Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated.

Established 1963 ,

Western Michigan University Chapter Constitution

ARTICLE I – IDENTIFICATION

Section (1) This organization shall be known as the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated at Western Michigan University.

Section (2) The official colors of this organization shall be Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

Section (1) The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among men.

ARTICLE III – OBJECTIVES

Section (1) That the activities of the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated be in entire accord with the aims and purposes of the national fraternity as well as the University of Western Michigan.

Section (2) That the primary loyalty and responsibility of a student in his relations with this institution are to the institution, and that the association of any group of students as a chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., involve the definite responsibility of the chapter for the conduct of the individual.

Section (3) To promote conduct consistent with good morals and good taste.

Section (4) To create an atmosphere which stimulates substantial intellectual progress and superior intellectual achievement.

Section (5) To maintain sanitary, safe and wholesome physical conditions in the chapter house.

Section (6) To inoculate principles of sound business practice both in chapter finances and in business relations of its members.

Section (7) To provide service to individuals in need of assistance, the campus, and the community at large.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Section (1) Membership

1.1 While Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was established as a social/service organization, and is geared toward providing a constructive social environment for college men, and is primarily open to men, this organization does not discriminate in regards to sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin having met the qualifications described herein.

1.2 Members are entitled to all the rights and privileges provided they adhere to all rules and regulations of the Fraternity and remain in good standings as defined in ARTICLE V.

Section (2) Definitions

2.1 A “Financial Member” of the fraternity is one who pays both local and national dues.

2 2.2 An “Undergraduate Member” of the Fraternity is one who is enrolled in an accredited four-year institution offering baccalaureate degrees.

2.3 A “Graduate Member” of the fraternity is one who has successfully obtained his baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution.

2.4 A “Life Member” of the fraternity is one who has paid a Life Membership Fee.

2.5 A “Member-at-Large” of the fraternity is one who chooses not to affiliate with a local chapter.

2.6 An “Honorary Member” of the fraternity is one who is initiated in recognition of his distinction in a particular occupation or professional field for which he has received national and/or international recognition.

2.7 Am “Intermediate Member” is a brother who became a member if an undergraduate chapter and has since left school or graduated from college and is under the age of 25.

Section (3) Structure

3.1 Membership into this chapter exists on an undergraduate level

Section (4) Primary Requirements for Membership

4.1 Initiation shall be available to individuals enrolled at The University of Texas Arlington.

4.2 They are good standing with Western Michigan University financially and academically. Candidates are considered in good academic standings with the fraternity if they have a 2.0 G.P.A. based on a 4.0 scale. In the event the academic requirements of Western Michigan University are higher than the fraternity’s, then Western Michigan University requirements shall supersede the fraternity’s.

4.3 Have completed one full semester and have successfully completed a minimum of twelve credit hours.

4.4 They have demonstrated they are of sound moral character. In order to demonstrate this candidates are required to submit at least 1 letter of recommendation.

ARTICLE V – FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Section (1) Intake Fees

1.1 Upon being accepted as a candidate for membership a one time intake fee of $750 shall be paid. The intake fee may be adjusted by the National/Regional Office.

1.2 Of the $750: $475 goes to nationals, $225 goes to the region, and $50 is reimbursed to the chapter upon completion of intake procedures; majority of money is to be used for gifts and/or chapter dues.

Section (2) Individual National Dues

2.1 Every year by December 31st. each individual brother is responsible for paying $135 to Nationals. If this is not paid that member is deemed a non-financial brother and inactive.

Section (3) Chapter National Dues

3 3.1 Every year by December 31st The University of Texas at Arlington Colony in totality is responsible for paying $325 in total to nationals. If this is not paid the chapter is deemed a non-financial chapter.

3.2 This is the sole responsibility of the Treasurer and Polaris as long as the funds are in the chapter account. Grounds for impeachment may be deemed acceptable by chapter vote or at the discretion of the Regional Council.

Section (4) Regional Chapter Dues

4.1 At the regional meetings, held once every semester; totaling two per year, the chapter in totality is responsible for paying $75.00 per meeting; totaling $150 per year.

4.2 This is the sole responsibility of the Treasurer and Polaris. Grounds for impeachment may be deemed acceptable by chapter vote or at the discretion of the Regional Council.

Section (5) Individual Dues to the Chapter

5.1 At the first of every month each individual brother is responsible for paying $15.

5.2 In the event that a brother does not pay he is deemed a non-financial member of the fraternity. A non-financial member is one who does not benefit from the fraternity in any way. A non-financial member is not allowed to partake in any intake procedures, not allowed to get into any parties for free or receive the fraternity discount, and voting privileges are taken away.

5.3 A non-financial member may become financial again once all dues and/or fines have been paid to the treasurer; only the Polaris can change a brothers status from non-financial to financial.

Section (6 )Finances

6.1 In order to meet the deadline dates for submission of chapter and individual fees, all dues and assessments are due to the National Office of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., no later than January 15 of each year.

6.2 The local dues will be part of the budget approved by the chapter at the first business meeting of the year. The total amount of per capita dues will include regional, national and local obligations.

6.3 Any member whose dues and fees are not fully paid at the local, regional, and or national levels cannot hold office or participate in chapter activities.

6.4 On-Campus Account- Delta Upsilon Chapter will follow and be subject to all University policies, procedures, and practices regarding student organization accounts and finances. (Note: If your organization disbands, by policy all SAF funds in your University account will revert to the University)

6.5 Off-Campus Account- Delta Upsilon banking with non-university funds will be done through Huntington Bank.

6.6. Disposition of Non-University Funds in Case of Inactivity- Delta Upsilon funds will be turned over to the Regional Office of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., which will decide how to proceed with the existing account and funds.

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ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS

Section (1) Executive Board – the executive board shall consist of the Polaris, the Vice Polaris, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and the Parliamentarian.

1.1 The Polaris shall: - Be the presiding officer of all chapter meetings. - Only vote in the case of a tie, excluding elections and judiciary court. - Be in accordance with the treasurer when it comes to the budget. - Co-sign checks with the treasurer. - Sign off on every official document that is needed from the chapter. - Force the constitution and other regulations of the organization through measureable means. - Delegate responsibilities to the executive board as well as the intermediate board. - Act as a liaison between the Director of Membership Intake and the regional/national office. - Create the vision and to make sure that the vision is executed. - Submit a monthly chapter report to the A.R.P., faculty advisor, and graduate advisor. - Submit national reports when requested. - File all paperwork with the University in the month of August to make sure the chapter is a Registered Student Organization. - Meet or speak with A.R.P., faculty advisor, and graduate advisor at least once a week. - Serve as the spokesperson. - Be present at every regional meeting. - Make sure what ever duties that can’t be fulfilled by other officers are executed by someone.

1.2 The Vice-Polaris shall - Fulfill the duties of the Polaris in his absence. - Be in accordance with the Programming Director to ensure all committees and activities are functioning properly.

1.3 The Treasurer shall - Manage all accounts of the chapter. - Submit a financial report at the end of each month to the chapter Polaris. - Make financial reports to the body at each chapter meeting. - Assess and collect dues. - Consistently remind brothers of when dues are due. - Pay any expenditures promptly. - Work closely with the Polaris concerning the chapter budget. - Receive and issue receipts for funds. - At the end of each semester he shall submit quarterly statements of revenue. - Work closely with Deans to collect intake fees from intake candidates. 1.4 The Recording Secretary shall - Record the minutes of all meetings of the general body and keep a permanent record of it. - Forward all minutes to the corresponding secretary. - Meet with Polaris to create an agenda for the General Assembly meetings. - Provide the Polaris with a paper agenda at each meeting. - Work closely with Deans to provide, keep, and send off all documents pertaining to intake candidates. - Inform all members of Emergency meetings.

1.5 The Parliamentarian shall - Periodically review all chapter files. - Prepare, distribute, collect, and count ballots at elections. - Take roll call at all meetings.

5 - Be responsible for reading the constitution at the inauguration meeting as well as the midway meeting. - Issue and collect fines. - Be the By-Laws interpreter and the constitution overseer.

Section (2) Intermediate Board - the intermediate board shall consist of the Corresponding Secretary, Historian, Chaplain, Business Manager, Programming Director, Director of Chapter Development, Community Service Director, I.Y.A. Director, Director of Publicity, Director of External Affairs, Chapter Liaisons, NPHC Representatives, and Webmaster.

2.1 The Corresponding Secretary shall - Handle all mailings in the chapter e-mail account. - Check chapter e-mail at least two times a week. - Receive minutes from Recording Secretary and disburse them via e-mail to all brothers of the chapter. - Proof read all documents before they are sent out or posted. - Assist Recording Secretary.

2.2 the Historian shall - Take pictures at all events. - Maintain fraternal materials. - Keep archive of past and current fraternal activities.

2.3 the Chaplain shall - Conduct the reciting of the fraternity hymn at all chapter meetings. - Conduct the prayer at the beginning and conclusion of each chapter meeting. - Provide the utmost fidelity in regards to individual brothers, and interacting situations dealing with the brothers, given the fact he is the counselor of the chapter.

2.4 the Business Manager shall - Work closely with the Treasurer. - Find the most economical means of materials, travel and board. - Serve as a spearhead in committee work.

2.5 the Programming Director shall - Work closely with the Polaris, and Vice-Polaris. - Be the main producer for programming ideas. - Serve as the chair of all committees dealing with programming and events. - Submit all APF forms to the student life office for programming. - At the beginning of each semester submit a calendar of events to the Polaris.

2.6 the Director of Chapter Development shall - Come up with activities for the chapter to do in order to make sure the chapter stays close. - Work closely with the Polaris, and be attentive to areas where the chapter may be lacking, and report those to the Polaris.

2.7 the Community Service Director shall - Find community service events for the chapter. - Document as well as submit a copy of all community service hours to Polaris, ARP, and Nationals on a month to month basis. - Oversee the IYA Director.

2.8 the Iota Youth Alliance (I.Y.A.) Director shall - Work closely with the director of Community Service. - Come up with events to keep the brothers connected with the area’s youth. - Keep in contact with all area schools so that the brothers may volunteer.

6 - To ensure and oversee the Escape To State program each year.

2.9 the Director of Publicity shall - Serve as chief of all marketing affairs for all programs, activities, and parties. - Set up teams for promotion. - Work closely with the Recording Secretary as well as the Corresponding Secretary.

2.10 the Director of External Affairs shall - Serve as chief of all liaison affairs. - Serve as an alternative NPHC representative. - Direct and communicate with all chapter liaisons. - Communicate with President of Sweethearts.

2.11 the Chapter Liaisons shall - Attend other fraternity/sorority programming, activities, and/or parties. - Attend other programs put on by different groups throughout campus. - Report back to the chapter of all matters pertaining to other organizations.

2.12 the NPHC Representative shall - Exist in the quantity of no more than two, but more brothers can attend meetings. - Only two allowed to vote in NPHC meetings with the exception of the alternative NPHC Rep. - Report back to the chapter of all matters dealing with the NPHC.

2.13 the Webmaster shall - Be responsible for the existence and the up keep of the chapter website. - Work closely with Corresponding Secretary as well as the Historian to make sure the website remains up to date.

Section (3) Seasonal Board – the seasonal board is the board whose operations exist over short time span. These positions include Dean of Pledges, Assistant Dean of Pledges and Step Master.

3.1 the Director of Intake shall - Be responsible for the distribution of all information to the candidates of membership. - Coordinate and oversee all activities that the candidates will participate in. - Work very closely with the Polaris. - Submit intake calendar to Polaris and ARP before process starts. - Speak with ARP on a weekly basis. - Work very closely with Assistant Director of Intake.

3.2 the Assistant Director of Intake shall - Work very closely with the Director of Intake. - Ensure all material is being learned. - Help administer all administrative paper work for the candidates of membership. - Fulfill the roles of the Director of Intake when not present.

3.3 the Step Master shall - Facilitate all step practices. - Generate and execute step show and or stroll competition ideas.

Section (4) Members at Large – members who do not carry a position on any of the acting boards.

4.1 Members at Large shall - Assist any officers when requested. - To comply with the Chapter Constitution and By-Laws as well as the National Constitution and By-Laws.

7 Section (5) Election and Appointment Procedures

5.1 All positions within the executive and intermediate boards are elected positions. If any of those positions are not filled they will be appointed by the Polaris. In the event there are not enough members to fill these positions they can and will be combined.

5.2 All seasonal positions are appointed by the Polaris. Brothers interested in a seasonal position must inform the Polaris of his interest and the Polaris then selects from those who are interested.

5.3 Elections shall be held in April of every year, or before the Chapter Ball, which ever comes first. New officers go into effect at the inauguration of the next school year. The Parliamentarian is the over seer of elections.

Section (6) Removal of Officers

6.1 Non payment of dues, three consecutive unexcused absences, or a vote of 66% of the general assembly for probable cause will result in an impeachment. Probable cause is interpreted by the Parliamentarian, but can be overruled by the regional counsel.

ARTICLE VII – BY-LAWS

Section (1) Attend and be punctual to all general assembly meetings.

1.1 In the event you go over the two excused absences there will be a $20 fine.

1.2 If up to five minutes tardy, the penalty is a $1 fine. If between five and ten minutes tardy the penalty is a $2 fine. If between ten and twenty minutes tardy the penalty is a $3 fine. If after 20 minutes one is not present he is considered absent for that meeting. Time is determined by the clock of the Parliamentarian.

1.3 Exceptional circumstances are approved at the discretion of the Parliamentarian, but must be made in advance.

Section (2) Polo shirts should be worn at all meetings, unless advised otherwise.

2.1 In the event one does not where his polo shirt to a meeting there is a $3 fine for the first time and a $5 fine for each time after that.

2.2 If a brother needs to purchase a polo he must contact the A.R.P., shirts must be ordered in quantities of five or more.

2.3 Every Thursday each brother is required to dress up to commemorate the day of the week our fraternity was founded on.

Section (3) Behavior during meetings.

3.1 Cursing is not allowed during meetings. There is a $5.00 fine each time one curses. If excessive cursing continues you will be asked to leave and that will count as an absence.

3.2 If you are caught sleeping during a meeting there will be a $2 fine the first time, anytime after that you will be asked to leave the meeting and that will count as an absence.

3.3 Excessive talking and talking out of turn will not be tolerated and will result in a $.50 fine. Talking will be determined excessive by the Parliamentarian.

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3.4 Cell phones must be turned off or put on vibrate during meetings. The use of cell phones for talking or texting will result in a $2 fine. Emergency calls only may be taken outside of the meeting.

Section (4) Chapter Dues

4.1 Chapter dues, as stated in Article V Section 5.1, shall be paid on time, and there will be a $5 fine on the Fifth of each month to those who have not paid there dues by then.

4.2 If dues are not paid one is considered “a non-financial member” until all debts are paid.

Section (5) Regional/Statewide/National Meetings

6.1 At least half of the chapter needs to be in attendance for all regional meetings, but all are strongly encouraged to attend. It is mandatory for the Polaris as well as any intakes to be present at regional meetings.

6.2 Everyone needs to be in attendance for statewide meetings called by the ARP.

6.3 At least two people need to be in attendance for each National Conference/Conclave. The Chapter will cover registration and hotel fees.

Section (6) Programs

8.1 All members are expected to be in attendance from programs and activities unless one has to work has class or family emergency.

Section (7) Behavior

9.1 Brothers will act in the upmost benefit of the chapter as well as the fraternity at large.

9.2 A Brother shall never put the chapter in jeopardy.

Section (8) Be in accordance

10.1 Always be on one accord during NPHC meetings

Section (9) If not financial

11.1 If not financial one cannot partake in any intake activities, and cannot participate in any benefits of the fraternity.

ARTICLE VIII – DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Section (1) Any member who violates either the constitution, By-Laws, or other regulations of this organization shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Section (2) A tribunal shall be established, of which the operation and maintenance will be determined by the By-Laws.

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ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS

Section (1) The membership, whenever 2/3 shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitution.

Section (2) All proposals for amendment must be made at a regular meeting of this organization, and submitted to the Board of Directors for concurrence prior to membership vote.

ARTICLE X – RATIFICATION

Section (1) This Constitution may be amended or ratified by 9/10ths vote of membership.

Section (2) In order to rid and create a new constitution it must be approved by 9/10ths vote of membership.

Section (3) The constitution committee shall review the constitution once a year to ensure it coincides with the National Constitution and By-Laws of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.*

* Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One

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