Beta Sigma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma

TAU BETA SIGMA

National Honorary Band Sorority

Beta Sigma Chapter - Purdue University

Chapter Bylaws

Ratified this 29^th day of April, 2006

Updated February 1, 2007

1. General

1.01 This document shall serve as the guidelines for the functions and operations of the Beta Sigma chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, according to article 6.104 of the National Constitution of Tau Beta Sigma.

1.02 These bylaws shall in no way conflict with or receive priority over the rules and regulations of Purdue University, and in no way conflict with or receive priority over the National Constitution of Tau Beta Sigma.

1.03 The name of the organization shall be Beta Sigma, which signifies Band Sweethearts.

1.04 The purposes of the Beta Sigma chapter are:

1.04.1 To provide service to the Purdue University Bands,

1.04.2 To foster musical achievement of members of the Purdue Bands,

1.04.3 To take cooperative part in Purdue Bands’ activities,

1.04.4 To recognize by invitation of membership outstanding members of the Purdue Bands,

1.04.5 To provide unity to the members of the Purdue Bands,

1.04.6 To promote traits of good citizenship, friendship, scholarship, musicianship and school spirit among members and within the entire Purdue University Band Department.

2. Membership

2.01 Membership Candidacy in the Sorority may be offered to students enrolled in and actively participating in Purdue Bands. They should possess unusually good character, and they should be outstanding persons of leadership on the campus.

2.02.1 Membership Candidacy will be considered for those students meeting the above requirements as well as the following:

2.02.2 A 2.5 graduate index on a 4.0 scale the semester before candidacy.

2.02.3 Grade requirements will have been met if the prospective candidate cannot meet the 2.5 graduate index but has a 2.0 graduate index and a 2.5 or higher semester index.

2.02.4 Any member of the Sorority shall be permitted to nominate a membership candidate at chapter meetings. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the membership shall be required to grant membership candidacy.

2.02.5 Membership and participation are free from discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

2.02.6 Before becoming eligible for active membership, a membership candidate must complete a Membership Education Program. If a membership candidate fails to meet the requirements of the chapter or Sorority, her/his candidacy may be terminated for that academic term by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership.

2.03 Membership of the Beta Sigma chapter shall consist of the following types: Active, Conditional, Inactive, Honorary, Alumni, and Life and shall not be recognized by the chapter until all initiation fees have been paid and the initiation, as prescribed by ritual, completed.

2.03.1 ACTIVE. All active members of the Sorority shall be Purdue University students who are enrolled in and actively participating in Purdue Bands and have paid their current membership dues for the year. In the event a member of the Sorority is unable to enroll in and actively participate in band, the person may continue as an active member for the academic term with approval of chapter and the sponsor. An exception must be approved by the National President. Active members are eligible to hold office, serve on committees and take part in all business and social affairs of the chapter. Active members are given voting privileges.

2.03.1.1 In addition to the above requirements an active member must maintain a 2.0 graduate index on a 4.0 scale.

2.03.2 CONDITIONAL. Conditional status in the Sorority may be maintained for up to one (1) academic year by a formerly active member in good standing. Conditional status may be requested in writing by an Active member from the chapter when conflicts arise because of work or class schedules and thus prevent the student fulfilling the requirements for active membership. The request must be approved by the Sponsor and Director of Bands. Conditional members may attend all meetings and functions; however, they are ineligible to hold office or vote. Members who meet these criteria shall be granted Conditional status contingent upon payment of the current year’s Member Dues. If after one (1) year the member has not reclaimed active status or become an Alumni or Life Member, the member will be classified as inactive with the chapter. However, if the member requests more than one (1) year of Conditional status, a letter of recommendation will be required from the Chapter Sponsor and the Director of Bands, and must be approved by the National Council. The definition and term for Conditional Status shall not be altered on the local chapter level, nor shall Conditional status be imposed upon Actives to meet obligations.

2.03.3 INACTIVE. Former active members who are enrolled in school but do not pay Member Dues will be classified as inactive members. Inactive status may be requested in writing, and approved by the Executive Committee and a majority of a quorum. Inactive members are not considered in good standing and therefore, have no active membership privileges.

2.03.4 HONORARY. In recognition of outstanding ability, accomplishment, or devotion to the best interest of the Sorority or Purdue Bands, a person can be given Honorary Membership by chapter. This shall be the highest honor which can be conferred by Beta Sigma. Undergraduates are ineligible for this recognition. Candidates may be nominated from the floor and must be elected by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of a quorum.

2.03.5 ALUMNI. Active, Associate, or Conditional members may become Alumni members of the sorority when they are seniors or complete their undergraduate education. Members who otherwise terminate their affiliation with the university will be addressed on an individual basis. A person may not hold active membership in a chapter and an alumni association simultaneously. If an alumni member wishes to reactivate, the alumnus must be a student, be enrolled in the university’s band, and meet the requirements as an active member of the local chapter. They must petition annually and be elected by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of a quorum. An alumni member cannot vote, but may serve on committees.

2.03.6 LIFE. Life membership may be granted to alumni or senior members upon payment of life membership dues. Life members are entitled to life membership privileges of the sorority as determined by the National Constitution.

3. Finances

3.01 All monies of the chapter shall be received and expended by the chapter Treasurer.

3.02 The fiscal year for the chapter shall be determined by the term of the Treasurer and filed in the National Headquarters.

3.03 The financial policies of the chapter shall be governed by a budget adopted at least once per term of the Treasurer.

3.04 Income of the chapter shall be derived from annual dues assessed each active member and fundraising projects conducted by the chapter. Dues shall be determined by the chapter but shall include all annual national membership fees as determined by the National Chapter and payable to Tau Beta Sigma on a date set by the Treasurer.

3.05 Active members who fail to pay the specified dues shall lose all office holding power and voting privileges until arrangements are made with the Treasurer to pay the amount owed.

4. Officers

The Executive Committee

4.01 The four major offices shall be President, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Membership and Treasurer.

4.02 The three minor offices shall be Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary and Historian.

4.03 The four major offices and the Corresponding Secretary shall choose the Executive Committee, whose duties are to assist the President and to act in an advisory capacity. Active members are eligible for the Executive Committee, and its membership shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of active chapter.

4.04 QUALIFICATIONS. The qualifications for officer status shall be:

4.04.1 Membership as a candidate or active member in the chapter for at least two semesters for the four major offices, and membership as an active or candidate for a total of at least one semester for the three minor offices,

4.04.2 A 2.5 graduate index on a 4.0 scale and a 2.0 semester index in the semester prior to taking office,

4.04.3 Knowledge of the activities and functions of Beta Sigma,

4.04.4 A stated intention to remain a member of the Purdue Bands and a member of Beta Sigma for the full term of the office.

4.05 The term of office shall be one (1) year for major officers, and one (1) semester for the minor offices. The term of office for the President, Vice President of Operations, and Vice President of Membership shall begin in the fall semester whereas the term of office for the Treasurer shall begin in the spring semester.

4.06 The duties of the President shall be as follows:

4.06.1 To preside at meetings of the chapter and conduct them according to Robert’s Rules of Order,

4.06.2 To be responsible for the submission of the required reports to the National Office,

4.06.3 To be the official representative of Beta Sigma at all events where it should be required.

4.07 The duties of the Vice President of Operations shall be as follows:

4.07.1 To preside at meetings when the President is absent,

4.07.2 To oversee the Activities, Fundraising and Service Committees,

4.07.3 To design, submit and enforce an attendance policy for the year of office,

4.07.4 To enforce and update the Beta Sigma Bylaws as prescribed by the needs of the current operation of chapter and the National Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.

4.08 The duties of the Vice President of Membership shall be as follows:

4.08.1 To oversee the Membership Committee,

4.08.2 To be responsible for the education, training and initiation of all members of the chapter.

4.09 The duties of the Treasurer shall be as follows:

4.09.1 To control the receipts and disbursements of all monies of Beta Sigma,

4.09.2 To report back to chapter recommendations concerning the financial status when it might be required,

4.09.3 To serve on the Fundraising Committee,

4.09.4 To keep accounts, deposit the organization's funds, and make expenditures in a manner approved by the Business Office for Student Organizations.

4.10 The duties of the Corresponding Secretary shall be as follows:

4.10.1 To inform the chapter of the events of the district and national chapters which would be of interest or importance to Beta Sigma,

4.10.2 To inform and coordinate with our brother chapter, Gamma Pi of Kappa Kappa Psi, of events of interest or importance to Beta Sigma,

4.10.3 To maintain correspondence with the above parties and to mediate communication between them and chapter.

4.11 The duties of the Recording Secretary shall be as follows:

4.11.1 To establish and maintain a roster of active, conditional, sponsor, advisor and candidate members on campus,

4.11.2 To take minutes at all chapter meetings,

4.12 The duties of the Historian shall be as follows:

4.12.1 To maintain correspondences between the chapter and the community outside of our brother chapter and the district and national chapters,

4.12.2 To organize senior retreats and the creation of senior boards as needed,

4.12.3 To maintain and add to the chapter scrapbooks.

4.13 The two non-Executive elected positions shall be Alumni Secretary and Kloset Head.

4.14 The duties of the Alumni Secretary shall be as follows:

4.14.1 To maintain correspondence between Beta Sigma and our local and national Alumni Associations.

4.15 The duties of the Kloset Head shall be as follows:

4.15.1 To perform all duties pertaining to the running of the Band Kloset.

4.16 The appointed position of Beta Sigma shall be Webmaster.

4.17 The duties of the Webmaster shall be as follows:

4.17.1 To maintain Beta Sigma’s website,

4.17.2 To maintain Beta Sigma’s listserve.

4.18 The sponsor shall be a member of the Purdue Bands Staff and shall serve with approval of the Director of Bands.

4.19 An advisor shall be a person interested in Beta Sigma and the Purdue Bands. An advisor may be nominated from the floor and must by approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of a quorum.

4.20 Upon written resignation by an officer, a general election shall be held as soon as possible to fill the vacant position. The President may appoint someone to carry out the duties until a new officer is elected. Upon the resignation of the President, the Vice President of Operations shall assume the duties of the President until a general election can be held.

4.21 If an officer, after a period of one month, does not meet the duties of the office, the officer should be relived of office. A general election shall be held to fill the position. A motion to relieve a person from office must be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the active chapter before it can be effective.

4.22 The President shall appoint other special officers as needed.

5. Elections

5.01 The active members of a chapter shall elect its officers at a regularly called meeting of the chapter.

5.02 The Nominations Committee shall consist of active seniors graduating in the semester of election, or members who are terminating their association with the university, retiring officers not seeking office for the semester of election, and one representative from each candidate class.

5.03 The committee shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

5.04 The Nominations Committee shall present a slate of officer candidates for the election, and additional nominations from the floor may be made.

5.05 Officers shall be elected by a majority of the total votes cast.

5.06 Each member shall have one vote and the President shall only vote when the vote is cast by secret ballot, or when his/her vote will affect the result. Votes shall be counted by the chapter sponsor, adviser or another non-voting member.

6. Committees

6.01 The four standing committees of Beta Sigma shall be Services, Activities, Fundraising and Membership.

6.02 The Committee Heads shall be appointed by the Executive Committee elect for the following semester and will serve a term of one semester.

6.03 QUALIFICATIONS. The qualifications for committee head status shall be:

6.03.1 To be a member of the chapter who has demonstrated commitment to the purposes of the committee and the chapter as a whole.

6.03.2 Have a 2.5 graduate index on a 4.0 scale and a 2.0 semester index in the semester prior to taking office.

6.04 The constituents of each committee will be decided by the Executive Committee, and members of committees shall serve until the end of the semester or when relieved of their appointment by the President.

6.05 The Services Committee shall:

6.05.1 Design and execute service projects pertaining to Purdue Bands and the community,

6.05.2 Coordinate ushering for departmental concerts and all receptions designated to the chapter,

6.05.3 Work with the Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi to improve the quality of the Purdue Bands program through joint service.

6.06 The Activities Committee shall:

6.06.1 Design and organize social activities and functions for the chapter as well as the members of Purdue Bands,

6.06.2 Work with the Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi to promote inter-chapter relations through social functions,

6.06.3 Coordinate one Lava Lamp meeting and one Sisterhood Retreat per semester as a required function to all members.

6.07 The Fundraising Committee shall:

6.07.1 Design and organize fundraising projects as deemed necessary for chapter operations.

6.08 The Membership Committee shall:

6.08.1 Design and organize recruitment functions,

6.08.2 Maintain the ritual equipment for the rituals prescribed by chapter,

6.08.3 Be responsible for the chapter activities pertaining to candidacy and initiation and education of members of the chapter.

6.09 The President shall appoint other special committees as deemed necessary.

7. Functions and Attendance

7.01 REQUIRED FUNCTIONS. The required functions for the chapter shall be all Informal Rush Callouts, Interviews, all Rituals, Election of Officers, Fundraising Projects, Designated Service Projects, Committee Meetings, and all regular Chapter Meetings

7.02 Attendance Policy. The attendance policy shall be voted on by the chapter at the beginning of each Fall.

8. Meetings

8.01 A regularly called meeting of the chapter shall be held at least once per month during the regular academic school year, and may be called more frequently as decided by the chapter.

8.02 A quorum shall consist of more than half of the actives of which two are major officers.

8.03 Changes in chapter meetings must be voted upon by a simple majority of the votes cast or by the Executive Committee.

8.04 Disciplinary action shall be carried out according to articles 6.617-6.620 of the National Constitution of Tau Beta Sigma.

9. Amendments

9.01 Amendments to the Beta Sigma Bylaws shall be made by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of a chapter quorum. All amendments are subject to the approval of the Sponsor and the Dean of Students.

9.02 An article of the constitution may be suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of a chapter quorum.

Attachment	Size
Beta Sigma Bylaws.doc	84.5 KB