Delta Phi Theta Constitution
Article 1: Name
Section 1: The Name of this club shall be Delta Phi Theta (DFQ).
Article 2: Purpose
Section 1: This chapter shall be conducted as a club under the provisions set forth by this constitution, the by-laws of Delta Phi Theta (DPT) and policies of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. The purpose of this club is to assemble undergraduate college men and women in the spirit of service and to offer service to the brothers and sisters within Delta Phi Theta, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, and to the greater community.
Section 2: Delta Phi Theta will, upon the mutual agreement of the College/University and the club, have a faculty advisor to serve as an authority for the purpose of over-looking the integrity of the organization according to the criteria set forth by the College/University's policies.
Article 3: Membership
Section 1:
Membership of DPT is hereby defined as granted to men and women enrolled at College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University as part-time or full-time students that satisfy the enrollment requirements specified in the J-Book or B-Book. Membership is further refined into passive and active membership.
Section 2:
Honorary membership may be granted to individuals who have contributed to the progress of this club in some degree of significance. This type of membership allows no voting privileges and can only be granted by the Executive Committee by a two-thirds majority.
Section 3:
Absentee membership maybe granted to an active member by the Executive Committee, for reasons of extended absence. This type of membership allows no voting privileges until such a time that the said member returns to the CSB or SJU campuses.
Section 4:
Alumni membership shall automatically be granted to all members of this club upon the successful meeting of all the graduation requirements set forth by the College of Saint Benedict/ Saint John's University. This type of membership shall be allowed no voting privileges; however they shall be allowed a significant amount of say in alumni affairs. To be an Alumni of Delta Phi Theta means you graduated as a member and were not under any type of suspension at the time of graduation.
Section 5:
Regardless of age, consumption and/or use of alcohol or drugs is not permissible at any club event or gathering.
Section 6:
New Membership (Active Membership)
Clause 1: Prospective members or Pledges that wish to be an active member shall enroll in New Membership Orientation.
Clause 2: New Membership Orientation will contain activities that will be either service or orientation based.
Subsection 1: Service based activities will introduce new members to activities that they will be active in following their completion of New Membership Orientation.
Subsection 2: Orientation based activities will be used to gather members and create lifelong friendships, knowledge of DPT, and an understanding of the importance of service and gender equality.
Clause 3: Pledges that are going for active membership will be required to be interviewed. This is a formality and will be used to further inform DPT leaders of new members.
Clause 4: Each applicant shall be assigned with an active member to serve as a Big Brother/Sister. The Big Brother/Sister must have been at active status for at least two semesters prior to orientation (except for the initial year of 2009-2010). Her/his responsibilities as a Big Brother/Sister include, but are not limited to, informing the applicant about the club, answering any questions that the applicant may have regarding Delta Phi Theta and helping/participating in New Membership Orientation.
Clause 5: For active member status pledges are required to come to all events. Unless the Pledge has met with an Executive Board member at least one day prior to the event and has the Executive Board members permission.
Clause 6: New Membership Orientation will be once in the fall and is to be with-in the first regular month of the fall semester.
Clause 7: New Membership Orientation procedures shall hold to, but not limited to, the following guidelines: 1) Orientation shall last at least one week, but no longer than two weeks. 2) Any consumption or use of alcohol or controlled substance during Delta Phi Theta orientated gatherings and events even if member is of age will be a violation of the applicant's contract they signed and will be result in dismissal of that years New Membership Orientation. 3) Any other activities during the orientation period, not stated here, must meet the approval of the Executive Committee and uphold the Benedictine Values and reputation of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. 4) Applicants that are going for active status will remain Pledges until they complete New Membership Orientation.
Clause 6: New membership dues will be set at the beginning of the year. This will be payable two weeks (14 days) prior to New Membership Orientation. This will pay for one polo shirt and one New Membership Orientation t-shirt.
Clause 7: If members are not financially able to pay dues, money from the generated account will be used for those purposes. The pledge is to speak with the Treasurer. The Treasurer will be bound to silence and only allowed to speak of this matter to the controller of DPT funds at CSB/SJU.
Section 7: New Membership (Passive Membership)
Clause 1: A person looking to be passively involved will be allowed to be a passive member.
Clause 2: Passive member will not be required to attend New Membership Orientation.
Clause 3: A passive member will be allowed to be involved in DPT activities.
Clause 4: This type of membership however will not facilitate voting, committee or leadership rights in the year of passive membership.
Clause 5: A passive member will not have to paid dues or wear DPT clothing.
Clause 6: Passive members not be held to quantity requirements but will be accountable in behavioral portion of the constitution. Written warnings and alike will be used with passive membership, no different than active.
Section 8: Active Members
Clause 1:
Active membership shall be granted to those men and women who have completed New Membership Orientation and paid current dues, and strive to meet the required attendance criteria as outlined in this Constitution.
Clause 2:
Active member are required to fundraise $10.00 in the fall and $10.00 dollars in the spring, collectible the by the end of the second month of the semester of both the fall and spring semesters. If a member desires, fundraising dollars may be paid for the entire year before the fall semester payment date has expired.
Clause 3:
Any member not paying her/his respective amount of fundraising dollars by the said date, the member shall receive help from the executive committee. If the fundraising dollars are not produced by the end of the third month of the semester the member will be suspended until the fundraising dollars are collected.
Clause 4:
Events will be held to help raise fundraising dollars for members.
Section 9: Suspension and Revocation of Membership
Clause 1: The Executive Committee shall have the power to write a warning for a member unbecoming of the constitution.
Clause 2: A written warning shall be written if an active member has excessive absences, without out a written document or email from an active member, from regular meetings, not meeting the required attendance as outlined in this Constitution, non-compliance to the ideals set forth by this Constitution or the institutions of CSB/SJU.
Clause 3: A written warning shall be issued, by a Co-President, to a member of her/his impending danger of suspension.
Clause 4: The active member with the written warning has the right to appeal her/his case at the next regular meeting of the Executive board. The board can repeal the written warning upon a major majority.
Clause 5: If the member follows the constitution for the rest of the year, after the conclusion of that year the member will be clean of a warning.
Clause 6: If the member violates the constitution for the second time the member will be required to meet with the Executive Board about his/her pending suspension to discuss the nature of the impending suspension.
Clause 7: If the board rules in a majority the member will be placed on suspension.
Clause 8: If the member violates the constitution for a third time the will be placed on "temporary hold" with a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Clause 9: The member that is on temporary hold will be required to meet in with the temporary hold committee of 7 peers of active member that will include the Co-President, the sergeant at arms and also five other active members that will be randomly chosen from a hat. These members will hear the case of the active member on temporary hold and the presidents will announce the evidence against that member.
Clause 10: If the majority of the members temporary hold committee vote that the member is guilty of the offences that member will no longer have active status and will not be allowed to attend meeting or activities of DPT after the next DPT meeting.
Clause 8: All members brought under review of the temporary hold committee have the right of appeal -- to the entire club - which may overthrow this committee's actions by a 2/3 majority vote of the Active members present.
Section 10: Clothing
Clause 1: Only Brothers and Sisters, their family members and significant others (boyfriend or girlfriend), and Honorary Members of the club may bear the letters of Delta Phi Theta.
Clause 2: Damaging and/or representing letters of Delta Phi Theta in a negative light is prohibited; and maybe cause for written warning or alike.
Clause 2: Active Brothers and Sisters must wear the Delta Phi Theta polo shirts to every meeting and throughout the whole meeting day. Not wearing the letters is grounds for written warning or alike. (Work and other existential circumstances are exceptions.)
Article 4: OFFICERS
Section 1: The officers of this club shall be in order of rank, but not importance: Co-President (2), Treasurer, Secretary, Co-Public Relations Chairperson (2) Co-Rush Chairperson (2).
Section 2: Any vacancies occurring among the officers of the club shall be filled by a special election. Nominations for the special election shall be held at the first regular meeting after the vacancy occurs, with the election to follow at the next regular meeting after nominations. The space vacated shall be filled by the next highest officer(s) during the interim.
Section 3: Election of Officers
Clause 1: Nominations shall be taken at the last official meeting before elections. Any active member can be nominated for any position on the Executive Committee. Nominations shall consist of presenting the name of the nominee, followed by a second from the floor of active members. The nominee has the right to decline the nomination.
Clause 2: All nominees must be enrolled as a full time student at either the College of Saint Benedict or Saint John's University for the time of the term, with the exceptions to be made for students in their last term, taking less than the amount of requirements set by the University, but still proceeding towards the fulfillment of graduation requirements; must also be an Active Member.
Clause 3: Elections shall be held after the first month of the semester, but before April 1. The term of office shall be one year with the current Executive Committee deciding the date on which the offices are handed over.
Clause 4: Elections may not be held unless there is a quorum of active members. A quorum shall be a majority of the active memberships. A date will be given during the meeting directly before elections are to be held, and if a member fails to attend the elections, he/she forfeits his/her voting right.
Clause 5: Elections shall be in order of rank, beginning with Co-President (2) leading to Co-Rush Chairperson (2). The non-elected nominee of a certain position automatically being nominated for the next lower position but has the right to decline the nomination. (eg. A presidential nominee that has been defeated is automatically a nominee for Co-Public Relations.)
Clause 6: Delta Phi Theta strives to achieve gender equality. One Saint John's University student and one College of Saint Benedict student will fill the positions of "Co" status.
Section 4: To be successfully elected to office, members must receive a simple majority of the votes cast. In the event of a tie, a run-off election shall be held between the two nominees with the highest vote totals.
Section 5: If the elected officer fails to perform his/her duties, is found to be misrepresenting the intentions of the club or acting in such a way that is detrimental to the club and/or the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, he/she maybe impeached by a two-thirds vote of all active members.
Section 6: No member of this club may concurrently hold more than one office in DPT.
Section 7: Members may be nominated for more than one office. If a nominee is elected to an office and accepts, he/she will be withdrawn automatically from the nominations of all other offices.
Section 8: All officer(s) and/or chairperson(s) of the committees shall keep the club informed of their deliberations at every official Executive Committee meeting.
Section 9: Candidates who are nominated for a Co-Chair of an office position will run as partners of one male and one female. The partnerships will be voted on in the order of Co-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, Co-Public Relations and Co-Rush Chairs. Then, in efforts to keep gender equality, the nominee who gets the most votes in their office of either treasurer or secretary will win their position and the opposite gender with the most votes in the category of the other office will get the other office.
Section 10: All executive board members, including the Co-President(s), Secretary, Treasurer, and all Chair positions, must be present on campus and able to attend all meetings during the duration of their term. If for any reason arises that disallows their continued physical presence within the club, the brother/sister must resign from his/her position and a new election will be held.
Section 11: If an officer is going to be studying abroad for one semester, the active members of the club will vote upon a replacement in a special election 3 weeks from the end of the semester before the vacancy.
ARTICLE 5: DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
Section 1: Duties of the Co-Presidents
Clause 1: To preside over all club meetings.
Clause 2: To call and preside over all un-chaired committee meetings.
Clause 3: To preside at and chair all Executive Committee Meetings.
Clause 4: To enforce a due observation of the Constitution and by-laws.
Clause 5: To put to a vote all committees not otherwise provided for by this constitution.
Clause 6: To promote the welfare of Delta Phi Theta on and off campus.
Clause 7: To perform such duties as the club may require of herself/himself.
Clause 8: To serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
Clause 9: To assist in work with all committees in the promotion of Delta Phi Theta.
Clause 10: By virtue of the office, the President shall have the power to delegate his/her authority to other club members.
Clause 11: To maintain order at all regular and special Delta Phi Theta meetings.
Clause 12: To serve as the counselor for the relations within the club, including member to member relations.
Clause 13: Promote the spirit of member to member honesty, reliability, and trust.
Clause 14: If a new office is deemed needed by the Co-Presidents, they will bring to vote within the Executive Committee, a new office in which active members can be nominated.
Clause 15: Any power not given to another officer or member will be given to the president to delegate upon a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Clause 16: Co-presidents cast two votes as an Executive Member.
Clause 17: Over ride the Sergeant at Arms if seen fit.
Clause 18: To chair the temporary hold committee.
Section 2: Duties of the Co-Public Relations Chairs
Clause 1: To organize and release press releases to the campus media when deemed necessary by the either of the Co-Presidents.
Clause 2: To update webpage monthly in conjunction with the Secretary.
Clause 3: To be an intricate resource to DPT, facilities, posting policies, printing and advertising DPT sponsored events through e-mail and other forms of mass media.
Section 3: Duties of the Secretary
Clause 1: To keep accurate minutes of the meetings, and to obtain minutes from the various committees and keep them on file.
Clause 2: The Secretary may appoint assistance to himself/herself. If the Secretary appoints a member to be an assistant, the Secretary will still be held responsible for all secretary related work.
Clause 3: To keep an accurate record of attendance at bi-monthly meetings and events.
Clause 4: To preside over the Service Committee.
Clause 5: To perform all other duties prescribed by the club to the office of the Secretary.
Clause 6: To record sizes for polo shirts and New Membership Orientation t-shirts at the first official meeting of DPT in the fall semester.
Section 4: Duties of the Treasurer
Clause 1: To keep an accurate ledger.
Clause 2: To collect all fundraising dollars and maintain a fundraising dollars roster.
Clause 3: To collect all new membership dues and maintain a "polo shirt and New Membership Orientation t-shirt paid" roster.
Clause 4: To maintain appropriate accounts at the Saint John's/Saint Ben's Student Accounts Office, where all cash assets of the active memberships of DPT shall be deposited and distributed.
Clause 5: To keep an accurate record of receipts and disbursements of the club.
Clause 6: To pay all debts, upon proper authorization from the Executive Committee, incurred by club activities.
Clause 7: To present to her/his successor, upon her/his election the aforementioned record with an explanation of the method used to keep accounts.
Clause 8: To report all payments and receivables by the club during weekly
Executive Committee meetings.
Clause 9: To perform all other duties prescribed by the club to the offices of Treasurer.
Clause 10: To prepare and help present a budget along with the Co-Presidents.
Section 5: Duties of the Co-Rush Chairs
Clause 1: To preside over the New Membership Orientation Committee in conjunction with the Co-Presidents.
Clause 2: To coordinate, oversee, and take full responsibility of the initiation of new members in accordance to all Joint Club Board and College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University Policies.
Clause 3: After New Membership Orientation is finished, one Co-Rush Chair will become the Historian and the other will become, Sergeant at Arms upon a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 6: Duty of the Historian
Clause 1: To maintain organized files and carry the responsibility for everything inside it.
Clause 2: To collect, on a regular basis, any files that other officers or committees may have created.
Clause 3: To maintain an accurate listing of all alumni memberships, alumni members and their current address and contact information.
Clause 4: To maintain an accurate and up-to-date history of DPT in diary form, in which all changes of membership status are to be recorded.
Clause 5: To keep a written and pictorial record of the club.
Section 7: Duty of the Sergeant at Arms
Clause 1: To keep Executive Board meeting and other Delta Phi Theta meetings in line with the agenda.
Clause 2: Keep all members and officers on task and use necessary actions to do so.
Section 8: It is the duty of the current officer to train in the newly elected DPT officer to their position at least 2 weeks before the end of the academic year. For members who are studying abroad, e-mail contact will suffice.
Section 9: It is the duty of all officers to know the constitution.
Article 6: Meetings
Section 1: DPT shall hold meetings at least every other week for the purpose of receiving, conducting, and/or transacting any such business as may properly come before it, or for other sufficient reasons. Meetings shall be conducted in an orderly manner without the presence of alcohol and in accordance with informal parliamentary procedures as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order.
Section2: If an active member misses a meeting, the brother/sister must contact the Secretary in writing or email one day prior to an event or meeting in which the active member will be absent. The active member will be held to the honor system. If proof is found that that active member was lying, that member will be required to meet with the Executive Board and upon a majority vote the active member will be on suspension.
Section 3: Each member is allowed one unexcused absence from a meeting each semester.
Section 4: If a member incurs two unexcused absences in a semester, the brother/sister will be interviewed and due action of the Executive Board will be taken.
Section 5: If a member incurs four excused absences in a semester, the brother/sister will be interviewed and due action of the Executive Board will be taken.
Article 7: Committees
Section 1: There shall be an Executive Committee.
Clause 1: The Co-Presidents shall chair this committee.
Clause 2: This committee shall consist of all the officers.
Clause 3: This shall be a standing committee.
Clause 4: Duties of this committee shall include, but are not limited to:
1) To advise the Co-Presidents
2) To plan, make, and consider all major policies that effect DPT
3) To plan for and make long range goals for DPT
4) To make changes in the status of current DPT members
5) To act in the best interest of the fraternity in the event that a sudden decision must be made.
Section 2: There shall be a Temporary Hold Committee.
Clause 1: This committee has the responsibility of recruiting members in accordance with DPT's purpose and rules.
Clause 2: The Co-Presidents shall chair this committee.
Clause 3: This committee shall consist of the entire Executive Committee and the sergeant at arms and five active brothers or sisters that have two semesters of DPT service. (Excluded for 2009-2010). These five members will be randomly drawn from a hat. If an active member does not want to participate they do not have to. A new member will be asked in their place.
Clause 4: This shall be a standing committee.
Clause 5: This committee shall consider all applicants and make such judgments as they deem necessary.
Section 3: There shall be a Public Relations Committee.
Clause 1: The Co- Public Relations Chairpersons shall chair this Committee and is responsible for the committee. If a member is not doing their share or is in danger of being reviewed for suspension, the member will be given one written warning. If there is a need for another warning a member will then be suspended upon a vote of the executive board as described in this constitution.
Clause 2: This committee shall consist of club members appointed by the Co-Public Relations Chairs.
Clause 3: This shall be a standing committee.
Clause 4: Duties of the committee are to publicize all events, activities, and functions of DPT in the surrounding area with the approval of the fraternity, and to handle all advertising that the fraternity may need. Also, promote brotherhood, sisterhood and unity within the fraternity. This shall include, but is not limited to AKS sister relationships and internal social activities.
Section 4: There shall be a Service Committee.
Clause 1: The Secretary and Treasurer shall chair this committee.
Clause 2: This committee will consist of members appointed by the Chairs.
Clause 3: This shall be a standing committee.
Clause 4: The duties of this committee include, but are not limited to service activities for the campus and the surrounding area.
Section 5: There shall be a Historical Committee
Clause 1: The Sergeant at Arms and the Historian shall Co-Chair this committee.
Clause 2: This committee shall consist of members appointed by the chairs.
Clause 3: This shall be a standing committee.
Clause 4: The duties of this committee include, but are not limited to, the keeping of historical records and references including current membership and alumni rosters.
Section 6: There shall be a Gender Affairs Committee.
Clause 1: The Co-Presidents shall chair this committee.
Clause 2: This committee shall consist of members appointed by the chairs.
Clause 3: This shall be a standing committee.
Clause 4: The duties of this committee shall be to promote equality among the fraternity and on the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University campuses.
Section 7: Each of these committees shall meet monthly, with exception given to the Temporary Hold Committee.
Section 8: Each of these committees shall report regularly to DPT following each of the
committee meetings at the next scheduled Delta Phi Theta meeting.
Section 9: The members of Delta Phi Theta during the inaugural year (2009-2010) reserve the power to make or dissolve Committees upon a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Article 8: Review of this Constitution
Section 1: This constitution shall be reviewed yearly and revised if needed.
Section 2: There shall be a special committee, appointed by the Co-Presidents, approved by the members to review and recommend revisions to this constitution.
Article 9: Adoption and Amendment
Section 1: This constitution may be adopted by a 2/3 majority vote of active members present, and then an 8/10 majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 2: Amendments to this constitution must be read at two regular meetings before a vote can be called. Once a vote is called the amendment must pass by a 2/3 vote of active members present. If it does not pass, the process must be started over. If it does pass, it must receive and 8/10 vote of the Executive Committee. In review by the Executive Committee, if it does not pass, the process must be started over; if it does pass; the President must sign the amendment and it will become effective immediately until such a time that it is nullified.
Section 3: The members of Delta Phi Theta during the inaugural year (2009-2010) reserve the power to make or dissolve parts of this Constitution upon a majority vote of the Executive Board and the passing of the Joint Club Board.
Article 10: Advisor
Section 1: The Delta Phi Theta Service Fraternity will have one advisor. Both Co-Presidents must meet with the advisor monthly. The Executive Board will meet with the advisor semi-annually at the beginning of each semester.
Section 2: The advisor shall:
Clause 1: Be a representative of the College of Saint Benedict or Saint John's University Faculty/Staff/Administration.
Clause 2: Attend DPT fraternity meetings as often as necessary as deemed by the advisor and Co-Presidents.
Clause 3: Meet as often as necessary with the Co-Presidents.
Article 11: Member Requirements
Section 1: Active members will be required to attend one of each of the following events per month.
Clause 1: Service to the greater community outside of CSB/SJU.
Clause 2: Service to CSB/SJU.
Clause 3: Service to Delta Phi Theta.
Section 2: If not more than two events are planned in each of the preceding categories, and then only one event is required.
Section 3: If no more than one event is planned per clause, none are to be required in that clause.
Article 12: Mission Statement
Section 1: Delta Phi Theta is comprised of men and women at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, will offer service to those within the communities of the brotherhood and sisterhood, the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University community, and the greater community. Following the Benedictine Values, the brotherhood and sisterhood will always exemplify the Delta Phi Theta motto "Together Serving Others". The Brothers and Sisters of Delta Phi Theta are the club's most valuable resource and strength. They are the primary means by which Delta Phi Theta objectives will be achieved. In order to accomplish the club's objective, it is essential that systems are instituted that effectively embody the notion of "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity" and promote Brotherhood/Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service. To optimize Delta Phi Theta's effectiveness, the club will:
• I. Strengthen and serve proactively the Brotherhood and Sisterhood as a supportive resource that positively impacts the club's growth and awareness of service.
• II. Reaffirm and maintain a strong commitment to Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service.
• III. Ensure that Delta Phi Theta programs are focused and committed to serving Humanity.
• IV. Create an environment that respects the dignity and worth of each Brother and Sister.
• V. Exhibit integrity and ethical behavior in conducting the club's service efforts, serving as a model for all service organizations.
• VI. Encourage a closer and mutually beneficial working relationship with fellow Greek letter organizations, other community service organizations, the institutions of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, and the government.
• VII. To be gender equal in all endeavors of Delta Phi Theta.
• VIII. Select leaders who are committed and have demonstrated the ability to "lead".
Article 13: Discrimination
Section 1: The Delta Phi Theta admits students without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and other activities, generally accorded or made available to members of the organization.
Article 14: Hazing
Section 1: The Delta Phi Theta considers hazing to be a degrading and destructive activity, which is inconsistent with the standards of this student organization and the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. The Delta Phi Theta recognizes the dignity of every person and opposes all forms of hazing.