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Mu Beta Psi, National Honorary Musical Fraternity

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policies:chapters:rho:bylaws

BYLAWS OF RHO CHAPTER

MU BETA PSI, NATIONAL HONORARY MUSICAL FRATERNITY

These ByLaws will govern the structure of Rho Chapter of Mu Beta Psi at Northern Michigan University, in conjunction with the National Constitution. All that is not set forth in this document will be left to Chapter policy. Such policy is subject to change by the Will of the Brotherhood as outlined in these ByLaws.

ARTICLE I – CHAPTER NAME

This Chapter of Mu Beta Psi, National Honorary Musical Fraternity, located on the campus of Northern Michigan University, will be called Rho Chapter.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSES


    1. To honor those individuals who have devoted their time and efforts to the musical organizations at Northern Michigan University.
    2. To stimulate interest in the musical organizations at Northern Michigan University.
    3. To advance music to its proper place as an educational subject at Northern Michigan University.
    4. To actively promote fellowship among musicians at Northern Michigan University.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP


    1. Brotherhood
      1. Any member of Rho Chapter is also a member of Mu Beta Psi, National Honorary Musical Fraternity.
      2. There shall only be one (1) class of membership in this Fraternity, that of BROTHERHOOD. For the purposes of these ByLaws, the terms ACTIVE, ALUMNI, INACTIVE, ASSOCIATE and HONORARY are only explanatory and have no bearing on the membership status of a Brother.
    2. Qualifications
      1. Any individual who demonstrates a special interest in music on the campus of Northern Michigan University.
      2. Prospective Active Brothers shall be required to pass through a period of education, the requirements of those are as follows:
        1. Education shall take no less than four (4) weeks, and no more than eight (8) weeks.
        2. During education, each member in training will be required to read the National Constitution, the Code of Conduct, and Chapter ByLaws before the member in training can be formally initiated into the Brotherhood.
          1. The Code of Conduct can be found here: Code of Conduct
        3. All other rules and regulations concerning education at Rho Chapter shall be detailed in the Education Policy and these Chapter ByLaws.
      3. Rho Chapter will not deny membership to anyone for reason of race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic background, creed, handicap, age, sex, or gender.
    3. Types of Membership
      1. There will be five (5) types of membership in Rho Chapter: Active, Associate, Alumni, Honorary, and Inactive.
        1. Active
          1. An Active member of Rho Chapter will be any student who meets the following conditions:
            1. A student currently enrolled at Northern Michigan University.
            2. A student who has been duly accepted into the membership of Rho Chapter by completing the Rho education program and meeting the requirements for membership outlined in the National Constitution and National Policies.
            3. A student who has not previously lost membership in Mu Beta Psi by resignation or revocation.
            4. A student who currently participates in the activities of the Chapter.
            5. A student who serves on at least one (1) committee excluding academic breaks.
              1. A period of transition is defined as the time between when a new Brother is initiated to the start of the following semester.
            6. A student who maintains a 2.5 cumulative GPA at Northern Michigan University.
              1. All Active members of Rho Chapter will be required to submit their cumulative GPA to the secretary by the second week of the semester.
              2. Any Active that falls below said GPA will be placed on probationary status and will be subject to the Academic Probation Policy.
        2. Associate
          1. A status which allows Brothers the full right to vote. Associate members shall not count against quorum for General Business meetings in their absence but shall count towards quorum for General Business meetings in their attendance.
          2. Any Brother may apply for Associate membership for one semester by submitting to the Executive Committee a written statement of intent to become an Associate member and an explanation of the circumstances involved. Such a written statement of intent must be submitted by the end of the third (3) week of the semester.
            1. The following semester the Brother in question will have the option to become Active or submit to the Executive Committee a written statement of intent to become either Associate or Voluntary Inactive. If no such written statement is submitted the Brother in question will either be automatically added to the official list of Active Brothers and be required to abide by all corresponding requirements of Active status or made Involuntary Inactive by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
          3. Associate status will be determined by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. Upon acceptance of said status, the Brother in question must agree to meet three (3) out of the four (4) requirements as stated below:
            1. Half the amount of service hours set as the Chapter goal per the semester in question.
            2. Serve on a minimum of one committee.
            3. Attend a minimum of three (3) General Business meetings during the semester in question.
            4. Be obligated to pay only half of the Chapter dues as set per the semester in question.
          4. Associate members are not allowed to hold an elected position or to serve as a Big unless the role is as a Co-Big secondary to the main Big.
          5. Associate members are not required to meet the minimum GPA requirement for the semester(s) in which they hold Associate status.
          6. Associate members are active only on the Chapter level and thus are exempt from paying any fees associated with being Nationally active.
          7. All Associate members will be required to abide by all current policies of the National Fraternity.
        3. Alumni
          1. Members of Rho Chapter who have graduated from or terminated studies at Northern Michigan while in good standing with the National Fraternity will automatically become Alumni of Rho Chapter and will be referred to as such. They retain all rights and privileges of Active members except in that they will not be required to pay dues, and cannot hold Chapter office or vote.
          2. Members pursuing graduate studies at Northern Michigan University may either retain their membership status or become Alumni of Rho Chapter, or become Active within the Alumni Association
            1. Members enrolled in courses that are held off of the Northern Michigan University campus may either take Voluntary Inactive status or become Alumni of Rho Chapter. Said members will be permitted to return to active status upon enrollment in courses on the Northern Michigan University campus.
        4. Honorary
          1. An Honorary member will be any person whom the membership feels has made outstanding contributions toward the purposes of Rho Chapter, for whom standard membership would be inappropriate, and who has been granted such membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Active members. An Honorary member will have the right to attend meetings and Fraternity functions, but will not be required to pay fees or dues, will not have the right to vote, will not hold any Chapter office and will not hold the position of a Big Brother. Each Honorary member's initiation fee will be paid by the Chapter.
        5. Inactive
          1. There will be two (2) categories of Inactive membership: Voluntary and Involuntary.
            1. Voluntary Inactive members will be Active members who have gone Inactive by submitting to the Executive Committee a written statement of intent to go Inactive and an explanation of the circumstances involved. Such written statement of intent must be submitted by the end of the third (3) week of the semester.
            2. Involuntary Inactive members will be Active members who have been declared Inactive by a majority decision of the Executive Committee by the end of the first five (5) weeks of the semester for nonparticipation in mandatory Chapter functions or excessive delinquency in financial payments.
              1. Any Brother failing to meet the requirements for active status will be asked to go inactive voluntarily, or will be subject to Executive Review, and possibly be declared Involuntary Inactive.
            3. All Inactive members will have no vote, will not pay dues, and will forfeit all privileges normally afforded to Active members. Any and all fees and dues paid prior to becoming inactive will be forfeited to Rho Chapter.
            4. All Inactive members will be required to abide by all current policies of the National Fraternity.
            5. Inactive members are required to meet with a member of the Executive Committee at the end of each semester of inactivity.
            6. To return to Active membership, the Inactive member must appear before the Active members for a vote of confidence. A simple majority vote of those eligible members present will reinstate full membership privileges and responsibilities.
    4. Resignation
      1. Any member of the Chapter may resign from membership by submitting a letter of resignation to the President of Rho Chapter. The resignation will then be rendered to the membership.
      2. Upon resignation, the member will return all materials officially bearing the name and symbols of Mu Beta Psi to the Chapter. The Chapter will refund the purchase price of all materials so returned, up to $100.
      3. Resignation of membership in the Chapter is resignation of Brotherhood in Mu Beta Psi. Consequently, it will be the duty of the Member-At-Large to inform the National Secretary of the resignation, by the next quarterly submission, so that the resigning member's name may be stricken from the National Roll.
    5. Removal
      1. Membership in the Chapter may be revoked by a three-fifths (3/5) vote of the Rho Chapter Standards Board. The Standards Board may revoke the membership of any member initiated in Rho Chapter for any of the following reasons:
        1. For knowingly slandering, destroying, defaming or otherwise depreciating the property or reputation of Fraternity members or for causing gross disrespect to Mu Beta Psi or Northern Michigan University.
        2. For flagrant delinquency in responsibilities as a Brother of Rho Chapter, as determined by a majority of the Active Brotherhood.
      2. Any member may request that the Chapter Standards Board review the membership of any Brother initiated at Rho Chapter by filing a request with the President of Rho Chapter. The President will then call Court into session as proscribed in Article V of these Chapter ByLaws.
      3. Revocation of membership in Rho Chapter is revocation of Brotherhood in Mu Beta Psi. Consequently, it will be the duty of the Member-at-Large to inform the National Secretary of the revocation so that the revoked member's name may be stricken from the National Roll.
      4. Upon revocation of Brotherhood, the member will return all materials officially bearing the name and symbols of Mu Beta Psi to the Chapter. Rho Chapter will refund the purchase price of all materials so returned, up to $100.
    6. Voting
      1. All Active members of Rho Chapter, except those members whose right to vote has been suspended or revoked, will have the right to cast one (1) vote on any business requiring a vote. Actives with suspended or revoked voting rights will not be counted in the number of Actives needed to pass a motion.
        1. Voting on all business, with the exception of the election of officers and acceptance of new members, will be by a show of hands unless the President has specified otherwise or a member moves otherwise at the time of voting.
        2. Voting for the election of officers and acceptance of new members will be by secret, written ballot.
        3. Any business must receive a majority vote of the Active, eligible members present at an official meeting in order to pass.
      2. An Active member will lose voting rights if they fall delinquent in payment of dues, whether that be paid in full upon original deadline or by scheduled payment plan. The Treasurer will report such delinquencies to the Executive Committee. The member's voting privileges will be regained on the meeting following the payment, which may be the same day, fulfilling the negative balance of all delinquent dues.
        1. Delinquency shall be defined as an outstanding balance lasting longer than 3 days after the payment deadline, whether that be the original deadline or the scheduled payment plan deadline.
        2. Upon notification of delinquency said Brother shall create a payment plan, thus making said Brother no longer delinquent.
      3. An Active member may cast an absentee ballot on the election or impeachment of officers only if they are excused from the meeting at which the votes are being taken. The Active must give the handwritten sealed ballot to the highest-ranking officer not involved prior to the meeting at which the vote is going to be taken. An absentee ballot for the election of officers will be nullified should a new candidate run for the office.
      4. The President of Rho Chapter will be allowed to cast a vote on the offering of bids, amendments to the Chapter ByLaws, and the approval of nominees to the Standards Board. On all other matters, the President of Rho Chapter will not vote unless there is a tie vote, in which case the President will act as the tie-breaking vote.
      5. If a significant problem arises as a consequence of the vote, an Active Brother may bring concerns to a ranking officer within the Chapter, and it will be discussed at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
    7. Dues and Fees
      1. Dues shall be paid to the Treasurer by the third General Business meeting of the semester.
        1. If a Brother is unable to pay in full by the established date, they must confirm a payment plan with the Treasurer by the established deadline.
          1. The established payment plan must be completed by the last General Business meeting of the semester.
          2. A payment plan shall be defined as a written plan of payment submitted to and approved by the Treasurer including such information as the intended date, amount, and method of payment.
      2. If a Brother fails to make their payment on time or fails to establish a payment plan with the Treasurer, they will incur fines as set in the Rho Chapter ByLaws.
        1. Fines of Delinquent Payments
          1. First Delinquent Payment: Check-in with the Treasurer
          2. Second Delinquent Payment: $5
          3. Third Delinquent Payment: $10
          4. Fourth Delinquent Payment: Executive Review
        2. Fines of Unestablished Payment Plan
          1. First Week of Unestablished Payment Plan: Check-in with Treasurer
          2. Second Week of Unestablished Payment Plan: $5 and revocation of voting privilege until a payment plan is made
          3. Third Week of Unestablished Payment Plan: An additional $10
          4. Fourth Week of Unestablished Payment Plan: Executive Review
      3. Local dues and affiliation fees of Rho Chapter will be determined by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership. All voting members of Rho Chapter will be required to pay dues in accordance with the Rho Chapter ByLaws.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS


    1. Elected Officers
      1. The elected officers will be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Member At-Large (MAL), Historian, Member Educator, Social Coordinator, Service Chair, and Music Chair.
    2. Qualifications
      1. The President and Vice President must have at least one (1) year of Active membership at the time of election. In the event that no Active member has (1) year of Active membership or no eligible Active wishes to hold these positions, those members with the most seniority will be eligible for these offices.
      2. The Secretary and Treasurer must have at least one (1) semester of Active membership at the time of election. In the event that no Active member has (1) semester of Active membership or no eligible Active wishes to hold these positions, those members with the most seniority will be eligible for these offices.
      3. Nominees to all offices must be Active.
    3. Duties of Officers
      1. President
        1. The President will preside at the meetings of this Chapter. The President will also serve as chair of the Executive Committee.
        2. The President will, as necessary, appoint within three (3) weeks after election to office: all committee members and chairpersons necessary to the Chapter.
          1. The President may appoint or remove any committee members or chairpersons during the year as deemed necessary.
        3. The President will be Rho Chapter's representative to the National Board of Trustees.
        4. The President cannot concurrently hold the position of Member-At-Large.
        5. Schedules will be collected from the Brotherhood by the President no later than the Monday before the semester begins in order to schedule weekly meetings.
        6. The President is responsible for the safekeeping of the Charter and the Mascot of Rho Chapter.
        7. The President will be the second voting delegate at the National Convention.
      2. Vice President
        1. The Vice President shall preside at all meetings at which the President is absent.
        2. The Vice President will assist other officers when needed.
        3. The Vice President will assist other committee heads when needed.
          1. The Vice President will not be automatically appointed to committee head fill vacancies.
        4. The Vice President will serve as chapter representative to the National Committee on Chapter Maintenance.
        5. Vice President is the head of Chapter Maintenance and ByLaws Committee.
        6. The Vice President will be responsible for the Unexcused Absence Check-In with the Brother in question as stated in the Rho Chapter Attendance Policy Section III-A-1. If the Vice President is unable to do so, they may choose a proxy.
      3. Secretary
        1. The Secretary shall be responsible for recording minutes at all General Business Meetings in typewritten form and must send them within 48 hours.
        2. The Secretary will take roll at each meeting and the names of those Active members not present and not excused will be entered into the minutes for that meeting. It will be the duty of the Secretary to report to the President, the name of any member who has three (3) unexcused absences in a semester.
        3. It will be the responsibility of the Secretary to obtain a meeting place for any meeting which the President calls by sufficient notification. The Secretary shall notify each member of the time and place of the meeting.
        4. The Secretary will be responsible for having a copy of the National Constitution and Chapter ByLaws at every meeting.
        5. The Secretary or the Secretary's designee will be solely responsible for removing mail from the Chapter mailbox.
        6. The Secretary is an ex-officio member of History and Archives Committee.
      4. Treasurer
        1. The Treasurer will personally oversee all the financial transactions of Rho Chapter of Mu Beta Psi.
        2. The Treasurer will be responsible for keeping a running account of all financial records in an accounting format and must be prepared to give a report of financial status of Rho Chapter at each regularly scheduled meeting.
        3. The Treasurer will accept dues and fees from the members and give a written receipt of payment to each member at the time dues are paid.
        4. The Treasurer will be responsible for the proper disbursal of all monies resulting from all functions which are directly sponsored by Rho Chapter.
        5. The Treasurer will be an ex-officio member of the Chapter Affairs and Functions Committee.
        6. The Treasurer will be responsible for attending National Fundraising and Finance Committee meetings.
          1. In the event the Treasurer is unable to attend, they must find another active Brother in the Chapter to serve as a proxy.
        7. Treasurer is to establish a budget for each committee based off previous spending records and present it to the Brotherhood no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting, for approval.
        8. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the Chapter inventory of education pins, Brothers' pins, green and gold letters, and Coat of Arms decals.
      5. Member-At Large
        1. The duties of the Member-at-Large will be:
          1. To represent Rho Chapter at National Convention as the voting delegate.
          2. To maintain correspondence with other Chapters and the National Executive Committee.
          3. To serve as the Chapter’s reporter to The Clef.
          4. Member-At-Large will be responsible for all national correspondence, with the cooperation of the Vice President, Treasurer, Member Educator and Historian.
      6. Member Educator
        1. Two Member Educators will be elected, the first to act as Member Educator and the second to act as Assistant Member Educator.
        2. Election will be held at the discretion of the President.
        3. The Assistant Member Educator will automatically succeed the Member Educator unless the Brotherhood votes to remove them from the office.
        4. The duties of the Member Educators will be:
          1. To guide the education class through a course of training that prepares the members in training to be accepted as Brothers into the Fraternity.
          2. To serve as a liaison between the Brotherhood and the education class during this period of training.
          3. To organize and preside over initiations.
          4. The Member Educator is the head of the Education Committee.
            1. The Assistant Member Educator is an ex-officio member of the Education Committee.
      7. Historian
        1. The Historian will be Rho Chapter's representative to the National History and Archive Committee.
        2. Historian is the head of the History and Archive Committee.
        3. The Historian will maintain a system of filing and preserving historic records in coordination with the Secretary.
        4. The Historian will collect all posters, advertisements, articles, and anything else discussing Chapter or Fraternity activities as well as the musical/Fraternal activities of the Brothers of Rho Chapter.
        5. The Historian will solicit photographs from the Brotherhood after Fraternity activities.
        6. The Historian will prepare an annual Rho Chapter Scrapbook, with the assistance of the Brotherhood, to be entered into the Priceless Memories contest at National Convention.
        7. The Historian shall assist with all historic submissions to the National Organization, including submissions to The Clef by the Member-at-Large.
        8. The Historian is charged with keeping the Plaques of Rho chapter.
    4. Term of Office
      1. The term of office for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, MAL, and Historian will be for a period of one (1) year or until the next scheduled election.
      2. The term of office for Member Educator will be at most two (2) semesters or three (3) education terms.
      3. Any member elected to an office, prior to the fifth (5) week of fall term, cannot succeed themselves in office (unless appointed by the president).
        1. If the presidency is vacant, the order of ascension will be applied to appoint the vacant position.
        2. Brothers eligible for appointment must submit a letter of intent.
        3. The president will select a nominee from those members whom have submitted letters and present this nominee to the Brotherhood. They must be approved by two thirds of Active members present at the meeting.
        4. The office of Secretary and Historian is exempt.
      4. Newly elected officers will take office immediately upon their election.
    5. Order of Ascension
      1. In the case that the President is unable to complete the term of office, the Order of Ascension will be:
        1. Vice President
        2. Secretary
        3. Treasurer
        4. Member-At-Large
        5. Member Educator
    6. Election of Officers
      1. Nominations for new officers will be conducted by the third (3rd) to last meeting of the winter semester and election of new officers will be held by the second (2nd) to last meeting of winter semester.
      2. All nominations must be seconded.
      3. Any member nominated for an office will be permitted to decline the nomination.
      4. Nominations for all offices will be closed prior to adjourning the meeting at which elections are held and may be reopened at the next regularly scheduled meeting by the President or by a motion of any Active member.
      5. Prior to voting for a particular office, nominees will declare their qualifications for this office in an appropriate manner.
        1. During the nomination period, a member will speak with the current officer to learn more about their role and responsibilities and ask any questions they may have for at least 30 minutes.
        2. For officer elections, discussion shall be limited to a speech and a question and answer session that together will be no longer than ten (10) minutes. Then there will be two (2) minutes of pro statements, four (4) minutes of con statements, and two (2) final minutes of pro statements, with no candidates present during these pro-con statements.
      6. After elections, new officers will meet with the old officer to discuss the role and learn the duties and responsibilities of the position, including obligations not explicitly stated in these Chapter ByLaws.
        1. Some examples include but are not limited to: submissions, writing minutes, budgeting, National Convention, event planning, etc.
    7. Removal of Officers
      1. Any officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the eligible voting members present at an official meeting.
        1. This vote may be called by any Active member, who must propose the vote under New Business during the previous weekly meeting.
        2. The votes will be collected and counted by the Chapter President and Secretary. If either officer is in question the votes will be counted by the next highest ranking officer in the order of ascension.
        3. No vote will be taken until the officer in question has had the opportunity to debate all charges.
      2. Vacant offices will be filled by appointment from the President. If the President is in question, the appointment will be made following the order of ascension.
    8. Committees
      1. The power to appoint and abolish committees will reside with the President. The committees shall be as follows:
        1. Chapter Executive Committee
          1. The Chapter Executive Committee is a governing body responsible for overseeing the ByLaws, Brotherhood activity, and other responsibilities as cited in the ByLaws.
        2. Chapter Maintenance and ByLaws Committee (CMBL)
          1. Responsible for maintaining the Chapter’s health with workshops and updating ByLaws and Policies.
        3. Chapter Affairs and Functions Committee
          1. Responsible for supporting the immediate needs of the Chapter as determined by the Committee.
        4. History and Archive Committee
          1. Responsible for the maintenance of Chapter Scrapbooks and Chapter Archives.
        5. Education Committee
          1. Responsible for assisting the Education staff, as deemed fit, in all areas related to the Education process.
        6. Service Committee
          1. Responsible for finding and creating community service events for the Chapter.
        7. Music Committee
          1. Responsible for keeping track of concert attendance, creating new ideas for music events and activities, and strengthening our relationship with the Northern Michigan University Music Department.
        8. Ad-Hoc Committee
          1. An Ad-Hoc committee is created and dismantled by the Chapter President. The purpose of any Ad-Hoc committee must be expressed by the President upon its creation to fill any foreseen gaps in the Chapter’s needs.
      2. All committee members may call upon the resources of the Chapter in the execution of their duties. They may also request the aid of any and all members of the Chapter.
      3. No members, officers, committee members, members in training or appointees may be forced to assume a task against their will.
      4. The Chapter Executive Committee will be made up of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Member-At-Large.
      5. The Service Committee chair, Music Committee chair, and Social Coordinator shall be elected positions. Elections for these positions will be held every semester per election protocol for officers.
      6. All committees will be made up of a maximum of six (6) official members in addition to a committee chairperson and all ex-officio members.
        1. In the event that more than six (6) Brothers wish to serve on a certain committee, official members shall be chosen by means of letters of intent submitted to the committee chairperson.
        2. All committee meetings shall be open to the Brotherhood, however only committee members shall cast an official vote.
        3. The committee chairperson shall only cast their vote in the event of a tie.
      7. Committees that are delinquent in meeting at least once (1) a month will be subject to review by the Executive committee.
      8. The Committee Chair must announce the time and place of their committee meeting at a minimum of 24 hours in advance to the Brotherhood via the listserv.
        1. If the time and/or place must be changed and the notification cannot be made 24 hours in advance, the Committee Chair has until 2 hours before the original meeting time to present a vote to their committee members to change the time and/or place.
    9. Appointees
      1. The power to appoint the following positions shall reside with the president:
        1. Chapter Affairs and Functions Committee Head
        2. National Committee on Expansion Representative
        3. Parliamentarian
        4. National Information Technology Committee Representative
        5. Social Media Coordinator
      2. Duties of Appointees
        1. Chapter Affairs and Functions Committee Head
          1. The CAF Committee head is responsible for running the CAF committee meetings and ensuring they have one meeting a month.
          2. The CAF Committee head will be responsible for reviewing and approving all Social Media Posts with the Social Media Coordinator.
        2. National Committee on Expansion Representative (NCE)
          1. The NCE is responsible for attending all National Committee on Expansion meetings and being a liaison between Rho Chapter and the National Committee on Expansion.
        3. Parliamentarian
          1. The Parliamentarian is responsible for explaining and enforcing parliamentary procedures.
          2. The Parliamentarian is responsible for keeping and updating the ByLaws as amendments are made.
          3. The Parliamentarian and NITC representative are the only ones who are permitted to hold the editable electronic copies of the ByLaws.
          4. The Parliamentarian is an ex-officio member of the Chapter Maintenance and ByLaws Committee.
          5. The Parliamentarian is responsible for collecting fines placed on Brothers for Unexcused Absences and for interruptions at General Business meetings.
        4. National Information Technology Committee Representative (NITC)
          1. The NITC representative is responsible for maintaining the Rho Chapter website.
          2. The NITC representative is responsible for attending all National Information Technology Committee meetings and being a liaison between Rho Chapter and NITC.
          3. The NITC representative is responsible for updating Rho Chapter’s policies on the national policy page on the national website.
          4. The NITC representative is responsible for maintaining records of login information for all Rho Chapter accounts.
            1. The passwords shall be changed with the initiation of each new NITC representative.
            2. The President shall also have a copy of the document containing all Rho Chapter log-in information.
          5. The NITC representative is an ex-officio member of the Chapter Affairs and Functions committee.
        5. Social Media Coordinator
          1. The Social Media Coordinator will be responsible for managing the Rho Joe and Rho Chapter social media accounts.
            1. Managing is defined as posting content, responding to direct messages (DMs) and comments, managing what these accounts are “following.”
              1. When posting content in the form of a “post” the Social Media Coordinator will be responsible for communicating with the CAF Committee head for revisions and approval prior to posting.
              2. When posting content in the form of a “story” the content will be posted under the sole discretion of the Social Media Coordinator.
            2. The Social Media Coordinator will be responsible for presenting an approximate posting schedule to the Chapter Affairs and Functions Committee to be included in their officer goals.
          2. The social media coordinator will be an ex-officio member of the CAF committee.

ARTICLE V – RESOLUTION BY A CHAPTER


    1. Selection of the Chapter Standards Board.
      1. The Chapter Executive Board must propose a slate of no fewer than three Chapter Standards Board members.
        1. The number of Chapter Standards Board members must always be odd.
        2. The slate of candidates must be ratified as a whole by a threefourths vote of the Chapter during the Chapter election process.
        3. If the Chapter fails to ratify the proposed slate of candidates, the Chapter executive board shall propose a new one.
    2. Use of the Chapter Standards Board.
      1. A Chapter’s Standards Board adjudicates the alleged misconduct of the Chapter’s members.
      2. If, due to limited membership or conflicts of interest, a Chapter is unable to select a Standards Board or hear a complaint, the Chapter will refer the complaint to the National Organization.
    3. Reporting Alleged Violations.
      1. Any person may allege a violation of this Code by notifying the Chapter President and Chapter Standards Board Chair in writing.
    4. Prohibition on Conflicts of Interest.
      1. The Respondent or any other member simultaneously charged with similar misconduct may not adjudicate the case or participate in the appellate process.
        1. If a Chapter Standards Board member is unable to serve due to a conflict of interest, the Chapter executive board may appoint a temporary replacement with ratification by a three-fourths vote of the Chapter.
    5. Chapter Standards Board Procedures.
      1. Once the Chapter receives a written complaint, the Chapter Standards Board will select one of its members to manage the adjudication of the complaint and act as Chair for all proceedings involving the complaint.
      2. The Chapter Standards Board will set a date, time, and location or method (e.g., conference call, video conference) for a hearing to adjudicate the case. The hearing must occur within 15 days unless extenuating circumstances justify an extension.
        1. When scheduling a hearing, the Chapter Standards Board must make all reasonable attempts to accommodate the Respondent’s schedule (i.e, the hearing should not be scheduled during class time, midterm or final exams, required school activities, etc.)
      3. The Chapter Standards Board will send the Respondent written notice of the hearing at least five days in advance. The notice must
        1. outline the provisions of the Code with which the Respondent is charged;
        2. describe the nature of the alleged misconduct in sufficient detail to allow the Respondent to present a defense; and
        3. indicate the date, time, and location or method (e.g., conference call, video conference) of the Chapter Standards Board hearing.
      4. The Respondent and the Chapter Standards Board may resolve the complaint informally. To resolve the complaint without a Standards Board hearing, the Respondent must, in writing,
        1. waive the right to appeal;
        2. accept responsibility for each alleged violation of the Code; and
        3. agree to complete any sanctions proposed by the Chapter Standards Board.
          1. The sanctions must be proposed to the Respondent before agreeing to the informal resolution.
        4. A written copy of an informal resolution must be sent to the Chapter President.
      5. The Chapter Standards Board will conduct the hearing with the Respondent according to the following guidelines:
        1. The Chapter Standards Board may question any party or witness. The Complaint and Respondent may submit questions to the Standards Board Chair, who will ask the questions at their discretion.
        2. The Chapter Standards Board will review the charges with the Respondent. The Respondent may admit or deny responsibility for each charge. If the Respondent admits responsibility for all charges, the Chapter Standards Board will only consider information to determine the appropriate sanction.
        3. The Complainant will have the opportunity to present information substantiating the Respondent’s alleged misconduct, including pertinent witnesses, written statements, and other records.
        4. After the Complainant’s presentation, the Respondent will have the opportunity to present a defense, including pertinent witnesses, written statements, and other records.
        5. Witnesses may only be present during the proceedings while offering testimony.
        6. The Chapter Standards Board may limit the number of character witnesses or accept written statements instead.
        7. After the presentation of all pertinent information, the Chapter Standards Board will excuse the parties and their advisors and deliberate.
        8. The Chapter Standards Board will determine, by a majority vote, whether the Respondent is responsible for each charge.
        9. If the Chapter Standards Board finds the Respondent responsible, the Standards Board determines the appropriate sanctions.
      6. The Chapter Standards Board will keep minutes of all hearings with Respondents.
        1. The minutes will serve as the sole record for all hearings.
        2. The minutes should accurately summarize the information presented by the Complainant, Respondent, and any pertinent witnesses.
        3. Deliberations will not be included in the minutes.
      7. If the Respondent does not appear for the Chapter Standards Board hearing, the hearing will proceed as scheduled and the Chapter Standards Board will consider the information substantiating the Respondent’s alleged misconduct.
      8. The Chapter Standards Board will notify the Respondent of the outcome in writing within seven days of the hearing. The notice must include
        1. the determination of responsibility for each charge;
        2. any sanctions assigned; and
        3. any applicable appeal procedure.
      9. The Chapter Standards Board must forward copies of the following records for all Standards Board and appellate proceedings to the National Vice-President of Chapter Maintenance at least annually:
        1. The written complaint.
        2. The Respondent’s hearing notification.
        3. The hearing minutes.
        4. The Respondent’s outcome notification.
      10. If the Chapter Standards Board suspends or expels the Respondent, the records must be forwarded to the National Vice-President of Chapter Maintenance and the National Secretary within seven days of notifying the Respondent.

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS


    1. Government
      1. The membership will be governed by the National Constitution and National Policies of Mu Beta Psi and the ByLaws and policies of the Chapter.
      2. All meetings of the Chapter will be based on Robert's Rules of Order.
      3. The power to interpret the governing procedures of the Chapter will be vested in the President, with recommendations from the Parliamentarian.
    2. Regulations and Requirements
      1. The regular meetings of Rho Chapter will be held weekly as determined by the majority of members present at the first (1st) General Business meeting of each semester.
      2. Special meetings may be called by the President or by a petition of one-half (1/2) of the Active membership.
      3. The Executive Committee may change the time and/or place of any meeting at any time by majority decision, providing sufficient notification of the Brotherhood is given.
        1. If the notification cannot be made 24 hours in advance, the Executive Committee has until 2 hours before the original meeting time to post a vote, via the listserv, to change the time and/or place.
      4. Three-quarters (3/4) of all Active members shall constitute a quorum for an election meeting. For all other meetings two-thirds (2/3) of all Active members shall constitute a quorum.
      5. All policies and changes in policy must be approved by a majority vote of the Active membership.

ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS


    1. Alterations to the ByLaws
      1. The ByLaws of Rho Chapter of Mu Beta Psi may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all Active members.
      2. Proposed amendments and revisions to the ByLaws that are defeated will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting in which they were defeated.
    2. Amendment Log
      1. All amendments made to these Chapter ByLaws and Appendices will be recorded in a log and must include the following:
        1. The date on which the amendment was made.
        2. The changes made by the amendment.
        3. The purpose of the amendment.
      2. The Amendment Log will be attached as an appendix to the Chapter ByLaws.

ARTICLE VIII – ATTENDANCE


    1. The Chapter will keep and maintain an Attendance Policy, which will be attached as an Appendix to the Chapter ByLaws.
    2. Ratification of this policy, or any changes therein, will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all Active Brothers.
    3. Upon ratification, this policy will be followed by the Brotherhood.

ARTICLE IX – Education REGULATION


    1. Education Policy
      1. The Education Policy and procedures shall be contained in the Member Educator’s handbook.
      2. The Member Educator’s handbook shall hold the same weight as the Chapter ByLaws.
      3. The process for amending the Education Policy shall follow the procedures set for amending the Chapter ByLaws.
      4. Following the conclusion of the education season, the Education Committee shall review the Education Policy and suggest amendments to the Chapter.
      5. All subsequent Education Policy will be subject to the discretion of the Member Educator unless overridden by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Active Brothers.
      6. Education will be discussed in an Education Committee report at all General Business meetings as needed during education season.
    2. Initiation
      1. Informal Initiation
        1. The Informal Initiation Ritual is subject to review by the Board of Trustees. In accordance with National Policy, the Board of Trustees has final authority over the content of the Informal Initiation Ritual.
        2. Changes to the events of Informal Initiation must be approved by a threefourths (3/4) vote of the Active Brotherhood.
      2. Formal Initiation
        1. The formal initiation will be as set forth by National Policy
        2. The formal initiation will be conducted by the Member Educator, and the storage and safekeeping of any items associated with formal initiation is the responsibility of the Member Educator.
    3. Big Brother Qualifications
      1. To be a Big Brother at Rho Chapter one must:
        1. Be an Active Brother in Mu Beta Psi in good academic standing at Rho Chapter (excluding Active Members of the Alumni Association).
        2. Be an Active Brother for at least one full semester.

ARTICLE X – CHAPTER FINANCES


    1. The fiscal year for Rho Chapter begins July 1 and concludes June 30.
    2. All monetary disbursements made by the Treasurer not associated with a budget item must be approved by a majority vote of all Active brothers.
    3. The Chapter President and Treasurer will be cosigners on all Chapter bank accounts.
policies/chapters/rho/bylaws.txt · Last modified: 2023/06/23 02:26 by hpeterson