informal Chapter Meetings are outlined in Article X,


4. All members must attend all meetings unless excused under the guidelines of Article IX,subsections 9.10 and/or 9.12 of these Bylaws.


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5. As outlined in Article II of these Bylaws, all members in attendance at a chapter meetingshall be allowed to vote, with the exception of suspended, temporarily inactive, or

financially restricted members.

6. A quorum, defined as two-thirds of the eligible active voting membership, must bepresent at a chapter meeting before any business can be conducted.

7. Parliamentary procedures, as contained in the most recent issue of Roberts Rules ofOrder, shall govern all meetings and voting procedures of this chapter, except in cases

where such rules are in conflict with the Constitution or Laws of the General Fraternity

or the Constitution or Laws of the Chapter; or suspended as permitted by a two-thirds

majority vote of the active chapter.

8. A special meeting of the chapter may be called at any time by the President, ChapterCounselor, or by written request of three or more members to the President. Once a

request has been made for a special meeting, the President shall inform all members of

the Executive Board within 24 hours, and schedule a meeting not more than 72 hours

after the request is received.

8.2 Pledging

1. There shall be two pledging periods per year: one in the fall semester and one in thewinter semester. The pledging period will last eight weeks.

2. To become a candidate for pledging, a prospective member must receive a bid from theactive chapter.

3. A pledge may stop the pledging process at any time if he so desires.4. Each pledge of the Lambda Chapter shall have his membership considered during the

regular chapter meetings at three times during his pledging period. The criteria to

retain membership are as follows:

a. After three weeks of pledging, if 50% or more of the chapter votes to depledgethe member being considered, the pledge will be removed from the program.

b. After five weeks of pledging, if 30% or more of the chapter votes to depledge themember being considered, the pledge will be removed from the program.

c. After seven weeks of pledging, if 10% or more of the chapter votes to depledgethe member being considered, the pledge will be removed from the program.

5. Any pledge not obtaining the necessary votes while his membership is being consideredwill immediately end his pledging process.

6. Under special circumstances approved by the Kai Committee, a pledge may remain apledge until the next pledging process. This is only allowed once.

7. Any perspective member may only pledge the Lambda Chapter twice. If he does notcomplete the necessary requirements the second time, he is no longer allowed to pledgethe Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

8.3 Initiation

1. Any pledge that has completed his pledge requirements in a satisfactory way as theypertain to current chapter practices and minimum grade requirements may be initiated

and become an active member upon the vote of the current, active chapter.


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2. All initiation rituals shall be in accordance with the most recent version of the Ritual ofBeta Theta Pi.

3. The President will determine the date of the Initiation Ritual so that it is held as soon aspossible after the completion of the Pledge Education Program but also at the earliest

convenience of the active chapter.

4. The Vice President of Brotherhood is ultimately responsible for the preparation andexecution of the Initiation Ritual.

ARTICLE IX Brotherhood Point System

9.1 Purpose

The Lambda Chapters Brotherhood Point System exists to foster participation in chapter,

campus, and community activities and to ensure that certain chapter privileges are reserved

for those members who meet certain minimum chapter membership expectations. The

categories/events listed have been chosen due to their pertinence to these expectations or

Beta Theta Pi core values, and have been weighted accordingly.

9.2 Earning Points

Points will be accrued and calculated on a semester basis. Brothers acquire points

throughout the semester; these points are used to determine their eligibility for chapter

privileges and as a gauge of their membership status (see Article IX, subsection 9.9 of these

Bylaws). Brothers who were abroad or temporarily inactive the previous semester will use

their previous active semester where applicable, as permitted by the Kai Committee.

9.3 Minimum Points

A brother must meet both the Minimum Points required for each category and the overallTotal Required Points to be in Good Standing and therefore eligible for participation in

Chapter events or Chapter privileges as outlined below. The following guidelines apply to

the Minimum Points column:

1. Total Required Points should equal 66% of Maximum Possible Points.2. References for the required Minimum Points for individual categories are taken from

the Lambda Knox Standards, as given in the Appendix of these Bylaws.

3. All brothers are strictly held to the semester rubric. If the brother is even one pointshort of the Total Points Required, then he is ineligible for the chapter privileges

outlined.

9.4 Maximum Points

Certain categories also have Maximum Possible Points to encourage balanced participation

in a variety of activities and to keep possible privileges fair to all brothers.

9.5 Privileges

The following privileges require a member to have met the Total Required Points of Each

Brother and the Minimum Points Required for individual categories:


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1. Attendance at any portion of the current semesters formal social event, typically thefinal social event of the semester. Final points will be totaled and eligibility determined

at the Chapter meeting immediately preceding the event.

2. Eligibility to be chosen as a Big Brother during the following semester.3. Other privileges as approved by the Chapter.Meeting the required number of points as outlined above does not guarantee eligibility forthese privileges if the Kai Committee withholds eligibility for other reasons.

9.6 Semester Rubric

The following table outlines the various components of the brotherhood point system:

EventAllotted

Points

Possible Point

Opportunities

Minimum

Points

Required

Maximum

Possible

Points

Chapter Meetings 5Pts

Each 14 50 70

Ritual Ceremonies 5

Pts

Each 5 15 25Recruitment Events 4

PtsEach 4 8 16

Brotherhood Events 3Pts

Each 5 6 15

Community Service *** 3Pts /Hour -- 30 45

Pledge Meetings 2Pts

Each 8 2 16

Social Events 2Pts

Each 6 6 12

Greek Sponsored Events 2Pts

Each 5 2 10

Extracurricular Clubs ** 2Pts /

Org. 2 2 4

Intramural Sports 1Pts /

Sport 3 0 3

Campus Sporting Events * 1 PtsEach -- 0 8

Campus Sponsored Events * 1Pts

Each -- 0 8

Total Possible Points: 121 232

Minimum Percentage Required: 66%

Minimum Points Required of Each Brother: 154

* Provide a ticket stub or program to the Communications Committees Point Chair

** If you an officer in a student organization, you get three (3) extra points

*** Programming Committee (Philanthropy Chair) responsible for tracking/verifying hours

9.7 Administration

1. Prior to the start of each semester, the Communications Committee will prepare therubric based on the expected events for the upcoming semester. The Kai Committee

must present the finalized attendance and participation rubric at the first Chapter

meeting following the first full week of classes. If this meeting happens to be the second

Chapter meeting of the semester, the Kai Committee has the option of retroactively

applying points to previous events.


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2. Once the attendance and participation system is finalized, the Kai Committee may onlymake minor changes to the number of events anticipated. However, these minor

changes may not raise the Total Points Required. The total percentage of maximum

possible points used to determine Total Points Required is only relevant in creating the

initial template and mid-semester changes have no bearing on this percentage.

3. The Kai Committee approves all adjustments made to the Brotherhood Point System.9.8 Recording Points

1. The Vice President of Communications and the Communications Committee have theduty of tracking attendance at the appropriate chapter events.

2. The Communications Committee will be responsible for keeping track of the totalamount of points achieved by each brother and should frequently present this

information to the Kai Committee. The total should be continuously tracked and made

available upon request so each Brother will know where he stands in relation to

achieving the Total Required Points.

3. The Vice President of Communications will take attendance at the beginning and end ofChapter meetings. Brothers who have not been excused by the President prior to the

start of meeting to arrive late or leave early will not receive the full points. Only the

President can deem an excused absence from a chapter event and therefore allow a

Brother to earn partial points from partial attendance, as explained in Article IX,


9.9 Membership Review

If a brother has less than two-thirds of the Total Points Required or does not meet the

minimum requirement of a certain category at the end of each semester, the Vice President

of Communications will refer said brother to the Kai Committee for a membership review.

Possible outcomes of the membership review are at the discretion of the Kai Committee andinclude but are not limited to loss of social privileges for the following semester or referral

to the Chapter for membership revocation through Trial by Chapter.

9.10 Partial Points

For any chapter-sponsored event or meeting, in order to receive the full point amount, the

brother must be present for at least half the duration of the event. If he arrives late or

leaves early, he will only receive a maximum of half of the points allotted for the event,

unless it has been previously excused by the President. Any absence must be cleared before

the event starts or else it will not count as excused.

9.11 Extra Credit Points

Brothers have the opportunity to earn extra points if they arrive early to help prepare an

event or if they stay after to help clean up after an event. One (1) point will be given for

arriving early to help prepare and one (1) point will be given for staying after to help clean

up. There is a maximum of ten (10) extra credit points that can be earned a semester under

this condition.


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9.12 Special Circumstances

A brother may go before the Kai Committee and present a petition to adapt the Minimum

Points Required to their personal situation. Under this condition, the brother should

prepare a short essay explaining why their minimum points should be altered and propose

a fair minimum points requirement. The Kai Committee will review their proposal andinform the brother of their decision within a weeks time of the presentation.

ARTICLE X General Guidelines

10.1 Lambda Knox Standards

All chapter operations, including member involvement, will follow the Lambda Knox

Standards, as given in the Appendix of these Bylaws.

10.2 Expectations for Formal Chapter

Unless otherwise specified or allowed by the chapter President, Formal Chapter Meetingsrequire that each brother meet the following criteria:

1. To be on time and to be prepared for the meeting.2. To wear the badge of Beta Theta Pi over the heart, in a manner befitting the honor and

dignity to which the badge is entitled.

3. Is dressed in a professional manner with, at the very least, a collared shirt and tie.4. No jeans are to be worn in the chapter room during a chapter meeting.5. No hats of any kind are to be worn in the chapter room during a chapter meeting.6. No member will be permitted entrance to the chapter room without proper foot apparel

as deemed by the Sergeant-at-Arms and the chapter President.

7. No externally communicating devices such as cell phones are to be allowed in thechapter room.Members not meeting the aforementioned criteria will neither be allowed into nor allowed

to participate in the meeting.

10.3 Expectations for Informal Chapter

Unless otherwise specified or allowed by the chapter President, Informal Chapter Meetings

require that each brother meet the following criteria:

1. To be on time and to be prepared for the meeting.2. To wear the badge of Beta Theta Pi over the heart, in a manner befitting the honor and

dignity to which the badge is entitled.

3. To wear resort casual clothing, so that he is not wearing shorts or inappropriate shoes.4. No externally communicating devices such as cell phones are to be allowed in the

chapter room.

The chapter President may choose to allow a member to participate in meeting without

proper dress if he deems it to be in the best interest of the chapter.

10.4 Attendance and Member Expectation


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Attendance is considered mandatory at all chapter meetings for all active members. Roll call

will be taken at the beginning of each chapter meeting, as outlined by the Ritual of Beta

Theta Pi. For full member expectations regarding attendance and member involvement, see

Article IX of these Bylaws.

10.5 Chapter Billing1. The Executive Board shall set membership dues for the following semester prior to the

end of the current semester.

2. The Vice President of Finances will set a deadline for chapter dues to be paid by. Unlessotherwise approved by the Vice President of Finances, late payments to the chapter will

increase $20 per week after the due date. Additional penalties will be at the discretion

of the Kai Committee.

3. Any member who has not paid a semester bill in full by the first chapter meeting of thefollowing semester will be brought to the Kai Committee for a membership review.

10.6 Housing RequirementIt is required that all members, beginning with the Fall 2011 pledge class, must live in the

Beta House for a minimum of one (1) academic year.

1. Exceptions to the live-in requirement will be made for reasonable disputes such as, butnot limited to:

a. Studying abroad.b. Working as a resident advisor for the University.c. Signing a legally binding lease prior to being offered a bid to join Beta Theta Pi.

2. All disputes to the live-in requirement must be submitted in writing to the KaiCommittee. The Kai Committee will make the final decision on the members petition.

3. A strong preference will be made to have brothers live-in the Beta House the next yearfollowing their pledge year.

10.7 Housing Contracts

All brothers and pledges that choose to live in the house must sign contracts on a semester-

by-semester basis for room and board. Summer boarders must also sign a housing contract

before moving into the chapter house for the entire summer. Members are not in good

standing if they do not have a signed contract for the current semester.

10.8 Room Selection

Brothers living in the Beta House will decide among themselves who is living where. In the

circumstance that a fair arrangement cannot be made where all parties involved are pleasedwith the outcome, the brother who has the most points according to the Brotherhood Point

System will receive the privilege of his preference. In the case of a tie, the lower roll number

has the privilege of getting his preference.

10.9 Alcohol Standards


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See the Appendix of these Bylaws for the full guidelines of the Lambda Chapter Alcohol

Standards.

Documents

Lambda Bylaws