Bylaws | sigmadeltatau

Section 2. The Gamma Delta Chapter shall abide by the rules, regulations, and policies set forth by the National Board of Directors and National Council of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority.

Section 3. It shall be the purpose of the Bylaws to provide the policies and procedures for governing the Chapter in accordance with the National policies of Sigma Delta Tau, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and American University.

Section 4. Symbols:

Jewel: Lapis Lazuli

Flower: Golden Tea Rose

Colors: Café au Lait and Old Blue

Motto: Patriae Multae Spes Una, One Hope of Many People

Section 5. It shall be the purpose of this fraternal organization to form a close social and fraternal union of those of similar ideals and to foster, maintain, and instill such ideals in the hearts of its members as will result in actions worthy of the highest precepts of true womanhood, democracy, and humanity.

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ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. There shall be five types of membership: active, inactive, alumna, honorary, and new member.

A. Active members shall be those women enrolled in American University who have affiliated with the chapter according to the regulations of the University, the Chapter, and the National Bylaws.

1. It shall be the duty and privilege of each member to do everything in her power to promote the interests, welfare, and dignity of the chapter and the fraternity; to pay all fees, dues, and assessments; to be present at every meeting, election, and initiation of the Chapter.

2. Good standing of members shall mean fulfillment of all duties, privileges, and moral and financial obligations as prescribed by the National Rules and Regulations and the local bylaws. Only members in good standing have social privileges and are able to vote.

3. A member of a chapter of Sigma Delta Tau who is in good standing and transfers to another university may be affiliated with Sigma Delta Tau at that university upon an affirmative vote of the active members present at the meeting at which her affiliation is proposed. A simple majority constitutes an affirmative vote.

B. Inactive members are sisters who are not registered with American University or have an extenuating circumstance that requires them to temporarily withdraw from the chapter. Inactive membership is considered during the first two weeks of the semester and is only granted by the National Organization. Sisters on inactive status cannot participate in any chapter events or programs. They may not attend chapter and pay only national dues. They are encouraged to participate in chapter sponsored Philanthropy events, but this is not a requirement.

C. Alumnae members shall be those members who attended American University and are part-time students or no longer matriculated. Sisters who have married also must choose to become Alumnae or active Alumnae.

D. Honorary members shall be those women who shall be elected to membership because of outstanding service to the Chapter.

1. Such election shall be in accord with the National Bylaws.

E. New members shall be those women students at American University who are invited to affiliate with the Gamma Delta Chapter.

1. Any potential new member must have achieved at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to be considered for membership.

1 A new member who completes the requirements of the University, the New Member program of their Chapter, and the National organization shall be considered eligible for initiation.

2. Upon fulfillment of the new membership as stipulated in the Rules and Regulations of the National Bylaws, the new member shall be duly initiated as an active member according to the National Ritual and upon payment of the prescribed fees.

3. The initiation of a new member may be deferred for just cause and with the approval of the local advisor and the national advisor. The determination of whether or not the new member is to be initiated must be made at least one week prior to the date of initiation.

E. Senior Status is in recognition of the outstanding commitment and devotion of the senior member to the Chapter and provides special rewards and benefits to the senior member in exchange for her ongoing participation in Chapter activities. Senior sisters may apply for senior status by submitting a statement to the President in the first two weeks of the semester. Sisters recommended for senior status must be approved by the chapter advisor. It shall be conferred on a case-by-case basis upon said senior after completing the following requirements.

1 A senior must have completed the requisite number of hours to be considered a senior in accordance with the academic requirements of American University. She must also be considered a full-time student by the university.

1 She must have participated as an active sister for at least two years prior to application and must be graduating within that academic year.

1 A senior shall pay national and local dues and the amount assessed for seniors. The amount to be paid for local dues shall be determined on a case-by-case basis, and fees for all social and non-mandatory events as specified below shall be paid by the member prior to attendance.

1 She shall comply with the rules of membership and must be approved by the National Advisor upon recommendation of the President and Executive Board.

1 Seniors Status members must participate in recruitment events (as specified by the Recruitment Chair), Bid Day, Initiation, and Chapter philanthropic activities.

1 Senior Status members are not eligible to participate in Chapter elections. Attendance at educational and sisterhood events is optional. Attendance at social events is also optional.

1 Senior Status members will hold senior privilege status for one semester. At the end of the semester the member must re-apply for senior status and be approved by the President and Executive Board.

F. Associate Status is determined on a case by case basis. If an external circumstance or situation is preventing a sister from participating as a full active member. Examples may include health (mental or physical) and financial difficulties. If financial aid is not a concern, sisters on this status will be asked to pay full dues. To receive this status, sisters must consult with the President about their unique situation. Associate status must also be approved by the chapter advisor. Specific participation requirements are mandated on a case by case basis.

1 The President will work with the Vice President of Finance in order to determine exact dues for each recipient.

Section 2. The Executive Board on a case-by-case basis shall determine specific leniencies for individual circumstances.

Section 3. Membership Selection

A. Membership Selection shall be subject to the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the University Panhellenic Association and Nationals. New members shall be selected through Spring formal recruitment, in the event the Chapter does not make quota or any additional number specified by Pan-Hellenic, the Chapter shall select additional new members through informal, open recruitment until quota is reached.

B. A Legacy is defined as a sister, daughter, or granddaughter of a member of Sigma Delta Tau. A legacy shall be given special consideration when she visits the Chapter for recruitment. A legacy must be invited back to at least one party.

C. Membership selection meetings shall be conducted by the President and the VP of Recruitment.

D. Discussion

1. Discussion about potential new members will begin with remarks from the active members who recruited the candidate.

2. Discussion can include point of question or point of information for clarification purposes.

E. Voting

1. Formal voting for prospective new members shall occur after each party.

2. Only active members in good standing may participate in the voting for recruitment. Each active member shall vote on each potential new member.

3. In order to be invited back for preference, the potential member must receive a majority of the votes of those members who have met her.

4. All recruitment conversations and votes about prospective new members are secret and confidential. Violation of this will subject the individual member to a Standards Board hearing.

5. Voting procedure may alter slightly depending on numbers during formal recruitment with the guidance of the Recruitment Advisor and National Advisor.

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ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Section 1. Minimal membership requirements are designed not only to benefit the Chapter, but so that each individual may get the most of her experience with Sigma Delta Tau while she participates as an active member in good standing. Members who do not achieve a level of minimal membership participation may be brought to the Standards Board for review.

A. Academic requirements for being an active member in good standing include maintaining a 2.75 grade point average with at least a 12 credit-hour course load.

B. Failure to meet these requirements will result in academic supervision for the following semester. If after one semester the member has not been taken off academic supervision, she shall be put on academic probation. If after one semester the member has not been taken off academic probation she will be dismissed from the sorority.

i. Academic Supervision is required for any member with a semester GPA under the 2.75 threshold and requires:

1. 4 supervised study hours per week

2. Alternative plan approved by the VP Scholarship

ii. Academic Probation is required for any member who has a semester or cumulative GPA under a 2.5, and was on Academic Supervision the

previous semester and requires:

1. 6 supervised study hours per week

2. A bi-monthly (2x per month) check-in with the VP Scholarship

C. A member who has not met the academic criteria and has been placed on Academic Probation will not be considered a member in good standing and shall be denied the legislative privileges of voting or running for elections, as well as social privileges until such time as she can show the VP Scholarship significant progress toward meeting the academic requirements.

Section 2. Contractual and Financial Requirements for Membership in Good Standing

A. Each sister is required to submit all legal contracts and agreements in a timely basis as specified in each document. Documents not submitted by the due date specified shall be considered late.

B. Each sister is required to make all deposits and payments of dues, fees and assessments on a timely basis as specified in each invoice. Members and parents may request that special accommodation for a payment plan be made before the due date of a specific payment. Members who have exceeded the final deadline for payment by more than a two-week grace period, without arrangement of a private payment plan, will be considered late. A fine of $5.00 will be added for every day that a payment is late. Exceptions can be awarded by the President and the Vice President of Finance.

C. A sister who has failed to meet her contractual and financial obligations on a timely basis will not be considered a member in good standing and may be brought before the Standards Board for a hearing. She shall be suspended and denied legislative and social privileges of membership. This will include opportunities such as taking a little sister, participating in social events, and running for any officer positions. Upon submission of the required documents and or upon payment of past due financial obligations such member shall be considered to be in good standing and all privileges of membership restored to her.

Section 3. Additional Requirements for Membership in Good Standing

A. Each new member and each active member is required to attend all Chapter meetings as well as special meetings convened for the election of Executive and General Board Members and the Chair of the Standards Board.

B. Each member is required to participate in all recruitment functions. This includes recruitment workweek, formal recruitment events and informal recruitment events. Exceptions for academic matters, illness or family emergencies must be submitted in writing for approval by the Vice President of Recruitment and President. Fines or punishment for missing recruitment beyond approved academic, health or family emergencies will be dealt with on an individual basis.

C. Each member is required to participate in new member functions, including Bid Day and Initiation.

D. Each member is required to participate in Sigma Delta Tau sponsored philanthropic activities. If this requirement is not fulfilled, the member will be required to independently raise or contribute a defined amount of money to be donated to the philanthropy. Each sister is also required to complete a determined number of philanthropy events each semester. These requirements will be announced at the beginning of the semester. Sisters who fail to complete the requirements will be fined $10 per event (see Article VIII, Section 3).

E. Exceptions to the requirement of mandatory attendance at the activities and events listed above may be granted to those members providing a written excuse and or documentation 48 hours in advance to the Standards Chair. Acceptable excuses may include work, class, examinations, travel, and illness. Sisters must submit their work and class schedules to the Standards chair in advance. Active sisters will be granted three emergency absences for calling out less than 24-hours in advance or failing to call out.

I. Acceptable excuses and specific leniencies are at the discretion of the President and the Standards Chair.

F. All sisters must adhere to national and local policy and bylaws and university policy.

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ARTICLE IV. GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The officers of this chapter shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Vice President of Programming, Vice President of Recruitment, Vice President of New Member Education,Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Risk Reduction, Vice President of Scholarship, and Panhellenic Delegate.

Section 2. Executive Board members must have a GPA of 3.00. However, exceptions can be made if the interested parties have at least a GPA of 2.75 and write an appeal to the current executive board, explaining the situation and why they should be exempt. Exceptions granted by the President and Chapter Advisor.

Section 3. Executive board members must have served on General Board, Executive Board, Standards Board, as a Committee Chair, or COB committee for at least one semester. However, exceptions can be made if the interested parties write appeals to the current executive board, explaining the situation and why they should be exempt.

Section 4. Each Executive Board member shall serve as a role model for the Chapter. Thus, it is expected that each Executive Board member shall act appropriately and speak favorably of her position, as well as the sorority and her sisters both within the Chapter and within the greater community. Failure to do so is grounds for being sent to the Standards Board.

Section 5. Each Executive Board member shall be required to attend all regular and special Executive Board meetings and all Chapter Meetings. Each Executive Board member shall be required to attend every event sponsored by the Chapter unless excused by the President.

Section 6. Duties.

A. The President shall preside at all meetings, appoint all committees, call special meetings, coordinate and communicate with all other executive and independent officers, and carry out the duties listed in the National Bylaws and Rules and Procedures.

1. The President will serve for one year beginning in the spring semester and must be an active member who has previously served on the Executive Board for a minimum of one semester. Appeals may be submitted to current Executive Board in specific circumstances and they will decide with the oversight of the National Advisor who will be granted appeals.

2. The President shall act in an advisory capacity to all members, officers, chairs, etc. and make certain that they are fulfilling their responsibilities. She shall serve in an ex-officio capacity to all committees, work groups, etc. and shall, with the approval of the other members of the Executive Board appoint any special committee when deemed necessary.

3. Upon discretion of the President, a quorum of two thirds of the active members in good standing are required to be present during any vote. She shall provide notice of one week in the event that she is invoking this provision for a super majority quorum.

4. The President shall be responsible to the National Advisor, Local Advisor, and the National Council, for the actions of the Chapter. She shall serve as a delegate to the National Convention held every two years.

5. The President should be informed of all issues to be brought up at all meetings in advance. In addition, any and all decisions to be made for anyone or anything pertaining to the Chapter must be passed through the President. Violators of this policy shall be sent to the Standards Board.

6. The President shall conduct all elections and tally votes for elections and membership selection during the recruitment period. She shall officiate at Initiation of new members with the assistance of the Ritualist. She shall sign any paperwork for the dismissal of a member. The President shall cosign all checks along with the VP of Finance.

7. The President shall coordinate the revision of the Chapter Bylaws with the assistance of the Executive Board.

8. The President shall not cast a vote except to break a tie in the case of a Chapter Meeting, Executive Board Meeting, Election or Recruitment Member Selection Meeting.

B .The Executive Vice President shall serve as President in her absence. Any necessary paperwork will be administered by the Vice President. She shall preside over General Board meetings, which should be held weekly, coordinate all chairmanships and special committees, manage and conduct composite coordination, and uphold all duties outlined in the National Bylaws and Rules and Procedures. The Vice President will arrange leadership development with the General Board.

1. The Vice President will serve for one year beginning in the spring semester. She must be an active member who has previously either served on the Executive Board for a minimum of one semester, or held one position on the General Board for a minimum of one semester. Appeals may be applied at the recommendation of the President and current Executive Board.

C. The Secretary must record the minutes at every chapter meeting, at every General Board meeting, send copies of the minutes to the Local and National Advisors, and the National Office each week, maintain the internal chapter site, prepare a phone, email, birthday, and home address list, create a monthly calendar of events, notify the National Office of all new members including legacies, complete the awards packet each year, monitor and inform the chapter of all GAAP points, and oversee the responsibilities of the Historian. The Secretary will send the current Chapter Bylaws to all active sisters at the beginning of each semester, and after any amendments are passed. The Secretary is responsible for taking attendance/points at all mandatory events. She will keep a record of all members’ points. She is responsible for keeping all sisters informed of their points status. All sisterhood points are positive and will be allocated accordingly. She is also responsible for informing the Standards Chair when a member is not in good standing under the points system. She is responsible for informing sisters of any fines they have incurred. She shall be responsible for processing and legitimizing all call-outs with the President.

1. The Secretary will serve for one year and may be any active member.

D. The Vice President of Programming shall oversee the following committee chairs: Philanthropy Chair, Social Chair, Marketing Chair, Communications and Engagement Chair, and Alumnae Chair. She is responsible for ensuring chapter programming is strong and cohesive. It is her responsibility to act as a liaison between the Committee Chairs and Executive Board. She is required to consistently work with and meet regularly with committee chairs. It is her duty to ensure that all programming under her purview is executed effectively and efficiently. She shall attend all committee meetings. If a committee chair wants to call upon a committee, it must first be approved by VP Programming.

1. The Vice President of Programming will serve for one year and may be any active member.

E. The Vice President of Recruitment shall organize all events concerning recruitment including, but not limited to, planning recruitment workshops, implementation, food, decorations, and the like, informing all members on the status of recruits and open bidders, and continuing to recruit throughout the semester when necessary. It is also recommended that the Vice President of Recruitment have served as the Assistant Vice President of Recruitment.

1. The Vice President of Recruitment will serve for one year and must not be a member of the newest member class unless previously served as an assistant.

F. The Vice President of New Member Education shall create a New Member Program with the approval of the Executive Board and Nationals, plan and oversee all new member meetings, participate in all new member activities, order all initiation jewelry, and obtain permission to initiate new members from the National Office of Sigma Delta Tau. She is strongly discouraged from taking a little.

1. The New Member Educator will serve for one semester and must not be a member of the newest member class. It is highly recommended that the New Member Educator previously served as the Assistant New Member Educator. The New Member Educator position must be held by a sister in junior or senior standing.

G. The Vice President of Finance must collect and keep account of all chapter funds, prepare a semesterly budget and monthly financial statements, pay all incoming bills, and co-sign all checks and contracts.

1. The Vice President of Finance will serve for one year and may be any active member.

2. The Vice President of Finance must be notified before any purchases are made in the name of the chapter. Any expenses that are not at first approved by the Vice President of Finance will be the responsibility of the purchasing sister.

H. The Vice President of Risk Reduction shall be responsible for creating consistent risk management programming each semester, based upon chapter interest and the needs of the chapter. She is in charge of choosing safe sisters, and managing overall risk involved within the chapter. She works closely with the Standards Board Chair. She is expected to be sober for every social event. It is her responsibility to assign Safe Sisters. At least two Safe Sisters and one Safe Executive Board member are required at every social event. For larger social events and dated events, additional Safe Sisters will be mandated. The VP of Risk Reduction will also establish a guideline for Social Media and acceptable postings, pictures, and other material.

1. The Vice President of Risk Reduction will serve for one year and may be any active member.

I. The Vice President of Scholarship shall arrange for scholastic improvement workshops (time management, stress reduction, motivational, etc.), organize study breaks throughout the semester, reward academic achievement, send in scholarship forms to the National Office, assist the Vice President of New Member Education with new member study hours, and maintains the Gamma Delta Chapter study hours.

1. The Vice President of Scholarship will serve for one year and may be any active member.

J. The Panhellenic Delegate shall represent the chapter and attend weekly Panhellenic Delegate meetings. She shall be a liaison between Panhellenic Greek Organizations and the Gamma Delta chapter. She is expected to plan and execute Panhellenic bonding and outreach programming. She will assist with the Panhellenic Pearl along with the New Member Educator. She shall serve for one year.

1. The Panhellenic Delegate will serve for one year and may be any active member.

Section 5. Any officer who does not fulfill her duties as described shall be denied her standards points for that position upon evaluation by the Standards Board.

Section 6. Sisters holding Executive positions may not hold any other positions in the Gamma Delta Chapter, with the following exceptions: If a member of Sigma Delta Tau is serving on the Inter-Greek Council Board, she may hold non-Executive positions within the Gamma Delta Chapter.

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ARTICLE V. COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Section 1. The Committee Chairs of this chapter shall be Philanthropy Chair, Marketing Chair (1-2), Public Relations and Outreach Chair, Alumnae Chair, and Social Chair.

Section 2. Committee Chairs must have a GPA of 3.00. However, exceptions can be made if the interested parties have at least a GPA of 2.75 and write an appeal to the current executive board, explaining the situation and why they should be exempt. Exceptions granted by the President and Chapter Advisor.

Section 3. Committee Chairs must have served on General Board, Executive Board, Standards Board, as a Committee Chair, or COB committee for at least one semester. However, exceptions can be made if the interested parties write appeals to the current executive board, explaining the situation and why they should be exempt.

Section 4. Each Committee Chair shall serve as a role model for the Chapter. Thus, it is expected that each Committee Chair shall act appropriately and speak favorably of her position, as well as the sorority and her sisters both within the Chapter and within the greater community. Failure to do so is grounds for being sent to the Standards Board.

Section 5. Each Committee Chair shall be required to attend regular meetings with the VP Programming, and all Chapter Meetings. Each Committee Chair shall be required to attend every event sponsored by the Chapter unless excused by the President.

Section 6. All Committee Chair positions will be for one semester. Sisters running for Committee Chair in the Fall (to assume the position in the Spring) shall participate in the slating process along with Executive Board. Sisters running for a Committee Chair position in the Spring (to assume the position in the Fall) must meet with the current VP Programming and the respective Committee Chair prior to elections. The VP Programming and current chair will make recommendations for Fall committee chairs during elections based upon these meetings.

A. The Philanthropy Chair shall be responsible for planning annual philanthropy events, educating the Gamma Delta Chapter about National Philanthropy, and organizing at least one campus philanthropy event per semester. She will be responsible for providing local service opportunities to the chapter, and maintaining the chapter’s partnerships with local philanthropies. She is responsible for planning philanthropy event dates in advance, including those in future semesters. She will also be responsible for keeping track of sister’s philanthropy events every semester. She shall consult with the Marketing Chair and the PR/Outreach Chair when designing philanthropy PR, shirts, or memorabilia. With approval from the VP Programming, The Philanthropy Chair will assemble a committee for each chapter philanthropy event/cause or service project.

B. The Public Relations Chairwomen are responsible for managing all things related to public relations within the chapter. The two positions will work together to create all public relations internally and externally. The two chairs will be the Marketing Chair and the Outreach and Engagement Chair. Together, the two Chairwomen will work together to create the main vision for the chapter, and will ensure that there is continuity in our overarching message that is created by all of our combined PR.

B1. The Marketing chair will manage and monitor all chapter social media. She will assist in the technical aspects of the job, such as media editing, video production, and other ground-level tasks. She will work with VP Recruitment to film and edit recruitment related videos and content. She will design cover photos, create and maintain event pages, manage photography/photoshoots, create Recruitment videos, and execute other various digital media tasks. If the slating committee finds it necessary to have one chair specifically elected to manage social media and one specifically to create content, two Marketing Chairs may be elected.With approval from the VP Programming, The PR Chair can call upon a committee to execute various projects when needed.

B2. The Outreach and Engagement Chair will manage all PR events and activity. She will be the point person for all chapter T-shirt orders. She will manage PR events such as Founder’s Day tabling and philanthropy tabling, outreach events such as lemonade stands or coffee events, and other campus or city wide events. She is responsible for ensuring our chapter has good Public Relations with the greater campus community. With approval from the VP Programming, The PR Chair can call upon a committee to execute various projects when needed.

C. The Social Chair shall secure permission from the University and fill out all pertinent forms from the American University Directors of Greek Life as well as the Sigma Delta Tau National Insurance forms for social events. She shall be in charge of all social functions taking place on a weekly basis. For social events including, but not limited to Crush, Semi-formal, Formal, Hayride, and Socials, the Vice President of Social Events must be sober for the entirety of the event and stay at the event until the set end time. With approval from the VP Programming, The Social Chair can call upon a committee to execute various projects when needed.

D. The Alumnae Relations Chair shall be in charge of maintaining an active relationship with SDT alumnae. It is her responsibility to maintain and deliver a consistent Alumnae newsletter. She is expected to plan at least one alumnae event per semester. She will support the alumnae pearl for the new members. She will help the Secretary and Historian maintain a database of chapter alumnae with information collected at and updated after sisters graduate from the university. With approval from the VP Programming, The Alumnae Relations Chair can call upon a committee to execute various projects when needed.

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ARTICLE VI. GENERAL BOARD

Section 1. The General Board Members of this chapter shall be Sunshine, Abroad Relations, Assistant of Finance, Assistant of Recruitment, Assistant New Member Educator, Sisterhood Development, Ritualist, Historian, Derby Queen, Assistant of Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Wellness, and Senior Representative. These positions will comprise the General Board of the Gamma Delta Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau. All independent positions will meet at least twice a month with the Vice President. Independent positions include all positions that are not “Assistant” positions. All general board positions will be for one semester and may be held by any active member. General Board members must have a GPA of 2.75. However, exceptions can be made if the interested parties have at least a GPA of 2.50 and write an appeal to the current executive board, explaining the situation and why they should be exempt.

Section 2. Duties.

A. Sunshine shall recognize sisters’ birthdays, and inform all members of individual accomplishments. She will create all banners and posters for events with the help of her committee. Sushine shall also help VP Recruitment with any and all bid day and recruitment crafts.

B. Abroad Relations shall handle all correspondence with abroad sisters. It is her responsibility to ensure that abroad sisters stay up-to-date with chapter news and updates, and to maintain the connection sisters have with the chapter while abroad. She is responsible for planning at least one abroad activity or outreach project per semester. Examples include filming and editing videos of big sorority events to send along, setting up Skype sister dates with new members, and compiling care packages.

C. The Assistant to Finance shall assist the VP of Finance in collecting dues and organizing payment plans. She shall meet with the VP of Finance at least once per week and attend General Board meetings when called.

D. The Assistant to Recruitment shall assist the VP of Recruitment in planning and organizing recruitment workshops, recruitment, and voting. She shall meet with the VP of Recruitment at least twice per week during recruitment and attend General Board meetings when called. There shall be two Assistants in the Fall and one in the Spring.

E. The Assistant New Member Educator shall assist the Vice President of New Member Education in any way necessary. She must attend all new member meetings and activities. She shall meet with the General Board when called. It is recommended that the Assistant New Member Educator not take a little sister during her term. There shall be one assistant in the Fall and two in the Spring dependent on expected new member class size .

F. Sisterhood Development is responsible for helping the Vice President of Social Chair, President, New Member Educator, and Vice President plan and execute sisterhood events. These events include but are not limited to: sisterhood retreat, sisterhood pearl, candle passes, and sisterhood events. She is expected to plan at least one major sisterhood event each semester.

G. The Ritualist shall be responsible for coordinating sisterhood participation in all Sigma Delta Tau rituals, including the induction ceremony, initiation, and the senior send-off (while coordinating with a senior representative). She is responsible for purchasing (with reimbursement) all required ritual materials and maintaining the materials used during rituals. The Ritualist is responsible for making sure all sisters are properly dressed at rituals.

H. The Senior Representative works with the VP New Member Education, Sisterhood Chair, and President to ensure that the senior class is involved and represented in the chapter in the months leading up to graduation. The Senior Representative may be a member on senior status, but may not be an active alumna. The Senior Representative is required to attend general board meetings when called. Most importantly, the Senior Representative must help the Ritualist in planning senior send off.

I. The Assistant of Scholarship position is responsible for helping the Scholarship chair with study hours, planning workshops, and managing academic probation. They are expected to attend General Board meetings when called.

J. Derby Queen will be elected based on need and will be responsible for organizing Derby Days and Sigma Delta Tau’s role in the event. The Derby Queen Chair is expected to attend General Board meetings when called.

K. The role of the Historian is to manage all records within the chapter. She will work closely with the Secretary in order to keep databases of contact information, sister’s birthdays, alumnae, and National advisor. Historian is expected to attend General Board meetings when called. She will directly answer to the Secretary.

L. Health and Wellness is responsible for maintaining the wellness of sisters in the chapter. This includes creating events and activities to make sure that sisters are maintaining their physical and mental health and hygiene properly. The Director of Health and Wellness is expected to attend General Board meetings when called.

Q. Diversity and Inclusion is responsible for planning diversity/inclusion workshops for the Gamma Delta chapter of Sigma Delta Tau. She is responsible for communication between the Inter-Greek Council and her chapter with the assistance of the President. She is expected to promote unity and equality within the community in addition to diversity and inclusion event management internally and externally.

Section 3. Any General Board Officer who does not fulfill her duties as described in the Bylaws shall be denied her standards points for that position upon evaluation by the Standards Board.

Section 4. All Assistant General Board positions will be the responsibility of their Executive board counterpart. Independent General Board positions will be the responsibility of the Vice President.

Section 4. All General Board positions are to be held for only one semester and may rerun for a currently held position for one additional term. General Board members can run for a different position the consecutive semester.

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Preamble

Membership

Membership Requirements

Government

General Board

Committee Chairs

Election...

Standards Board

Standards

Chapter Meetings

Points

Bylaws

Amendments

Suspension...

Approved Amendments

ARTICLE VII. ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD, GENERAL BOARD AND STANDARDS BOARD CHAIR

Section 1. The election of the Executive Board and Committee Chairs shall be held in the month of November. General Board members shall be elected the chapter after Executive Board elections in the fall for the spring semester. Elections shall be held in April for the fall semester.

Section 2. Eligibility to Run for Office

A. Any active member in good standing, with at least one semester of membership and one term served on the General Board or Standards Board shall be eligible to run for the Executive Board elected positions. A sister may not run for office of any kind if she has back dues from previous semesters that she has not paid. Any candidate for the office of President, Vice President, and Vice President of Scholarship must also have maintained at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average. Appeals can be submitted for GPA and General Board requirements and qualification for running for these positions either to the Slating Committee or to the President and Chapter Advisor.

B. Any active member in good standing with at least one semester of membership and one term served on the General Board or Standards Board shall be eligible to run for the Committee Chair elected positions. A sister may not run for office of any kind if she has back dues from previous semesters that she has not paid. Appeals can be submitted for GPA and General Board requirements and qualification for running for these positions either to the Slating Committee or to the President and Chapter Advisor.

C. Any active member, including newly initiated member, in good standing shall be eligible to run for the General Board elected positions. The exceptions to this rule shall be members with back dues from previous semesters.

D. Any active member in good standing who has one semester of experience as a member of the Standards Board or General Board shall be eligible to run for the Standards Board Chair position. The exception to this rule shall be members who will be graduating at the end of the academic year and members with back dues from previous semesters that they have not paid.

Section 3. All active members in good standing, including newly initiated members in good standing, shall be eligible to vote in elections for the members of the Executive Board and General Board.

Section 4. The Slating Process for the Executive Board and Committee Chairs

A. The slating committee will be nominated by members of their own year with two representatives for each academic year. Elections for the slating committee will be held two weeks prior to the slating committee’s decision being released to the chapter. Any member who runs for the slating committee cannot be running for an Executive Board or Committee Chair position.

B. Each member interested in running for a position on the Executive Board or Committee Chair shall file a written and predetermined application to the slating committee within one weeks time. The following week, interviews will be conducted for each interested party by two members of the slating committee.

C. The slating committee will make their decision for each Executive Board and Committee Chair position and present it to the chapter's advising team. Upon advisor approval, the slating committee will present the slate to the chapter at the following chapter meeting. Between the slating committee’s decision and the subsequent election date, members of the chapter can make nominations for any Executive Board or Committee Chair position. This can only occur if appeals are not necessary.

D. The President shall ask for nominations during that week, which will be emailed to her. The President will do a grade check and insure that each candidate has been on General Board or Standards Board. Anyone who does not meet these standards is not eligible to run for Executive Board.

E. The slate will be voted on in full. If the slate passes, the executive board and Committee Chairwomen has been elected. If the slate does not pass, each position will be voted on separately. Each candidate shall present a short speech. The order of speakers shall be 1) the candidate selected by the slating committee and 2) other candidates who were nominated after the slate has been released and 3) candidates who have “stepped down” after running unsuccessfully for a previously filled position.

F. Sisters running for VP of New Member Education in the Spring (to assume the position in the Fall) must meet with the current President and VP of New Member Education prior to elections. The President and current New Member Educator will make recommendations for the Fall New Member Educator during elections based upon these meetings.

G. Sisters running for Committee Chair in the Fall (to assume the position in the Spring) shall participate in the slating process along with Executive Board. Sisters running for a Committee Chair position in the Spring (to assume the position in the Fall) must meet with the current VP Programming and the respective Committee Chair prior to elections. The VP Programming and current chair will make recommendations for Fall committee chairs during elections based upon these meetings.

Section 5. The Nomination Process for the General Board

A. At the Chapter meeting for the election the General Board, the chapter will vote based on nominations that had been emailed to the President prior to the election.

B. Each candidate shall present a short speech. The order of speakers shall be 1) candidates nominated in alphabetical order and 2) candidates who have “stepped down” after running unsuccessfully for a previously filled position.

Section 6. Tabulating the Vote for Executive Board and General Board

A. Voting shall be done with vote by hands for each position.

B. Votes shall be counted by the President and the Standards Board Chair with oversight by an alumna representative or adviser.

C. The successful candidate must win a majority of the votes cast, one half plus one of the active members in good standing present at the meeting at the time of the vote. In the event that a single candidate has not won a majority of the votes cast, there shall be a run-off election with the two top candidates.

D. The President may cast a vote only in the event of a tie.

Section 7. The transition from the outgoing Executive Board, Committee Chair members and General Board members to the new Executive Board, Committee Chair members and General Board members shall be according to National Ritual. Such transition and the installation of officers shall occur before the commencement of the University study and examination period and shall include a retreat for the new Executive Board members.

Section 8. Filling of Vacancies and Impeachment

A. When a vacancy shall occur in the office of President within one semester of the election, a special election shall be held, otherwise, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the presidency for the balance of the term. When a vacancy shall occur in another elected office, an election by vote of Chapter members shall take place at the next Chapter meeting.

B. In the event that a member of the Executive Board or a Committee Chair is deemed to have failed to fulfill the duties of her office, she shall be informed of that in writing and may be impeached and removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the members in attendance at the next Chapter meeting.

C. In the event that a member of the General Board is deemed to have failed to fulfill the duties of her position, she shall be informed of that in writing and may be impeached and removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Executive Board.

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ARTICLE VIII. STANDARDS BOARD

Section 1. At the Chapter meeting for the election of the Standards Board, the President shall ask for nominations, which must be seconded for each position. Each member nominated and meeting the requirements for the position shall be added to the list of candidates. A member may offer her name in nomination for any position for which she meets the qualifications.

A. The Board shall meet at least once a month and at the discretion of the President and the Standards Board Chair. The Board shall cultivate and enforce adherence to high chapter standards, revise local bylaws as necessary, and hear all appeals brought before the Standards Board.

Section 2. The Standards Board Chair shall function in complete compliance with the National Standards Board guidelines, policies, and procedures, including providing rights of due process for any member reported for an infraction. She shall have judicial jurisdiction including the ability to set and enforce penalties based upon the bylaws. She shall call and preside all Standards Board meetings, notify any member of a charge brought against them or any fines levied against them, act as a parliamentarian at all meetings, oversee elections, and only vote to break a tie.

A. The Standards Board Chair must have previously served on the Standards Board for a minimum of one semester or has served on the Chapter’s Executive Board for a minimum of one semester.

Section 3. The Standards Board chair will be elected by the chapter along with the Executive Board.

Section 4. All the members of the Standards Board will serve for one year beginning in the fall semester. Sisters who decide to study abroad will be replaced by another sister for the remainder of the year.

Section 5. The Standards Board Chair shall not hold another position in the chapter, but the committee members may hold other positions in the chapter, excluding executive board.

Section 6. The Standards Board shall meet whenever deemed necessary according to circumstances. Any Chapter member can request such a meeting with such request submitted to the Standards Board Chair in writing and signed by the complaining member.

Section 7. The meetings of the Standard Board are secret and confidential. Disclosure of the topic for discussion, the member(s) involved, the decision rendered or any other related information shall subject the member who divulges such information to immediate dismissal.

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ARTICLE IX. STANDARDS

Section 1. All members are aware of the high ideals Sigma Delta Tau strives for, and the Standards Board will safeguard against any disregard of those ideals.

A. The Standards Board will hear all claims against any sister and decide what measures should be taken in an objective fashion.

B. Charges may be brought against any member, active or new member, who has made another sorority sister unnecessarily uncomfortable, or exceedingly embarrassed. Un-sisterly and unbecoming conduct may be the basis for charges to be brought against a sister. Charges are brought to the Standards Board at each member’s discretion.

C. Charges may be brought against any member, active or new member, for failing to adhere to any other policies as set forth by these bylaws.

D. Charges can be submitted in person or electronically to the Standards Board Chair with the “Standards Board Complaint Form” document.

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ARTICLE X. CHAPTER MEETINGS

Section 1. Members shall meet each week and at such other times as the President may deem necessary. (Traditionally, chapter meetings have been held on Sundays at 7:00pm, and Executive Board meetings have been held on Sundays at 6:00pm).

A. Permission for absence from meetings must be obtained in advance from the President and Standards Board Chair. Missing 3 or more chapter meetings unexcused is cause for being brought up on charges before Standards Board or for fines to be levied at the discretion of the President and Standards Board Chair.

Section 2. Only members in good standing are entitled to vote, hold office, and attend formal, semi-formal, or any other social events, participate in philanthropy events, take a little sister.

A. A member who owes dues, fines, etc. is not considered in good standing.

B. A member who does not have a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average is not considered in good standing.

Section 3. Unless otherwise stipulated, a majority vote is necessary to carry a motion.

Section 4. Absence from Chapter Meetings

A. A request for permission to be excused from attending a Chapter meeting must be filed 24 hours in advance with the Secretary. The President and Secretary shall decide if the request is valid and notify the member.

Section 5. The order of the meeting shall be:

1. Call to the order by President

2. Board Reports

3. Correspondence received by President

4. New business

5. Shout-outs

6. Announcements

7. Good and Welfare

8. Adjournment

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ARTICLE XI. POINTS

Section 1. Members shall earn participation points for their involvement in Chapter life and activities. The points can be used to reward members for exceptional behavior. For example, the member with the highest amount of points will have reduced dues or amount to pay for formal. The master list of participation points shall be reviewed and approved by the Executive Board and the Local and National Advisors prior to the beginning of each semester. Each active member and each new member shall be provided with a copy of the master list, such list to provide the relative value of participation in the various categories. Such categories shall include, but not be limited to

1. Serving on the Executive Board, Committee Chair, General Board, Standards Board or as an Officer of the New Member Class

2. Attending Chapter meetings, Recruitment meetings, Board meetings, Panhellenic meetings, financial meetings with the VP of Finance, meetings with the Advisors

3. Attending Social, Educational, Sisterhood and Philanthropic events

4. Providing special talents to the Chapter such as design of a banner or brochure, serving as Chapter photographer

5. Fulfilling contractual and financial obligations on a timely basis

6. Achieving special academic awards, contributing material to Chapter academic files and becoming involved in non-Greek campus life.

Section 2. Participation points shall be used as a basis to determine eligibility to attend all Social events, such including Mixers, Semi-formal, and Formal. In addition participation points shall be used to determine continuing eligibility for Senior Privilege, Executive Board and General Board. Other uses for participation point shall be established by the Executive Board and approved by the National Advisor prior to the beginning of each semester.

Section 3. Minimum point requirements per semester to be considered in good standing will be determined as events and activities are agreed upon. Points will be determined at the discretion of the President and Secretary.

Section 4: Supplemental points shall be used to reward extraordinary involvement in and out of chapter realms. These points include, but are not limited to, sisterly actions, academic successes, and providing extra assistance to members of board. These points will be used to obtain prizes at the end of the semester.

Section 5. Active members are expected to participate in the goings-on of the chapter. As such, fines shall be levied by the President and Secretary according to the following rules. Any sister who has a legitimate conflict and notifies the President and Secretary in advance will not be fined. Excused absences from meetings and events may include sickness, classes, family, or religious obligations. Obligations or commitments to other student organizations are not considered excused absences.

A. Missing a chapter, including nominations and elections, without notifying the President and Secretary with a legitimate excuse, $ 25 per meeting.

B. Missing induction, initiation, or mandatory recruitment events without notifying the President and Secretary with a legitimate excuse, $25 per event.

C. Missing mandatory New Member events as specified by the New Member Educator without notifying the President and Secretary with a legitimate excuse, $10 per event.

D. Missing Philanthropy events without notifying the President and Secretary with a legitimate excuse, $10 per event.

E. Missing any other mandatory meetings as specified by the President, including recruitment workshops, without notifying the President and Secretary with a legitimate excuse, $25 per meeting.

F. Sisters not meeting the Philanthropy requirements for the semester as dictated by the Executive President and Vice President of Philanthropy will be fined $15 per missed hour and $25 per missed event.

G. Missing Recruitment or Work Week without a legitimized excuse will result in a fine as determined by the Vice President of Recruitment.

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ARTICLE XII. BYLAWS

Section 1.The President and Standards Board Chair shall review the Bylaws at the beginning of each semester to ascertain if revisions should be considered. The Bylaws will be distributed to active sisters and new members at the beginning of each semester.

Section 2. The Bylaws may be amended at any regularly scheduled Chapter meeting following the procedure below.

A. A written proposal of an amendment to the Bylaws shall be given to the President and Standards Board Chair. Any active member in good standing may present such a proposed amendment.

B. The Standards Board Chair or President shall present the proposed amendment to the Bylaws at the next regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting.

C. The President shall introduce the proposed amendment to the Bylaws at a Chapter meeting within two weeks of its initial submission. Voting on the amendment shall occur at the next Chapter meeting.

D. Approval of amendments to the Bylaws requires a majority vote of the active members in good standing (half of the active members in good standing plus one).

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ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 vote in attendance at special chapter. Any active sister may propose an amendment upon consultation with the Standards Board.

Section 2. Any type of contract must be voted on and approved by all of Executive board. Six Members of Executive Board must vote in favor of the contract for it to be signed.

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ARTICLE XIV. SUSPENSION, DISMISSAL, AND DEACTIVATION

Section 1. A member may be considered for suspension from the Chapter after review of the Standards Board, which finds that the member has not fulfilled her obligations of membership. A member can be suspended with the votes of the national and local advisors, the President, and the Standards Board Chair. Upon fulfillment of the obligations of membership as determined by the Standards Board, the member may be reinstated with the approval of the Local Advisor or the National Advisor.

Section 2. Misconduct and or failure to meet the obligations of membership shall be cause for a member to be dismissed unless there are mitigating circumstances the validity of which shall be determined by the Standards Board with the approval of the Local Advisor and the National Advisor. In the event that the Standards Board and advisors recommend dismissal, the findings must be put in writing, signed by the National Advisor, referred to the National Board of Directors for approval and signed by the National President.

Section 3. Misconduct and failure to meet the obligations of membership include, but are not limited to, 1) violations of local, state and federal law, 2) violations of local and National policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, 3) breach of the membership, agreement and 4) non-payment of assessed deposits, dues and fees.

Section 4. The National Advisor, President, and Standards Board Chair may determine that a member should be dismissed and shall request that the Chapter initiate dismissal proceedings against the member.

Section 5. A member may request to disaffiliate or deactivate from the Chapter herself. In the event a member wishes to permanently terminate her affiliation with Sigma Delta Tau and the Gamma Delta Chapter she must 1) have an exit interview with the National Advisor; 2) complete the Deactivation Request Form in duplicate; 3) submit the completed form to the National Advisor; 4) pay any and all dues, fees and assessments previously invoiced; 5) pay a $100 administrative processing fee and 6) return her certificate of membership and sorority pin.

Section 6. A member who is dismissed or deactivates from the Chapter or is not considered a member in good standing at the time of graduation or departure from the American University will not be eligible for the return of her membership deposit.

Section 7. A member who disaffiliates from the Chapter for any reason must have fulfilled all of her financial responsibilities. In the event that there are balances owed the Chapter or the National organization, the National Advisor shall inform the National office and collections proceedings will be brought against the member and her parents. During the collections process, the Chapter may hold any and all deposits and activity account balances pending final settlement of the member’s account. Such balances will be used as set off against any balance due after completion of the collections process.

Section 8. Specific details of national and local policies and procedures, including the appellate process regarding suspension, dismissal and deactivation can be found in the National Bylaws, local membership and housing agreements and local rules.

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ARTICLE XV. APPROVED AMENDMENTS

Amendment 1: A sister or New Member may have a romantic or sexual relationship with another Sister or New Member of Sigma Delta Tau

Amendment 2: A sister in good standing is eligible for active alumna status if she meets the following criteria:

I. Has graduated, is a part-time student, is married, or has transferred to another university.

II. Has been approved for active alumna status by the executive board. Sisters seeking alumna status must submit a statement to the executive board requesting her active alumna status.

Once granted, active alumna sisters are permitted to attend closed social events by paying a fee per event as determined by the VP social and Treasurer for the remainder of that semester.

Amendment 3: Sisters may not consume alcohol while wearing Sigma Delta Tau letters, event t-shirts, or other apparel with the name, letters, or symbols of the sorority on them at closed Sigma Delta Tau events. Sisters over 21 should not wear letters, event t-shirts, or other apparel while consuming alcohol at any event or location.

Amendment 4: Sisters are required to be in good standing with the chapter and have earned a G.P.A of at least a 3.0 before running for any position on the Executive board. Sisters with a G.P.A between a 2.75 and a 3.0 are able to appeal to the President, Vice President, and Standards Board chair for exception and eligibility to run for the Executive board. The decision to grant the exception is at the discretion of the President, Vice President, and Standards Board Chair.

Amendment 5: Sisters looking to go inactive must go through national office. They will be removed from social media groups, and will not be able to attend chapter events. Eboard discretion for certain circumstances.

Amendment 6: Sisters who are interested in taking a little sister must be up to date on the following: any and all financial obligations, a GPA requirement of 2.75, and must attend all required events before the lists are due.

Amendment 7: Sisters are required to earn 8 philanthropy points per semester, and to log their philanthropic involvement with the Philanthropy Chair.