Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated. Established 1963 Baltimore, Maryland Western Michigan University Delta Upsilon 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. 4 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.