1. Constitution & Bylaws Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Zeta Delta Chapter Western Michigan University
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Preamble
WHEREAS, the objects of which this chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is formed, are to develop the ideal s of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service; to promote the general welfare of all concerned; to carry out in an effective and systematic manner the particular programs of, and to efficiently perform the duties and responsibilities mandated by The Fraternity.
NOW THEREFORE, we bind ourselves to carry out these objectives and agree to abide by the following Constitution and Bylaws.
The Constitution
ARTICLE I- NAME
Section 1. The name of this chapter shall be the Zeta Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., hereinafter referred to as “The Chapter”.
ARTICLE II- MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership in this chapter shall be limited to collegiate men attending or transferring to Western Michigan University, or other accredited four-year institutions in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree located in Kalamazoo, MI.
Section 2. The Chapter shall accept for membership all duly qualified men who have been appropriately screened, interviewed, and voted upon by at least 2/3 of The Chapter; provided that they are not and have never been a member of another fraternity other than a professional or honorary fraternity, and they meet all
Revised 10/11

2. ARTICLE III- OFFICERS, TERMS OF OFFICE, REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
additional requirements established by The Fraternity and The Institution.
Section 3. Membership or non-membership in a particular race or religion or national origin shall not be a requirement for membership in The Chapter.
Section 4. The financial roster as prepared by The Secretary shall at all times designate the individual memberships within The Chapter.
ARTICLE III- OFFICERS, TERMS OF OFFICE, REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
Section 1. The elected executive officers of The Chapter shall be the: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2. The appointed executive officer of The Chapter shall be the Parliamentarian.
Section 3. The officers, with the exception of the Parliamentarian shall be elected at the 1st chapter meeting in April unless another time has been voted upon by 2/3 vote of The Chapter.
Section 4. No officer, with the exception of The Parliamentarian shall serve for more than two successive terms unless approved by2/3 vote of The Chapter.
Section 5. The President, with the advice and consent of The Executive Board shall appoint such other officers as The Chapter may decide by resolution.
Section 6. The term of an elected officer shall begin at the final formal meeting of the Spring semester and shall conclude at the final formal meeting of the Spring semester following the election and installation of his successor.
Section 7. The Chapter may remove any officer from The Executive Board for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office or for conduct which tends to hold The Chapter or The Fraternity up to ridicule or contempt, or which tends to bring discredit upon The Chapter or The Fraternity with a 2/3 vote by The Chapter; provided that written charges have been served upon such member by registered or certified mail at his last known address, and provided that he shall have been given thirty days to answer such charges prior to any such action.
Section 8. No officer shall be removed under the provisions of this article unless his removal shall have been agreed to by 2/3 vote of The Chapter.
Section 9. Any officer removed under this article shall thereafter be ineligible to hold any office in The Chapter.
ARTICLE IV- DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1. President- The President shall be the chief executive officer of The Chapter and shall preside at all meetings of The Chapter and The Executive Board. He shall explain and decide

3. all questions of order, select all appoint officers
all questions of order, select all appoint officers and committee chairmen as provided for in the chapter’s Constitution and Bylaws. He shall see that all the meetings be conducted with decorum and discipline and shall exercise due care that his attitude be at all times fair and impartial. He shall display a good working knowledge of parliamentary procedure and shall carry out all provisions of The Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules of Procedure. He shall sign all official documents of The Chapter. The President shall make decisions on behalf of The Chapter and The Executive Board outside regular meetings provided that a thorough report is made to The Chapter at the next chapter meeting. He shall also maintain a regular and close relationship with the administration of The Institution taking care that The Chapter is aware of policies and issues of importance to The Chapter.
Section 2. Vice President- shall be prepared to assume the role and responsibility in the event of absence, death, disablement, or removal of The President for the duration of the current term of his predecessor with approval of the Executive Board. He shall serve as the ex-officio officer of all committees and ensure that all National Program requirements are being met according to The Chapter’s constitution and bylaws. He shall also maintain a regular and close relationship with The Chapter’s affiliate organizations, including other Greek and Registered Student Organizations.
Section 3. In the event of absence, death, disablement, or removal of The Vice President, The President shall appoint an Interim Vice President to complete the duration of the
current term of his predecessor with the approval of The Executive Board.
Section 4 The Secretary- shall keep the minutes from all chapter meetings; taking care to record the maker and seconding voice of all motions as well as record the outcome of all votes. He shall notify all committees of their appointments and the assignments of their business. He shall receive and present all correspondence to and seek guidance from The Chapter when the mandate of The Chapter is not covered in the text of The Correspondence. He shall prepare the official roster of The Chapter after conferring with The Treasurer and Parliamentarian and ensure that it is updated on a regular basis. He shall maintain a directory of all current and past members of The Chapter.
Section 5. The Treasurer- shall receive all funds on behalf of The Chapter. He shall keep a complete record of all funds received, carefully noting under what budget funds are received and to be distributed. He shall keep a complete and accurate record of the following budgets: Bigger and Better Business, Education, Social Action, Fundraising & Special Programs, Recruitment, Blue and White Orchid Ball, Chapter Tax & Liability Insurance, Membership Dues, and Regular Operations. He may add budgets as deemed necessary by The Chapter by resolution. He shall keep an accurate record of the expenditures of each budget by their respective committees and officers.

4. ARTICLE V- EXECUTIVE BOARD
He shall keep a complete record of all disbursements as designated by The Chapter or The Executive Board after receiving original receipts. He shall keep an accurate record of all bills received by The Chapter. He shall also monitor the payment of individual chapter dues and remit all dues, Chapter Tax & Liability Insurance to National Headquarters by Dec. 1 of each calendar year.
Section 6. The Parliamentarian- shall be in full understanding of all Rules of Procedure and shall ensure that all meetings are held in compliance with the appropriate Rules of Order, making sure to maintain order within all meetings. In addition, he shall keep track of the active status, voting privilege, and impose fines on members when applicable. He is to monitor the attendance of members at all chapter functions. The Parliamentarian, with the assistant of The President shall conduct a Rules of Procedure seminar for all new members.
ARTICLE V- EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1 There shall be an Executive Board consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. The terms of such officers shall be concurrent with the terms of their elected/appointed office.
Section 2 The Executive Board shall meet at the call of The President and shall be responsible for the transaction of routine business between the regular business meetings of The Chapter. The Executive Board shall advise The President and be empowered to act, on behalf of The Chapter, in situations of emergency; provided that a full report is made to the body at the next chapter meeting.
ARTICLE VI- MEETINGS
Section 1. The Chapter shall hold formal meetings at such a time and place determined by The President and approved by The Executive Board, not less than twice per month; provided that any regular meeting may be suspended by a majority vote.
Section 2. A special meeting of The Chapter may be called by The President upon five days prior notice to the membership. A special meeting shall be called in like manner, upon request of the majority of The Chapter.
ARTICLE VII- PROGRAMS
Section 1. The National Programs of The Fraternity in which The Chapter shall participate in are Bigger and Better Business, Education, and Social Action. The Chapter shall conduct at least one activity designated to highlight each of the National Programs during an academic semester.

5. ARTICLE X- PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
ARTICLE VIII - POWERS
Section 1. The Chapter, subject in all respects of the authority of The Conclave and The Region, shall retain the authority by 2/3 majority to suspend members, for a period not to exceed one semester; provided that written charges have been served upon the member by The Chapter and the member shall have been given at least thirty days to answer such charges in a full hearing before The Chapter. If a member fails to respond to the written charges, has not provided an accurate mailing address, or evades contact to be served, his thirty day grace period is void and The Chapter may proceed with suspension proceedings.
Section 2. Formal written notice shall be conveyed to the national office and regional board indicating the details of any suspension imposed by The Chapter upon one of its members.
Section 3. The Chapter shall have the authority to remove any suspension which it imposes, provided that written notice of such action is made to both the national office and regional board.
Section 4. The Chapter shall maintain good standing with The Fraternity by the consistent execution of the programs of The Fraternity; provided that The Chapter submits a formal report both to the national office and regional board when requested, and provided that further that The Chapter shall make provision for the attendance of its representatives at each national, regional, and state conference. The Chapter shall maintain its financial responsibility as a pre-requisite for its continued operation.
ARTICLE IX- QUORUM
Section 1. Two-thirds (2/3) of the financial, active members of The Chapter shall constitute quorum for the transaction of business at any regular or special meeting.
ARTICLE X- PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1. Robert’s Rule of Order, Newly Revised shall serve as the parliamentary authority for The Chapter.
ARTICLE XI- CONFLICTS
Section 1. Whenever there is a conflict between this Constitution and either the National or Regional Constitution, the provisions of the latter shall prevail.

6. ARTICLE II- FINANCIAL & ACTIVE STATUS
The Bylaws
ARTICLE I- MEETINGS
Section 1. The Chapter shall hold its regular meetings each Sunday for the first seven weeks of Fall semesters and shall resume a bi-weekly schedule beginning the tenth week of Fall semesters. Spring semesters shall meet bi-weekly beginning the first formal meeting of the Spring semester.
ARTICLE II- FINANCIAL & ACTIVE STATUS
Section 1. The financial year with The Chapter shall begin with the fiscal year of The University beginning on July 1 of each calendar year.
Section 2. The financial year with The Fraternity shall begin on January 1st and shall conclude on December 31 of each calendar year.
Section 3. The Chapter shall establish the following whatever plan it feels acceptable for ensuring the regular collection of national, regional, and chapter dues.
Section 4. Any member who has not satisfied national, regional, and chapter financial obligations shall be prohibited from participation with The Chapter until all financial obligations have been met.
Section 5. The sum of forty dollars ($40) shall be levied upon each member of The Chapter as chapter dues for each academic semester.
Section 6. A member shall retain financial/active status by satisfying the following:
Have no more than 3 unexcused absences from all regularly scheduled chapter meetings and activities (including special meetings).
Satisfy all national, regional, and chapter financial obligations.
Refrain from any conduct that may bring reproach, harm, or discredit upon The Fraternity and/or The Chapter.
Abide by the constitution and bylaws established by The Fraternity, The Region, and The Chapter.
Section 7. Any member that has become inactive or non- financial shall not be extended the rights and privileges of a financial, active brother.
Section 8. The Chapter shall remit annual chapter tax, liability insurance, and incidental fees to National Headquarters on or before December 31 of each calendar year for The Chapter to remain financial and active according the National roster.
ARTICLE III- CHAPTER TRANSFERS & NON-CHAPTER MEMBERS
Section 1. The Chapter shall respect the rights of any non- chapter member who resides within the immediate area of The Chapter and who has satisfied all of his national and regional dues, but shall not extend regular voting privileges within The Chapter.

7. ARTICLE IV- COMMITTEES
Section 2. Any non-chapter member who resides within the territory of The Chapter may participate with The Chapter and have limited voting privileges (excluding membership, constitutional amendments, and elections) by a 2/3 majority vote provided that said member agrees to abide by the constitution and bylaws of The Chapter.
Section 3. The Chapter shall reserve the right to prohibit any member from activities within the territory under which it’s chartered unless or until it has been established that such a member is financial and has agreed to abide by The Chapter’s constitution and bylaws.
Section 4 The Chapter shall not accept an application of transfer unless the applicant can provide evidence of current financial status or unless such dues shall accompany a transfer request.
Section 5. The Chapter officers, acting on behalf of The Chapter shall record the names of all men who visit The Chapter or The Institution professing membership in The Fraternity if they cannot produce a financial card or fraternity pin.
Section 6. All financial, active members that transfer to another chapter shall be issued a resolution by The Chapter and a letter of recommendation by The President.
ARTICLE IV- COMMITTEES
Section 1. The President acting on behalf of The Chapter shall establish the following standing committees on or before the first occasion of the first formal meeting of each academic year:
Bigger and Better Business- shall design such programs that promote and foster the ideas for the effective organization, improvement, and the expansion of business and the dissemination and propagation of information for the advancement of sound business principles and practices. The committee shall assist the membership in the preparation and updating of personal resumes.
Education- shall design such programs as may promote academic, economic, industrial, political, holistic, and business education.
Social Action- shall design such programs as may promote the social welfare and full participation of all persons within the society. The committee shall carry out such programs as may provide needed social services. The committee shall maintain a close working relationship with the appropriate campus and city-wide social action organizations. The Sleepout For The Homeless is a National social action initiative that shall be conducted during November of each calendar year. Social Action shall also include all philanthropic events sponsored by The Chapter.
Section 2. The Vice President shall ensure that all programs are executed by their respective committees.
Section 3. The President, acting on behalf of The Chapter shall establish the following sub-committees on or before the first occasion of the first formal meeting of each academic year:
Special Programs- shall design such programs that foster and promote socialization and entertainment for the WMU community and beyond.

8. ARTICLE V- APPOINTED POSITIONS
Recruitment- shall design effective recruitment strategy for new members. All committee members shall be required to become membership intake certified and shall be present at all recruitment programs and events. The committee shall also be responsible for conducting regular interest group sessions.
Fundraising- shall design such programs, events, and activities that assist in providing revenue for The Chapter. Fundraisers may be conducted to provide funding for a specific cause, or to provide revenue for The Chapter’s operations budget. All intended funds from fundraisers must be designated to one or more budgets prior to the fundraiser.
Publicity and Advertising- shall ensure that all chapter programs, events, and activities receive as much publicity as possible by utilizing all available resources. The committee shall ensure that all publicity and advertising takes place at least two weeks prior to any chapter event. The committee shall be responsible for all chapter showcases and display cases and constantly develop ways to keep The Fraternity and The Chapter’s name visible to the public.
Orchid Ball- shall be responsible for the planning, coordinating, and execution of the Blue and White Orchid Ball. The committee shall ensure that The Chapter is always aware of any updates pertinent to the ball including budget changes. The committee shall also be charged with the responsibility for contacting fraternity dignitaries, alumni, and friends to inform them of the ball.
Membership Intake- shall consist of the Recruitment Chair, President, and one general member. They shall be responsible for the monitoring of membership intake and ensure that all prescribe national Membership Intake guidelines are being followed. The committee shall coordinate all educational sessions and post- initiation orientation sessions of new members.
ARTICLE V- APPOINTED POSITIONS
Section 1. The President shall make the following appointments within the first thirty days of his term of office with approval by the Executive Board:
Historian- shall be charged with the responsibility of maintaining all National, Regional, and Chapter history. He shall keep all archival items (trophies, photographs, awards, etc.). He shall also be responsible for providing educational brochures for new members.
Stepmaster- shall be charged with the responsibility of coordinating and teaching all step performances. He shall determine the practice schedule and locations, wardrobe, and incidentals relating to all step performances with the approval of the step team. He is to ensure that all performance are done with decorum and in good representation of The Fraternity and The Chapter.

9. ARTICLE V- MEMBERSHIP INTAKE
Parliamentarian-shall have the duties aforementioned in Article IV, Section 6 of The Constitution.
ARTICLE V- MEMBERSHIP INTAKE
Section 1. The Chapter shall, in accordance with the National and Regional rules, and acting through the Membership Intake Coordinator, provide a logical membership intake process for all new members.
Section 2. All members participating in membership intake must be certified nationally and regionally as having attended an approved Membership Intake Process seminar at either a National or Regional Conference.
Section 3. The Crescent Club shall be designated as the singular membership organization of The Chapter.
Section 4. All candidates for membership in the Crescent Club shall meet the requirements for membership as prescribed by The National and Regional Board, and The Chapter.
Section 5. Membership in The Crescent Club shall not imply an obligation on the part of the member to join The Fraternity, nor shall it require The Chapter to induct the member into The Chapter.
Section 6. An applicant for membership in The Crescent Club shall not subject themselves to any form of brutality or undue harassment, nor shall The Chapter allow any persons within its control to participate or engage in any form of brutality or
undue harassment against an applicant for membership.
Section 7. An applicant for membership shall not be admitted into The Crescent Club without 2/3 vote of The Chapter.
Section 8. It shall be the policy of The Chapter that once a man is admitted to The Crescent Club he shall be treated with respect and that no member of The Chapter, through words or deeds, be allowed to engender any sense of subservience upon a member of The Crescent Club.
Section 9. Members of The Crescent Club shall maintain in good standing within The Crescent Club based upon their successful retention of historical information, a clear understanding of the structure and programs of The Fraternity and The Chapter, and adhere to the fees determined by The National and Chapter Constitutions.
ARTICLE VI- DELEGATES
Section 1. The President shall attend or see that two representatives attend all official National and Regional Conferences with one representative being an executive officer of The Chapter.
Section 2. The Chapter shall be responsible for paying the registration, lodging, and transportation of all delegates.

10. ARTICLE VII- BUDGETS, FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS, AND FUNDS
Section 3. Upon returning from a National, Regional, or State Conference, the delegate and/or the alternate delegate must prepare a full, written report of each meeting attended at the next scheduled chapter meeting. The report shall be included in the minutes of the meeting.
ARTICLE VII- BUDGETS, FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS, AND FUNDS
Section 1. The Chapter shall have a minimum of four financial accounts: On-Campus Student Activity Funded Account (SAF), On-Campus Non-Student Activity Funded Account (NSAF), Off-Campus Checking Account, and Off-Campus Savings Account.
Section 2. The location of the Off-Campus accounts shall be recommended by The Treasurer, but shall be approved by The Chapter.
Section 3. The President and The Treasurer shall obtain sole authorization of all chapter financial accounts.
Section 4. The transfer of signatures on accounts shall occur within thirty days of installation of new officers.
Section 5. The Chapter shall maintain the following budgets: Bigger and Better Business, Education, Social Action, Fundraising & Special Programs, Recruitment, Chapter Tax & Liability Insurance, Membership Dues, National & Regional Conference, Blue and White Orchid Ball, and Regular Operations.
Section 6. All funds received on behalf of The Chapter must be placed in one of the aforementioned budgets. All program chairs must submit budgets for all programs that have more than $ of expenses to ensure that appropriate funds are available.
Section 7. All payments must made be in the form of a written check.
Section 8. Funds received from the collection of fines and chapter dues shall be utilized for the sole purpose of paying chapter tax &liability insurance, individual national membership dues, and delegate &alternate delegate conference expenses
Section 9. The Chapter shall be responsible for remitting individual national membership dues to all members who have been financial, and active for at least two complete, consecutive semesters.
Section 10. All member that seeks reimbursements shall provide original receipts to The Treasurer. Any member that does not provide an original receipt must have his reimbursement approved by The Chapter.
Section 11. The Chapter will follow and be subject to all University policies, procedures, and practices regarding student organization accounts and finances
ARTICLE VIII- NEW MEMBERS
Section 1. All new members shall be assessed a $ New Member Assessment Fee that shall be used for the sole purpose of providing that particular member with new membership materials and accessories.
Section 2. New members shall be required to attend a New Membership Orientation that outlines and thoroughly explains the National, Regional, & Chapter Constitution & Bylaws, protocol, chapter policies and practices, rules of procedure and teaches the Fraternity Hymn.

11. ARTICLE IX- NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS ARTICLE X- FINES
Section 3. All new members shall be required to participate in their first Blue and White Orchid Ball and attend their first Regional or National Conference.
ARTICLE IX- NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS
Section 1. Nominations for elections shall occur at the first formal meeting in March.
Section 2. Elections shall occur at the second formal meeting in March.
Section 3. All members must be free of all financial obligations to The Fraternity and The Chapter in order to nominate or be nominated for a position.
Section 4. Elections will take place by secret ballot. A ballot that lists the names of all candidates shall be distributed by The Secretary to the body. The Secretary will then collect all the folded ballots and report the results to the body. In the event that the Secretary is on the ballot (contested), the Parliamentarian shall assume the duties of distributing and collecting the ballots.
Section 5. Members who have not been members of The Chapter for at least one complete semester and members that were not financial/active for the preceding semester are not eligible to be nominated for the position of President.
Section 6. Any amendments to the aforementioned sections of this article require 2/3 majority.
ARTICLE X- FINES
Section 1. The Chapter shall impose the following fines for infractions:
Meeting Absence $5
Late for Meeting $3
Event Absence $10
Late for Event $3
Non-Compliance of Assignment $5
Swearing/Disruptive During Meeting $1 per occasion
Improper Attire $3
Section 2. The Parliamentarian shall impose fines (when applicable) in writing at a formal meeting.
Section 3. All fines not paid at next formal meeting shall result in a loss of voting privileges for that member. All fines not paid within thirty days of original receipt shall result in that member being placed inactive until all financial obligations have been met.
ARTICLE XI- AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1. The Chapter shall establish the following affiliate organizations:

12. ARTICLE XII- AMENDMENTS & REVISIONS
Squire Club- shall be designated as the official college level affiliate organization for men who possess a high interest in Phi Beta Sigma, but are not immediately seeking or eligible for membership. The Squire Club Shall be directed by the Recruitment Chairman and will give all interested men the opportunity work with and socialize with The Chapter. While the Squire Club shall provide a logical pathway to eventual membership in The Fraternity, membership within The Squire Club shall place no burden upon the Squire Club member to seek eventual membership nor shall it imply the eventual membership nor shall it imply the eventual acceptance of the Squire Club members by The Chapter as a member of The Crescent Club.
Section 2. The Chapter shall work with and support the programs of the following organizations:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.- The Chapter shall at all times supplement the program of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. shall be given a place of high honor at all times and members of The Chapter shall seek to protect and provide moral support for both the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and their programs.
National Pan-Hellenic Council- The Chapter shall at all times seek to support the activities and programs of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The Chapter shall maintain its financial responsibility to The National Pan-Hellenic Council and ensure that a member serves as the chapter’s representative at all council meetings, reporting all news and developments within to The Chapter. Whenever
possible, The Chapter shall have at least one member to serve on the council’s executive board.
ARTICLE XII- AMENDMENTS & REVISIONS
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended by 2/3 majority vote of the financial, active members of The Chapter (present & voting).
Section 2. The Chapter shall review these bylaws at the beginning of each academic year to ascertain if there is a need for revisions.
ARTICLE XIII- RULES OF PROCEDURE
Section 1. Robert’s Rule of Procedure (newly revised version) shall be the rules of procedure followed by The Chapter.
ARTICLE XIV- STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Section 1. The Chapter shall at all times abide by the rules of and cooperate with Student Activities and Leadership Programs at Western Michigan University.
Section The Chapter will not discriminate against any person on WMU’s campus or at any campus-wide events that may be held by Phi Beta Sigma on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected disability, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status.