Gamma Sigma Sigma Delta Omega Chapter - Standing Rules for the Delta Omega Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma

Standing Rules of The Delta Omega Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma

I. Membership

a. Academic Standing

i. Academic good standing is defined as a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and enrollment of twelve (12)

hours minimum per semester. Graduating seniors and individuals with special circumstances carrying less than twelve

(12) hours can be approved for membership in good standing by a simple majority vote of the Executive Board. If a

member drops below twelve (12) hours, the Executive Board must be notified.

ii. Grade point average (GPA) will be checked at the beginning of the semester by the chapter advisor.

iii. If the grade point average (GPA) requirement is not met, the member will be placed on probation for one semester.

Members will not be allowed to be on academic probation for more than two consecutive semesters.

iv. If a member improves their grade point average (GPA), but it still on academic probation, the Executive Board can

make special arrangements.

v. Members on probation for academic reasons will be able to attend on social or homecoming event per semester.

The member must notify the Executive Board in advance of the event she will attend.

vi. A member on academic probation will not be allowed to be a big sister.

vii. A member on academic probation may go inactive in order to improve her grade point average (GPA).

b. All university regulations governing participation in student organizations are applicable.

c. Pledging

i. Pledges/Members in Training:

1. Are required to perform a minimum of ten (12) service hours including one pledge class service project

during the pledge period

2. Are required to attend all mandatory events (including meetings).

3. May have three (3) absences from mandatory events.

4. Are required to pay chapter dues, national dues, and the required fee for the pledge packet within thirty (30)

days after pinning. Extenuating circumstances may be directed to the Executive Board.

ii. The Membership Vice President and her assistant shall conduct pledging.

iii. The Membership Vice President may choose the length of the pledge period, however it must be no less than three

(3) weeks and no more than ten (10) weeks.

iv. At the end of the pledge period, pledges shall become active members if they meet the national of the Gamma

Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.

d. Active Status

i. With active status, a member:

1. An active member is must perform a minimum of twenty (20) hours of service per half academic year

consisting of at least three (3) different service projects. No service hours may be received for being a member

of the service Board. No service hours may be received for being a member of the Executive Board.

2. If a member cannot attend the meeting or event, she is responsible for calling the recording secretary, giving

a reason for the absence. Failure to let the recording secretary know of the absence will result in the use of one

of the member’s three absences.

3. Has the right to one vote.

4. Must pay national and local dues and assessments.

5. Must participate in all mandatory events including:

a. Chapter meetings.

b. Required service projects.

c. One informal rush.

d. Formal rush.

e. Founder’s Day (Fall).

f. Pledge activation.

g. Mandatory fundraisers.

h. Sisterhood Retreat.

i. Any events that the member has chosen to sign up for, unless a twenty-four (24) hour notice is given.

j. Anything the chapter votes as mandatory by a majority vote.

6. May have a total of three (3) absences from mandatory events during the semester.

e. Inactive Status

i. Inactive membership is a membership status granted to an active member by a majority vote of the Executive Board

to those members who are unable to devote full time to chapter activities. (For reasons such as taking an internship,

student teaching, studying abroad, or illness, etc.) But who wish to maintain a close financial and personal interest.

ii. An inactive member:

1. May be inactive for one semester and only after being an active member for one full semester.

2. Shall have privileges of attending all chapter functions. The responsibility will be left to the individual to find

out any announcements or notices. A member can request to the Recording Secretary to be notified of

announcements and notices prior to the start of the semester.

3. Shall not be entitled to vote or hold office.

4. Shall be required to pay national dues.

iii. The Executive Board will choose to grant or deny inactive status. If denied, the member can appeal to the

membership.

f. Probation and Expulsion of Active Members

i. A member may be put on probation by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Executive Board for the following

reasons:

1. Failure to pay dues, within one (1) week of the due date.

2. Insufficient service hours.

3. Lack of attendance at chapter meetings

4. Violation of the GSS policy regarding hazing

ii. A member on probation may request a hearing in writing to the Executive Board within two (2) weeks after

notification of probation.

iii. Upon compliance with the conditions of probation, or if the probation is waived after a hearing, the member on

probation will be notified and automatically reinstated.

iv. If a member on probation does not comply with the conditions permitting reinstatement the member may be

expelled by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the active membership.

v. The National Membership Director shall be immediately informed of the expulsion.

g. Alumnae Status

i. Alumnae status is a membership status granted to members who are graduating, transferring to another college or

university, or otherwise honorably separating from the college or university.

ii. An alumnae member:

1. Shall have the privileges of attending all chapter functions. The responsibility will be left to the individual to

find out any announcements or notices. A member can request to the Corresponding Secretary to be notified of

announcements and notices prior to the start of the semester.

II. Officers

a. Eligibility to run for office

i. The member must be in good standing at the time of nomination. (See Standing Rules, Article I, Paragraph D.)

ii. To be eligible for the office of President, the member must have been active for three (3) semesters.

iii. To be eligible for the offices of Service Vice President and Membership Vice President, the members must have

been active for three (3) semesters.

iv. To be eligible for the offices of Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary,

National Representative, Alumni Liaison, Social Coordinator, Fundraising Chair and Rho Chi must have been active

for two (2) semesters.

b. The President

i. Coordinates the functions of all officers.

ii. Assures that the chapter is operating in conformity to the National Sorority policies and bylaws and the rules and

regulations of La Salle University.

iii. Trains successor and turns over record in a timely fashion (within one (1) week) following the last meeting over

which she presided.

iv. Presides over all meetings and

1. Is responsible for keeping organization at all meetings by using proper procedures.

2. Verifies qualifications of officer candidates.

3. Meets periodically with the advisor to review chapter progress.

4. Completes National Sorority reports by national deadlines.

v. Is responsible for making reservations on a semester basis for Chapter and Executive Board meetings, and

arranging three (3) alternate days for pledge meetings, if needed.

vi. Makes the calendar for the entire semester including all meeting dates and events.

vii. Is in charge of nominating assistants for any officer that feels an assistant is necessary. The President should take

the officer’s choices into consideration when making these decisions.

viii. May not purchase anything without prior permission of the treasurer.

ix. Completes and forwards appropriate information on national reports by national deadlines

c. The Service Vice President

i. Supervises the chairs of all service projects.

ii. Keeps records of all service hours and projects generated by the chapter.

iii. Completes and forwards appropriate information on national reports by national deadlines.

iv. Must be willing and able to take over the responsibilities of the President in the event of an absence.

v. Coordinates at least one (1) mandatory service project that each member must participate in during the semester.

This project must be agreed upon by a majority vote of the active body.

vi. Acts as chair of the service committee.

1. Each member of the service committee may chair an individual service project.

2. The committee must assure that there are enough service projects available that each member may be able

to complete her service hour requirements.

vii. May not purchase anything without the prior permission of the President and Treasurer.

viii. Is responsible for training successor.

d. The Membership Vice Preside

i. Coordinates the pledge program and supervises all pledge activities.

ii. Reserves appropriate rooms for informal rush and formal rush.

iii. Is responsible for:

1. Posting rush and pledge meetings.

2. Developing a pledging schedule each semester based on the national pledging materials.

3. Ensuring the integrity of the pledge program by discouraging and reporting any hazing activities.

4. Working with each pledge class to coordinate projects and support pledges in service activities.

iv. Distributes membership cards and membership certificates.

v. May not purchase anything including room reservations without the prior permission of the President and

Treasurer.

vi. In the event that the chapter votes to not have a pledge class, the Membership Vice President.

1. Is responsible for organizing a retreat for the entire chapter to participate, if they choose.

2. Implements a Secret Sister program.

3. Keeps the active body well educated concerning the national sorority.

4. Is responsible for the general concerns of the entire membership, and will serve as a liaison for the active

body on the Executive Board.

5. May not purchase anything without the permission of the President and Treasurer.

vii. Is responsible for training successor.

e. The Recording/Corresponding Secretary

i. Shall collect all mail from the chapter box and distribute it to the proper offices in the chapter.

ii. Shall initiate correspondence as instructed by the chapter or chapter officers.

iii. Shall write at least one letter per semester to the alumnae and inactive members of the sorority.

iv. Shall be responsible for recognizing birthdays of active and pledges, including summer birthdays.

v. Serves as a reporter for the Perspectives on behalf of the chapter.

vi. Shall notify all inactive members and the advisor of meetings, projects, and ceremonies.

vii. May not purchase anything without the prior permission of the President and Treasurer.

viii. Shall, in cooperation with the chapter Financial Secretary, keep a current listing of all active members in good

standing.

ix. Is responsible for keeping active and pledge attendance.

x. Records absences and notifies the Executive Board if a member’s absences exceed three (3).

xi. Keeps written record of all official chapter and Executive Board meetings, makes copies of minutes for the

President, permanent file of minutes, Corresponding Secretary, Chapter Advisor, District Director, National Secretary,

and Gamma Sigma Sigma member mass e-mail site.

xii. Shall keep inactive members informed of the minutes.

xiii. Prepare a directory of active and pledge members phone numbers, birth dates, year in school, major, address,

and e-mail address. She shall update this list each semester.

xiv. Distributes the list of membership each semester and over the summer.

f. The Treasurer

i. Keeps the checking and savings accounts in order.

ii. Reports the balances in each account at each regular chapter and executive meeting.

iii. Pays all authorized expenses in a timely manner.

iv. Prepares a budget for every office except social chair. This should be based on the current checking account

balance and the number of members in the sorority.

v. Keeps records of all expenses and income that may be audited by an independent Board appointed by the

Executive Board. This shall be done prior to any new Treasurer taking formal responsibility for the office.

vi. May not purchase anything without the prior permission of the President.

vii. Is responsible for training successor.

viii. Completes and forwards appropriate information on national reports by national deadlines.

g. The Financial Secretary

i. Collects payment from members, distributes receipts to members, and keeps records of all members payments that

are due to the sorority.

ii. Is responsible for notifying members if they owe money or are on probation for financial reasons.

iii. Is responsible for collecting the lists of purchased items with each member’s name from each officer prior to the

individual’s obtaining the items or attending the events.

iv. Is responsible for keeping track of which members actually attended functions such as dances to be sure that all

members pay for the correct number of people.

v. Gives all income from sorority members or outside sources to the Treasurer for deposit into the checking account.

vi. Compiles a list of prices and regulations from the community for various services that the sorority might use, i.e.

banquet halls, deejays, donators, t-shirt vendors, etc. All Executive members will utilize this list when planning events.

vii. Is responsible for training successor.

h. The Historian

i. Maintains chapter scrapbooks and updates with appropriate pictures and mementos to represent the chapter’s

semester.

ii. Is responsible for coordination of Founder’s Day activities in the Fall semester.

iii. Makes historical materials available during rush activities, homecoming weekend, and other places where these

things would be helpful.

iv. Is responsible for organizing a composite during the Spring semester.

v. Plans one family weekend during the Spring semester.

vi. May not purchase anything without the prior permission of the President and Treasurer.

vii. Is responsible for training successor.

i. The Parliamentarian

i. Maintains current national bylaws, chapter standing rules, and pledging policies.

ii. Duplicates and distributes copies of the bylaws, standing rules, and pledging policies to incoming members in the

pledge program and any members who do not have copies.

iii. Clears any changes in the chapter bylaws, standing rules, and pledging policies prior to the changes becoming

effective

iv. Is responsible for keeping Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised at all meetings.

v. May not purchase anything without the prior permission of the President and Treasurer.

vi. Is responsible for training successor.

j. The National Representative

i. Shall gather and distribute National information to all chapter members.

ii. Assist in arrangement for each national visitor.

iii. Ensure chapter attendance at conferences and National Convention

iv. Is responsible for training successor.

v. Responsible for La Salle University IFSC meetings, representing the Delta Omega Chapter of Gamma Sigma

Sigma.

k. The Alumnae Liaison

i. Shall encourage alumnae to become lifetime members and members of an alumnae chapter or active

alumnae-at-large.

ii. Completes and forwards appropriate information on national reports by national deadlines.

iii. Maintain an accurate record of chapter alumnae names and addresses.

iv. Coordinate activities that include alumnae.

v. Correspond with alumnae chapters in the district.

vi. Distribute a newsletter to chapter alumnae.

vii. Coordinate with the National Membership Director.

viii. Is responsible for training successor.

III. Other Positions

a. The Social Coordinator

i. Coordinates all activities that are considered social events.

ii. Plans Fall and Spring formal.

iii. Plans at least two (2) social events per semester.

iv. May not purchase anything without the prior permission of the President and Treasurer.

v. Is responsible for training successor.

b. The Rho Chi

i. Is responsible for setting up events during Rush week.

ii. When applicable they must help the Vice President of Membership.

c. The Fundraising Chair

i. Shall be responsible for organizing a minimum of two (2) fundraising activities throughout the semester.

ii. Shall be responsible for helping the pledges organize a fundraising event during their pledge period

iii. Is responsible for training successor.

IV. Meetings

a. Executive Board Meetings

i. Will be held weekly throughout the semester.

ii. Executive Board Members are allotted three (3) absences from executive meetings each semester. (The appeal

process would be the same as that for the regular members.)

b. Meetings of the Chapter

i. Meeting location will be determined each semester by the President.

ii. Committee meetings may be held at any location, as determined by the Committee Chairperson(s).

iii. Pledge meetings shall be held at a location determined by the Membership Vice-President and assistant. Pledge

meetings will be at a different time than chapter meetings.

V. The Chapter Advisor

a. Is invited to all chapter and executive board meetings.

b. May be made an Honorary Member, with all rights and privileges after two years as chapter advisor.

c. One or more persons shall be elected as advisor to the chapter in accordance with applicable campus regulations for

student organizations.

d. An advisor shall serve a one (1) year term or until a successor is elected.

VI. Standing Rules – Amending

a. Standing Rules may be changed at any regular chapter meeting where a quorum of two-thirds (2/3) or more of the active

body is present. An amendment can be passed with a majority vote of the present quorum. Changes in standing rules shall

be kept in the regular chapter minutes, and once per year, the standing rules will be updated for chapter members.

Amended standing rules will be submitted to the District Director and National Parliamentarian.

VII. Procedures for Addressing Misconduct

The procedures outlined below are designed to balance the rights and responsibilities of the student accused of wrong

doing with the rights of the accuser, other students, member of the academic community and the public.

a. Any member of the Gamma Sigma Sigma community may file charges against any member for misconduct.

b. Charges must be prepared in writing and directed to the Executive Board. Any charge shall be submitted no later

than four executive meetings from the date of the misconduct.

c. All charges of misconduct which potentially involve hazing shall be immediately communicated to the National

President of Gamma Sigma Sigma.

d. Executive board shall be responsible for the keeping of all records for the purpose of maintaining a file that may be

presented to the Nationals if necessary.

e. It shall then be the responsibility of the Executive Board and the Chapter Advisor to decide if the submitted charges

are, in fact, a violation of University Policies, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Policies, or Delta Omega Chapter

Standing Rules.

f. The Executive Board should conduct an investigation to determine if the charges can be disposed of by mutual

consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Chapter Membership. Such disposition shall be the final

word of the Delta Omega chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma. Investigation should include:

i. Interview with the accuser aimed at gathering information about the violation including date, time, and place,

the alleged violation occurred;

ii. Interview any witnesses to the alleged violation;

iii. Make accused aware of accusations and alleged violations of University Policies, Gamma Sigma Sigma

National Policies or Delta Omega Chapter Standing Rules with a written summary of the submitted violation and

a list of the witnesses;

iv. Interview with the accused to discuss the charges. The accuser shall not be named at this meeting;

v. Allow accuser and accused to meet to discuss alleged violations and reach a mutually acceptable solution.

g. If charges cannot be disposed of by mutual consent of involved parties all charges shall be presented to the

accused student in written form from the Executive Board. The written notice of charges will contain the following:

i. The alleged violation of University Policies, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Policies and/or Delta Omega

Chapter Standing Rules;

ii. Date, time, and place, the alleged violation occurred;

iii. A concise summary of the alleged violation;

iv. A list of the witnesses on both sides of the issue (to be supplemented later if necessary):

v. A date shall be arranged before which the accused must meet with Executive Board

h. The Member accused of violating the code will meet with the Executive Board by the date assigned in the letter of

charges. At this meeting the following matters will be decided:

i. The Executive Board will go over the charges and give a summary of the evidence:

ii. The Executive Board will answer any questions and provide any necessary clarification of the rules and/or its

procedures;

iii. The accused will have a chance to refute charges

i. The Executive Board will prepare a summary of the both the charges and the refutation of those charges to be read

to the membership. During all times the parties shall remain anonymous.

j. If expulsion is not recommended the executive board shall decide on an appropriate action. The decision must be

made with a two-thirds majority vote.

k. If charges are severe enough to warrant a recommendation of expulsion from Gamma Sigma Sigma from the

Executive Board, a written summary of the above evidence will be given to the Chapter Advisor who will contact the

Community Coordinator for Leadership Development to discuss the action. This will be done prior to a vote of the

membership.

l. If the Community Coordinator for Leadership Development endorses the proposed action, it will be put to a vote of

the membership.

m. The Executive Board my return to any pervious step to assure a fair proceeding or to create an appropriate

disciplinary action.