The Kappa Kappa Chapter of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Est. 1976
Constitution and By-laws Effective March 2019
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Kappa Kappa Chapter Est. 1976 CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE We, the members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., believing that men of similar ideas of fellowship should bind themselves together in order to form a more perfect union among college men, to promote the principles of MANHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, PERSEVERANCE, and UPLIFT. To further brotherly love and fraternal spirit within the organization. To enact and establish this Constitution and accompanying Bylaws for the governance of its members.
ARTICLE I Name of Organization
Section 1: The name of the organization will be The Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, hereafter referred to as Kappa Kappa or K^2.
ARTICLE II Purpose of Organization
Section 1: Kappa Kappa shall be bound by the constitution and directives of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and adhere to all national policies and by-laws handed down by the Supreme Council.
Section 2: Following the purpose and ideals of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity the purpose of Kappa Kappa is to bring about a union of college men with similar high ideals of scholarship and manhood in order to:
a. Stimulate the attainment of ideals and ambitions of its members; b. Disseminate and inculcate those ideals among those with whom its Members come in contact; c. Cooperate with the schools where its Chapters may be located in Fostering these ideals; d. Occupy a progressive, helpful and constructive place in civic and political Life, domestically and internationally; e. Prepare its members for greater usefulness in causes of humanity, Freedom and dignity of the individual; and f. Aid down-trodden humanity in its effort to achieve higher social, Economic and intellectual status.
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul Section 3: Kappa Kappa abides by and supports The University of West Georgia policies, State and Federal Laws and follows local ordinances and regulations. Kappa Kappa further agrees to annually complete President’s Training, Treasurer’s Training and Advisor Training.
ARTICLE III Qualifications for Membership
Section 1: The University of West Georgia and the Kappa Kappa Chapter do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or status as a U.S Veteran.
Section 2: Eligibility for membership in The Kappa Kappa Chapter shall be restricted to persons who meet the following criteria:
a. Completed 30 University of West Georgia college credits; b. A grade point average of not less than 1.5 on a 3.0 scale, 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.5 on 5.0 scale;
c. Certifiable status as a registered full-time/ part-time student working toward a Baccalaureate degree; and
d. Completed such other qualifications as may be imposed by The University of West Georgia at which Kappa Kappa is located.
e. Membership shall otherwise be open to ALL registered students in good standing at The University of West Georgia.
"The University of West Georgia forbids discrimination or harassment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, disability (including pregnancy), age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by Institutional policy, or state, local, or federal law." page 29 of the UWG Student Conduct Handbook
ARTICLE IV Officers
Section 1: The Basileus also known as the President shall be the Chief Executive of Kappa Kappa Chapter and shall preside at all meetings. It shall be the duty of the Basileus to:
a. Order disbursements of funds as the chapter may provide;
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul
b. Submit quarterly, through the Keeper of Records and Seal to the District Representative, a report of the Chapter which shall include;
c. A concise statement of the constructive work being done by the Chapter in the civic life of the community.
d. A program of future plans of the Chapter, if such is available.
e. A brief statement of the personal achievements of individual members of the Chapter.
f. Inform the members of the Chapter that neither corporal punishment nor any other form of hazing is to be inflicted on potential members at anytime.
Section 2: The Vice Basileus also known as Vice President shall be the assistant to the Basileus. He shall:
a. Preside over meetings of Kappa Kappa in absence of the Basileus;
b. Exercise coordinating supervision over the activities of all Standing committees; and
c. See that these committees are functioning.
Section 3: It shall be the duty of the Keeper of Records and Seal also known as Secretary to:
a. Keep a strict record of the official proceedings of Kappa Kappa and the Kappa Kappa Charter;
b. Carry on the correspondence of the Kappa Kappa Chapter;
c. Receive all funds of Kappa Kappa;
d. Keep a record of same and deliver said funds to the Keeper of Finance immediately on their collection;
e. Sign and record all written orders from the Basileus for disbursement of Kappa Kappa funds and to forward the same to the Keeper of Finance;
f. Use a standard form to collect the personal history of each member of Kappa Kappa and furnish the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul and the District Keeper of Records and Seal with a duplicate copy of such history, with additions and changes; when needed…
g. Furnish the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal and the District Keeper of Records and Seal such data concerning Kappa Kappa as the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal might consider necessary to keep the history of the Fraternity complete; when needed…
h. Upon the death of any member of the Fraternity, it shall be the duty of the Keeper of Records and Seal of Kappa Kappa to officially inform the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal and the District Keeper of Records and Seal of such death and to forward to him a biography of the deceased member;
i. Carry on such publicity as Kappa Kappa might direct, provided that Such publicity shall be local in its nature;
Section 4: It shall be the duty of the Keeper of Finance also known as Treasurer to:
a. Receive from the Keeper of Records and Seal and account for all Funds payable to Kappa Kappa;
b. Disburse funds of Kappa Kappa only upon written order of the Basileus, countersigned by the Keeper of Records and Seal; and
c. Keep a business-like record of all funds received and disbursed, And to submit such record together with all original orders for and Receipts for disbursements at such time as Kappa Kappa may direct.
Section 5: It shall be the duty of the Chaplain to be the spiritual advisor and to conduct the religious services of Mu Theta.
Section 6: It shall be the duty of the Keeper of Peace to:
a. Maintain order in all meetings of Kappa Kappa; b. Recommend risk management policies or procedures to Kappa Kappa; c. Submit documentation to The University of West Georgia Risk Management Office; and d. Ensure that risk management procedures are implemented at all Kappa Kappa Events.
Section 7: The duties of the Chapter Reporter shall be to:
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul a. Submit all articles from Kappa Kappa to the Editor of the Oracle and The District Director of Public Relations for publication;
b. Submit to editors of local newspapers all Kappa Kappa news for Publication; and
c. Carry on such publicity as Kappa Kappa might direct, provided that Such publicity shall be local in its nature.
Section 8: It shall be the duty of the Adviser to:
a. Maintain communication and meet with officer(s) regularly;
b. Be aware of and approve financial expenditures; and
c. Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by The University of West Georgia and The Center for Student Involvement and The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
d. To assume the role of Advisor, said person must be a full time faculty and/or staff member of The University of West Georgia, be nominated by a member of Kappa Kappa. Electing of said person shall follow the regular procedures for electing officers.
Section 9: Kappa Kappa may elect or appoint such other officers or personnel as are necessary for the management and conduct of their respective affairs.
Section 10: The positions described in Article IV shall make up the executive board.
Section 11: The Term of office for each position shall be from December 1st to December 1st , the following year.
Section 12: Elections shall be held during the fall semester at the last meeting in November, and Installation will take place at the last meeting in December.
Section 13: Officers will be elected by secret ballot majority. In the event of a tie, the current Basileus shall break the tie.
Section 14: Impeachment/Removal proceedings must be introduced as a motion and voted on by members of Kappa Kappa. A secret ballot is taken, and results are stated by the Basileus. The person(s) in question must be present during this process.
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul Section 15: When vacancy occurs in an officer position, a replacement is elected following the previously outlined election procedures in Section 13.
Section 16: All Kappa Kappa officers must meet the following requirements:
a. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as stated below and meet that minimum GPA in the semester immediately prior to the election/appointment, the semester of election/appointment and semesters during the term of office. For undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, the minimum GPA is 2.00. In order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (half time credits) must have been taken for the semester under consideration.
b. Be in good standing with the university and enrolled: at least half time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) during the term of office, and at least half time (four or more credits), if a graduate level student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement) during their term of office.
c. Be ineligible to hold an office should the student fail to maintain the requirements as prescribed in (A) and (B).
ARTICLE V Order of Succession
Section 1: The succession to the Basileus shall be: The Vice Basileus, Keeper of Records and Seal, Keeper of Finance. In the case of the disability of other officers properly to perform their respective duties, the Basileus with the consent of the Executive Committee, shall appoint a successor.
ARTICLE V Meetings
Section 1: Meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of Each Month School is active unless otherwise specified.
Section 2: Meeting day, time, and place will be determined within one weeks of the beginning of each semester.
Section 3: All Kappa Kappa meetings will operate under procedures according to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.
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Friendship Is Essential to the Soul
ARTICLE VI Voting Procedures
Section 1: All Members have one vote.
Section 2: Quorum is met when 50% of Kappa Kappa are present at a meeting.
Section 3: In the event of a tie, the Basileus will be given one extra ballot to break the tie.
Article VII Finances
Section 1: Each member of Kappa Kappa is to pay dues equal to $50.00 per academic year, and not to exceed $100.00 per academic year. Dues are to be paid by the 2nd meeting of the fall semester.
Section 2: All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a bank account established for this organization at the Campus Organizations Accounting Office and/or approved institution/office.
Section 3: All funds must be deposited within 48 hours or two business days after collection. The Basileus must approve and sign each expenditure before payment."
ARTICLE VIII Amendments
Section 1: All amendments must be approved by the Executive Board for approval before they may be submitted at a Mu Theta meeting for vote.
Section 2: Members will have an opportunity to discuss and vote on all amendments at the first meeting in which quorum is present following the approval of the amendment by the Executive Board.
Section 3: The constitution should be reviewed annual to determine if changes need to be made.
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul ARTICLE IX Effective Date
Section 1: This Constitution shall become effective upon being voted on by Kappa Kappa and approved by Majority Vote. Upon approval, all previous Constitutions of The Kappa Kappa Chapter shall be null and void.
Signatures of Officers (Current as of March 2019)
______Basileus Vice-Basileus
______Keeper of Records and Seals Keeper of Finance
______Faculty Advisor Immditate Past Basileus
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Kappa Kappa Chapter Est. 1976 BY-LAWS
Article I Revenue
Section 1: The Kappa Kappa Chapter shall operate on the Fraternity’s fiscal year November 1 thru October 31. All fees, assessments, and dues are due November 1.
Section 2: The Kappa Kappa Chapter shall transmit to the International and District offices all monies and funds as prescribed by the International and District Constitutions. The first monies collected from each member shall be used to pay International and District dues unless otherwise prescribed by the International Constitution.
Section 3: Any member remitting dues is responsible for late fees in addition to any costs associated when submitting those dues.
Section 4: The Kappa Kappa Chapter shall conduct its financial business and programs on a budgetary system. At the November meeting each year, the Chapter shall decide what the budget shall be for the fiscal year. Adoption shall require a majority vote of financial members present and the same shall be necessary to alter the budget.
Section 5: The Keeper of Finance shall prepare and submit a financial report at the Chapter meeting.
Article II Disbursements
Section 1: All funds paid out of the general treasury of the Chapter shall have been approved by the Chapter through approval of the annual budget. All Chapter expenses incurred will be paid promptly. In event of emergencies, the Basileus shall execute his authority to dispense funds.
Article III Financial Projects
Section 1: The Kappa Kappa Chapter may sponsor such financial projects, as it deems necessary, including those not approved as part of the annual budget.
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul Section 2: Any monies realized as profit from these fundraising projects shall be placed in the general treasury of the Chapter, unless otherwise designated by the Chapter. The Chapter must be in compliance with the International and District Constitutions and government statutes with raising, housing and disbursement of any funds.
Section 3: All public activities sponsored by the Chapter shall comply with the rules of the International office, which govern such activities.
Article IV Financial Members
Section 1: Financial Member: To be considered financial with Omicron Kappa Chapter a Brother must first be financial at the International, District and Chapter levels by December 31st of the fraternity’s current fiscal year.
Section 2: Any member who fails to pay his International, District, and Chapter dues, according to the approved payment schedules established by the International office, District and Chapter, as determined by the Keeper of Records and Seal, shall be considered unfinancial.
Section 3: Unfinancial members are prohibited from voting at Chapter meetings and participating in Chapter activities as prescribed by the International Constitution and dictated by the Kappa Kappa Chapter.
Article V Eligibility for Voting
Section 1: Each financial member shall be entitled to one (1) vote each at the Chapter meeting. No proxy or absentee voting allowed.
Article VI Faculty Advisor
Section 1: Selection shall be made each year by the membership. Section 2: The responsibilities of the faculty advisor shall be to: 1. Advise and stimulate interest in the organization 2. Provide guidance in the development and implementation of programs and activities 3. Serve as liaison between the University and the organization, interpreting, if necessary, university policies or philosophies 4. Attend meetings and activities regularly 5. Monitor all expenditures of the organization along with the Keeper of Finance
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul Article VII Chapter Meetings
Section 1: The Kappa Kappa Chapter shall hold its regular meetings the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Section 2: The members shall determine the place and time of meetings. Section 3: The Executive Committee shall authorize all call meetings. Section 4: All members will be notified of the meetings.
Article VIII Quorum
Section 1: One more than one-third (1/3) of the financial members of the chapter present at the meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Article IX Committees
Section 1: The Basileus and the Executive Committee shall appoint the Chapter committees and Chairmen with the approval and consent of the Chapter.
Article X Bonding of Offices
Section 1: The Chapter shall execute a fidelity bond in a sum to cover the Chapter’s funds. The Basileus, Keeper of Records and Seal, Keeper of Finance, and any other officer, who handles chapter funds, shall be bonded.
Article XI Amendments to the By-Laws
Section 1: These By-Laws may be amended by a majority vote of the financial members after notification to the entire financial membership of the proposed amendment. All proposed amendments shall be presented in writing at a regular meeting, seven (7) days prior to voting on the proposed amendments.
Signatures of Officers (Current as of March 2019)
______Basileus Keeper of Records and Seals
Friendship Is Essential to the Soul