The University of Michigan

Lambda 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 [INSERT ADOPTION DATE].
Table of Contents
Preamble
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I General Information
ARTICLE II Membership
ARTICLE III Officer Election Procedures
ARTICLE IV Officer Responsibilities
ARTICLE V Executive Board
ARTICLE VI Committees
ARTICLE VII Kai Committee
ARTICLE VIII Ritual and Customs
ARTICLE IX General Guidelines
ARTICLE I General Information
1.1 Name
The name of this chapter shall be the Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.
1.2 Objects
It 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, as objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort.
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1.3 Mission
Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to building men of principle for a principled life. Our brotherhood
aids the individual, builds the Fraternity and strengthens the host academic institution
through lifelong devotion to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and
responsible citizenship.
Lifelong Friendship - Bonded by mutual obligations, oath and ritual, Betas form bonds of
trust and friendship, which are the foundation of the Fraternitys 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 systemof 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.
1.4 Vision
Beta 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:
Betas will be universally known as friends, gentlemen and scholars.
Beta Theta Pi will be acclaimed and respected by the academic community.
Beta Theta Pi will be endorsed by parents who will advocate membership for young men.
Betas will be in high demand by leaders of business, government and the professions.
Beta Theta Pi will engender bonds of friendship and brotherhood, which create a lifelong commitment to
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serve and support the Fraternity.
1.5 Supremacy of Governance
The 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 Reverence
Each 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.
1.7 Repeal and Amendment
The chapter when it deems necessary may amend the Constitution or the Bylaws at a
meeting where two-thirds of voting members are present by a two-thirds vote of present
voting members.
1.8 Suspension
The 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.
1.9 Secrecy
The 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 Member
Any 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
a) A currently enrolled male, undergraduate student of the University of Michigan.
a) Not a member of any other social fraternity
b) 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.
c) The Lambda chapter expresses confidence in his character and qualifications,
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including those set forth in Chapter XIII of the Laws concerning the scholarship
requirement, 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.
d) 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 and becomes an alumnus.
2. He permanently leaves the University, 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 Member
Members of the fraternity, who would otherwise be active members, may become
temporarily inactive in accordance with the Code of Beta Theta Pi.
1. 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.
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.
2.3 Definition of a Financially Restricted Member
Members of the fraternity, who would otherwise be active members but are unable to fulfill
their financial responsibilities to the Lambda Chapter, may become financially restricted.
1. 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:
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a. A financially restricted member is allowed at a maximum of half the
chapter-sponsored functions, exterior of regular chapter meetings
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 for the brother 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 Member
Duly initiated members who are not fulfilling the responsibilities of membership as outlined
in Article II, subsection 2.10 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 for the brother lasts only
as long as the Chapter meeting where this is permitted.
2.5 Definition of a Member on Scholastic Probation
A member shall be placed on scholastic probation for failing to maintain a 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 Committees Scholastic Chairman will be responsible for maintaining a list of
all members on scholastic probation.
2. The Scholastic Chairman will responsible for holding members on scholastic
probation 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 Member
A suspended member is a member of the fraternity whose rights and privileges have been
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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, dues and minimum point requirements.
1. Suspended members are welcome at the house only as guests of the house, and have
no membership privileges.
2. The suspended member 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 Pledge
A man will be considered a pledge, therefore not yet an active member of the fraternity, if:
1. He is a full-time student at the University of Michigan, as defined by the University.
2. He has accepted a bid given by the 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 special circumstances
approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the active chapter.
2.8 Initiation of a Pledge
A pledge will become an active member when all of the following criteria are met:
1. He meets all requirements set forth as defined in section 2.7 the Beta Theta Pi
Constitution.
2. He is in good financial standing with the house.
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 Membership
1. Only active members are eligible to run for an officer position.
2. Active members are permitted to vote as allowed in Article 8.4 of this Constitution.
3. Active members, probationary members, and pledges may attend events and
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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 newhousing
contract if on suspended status.
2.10 Member Responsibilities
All members, regardless of standing, except where otherwise noted, have the following
responsibilities:
1. To have knowledge of, understand, and strive to live by the principles and
obligations outlined in the Ritual of Beta Theta Pi.
2. To obey all Bylaws, rules, regulations, orders, and directives 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 by 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 Procedures
3.1 Definition of an Officer
When the word officer is used, and where there is no corresponding section referring to
executive officers, officer shall be construed to mean members of the Executive Board.
3.2 Conditions of Officer Eligibility
The Executive Board shall certify that a candidate is eligible for an officer position given that
he meets the following criteria:
1. Is an active member of the chapter
2. Is in good financial standing with the chapter
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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. President
2. Vice President of Brotherhood
3. Vice President of Risk Management
4. Vice President of Finances
5. Vice President of Recruitment
6. Vice President of Education
7. Vice President of Communications
8. Vice President of Programming
3.4 Officer Elections
All official Executive Board elections will followthese procedures, given that they satisfy the
conditions of Regular Chapter, as given in Article VIII, subsection 8.1:
1. The chapter shall place nominations for Executive Board one month before the last
Chapter of the fall semester and conduct elections the following week.
2. Nominations for officers shall be conducted as follows:
a. Nominations shall be held in the order of enumeration of the offices listed in
Article III, sections 3.3 of this Constitution, such that nominations shall be closed for
one office before the opening of nominations for the next office.
b. In the event that elections are conducted for officers who have been 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 from 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:
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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 3.2 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
b. Communications strike his name from the nomination roll.
c. During the interval between the posting of the nomination roll and the beginning of
d. the meeting in which the voting for officers takes place, by striking and initialing
his name from the posted nomination roll.
e. 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 3.3 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
responsibilities of the office being contested.
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
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.
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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 last chapter meeting of the fall semester 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 Obligations
If at any time, an elected officer does not fulfill his obligations to the chapter as according to
the Conditions of Officer Eligibility, Article III, subsection 3.2, elections for that position will
be reopened such that the elections will take place at the next possible regular chapter
meeting.
ARTICLE IV Officer Responsibilities
4.1 President
1. To enforce the Constitution, Bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, and resolutions with
the Lambda Chapter of 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 Fraternitys
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.
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8. To attend and chair all Executive Board meetings.
9. To attend all advisor and alumni board meetings, as a representative of the chapter.
10. To oversee the collection and submission of all materials pertaining to awards for the
chapter. These awards include, but are not limited to Greek Awards and Beta Theta
Pi General Fraternity Awards.
4.2 Vice President of Brotherhood
1. To perform all day-to-day activities of the President in his absence.
2. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.
3. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.
4. To call and preside over regular and special Kai Committee meetings.
5. To be knowledgeable about all rituals of Beta Theta Pi.
6. To organize and oversee all rituals of Beta Theta Pi.
7. To make sure all brotherhood objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are
completed successfully.
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 Management
1. 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.
4. To call and preside over regular and special Risk Management Committee meetings.
5. To keep the Bylaws of the Lambda chapter current and up-to-date with all IFC, NIC,
and General Fraternity Bylaws and policies.
6. To be knowledgeable on all current procedures for risk management.
7. With the assistance of the President, to organize all emergency meetings.
8. To serve in the place of the President in all emergency situations, parties, or other
events deemed appropriate by the executive committee or the President.
9. To create and develop a crisis management plan.
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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
responsibilities.
4.4 Vice President of Finances
1. To be the chief financial officer of the chapter.
2. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.
3. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.
4. To call and preside over regular and special Finance Committee meetings.
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. To attend all executive committee meetings.
13. Oversee all boarding processes (contracts, room picks, etc.) in assistance with the
housing management company, if needed.
14. Oversee summer boarding selection, contracts, payments, and room picks in
assistance with the housing management company, if needed.
15. To make sure all financial objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are
completed successfully.
16. To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary
responsibilities.
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4.5 Vice President of Recruitment
1. To be ultimately responsible for an effective recruitment program.
2. To organize and arrange all events and activities pertaining to recruitment. If an
event is not necessarily a recruitment event, the Vice President of Recruitments duty
is to contact recruitment guests so they may attend.
3. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.
4. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.
5. To call and preside over regular and special Recruitment Committee meetings.
6. To ensure that all recruitment is completed without the use of alcohol, drugs, or
other illegal substances and so that recruitment is in accordance with the local
Interfraternity Council (IFC) policies.
7. To be responsible for recruitment contacts throughout the entire year, including
summer.
8. To keep an updated and accurate file on all men potentially interested in Beta Theta
Pi.
9. To utilize the Men of Principle Scholarship for recruitment purposes.
10. To make sure all recruitment objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are
completed successfully.
11. To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon
date.
12. To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary
responsibilities.
4.6 Vice President of Education
1. To be responsible for the education of the active members of Lambda 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.
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4.7 Vice President of Communications
1. 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 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 meeting.
8. To take and keep an up-to-date record of chapter meeting attendance.
9. To publish a chapter newsletter/magazine at least once a semester.
10. To update the roll book once a semester or whenever deemed necessary.
11. To serve as the house Parliamentarian.
12. To maintain and update the list serve of Lambda to contain only, and all, active
members.
13. To update and distribute a chapter contact list including all active members and
pledges of Lambda once a semester.
14. To maintain an updated electronic copy of the Bylaws and all other standing policies
of the Lambda chapter.
15. To print the most up-to-date copy of the Bylaws for reference in chapter meetings.
16. To give the most up-to-date copy of the Bylaws to the Technology Chairman for
updating of the Bylaw section on the chapters website.
17. To update, organize, and periodically distribute point totals for the members.
18. To make sure all communications objectives under the Lambda Knox Standards are
completed successfully.
19. To submit a semester budget to the Vice President of Finances by the agreed upon
date.
20. To communicate with other Executive Board members regarding inter-disciplinary
responsibilities.
4.8 Vice President of Programming
1. To arrange all open social events outside of recruitment or brotherhood activities.
2. To assist the President in the duties in which he may require assistance.
3. To attend all Executive Board and chapter meetings.
4. To call and preside over regular and special Programming Committee meetings.
5. To plan a variety of events that could include alumni, intramural sports, social,
community service, scholarship, and special events.
6. To organize serenades at sororities in cooperation with the chapters Chorister and
the corresponding sorority.
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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 Membership
The officers stated in Article III, section 3.3 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.
5.2 Purpose
1. To facilitate the operation of the chapter.
2. To aid in the control of chapter finances.
3. To report at stated times and intervals on the condition of the chapter.
4. To prepare business so that chapter meetings may be as orderly and brief as possible.
5. To determine and manage the operations of the chapter.
6. To introduce and implement policies that allow for the most effective and efficient
chapter operations.
7. To provide in all other ways possible for the more business-like administration of
chapter affairs and policies.
5.3 Meetings
Meetings 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 Privileges
All members of the Executive Board, except for the President, are granted a vote. The
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President may vote in the case of a tie or in the case that his vote determines the majority.
5.5 Business
A quorum for Executive Board meetings, given by at least four voting members of the
Executive Board, must be satisfied before any business is conducted. All findings and
proceedings of the Executive Board shall be reported to the chapter 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 Terms
The length of the term for each officer shall be one year, beginning and ending at the last
chapter meeting of the fall semester, unless an individual officer leaves or is otherwise
removed in accordance with this Constitution.
ARTICLE VI Committees
6.1 Committees of the Lambda Chapter
The chapters committees are responsible for specific operating business and given as
follows such that they are chaired by a member of the Executive Board, comprised of
brothers of the Lambda Chapter, and mentored by an advisor:
1. Brotherhood Committee
2. Kai Committee
3. Risk Management Committee
4. Finances Committee
5. Recruitment Committee
6. Education Committee
7. Communications Committee
8. Programming Committee
6.2 The Kai Committee
The purpose and responsibilities of the Kai Committee are given in Article VII and, unless
otherwise specified, the Kai Committee will function under the same guidelines as the other
committees of the Lambda Chapter.
6.3 Committee Chairs
Each member of the Executive Board, except for the President, will chair a committee. He
will call and preside over committee meetings and committee-sponsored events and is
ultimately responsible for all business regarding his committee. The chairs are as follows:
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1. Vice President of Brotherhood, chair of the 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 Applications
1. 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 Membership
Unless the Kai Committee permits other conditions, any brother of the Lambda Chapter may
serve on a committee, given that he meets the following criteria:
1. Is an active member of the chapter;
2. Is not on academic probation;
3. Is in good financial standing with the chapter; and
4. Has no outstanding infraction with the Kai Committee.
6.6 Length of Terms
1. Committee members will hold office for the duration of one semester.
2. Committee members shall be selected at the beginning of one 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 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 member to the committee.
6.7 Committee Meetings
Committee meetings shall be at the call of the chair of the committee or upon the request of
any two members of the committee. Three voting members shall constitute a quorumfor 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 6.3 of this Constitution, he may be
asked to leave his committee position. However, with the committee chairs permission and
approval from the Kai Committee, the brother not fulfilling his obligations may keep his
position on the committee.
6.9 Special Committees
If needed, the President may create an ad-hoc committee, comprised of appointed members
of the brotherhood. This committee will last only as long as necessary, but not longer than a
semester, and will not be considered a Committee of the Lambda Chapter, as defined by
Article VI, subsection 6.1 of this Constitution.
ARTICLE VII Kai Committee
7.1 Purpose
The Kai Committee serves as the governing body of the chapter.
7.2 Committee Structure
The Kai Committee operates in a similar fashion to that of the other committees, as given in
Article VI of this Constitution, with the exception of its membership, as given in Article VII,
subsection 7.3 of this Constitution.
7.3 Committee Representatives
1. The Kai Committee shall be presided over by the Vice President of Brotherhood and
composed of five members such that there is one representative from each pledge
year:
a. One undergraduate senior
b. One undergraduate junior
c. One undergraduate sophomore
d. One undergraduate freshman
e. 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 Membership
Kai Committee membership will be determined as follows:
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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 Elections, as given in Article
III, subsection 3.4, 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:
a. Voting shall be held in the order of enumeration of the committees
listed in Article III, subsection 3.3 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 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. The time limit will be fair and reasonable
such that the Vice President of Brotherhood
approves the time allotted.
iii. The nominees shall leave the chapter roomand each
in turn shall be brought back to the chapter roomto
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 votes.
iv. A simple majority of those present is necessary for
election.
e. Upon completion of an election, the President shall call all of the
nominees 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 followthe same structure as given in Article VII,
subsection 7.4, point 5 of this Constitution.
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7.5 Fines
Fines 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 7.8 of this Constitution.
7.6 Academic Assistance
The Kai Committees guideline for actions with regard to members failing to meet the
minimum scholastic requirements shall be the Academic Assistance Plan.
7.7 Kai Committee Referrals
Any brother with due reason may refer business or another brother to the Kai Committee.
ARTICLE VIII Ritual and Customs
8.1 Chapter Meetings
1. Ordinary meetings of this chapter will take place behind closed doors where 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 10.2 of this Constitution.
b. All chapter meetings other than Formal Chapter will be designated as
Informal Chapter. Expectations for Informal Chapter Meetings are
outlined in Article X, subsection 10.3 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.
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6. Parliamentary procedures, as contained in the most recent issue of Roberts 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 Chapter; or suspended as permitted by a
two-thirds majority vote of the active 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 informall 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 Voting
1. To be eligible for a bid, a potential must:
a. Attend a sufficient number of events to be familiar to the chapter
b. Have knowledge the five core recruitment points
i. Dues
ii. Live in Requirement
iii. Member Expectations
iv. Pledge process
v. 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 followed in accordance to the bylaws of this Constitution. If the
Bylaw is suspended, the new percentage is up to the discretion of the VP of Recruitment, VP
of Member Education, and the President.
8.4 Pledging
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 desires.
4. Each pledge of the Lambda Chapter shall have his membership considered during the
regular chapter meetings at three times during his pledging period. The criteria to
retain membership are as follows:
a. After three weeks of pledging, if 50%or more of the chapter votes to
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
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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 Initiation
1. Any pledge that has completed his pledge requirements in a satisfactory way as they
pertain to current chapter practices and minimum grade 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 Standards
All chapter operations, including member involvement, will follow the Lambda Knox
Standards, as given in the Appendix of this Constitution.
9.2 Expectations for Chapter
All members must satisfy the expectations for chapter as defined in the Appendix of this
Constitution.
9.4 Attendance and Member Expectation
Attendance is considered mandatory at all chapter meetings for all active members. Roll call
will be taken at the beginning of each chapter meeting, as outlined by the Ritual of Beta Theta
Pi.
9.5 Chapter Billing
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1. 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.
9.6 Housing Requirement
It is required that all members, beginning with the Fall 2011 pledge class, must live in the
Beta House for a minimum of one (1) academic year.
1. Exceptions to the live-in requirement will be made for reasonable disputes such as,
but not limited to:
a. Studying abroad.
b. Working as a resident advisor for the University.
c. Signing a legally binding lease prior to being offered a bid to join Beta
Theta Pi.
2. All disputes to the live-in requirement must be submitted in writing to the Kai
Committee. The Kai Committee will make the final decision on the members petition.
3. A strong preference will be made to have brothers live-in the Beta House the year
immediately following their pledge year.
9.7 Housing Contracts
All brothers and pledges that choose to live in the house must sign contracts on a
semester-by-semester basis for room and board. Summer boarders must also sign a housing
contract before moving into the chapter house for the entire summer. Members are not in
good standing if they do not have a signed contract for the current semester.
9.8 Alcohol Standards
See the Appendix of this Constitution for the full guidelines of the Lambda Chapter Alcohol
Standards.
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