Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. National Constitution

ARTICLE I. NAME, OBJECTIVES, AND SYMBOLS ...... 3 Section 1: Name ...... 3 Section 2: Symbols ...... 3 Section 3: Motto and Mission Statement ...... 3 Section 4: Tenets...... 3 Section 5: Objectives...... 3 ARTICLE II. THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ...... 4 Section 1: The Parent Body ...... 4 Section 2: The National Convention as the Supreme Governing Body ...... 4 Section 3: Membership of the National Convention ...... 4 Section 4: Representation at the National Convention ...... 4 Section 5: Business Committees of the National Convention ...... 5 Section 6: Officials of the National Convention ...... 5 Section 7: The Convening of and Arrangements for the National Convention ...... 5 Section 8: The Powers of the National Convention ...... 5 Section 9: Quorum of the National Convention ...... 6 Section 10: Parliamentary Procedure...... 6 Section 11: Electronic Meeting Procedure (Mid-Year Legislation) ...... 6 ARTICLE III. NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 8 Section 1: National Board of Directors ...... 8 ARTICLE IV. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 10 Section 1: National Executive Board...... 10 Section 2: Terms of Office ...... 11 ARTICLE V. NATIONAL DIRECTORSHIPS...... 12 Section 1: National Directorships ...... 12 Section 2: Responsibilities of Directors ...... 12 Section 3: Terms of Office ...... 12 ARTICLE VI. NATIONAL COUNCIL ...... 13 Section 1: Membership ...... 13 Section 2: Participation ...... 13 Section 3: Election of Representation to the NMGC ...... 13 Section 4: Dissolution of NMGC Membership...... 13 ARTICLE VII. NATIONAL ELECTIONS ...... 14 Section 1: Requirements for Candidates ...... 14 Section 2: National Elections Committee ...... 14 Section 3: Voting Procedure ...... 14 Section 4: Announcement, Transition, and Installation of Officers ...... 14

1 ARTICLE VIII. REGIONAL STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS...... 15 Section 1: Regional Divisions ...... 15 Section 2: Regional By-Laws ...... 15 Section 3: Regional Leadership ...... 15 Section 4: Regional Elections ...... 17 Section 5: Regional Autonomy ...... 17 Section 6: Regional Funding ...... 17 Section 7: Regional Meetings ...... 18 ARTICLE IX. CHAPTER ORGANIZATION, STANDARDS, AND DISCIPLINE ...... 19 Section 1: Chapter Categories and Names ...... 19 Section 2: Chapter Constitution and By-Laws ...... 19 Section 3: Chapter Officers and Elections ...... 20 Section 4: Chapter Charters and Standards ...... 20 Section 5: Property of the National Organization...... 21 Section 6: Disclosure of Ritual ...... 22 ARTICLE X. EXPANSION, INTAKE AND MEMBERSHIP...... 23 Section 1: Expansion and Intake Duties ...... 23 Section 2: Undergraduate and GAP Chapters ...... 23 Section 3: Intake Standards and Membership ...... 23 Section 4: Eligibility for Undergraduate Chapter Membership ...... 23 Section 5: Eligibility for GAP Chapter Membership ...... 23 Section 6: Recognition of Membership by National Board of Directors ...... 24 ARTICLE XI. ASSETS, PROPERTY, AND DISSOLUTION ...... 25 Section 1: Assets and Property ...... 25 Section 2: Dissolution...... 25 ARTICLE XII. APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES...... 26 Section 1: How an Appeal is Made ...... 26 Section 2: Pending Appeal ...... 26 Section 3: Grievances ...... 26 ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS ...... 27 Section 1: How an Amendment is Proposed ...... 27 Section 2: Adoption of Amendments ...... 27 ARTICLE XIV. LIABILITY AND IDEMNIFICATION ...... 28 Section 1: Liability and Limitation ...... 28 Section 2: Indemnification ...... 28

2 ARTICLE I. NAME, OBJECTIVES, AND SYMBOLS

Section 1: Name 1.1 The official of this organization shall be Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated.

Section 2: Symbols 2.1 The official representation of the Sorority shall be the Greek letters: Theta Nu Xi (ΘΝΞ). 2.2 The official symbol of the Sorority shall be the butterfly. 2.2.1 The official butterfly of the Sorority shall be the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly. 2.3 The official colors of the Sorority shall be lavender, powder blue (“Carolina blue”), and black. 2.3.1 The official standard universal color for lavender shall be: PMS #2645 uncoated). 2.3.2 The official standard universal color for powder blue (“Carolina blue”) shall be: PMS #278 (uncoated). 2.3.3 The official universal color for black shall be Process Black (uncoated). 2.4 The official seal of the Sorority shall bear the words “Theta Nu Xi, April 11, 1997” on the center circle. It shall also contain the motto and five tenets. 2.5 The official flower of the Sorority shall be the sterling silver rose.

Section 3: Motto and Mission Statement 3.1 The official motto shall be “Sisters of Diversity Together as ONE”1 3.2 The Mission Statement shall be: “To promote leadership, multiculturalism, and self- improvement through academic excellence, involvement in and service to the campus and community, as well as being living examples of sisterhood across different races, cultures, religions, backgrounds, and lifestyles."

Section 4: Tenets 4.1 The five tenets of Theta Nu Xi shall be Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, Multiculturalism, and Leadership.

Section 5: Objectives 5.1 The objectives of the Sorority shall be: • to incorporate separate cultures into one life; • to build self-esteem through sisterhood; • to participate in service activities, especially those concerning diversity in the community; • to encourage academic excellence and overall self-improvement of its members; and • to promote unity among Greek organizations.

1 Theta Nu Xi shall hereafter be referred to as "the Sorority."

3 ARTICLE II. THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

Section 1: The Parent Body 1.1 The parent body of the Sorority shall be known as the National Organization. 1.2 The term National Organization shall refer to and include all members in good standing of Student and GAP chapters, the Executive Board, the National Board of Directors and all committees, commissions and foundations created by the National Convention.

Section 2: The National Convention as the Supreme Governing Body 2.1 The sole and supreme governing and legislative body shall be the National Convention. It shall have the power to enact legislation for the regulation of all matters pertaining to the National Organization, except those that are otherwise expressly provided for in this document.

Section 3: Membership of the National Convention 3.1 The voting membership of the National Convention shall be composed of the National Board of Directors and the delegates from chapters in good standing. Each person shall be entitled to one vote in the proceedings of the National Convention. 3.2 Each delegate must be an active member in good standing with the chapter in which she is representing. 3.3 The Founding Monarchs each maintain their own individual votes, so long as they are active, in good standing, and not a member of the National Board of Directors, to be exercised at their discretion regarding legislation and the National Convention. 3.4 All past National Presidents shall be ex officio members of the National Convention. They shall be entitled to speak but not vote at the National Convention. 3.5 All other members of the National Organization may attend the annual meeting of the National Convention and observe the proceedings. Delegates may choose to yield their time to any non- voting member of the National Organization who wishes to speak at the National Convention.

Section 4: Representation at the National Convention 4.1 The National Convention shall have equal representation among the chapters. Each chapter is allocated one (1) delegates to the National Convention; each having one vote, provided the chapter charter is in good standing. The National Executive Board shall institute a penalty and/or fine to chapters who do not physically send delegates to the National Convention pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. 4.2 Each chapter shall elect its apportioned number of delegates and one alternate delegate to the National Convention at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting of the Convention. In the case of a delegate’s inability to attend or continue to serve, a substitute delegate should be elected or, if necessary, appointed by the chapter president. The delegates will serve for the period of one year or until the National Parliamentarian has been notified of their replacement, whichever comes first. 4.3 Each chapter shall notify the National Parliamentarian of the names and contact information of its delegates immediately upon selection.

4 Section 5: Business Committees of the National Convention 5.1 Convention Business Committees and such other special committees as may become necessary shall be appointed by the National President from among the members registered at the National Convention.

Section 6: Officials of the National Convention 6.1 The National President shall appoint the Parliamentarian and any other officials the National Convention deems necessary. Their terms shall be for the duration of the National Convention meeting.

Section 7: The Convening of and Arrangements for the National Convention 7.1 The National Convention shall meet in person once each year at such time and place as the National Executive Board shall determine pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. In addition, the National Convention may conduct business electronically as outlined in Section 11. 7.2 Members of the National Organization must be notified at least ninety (90) days prior to the annual Convention. Members must be notified at least fifteen (15) days prior to any other meetings or votes. 7.3 Legislation to be presented during the annual meeting of the National Convention should be submitted to the National Parliamentarian at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting. Legislation to be presented during an Electronic Meeting period of the National Convention should be submitted to the National Parliamentarian as outlined in Section 11. 7.4 In order to prevent unnecessary duplication and discussion, a duplicate or extremely similar piece of legislation may not be submitted to the National Convention more than once in a 1 year time period (to include annual and Electronic meetings). The decision of whether the piece is “duplicate” or “extremely similar” is made at the discretion of the National Executive Board pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. Under extenuating circumstances, the National Executive Board may approve the submission of such a piece of legislation. 7.5 The annual meeting of the National Convention shall be planned and arranged by the National Convention Committee (which consists of members elected by the National Executive Board pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution) in conjunction with the National Board of Directors pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution.

Section 8: The Powers of the National Convention 8.1 The Convention shall have the power to: 8.1.1 Pass any and all laws, rules, and regulations, and to adopt all emblems, regalia, and the like except where such power is limited by the Constitution. 8.1.2 Adopt a Ritual. 8.1.3 Elect members of the Executive Board and the National Board of Directors. 8.1.4 Supervise and direct all of the officers in the performance of their duties. 8.1.5 Oversee expansion and chapter intake. 8.1.6 Charter an undergraduate chapter or GAP chapter.

5 8.1.7 Maintain standards of excellence by monitoring each chapter according to the powers enumerated in Article VIII, Chapter Organization, Standards, and Discipline. 8.1.8 Take disciplinary action against chapters, officers or members, including probation, suspension, or nullification of chapter charter, censure or removal of an officer, and expulsion of a member.2 8.1.9 Decide all questions and matters brought before it on appeal 8.1.10 Pursue properly the objects and purposes set forth, to have full power and authority to purchase, lease and otherwise acquire, hold, mortgage, convey and dispose of all kinds of property, both real and personal, both within and without this state; to purchase the business goodwill and all other property of any individual, firm or corporation as a going business and to assume all its debt, contracts and obligations provided said business is authorized by the powers contained herein; to construct, equip and maintain buildings and works; to install, maintain and operate any and all kinds of machinery, appliances and equipment; and generally to perform all acts which may be deemed necessary or expedient for the proper and successful prosecution of the objects and purposes for which the corporation is created and which are allowed under the General Statutes of North Carolina and which are not contrary to state or federal laws for organizations which are exempt from federal income tax under 501 (c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Service Code; provided, however, that no part of the net earnings or the corporation shall inure to the benefit of any private member or individual, and provided further that no substantial part of its activities shall involve the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political candidate for office.

Section 9: Quorum of the National Convention 9.1 A majority (more than one half) of delegates registered at the National Convention shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 10: Parliamentary Procedure 10.1 All proceedings at the National Convention shall be conducted in accordance with the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order. For the avoidance of doubt, voters who are abstaining will count towards a quorum but will not be factored into the determination of a majority. The Parliamentarian shall make final rulings on additional procedures.

Section 11: Electronic Meeting Procedure (Mid-Year Legislation) 11.1 The National Convention will conduct business electronically in February of each calendar year. 11.2 Any legislation for the meeting of the National Convention must be sent electronically to the National Parliamentarian no later than the tenth day of the month preceding the meeting months. 11.3 The presentation, discussion and voting on the legislation will be administered by the

2 The power of expulsion of a member is reserved solely for the National Convention.

6 National Parliamentarian. 11.4 A quorum of all possible votes must be cast for a vote to be effective. 11.5 Any legislation considered at the meeting must be passed by a two-thirds majority vote. Any legislation or request not passing at a quarterly meeting may be resubmitted for the annual meeting when greater discussion is possible. 11.6 In case of an urgent matter, the National Executive Board can call an emergency session within a month as deemed necessary pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. 11.7 Any election for an open National Board of Directors position or committee required to be elected by the National Committee can also be held at during Mid-Year Legislation. The elections process will be administered by the Elections Committee for a National Board of Directors position or by the National Parliamentarian for a National Committee. In each case all materials must be sent to the National Parliamentarian by no later than the tenth day of the month preceding the meeting months.

7 ARTICLE III. NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1: National Board of Directors 1.1 The National Board of Directors will consist of the National Executive Board and the National Directors. 1.2 The National Board of Directors shall operate as a committee chaired by the National President. Each member shall have one vote. 1.3 Operational concerns of the National Board of Directors, including but not limited to, determining the date, time and location of quarterly meetings shall be decided by majority vote. 1.4 Non-operational concerns of the National Board of Directors must be brought to the attention of all national officers. Actions including but not limited to appeals, expansion approvals and committee appointments shall be decided as follows: 1.4.1 Requests for a National Executive Board decision must be sent to the National Parliamentarian who will present the issue to the National Board of Directors for review and comment within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt. All National Executives and Directors have the ability to vote by the set deadline. All National Executives and Directors are expected to cast a vote. Electronic votes of the Board of Directors will automatically achieve quorum provided the stated procedures are followed. Failure to cast a vote will result an assumption of abstention and capitulation with the prevailing side. 1.4.2 Requests must include a summary of the circumstances requiring decision. Supporting documentation may also be submitted. The full submission may not exceed five (5) pages. 1.4.3 The National Board of Directors will conclude the review period seventy-two (72) hours from the date upon which the issue was initially presented. 1.4.4 On the date when the review has concluded, the National Parliamentarian will facilitate a vote of the National Executive Board by an electronic ballot. 1.4.5 Each member of the National Board of Directors will have seventy-two (72) hours from the date the ballot is posted to review general comments by the National Board of Directors and cast her vote. 1.4.6 Decisions are determined by simple majority. 1.5 The National Board of Directors shall develop policies and programs that are within the limits of constitutional provisions and shall, from time to time, recommend to the National Convention such legislative changes as may be necessary to give effect to, or ensure the implementation of recommended policies and programs. 1.5.1 In case of emergency the National Board of Directors shall be allowed to temporarily change a current policy or procedure until the next legislative session. The National Board of Directors shall not be allowed to make permanent changes to policy or procedure without proper legislative process and vote by the membership. 1.6 The National Board of Directors shall examine budgetary proposals submitted by the Treasurer, make recommendations and approve the final budget to be submitted by the Treasurer to the National Convention for approval.

8 1.7 The National Board of Directors shall have the power to manage the sorority during the recesses of the National Convention and to make such rules and regulations as it deems necessary, which are consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Sorority. 1.8 The National Board of Directors shall make a general report of its activities during the first session of the National Convention. 1.9 The National Board of Directors shall meet at the discretion of the National President, but meetings shall occur at least once a quarter. The minutes of all National Board of Directors’ meetings, the National Administrator shall distribute including actions taken, to all chapters within thirty (30) days.

9 ARTICLE IV. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1: National Executive Board 1.1 The National Executive Board shall include the National President; the National Vice President for Undergraduate Affairs; the National Vice President for Graduate, Alumnae and Professional (GAP) Affairs; the National Vice President for Intake and Expansion; the National Vice President for Membership Affairs; the National Parliamentarian, the National Treasurer; and the Undergraduate Student Advocate. 1.1.1 Responsibilities of executive officers shall be administered as codified in the National and Regional Offices Policy. 1.2 The National Executive Board shall operate as a committee chaired by the National President. Each member shall have one vote. 1.3 Operational concerns of the National Executive Board, including but not limited to, determining the date, time and location of quarterly meetings shall be decided by majority vote. 1.4 The National Executive Board will oversee the activities of the Sorority and the National Board of Directors to ensure that they are operating in accordance with the documents and policies of the Sorority. 1.5 The National Executive Board shall have the power to: 1.5.1 Charter new chapters of the Sorority in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws of the sorority. 1.5.2 Suspend or place chapters on probation until the next meeting of the National Convention. 1.5.3 Decide all questions and matters brought before it on appeal. 1.5.4 Remove any officer, committee, or committee member of any chapter. Any person or persons so removed shall have the right to seek reinstatement to office by appeal to the next National Convention. 1.5.5 Uphold and enforce the Constitution and By-Laws of the Sorority. 1.5.6 Name all committees of the National Organization and committees of the National Convention. 1.5.7 Collect all fees and dues as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws of the Sorority, and any fees assessed by the National Convention. 1.5.8 Manage and direct the operations and actions of the National Board of Directors 1.6 The National Executive Board may cause the financial records of the Sorority to be audited by a Certified Public Accountant whenever it deems necessary or upon change of the offices of Treasurer. Upon the receipt of an audit report, the National Executive Board shall submit the report with recommendations to the National Convention. 1.7 The National Executive Board shall make a general report of its activities during the first session of the annual meeting of the National Convention. The National President shall deliver this report.

1.8 The National Executive Board shall meet at the discretion of the National President, but meetings shall occur at least once a quarter. The National Parliamentarian shall distribute

10 to all chapters, within thirty (30) days, the minutes of all National Executive Board meetings, including actions taken.

Section 2: Terms of Office 2.1 The members of the National Executive Board shall serve a term of two (2) years, except for the Undergraduate Student Advocate, which shall be elected for a term of one (1) year. All members of the National Board will have maximum of three consecutive terms in the same office. The Newly elected officers shall take office at the next quarterly National Board of Directors meeting following their election. 2.2 The National Executive Board will be elected in staggered terms as follows: 2.2.1 Odd Years • National President • National Parliamentarian • National Vice President for Undergraduate Affairs • Undergraduate Student Advocate 2.2.2 Even Years • National Vice President for Intake and Expansion • National Vice President for GAP Affairs • National Vice President for Membership Affairs • National Treasurer • Undergraduate Student Advocate 2.3 In the event of a vacancy, the National Elections Committee will administer an election by written or electronic ballots.

11 ARTICLE V. NATIONAL DIRECTORSHIPS Section 1: National Directorships 1.1 All National Directors are members of the National Board of Directors.

Section 2: Responsibilities of Directors 2.1 Responsibilities of directors shall be administered as codified in the National and Regional Officers Policy.

Section 3: Terms of Office 3.1 The members of the Board of Directors shall serve a term of two (2) years, except for the Undergraduate Student Advocate, which shall be elected for a term of one (1) year. All members of the National Board will have with a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same office. The Newly elected officers shall take office at the next quarterly National Board of Directors meeting following their election. 3.2 The National Directors will be elected in staggered terms as follows: 3.2.1 Odd Years • Regional Director, Central • Regional Director, West • Director of Communications 3.2.2 Even Years • Regional Director, Mid-Atlantic • Regional Director, Northeast • Regional Director, Southeast • Director of Philanthropy and Fundraising 3.3 In the event of a vacancy, the Elections Committee will administer an election by written or electronic ballots.

12 ARTICLE VI. NATIONAL COUNCIL

Section 1: Membership 1.1 Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. is a member organization of the National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC).

Section 2: Participation 2.1 The Sorority will participate in all required NMGC activities including the payment of dues.

Section 3: Election of Representation to the NMGC 3.1 One member of the National Board will serve as a representative to the NMGC. Election of the representative will be decided by majority vote of the full National Board of Directors at the first board meeting following each annual convention. The representative will be installed in March of each year and will serve a term of one year.

3.2 The second representative to the NMGC will be elected from amongst the membership. Election of the representative will occur at each annual convention and will be governed by national election policies. The representative will be installed in March of each year and will serve a term of one year.

Section 4: Dissolution of NMGC Membership 4.1 Upon a two-thirds vote of the national delegates, Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc, will dissolve its membership in the NMGC.

13 ARTICLE VII. NATIONAL ELECTIONS

Section 1: Requirements for Candidates 1.1 Candidates must be active member who has maintained good standing for a minimum of 2 years.

Section 2: National Elections Committee 2.1 The National Elections Committee, elected at the beginning of the calendar year by the National Executive Board pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution for a term of one year, shall administer elections. 2.2 The National Elections Committee shall be composed of at least four people, none of who may be a member of the same chapter. 2.2.1 Members of the National Elections committee shall be composed of active members in good standing.

Section 3: Voting Procedure 3.1 Election to the National Board of Directors shall be by ballots distributed to all delegates at the National Convention in the year of election or by an electronic ballot poll via the delegates’ listserv for interim and run-off elections. 3.2 In the case where there are more than two candidates for one office the National Elections Committee shall hold a preliminary election prior to the National Convention to determine the top two candidates. The National Elections Committee shall then hold a run-off election between the two candidates. 3.3 A candidate must secure a majority of votes in order to be duly elected to a National Board of Directors position. 3.4 If no one candidate receives a majority of votes in a final election (two or fewer candidates), then the National Elections Committee shall re-open nominations following Convention or as needed.

Section 4: Announcement, Transition, and Installation of Officers 4.1 The newly elected officers shall be announced and installed by the end of Convention or announced via the National Listserv. They shall typically adopt the full responsibilities of their positions at the next quarterly National Board of Directors’ meeting, with the interim period being used for transition.

14 ARTICLE VIII. REGIONAL STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS

Section 1: Regional Divisions 1.1 The national organization shall be divided into the following regional areas: 1.1.1 The Mid-Atlantic region shall contain North Carolina, District of Columbia, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. 1.1.2 Northeast region shall contain Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 1.1.3 Southeast region shall contain Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the GAP Anchor Chapter. 1.1.4 Central region shall contain Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. 1.1.5 West region shall contain Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. 1.2 The National Board of Directors shall periodically review the regions and propose any changes to the National Convention for approval. 1.3 The National Convention may order the subdivision or expansion of any region. 1.4 Regional assignments shall be determined by a colony or chapter’s campus or anchor city. 1.5 A list of currently active regions and contact information for each Regional Director shall be prominently posted for public inspection.

Section 2: Regional By-Laws 2.1 Each region shall adopt By-Laws which shall not conflict in any of its provisions with the Constitution, By-Laws, or policies of the National Organization. The By-Laws shall be the Standard Regional By-Laws, with any changes approved by the National Executive Board pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this Constitution. 2.1.1 Each region shall electronically submit amendments to its By-Laws to the National Parliamentarian for approval. The amendments should reflect the original text as well as the changes the region would like to make (highlighted in some manner). 2.1.2 The amendments shall not be effective until approved by the National Executive Board. In order for an amendment to pass, the National Executive Board will need to approve it by a 2/3 vote. 2.1.3 The National Parliamentarian will notify the Regional Director of the National Executive Board’s final decision about each amendment within approximately two weeks of the date the changes are received. 2.1.4 The amendments shall be effective upon receipt of the National Executive Board’s decisions and disclosure of their decisions to the regional membership.

Section 3: Regional Leadership 3.1 Each region shall be governed by one Regional Director who shall be elected at the national convention.

15 3.1.1 Candidates for regional directorships must be an initiated member who has maintained good standing since initiation or for a minimum of 2 years and reside within the region or within fifty (50) miles of the regional border at the time of election. 3.1.2 Should any region fail to secure a candidate, the National Executive Board shall have the authority, pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution, to expand the radius requirement in order to ensure there are qualified candidates. 3.2 Each Regional Director shall be overseen by the National President. 3.2.1 Oversight shall entail individual mentoring and collective Regional Director meetings. 3.3 Each Regional Director shall be assisted by Regional Officers, who shall be elected on a regional level, and shall not be members of the National Board of Directors. 3.3.1 Candidates for regional offices must be an active member who has maintained good standing for a minimum of 2 years and reside within the region or within fifty (50) miles of the regional border at the time of election. 3.3.2 Should any region fail to secure a candidate, the National Executive Board shall have the authority, pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution, to upwardly adjust the regional proximity requirement in order to secure qualified candidates. 3.3.3 Regional Officers shall be elected in regional elections within three (3) months following the election of the respective Regional Director and shall serve terms of one (1) year as part of the regional administration. 3.3.4 In the case of a Regional Officer vacancy, the Regional Director shall appoint an acting Regional Officer until the Regional Delegates elect a replacement. 3.4 Each region shall be permitted to elect one Regional Officer for each of the following areas: Undergraduate Programming; GAP Programming; Undergraduate Intake and Expansion; and GAP Intake and Expansion. The duties of all of these officers must be carried out in the Region, but a Region may have one person filling more than one officer position as long as a person(s) in the position of Regional Officer carries out the duties of Undergraduate Intake and Expansion and GAP Intake and Expansion. 3.4.1 Regional Officers are not permitted to serve as Chapter Advisors or to participate in any intake process. 3.4.2 The Regional Director shall serve as the area contact for the college or university administration and the National Vice President for Intake and Expansion shall coordinate national approval for any local expansion project. 3.4.3 Regional Officers shall report to their respective Regional Director but shall also maintain a working relationship with the National Vice President appropriate to their individual duties. 3.4.4 Regional Officers are required to hold a collective meeting no less than once per month, in person or otherwise, with their respective counterparts in all other regions. 3.4.5 Regional Delegates shall be permitted to create additional regional offices, as needed and approved by the National Executive Board, to be filled through regional elections. These offices must be added to the respective Regional Constitution.

16 Section 4: Regional Elections 4.1 The voting membership of each region shall be composed of the Regional Director and the delegates from chapters in good standing. Each person shall be entitled to one vote in the proceedings of regional business. National delegates will also serve as Regional Delegates and will be subject to the guidelines in Article II of this constitution. 4.2 Regional Officers shall be elected by regional elections within three (3) months following the national convention in which the respective Regional Director has been elected. 4.2.1 Sitting Regional Officers shall remain in their positions until such a time as new Regional Officers are elected. 4.3 Following regional elections, the National President will approve the new officers within seventy- two (72) hours of receipt of the names following a review of eligibility (active and dues-paid with no sanctions) 4.4 Candidates in regional elections must live within the region or within 50 miles of the regional border at the time of election.

Section 5: Regional Autonomy 5.1 Regions shall maintain limited autonomy from the national organization for the express purpose of fulfilling the mission of the Sorority at the regional level. 5.2 Regions shall be generally operated under the jurisdiction of the Regional Director who will determine the specific needs of the region and address them through activities including, but not limited to, regional meetings and conferences. The scope of the power of each Regional Director is limited to interpreting and carrying out national and regional policies. Authority to alter regional documents and powers is restricted to the Regional Delegates. 5.3 Regions shall not enact policies or procedures, which conflict with national regulations. 5.4 Regional Directors shall abide by all national policies and procedures, and defer to the National Executive Board in cases of conflict. 5.5 Regional Directors shall have authority only in their own regions.

Section 6: Regional Funding 6.1 Each region shall be provided with funding on the basis of its eligible undergraduate and GAP members as determined annually by the National Convention and allocated in the national budget. The National Treasurer shall propose, as part of the national budget, a set dollar amount per member to be allocated to the regions. 6.2 Each Regional Director is required to submit to the National Treasurer a proposed regional budget no less than 90 days before each National Convention, which will be used to determine appropriate funding levels for all regions. 6.3 Within 30 days following each National Convention, Regional Directors must prepare and electronically submit a revised budget to the Regional Delegates for approval. 6.4 Funds supplied by the national organization may be used only to provide for the needs of the region. 6.5 Funds supplied by the national organization to each region may not be used for national expenses including, but not limited to, costs associated with National Conventions. 6.6 Regions are permitted to impose regional dues to enhance services and programming provided within the region. The implementation of regional dues and the budgeted use of all regional monies must be approved by the Regional Delegates.

17 6.7 Regional expenses may include, but are not limited to, mailings, mileage for chapter visits, and other administrative needs of the region; bringing professional diversity training opportunities to chapters in the region; and hosting regional retreats and workshops to address the needs of the chapters.

Section 7: Regional Meetings 7.1 Regional Delegates must convene no less than twice per convention year at a date, time and place determined by simple majority vote of the Regional Delegates. It is strongly encouraged that at least one of these meetings should be conducted in person. 7.2 The Regional Director shall preside over all meetings of the Regional Delegates.

18 ARTICLE IX. CHAPTER ORGANIZATION, STANDARDS, AND DISCIPLINE

Section 1: Chapter Categories and Names 1.1 The organizational units of the sorority shall be chapters. The two categories of chapters are: Undergraduate and Graduate, Alumnae, and Professional ("GAP"). 1.2 The chapters shall be named according to the order of the Greek alphabet. 1.2.1 Undergraduate chapters shall be named with a Greek letter in the order in which they occur, e.g. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc., except that no Undergraduate chapter shall bear the designation of Theta or Xi as its first or only letter. When any set of lettered chapter names is exhausted, another letter should be added as a prefix, e.g. Alpha Alpha, Alpha Beta, Alpha Gamma; as each letter used as a prefix is exhausted, the next letter in order of occurrence becomes in the like manner a prefix, e.g. Beta Alpha, Beta Beta, Beta Gamma, etc. When all double letter sets are exhausted, the pattern is continued with an additional prefix, e.g. Omega Omega, Alpha Alpha Alpha, Alpha Alpha Beta, etc. For the avoidance of doubt, the use of Theta or Xi is permitted as a letter in the middle or end of an Undergraduate chapter name, e.g. Alpha Xi, Alpha Theta, Alpha Theta Xi, etc. 1.2.2 GAP chapters shall be named in the same manner as Undergraduate chapters, except that the letter Xi shall be prefixed to the names of GAP chapters as follows: Xi Alpha, Xi Beta, Xi Gamma, etc. When a set of lettered chapter names is exhausted and a prefix is added, it shall be added after Xi, e.g. Xi Alpha Alpha, Xi Alpha Beta, Xi Alpha Gamma, etc. 1.2.3 The prefix Theta will be reserved in the case that the convention determines at a later date that we would be better served to divide the GAP chapters into multiple divisions. 1.2.4 The Omega chapter is reserved in remembrance of deceased sisters. Therefore no undergraduate chapter will receive the Omega chapter designation. 1.2.5 Kappa Kappa Kappa will not be used as an undergraduate chapter’s name. Xi Kappa Kappa Kappa will not be used as a GAP chapter’s name.

Section 2: Chapter Constitution and By-Laws 2.1 Each chapter, whether Undergraduate or Graduate, Alumnae, or Professional (“GAP”), shall adopt a Constitution and By-Laws which shall not conflict in any of its provisions with the Constitution and By-Laws of the National Organization. The Constitution should be the standard chapter Constitution, with any changes approved by the National Executive Board pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. 2.1.1 The officer section of the standard chapter constitution may be changed with permission from the National Executive Board pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. 2.2 Each chapter shall electronically submit amendments to its Constitution and By-Laws to the National Parliamentarian for approval. The amendments should reflect the original text as well as the changes the chapter would like to make (highlighted in some manner). 2.3 The amendments shall not be effective until approved by the National Executive Board. In order for an amendment to pass, the National Executive Board will need to approve it by a 2/3 vote.

19 2.3.1 The National Parliamentarian will notify the chapter of the National Executive Board’s final decision about each amendment within approximately two weeks of the date the changes are received. 2.3.2 The amendments shall be effective upon receipt of the National Executive Board’s decisions and disclosure of their decisions to the Chapter membership.

Section 3: Chapter Officers and Elections 3.1 Each undergraduate chapter shall provide in its Constitution for the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Dean of Intake. Each GAP chapter shall provide in its Constitution for the following officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. 3.2 Each chapter, whether student or alumnae, may elect or cause to be appointed such other officers as may be required. 3.3 Nominations and elections of chapter officers shall occur according to the chapter constitution. 3.4 The names and addresses of the officers elected shall be submitted to the National Board of Directors within ten (10) days after election. The National Administrator shall thereafter forward such names and addresses to other members who request them.

Section 4: Chapter Charters and Standards 4.1 The National Executive Board according to the National Expansion Policies and pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution must charter each student and GAP chapter. Solely the National Organization determines the status of the chapter charter. 4.2 Undergraduate chapters must uphold the Standards for Maintaining a Student (Undergraduate or Graduate) Chapter Charter. GAP chapters must uphold the Standards for Maintaining a GAP chapter Charter. 4.3 Undergraduate chapters must submit a report on Standards to the National Board of Directors once a semester; GAP chapters must submit a report on Standards to the National Board of Directors once a year. 4.3.1 Reports must consist of a detailed description of the chapter’s adherence to each standard. 4.3.2 Accounts of violation of chapter standards must be accompanied by a plan for correction of the problem behavior. 4.3.3 Failure to submit accurate reports will result in disciplinary action by the appropriate National Vice President. 4.4 The status of a chapter’s charter is re-evaluated each reporting period and classified according to its maintenance of standards: 4.4.1 If a chapter meets standards, its charter is in good standing for the next reporting period. 4.4.2 If a chapter fails to meet standards; its charter is placed on warning for the next reporting period. A charter on warning does not restrict the activities of the chapter and it may still send delegates to the National Convention. 4.4.3 If a chapter whose charter is on warning fails to meet standards; its charter is placed on probation for the next reporting period. A charter on probation prohibits the chapter from initiating Intake or engaging in social activities.

20 4.4.4 If a chapter whose charter is on probation fails to meet standards; its charter is placed on suspension for the next reporting period. A charter on suspension prohibits the chapter from publicly identifying itself as a sorority chapter. It may engage in academic and service activities, but it may not wear paraphernalia. 4.4.5 If a chapter whose charter is on suspension fails to meet standards, its charter is revoked; undergraduate chapters are formally reverted to affiliate chapter status and GAP chapters are formally reverted to colony status. Members of such chapters must fulfill current guidelines toward achieving full chapter status. 4.4.6 Under extreme circumstances and in the presence of any dangerous disregard for standards or risk management policies, a colony or chapter may be referred to the National Standards Committee by the National Executive Board for desistance and termination from Sorority rosters wherein current members of the former entity may no longer affiliate themselves with the Sorority except through joining another colony or chapter, or establishing a new colony. 4.5 If a chapter has failed to meet sorority standards requirements or has a significant problem, either of which can be reasonably expected to put its chapter charter in danger, the chapter can petition the National Executive Board for Associate Chapter status pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. In addition, the National Executive Board can also place a chapter that has been placed on probation or suspension on Associate Chapter status pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. 4.5.1 A letter requesting Associate Chapter status and the reasons for the request must be sent (electronically or in hard copy) to the National Administrator. 4.5.2 If granted, the chapter will be allowed to function as an Associate Chapter for up to one year from the granting date. In one year (or earlier if requested by the chapter) the chapter will resume its previous status or will become a dormant chapter. A chapter may not receive Associate Chapter status more than once per three-year period. 4.5.3 An Associate Chapter will keep their chapter designation, but will not be further penalized if they do not maintain all standards during the associate status period. However, Associate Chapters will be required to submit a plan of action for their return to full chapter status and a monthly report outlining their progress report towards the plan and standards to the appropriate National Vice President. 4.5.4 Associate Chapters will maintain delegates but they will not receive a vote during the Associate Chapter period.

Section 5: Property of the National Organization 5.1 Upon the establishment of a chapter pursuant to this Constitution, the National Board of Directors shall provide to that chapter a written Charter and other official documents of the Sorority as necessary. 5.2 Each duly chartered chapter shall have the right to use the National Organization’s name, symbols, shields, and other emblems, which designate an affiliation with the National Organization, except that such use must comply with the Constitution and any other duly, adopted regulations. 5.3 All property of the National Organization transmitted to the custody of the chapter for its use shall remain the property of the National Organization, subject to recall or removal in the event its charter is revoked.

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Section 6: Disclosure of Ritual 6.1 The contents of the rituals of the Sorority are secret and shall not be disclosed to persons other than student or alumnae members of the sorority. Any member who shall willfully make known its content or anything else, which the Sorority or her chapter deems should be kept secret, shall forthwith be brought up for expulsion charges before the National Standards Committee.

22 ARTICLE X. EXPANSION, INTAKE AND MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Expansion and Intake Duties 1.1 Regional Directors and Regional Officers shall administer expansion and intake for undergraduate and GAP colonies and chapters under the direction of the National Vice President for Intake and Expansion

Section 2: Undergraduate and GAP Chapters 2.1 Intake for all undergraduate and GAP colonies and chapters shall be overseen by the National Vice President for Intake and Expansion, and the appropriate Regional Director. 2.2 Intake for undergraduate chapters shall be administered by the Regional Directors and Regional Officers under the direction of the Vice President for Intake and Expansion.

Section 3: Intake Standards and Membership 3.1 Any chapter failing to uphold the standards set by the Standards Committee in conjunction with the National Board of Directors and membership criteria shall be considered in violation of chapter standards and will be subject to chapter discipline.

Section 4: Eligibility for Undergraduate Chapter Membership 4.1 Any female student of an accredited college may be presented as a candidate for membership in a chapter provided that: • She is not a member of any collegiate fraternity or sorority, except purely honorary, professional, or service oriented; • She has successfully completed one semester of a regular year’s program; • She is enrolled full-time and taking courses leading to an academic degree; and • She has maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.0 grading scale or its equivalent.

Section 5: Eligibility for Graduate, Alumnae, and Professional (“GAP”) Chapter Membership 5.1 Alumnae: Any former, fully-initiated member of an undergraduate chapter who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree is eligible for membership in a GAP chapter provided that she has completed the GAP Membership Form. 5.2 Graduate: Any female student of a graduate program at an accredited college or university may be presented as a candidate for membership in a chapter provided that: • She has received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university • She is not a member of any collegiate fraternity or sorority, except a purely honorary, professional, or service oriented; • She is dedicated to the mission and tenets of the Sorority; • She has successfully completed one semester of a regular year's program; • She is currently enrolled at a college or university and is taking courses leading to a post-bachelor’s degree; • She has maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale or its equivalent;

23 • She has completed the GAP Chapter Membership Form; and • She has successfully completed the GAP intake process. 5.3 Professional: Any female may be presented as a candidate for membership in a chapter provided that: • She has received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; • She is not a member of any collegiate fraternity or sorority, except a purely honorary, professional, or service oriented; • She is dedicated to the mission and tenets of the Sorority; • She has completed the GAP Chapter Membership Form; and • She has successfully completed the GAP intake process. 5.4 If the chapter desires an exception to be made, they shall send it to the National Executive Board for approval pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution.

Section 6: Recognition of Membership by National Board of Directors 6.1 Once a candidate has successfully completed the intake process, the Chapter will inform the National Board of Directors, including all relevant personal information about the new member. The Chapter shall send this information to the National Administrator no later than two (2) business days after initiation. 6.2 The National Administrator will assign a membership number and the National Vice President for Membership Affairs will order a wallet-sized membership card for the individual and award her a certificate officially recognizing her entrance into the sisterhood. The certificate and card with number assignment and any gifts the National Board of Directors deems fitting pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution shall be mailed to the new member after each member of her pledge line has paid New Member Dues, submitted the New Member Form and passed the New Member Exam. 6.3 Numbers shall be assigned to individuals in the chronological order in which they were initiated. Sisters initiated simultaneously shall be assigned number in their pledge line order. Numbers will be assigned consecutively regardless of undergraduate, graduate or professional status. 6.4 The membership card and certificate shall contain the new member’s name, membership number, chapter pledged, official initiation date, the seal of the National Organization and the signature of the National President and appropriate National Vice President.

24 ARTICLE XI. ASSETS, PROPERTY, AND DISSOLUTION

Section 1: Assets and Property 1.1 No part of assets or property, including accounts, belonging to any entity subject to this Article, shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, officers or members of the National Organization, except that such entities shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and reimburse members for expenses incurred in the performance of assigned duties or attending meetings.

Section 2: Dissolution 2.1 Upon, if, and when the dissolution of any entity or organization created, or now in existence, pursuant to this Article, the current Officers shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of any liabilities, dispose of all of the assets of such charitable entity in accordance with the written instructions of the National Board.

25 ARTICLE XII. APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES

Section 1: How an Appeal is Made 1.1 Any member or chapter in good standing3 shall have the right to appeal a decision of a national officer, the National Executive Board or the National Standards Committee. 1.2 Decisions of a national officer may be appealed in writing by submitting a complete statement of the incident to the National Parliamentarian within thirty (30) days from the date of the incident. Voting will be conducted pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this constitution. 1.3 Decisions of the National Executive Board may be appealed to the National Standards Committee through the appeal process outlined in the national standards policies. 1.4 Decisions of the National Standards Committee may be appealed in writing to the National Convention in accordance with the Procedure for Appeals to the National Convention. Appeals to the National Convention will be reviewed during the Annual Convention or the Mid-Year Legislative Session. In order for an appeal to be reviewed during either session of the National Convention, a complete appeals packet (including the appeal and NSC response to the appeal) must be received by the National Administrator by the deadline for legislative session documents. 1.4.1 Certain decisions of the National Standards Committee may be appealed to the National Executive Board per the national standards policies. This option is provided under specific and limited circumstances in order to decrease the volume of minor appeals to the National Convention. When this option is invoked, decisions of the National Executive Board must be appealed directly to the National Convention. 1.5 Decisions of the National Convention are final and may not be overturned.

Section 2: Pending Appeal 2.1 Any decisions from which an appeal is taken shall be valid until reversed.

Section 3: Grievances 3.1 Grievances may be filed against a national officer. The grievance must be submitted in writing to the National Parliamentarian within thirty (30) days from the date of the incident. 3.1.1 Internal National Board grievances against a national officer will be conducted pursuant to Article III, Section 1.4 of this Constitution, however the grievance will be made available only to relevant National Executive Board members. The National Executive Board’s decision is subject to appeal according to Article XI, Section 1. 3.1.2 External grievances from a member not on the National Board against a national officer will be conducted pursuant to Article 7 of the National Policies and Procedures Manual, National Board of Directors Accountability Policy (Addressing Grievances Submitted by Non- NBD Members).

3 The condition of being in good standing is waived in the case in which not being in good standing is the subject of the appeal.

26 ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS

Section 1: How an Amendment is Proposed 1.1 Any delegate of a chapter may propose amendments in writing. 1.2 Proposed amendments to the National Constitution shall be submitted in writing to the National Parliamentarian at least sixty (60) days prior to the next National Convention. 1.3 The National Parliamentarian shall send copies of all proposed amendments to each chapter at least thirty (30) days prior to the next National Convention.

Section 2: Adoption of Amendments 2.1 Adoption of amendments to the National Constitution shall require the affirmative vote of three- fourths of the delegates present and voting at the National Convention. 2.2 All amendments to the National Constitution adopted by the National Convention shall be distributed within sixty (60) days after adoption to all Chapters for approval or disapproval. A negative vote of at least two-thirds of the Chapters within sixty days after submission shall be sufficient to veto the action of the National Convention. Chapter votes shall be submitted to the National Parliamentarian.

27 ARTICLE XIV. LIABILITY AND IDEMNIFICATION

Section 1: Liability and Limitation 1.1 The National Board of Directors expressly disclaim liability for the actions of any Member that are in violation of either the letter or the spirit of all Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. bylaws, policies and procedures and all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. 1.2 No member of the National Board of Directors shall be personally liable to Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. for breach of any duty owed to the organization, except for an act or omission that is (a) in breach of such person’s duty of loyalty to the organization, (b) not in good faith or involving a knowing violation of law or (c) resulting in receipt by such person of an improper personal benefit.

Section 2: Indemnification 2.1 Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless each current and past officer, delegate, and any other representative of the sorority from and against any and all claims and liabilities made, or threatened to be made by reason of her being or having been a national representative; provided, however, that no National Officer, Regional Director and/or national representative shall be indemnified against or be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in defending against any claim or liability arising out of his or her own gross negligence or willful misconduct, or if otherwise prohibited by National policies and procedures. 2.2 The foregoing rights of any Officer, Regional Director and/or national representative shall not be exclusive of other rights to which they may be entitled by law.

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