Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Tau Chapter Constitution Revised April 2018

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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. 3. In order to expel a member a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the total eligible voting membership is required. 4. The vote on expulsion shall be by secret ballot and the member will be informed of the vote totals. After counting the votes, an affirmative vote for expulsions shall take effect immediately. 5. The member shall return to the Chapter all regalia and property of the Sorority in his or her possession. 6. The Chapter Sponsor or Director of Bands shall provide written documentation of the expulsion and reasoning to the National Headquarters and National Council, and the expulsion shall be noted on the Master Chapter Roster at National Headquarters.

Article 3 – Officers

3.01 The Officers of this Chapter shall be the President, Vice-President of Membership, Vice- President of Service, Treasurer, Secretary.

3.02 An Officer may not concurrently hold more than one Chapter office.

3.03 Each Chapter Officer shall serve a term beginning after Officer Installation and ending after the installation of the next year’s Officers. Offices may be elected to more than one term.

3.04 Officer Qualifications:

1. Must be an Active member of the Chapter in good standing for at least two (2) consecutive semesters, not including the semester of Initiation, preceding the election. 2. Must have the best interest of the Sorority in mind. 3. Must be willing to devote the necessary time to the execution of the office. 4. Must be capable of representing the Chapter under all conditions.

3.05 Officer Requirements:

1. Must be up-to-date with all District and National activities pertaining to their office. 2. Must submit yearly budget proposals to the Chapter Treasurer at the beginning of the fall

semester to be voted on, and approved, by the Chapter.

3. Must be in charge of any and all advertisement pertinent to their office. 4. Must submit a typed report to the Chapter President before every Chapter

meeting for agenda purposes.

4a. Reports will be due at a time decided on by the Chapter President.

5. In the absence of a particular office, the Executive Council will, as a whole, manage the position.

3.06 Removal from Office:

1. Inactive status, Conditional status, or Suspension will result in automatic removal. 2. Failure to fulfill office qualifications and requirements. 3. If the Officer chooses to step down, a written letter must be submitted to the Chapter giving a two (2) week notice. 4. Votes to remove an Officer from office require a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the total eligible voting membership in attendance at a meeting that meets quorum requirements.

3.07 If any office is vacated prior to the end of the term, a special election shall be held to fill that office. Proper election procedure shall be used. The new Officer shall be installed the same week as the special election.

3.08 Presidential Duties:

1. Preside at all meetings of the Chapter. 2. Be a member ex-officio of all Chapter committees. 3. Sign and approve all checks for monies dispensed and sign checks in the absence of the Chapter Treasurer. 4. Sign all contracts and other instruments of business incurred by the Chapter. 5. File a Fall Activity Report in the fall semester and a Chapter Summary Report in the spring semester with the National Office. 6. Submit all administrative forms and documents to the National Office before the deadlines. 7. Meet regularly with the Chapter Sponsor, the Director of Athletic Bands, and the Director of Bands. 8. Keep in regular contact with District and National Officers. 9. Keep in regular contact with the Presidents of the other music fraternities within the Moores School of Music. 10. Submit to the District and National Councils any awards the Chapter and Chapter members are eligible for. 11. Organize all room reservations for meetings.

3.09 Vice-President of Membership Duties:

1. Preside at meetings and fulfill the Presidential duties in the absence of the Chapter President. 2. Will hold a Vice-President of Membership Retreat each fall, prior to the semester starting, to review rushing procedures. 3. Create or update a Membership Education Plan (MEP) every year. 4. Oversee the continuing Membership Education of Active members. 5. Oversee the rush process and coordinate with other music fraternity counterparts on dates and events. 6. Oversee the design and ordering of rush shirts. 7. Conduct the Membership Candidate Education Process. 8. Report the Membership Candidate progress to the Chapter every meeting. 9. Serve as Chairperson of the Membership Committee. 10. Reserve all rooms for recruitment events and membership education events. 3.10 Vice-President of Service Duties:

1. Meet regularly with the Director of Bands, the Athletic Director of Bands, and the Chapter Sponsor to discuss service projects that are needed by the band department and the Moores School of Music. 2. Coordinate joint service projects with the Service Committee Chair of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. 3. Coordinate all community service projects of the Chapter. 4. Direct service related to the Spirit of Houston. 5. Organize a system of accountability for service related activities. 6. Serve as Chairperson of the Service Committee.

3.11 Treasurer Duties:

1. Control the receipts and disbursements of all monies of the Chapter. 2. Sign all checks for monies disbursed. 3. Be responsible for keeping a receipt book with a record of all transactions. 4. Be responsible for the cashbox containing the Square. 5. Provide the Chapter’s account balance at each meeting, including all debts owed and checks written since the last report. 6. Collect monies for all membership dues. 7. Present a typed Treasury report at the end of each semester in a professional format. 8. Shall investigate, plan, and keep a record of all fundraising projects. 9. Shall coordinate with all Officers and Chairs to determine their projected budget for each semester. 10. Consult with the Chapter President and Chapter Sponsor on all financial activities. 11. Serve as Chairperson of the Treasury Committee.

3.12 Secretary Duties:

1. Record, type, keep, and distribute minutes of the Chapter and Joint meetings. 2. Keep records of attendance at meetings and official Chapter events. 3. Distribute a Chapter Directory each semester, and update when membership changes occur. 4. Keep an organized filing system of all Chapter materials.

5. Collect a record of all Active members’ grade point averages (GPAs) and enrolled hours at the beginning of each semester. 6. Maintain the Chapter email account. 7. Be responsible for reading absence letters at Chapter meetings.

7a. Letters should be submitted for absences from official Chapter events.

7b. All letters should be submitted before the next regularly scheduled meeting following the absence.

7c. All letters should be submitted in a specific format, as deemed by the Chapter Secretary.

7d. All letters will require a majority (51%) affirmative vote of the total eligible voting membership in attendance at a meeting that meets quorum requirements to excuse the absence.

8. Serve as Chairperson of the Secretarial Committee.

Article 4 – Committees

4.01 Committees:

1. The Standing Committees of this Chapter shall be Spirit and Sisterhood, History, Public and Alumni Relations, Parliamentarian and Ritual and Regalia. 2. Other, non-standing, committees may be created or removed by the Chapter President for special circumstances, as needed. 3. All Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the Chapter President. 4. Each Active member shall serve on at least one (1) committee. 5. All Committees will consist of as many members as the Chapter President deems necessary. 6. All Committee Chairs and members shall serve until relieved of appointment by the Chapter President.

4.02 Committee Chair Qualifications:

1. Must have the best interest of the Sorority in mind. 2. Must be willing to devote the necessary time to the execution of the Chair.

3. Must be capable of representing the Chapter under all conditions. 4.03 Committee Chair Requirements:

1. Must be up-to-date with all District and National activities pertaining to their committee. 2. Must submit a budget proposal to the Chapter Treasurer every semester to be voted on, and approved, by the Chapter. 3. Must be in charge of any and all advertisement pertinent to their committee. 4. Must submit a typed report to the Chapter President before every Chapter meeting for agenda purposes.

4a. Reports will be due at a time decided on by the Chapter President.

4.04 Duties of the Spirit and Sisterhood Committee:

1. Hold jurisdiction over all social activities of the Chapter.

1a. Make sure the Rose is displayed at all events, as is prescribed in the Sorority’s Ritual Book.

1b. Plan and organize Tau Beta Sigma Week.

2. Share jurisdiction over social events with the music fraternity counterparts within the Moores School of Music, (Red and Blue Week). 3. Organize and oversee song rehearsals and recitals throughout the year.

3a. Teach and rehearse songs with Membership Candidates in preparation for their Candidate Recital.

4. Purchase and present roses for all Active and Conditional members at their senior recitals. 5. Purchase gifts for members being celebrated during the Fourth Degree Ceremony. 6. Purchase gifts for visiting chapters, District, and National Officers.

4.05 Duties of the History Committee:

1. Create and maintain a scrapbook of all Chapter activities each year. 2. A camera is required, to take photos, at all Chapter and Spirit of Houston functions. 3. Update and maintain the Chapter shadowbox on a regular basis. 4. Coordinate with the Public and Alumni Relations Chair to post photos on the Chapter’s social media accounts. 5. Coordinate with the Kappa Kappa Psi counterpart to create a display and scrapbook for the Southwest District Convention.

4.06 Duties of the Public and Alumni Relations Committee:

1. Supervise all matters of publicity and community relations.

1a. Communicate with District and National Officers.

1b. Send a minimum of one (1) letter to each Active chapter of the Southwest

District per semester.

1c. Update and maintain all Chapter social media accounts, (Facebook,

Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

2. Submit articles to both the New ALTO and The Podium for every publication. 3. Maintain the Tau Chapter website. 4. Publish an Alumni Newsletter for the end of each semester. 5. Share jurisdiction of joint Alumni functions with the Kappa Kappa Psi counterpart. 6. Maintain a record of the Chapter Alumni and Chapter Family Trees. 7. Invite Chapter Alumni members to all Chapter events. 8. Check the Chapter mailbox and read any incoming letters during Chapter meetings. 4.07 Parliamentarian Duties:

1. Shall advise the Chapter President and make certain that all meetings are conducted in an orderly and proper manner. 2. Shall use Robert’s Rules of Order as a reference unless otherwise specifically stated in this Constitution. 3. Shall be intensely familiar with the National, District, Joint, and Chapter Constitutions.

4. Is responsible for distributing copies of the National, District, Joint, and Chapter Constitutions to all Active members 5. Shall be seated closest to the door and will answer the door if the Chapter meeting is interrupted.

6. Distribute a Robert’s Rules cheat sheet to all Active members. 7. Serve as Chairperson of the Constitutional Committee. 8. Keep record of any and all changes needed to be made to the Tau Chapter Constitution throughout the year. 9. Shall participate as the Guard during all private Chapter functions.

4.08 Duties of the Ritual and Regalia Committee:

1. Order all regalia from the National Executive Director of the Sorority as needed, (Ritual materials and pins). 2. Coordinate all rituals, (Parts, music, location, etc.). 2a. Hold a minimum of one

rehearsal per ritual. 2b. Organize all room reservations for rituals.

3. Coordinate Joint Ritual with the Kappa Kappa Psi counterpart. 4. Organize and set up for all Formal Chapter Meetings.

All absences must be voted on and the person who was absent must leave the room while any discussion or voting is on the floor.

Article 5 – Meetings and Attendance

5.01 Official Chapter Events

1. Regularly scheduled Chapter meetings and Joint meetings. 2. All other Chapter and Joint functions that have been voted on by the Chapter, (Rushes, service events, Alumni dinners, sisterhood events, etc.). 3. Chapter and Joint Rituals. 4. Attendance will be taken at all Chapter events. 5. All official events must be entered into the “get involved” system for the Tau chapter to be registered as an official organization.

5.02 Meetings:

1. Chapter meetings shall be held once a week.

1a. The meeting date shall be set by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the total eligible voting membership.

1b. Canceling a scheduled meeting requires a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the total eligible voting membership.

2. Special Chapter meetings may be called upon a seventy-five percent (75%) favorable vote of the Active members of the Chapter or upon recommendation of the Chapter President approved by a fifty percent (50%) favorable vote of the Chapter Officers. 3. There must be at least one (1) Joint meeting per semester. 4. One meeting a semester shall be a formal meeting. The date to be decided by the chapter.

5.03 A quorum for all meetings shall consist of two-thirds (2/3) of all Active members.

5.04 Voting:

1. Each Active member shall have one (1) vote, except for the Chair presiding over meeting, who may only vote if the vote is by secret ballot. 2. If a member is absent from a meeting, the member must designate a proxy. 3. All secret votes of the Chapter shall be taken by a paper ballot to be counted by the Chapter President,or the Chair presiding over meeting, and the Chapter Parliamentarian, (Elections, bids, etc.).

4. A member may abstain from a vote only if the motion directly pertains to them.

5.05 Absences:

1. Any member absent for more than exactly half (50%) of a regularly called meeting or event shall be considered absent. 2. Any member not notified of a Special Meeting at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance will be automatically excused from said meeting.

3. Members are excused if they are enrolled in a University of Houston class or are performing in an ensemble event at the time of the scheduled meeting or

event.

5.06 Unexcused Absences:

1. If a member reaches three (3) unexcused absences during a semester, the Chapter shall vote to put the member on Probation. 2. If a member reaches five (5) unexcused absences during a semester, the member shall be asked to request Conditional status. Should the member refuse, the Chapter shall vote to put them on suspension.

3. If a member is voted on Probation or Suspension for unexcused absences, they may return to good standing at the beginning of the following semester.

5.07 Active members must maintain an acceptable record of band attendance.

5.08 A delegate from the Chapter will represent Tau at every East Texas Are Workshop, Southwest District Convention, National Convention, and the Chapter Leadership Conference. If possible, the Chapter President shall be the delegate.

5.09 All absences must be voted on and the person who was absent must leave the room while any discussion or voting is on the floor.

Article 6 – Membership Education Program 6.01 Qualifications to Become a Membership Candidate:

1. Must be a full-time student at the University of Houston Main Campus, with an established grade point average (GPA) and in good academic standing. 2. Must be enrolled and actively participating in a University of Houston Band ensemble or affiliated program, during the semester of candidacy unless there are extenuating circumstances discussed and approved by the Director of Bands and chapter sponsor.

3. Must exhibit qualities of leadership, genuine interest in service, and other

qualities consistent with the teachings of the Sorority.

6.02 Extending an Invitation into the Membership Education Program:

1. Any eligible member of the band program may interview for consideration. 2. All those who interviewed must be voted on. 3. Any member of Tau may propose individuals to be considered. 4. A two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of the total eligible voting membership shall be required to elect a person to Membership Candidacy. 5. Motions to propose candidates for Membership Education may not be formed in the negative, i.e. “I move to NOT give a bid to...” 6. The Chapter Sponsor will be notified after the Chapter has voted. 7. The Chapter Vice-President of Membership shall extend an invitation to Formal Rush to all Potential Membership Candidates.

6.03 Membership Education Program:

1. The Vice-President of Membership will create or update the terms of the program, in accordance with the guidelines given by the District Counselor.

2. A two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of the total eligible voting membership shall be required to approve the MEP.

3. The MEP must be submitted to be approved by the District Counselor by

September st 1 .​ ​ ​

Article 7 – Chapter Sponsor

7.01 The Sponsor of the Chapter shall be appointed by the Director of Bands.

7.02 The Sponsor of the Chapter shall be an ex-officio member of all Chapter committees.

Article 8 – Officer Election Procedure 8.01 Nominations:

1. The Chapter President will open the floor for nominations at a regularly scheduled Chapter meeting. 2. Any member of Tau may nominate a candidate for office. If a member nominates themselves, there must be a second. 3. The Chapter President will close the floor for nominations.

4. The nominees shall be posted until the meeting of elections. 5. Nominations may be declined by the candidates at any time by notifying the Chapter President.

6. The floor for nominations shall be briefly re-opened at the meeting of elections.

8.02 After the floor has been closed for nominations, each candidate shall be allowed to speak for a length of time determined by the Chapter Parliamentarian.

8.03 Any other candidates should leave the room during the contending candidate’s presentation.

8.04 The Chapter is permitted to ask the candidates questions pertaining to the office at the end of their presentation. The Chapter Parliamentarian will time the discussion.

8.05 Following the candidate speeches, all of the candidates will leave the room.

8.06 Once all of the candidates have left the room, the Chapter shall have a discussion of the candidates’ qualities and any constructive criticism the members might have. No slanderous comments are acceptable.

8.07 The Chapter shall vote by secret ballot. A majority (51%) of all votes cast shall be necessary for election. The Chapter Parliamentarian and Chapter President will count the votes.

8.08 The candidates will then be brought back into the room and the results announced. All members other than the Chapter Parliamentarian and Chapter President shall hear the results at the same time.

8.09 All Officers shall be installed by the second week in April to allow time for the officers of the following year to register the Tau chapter as an official organization.

Article 9 – Hazing and Discrimination 9.01 The Tau Beta Sigma Sorority does not approve of any kind of hazing or discrimination of any sort. This organization will not initiate, participate in, or be witness to any act that inflicts or intends to inflict physical or mental harm or discomfort or which may demean, disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participant(s). 9.02 The Tau Beta Sigma Sorority expressly prohibits discrimination by any component part of the Sorority on the basis of race, national origin, sex, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, or marital status. Rather it is the policy of this Sorority to foster a spirit of

mutual understanding and respect among all people, especially those involved with college and university bands, remembering that music is the universal language. 1. As a Registered Student Organization at the University of Houston we adhere to the University of Houston’s Non-Discrimination Policy. The University of Houston is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution. The university provides equal treatment and opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status except where such distinction is required by law. Additionally, the System prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Article 10 – Amendments 10.01 This Constitution is a revised form of the previous Tau Chapter Constitution. Any and all

previous Constitutions of this Chapter shall become void and suspended by this Constitution. After adoption, the new constitution becomes effective the last day of classes of the spring semester.

10.02 This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of the total eligible voting membership. All such amendments shall have been presented in writing to the Chapter Parliamentarian and read at the preceding regularly scheduled meeting.

10.03 This Constitution and all of its amendments shall be reviewed and voted on each year by

st the Chapter, no later than May 1 .​ Following each revision, a revised copy shall be ​ provided for every Active member. This Constitution shall in no way conflict with, or receive priority over, the Southwest District Constitution, the National Constitution of Tau Beta Sigma, or University of Houston Rules and Regulations.