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The University of MichiganLambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi

Constitution

“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.”– John Reily Knox, of Ever Honored Memory, Miami 1839

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Preamble

For the better accomplishments of the objects and designs of Beta Theta Pi, a fraternity established by 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 Constitution on the 14th day of April 2013.

Table of ContentsPreambleTable of ContentsARTICLE I – General InformationARTICLE II – MembershipARTICLE III – Officer Election ProceduresARTICLE IV – Officer ResponsibilitiesARTICLE V – Executive BoardARTICLE VI – CommitteesARTICLE VII – Kai CommitteeARTICLE VIII – Ritual and CustomsARTICLE IX – General Guidelines

ARTICLE I – General Information.1 Name

The name of this chapter shall be the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

.2 ObjectsIt shall be constituted as hereinafter provided and shall have for its objects the promotion of the moral and social culture of its members, the establishment of confidence and friendly relations among the universities and colleges of the United States and Canada, in securing unity of action and sympathy in matters of common interest among them, and the building up of a fraternity that recognizes mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life, devotion to the cultivation of the intellect, unsullied friendship, and unfaltering fidelity, and objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort.

.3 MissionBeta Theta Pi is dedicated to building men of principle for a principled life. Our brotherhood aids the individual, build the Fraternity and strengthens the host academic institution through lifelong devotion to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and responsible citizenship.

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Lifelong Friendship – Bonded by mutual obligations, oath and ritual, Betas form bonds of trust and friendship, which are the foundation of the Fraternity’s mission.

Cultivation of the Intellect – Beta membership encourages individual and chapter support of the academic mission and provides opportunities for co-curricular learning and personal growth.

Responsible Leadership – Betas participate in a system of self-governance, bound by trust and responsibility, which nurtures the development of social and leadership skills.

Responsible Personal Conduct – Beta Theta Pi is committed to standards of social conduct, which are guided by principles of urbane, civil, courteous, and responsible deportment.

Commitment to Community – The experience of being a Beta encourages men to serve their university, fraternal, and local communities.

.4 VisionBeta Theta Pi will be the exemplary standard for collegiate fraternal societies. Through implementation of Men of Principle, Beta will have successfully implemented policies and programs to achieve these objectives:

1. Betas will be universally known as friends, gentlemen, and scholars.2. Beta Theta Pi will be acclaimed and respected by the academic community.3. Beta Theta Pi will be endorsed by parents who will advocate membership for young men.4. Betas will be in high demand by leaders of business, government, and the professions.5. Betas will engender bonds of friendship and brotherhood, which create a lifelong

commitment to serve and support the Fraternity.

.5 Supremacy of GovernanceThe Constitution of the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi shall supersede all Bylaws and actions of the Lambda Chapter, with the exception of conflict with the Code of Regulations of Beta Theta Pi, which shall be the supreme governing document.

1.6 Constitutional ReverenceEach member of the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi shall do his best to uphold and protect the Constitution of the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

.7 Repeal and AmendmentThe chapter when it deems necessary may amend the Constitution or Bylaws at a meeting where two-thirds of voting members are present by a two-thirds vote of present voting members.

.8 SuspensionThe chapter, when it deems necessary, may temporarily suspend the Bylaws of the chapter at a meeting where two-thirds of voting members are present by a two-thirds vote of present voting members. However, the Constitution shall never be suspended.

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.9 SecrecyThe Constitution of the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi shall be published openly and freely as a public document.

ARTICLE II – Membership

2.1 Definition of an Active MemberAny brother of the Lambda Chapter of the University of Michigan will be hereafter referred to as a member of Beta Theta Pi.

Qualifications of Membership:1. A currently enrolled male, undergraduate student at the University of Michigan.2. Not a member of any other social fraternity.3. Completes the pledgeship normally prescribed by the chapter proposing to initiate him,

unless the period of pledgeship is waived by written approval of the General Secretary.4. The Lambda Chapter expresses confidence in his character and qualifications, including

those set forth in this Constitution, by electing him at a meeting duly called, by vote of its collegiate members upon such vote as its collegiate members shall determine with complete autonomy.

5. Formally initiated into the chapter so electing him.

A member duly initiated shall be considered an active member of the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi until:

1. He graduates from the University of Michigan and becomes an alumnus.2. He permanently leaves the University of Michigan, at which point he will become an

alumnus unless transferring to another chapter.3. The Kai Committee changes his status.

2.2 Definition of a Temporarily Inactive MemberMembers of the Fraternity, who would otherwise be active members, may become temporarily inactive in accordance with the Code of Beta Theta Pi.

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

2. The following restrictions outline the rights of 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 him through voting approval of a two-thirds majority of the active chapter.

b. The Kai Committee will determine the final restrictions on rights or privileges of this member.

c. A temporarily inactive brother does not pay dues.3. A brother may only be a temporarily inactive member for a maximum of two semesters,

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.

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2.3 Definition of a Financially Restricted MemberMembers 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. A brother may move to financially restricted status provided that the chapter has no more than three financially restricted members per semester.

2. The following restrictions outline the rights of financially restricted member status:a. A financially restricted member is allowed at a maximum of half the chapter-

sponsored functions, exterior of regular chapter meetings and ritual. 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 by a two-thirds majority of the chapter. This privilege of voting lasts only as long as the chapter meeting where this is permitted.

c. A brother may only be a financially restricted member for a maximum of two semesters. 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 10 of this Constitution, 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 are only 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 lasts only as long as the chapter meeting where this is permitted.

2.5 Definitions of a Member on Scholastic ProbationA member shall be placed on scholastic probation for failing to maintain a semester grade point average of 3.000 and/or a cumulative grade point average of 3.000 as a full-time student at the University of Michigan.

1. The Kai Committee’s Scholastic Chairman will be responsible for maintaining a list of all members on scholastic probation.

2. The Scholastic Chairman will be responsible for holding members on scholastic probation accountable as defined by the Kai Committee.

3. Members on scholastic probation will have all the rights of an active member, except the right to run for officer or committee positions. Members on scholastic probation will have additional obligations assigned to them following the judgment of the Kai Committee and the guidelines of the Academic Standards, as they appear in the Appendix of this Constitution.

2.6 Definition of a Suspended MemberA suspended member is a member of the Fraternity whose rights have been suspended, for no more than one academic semester, through a disciplinary proceeding, but is still required to fulfill the responsibilities of an active member, including, but not limited to, paying dues.

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1. A suspended brother is welcome at the house only as a guest of the house and has no membership privileges.

2. A suspended brother shall be evaluated by the Executive Board and the Kai Committee 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 this event, the member will go to Trial by Chapter.

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

2.7 Definition of a PledgeA 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 extended to him by the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.3. He has assumed the obligations of a pledge.4. He has been pledged according to the Ritual of Beta Theta Pi.5. He meets the academic standards expected of brothers.6. A student of the University of Michigan may not be a pledge of the Lambda Chapter of

Beta Theta Pi for more than two semesters, unless he has a special circumstance approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the active chapter.

2.8 Initiation of a PledgeA pledge will become an active member when all of the following criteria are met:

1. He meets all requirements set forth as defined in Article II, subsection 7 of this Constitution.

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

Pledge Education program.4. He completes the Ritual and is formally initiated by the chapter.

2.9 Rights of Membership1. Only active members are eligible to run for an officer position.2. Active members are permitted to vote as allowed in Article VIII, subsection 1.4 of this

Constitution.3. Active members, probationary members, and pledges may attend events and activities

sponsored 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 Kai Committee and Executive Board, but may not sign a new housing contract if he remains on suspended status.

2.10 Member ResponsibilitiesAll 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 obligations outlined in the Ritual of Beta Theta Pi.

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2. To obey all Bylaws, rules, regulations, and directions of the Lambda Chapter as set forth by the Executive Board, Kai Committee, or approved by the chapter at a chapter meeting.

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

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

5. To maintain a 3.000 grade point average and to be a full-time student at the University of Michigan, as defined y the University.

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

ARTICLE III – Officer Election Procedures3.1 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 or the Executive Board.

3.2 Conditions of Officer EligibilityThe 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.Is in good financial standing with the chapter.3.Has no outstanding infraction with the Kai Committee.4.Is not on academic probation.

3.3 Officer Positions The following positions shall be considered 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 ElectionsAll official Executive Board elections will follow these procedures, given that they satisfy the conditions of regular chapter, as given in Article VIII, subsection 1:

1. The chapter shall place nominations for Officers of the Executive Board one month before the last chapter meeting of the fall semester and conduct elections the following week.

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

Article III, subsection 3 of this Constitution, such that nominations shall be closed for once office before the opening of nominations for the next office.

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

c. The President shall read the appropriate section of Article IV of this Constitution enumerating 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 form the floor and must be

seconded.g. If a motion for nomination is not seconded, then it may not be made again during

that session of nomination.h. The closing of nominations for a particular office shall require a motion from the

floor, 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 the Conditions of Officer Eligibility as given in Article III, subsection 2 of this Constitution. If any of these conditions are not met, the brother will be removed from the nomination roll.

c. The casting of ballots for each officer position must take place at the next chapter 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 the beginning

of the meeting in which the voting for officers take 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 verbally requesting 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 of this Constitution, 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 reading the appropriate section of Article IV of this Constitution enumerating the duties and ballots.

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

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.

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

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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 the nominees, 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 the chapter room and announce the winner.

7. During the next chapter meeting following the elections, the new officers shall be installed according to the Ritual of Beta Theta Pi

8. As his last duty to the brotherhood, the outgoing President will preside over the remainder 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 as defined in Article III, subsection 2 of this Constitution, elections for that position will be reopened such t hat the elections will take place at the next possible regular chapter meeting.

3.6 Removal of Officers Any officer of the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi in violation of the Lambda Chapter’s purpose, constitution, or who fails to fulfill their responsibilities or obligations as outlined in Article IV and Article III subsection 5 respectively, may be removed from office by the following process: 1. A written request by at least three active members of the organization submitted to

both the President as well as the kai committee, except in the following cases: a. In the event the request is for the removal of the President, the request shall be

submitted to the kai committee and the Vice President of Brotherhoodb. In the event the request is for the removal of the Vice President of Brotherhood,

the request shall be submitted to the President and the longest---serving, sitting member of the kai committee.

2. Upon receiving the written request the President, or in case of III.6.1.a, the Vice President of Brotherhood, shall schedule a vote upon the matter to occur at the next Chapter meeting. Upon scheduling this, they shall contact the Officer in question and inform him of the upcoming vote

3. At the scheduled Chapter meeting, the presiding Officer shall read the written request to the Chapter and allot a certain amount of time, no less than 5 minutes, for the Officer in question to speak. Following this, the Chapter shall vote to remove the Officer in question with a 2/3 majority of present, eligible voting members needed for it to pass.

Should an officer be removed from office, a new officer will be elected at the following Chapter meeting following the election procedures outlined in Article III subsection 4 of the Constitution.

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ARTICLE IV – Officer Responsibilities

4.1 President1. To enforce the Constitution, Bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, and resolutions with the Lambda

Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.2. To be the liaison officer between the chapter and the Inter-Fraternity Council, the General

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 Fraternity’s purposes and ideals

by the chapter.5. To provide the chapter meetings and perform such other duties as outlined by this Constitution.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-recurring nature.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 Brotherhood1. 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.8. To inform new members of general brotherhood expectations with the help of the Vice President

of Education through the pledge education program.9. To assist the Vice President of Education with the organizing and execution of pledge activities

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 the Academic

Standards of the chapter, as outlined in the Appendix of this Constitution.

4.3 Vice President of Risk Management1. To be responsible for a safe chapter environment by enforcing policies as well as educating

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.

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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 al emergency situations, parties, or other events deemed

appropriate by the Executive Board or the President.9. To create and develop a crisis management plan.10. To develop a fire evacuation plan.11. To present to the chapter proper safety procedures.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 District Chief.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 responsibility.

4.4 Vice President of Finances1. 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.5. To deposit all chapter funds, as soon as expeditious, in a bank to be designated by the chapter.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. Oversee all boarding processes (contracts, room picks, etc.) in assistance with the housing

management company, if needed.13. Oversee summer boarding selection, contracts, payments, and room picks in assistance with the

housing management company, if needed.14. To make sure all financial objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are completed

successfully.15. To communicate with the other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary

responsibility.

4.5 Vice President of Recruitment1. To be ultimately responsible for an effective recruitment program.

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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 Recruitment’s 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 Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) policies.

7. To be responsible for recruitment contacts throughout the entire year, including summer.8. To keep an updated and accurate file on all men potentially interested in the Lambda Chapter of

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 responsibility.

4.6 Vice President of Education1. To be responsible for the education of the active members of the Lambda Chapter as well as the

pledges of the chapter.2. To be responsible for the overall operation of the entire program according to current chapter

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 submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon date.10. To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary

responsibilities.

4.7 Vice President of Communications1. To coordinate and update all general information regarding the chapter and chapter operations.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 the 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 the Administrative

Office.7. To record and distribute the minutes of the weekly chapter meetings.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.

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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 the Lambda Chapter to contain only, and all, active

members.13. To update and distribute a chapter contact list including all active members and pledges of the

Lambda Chapter once a semester.14. To maintain an updated electronic copy of this Constitution, the Bylaws, and all other standing

policies of the Lambda Chapter.15. To print the most up-to-date copy of this Constitution and the Bylaws for reference in chapter

meetings.16. To give the most up-to-date copy of this Constitution and the Bylaws to the Technology Chairman

for updating the Bylaw section on the chapter’s website.17. To make sure all communications objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are completed

successfully.18. To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon date.19. To communicate with the other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary

responsibilities.

4.8 Vice President of Programming1. 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 corresponding

sorority.7. To organize events and oversee opportunities for the chapter to be involved with the Greek

Community.8. To enforce responsible personal conduct at social events, with the assistance of the Vice President

of Risk Management and the Risk Management Committee.9. To submit a tentative social calendar to the President on or before the second week of each

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 MembershipThe officers stated in Article III, subsection 3 of this Constitution are members of the Executive Board. Any interested, active member may be present at meetings, but will not be granted the privilege of voting unless otherwise allowed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board.

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5.2 Purpose1. To facilitate the operations of the chapter.2. To aid in the control of chapter finances.3. To report at stated times and intervals on the conditions 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.7. To provide in all other ways possible for the more business-like administration of chapter affairs

and policies.

5.3 MeetingsMeetings of the Executive Board shall be held weekly with additional meetings held at the request of the chapter President or upon the request of any three members of said committee.

5.4 Voting PrivilegesAll 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 BusinessA quorum for the 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 in the form of minutes and all actions of the Executive Board are subject to a two-thirds vote approval of actives present at a regular chapter meeting.

5.6 Length of TermsThe 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 this Constitution.

ARTICLE VI – Committees

6.1 Committees of the Lambda ChapterThe chapter’s 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. Brotherhood Committee2. Kai Committee3. Risk Management Committee4. Finances Committee5. Recruitment Committee6. Education Committee7. Communications Committee8. Programming Committee

6.2 The Kai Committee

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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 ChairsEach 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 both the Brotherhood and Kai Committees.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 Subcommittee Chair Applications1. Subcommittee chair applications will be created by the current Executive Board.2. Subcommittee chair applications will be due to the current Executive Board at the second-to-last

chapter meeting of the semester.3. Subcommittee chair positions will be announced at the last chapter meeting of the semester.

6.5 Conditions of Committee MembershipUnless 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.4. Has no outstanding infraction with the Kai Committee.

6.6 Length of Terms1. Committee members will hold office for the duration of one academic semester.2. Committee members shall be selected at the beginning of each academic semester.3. In the event that a member of the committee leaves the committee before the end of his term or if

an additional committee position is created during the semester, the chair of the committee may fill the vacant position through one of the following methods:

a. Open the position to the brotherhood and invite any member to join.b. Request for a brother to fill the vacant position.

6.7 Committee MeetingsCommittee meetings shall be at the call of the chair of the committee or upon request of any two members of the committee. Three voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

6.8 Committee Obligations

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If at any time, a committee member does not fulfill his obligations as according to the Conditions of Committee Members, Article VI, subsection 3 of this Constitution, he may be asked to leave his committee position. However, with the committee chair’s permission and approval from the Kai Committee, the brother not fulfilling his obligations may keep his position on the committee.

6.9 Special CommitteesIf 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 1 of this Constitution.

ARTICLE VII – Kai Committee

7.1 PurposeThe Kai Committee serves as the governing body of the chapter.

7.2 Committee StructureThe Kai Committee operates in a similar fashion to that of the other committees, as given in Article VI of this Constitution, with the exception of its membership, as given in Article VII, subsection 3 of this Constitution.

7.3 Committee Representatives1. The Kai Committee shall be presided over by the Vice President of Brotherhood and composed of

five members such that there is one representative form each pledge year:a. One undergraduate seniorb. One undergraduate juniorc. One undergraduate sophomored. One undergraduate freshmane. One at-large representative

2. If a senior representative graduates, a fifth year senior representative will be selected in the 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 MembershipKai Committee membership will be determined as follows:

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

2. Committee member applications are due before Officer Nominations, as given in Article III, subsection 4, point 1 of this Constitution.

3. Nominations will go before the chapter along with the nominations of Vice President and Chair positions.

4. Voting for the nominees for office shall be conducted as follows:

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a. Voting shall be held in the order of enumeration of the committees listed in Article III, subsection 3 of this Constitution.

b. The Vice President of Communications shall begin the proceedings by reading the appropriate Appendix of this Constitution enumerating the duties and responsibilities of the committee position being contested.

c. An opportunity to speak shall be given toe ach nominee before the casting of ballots.

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.

iii. The nominees shall leave the chapter room and each in turn shall be brought 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 the nominees, 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 votesiv. A simple majority of those present is necessary for election.

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

5. If not all Kai Committee positions are filled additional floor nominations will be called for. The selection process will follow the same structure as given in Article VII, subsection 4, point 5 of this Constitution.

7.5 FinesFines may be given to brothers for property damage to the Lambda Chapter House, etc. The Kai 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 8 of this Constitution.

7.6 Academic AssistanceThe Kai Committee’s guideline for actions with regard to members failing to meet the minimum scholastic requirements shall be the Academic Assistance Plan.

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

ARTICLE VIII – Ritual and Customs

8.1 Chapter Meetings

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

2. Regular meetings will be held on Sunday of each week during the school year. The President 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 IX, subsection 2 of this Constitution.

b. All chapter meetings other than the formal chapter will be designated as informal chapter meetings. Expectations for informal chapter meetings are outlined in Article IX, subsection 2 of this Constitution.

4. As outlined in Article II of this Constitution, all members in attendance at a chapter meeting shall be allowed to vote, with the exception of suspended, temporarily inactive, financially restricted, or probationary members.

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

6. Parliamentary procedures, as contained ni the most recent issue of Robert’s Rules of Order, 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 Lambda Chapter.

7. A special meeting of the chapter may be called at any time by the President, Chapter Counselor, 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. If any brother misses two or more consecutive chapter meetings, he will be put on probationary status.

8.3 Bid Voting1. To be eligible for a bid a potential must:

a. Attend a sufficient number of events to be familiar to the chapter.b. Have a knowledge of the five core recruitment points:

i. Duesii. Live in requirementiii. Member expectationsiv. Pledge processv. Alcohol and substance policy.

c. Must be approved by an appropriate percentage of voting members as defined in the Bylaws of this Constitution.

2. Voting process to be held in accordance with the Bylaws of this Constitution. If the Bylaw is suspended, the new process is up to the discretion of the Vice Presidents of Recruitment and Education and the President.

8.4 Pledging

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

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

3. A pledge may stop the pledging process at any time if he so chooses.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 depledge the 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 the member 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 depledge the member being considered, the pledge will be removed from the program.

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

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

7. Any prospective member may only pledge the Lambda Chapter twice. If he does not complete the necessary requirements the second time, he is no longer allowed to pledge the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

8.5 Initiation1. Any pledge that has completed his pledge requirements in a satisfactory way as they pertain to

current chapter practices and minimum grade point average requirements may be initiated and become an active member upon the vote of the current, active chapter.

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

3. The President will determine the date of the Initiation Ritual so that it is held as soon as possible 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 and execution of the initiation Ritual.

ARTICLE IX – General Guidelines

9.1 Lambda Knox StandardsAll chapter operations, including member involvement, will follow the Lambda Knox Standards, as given in the Appendix of this Constitution.

9.2 Expectations for ChapterAll members must satisfy the expectations for chapter as defined in the Appendix of this Constitution.

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9.3 Attendance and Member ExpectationsAttendance 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.

9.4 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. Unless

otherwise 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 the following semester will be brought to the Kai Committee for a membership review.

9.5 Housing RequirementIt is required that all members, beginning with the Fall 2011 pledge class, must live in the chapter house for a minimum of one academic year.

1. Exceptions to the live-in requirement will be made for reasonable disputes such as but not limited to:

a. Studying abroad.b. Working as a resident advisor for the University of Michigan.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 Kai Committee. The Kai Committee will make the final decision on the member’s petition.

3. A strong preference will be made to have brothers live in the chapter house the year immediately following their pledge year.

9.6 Housing ContractsAll 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.

9.7 Alcohol StandardsSee the Appendix of this Constriction for the full guidelines of the Lambda Chapter Alcohol Standards.