Constitution of Nu Tau Phi Co-Ed Fraternity

Constitution of Nu Tau Phi Co-Ed Fraternity
PREAMBLE
We the body of Nu Tau Phi Solemnly affirm to uphold this constitution brought forth to
assert the values for the Non-Traditional Student Body on the grounds of respect, equality
and academic excellence
MOTTO
Achieve & Conquer
SLOGAN
Endure the battle, fight to the finish
Article I—Name and Purpose
Section 1: The name of the Co-Ed fraternity shall be Nu Tau Phi
Section 2: The Objective of Nu Tau Phi is to promote lasting friendship, cultivate high
scholastic and ethical standards, in the effort of unifying all non-traditional college
students by exemplifying respect, equality, and the achievement of academic excellence.
Article II—Laws
All Nu Tau Phi members shall be governed by the Undergraduate Chapter Constitution and
the respective Undergraduate Chapter By-Laws, and the Robert’s Rules of Order.
Article III—Membership and Finances
Section 1: Nu Tau Phi does not discriminate in any manner contrary to law or justice on
the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or
veteran's status. Membership shall be conferred only upon non-traditional students of
Nova Southeastern University who are of good moral character, and who have met the
qualifications set out in Article II of the Constitution. The aforementioned must also
fulfill such additional scholastic requirements as may be prescribed by this Constitution
or bylaws. The organization is open to all Nova Southeastern University Non-Traditional
students.
Section 2: Dues shall be collected from each member to fulfill the financial obligations
of the Co-Ed fraternity and shall be payable as provided by these bylaws. The amount of
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such dues shall be suggested to the chapter by the Treasurer and shall become binding
upon approval of the active members.
Section 3: The privilege of holding office shall be limited to members whose current
dues are paid and has a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, and is deemed in good standing
by the Education Chairman and the Secretary.
Section 4: Nu Tau Phi does not allow inactive member to vote. Any member who wishes
to vote must be up to date with their payment of dues.
Article IV—Officer, Duties, and Elections
Section 1: The executive officers of this chapter shall be the president, vice president,
treasurer, Executive secretary, and development director. Other offices may be approved
and duly adopted in the bylaws of this chapter.
Section 2: The duties of these officers shall be those set out in Section Four (Duties) of
the Laws and such additional duties as may be prescribed by the bylaws of this chapter.
Section 3: These officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the chapter membership
present according to the bylaws of this chapter.
Section 4: Elections shall take place at the first meeting of March following the Nova
Southeastern University academic calendar following a month long officer transition
period, nominations for the executive board offices will be accepted from the
membership. The election will then be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Section 5: No one shall be allowed to leave the election meeting.
Section 6: Should any office become vacant for any reason, it shall be filled by special
election held at the next scheduled Chapter meeting. All members shall be notified of the
impending special election.
Section 7: In the absence of the President, the chain of command shall be temporarily
passed down in the order of the vice president, treasurer, secretary and development
director. Upon return of the President, all temporary powers and responsibilities shall be
restored to its appropriate office. Failure to do so will result in removal of office and the
said office shall be subject to sanctions mandated by the Nu Tau Phi Co-Ed Fraternity
constitution and bylaws.
Article V—Removal of Members
Section 1: Any member not fulfilling the requirements as outlined in this Constitution or
in the Bylaws of this organization, to the satisfaction of the voting membership or has
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been found in violation of Nova Southeastern University Policy or the Student Code of
Conduct may be deemed a "member not in good standing". The Semiannual Review Vote
will determine, by vote, whether the member is maintaining their responsibilities.
Section 2: The SAMRV meeting is a mandatory meeting.
Section 3: The SAMRV meeting will follow the procedures set forth in the Chapter
Manual.
Section 4: Members, who are determined by a vote of over 75% to not be maintaining
their responsibilities, are expelled from NTP.
Article VI—Removal of Officers
Section 1: Any officer not fulfilling his/her duties as outlined in this Constitution, or in
the Bylaws of this organization to the satisfaction of the voting membership or has been
found in violation of any Nova Southeastern University Policy or Student Code of
Conduct, may be removed from office. A petition of 1/3 student "members in good
standing" shall be necessary to bring the question of removing an elected officer before
the next regular business meeting of the chapter to give notice of charges. A two-thirds
majority vote of the total voting membership shall be required for removal of any officer.
Section 2: The motion to remove an officer from his/her position must be presented in
writing to the total voting membership at least 2 weeks before the meeting at which the
removal will be approved by the Secretary and said document shall be stored for
historical purposes.
Section 3: The officer subject to removal shall have the right to present his/her case to the
membership at the meeting in which the voting for removal is to take place.
Section 4: All voting under this Article shall be done by secret ballot.
Article VII—Meetings and Quorum
Section 1: Regular meetings of this chapter shall be held bi-weekly during the school
year. The day, time, and location shall be approved at a meeting called by the executive
committee at the start of each term. E-board meets once a week.
Section 2: Special meetings may be called by the president or any executive board
officer, according to the bylaws of this chapter.
Section 3: A quorum shall consist of two-thirds of members in good standing for the
transaction of all business at any regular meeting of this chapter.
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Section 4: Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the meetings of this chapter in all cases
in which they apply.
Article VIII—Committees/Chairmen
Section 1: The officers of this chapter shall constitute the executive committee of the
chapter. The function of this committee shall be to transact necessary business of the
chapter between meetings, and to do such other business as may be imposed on it by the
bylaws of this chapter, or as may be referred to it by the chapter. There shall be regular
meetings of the executive committee as provided in the bylaws.
Section 2: There shall be standing committees to promote the objects and interests of this
chapter as are ordained by the bylaws. Their terms shall be the same and coincide with
that of the officers.
Section 3: Special committees may be created by the executive committee or vote of the
chapter at any chapter meeting, their terms to be fixed by the appointed authority.
Article IX—Advisor
Section 1: This organization shall designate an advisor. The regional director shall
require from each college chapter in the region the names of three resident alumni or
faculty members who are qualified to serve as a chapter advisor, recommending the one it
would desire appointed. From the names so submitted the regional director shall select
annually a chapter advisor. In the event that a college chapter fails to submit the names of
three resident alumni or faculty members for its chapter advisor within thirty days after
requested to do so, the regional director, without further reference, shall appoint an
advisor for the chapter (The above will be determined upon the fraternity’s expansion).
Said advisor(s) shall have no voting privileges
Section 2: Duties are:
A. Assist the Treasurer and the President in preparation of requests for funding from
the Student Government Association, and shall sign said requests;
B. Consult with the officers about the organization's activities in compliance with
University Policies;
C. Be responsible for the proper conduct of the university chapter in all local,
regional, and national fraternity matters.
D. In the event of violations the advisor shall have no power to impose a penalty nor
have any penal rights whatsoever;
E. Have such further powers and duties as may be prescribed by the laws of the
fraternity.
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Article X—Amendments to the Constitution
Section 1: This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the chapter by a
two-thirds vote of the active members of the chapter present and voting; provided notice
of the proposed amendment shall be given at the preceding regular meeting of the
chapter; and provided that the amendment is consistent with the Constitution and Laws of
Nu Tau Phi at Nova Southeastern University.
The Bylaws of Nu Tau Phi Co-Ed Fraternity
Section One: Structural Breakdown
Article I:
These officers are to be elected by a two-thirds majority of active members
present and voting at a regularly scheduled meeting:
A.
President
B.
Vice president
C.
Treasurer
D.
Secretary
E.
Development Director
Article II:
Voting shall be done by a secret ballot.
Article III:
Elections shall take place at the first meeting of March following the
Nova Southeastern University academic calendar following a month long officer
transition period, nominations for the executive board offices will be accepted from the
membership. The election will then be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Article IV:
If a nominee loses his/her election, they are automatically eligible to be a
nominee for the next office to be considered. The order of elections shall be:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Treasurer
4. Secretary
5. Development Director.
Article V:
In the event of an emergency, the executive board will appoint a member
to fill a vacant position until an election is held. For these emergency elections, the
nominations will be held one regularly scheduled meeting in advance of the meeting at
which the elections are to take place.
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Article VI:
All offices other than the five executive positions shall be appointed by
the vice president and approved by a majority vote of the active members present at a
regularly scheduled meeting. These officers include:
A. Recruitment Chairman/Board
B. Philanthropy Chairman
C. Alumni relations Chairman
D. IOC chairman
E. Sergeant-at-Arms
F. SGA/Greek Council
G. Social Chairman
H. Public Relation Chairman
I. Archivist/Historian Chairman
J. Education Chairman
Article VII:
By virtue of his position, the President will be the chapter's official
delegate to the General Convention. An alternate delegate will be elected by majority
vote of active members present and voting at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Article VIII:
Responsibility for the performance of all active members shall lie with
the Development Director. Complaints regarding the performance of members shall be
addressed to any executive board member.
Article IX.
From time to time, the campus attitude or the attitude of the chapter may
require that certain miscellaneous policies be adopted and/or revised. In the case that a
new policy is necessary, a proposal may be devised and voted on by active members
present and voting. A policy will require a two thirds vote to pass. Any amendments
will require a three fourths vote to amend. Any such policies are strictly protected by
these bylaws and may be enforced by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Section Two: The Executive Board
Article I: The purpose of the executive board is to facilitate the operation of the
chapter, to aid in the control of its finances, to report at stated times and intervals on the
condition of the chapter, to prepare business in order that chapter meetings may be as
orderly and as brief as possible, to determine policy in advance for approval at chapter
meetings, and to provide in all other ways possible for the businesslike administration of
chapter affairs and policies.
Article II:
The executive board shall be composed of five voting members: The
chapter president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and development director.
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Article III:
The executive board will meet once a week prior to the chapter meeting
to conduct business. The day, time, and location shall be approved at a meeting called by
executive board members at the start of each term.
Article IV:
All findings and proceedings of the board shall be reported to the
chapter, and all action of the board is subject to approval by a majority of active members
present and voting at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Section Three: Dues and Bills
Article I:
Chapter bills shall include one or more of these items as appropriate:
A. Chapter dues
B. Initiation fee
C. Fines & assessments
Article II: Bills will be rendered at the first meeting of the month and must be paid in
full within three weeks. Unless excused by the chapter treasurer, any member who has
not paid by the due date will be brought before the executive board by the treasurer to
decide upon necessary sanctions. In addition, any fines or interest charge imposed will
be left to the discretion of the treasurer, who has the option of consulting the executive
board.
Article III: Chapter expenditures which involve assessments of any kind must first
be discussed and approved by the majority of the active chapter present and voting at a
regularly scheduled meeting.
Article IV.
All bills shall be paid by check or credit/debit card, drawn by the
treasurer and president. Approval of the president and treasurer shall be necessary for a
purchase in excess of $100.00.
Section Four: Duties
Article I:
All elected officers are required to read these bylaws and to perform their
respective duties and responsibilities as set forth below.
Article II: Duties of the President
A. Preside over all meetings of the Chapter and Executive Board.
B. Enforce the Constitution, Code, Traditions, Risk Management
Policies, Chapter By-laws, and rules and levy fines.
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C. Jointly appoint all committee chairmen and require them to carry out
their duties and, with the exception of the Executive Board, remove
members who may neglect their duties.
D. Perform the duties and powers of a President.
E. Sign and confer with the Treasurer on all checks and obligations of the
Chapter.
F. Override a negative vote on a bid if it was cast unfairly.
Article III. Duties of the Vice President
A. In the temporary absence or temporary incapacity of the president,
perform all of his/her duties.
B. Perform the duties and powers of a Vice President.
C. Hold weekly meetings of all committee chairmen.
D. His/her may, at the discretion of the President, with the approval of the
Executive Board, be appointed to any standing committee.
E. Announce committee openings at the beginning of each semester.
F. Make committee chairmen appointments with the President and with
the approval of the Executive Board.
G. Regulate and oversee all chairmen positions.
Article IV: Duties of the Treasurer
A. Collect all monies due to the Chapter and pay all bills owed by the
Chapter.
B. Keep an accurate and true account of all financial transactions.
C. Prepare the Chapter budget and present it to the Chapter in writing at
the first meeting of each semester.
D. Assist the Chapter Trustees in determining Chapter dues.
E. Collect delinquent and otherwise stated fines.
F. Present a financial statement at the end of each semester.
G. Restrict spending within the proposed budget; to be altered only by the
Executive Board.
H. Bi-weekly inform the Executive Board as to the status of the budget.
I. Appoint an assistant with the approval of the Executive Board.
Article V: Duties of the Secretary
A. Keep a permanent record of all proceedings of Chapter meetings in
typewritten form.
B. Mail to Executive Board, a copy of each meeting’s minutes within
forty-eight hours following the meeting.
C. Maintain a complete roll of the Chapter with home addresses.
D. Keep the Chapter’s files in order and up-to-date on the Constitution,
Code, Archives, Traditions, and all other pertinent material.
E. Attend to all Correspondence of the organization.
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F. Take charge of all Chapter publications and compile the Chapter
scrapbook (in the absence of P/R).
G. Act as parliamentarian and keep a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order,
and bring it to every meeting.
H. Appoint an assistant, with the approval of the Executive Board.
I. Post Chapter minutes prior to the next meeting.
J. E-mail notice of upcoming Chapter events to all members.
K. Complete Chapter Awards Applications.
Article IV: Duties of the Development Director
Encourage the participation of all members in all of the Chapter’s activities.
Plan and execute educational programs for all Chapters.
Plan and execute bonding activities for all Chapters.
Maintain a master calendar of events and present it to the Chapter at the
beginning of each semester and post a monthly calendar by the first of each
month.
E. Assist the Chapter President and Secretary in planning an execution of the
Semi-Annual Review vote.
F. Assist the Chapter President in the planning and execution of the annual
Chapter retreat. Conduct the new members’ pre-initiation meeting in
accordance with the information in the Nu Tau Phi bylaws.
G. Plan and implement all programs in accordance with the information in the Nu
Tau Phi program Manual.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Article VI: Duties of the Education Chairman
A. To serve as a chairmen under the Vice President of the chapter.
B. To know the academic standing of all active members and pledges and to
inform those on academic probation concerning the circumstances of their
situation.
C. To keep the chapter informed of all important academic dates and Nova
Southeastern University Undergraduate academic rules and regulations.
D. To keep confidential the academic standing of all members.
E. To schedule speakers on time management, interviewing skills, resume
writing, writing skills, etc.
F. To make members aware of various campus counseling services, academic
services, tutoring services, writing labs, etc.
G. Work to ensure that 90% of chapter members are in good scholastic standing
within the chapter.
H. Educate all members on the Merit and Need based scholarships opportunities.
I. Create programs to ensure that the Chapter’s GPA is above a 2.5.
J. Assist members in finding tutors if needed.
K. Plan and execute study hours.
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L. Give out awards for members with the most improved GPA.
Article VII: Duties of the Social Chairman
A. To serve as a chairmen under the Vice President of the chapter.
B. To schedule, plan and execute social events including but not limited to
parties, formals, family Weekend BBQ, football game tailgates.
C. To plan and organize decorations, procurement of bands, and all other details
pertaining to chapter social functions.
D. To stay within budget limits and to be aware of the balance remaining at all
times.
E. To appoint such committees as may be deemed necessary to assist in fulfilling
these duties.
F. To register all chapter social functions with the Student Activities Office at
least 2 weeks prior to the event.
G. To enforce all campus regulations during chapter social functions.
H. To maintain discipline at all chapter social functions, along with all executive
committee members.
Article X: Duties of the Philanthropy Chairman
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
To serve as a chairmen under the Vice President of the chapter.
Plan and execute community service events.
To be responsible for the organization semester philanthropic events.
To oversee the coordination of any other campus, all Greek, or chapter
philanthropic events.
Publicize Philanthropic/Community service events in the campus and
community newspapers.
Work with other community service organizations on campus.
Require a minimum amount of community service hours per member.
To educate the chapter on the official adopted philanthropy of Nu Tau Phi CoEd Fraternity and to plan community service events to benefit the
philanthropy.
Article XII. Duties of the Alumni Relations Chairman
A. To serve as a chairmen under the Vice President of the chapter.
B. To plan and implement at least two alumni events per year.
C. Create and maintain an alumni list with home address, e-mail address, and
phone number
D. To contact all alumni to inform them of the chapter's status and of any events
that will be held in their honor.
E. To draft at least two alumni newsletters each year.
F. To attend all chapter alumni and house corporation meetings
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G. Plan and execute alumni events including, but not limited to: BBQ, open
house, banquet, cruise, and etc.
H. Send out a monthly alumni newsletter with information about new initiates,
upcoming events, and alumni information.
Article XIII: Duties of the Public Relations Chairman
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
To serve as a chairmen under the Vice President of the chapter.
To develop a written public relations plan for the chapter.
To maintain a list of local media sources (television, newspaper, radio).
To organize an annual family event for the chapter.
To invite faculty/administrators to chapter functions.
To maintain proper correspondence etiquette with administration, alumni,
chapter friends.
Article XIV: Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
To maintain order while the chapter meeting is in progress.
Enforce the constitution, Code of conduct, Traditions and Chapter By-laws.
Levy fines and punishments.
Conduct hearings.
Create Minimum Standards that all members must maintain to remain active
members in good standing.
Article XV: Duties of the IOC representative/ SGA/Greek
Council
A. Attend all IOC meetings and educate the Chapter and Executive Board on
IOC events and policies.
B. Represent the Chapter at IOC and vote on all issues pertinent to the Chapter’s
welfare and that of the Greek Community.
C. Represent the Chapter at Student Government Association as well as Greek
Council meetings and vote on all issues pertinent to the Chapter’s welfare.
Article XVI: Chapter Archivist/Historian Chairman
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Maintain a scrapbook of pictures and memorabilia.
To keep all chapter historic files in working order.
Record in a file Chapter officers and committee heads.
Create a family tree for big and little
To take pictures at chapter events.
To educate the chapter on relevant Nu Tau Phi’s history.
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Section Five -Customs & Initiation
Article I: Chapter meetings
A. The time and place of regular meetings shall be established by a majority vote at
the first meeting of the academic year. The chapter meetings will be held biweekly. The president may change the time of a specific meeting or cancel such
meetings as he/she deems necessary.
B. Special meetings of the chapter may be called as the president or executive board
officers if set individual/party deems necessary. Special meetings may also be
called upon the written petition of three members of the executive committee or
five members of the chapter. Notice will be posted and the secretary shall make
every effort to be certain that all members are aware of the meeting. One-half of
the entire chapter shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at a special
meeting.
C. Two-thirds of the chapter members shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of
business at regularly scheduled meetings.
D. Meetings shall begin promptly at the announced time and shall be conducted in an
orderly manner. Each member shall be recognized by the president before
addressing the chapter. This procedure is to be strictly enforced by the Sergeantat-Arms.
E. The parliamentary authority shall be Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised in
all cases in which it is applicable and not inconsistent with these bylaws, other
chapter laws, rules of Nova Southeastern University, or laws of the general
organization.
F. Attendance will be taken at chapter meetings by the secretary. Excuses from
absent members shall be presented (in writing) to the president or secretary prior
to the beginning of the chapter meeting.
G. Motions made at a chapter meeting may not be voted upon until a subsequent
meeting. However, if two-thirds of the active members present and voting deem
it necessary, this provision may be set aside and the motion considered
immediately.
H. Absentee votes are permitted at a chapter meeting only if approved by the
president and documented by the secretary prior to the discussion and subsequent
vote concerning any motion or nomination. A member is restricted to no more
than two proxy votes.
I. Motions pertaining to amendments to these bylaws will require approval by a
three-fourths vote of the active members present and voting at a regularly
scheduled chapter meeting.
Article II: Initiation
A. Before being initiated into the active chapter, the individual must have completed
these steps:
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a. All bills submitted, including the initiation fee, must be paid to the
satisfaction of the Treasurer.
b. The NTP membership application form must be completed. The
Development Director should review each form, item by item, for the
benefit of the candidates.
c. She/he must meet the standards outlined by the Nu Tau Phi Co-Ed
Fraternity Constitution and Bylaws.
B. The Initiation ceremony will be conducted in accordance with the standard
initiation guide approved by Nu Tau Phi.
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