The Constitution & Law of Chi Pi Sigma Fraternity
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ARTICLE  1  – NAME

The name of this organization shall be Chi Pi Sigma Fraternity. The first chapter, established at San Jose State University on October 14, 1935, shall be designated Alpha Chapter.   Subsequent chapters will be designated, in order of initiation, according to the progression of the Greek Alphabet.  Chi Pi Sigma is not affiliated with San Jose State University.

 

ARTICLE  2  – PURPOSE

“The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to develop a common bond of brotherhood, and to further our educational, professional and social growth.”-Founders 1935

Students of the San Jose College Police School (SJSU) founded this Fraternity in order to bring together individuals who aspire to become criminal justice professionals. The primary goal of the organization is to assist members with academics, career preparedness, career selection, and in career acquisition. The Fraternity’s purpose is to teach the value of ethics and instill discipline in order to prepare members for a successful life of public service. The secondary goals of the organization are

to work with the university to improve the Justice Studies Department, the campus environment and

to make positive contributions to the local community.

 

ARTICLE  3  – MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 – Classifications

The members of the Fraternity shall be students and alumni. 

SECTION 2 – Student Members

a) Student membership of the Fraternity shall consist of currently enrolled undergraduate students of San Jose State University who are pursuing a degree in the Justice Studies Department and

SJSU currently enrolled undergraduate students of other majors whose career goals are to

become criminal justice professionals.  All student members (100%) must be matriculated, currently enrolled undergraduate students at San Jose State University who are pursuing a degree in the Justice Studies  Department and SJSU currently enrolled undergraduate students of other majors whose career goals are to become criminal justice Professionals.  All active student members are voting members.

(b) Student members must be of the highest moral and ethical character. All members will be upstanding citizens who obey all federal, state, university and local laws. No student shall be admitted to the Fraternity that has been convicted of any felony or any crime of violence or prejudice. No persons who use illegal drugs shall be admitted to this Fraternity.

(c) Members must excel in all academic pursuits. No student shall be admitted or maintained

who has less than a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.

(d)  The expected commitment of time and resources both personal and financial to the fraternity necessitates that prospective members make a choice between participation in Chi Pi Sigma and a social fraternty or sorority.

A student who does not meet the criteria stated in this constitution shall not be granted membership. Any member who gains entry upon deceit or fails to maintain the standards of membership set forth by this constitution shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion.

Students meeting above criteria (a-d) and selected for possible membership shall be called “pledges”. Pledges shall be required to attend the Fraternity pledge program. Upon successful completion of their duties the pledges may be granted membership through election by the Active Fraternity members of the chapter.

Membership in Chi Pi Sigma will not be denied to anyone on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. The prohibition on discrimination on the basis of gender does not apply to social fraternities or sororities or to other university living groups. (Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 41500).

No member of Chi Pi Sigma shall engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending this institution . (California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Article 2, Standards for Student Conduct, Section 41301(b)(8).  Individual student may be disciplined for hazing under Section 41301(b)(8).)

SECTION 3 – Alumni Members

Alumni status will be bestowed upon any student member in good standing, who has met one of the following requirements:

(a) Graduates from the university with two “active” semesters of service to the Fraternity.

(b) Obtains full-time employment in the criminal justice field. (c) Becomes a full-time student of a law school

(d) Completes four years as a student member.

(e) Is approved by a 2/3 vote of the chapter student Executive Council and the Alumni

Board for a waiver based upon personal or financial hardship. Alumni are non-voting members of the fraternity.

 

SECTION 4 – Inactive Members

Inactive members are members who have applied for and received a waiver to temporarily release them from Fraternity duties and dues. This is a temporary status, not to exceed two semesters which may be granted by approval of 2/3 of the chapter’s student Executive Council. The Council will grant this status to a member who requests a recess from obligation in order to resolve personal business with a vow to renew active membership upon conclusion. If granted, student will relinquish voting privileges, cannot hold office, and time as inactive will not count toward the service requirements for alumnus status. The Alumni Association Secretary must be immediately notified of any changes in a member’s status or position with the Fraternity.

 

SECTION 4.1- Process for Inactive Member Status:

(a) Student active applies for status change, in writing, to the chapter’s Executive Council.

Student must state; reason for request, vow to re-establish active status, and date of return to

active membership.

(b) Executive Council reviews application to determine if a reasonable basis for status change

exists and votes on action.

(c) Student member’s application must be approved by a 2/3 vote of  the Executive Council.

(d) One appeal will be permitted following reapplication.

(e) If a student breaches the agreement he/she will be suspended and may be expelled. (See

Article 3,Sections 12 and 13)

 

SECTION 5 –Nomination of Pledges

Any qualified student shall be invited to become a pledge of the Fraternity upon nomination by an active member of the chapter . Nomination can be in written or verbal form to the chapter Pledge Master or Active President. If any active  is opposed to the nomination an invitation shall not be offered.  Alumni with information regarding the nomination of a perspective pledge will direct it to the Alumni president.

 

SECTION 6 – Pledge Ceremony

A student nominated for membership shall be designated a “pledge” of Chi Pi Sigma Fraternity in a ceremony officially provided for this purpose, in accordance with the ritual and Law of the Fraternity, in which the individual swears an oath of allegiance to the Fraternity.

 

SECTION 7 – Pledge Program

Pledges shall be required to attend a semester long program in which they will learn about the

Fraternity, their pledge classmates, themselves and aspects of the Justice Studies field. During this period the pledge will be respectfully considered a provisional member of the Fraternity. He/She will be required to successfully complete the pledge program and all duties assigned to him/her in order to become eligible for election to active membership. Upon completion of the program the Pledge Master shall evaluate the pledge’s performance and submit a report to the President. Chi Pi Sigma Fraternity prohibits hazing . Any members found to be involved in this illegal conduct shall be expelled as per Article 3, Section 13.

Pledges will be required to:

(a) Diligently complete all duties in an exemplary manner.

(b) Punctually attend all pledge meetings and required Fraternity events.

(c) Assemble a pledge book. (d) Pass all Fraternity exams.

(e) Complete all pledge projects.

(f) Maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.

(g) Present and conduct himself/herself in a professional manner.

 

SECTION 8 – Termination of a Pledge

A pledge may be dismissed by the Pledge Master, Active President, or Alumni President, upon the occurrence of any of the following:

(a) When he/she is dropped, expelled or suspended from the college or university. (b) When he/she remains a pledge for more than two semesters or four quarters. (c) Whenever the chapter members vote to terminate a pledge by a majority vote. (d) Pledge fails to achieve or maintain sufficient grade point average. (2.0+) (e) Pledge fails to pay his dues or fines assessed

(f) Pledge found to have engaged in disrespectful behavior towards any member.

(g) Pledge violates any governmental law, Fraternity law, or violates any university code of conduct.

(h) Pledge found to have gained admission to program upon fraudulent statement or deceit. (i) Pledge fails to successfully complete pledge duties and therefore fails the pledge

program.

(j) Pledge fails to receive votes required for election to active membership.

 

SECTION 9 – Requirements for Pledge Initiation and Active Membership

1. No pledge shall be initiated into the Fraternity unless the chapter has voted secretly and ¾

majority of the active chapter are in favor of his/her election.

2. His/her election to active membership shall not be valid until he/she has met all of the

following requirements:

(a) All qualifications of membership regarding good moral and ethical character, academic status and

career goal as stated in Article 3, Section 2.

(b) Successfully passes all Fraternity exams and completes all duties assigned to him/her as a

pledge.

(c) Demonstrates ideals, characteristics, and principles determined by the student members to

be compatible with those of the Fraternity and it is believed that he/she would become an asset to the Fraternity.

 

SECTION 10 – Initiation Ceremony

The promotion of pledges to active membership status shall be conducted in a closed formal ceremony at a date following the pledge election meeting and prior to the end of semester. All pledges and members of the active chapter must be present for the ceremony. During the ceremony the Active or Alumni President will preside over the administration of the membership oath, pin and formally promote the pledges to active membership.

 

SECTION 11 – Resignations

Any student or alumnus member of the Fraternity shall have the right to resign from the Fraternity. No member shall be permitted to resign if he/she owes any dues, fees, assessments or property to the Fraternity. A member shall tender his/her resignation in writing to the active chapter stating his/her reason for the resignation. The President shall, at the next regular business meeting, examine the petition and determine if the party is eligible for resignation and conduct a vote of members present to determine whether the exiting member shall be recommended for reinstatement if, at a later date, the individual petitions for reinstatement. Upon conclusion, the results shall be mailed to the individual and the Alumni Association Secretary. A member who fails to settle obligations prior to departure will be suspended and may be expelled as per Article 3 Sections 12 & 13. An active member who fails to attend 3 consecutive meetings, without notice to the Active President, shall be presumed to have relinquished membership and shall be suspended pending formal action by the Active Judicial Committee.

 

SECTION 12 – Suspensions

A student member may be placed on suspension by the chapter Active President or Alumni President, pending a hearing by the Active Judicial Committee, if there is reason to believe that the individual has done any of the following:

(a) Has failed to fulfill duties of a member and/or officer of the Fraternity.(includes attendance violations and failure to pay debts)

(b) Has failed to maintain academic standard. (c) Has broken his/her oath to Fraternity.

(d) Has been arrested for or convicted of  any local, state, or federal law classified a felony. (e) Has violated any Fraternity or university code of conduct and ethics.

(f) Has committed any offense that has brought shame or disdain to the Fraternity’s name.

Upon being placed on suspension a student member will be temporarily relieved of all Fraternity duties, will not have voting privileges, and shall not have contact with pledges. Suspended members may attend regular business meetings, but no social events or ceremonies. This restricted membership shall remain in effect until the Active President removes the suspension. The affected member shall immediately be notified in person or by certified mail of the date of his/her required appearance before the Judicial Committee and the charges against him/her. This notification must occur 48 hours prior to the Judicial Committee hearing. The suspended member shall appear at request of the Judicial Committee. Failure to appear as requested shall be a substantial infraction under Section

13- Expulsion provisions. The Judicial Committee will convene, investigate the charges, make a determination of guilt, and make a recommendation to the Active President within 5 days of the notification of a complaint. The member has the right to appeal the finding of the Judicial Committee,

in writing within 5 days of the punitive action being ordered, to the chapter Active Executive Council.

The finding of the Executive Council shall be final and binding. In cases where the Alumni President has initiated the suspension the case will be deliberated by the Alumni Judicial Board. No appeal will be allowed to the Boards disposition.

 

SECTION 13 – Expulsions

Student members will be expelled from the Fraternity by the chapter Active or Alumni President, upon a determination by the Active Judicial Committee or an Alumni Board that said member is guilty of an offense warranting expulsion. The Active Judicial Committee, presided over by the Vice President, shall have the authority and responsibility to investigate any allegations of misconduct by a member of the Fraternity. The Alumni Board may conduct an investigation itself or assign it to the Active Judicial Committee. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Active Judicial Committee shall determine the validity of the allegation with a finding of guilt or innocence. If the accused is

found guilty by a 2/3 vote of the Judicial Committee a recommendation for expulsion shall be

forwarded to the Active President for execution. Criteria for expulsion of a Fraternity member shall be:

(a) Found guilty of committing a “substantial” offense – those offenses listed in Article 3, Section

12, as (c), (d), (e), or (f). (Burden of proof shall be a preponderance of evidence.) OR

(b) Article 3, Section 12 offense listed “ a” or “b” was committed by member after he/she was instructed to rectify conduct and/or he/she failed to fulfill the terms of assigned punitive action (pay fine etc…) while on suspension. See Article 3, Section 12 “suspension guidelines”.

 

SECTION 13.1- Process and Rules of Expulsion Hearing:

1. Allegation or complaint filed with chapter Active Vice President or Alumni

President.

2. Active Judicial Committee (or Alumni Judicial Board) convenes, confirms, and investigates allegation.
3. Accused placed on suspension and immediately notified.
4. Accused member appears before Judical Committee (or Alumni Board) for sworn

deposition. Members who fail to appear may be convicted in absentia.

5. Active Judicial Committee (or Alumni Board) conducts hearing and determines guilt or

innocence.

6. Judicial Committee or Alumni Board) submits written report of findings and its decision

for disposition of case to the Active President. Or Alumni President.

7. President calls a special meeting at which he/she absolves or expels member.
8. Member may appeal decision to the Active Executive Council in writing within 5 days of an expulsion, in which case the Council’s decision would be final. There is no

appeal to the Alumni Judicial Board.

9. Written verdict and disposition delivered to the Alumni Association President and the

accused.

10. The Alumni Association Judicial Board will review the case report and may affirm or overturn

decision of Active Judicial Committee.

 

SECTION 14 – Reinstatement

Any member who has resigned from the Fraternity may be reinstated in good standing if he/she;

(a) Files a written petition for reinstatement with the chapter Fraternity Secretary and Alumni

Association Secretary.

AND

(b) The petition is approved unanimously by the active chapter members and the Alumni

Association President.

 

ARTICLE 4 – FRATERNITY GOVERNMENT

The government of the Fraternity chapter will be comprised of the democratically elected Active Executive Council, the appointed officers, and the appointed committees. All elected and appointed officers and appointed committee members must be  matriculated currently enrolled undergraduate students of San Jose State University who are pursuing a degree in the Justice Studies Department and SJSU currently enrolled undergraduate students of other majors whose career goals are to become criminal justice professionals.  The Executive Board (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) and appointed officers and committee members   must maintain a minimum overall 2.0 grade point average, must be enrolled in at least 6 units and must be in good standing with San Jose State University during their term in office.  Two Executive Council officers and advisors of the fraternity are required to complete an Alcohol Training offered by SJSU Student Involvement.

 

SECTION 1 – Chapter Active Executive Council

The Executive Council shall be comprised of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary and the

Treasurer.. These officers will be elected by a majority vote of the chapter’s active student

membership. The Council shall be the governing body of the Fraternity chapter, but shall operate under

the authority of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. The Executive Council shall be empowered to make decisions regarding the active Fraternity, its operation, and disbursement of funds.

The duties of the Active Executive Council shall be:

1. To preserve the integrity of the Fraternity and uphold the Fraternity Constitution.
2. To act as a planning board for the chapter, coordinating a calendar of the year’s

activities in conjunction with the alumni, committees and appointed members.

3. To review the reports and monetary requests of the appointed officers and the

committees.

4. To act as the appellant court for any appeal of Judicial Committee verdicts.

The Executive Council shall have the authority to:

1. Approve or disprove any proposed Fraternity activities.
2. Approve or disapprove submitted budgets by appointed officers.
3. Render final decisions regarding expulsions.

Membership in the organization shall be open to all  those matriculated, currently-enrolled San José State University students who are interested in membership. There shall be no other requirements for admission to regular membership. Each regular member has equal rights and privileges.

 

SECTION 2 – Elective Officers

Nominations for Elective officers shall be made from the floor by any active student member at the last meeting of the concluding semester.  Candidates for each office shall be elected by a simple majority of the chapter actives at the same meeting.  Term of office shall be one semester.  These officers are, in order of authority, are:

1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer

In the event that an officer resigns or is removed from office before his/her term is over the position will be filled by the next ranking officer until an election is held to fill the vacancy. Duties of an officer temporarily absent will also be fulfilled by the next ranking officer.

 

SECTION 3 – Appointed Officers

The appointed officers of the Fraternity chapter shall be chosen by the Active President immediately following his election and shall serve a term of one semester. The appointed officers shall fulfill their duties at the direction of the chapter Active President and the Active Executive Council.

1. Pledge Master
2. Sergeant at Arms
3. Pledge Trainer
4. Social Chairman
5. Historian

 

SECTION 4 – Duties of Elected Officers

Eligibility for membership or appointed or elected student officer positions shall not be limited on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization shall have no rules or policies that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability (Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 41500).

President- The chief executive officer of the Fraternity. The duties of the chapter’s Active President shall be:

1. To develop and implement a plan/semester calendar for the successful management and growth of the Fraternity.
2. To preside over the Chapter Executive Council.
3. To appoint all non-elected officers and committee members.
4. To delegate duties to members and oversee the discharge of these duties.
5. To bring disciplinary action against malfeasant and misfeasant members and implement disciplinary decisions against members.

6. To expel members on the recommendation of the Judicial Committee.
7. To preside over all chapter meetings, special meetings, ceremonies and Fraternity events.
8. To administer fraternal oaths and to promote pledges to active membership. The President shall have the authority to:
9. Implement decisions of the Executive Council.
10. Remove an appointed officer.
11. Discipline and levy fines for misconduct of members as per the Constitution and approved fine schedule.
12. Call special meetings.
13. Direct Judicial Committee to convene.
14. Remand Judicial Committee’s decision to the Executive Council in expulsion cases.
15. Suspend and expel members according to the Constitution.

 

Vice President

The duties of the Vice President shall be:

1. To temporarily assume the office and duties of the President in his/her absence or for the remainder of term should the office become vacant.
2. To assist the President as directed.
3. To preside over the Judicial Committee.
4. To conduct investigations and disciplinary hearings when warranted.
5. To deliver findings of Judicial Committee in a written report to the President and the Secretary.

6. To interpret all matters of constitutionality.
7. To negotiate and resolve disputes among members.
8. To sit on the Executive Council..

The Vice President shall have the authority to:

1. Conduct all Fraternity affairs in absence of the President.
2. Suspend members per constitution.
3. Convene and preside over the Judicial Committee.

 

Secretary

The duty of the Secretary shall be:

1. To notify all chapter members, Alumni Advisor, and Alumni Secretary of Fraternity meetings and events.
2. To record accurate and concise minutes of all regular and special chapter meetings.
3. To record the minutes of other meetings and prepare any needed Fraternity documents as

directed by President or Vice President.

4. To submit completed minutes of prior meetings to the President, Alumni Advisor, and

members at each regular chapter meeting.

5. To keep a secure and organized record file at the Fraternity house containing; minutes from

all meetings, Judicial hearings, Fraternal correspondence, and the Fraternity member and alumni address and phone book.

6. To assemble and maintain the Fraternity address and phone book.
7. To conduct all Fraternity correspondence with faculty, alumni, members, businesses

and university. Preparing all invitations, notifications, and notes of gratitude, business orders, requests, and news releases.

8. To assist the Pledge Master with the development, revision, production and disbursement of recruitment materials, pamphlets, banners, faculty announcements.
9. To provide a list of active Fraternity members, their offices & their biographical information to the Alumni Association Secretary.
10. To notify Alumni Association Secretary of all suspensions, expulsions, resignations, or any disciplinary proceedings.
11. To sit on the Executive Council

The Secretary shall have the authority to:

1. Financially obligate the Fraternity for; correspondence materials and

disbursement, facility rentals, event reservations and arrangements with the approval of the

Executive Council

2. Carry out any tasks assigned and approved by the President and/or the Executive

Council.

 

Treasurer

The duties of the Treasurer shall be:

1. To create a budget for the semester to be approved by the Executive Council.
2. To promptly collect and disperse all Fraternity money.
3. To report Fraternity finances to the chapter members and Alumni Advisor at each regular meeting.
4. To collect all dues, fees, fines and assessments.
5. To report members who fail to pay dues and fines to the President and the Vice

President.

6. To prepare a written Fraternity budget for each semester and present it to the

Executive Council and chapter membership.

7. To diligently manage the Fraternity checking account.
8. To maintain accurate financial records of Fraternity and to maintain records in a secure organized file at the Fraternity House.
9. To be a member of the Executive Council

The Treasurer shall have the authority to:

1. Allocate Fraternity funds at the direction of the Executive Council.
2. Negotiate and institute plans of payment with members.

3. Impose and collect fines for delinquent accounts. Amounts defined by fine schedule approved by Executive Council.

 

SECTION 5- Authority and Duties of Appointed Officers

 

Pledge Master

The duties of the Pledge Master shall be:

1. To develop a recruitment plan including estimated expenditures and submit it to the

Executive Council for approval.

2. To develop a pledge program plan including estimated expenditures and submit it to

Executive Council for approval.

3. To be standing member on Social Committee.
4. To work and coordinate with the Secretary on development of recruitment program; dates of events, pamphlet production, publicity materials, instructor notifications, media notification, and alumni notification.
5. To recruit suitable candidates for the pledge program.
6. To deploy the pledge program as approved by the Executive Council.
7. To instruct the pledge class on the requirements of the program and assign duties to them.
8. To supervise and instill discipline in pledges.
9. Take reasonable punitive action against pledges for minor infractions.
10. To report all pledge misconduct to the Executive Council, active class, and Alumni

Liaison Advisor.

11. To provide all chapter actives and the Alumni Liaison Advisor with an outline of the program, its events, and provide pertinent testing information.
12. To provide weekly reports of the progress and conduct of each member of the pledge class..
13. To assign “big brothers”.
14. To supervise the Pledge Trainer.

The Pledge Master shall have the authority to:

1. Elect an individual to become a pledge of the Fraternity.
2. Discipline and suspend a pledge.
3. Modify the pledge program; its calendar, events, and content upon approval by Executive

Council.

4. Nominate a pledge for “Outstanding Pledge” honors.
5. Dismiss a pledge for constitutional violations.

 

House Manager  (Appointed by the Alumni Association)

The duties of the House Manager shall be:

1. To assure that the monthly rent (as established by the Alumni Executive Board) is paid by each resident of the fraternity house – in a manner designated by the Alumni Association

Treasurer.

2. To set house parking regulations and collect parking fees as approved by Executive Council.

These “parking fees” shall constitute the House Manager’s discretionary fund – which is to be used for repairs, supplies and the benefit of the Fraternity House.

3. To establish rules of conduct and cleanliness for members and renters. (to be approved by

Executive Council.)

4. To assist with completion and submittal of the rental agreements and contracts with Fraternity

House residents as directed by the Treasurer of the Alumni Association.

5. To assist with the service of eviction notices (if necessary) at the direction of the Alumni

Association.

6. To set and collect fines for violation of house rules approved by Executive Council
7. To manage the house finances and maintain a permanent record file of house fund

expenditures.

8. To perform or arrange for minor house repairs, maintenance, and cleaning.
9. To procure needed materials for house repair and upkeep. The House Manager should consult with the Alumni Association Liaison or the Alumni Treasurer on other than “minor” house repairs.
10. To prepare a report detailing all needed repairs, proposing improvements, semester

house projects, rental rates, parking rates, house rules, and fine schedule and submit it to the Executive Council and Alumni Association for approval.

11. To submit a house report with cost estimate for repairs & projects to the Executive

Council for approval.

12. To conduct safety inspections of house at least twice a semester and submit summary to Executive Council and Alumni Association. (including fire equipment, locks, doors and windows, hand railings, etc.)
13. To organize and direct at least two house clean-up days a semester.

The House Manager shall be granted the following authority by the Executive Council:

1. Set house parking regulations and collect parking fees .
2. Fine Fraternity House residents and members for house misconduct according to posted and approved fine schedule.
3. Delegate house chores to Fraternity House residents and members.

 

Sergeant–at-Arms

The duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms shall be:

1. To maintain order, provide security and enforce meeting rules at chapter meetings and ceremonies.
2. To insure that the meeting place is clean and adequate seating is provided.
3. To assist the Pledge Master with the arrangements and preparations for pledge

meetings and ceremonies.

4. To store and maintain Fraternity regalia.
5. Levy fines for misconduct and rule infractions occurring during meetings (according to

Executive Council’s fine schedule.)

Authority of the Sergeant-at-Arms:

1. To levy and collect fines for misconduct at meetings as per fine schedule approved by

Executive Council.

2. Obligate the Fraternity financially for rental of meeting places with the approval of

Executive Council.

 

Pledge Trainer

The duties of the Pledge Trainer shall be:

1. To assist the Pledge Master with the Pledge Program planning and execution.
2. To assist the Pledge Master with recruitment activities.
3. To educate, tutor, supervise, advise, and discipline pledges at the direction of the

Pledge Master.

4. To temporarily perform the duties of the Pledge Master in his/her absence or permanently upon resignation.
5. To maintain the pledge room and its historical items.
6. To direct the pledge class project.

 

Social Chair

The duties of the Social Chair shall be:

1. To preside over the Social Committee.
2. To oversee the preparation of a budget for proposed events by the social committee and submit it to the Executive Council for approval.
3. To arrange facility rentals, restaurant reservations, and other arrangements for fraternith events.
4. To make arrangements for guest speakers.
5. To coordinate with Secretary to produce invitations and publicity materials.

The authority of the Social Chair:

1. To obligate the Fraternity for facility rentals, equipment rentals, and publicity related events as approved by the Executive Council.

 

Historian

The duties of the Historian shall be:

1. To maintain all Fraternity memorabilia and photographs.
2. To serve as the photographer at all Fraternity events.
3. To assemble a photo yearbook. The authority of the Historian:

1. To purchase materials for completion of the yearbook and preservation of memorabilia.

 

SECTION 6 – Committees

There shall be at least two committees, the Judicial Committee and the Social Committee. The fraternity President shall appoint chairpersons and committee members.

 

Judicial Committee

The Judicial Committee shall be the judicial body of the Fraternity. The Committee shall examine all incidents of member misconduct brought to its attention and determine punitive action to be taken. The Committee shall be composed of the Vice President and three active members of the Fraternity who have been appointed by the President.

The duties of the Judicial Committee shall be:

1. To enforce the Constitution & Law of the Fraternity.
2. To investigate member misconduct.
3. To hold hearings and examine evidence.
4. To render decisions of guilt or innocence.
5. To recommend type of punitive action to be instituted against guilty party; fines, labor,

suspension, or expulsion.

6. To forward report of hearing, verdict and recommendations to the Active President and

the Executive Council.

The Judicial Committee shall have the authority to:

1. Summon the presence and compel the testimony of members.
2. Suspend members for failure to appear or failure to testify.

 

Social Committee

The Social Committee shall be composed of the Social Chairman, the Secretary, the Pledge Master and at least one other member of the Fraternity. The purpose of this committee shall be to provide the Fraternity with an array of social and professional activities.

The duties of the Social Committee shall be:

1. Prepare a budget for the proposed events and submit to Social Chair
2. Coordinate events with Alumni Association.
3. Organize and staff all events

 

ARTICLE 5 – MEETINGS and EVENTS

There shall be two types of meetings: regular business meetings and special business meetings.

 

Business and Special meetings

(a) The President shall determine meeting dates, times, location, and dress code.

(b) Business meetings shall be the regular weekly chapter meetings and ceremonies. (c) Special meetings are those meetings convened by the President other than the regular

business meetings.

(d) The Secretary shall notify all members of meetings and specify the dress code.

(e) Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used to conduct all meetings.

 

Events

Events shall be any activity, other than a business meeting, that member attendance has been deemed mandatory by the President. These events include; Rush/recruiting activities, social events, and professional activities.

 

SECTION 1- Conduct and Rules of Meetings & Events.

1. Members are required to attend all meetings and events deemed mandatory by the President. A quorum to conduct a meeting shall be a majority of the Chapter’s Active student membership. The minimum essential officers to conduct business shall be two members of the Chapter’s Active Executive Council. These elected officers are counted in determining whether a quorum is present.
2. Meetings shall be closed to the public, former members, and pledges.
3. Special Meetings shall be closed to the public, any members restricted, or any person prohibited from attending regular business meetings.
4. The meeting place shall be secured (locked) at the designated meeting time and no person shall be permitted to enter or leave unless it is specified by the President or Sergeant at Arms.
5. Order will be maintained by the Sergeant at Arms.
6. Minutes will be recorded at all meetings by the Secretary. No audio recording may be

made without permission of the President.

7. All meetings and events shall be open to Alumni.
8. Robert’s Rules of Rules of Order shall be used to conduct all meetings unless found to be contrary to the constitution.
9. Fines will be assessed to any member that is tardy, absent, uses profane language, violates dress code or violates any other meeting/event rule. These fines will be assessed by the Sergeant- at

-Arms according to a fine table and conditions approved by the Executive Council.

10. Any member who desires to be absent from a meeting must request permission, in writing,

from the President.

11. Any member who misses a meeting must present a letter to the President explaining the

reason for his/her absence.

12. Any member who misses 3 consecutive meetings and has not notified the Active President

shall be presumed to have relinquished his/her membership with the Fraternity and will be immediately placed on suspension.

 

ARTICLE 6- DUES, FEES, and FINES

 

Pledge Fees

All persons accepting pledge ship in the Fraternity shall pay to the active chapter Treasurer a fee set by the Executive Council. This fee shall be due five days  after the date of pledge initiation unless a pledge enters into an alternative payment agreement with the active chapter Treasurer prior to the required payment date.  The pledge fees  is not refundable.  Failure to pay the fee is grounds for dismissal from the program.  If for any reason a pledge depledges or is depledged and then returns to pledge again he/she will be required to pay the fee again.  20% of all pledge fees shall be reimbursed to the Alumni Association for chapter fraternity house upkeep and maintenance.

 

Active Semester Dues

Every semester the Treasurer shall collect dues from each active student member of the chapter. The due amount and date of payment shall be set by the Executive Council and shall be posted in the chapter house. Usually dues will be collected at the second regular meeting of the semester. 25% of the active  dues total  shall be  reimbursed to the Alumni Association for chapter  Fraternity  house upkeep  and  maintenance.   Failure to pay dues diligently will result in disciplinary action as  per Article 3 Section 12 (a).

Fines.

Fines may be imposed upon members as punishment for misconduct and for delinquency in payment of monies owed to the Fraternity. Fines shall be set by the Executive Council each semester and delivered to the active membership. This money shall be deposited into the general Fraternity account, unless the fine was collected by the House Manager. Members failing to pay fines will be immediately reported to the Vice President for disciplinary action by the Judicial Committee.

 

ARTICLE 7- FACULTY ADVISOR

Each semester the Fraternity shall choose a University Faculty Advisor.     The Advisor must hold at least a bachelors degree and be employed as a faculty or staff member by the Justice Studies Department, San Jose State University.  A Graduate Assistant/Intern may assume the Advisor role if approved by the University Student Involvement staff.

The Faculty Advisor  will be elected by a majority vote of the active student membership. The Advisor shall be a non-voting member of the fraternity.

The active chapter Secretary shall notify the Alumni Association of the selection.

Advisors are invaluable assets to the Fraternity.  They are our lobbyists and communications link to

the University who keep us involved with and knowledgeable of departmental issues.

The Advisor shall be invited to all Fraternity events and may be permitted to attend meetings.

At the end of each semester the Faculty Advisor will be honored for his/her contributions.

 

ARTICLE 8- AMENDMENTS

Any active student member may present an amendment to the Constitution. All proposed amendments must be presented in writing for consideration by the chapter members. Members may adopt the amendment with a ¾ vote majority of the active chapter. If an amendment passes it shall be forwarded to the Alumni Association President for approval.  Upon approval, the amendment shall become effective immediately.

Adopted on September 29, 2011 by unanimous vote of the active student membership. Approved on October 5, 2011 by Alumni Association President Jason Kidwell.