Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Tau Chapter Constitution Revised April 2018
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Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Tau Chapter Constitution Revised April 2018 www.tbsigma.org www.taubetasigma-tau.weebly.com Preamble To the Tau Chapter Constitution of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Be it known that Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority for members of the college band, is an organization operating exclusively in the field of the college and university bands, for the following purposes: 1. To promote the existence and welfare of the collegiate bands and to create a respect and appreciation for band activities and achievements among the listening public everywhere. 2. To honor outstanding members of the band through privilege of membership, in the sisterhood, extended in recognition of musical achievement, demonstrated leadership, and an enthusiastic approach to band activities. 3. To develop leadership through Active participation with the band, and through it, to strengthen those traits of conduct, thought, and idealism which characterize the responsible membership of the band. 4. To encourage a close relationship between collegiate bands and promote a high average of attainment by the performance of good music and selection of worthwhile projects. 5. To provide a meaningful and worthwhile social experience for all engaged in collegiate band work, and to cooperate with other musical organizations and societies in every manner consistent with our mutual purposes and those of the institution at which chapters are location. Tau Beta Sigma Mission Statement Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority provides service to collegiate bands, encourages the advancement of women in the band profession, and promotes and enriches an appreciation of band music through recognition, leadership development, and education of its members. The Constitution of the Tau Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma Article 1 – General 1.01 The name of this organization shall be the Tau Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority for College and University Band Members. 1.02 The Tau Chapter was installed under the jurisdiction of the National Chapter on March 25th, 1950 as a service organization for the University of Houston Bands to fulfill those goals set forth in the Preamble to the National Constitution. 1.03 The current version of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless otherwise specifically stated in this Constitution, shall govern the deliberations of all component parts of the Sorority assembled in meeting. 1.04 In a specific instance, one-hundred percent (100%) affirmative vote of the total eligible voting membership in attendance at a meeting that meets quorum requirements shall temporarily override a particular article of this Constitution. Article 2 – Membership 2.01 Chapter membership shall consist of seven (7) types: Active, Conditional, Inactive, Associate, Honorary, Alumni, and Life. The Chapter shall not recognize these until all initiation fees have been paid and the initiation, as prescribed by the Ritual, is completed. 2.02 All Active and Conditional members must have completed the Chapter’s Membership Education Program from a chapter in good standing with the National Organization. 2.03 Qualifications for Active Membership: 1. Must be currently enrolled as a full time student at the University of Houston and in good academic standing, in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the University. 2. Must be enrolled and actively participating in a University of Houston Band ensemble or affiliated program during the fall and spring semesters, (Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Cougar Brass, Volleyball Band, Color guard, or Winter guard). 3. Exceptions for Active Membership: 3a. Members do not have to be in a band ensemble or affiliated program while they are student teaching. 3b. Members may request special permission from the Director of Bands to not enroll in a Band ensemble or affiliated program. This must be done on a case-by- case basis. 3c. Any other exception must be approved by the Chapter, the Chapter Sponsor, and the National President of Tau Beta Sigma. 2.04 Qualifications for Conditional Membership: 1. Conditional status may be requested, in writing, if conflicts arise that prevent the member from fulfilling the requirements of Active membership. All requests must be voted on, and approved, by both the Chapter and the Chapter Sponsor. 2. Must have been an Active member for at least one (1) full semester before requesting Conditional status, not including the semester of Initiation. 3. Must be currently enrolled at the University of Houston and in good academic standing. 2.05 Requirements for Active and Conditional Membership: 1. Members must submit their current grade point average (GPA) and credit hours each semester to the Chapter Secretary. A minimum of 2.0 is needed to remain in good standing. The Chapter Secretary shall determine the due date. 2. If an Active or Conditional member is not in good academic standing with the University of Houston, the member shall be voted on for Probation following the Chapter Secretary’s review of their GPA. If at the end of the semester, the member is still not in good academic standing, they shall be voted on for Suspension. If at the end of the next semester, the member is still not in good academic standing, they shall be voted on for Expulsion. 2.06 Dues for Active and Conditional Membership: 1. Every member is required to pay National and Chapter dues. 2. The due date shall be determined by the Chapter Treasurer each semester. 3. Failure to make a payment or arrangement by the due date shall be cause for the member to be voted on for Probation. If payment/arrangement is not made by the next meeting after Probation, the member may then be voted on for Suspension. If payment/arrangement is not made by the last meeting of the semester, the member may then be voted on for Expulsion. 2.07 Conditional members must submit a letter and be up-to-date with dues if they wish to request Active status. 2.08 Qualifications for Inactive Membership: 1. Formerly Active members who do not pay membership dues will be classified as Inactive members. Inactive members are not considered in good standing and therefore have no Active membership privileges. 2. Formerly Active members who leave the university while in bad standing with the Chapter shall be voted on for Inactive status. 3. Chapter votes require a two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of the total eligible voting membership in attendance at a meeting that meets quorum requirements to change a member’s status to Inactive. 4. Inactive members must submit a letter to the Chapter if they wish to request Active status. 4a. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 4b. All requests require a two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of the total eligible voting membership in attendance at a meeting that meets quorum requirements to change a member’s status to Active. 2.09 Qualifications for Alumni Membership: 1. To become an Alumnus/Alumna, a member in good standing must submit a letter to be voted on by the Chapter. 1a. All requests require a two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of the total eligible voting membership in attendance at a meeting that meets quorum requirements to change a member’s status to Alumni. 2.10 Probation 1. A member may be placed on Probation by a majority (51%) vote of the Chapter’s Executive Board. The Executive Board should consult the Chapter Sponsor before voting. 2. The Chapter Sponsor and the District Counselor must be notified within ten (10) days of disciplinary action. 3. Members on Probation may not vote during Chapter meetings. 4. Probationary members must attend all official Chapter events, meetings, and activities. 5. The terms and conditions for a member on Probation shall be prescribed on a case-by- case basis by the Chapter’s Executive Board. 6. Failure to meet the terms and conditions shall result in the member being placed on Suspension. 7. Violation of National, District, or Chapter policies shall result in the member being placed on Suspension. 8. Probationary status shall not be lifted until the terms and conditions have been met. 2.11 Suspension 1. Prior to a vote to suspend a member, the Chapter Sponsor, the District Counselor, and said member shall be informed, in writing, of the reasons for the disciplinary action. 2. A vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the Chapter’s total eligible voting membership shall be required to place a member on Suspension. 3. Members on Suspension shall have no Active membership privileges. 4. Obligations to be fulfilled and a specified time period to fulfill them shall be prescribed on a case-by-case basis by the Chapter’s Executive Board and the Chapter Sponsor. 5. The member shall be notified of the obligations in writing. 6. The District Counselor and National Headquarters must be notified within ten (10) days of disciplinary action. 7. A vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the Chapter’s total eligible voting membership shall be required to lift a member’s suspension. 8. The District Counselor and National Headquarters must be notified within ten (10) days of the lift. 9. A Suspended member who does not successfully meet the obligations, or any member who repeatedly violates the National, District, or Chapter policies or procedures may be Expelled. 2.12 Expulsion 1. Prior to a vote on Expulsion, the member has a right to a hearing before the Active Chapter membership and Chapter Sponsor or Director of Bands. 2. At least one (1) week prior to the expulsion hearing, the member, Chapter Sponsor, District Counselor, and National Headquarters shall be notified of the reason for the disciplinary action.