BYLAWS OF ACACIA FRATERNITY - Amazon S3 · 2014-02-15 · C. Any officer who leaves his position due to resignation or disqualification will be required to return any and all stipends

BYLAWS OF ACACIA FRATERNITY

SHIN CHAPTER

Revision Date: August, 5 2013

Venerable Dean: Andrew Kerner

VIRTUE, KNOWLEDGE, & TRUTH Page 2 of 18

Table of Contents

BYLAWS OF ACACIA FRATERNITY .....................................................................................1 Table of Contents .....................................................................................................................2 CONSITUTION OF THE PENN STATE CHAPTER .........................................................3

Article I: Composition .................................................................................................................3 Article II: Legislative Authority ..................................................................................................3 Article III: Officers .....................................................................................................................3 Article IV: Advisors ....................................................................................................................5 Article V: Transition ...................................................................................................................6 Article VI: Meetings ...................................................................................................................7 Article VII: Amendments ............................................................................................................7

By-laws of the Penn State Chapter of Acacia .......................................................................8 Article I: Purpose/Mission ...........................................................................................................8 Article II: Non-Discrimination Clause ........................................................................................8 Article III: Affiliated Organizations............................................................................................8 Article IV: Executive Council ....................................................................................................8 Article V: Standards Board....................................................................................................... 11 Article VI: Chair Positions/Duties ............................................................................................ 12 Article VII: Service .................................................................................................................. 13 Article VIII: Pre-Membership .................................................................................................. 14 Article IX: Chapter Meetings ................................................................................................... 14 Article X: Finances .................................................................................................................. 15 Article XI: Academics .............................................................................................................. 16 Article XII: Priority .................................................................................................................. 17 Article XIII: House Rules ......................................................................................................... 17 Article XIV: Amendments ....................................................................................................... 18


CONSITUTION OF THE PENN STATE CHAPTER

Article I: Composition

Section 1: The Governing Entities The Penn State Acacia Executive Council shall be composed of the Executive Board, and the Chair Positions.

Section 2: The Brothers The Executive Council shall oversee all Active Undergraduate Brothers (“AUB”) at the Pennsylvania State Chapter

that have gained initiation in accordance with the membership policy established in the By-laws and by the Acacia

International Council.

Article II: Legislative Authority

Section 1: Legislative Authority

All legislative authority granted herein shall be vested in the Governing Council by this Constitution and By-laws.

Section 2: Legislative Representation A. Two-thirds of the membership of the Active Undergraduate Brothers shall constitute a quorum.

B. Each Brother, in good standing, shall be entitled to one vote at all proceedings.

C. During all proceedings, a roll call vote of all Active Brothers shall be called.

D. A simple majority vote of the membership shall be sufficient for election of officers. Only the Active Brothers

may vote.

E. Attendance at all regularly scheduled meetings is mandatory.

1. At the first absence of a semester, Brothers will be administered a fine of $5 for every regularly scheduled

meeting in which the Brother fails to attend.

a. A Brother may be excused from attending a regularly scheduled meeting if he receives a pardon from

the Venerable Dean or the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting.

2. A Brother may not be penalized if he was not informed of the meeting at least one (1) week in advance of

the meeting date.

Article III: Officers

Section 1: Composition of the Executive Council

A. The elected officers of the Executive Board shall consist of a Venerable Dean, Senior Dean, Junior Dean,

Executive Dean, Treasure, Secretary, House Manager and Risk Manager.

B. The elected officers of the Chair Positions shall consist of the Rush Chairman, Brotherhood Chairman, Bishchoff Chairman, Pledge Educator, Philanthropy Chairman, Community Service Chairman, Alumni

Relations Chairman, Alumni Mentor Chairman, Academic Chairman, and Gear Chairman.


C. The appointed officer(s) of the Chair Positions shall consist of the Head THON Chairman.

D. The Executive Board positions and the Chair Positions shall serve an entire calendar year, starting at the

beginning of the spring semester.

E. Only officially registered active students are eligible to serve as appointed or elected officers.

Section 2: Qualifications for Officers Eligibility A. All candidates for the offices of the Executive Board must:

1. Be a member in good standing with the Penn State Chapter.

2. Hold a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of at least 2.00.

3. Live in the chapter house, unless already committed to an outside lease through the spring semester.

4. Have spoken to the current Venerable Dean about their plans and goals for their intended position.

B. All candidates for the offices of the Chair Positions must:


2. Hold a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.

3. Have spoken to the current Venerable Dean about their plans and goals for their intended position.

C. All candidates for the office of the Head THON Chairman:


2. Hold a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.

3. Have been a THON Chairman in years previous.

4. Have the recommendation of the outgoing Head THON Chairman.

D. No member of the fraternity shall be permitted to hold both an a position on the Executive Board and any of the

Chair Positions simultaneously.

Section 3: Election Guidelines A. The Venerable Dean or his designee shall serve as parliamentarian for the Acacia elections process.

1. Failure to follow election procedure may result in being deemed ineligible for running for any office, and

will be determined by the Judicial Board.

B. Elections for the offices of the Executive Board shall take place in November. Elections for the offices of the

Chair Positions shall take place before the end of the Fall Semester. Nominations shall be opened two weeks

prior to elections.

1. Once nominations are open, nominees for each office have the right to declare and express freely the

policies and principles, which he represents.

2. Nominees may distribute literature.


C. The offices of the Executive Board shall be filled by an election of the Active Brotherhood by secret ballot.

D. The offices of the Chair Positions shall be filled by an election of the Active Brotherhood by a hand vote.

Section 4: Appointed Positions A. The appointment for the office of the Head THON Chairman shall be made by the Venerable Dean and the

outgoing Head THON Chairman.

B. The Venerable dean shall present the appointment of the Head THON Chairman at the last meeting of the

spring semester.

1. The appointment shall be ratified by a simple majority vote by the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood.

C. In the event an appointed position is vacated due to resignation or permanent disqualification, the Venerable

Dean shall have the authority to appoint a temporary replacement until a permanent appointment is made and

ratified by the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood.

Section 5: Resignation, Disqualification, or Removal

A. In the event of the resignation or the permanent disqualification of the Venerable Dean, the Senior Dean shall

succeed in office until a President is elected during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Active Undergraduate

Brotherhood according to the method set forth in Article III, Section 3. In the event of the resignation or

disqualification of the Senior Dean, Junior Dean or Executive Dean, the Venerable Dean shall appoint a

temporary replacement until an election is held by the methods outlined in Article III, Section 3. In the event

that a Chair Position must resign, the process for filling the vacated spot will follow the methods outlined in

Article III, Section 3. This must be completed within a two-week period.

B. Nominations for any elected office left vacant due to resignation or disqualification shall be made at the first

regular or special meeting after the action has been taken by the officer. Voting will not take place earlier than the next regular or special meeting.

C. Any officer who leaves his position due to resignation or disqualification will be required to return any and all

stipends received for the portion of the term not filled.

D. Any member of the Executive Board may be impeached by a 3/4s vote of the entire Active Undergraduate

Brotherhood or a 7/8s vote of the remaining Executive Board.

1. Impeachment and trial of the officers of the Executive Board by the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood

shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure prescribed by Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

Article IV: Advisors

Section 1: Advisor Positions and Tenure

The Penn State Chapter of Acacia International Fraternity shall have three Alumni Advisors to help oversee the

leadership of the chapter. These three advisor shall deemed the Chapter Advisor, Financial Advisor, and the

University Advisor. Each of these Advisors shall serve their position until they no longer wish to continue and the

Alumni Board has appointed a successor.

Section 2: Duties A. The Chapter Advisor shall have the following responsibilities:


1. Advise the Executive Board and the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood on matter of legitimate interest and

concern to Acacia.

2. Assist the Venerable Dean in the supervision of the operation of the chapter when requested.

3. Be the Square & Compass representation at all Acacia events.

4. Work with the Alumni and the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood as warranted.

B. The Financial Advisor shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Advise the Executive Board and the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood on matter of legitimate financial

interest and concern to Acacia.

2. Assist the Treasurer in the supervision of the operating budget of the chapter when requested.

C. The University Advisor shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Advise the Executive Board and the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood on matter of legitimate University

interest and concern to Acacia.

2. Assist the Executive Board in dealing with all university relations.

3. Be, along with the Venerable Dean, the representation of the chapter in all University relations.

Article V: Transition

Section 1: Transition of the Executive Board

A. The transition of the Executive Board shall start immediately after the election of new officers takes place. This

process will continue until the newly elected officer is completely equipped with all of the necessary tools to

execute his position.

1. Each outgoing officer must submit a transition report to the incoming Venerable Dean so that he may pass

them along to his Executive Board.

2. Each outgoing officer must meet with their successor for a minimum of two (2) hours to answer all

question that the new officer has about the position.

B. The transition of the Chair Positions shall start with one (1) week of the election of the position. This process

will continue until the newly elected Chairman is completely equipped with all of the necessary tools to execute

his position.

1. Each outgoing Chairman must submit a transition report to the Venerable Dean so that he may pass it along

to the newly elected Chairman.

2. Each outgoing Chairman must meet with their successor for a minimum of one (1) hours to answer all

question that the new Chairman has about the position.

C. The transition of the Appointed Positions shall start with two (2) week of the appointment of the position. This

process will continue until the newly appointed officer is completely equipped with all of the necessary tools to

execute his position.

1. Each outgoing appointed officer must submit a transition report to the Venerable Dean so that he may pass

it along to the newly appointed officer.


2. Each outgoing officer must meet with their successor for an amount of time determined by the Venerable

Dean to answer all question that the new appointed officer has about the position.

Article VI: Meetings

Section 1: Location

All regularly scheduled meeting of the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood shall take place in the Club Room of the

Chapter house.

Section 2: Time A. All regularly scheduled meeting of the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood shall take place weekly and fall on

the Sunday of that week at 7 pm unless otherwise notified by the Executive Dean.

1. The Executive Dean must alert the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood of any changes to the regularly

scheduled meeting time a minimum of three (3) days in advance.

Section 3: Dress Code

All regularly scheduled meeting of the Active Undergraduate Brotherhood shall require a dress code of casual unless

otherwise notified by the Executive Dean.

Article VII: Amendments

Section 1: Amendment Proposal

An Amendment to the Constitution of the Penn State Chapter of Acacia International Fraternity may only be

proposed by an Active Undergraduate Brother or member of the Executive Council at any regular or special meeting

of the chapter.

Section 2: Amendment Approval

Any Amendment to the Constitution must be approved by a 3/4s affirmative vote of the Active Undergraduate

Brotherhood. Approved amendments are to take place immediately following an approval of the Active

Undergraduate Brotherhood.

Section 3: Voting

Voting on Amendments shall be cast by a hand vote unless otherwise determined by the Venerable Dean. Votes

will be tallied and recorded by the Secretary.

Section 4: Parliamentary Authority

Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, by Sarah Corbin Roberts shall be used in all cases not covered by this

constitution.


By-laws of the Penn State Chapter of Acacia

Article I: Purpose/Mission

Section 1: Purpose

The Purpose of these By-Laws of the Pennsylvania State Chapter of the Acacia Fraternity is to conduct the

operations of this chapter in an organized manner.

Section 2: Mission Statement

Mission of the Pennsylvania State Chapter of the Acacia Fraternity is to abide by its motto of “Human Service” by

participating is organizations such as the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Acacia Claus and any other

philanthropic event that it chooses.

Article II: Non-Discrimination Clause

Acacia Fraternity shall not discriminate against any individual(s) for reasons of race, color, creed, religion, sexual

orientation, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.

Article III: Affiliated Organizations

The Square and Compass Alumni Association of State College will serve as the house corporation of the

Pennsylvania State Chapter of the Acacia, and will have jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the Chapter House.

Article IV: Executive Council

4-01. The Active Chapter shall be composed of the following position groups in ranking order:

a. Executive Council

b. Chair positions

c. Committees as delegated through each position.

4-02. The Executive Council shall be composed of and shall rank as follows:

a. Venerable Dean b. Senior Dean

c. Junior Dean

d. Executive Dean

e. Treasurer

f. House Manager

g. Secretary

h. Standards Chair

i. Recruitment Chair

4-03. The Executive Council in general shall have the following duties:

a. To adopt a set of semester and yearly goals for the approval of the Chapter.

b. To ratify all appointments of non-elected officers. c. To ensure that each new officer receives an appropriate transition period in order to

fulfill his new duties effectively.

d. To make emergency rulings on house rules as deemed necessary and proper.

e. To assign duties to appointed officers.

f. To create committees under their own elected office.

g. To perform such other duties as prescribed by The Laws of Acacia and other governing

documents of the Pennsylvania State Chapter of Acacia Fraternity.

h. To reside in the chapter house unless excused for a “good and sufficient” reason.


4-05. The Executive Council shall be chosen by the sixth week of Winter Quarter. A vote shall be take by secret

ballot from all active members considered to be present.

4-06. Nominations for the Executive Council shall be held at least one week prior to elections.

4-07. Members must have at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA to be considered for an elected office.

4-08. A majority of the votes cast is required for the election of any Executive Council member. If a clear

majority vote is not attained, the top two candidates will be voted upon a second time.

4-09. All officers shall hold office until their successor is installed.

4-10. An elected officer may be removed from office if deemed necessary by a majority of the Chapter. In order

for this to take place, a vote of confidence must first be held at a Chapter Meeting. If 2/3 of the Active

Members express a lack of confidence in the officer, the officer will be given one week to prepare his case

to present at an impeachment trial. The Active Chapter shall vote in favor of impeachment or opposed to

impeachment. Again, a 2/3 majority is required for removal. An interim officer will immediately be appointed by the remaining Council until proper nominations and elections can be held.

4-11. A vacant office shall be immediately filled by the Venerable Dean with the advice of and consent of the

Executive Council.

4-12. The Venerable Dean shall have the following duties:

a. To serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter.

b. To preside over all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Council.

c. To maintain consistent communications with the following:

1. The Pennsylvania State University

2. Acacia International Headquarters 3. Chapter Advisor

4. Interfraternity Council (I.F.C.)

5. Affiliated Organizations

d. As the I.F.C representative he has the following duties:

1. Attend all meetings of the I.F.C.

2. Keep the Chapter informed of all I.F.C. activities.

3. Keep the I.F.C. informed of all Chapter activities.

e. To represent the Chapter in all external matters

f. To keep the Chapter appraised of the state of the Fraternity.

g. To schedule and preside over all elections.

h. To serve as the facilitator for all Executive Council and Chair Positions, and make sure that

all positions are working together and help out in areas that need help or any additional assistance.

i. To hold weekly meetings with the Executive Council. Executive Council meetings shall

serve as the time to discuss administrative, legislative, and some judicial matters.

j. To oversee the performance of the Executive Council with respect to their duties.

k. To remove any elected of appointed officer who flagrantly disregards their duties.

l. To make emergency appointments to an office with the advice and consent of the Executive

Council.

m. To have final interpretive authority over the governing documents of the Shin Chapter.

n. To perform such other duties as prescribed by the Laws of Acacia and other governing

documents of The Pennsylvania State Chapter of Acacia Fraternity.

4-13. The Senior Dean shall have the following duties:

a. As vice president he shall assume the responsibilities of the Venerable Dean in his absence or

disability.

b. As Ritual Master he shall have the following duties:


1. Coordinate and oversee all ritual ceremonies

2. Assign parts in ritual not predetermined by office, allowing sufficient time for

preparation.

3. Have the responsibility of always trying to improve the quality of the Ritual

ceremonial.

c. As Pledge Educator he shall have the following duties: 1. Maintain a well-structured and progressive pledge education program.

2. Act as liaison between the Active Chapter and Pledge Members.

3. Establish a well-structured and progressive Big/Little Brother program.

4. Coordinate and oversee Initiation

5. Exemplify and enforce the Anti-Hazing policy of Acacia

6. Be responsible for administering the National Examination.

d. To perform such other duties as prescribed by the Laws of Acacia and other governing


4-14. The Junior Dean shall have the following duties:

a. As the Social Chairman he shall have the following duties:

1. To provide a semester social calendar with a wide variety of events at the beginning of each quarter for the approval of the Chapter.

2. To act as chairman of the Social Committee.

b. To perform such other duties as prescribed by the Laws of Acacia and other governing


c. To inform the Active Chapter of all social functions and activities.

4-15. The Executive Dean shall have the following duties:

a. As the third vice president he shall assume the responsibilities of the Venerable Dean in his

absence or disability if the Senior Dean and Junior Dean are not willing or able.

b. To schedule and inform the Active Chapter of the dates and times of all Chapter Meetings.

c. To oversee all Chair Positions with respect to their duties and how they pertain to the chapter. d. To perform any and all duties prescribed to him by the Venerable Dean.

4-16. The Treasurer shall have the following duties:

a. To prepare and submit annual and semester budgets, in writing, to the Executive

Council for approval.

b. To present the Budget to the Chapter by the first regular meeting of the quarter for

ratification.

c. To ensure that all expenditures are in accordance with the approved budget.

d. To be responsible for all receipts and disbursements of the Chapter while maintaining

accurate records.

e. To be responsible for collecting dues and fines from the Chapter.

f. To enforce sound financial policies. g. To serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee.

h. To submit to the Chapter, in writing his financial policies.

i. To perform such other duties as prescribed by the Laws of Acacia and other governing


4-17. The House Manager shall have the following duties:

a. To manage the overall maintenance and upkeep of the Chapter House.

b. To assign house jobs and make sure that they are completed and maintained every week.

c. To make sure house supplies are stocked

d. To prioritize and plan house improvements and/or projects.

e. To ensure the completion of house improvement and/or projects in a timely manner. f. To serve as the point of contact between the Active Chapter and Alumni Board in regards to

house repairs and improvements.

g. To organize all house cleanups including after all organized social events and activities held

at the house.


4-18. The Secretary shall have the following duties:

a. To be responsible for keeping Chapter Roll and records.

b. To determine for Chapter meetings what is considered to be an excused absence.

c. To keep a concise record of the minutes of the Chapter meetings.

d. To order and care for badges, cards, shingles, and other membership items. e. To send reports and keep communications with Acacia International Headquarters.

f. To maintain complete updated files for the Pennsylvania State Chapter.

g. To maintain communications with other Greek organizations.

h. To perform any other correspondence work as deemed necessary by the Executive Council.

i. To perform such other duties as prescribed by the Laws of Acacia and other governing


4-19. The Chief Justice shall have the following duties:

a. To act as Parliamentarian for the Chapter.

b. To have a working knowledge of the Constitution, By-Laws, and the Laws of Acacia.

c. To advise the Chapter on proper business procedures and violations thereof in accordance

with the governing documents stated above. d. To perform such other duties as prescribed by the Laws of Acacia and other governing


4-20. The Recruitment Chair shall have the following duties:

a. To be responsible for implementing and maintaining a successful rush program on a

semester basis.

b. To preside over all activities related to the bidding process.

c. To be charged with keeping all Rush items.

d. To perform such other duties as prescribed by the Laws of Acacia and other governing

documents of the Pennsylvania State Chapter and Acacia Fraternity.

Article V: Standards Board

5-01 The Standards Board shall be comprised of one member from each active pledge class, elected by the

brotherhood and approved by the Executive Council. The Standards Board shall not exceed 9 members.

5-02 The Standards Board shall serve as the Judicial Council and have the following duties:

a. To act as the judicial body of the Pennsylvania State Chapter of Acacia.

b. Use the By-Laws to create a series of standards to hold all Brothers and Pledges accountable.

c. Meet weekly to evaluate members of the fraternity.

d. Deal with grievances between Brothers that are brought to their attention.

e. Assess fines, probation, both social and academic, and the like.

f. To perform other such duties as prescribed by the Executive Council.

g. Make recommendations to the brotherhood on cases pertaining to the interpretations and penalties associated with the Chapter House rules.

h. Suggest the removal of an Executive Officer or Chair Position if deemed necessary.

5-04 The Standards Board has the right to closed meetings where only the Venerable Dean may attend, assuming

that he is not the subject of review. The Chapter Advisor should also be present for each meeting.

5-05 The representative of the oldest active pledge class will serve as the spokesperson for the Standards Board.

The spokesperson is responsible for communicating the findings of the Standards Board to the Active

Chapter.

5-06 The Venerable Dean may require the Standards Board to meet within 24 hours of the occurrence of an

incident in the house.


Article VI: Chair Positions/Duties

6-01 The Chapter House shall consist of the following Chair Positions:

a. Risk Manager

b. Philanthropy Chair

c. Brotherhood Chair

d. Academic Chair

e. Chaplain

f. Pledge Educator

g. Alumni/Community Relations Chair

h. Caterer

6-02 The Chair Positions are to support the overall operations of the Active Chapter and the Executive

Council as delegated through each Chair position.

6-03 Each Chair Position shall be elected by the brotherhood and approved by the consent of the Executive

Council.

6-04 The Risk Manager shall have the following duties:

a. Serve as chairman for the Risk Management Committee.

b. Implement risk management education for all members.

c. Develop a written chapter policy on Risk Management.

d. Enforce the Risk Management Policy of Acacia Fraternity. e. Implement Emergency/Crisis Management procedures at the chapter level and execute

them when needed.

6-05 The Philanthropy Chair shall have the following duties:

a. To serve as coordinator for all community and service events.

b. To plan philanthropies that the house will host.

c. To involve the Active Chapter in philanthropies hosted by other Greek or Campus

organizations.

d. To plan and organize fundraisers for the Active Chapter.

e. To market the Acacia Fraternity to the public eye.

f. To serve as chairman of the Service Committee.

6-06 The Brotherhood Chair shall have the following duties:

a. To work with the Junior Dean to plan and set up brotherhood events.

b. To work with the Head of Recruitment to plan and set up recruitment events.

c. To plan and coordinate Brotherhood on a weekly basis.

d. To involve the Active Chapter in intramural sports.

e. To design and order T-shirts and other favors for the house.

f. To serve as chairman of the Activities Committee.

6-07. The Academic Chair shall have the following duties:

a. To oversee the overall scholastic achievement of the Active Chapter and the Pledge

Class. b. To make sure all actives are at or above the minimum grade requirements

c. To enforce Academic and/or Social Probation for those who fall below the minimum

grade requirements which includes:

1. Setting up and enforcing Study Hours.

2. Keeping up to date on the progress of those members on probation.

d. To compile copies of every class schedule from every active.

e. To enforce good study habits among all active members.


6-08. The Chaplain shall have the following duties:

a. Assist the Senior Dean in the coordination and overseeing all ritual ceremonies

b. Assign parts in ritual not predetermined by office, allowing sufficient time for

preparation.

c. Have the responsibility of always trying to improve the quality of the Ritual ceremonial.

6-09. The Pledge Educator shall have the following duties:

a. Maintain a well-structured and progressive pledge education program.

b. Act as liaison amongst the Active Chapter and Pledge Members.

c. Coordinate and oversee Initiation

d. Exemplify and enforce the Anti-Hazing policy of Acacia and the Pennsylvania State

University.

6-10. The Alumni/Community Relations Chair shall have the following duties:

a. To manage all forms of communication within and outside the house.

b. To serve as the point of contact between the Active Chapter and the Alumni

c. To serve as the point of contact between the Active Chapter and their families.

d. To inform all alumni of all events at or outside the Chapter House. e. To coordinate and send out the Active Chapter Newsletter to the alumni and the families

of active members.

6-11 The Caterer shall have the following duties:

a. To coordinate the ordering of food and kitchen supplies with the cook.

b. Make food arrangements for special occasions or the absence of the cook.

c. Administer monthly surveys to the brotherhood to determine which items are generally

liked or disliked.

d. To maintain a clean and healthy kitchen.

e. Lock the kitchen if deemed necessary.

6-12. The General Membership shall have the following duties:

a. To attend all Chapter Meetings.

b. To attend all Ritual functions.

c. To attend all Rush functions.

d. To participate Philanthropy and Human Service events.

e. To avoid such actions that will bring discredit to the Acacia Fraternity.

f. To strive to exemplify the ideals of the Acacia Fraternity.

g. To understand and follow all house rules.

Article VII: Service

7-01 Each member of Acacia Fraternity is expected to be active in service to the fraternity, the community, and

the university.

7-02 Each active member must attend a minimum of two THON canning trips. Failure to meet these

requirements will result in a $50 penalty that will be donated directly to the THON total.

7-03 Each active member shall be required to participate in at least one FRASP event per semester. Failure to

meet this requirement will result in a $25 penalty that will be contributed to the house philanthropy fund.

7-04 Each active member shall be required to participate in at least one brotherhood work day per semester.

Failure to meet this requirement will result in a $25 penalty that will be contributed to the house

management fund.

7-05 Each active member shall be required to participate in every philanthropy event hosted at the Chapter House.


Article VIII: Pre-Membership

8-01 A bid for pledge-ship may be extended to a rushee in accordance with the regulations of the I.F.C. at the

discretion of the Head of Recruitment and/or 2/3 of the Active Chapter.

8-02 No bid will be extended to any person with a cumulative college GPA of less than 2.0 unless a rush has not established a college GPA in which case a high school cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required.

8-03 A bid is valid for the remainder of the semester unless the rush accepts a bid from another fraternity in

which case the bid is void.

8-04 Formal Pledging ceremonies must take place with accordance to I.F.C. regulations unless extenuating

circumstances as deemed by the Executive Council require otherwise.

8-05 Initiation ceremonies take place in the semester of the pledge-ship unless extenuating circumstances as

deemed by the Executive Council require otherwise.

8-06. In order for any individual who has been duly pledged to be initiated into active membership he must first meet the following requirements:

a. Comply with the Pennsylvania State University and I.F.C. regulations concerning eligibility.

b. Complete the pledge program to the satisfaction of the Senior Dean and Active Chapter.

c. Have a cumulative GPA of not less than 2.25.

8-07 A membership initiation ritual will be held only once each semester unless extenuating circumstances as

deemed by the Executive Council require otherwise.

8-08 Roll numbers will be assigned to initiates at the discretion of the Senior Dean according to criteria

established in his pledge program including participation in activities, scores on quizzes and the National

Examination,

Article IX: Chapter Meetings

9-01 The regular meetings of the chapter shall be held once a week during the school year at a time and

place to be determined by the Executive Council.

9-02. At least one regular meeting each semester shall be formal and conducted in accordance with the

Ritual. The first regular meeting after an initiation ceremony must be a formal meeting.

9-03. Special meetings may be called by the Venerable Dean or by the request of at least 10 Active

Members provided that 24 hours notice is given and the entire chapter is notified.

9-04. A meeting may be temporarily postponed, cancelled, or changed in time or place by the Venerable Dean with the approval of the Executive Council.

9-05. Attendance at Chapter Meetings is mandatory for all members and pledges, in and out of house, with

excused absences being granted by the Secretary for class conflicts, irresolvable work conflicts, up to two

emergency study excuses, or for any other good or sufficient reasons. Fines will be levied against those

members who have unexcused absences, and those cases will be referred to the Standards Board.

9-06 Formal attire can be required for any chapter meeting at the discretion of the Venerable Dean.

9-07. Any member with an excused absence, as deemed by the Secretary, may proxy his vote on an issue through

another member. The Secretary must be notified of who has proxy votes, but only by the member who will


be absent. The absent member is to be considered in attendance of the meeting when determining quorum.

Each member in attendance may only hold one proxy from an absent member.

9-08. Quorum for any meeting shall be 2/3 of the Active Chapter Roll.

9-09. Over 50% of the Active Roll Members considered to be in attendance must vote in favor of a motion in order for it to pass.

9-10. The following rules of order shall be enforced during meetings:

a. A member will be referred to as Brother.

b. A pledge will be referred to as Pledge Brother.

c. There is to be no eating, drinking, or use of tobacco.

Article X: Finances

10-01. Initiation and Per Capita fees shall be designated by the Acacia International Fraternity.

10-02. Housing fees shall be designated by the Square and Compass Association of State College.

10-03 The Active Chapter may combine these and any other fees that it deems necessary in a yearly contract to be paid in a semester house bill.

10-04 Active members that wish to attend Conclave shall have their registration, hotel, and reasonable housing

expenses paid by the Chapter for their conclave attendance, if it is not paid for by the Alumni Association.

Members wishing to attend conclave must be approved by the Executive Council.

10-05. The Active Chapter may establish late fees if house bills are not paid by a pre-established deadline in the

housing contract.

10-06. Any Acacia Fraternity property that is damaged by a person due to misuse or abuse will be repaired and/or

replaced by financial compensation by the person in question.

10-07 All fines and penalties assessed by the house shall go towards the house improvement fund.

10-08 All statements are net 30 days from statement date.

10-09 In addition to the penalties outlined in the housing contract, the following list shall contain any and all

penalties for non-payment of dues:

a. Both In and Out of house members:

1. Member is not permitted to attend any social functions.

2. Member loses all voting rights at Chapter Meetings.

3. Brother loses any officer or chair position. 4. Brother will be placed on probation until payments are made.

b. In house members:

1. Member losses parking spot privileges.

2. Member receives eviction warning.

10-10 Any statement balance equal to or less than $100 makes that member in good financial standing with the

Active Chapter, and no penalties are incurred.

10-11 Any member who is on a payment plan, and is current with payments shall be in good financial standing

with the Active Chapter, and no penalties are incurred.

10-12 It is the decision of the Executive Council to apply the level of penalties to those who do not pay.


10-13 The Executive Council is not permitted to discriminate amongst members, only between lengths of non-

payments and amount due.

10-14 Any member who cannot pay the full balance at the beginning of the semester, and has asked to be on a

payment plan shall be allowed to do so.

10-15 The payment plan shall consist of equal monthly payments to the Fraternity Chapter over the course of one

semester. Payment plan terms shall be one semester in length.

Article XI: Academics

11-01 The minimum cumulative GPA to maintain active status is a 2.25. If the cumulative GPA of a member

falls below a 2.25, that member shall be deemed suspended until the minimum GPA has been attained.

11-02 Academic Probation shall consist of the following:

a. Any member with a cumulative or semester GPA below a 2.5 shall be required to attend

mandatory Study Hours once per week for the duration of the semester.

b. Any member with a semester GPA below 2.25 shall be required to attend mandatory

Study Hours twice per week for the duration of the semester.

c. Any member with a semester GPA below 2.0 shall be required to attend mandatory Study Hours thrice per week for the duration of the semester.

11-03 Study Hours shall have the following format:

a. Study Hours shall be organized and implemented by the Academic Chair.

b. Study Hours shall be conducted at the university library or at a site predetermined by the

Academic Chair.

c. In house studying and/or work done on the computer in the house will not count towards

Study Hours.

d. The Academic Chair should monitor the attendance of suspended brothers.

e. Each session shall be at least 2 hours in duration.

f. The Study Hours shall take place from 7pm until 11pm from Sunday until Wednesday. g. If a member fails to fulfill their Study Hour Requirements in any given week without “good

or sufficient” reason(s), then said member shall immediately be placed on social probation

until the missed hours are made up for.

11-04 If any member is on Academic Probation and Social Probation simultaneously and purposely and

continuously neglects to fulfill their Study Hour requirements, then said member shall be considered for

suspension and any other consequences leading up to expulsion at the review and consideration of the

Standards Board with the Active Chapter conducting a final vote.

11-05 Any member with a semester GPA below 2.0 for three consecutive semesters shall be subject to review for

expulsion by the Standards Board.

11-06 In addition to members on Academic Probation, Pledges are encouraged to attend. Pledges falling below

the minimum academic requirements may be placed on probation until they prove to the Academic Chair

that they are taking action to improve their academic status.

11-07 If any member remains on academic probation for two consecutive semesters, he shall be placed on Social

Probation.

11-08 Social Probation shall consist of the following:

Exclusion from all and/or any social function organized by the Active Chapter.

Exclusion from all and/or any social function organized by the I.F.C. or any other Greek or

Campus organization. Exclusion from all Brotherhood events.


Article XII: Priority

12-01 Room selection priority for Fall through Spring Semesters shall go as follows:

1. Venerable Dean

2. Senior Dean

3. Junior Dean.

4. Former Venerable Dean 5. Former Senior Dean

6. Remaining rooms are chosen according to the room pick allocation system:

e. 10 points for each active semester in the fraternity

f. 5 points for each semester the active member has lived in the house

g. 20 points for remaining members of the Executive Council

h. 10 points for each Chair Position

i. 5 points for being on a committee

j. 5 points for affiliation with a university organization

k. 2 points for a GPA of 3.25 or higher

l. 5 points will be deducted for having a Chapter Meeting attendance of less than 80%

m. Additional points may be earned for substantial service to the house at the discretion

of the Executive Council.

12-02 “Squatting Rights” will be granted year to year, but only to those who have improved their room and

petitioned the chapter to retain their room.

12-03 Room selections shall take place three weeks prior to the end of each semester. All brothers wishing to live

in the house shall be present unless arrangements are made with the Executive Council.

12-04. Parking space selection priority shall go as follows:

1. Venerable Dean

2. Senior Dean

3. Junior Dean 4. Treasurer

5. House Manager

6. Spaces will then be assigned according to the number of semesters each member has lived in

the Chapter House.

7. The remaining spaces will be assigned to out-of-house brothers according to role number.

8. In the case of ties in tenure, parking space selection shall go according to role number.

12-05. Selection of house jobs will be allocated to active members in ascending order according to role number.

12-06 If a room or parking space becomes vacant at any point during the school year, any member may petition to

gain it. Petitions will be granted according to role number.

Article XIII: House Rules

13-01 The following house rules shall apply within the Acacia Chapter House:

1. No one may give out the code to the Chapter House outside door to any non-Acacian under

any circumstances.

2. No weapons are permitted within the Chapter House.

3. No construction, paint, damage, or change of physical property is permitted without the consent of the Executive Council.

4. No explosives or fireworks may be set off on house property.

5. No personal garbage may be placed in common areas of the Chapter House or grounds.

6. No Acacia property may be taken for personal use without the consent of the Chapter.


7. No Acacia property may be taken off the premises without the consent of the Chapter.

8. No smoking is permitted in the common areas or hallways of the Chapter House unless it is

during a social function.

9. No personal property may be stored in common areas or left there for an extended period of

time.

10. Quiet hours must be observed between 12:00am and 9:00am from Sunday evening through Friday morning.

11. Members are not permitted to unlock and/or enter another room of another member when that

member is absent from their room unless one or more of the following apply:

a. The house is under a state of emergency or is considered to be a hostile

environment.

b. There is a situation resulting in potential and/or direct harm to a member

and/or others.

c. The occupant has in their room a possession that is needed immediately and

is either belonging to the house or is crucial to the benefit of the house and the same

or identical possession cannot be obtained by any other logical means.

d. The occupant has in their room a possession that is needed immediately and

belongs to the member unlocking and/or entering the room. e. The occupant is presumed to be in a state of emergency such that their

whereabouts are unknown and they are presumed to be missing or their health and/or

life are presumed to be in potential jeopardy.

f. Written or verbal permission from the occupant is given. If more than one

Member resides in a room, permission is only needed from one of the occupants.

Members unlocking and/or entering the room of another member whether in

violation of these rules set forth or not, take full responsibility and are liable for any

damages and/or stolen possessions of the occupant(s).

13-02 Beginning with the most recently initiated members, highest role to lowest role, members are required to

fulfill their brotherly obligation to live in the Chapter house unless they provide a “good and sufficient” reason to be excused. After the amount of members who wish to live in is established, the rest of those that

will be required to live in the Chapter House will be selected from the active roll of the Chapter.

13-03 Any member or pledge that signs up for any function (setup/cleanup, events, etc…) must attend

the event on time unless they notify whoever is in charge in advance and receive proper approval.

13-04. All house rules are to be followed by all active members, pledges, newly initiated brothers, and alumni

members. House rules also apply to any boarder or visitor of the house.

13-05. A breech in house rules by any active member, or personal guest of that active member, may result in

financial and/or non-financial penalties for said member at the discretion of the Standards Board.

13-06 The Active Chapter shall set a maximum penalty for the breaking of any house rule.

Article XIV: Amendments

14-01 These By-Laws may be amended in part or in whole by a two-thirds vote of the Active Chapter, said

changes having been submitted in writing for consideration of the chapter.

Documents

BYLAWS OF ACACIA FRATERNITY - Amazon S3 · 2014-02-15 · C. Any officer who leaves his position due to resignation or disqualification will be required to return any and all stipends