2025 Phi Alpha by Sigma Alpha Epsilon

THE PHI ALPHA

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE 169TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION OF SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON

ON BEHALF OF THE 169TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION HOST COMMITTEE, OUR HOST PROVINCE EPSILON-ALPHA, AND THE MANY BROTHERS WHO HAVE MADE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE:

WELCOME TO ATLANTA! ATLANNA ATLANNA ATLANNA

ATLANTA HISTORY

Atlanta, sometimes described as the “New York of the South”, the “Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement”, and the “Capital of the Southeast”, has rarely been shy about promoting itself. Examples of the success of this civic spirit over the years are numerous, from the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

From its earliest days, the backbone of Atlanta’s economy has been transportation and distribution. During the Civil War, the city was the largest confederate industrial, logistical, and administrative center outside of Richmond. Atlanta was rapidly rebuilt following Sherman’s carelessness, and today this same mission is supported by Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, (the world’s busiest), and the ports of Savannah and Brunswick on the Georgia coast. The city is best known commercially as the birthplace and headquarters of Coca-Cola, as well as the home of Delta Airlines (the largest airline by revenue in the world), and is ranked 8th among US cities for most

Fortune 500 company headquarters (16). In the last decade, due to the varied and beautiful neighborhoods, venues, and geography, both Atlanta and Georgia have “gone Hollywood”, and surpassed California in the number of feature films produced annually.

ATLANTA ALUMNI

The metropolitan area has the third largest population of SAE alumni in the country, and is home to the oldest alumni association in the realm. Among our many nationally and internationally recognized alumni are golf legend Bobby Jones (Georgia Tech 1922), best known for his sportsmanship, his 1930 Grand Slam (winning all four majors in the same year), wins in 13 majors, and cofounding Augusta National and The Masters. Atlanta mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. (Georgia Tech ’33), is considered by many to be the father of modern Atlanta. His efforts brought professional sports to the city and the southeast, and his proactive leadership on civil rights issues kept Atlanta business friendly and socially cohesive during the turbulent 1960s. Finally, Senator Johnny Isakson (Georgia ’69), was highly

respected on both sides of the aisle. His staff was predominately SAE alumni, and he was the keynote speaker at the Atlanta Alumni Association’s flagship event every year for many decades

ATLANTA ATTRACTIONS

Suggested ways to experience the flavor of the city include driving through the beautiful neighborhoods of Buckhead; visiting Oakland Cemetery, a Rural Garden cemetery where Margaret Mitchell, and both Bobby Jones and Ivan Allen Jr. are buried; the College Football Hall of Fame; the Atlanta Botanical Garden; Stone Mountain, with its carving of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson; the Delta Flight Museum; the Georgia Aquarium; and the Beltline, a 22 mile loop of urban trails and parks created from former rail corridors.

There is much to enjoy in Atlanta, and if you’d like to pass unnoticed through the streets and shops, simply pronounce the name of the city in the manner of a native (“Atlanna”), and avoid referring to the town as “Hotlanta”, or “The A-T-L”. Now you know everything necessary to enjoy your stay with us, which we know you will, and we hope you’ll hurry back.

Phi Alpha,

John King, (Georgia Tech ‘78) Convention Host Committee Chairman

Along with the members of the 169th Anniversary Convention Host Committee:

Charles Boyd (Mississippi State ’65)

Steve Butler (Miami [OH] ’89)

Matt Dale (Vanderbilt ’05)

Doug Hodge (Miami [OH] ’91)

Alex Johnson (Oglethorpe ’07)

Nick Lundrigan (Georgia College & State, ’16)

Bill Makepeace (North Carolina State, ’93)

Grattan Rowland (Georgia Tech, ’86)

Stewart Wallace (Alabama ’08)

John Yopp (Georgia ’79)

Scott Young (Georgia ’79)

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

Trippe

Windsor Ballroom Lobby

Hope Ballrooms I, II, & III and Hope Terrace

THIRD THURSDAY

The Americano (InterContinental Buckhead)

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

° These events are invitation only.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

Windsor Ballroom Lobby

Windsor Office

Windsor Ballroom

Trippe Ballrooms I, II, & III Stronger Together: Where Brotherhood Meets Safety and Responsibility

Hope Ballrooms I, II, & III Cornerstones of Chapter Operations: Recruitment, Ritual, Risk, and Receivables

Trippe Ballrooms I, II, & III Stronger Together: Where Brotherhood Meets Safety and Responsibility

Hope Ballrooms I, II, & III Alumni Associations Ritual, Opportunity, Affinity, and Retention

Venetian Ballroom

Windsor Ballroom

Introduction of Officials, Order of Business, Nominations for Supreme Council, Candidates Forum for Contested Positions, Election of All Positions COMMITTEE

Audit Trippe III

Resolutions Hope I

Venetian Ballroom

Join a night of brotherhood and fellowship at our service project and casino game night.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

Venetian Ballroom

Windsor Ballroom

Law Proposals, Committee Reports, Memorial Service, Closing Ritual

Trippe I & II

Windsor Ballroom Lobby

Windsor Ballroom

Fraternity Awards, Outgoing ESA Remarks, Installation of new Supreme Council, Incoming ESA Remarks

Windsor Ballroom Lobby

° These events are invitation only.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

GUEST PROGRAM SCHEDULE

EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS

HOTEL MAP

SONGS & ANTHEMS

THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER

O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

MY FRATERNITY

My Fraternity, dear old SAE, It’s the grandest one of old. Friends so dear to me In my Fraternity

Of the purple and the gold. It’s where good fellows meet, Old friends they greet, And through years their friendships deepen. My Fraternity, my Fraternity, It’s dear old SAE.

FRIENDS

The chairs all are empty, The last guest has gone. The candles burn lower and lower And sputter on and on.

But after the last guest’s departed, Haunting the smoke-laden air, There remaineth a lingering presence, The ghost of good fellowship rare.

Chorus:

Friends, friends, friends, You and I will be,

Whether in fair or in dark stormy weather, We’ll stand or we’ll fall together

For SAE, we will always be, Our bond celebrating till death separating Old pals from me.

COME SING TO SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON

Come sing to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, And to Minerva who will lead us on, And to Phi Alpha with its guiding light, And to the lion who will fight, fight, fight, And when in years to come we’ll tell our sons, About the very best fraternity. We’ll sing of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, swing along, With S-A-E.

Marching Medley:

Hail to the purple, hail to the gold, Hail to Phi Alpha, motto of old. Minerva true, the lion too, We’re loyal sons of S-A-E. We’re marching one by one, To Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Honor, loyalty, her name as we go marching on. Ever shall we stand, as brothers in our mighty band. Phi Alpha, hail to thee, And sing to dear old S-A-E. Phi Alpha!

PHI ALPHA BORN

I’m Phi Alpha born, And I’m Phi Alpha bred, And when I die, I’ll be…Phi Alpha dead, So rah, rah, Phi Alpha, Alpha, Rah, rah, Phi Alpha, Alpha, Rah, rah, Phi Alpha, S-A-E!

SAE GRACE

Ye ancient Father of our clan, We bow our hearts to thee. We offer thanks for bread and meat And for our SAE.

Bless Brothers all we humbly pray Tho far on land and sea, And keep us true to high ideals We ask for SAE.

SAE YELL

Phi Alpha Alicazee, Phi Alpha Alicazon, Sigma Alpha, Sigma Alpha, Sigma Alpha Ep, Sigma - Alpha - Epsilon.

Rah, Rah, Bon Ton, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Rah, Rah, Bon Ton, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Ruh Rah, Ruh Rah, Ruh Rah, Ree, Ruh Rah, Ruh Rah, S-A-E. You got a S-I-G-M-A, You got an A-L-P-H-A, You got an E-P-S-I-L-O-N, Sigma - Alpha - Epsilon.

Rah, Rah, Bon Ton, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Rah, Rah, Bon Ton, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Ruh Rah, Ruh Rah, Ruh Rah, Ree, Ruh Rah, Ruh Rah, S-A-E. (yeah)

SIGMA, SIGMA ALPHA

Sigma, Sigma Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon!

To you we’ll sing our praises, Thru all the years to come.

May your gold and purple banner Be the first beneath the sun.

Sigma, Sigma Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon!

SONS OF FAMED MINERVA

Sons of Famed Minerva, Brothers loyal and mighty, Sing your praise of SAE. With your light before us, We will join the chorus, Fighting we will stand for thee. Hail her! Hail her! Proud Fraternity. Longer, stronger, her bond will ever be. Roar ye mighty Leo, Guard of old Phi Alpha, Live and die for SAE.

HAIL TO THE PURPLE

Hail to the Purple, Hail to the Gold! Hail to Phi Alpha, motto of old! Hail success, Fraternity, in years yet to come! Hail Sigma Alpha … Epsilon.

VIOLETS

Wherever you may go There are flowers that you know. The fragrant lilacs, red rose, Or gardenia, white as snow. Each flower may bring a dream to you As one flower does to me. A dream of friendship firm and strong, In my fraternity.

Chorus: Violet, Violet You’re the fairest flower to me. Violet, Violet Emblem of fraternity. With your perfume memories come Of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Dearest flower beneath the sun, My Violet.

YOURS IN THE BONDS

I am yours in the bonds of old SAE. When your name you have signed, These few words you will find To all SAEs have a meaning for those who sign. These words were created For just your use and mine.

DETAILS

OFFICIALS

PRESIDING OFFICER

Mark W. McDonough (Youngstown State ‘98)

Eminent Supreme Archon

SECRETARY

Steven D. Mitchell (Indiana ‘83)

Eminent Supreme Recorder

CONVENTION MANAGER

Spencer A. Long (Central Michigan ‘08) Chief Education, Engagement, & Events Officer

MARSHAL

Jacob R. Brogan (Southern Mississippi ‘23)

DEPUTY MARSHAL

Richard J. Price (Mississippi ‘26)

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Thomas J. Dement II (Middle Tennessee State ‘90)

SERGEANTS-AT-ARMS

Steadman C.S. Boston (Winthrop ‘17)

Kevin N. Gath (Western Carolina ‘14)

Jacob M. Harris (Central Oklahoma ‘20)

Dillan A. Humbard (Kennesaw ‘21)

Cullen R. Kerigan (Western Carolina ‘22)

Anthony V. Mack (North Florida ‘11)

Jake C. Showalter (Case Western ‘98)

Dustin E. Stewart (Georgia Southern-Armstrong ‘17)

ORGANIST

Fred D. Phelps (Eastern New Mexico ‘64)

SONG LEADERS

Gregory D. Brandt (Drake ‘84)

Timothy M. Strobl (Middle Tennessee State ‘80)

Samuel H. Waite (West Florida ‘80)

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

AUDIT

Joseph D. Diaferia (Tennessee Tech ‘10) - Co-Chairman

T. Foy Kennihan (Tennessee ‘26) - Co-Chairman

Travis L. Bullock (Towson ‘12)

Henry C. Jurgovan (Alabama ‘26)

Adam C. Porter (San Diego State ‘02)

Quartus J. Rassi (Millikin ‘26)

Juan I. Faria (Salem State ‘17) - Staff Liaison

CREDENTIALS

Kyle W. Shatto (Florida Southern ‘17) - Co-Chairman

Nathan R. Pope (Youngstown State ‘26) - Co-Chairman

Ethan M. Moore (Idaho ‘26)

Maxwell J. Perino (Cincinnati ‘27)

Randall W. Schocke (Western Kentucky ‘78)

Frank A. Wilk IV (Tennessee ‘23)

Ross A. Pometta (Loyola ‘07) - Staff Liaison

RESOLUTIONS

Nicholas A. Trelka (Cincinnati ‘05) - Co-Chairman

Reindl T. Weaver (Iowa State ‘25) - Co-Chairman

Muhammad Al Saffar (William and Mary ‘26)

Michael J.S. Crockett (Dartmouth ‘26)

Jeremy D. Marcavage (Albright ‘02)

Christopher J. Mercado (Washington ‘02)

Steadman C.S. Boston (Winthrop ‘17) - Staff Liaison

FEES

COLLEGIATE MEMBERS

$500 April 1 - April 30

$600 May 1 - May 27

ALUMNI MEMBERS

$600 April 1 - April 30

$700 May 1 - May 27

EMERGING CHAPTER MEMBERS

$400 April 1 - May 27

GUESTS

$400 April 1 - May 27

MILEAGE RATE

$0.18/mile, one-way

NO REPRESENTATION FINE

$1,500

LOGISTICS

REGISTRATION

Every chapter is required by Fraternity Laws to send at least one delegate. If a chapter registers more than one person, only one person can be designated as the voting delegate. Any other(s) will be considered an alternate delegate.

Registration is only available online through the SAE Portal. Payment is due at the time of registration. Registration closes on May 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM Central and will not be available at the Convention site for undergraduates, alumni, or guests. Registration includes attendee materials, Friday lunch, a Friday evening activity, Saturday lunch, and Saturday dinner (closing banquet).

DRESS

All convention sessions and settings require business/ badge attired (coat and tie). The closing banquet on Saturday is black tie optional. Women who attend the closing banquet should plan to wear formal evening attire.

TUXEDO

Men’s Warehouse (3255 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305) is a short 5-minute walk (.2 miles) from the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. Place a tuxedo rental by visiting tuxedo.menswarehouse.com or calling (404) 264-0421. You will need to get fitted at a local tuxedo shop or Men’s Warehouse in your area, or know your measurements, to place an order.

*Tuxedo’s are optional for the closing banquet

HOTEL

To book a room at the InterContinental Hotel Buckhead call 877-424-2449 and say you are with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon 2025 Convention.

Reservation must be received on or before 4:00 PM CT, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. After that time, reservations and rates are subject to availability. Attendees are responsible for booking their own hotel rooms. You are not required to stay in the Convention hotel. The rate per night per room is $205 before tax. It is roughly $245 per room per night after tax.

Fly: The closest airport to our convention hotel is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). There is no hotel shuttle. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authorty (MARTA) train system does provide transportation from the airport to Buckhead via the Red Line Buckhead Station stop. This stop is a short ¼ mile walk from the hotel.

Drive: You may drive and park at the hotel. On-site parking is available at a rate of $45 for overnight selfparking or $55 for overnight valet. The height in the garage is 6’5”.

Note: Please be sure to note the hotel’s cancellation/ change policy for reservations, as the Fraternity Service Center is not responsible for individual hotel reservations or fees. Rooms are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. We are sorry, but if the block fills, you are on your own for your accommodations.

MILEAGE FUND

To view your chapters mileage allowance scan this qr code or visit https://www.sae.net/event/169thanniversary-convention/. Mileage checks will be available for pickup starting 5pm Saturday, June 21.

CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER DELEGATE

REGISTRATION

MEMBERSHIP

Must be a member of the chapter

GOOD STANDING Delegate must be in good standing2

REPORTS

ORGANIZATIONAL FINANCIAL STANDING

FORM 990

Both 2024 and 2023 EA Reports Submitted by May 15 (55.J)

Chapter must be in good financial standing (62.D)5 6

The chapter must submit a copy of appropriate IRS Form 990 as required by IRS regulations.7

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DELEGATE

Must be a member of the alumni association and if an area association must live in the vicinity of the association (65.A).

Delegate must be in good standing3

Both 2024 and 2025 Association reports must be completed by April 1 (65.D)

Must have paid its annual dues of $100 to the Fraternity Service Center by January 15 (67) for both 2024 & 2025

The association must submit a copy of appropriate IRS Form 990 as required by IRS regulations.7

ROSTER REQUIREMENTS Rosters must be updated semesterly to reflect current members. N/A

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT?

Failure to send a delegate will result in a $1,500 fine to the chapter (30.B)

Alumni Associations are not required to attend.

Emerging Chapters are encouraged to attend the convention but are not permitted to vote.

Guests and spouses who register for the convention may attend all official business but will not be permitted to vote. Tickets for emerging chapters, guests, and spouses must be purchased 30 days in advance of the convention.

1 Additional chapter delegates registered as alternates may vote for their chapter once credentialed, one vote per chapter notwithstanding. Those alternates must fulfill the same obligations that are spelled out above under “Chapter Delegate.”

2 Per Fraternity Laws Section 15.A.1, a collegian member is in good standing unless 1) he is under probation; 2) he is a member of the Chapter Quiescent; 3) he is delinquent in accounts; 4) he is delinquent in scholarship; 5) a formal accusation exists against him.

3 An Alumnus in Good Standing per Fraternity Laws Section 15.A.2. In order to be in good standing, the member must have donated at least $10 in the current fiscal year or have achieved aggregate giving of at least $100 to the Fraternity (not an individual chapter) or the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation

4 Please note Sec 65 .B of our Fraternity Laws that states that no charter for an alumni association shall be granted within 90 days immediately preceding a Convention.

REGISTRATION Register for convention prior to 5/27/2025

MEMBERSHIP

Must be either province archon or their designee.

GOOD STANDING Delegate must be in good standing3

REPORTS Must complete a report indicating the state of their province at least 30 days prior to convention.

Must be a member of the Supreme Council.

Delegate must be in good standing3

Must complete a report of his work during the biennium at least 30 days prior to Convention

Must be a past Eminent Supreme Archon

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT?

Province Archons are not required to attend.

Supreme Council members are not required to attend.

Past Eminent Supreme Archons are not required to attend.

5 A chapter enters bad financial standing if its total indebtedness exceeds an average of $100 per active member for more than three months.

6 Delegates from chapters not in good standing will not receive a vote but will be entitled to receive their designated allowance from the convention mileage fund.

7 As per Fraternity Laws, chapters, emerging chapters, and alumni associations must file and submit copies of the Form 990 as required by the IRS. Groups with less than $50,000 of gross receipts that qualify to file a 990-N return must provide a copy of the confirmation of completion received from the IRS. If your group’s exempt status has already been “revoked,” proof of progress and planned timeline toward reinstatement must be submitted. Failure to file with the IRS can result in late fees and penalties and can put your exempt status in jeopardy. For additional information, please visit https://www.irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits

If the Form 990 process is new to you, and you cannot work through it yourself or call upon your tax adviser, please email the Fraternity Service Center Membership and Records team at membershiprecords@sae.net.

Submissions to fulfill the Fraternity Laws requirement can be made electronically to the Membership and Records team using the e-mail address listed above or by traditional mail to his attention at 1856 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201. Alumni associations that do not maintain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and operate out-of-pocket for activities will not be able to file a 990. Without the ability to file a 990, any such alumni associations will need to directly petition the Convention Credentialing Committee on-site at the convention for the right to vote. To file your petition, please visit https://www.jotform.com/250055620907149

Note: All credentialing requirements must be resolved by no later than May 27, 2025.

CANDIDATES

BEN JOHNSON II

(UC-IRVINE ‘87)

EMINENT SUPREME ARCHON

As a founding father of the UC-Irvine chapter, Johnson was elected to serve as its Eminent Deputy Archon, leading the development of the Emerging Chapter to its successful chartering. He remained involved as a young alumnus serving as a chapter advisor for both his home chapter and neighboring UC-Riverside. Johnson also founded the Southern California Area Alumni Association and the Cal Psi Chapter Alumni Association. In addition to serving as Alumni Association President for 12 years, he was elected as Province Chi-Alpha Deputy Archon and mentored all chapters in Southern California for 7 years. He has been honored to serve the realm in numerous additional leadership roles as a faculty member of the John O. Moseley Leadership School and the Levere Leadership Institute; and as a member of the True Gentleman Task Force, the Eminent Supreme Recorder (ESR) Search Committee, the Strategic Plan Committee, and most proudly as the Chairman of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Johnson has been awarded the Order of the Lion, the Order of Minerva

JAMES L � SKAGGS

(OKLAHOMA STATE ‘78)

EMINENT

SUPREME

DEPUTY ARCHON

Skaggs was initiated into the Oklahoma Mu chapter, (Oklahoma State University), in 1974. He served several roles in the chapter as an undergraduate. Most notably Jim was the President of his new member class, Eminent Deputy Archon and Recruitment Chairman. After pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Skaggs started his insurance career with the Hartford Insurance Company, was also Vice-President of a nationwide insurance agency and was a Regional Manager for the Travelers Insurance Group. In 1994 Jim left Travelers to start his own company, the Charter Financial Group. He continues to serve today as the CEO & President. His firm provides financial services to independent insurance professionals in Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado & Kansas.

Skaggs has continued to faithfully & consistently serve the fraternity in a multitude of roles. For over 30 years, Jim was part of the Oklahoma Mu House Corporation Board, being elected president twice. During

and The Merit Key. Johnson, the first African American National Board Member, was elected to the Council as the Eminent Supreme Chronicler at the Louisville, KY 2019 National Convention. He currently serves as liaison to the Fraternity Laws Committee.

In addition to his service to the Fraternity, Johnson has created a legacy of community service in Southern California. He was recently elected to the Riverside County Board of Education. Prior he was a Trustee on the Alvord Unified School District Board of Education and was elected to an unprecedented five consecutive terms, serving for a total of twenty-one years. In addition to his service as a school board member, he has also served in a variety of not-for-profit and professional leadership and service roles including as a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, a member of the Riverside Community Health Foundation, a member of the board of directors for the Youth Service Center and Director of Homeless Outreach, and Vice-Chairman of both the Human Relations Committee and the City of Riverside Charter Review.

He currently resides in Riverside, California with Stacy, his wife of 34 years. Together they have raised four daughters: Rebekah, Anastacia, Rachel and Abigail.

that time, he created and ran a health & safety program about the dangers of alcohol abuse for not only the chapter, but also the entire Greek community at OSU. Held on the lawn of the chapter house annually, more than 23,000 OSU students attended this important program over 13 years. Jim has served as Secretary of the SAE Financial & Housing Corporation Board, Founder & President of the OKC/OKMU Alumni Association, Province Sigma Archon & Deputy Archon, served on a handful of SAE national committees and was a faculty member of the John O. Moseley and Province Sigma Leadership Schools. He founded and was the chapter advisor for the Oklahoma Sigma chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma. For his work there, he received an Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award in 2020.

Brother Skaggs was elected to the Supreme Council at the 165th Anniversary Convention and presently serves as the Eminent Supreme Warden. He has been awarded the Order of the Lion, Order of Minerva and was honored with the Merit Key in 2013. Jim lives in Edmond, Ok. with his wife Sally, who shares his passion for SAE. She has received the Order of the Violet for her dedication to our fraternity. He also has a daughter, Kelsey, from a previous marriage.

JOSEPH B� RICHEY

(PENN STATE ‘05)

EMINENT SUPREME WARDEN

Brother Richey was initiated into the Pennsylvania Alpha-Zeta Chapter at Penn State University - University Park in the fall of 2005. He served his chapter as Eminent Archon for two terms and held a position on the University President’s Advisory Council at Penn State. As an undergraduate, he attended John O. Moseley Leadership School and the Quint Province Leadership School, and was one of twenty-five undergraduate brothers selected by the Supreme Council for the inaugural class of SAE’s Inner Circle. He graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences from Penn State and is currently an M.B.A. candidate at the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University.

His service to SAE continued as an alumnus, having served three terms as the Province Archon for the state of North Carolina (Province Omicron), as Deputy Chairman of the Council of Province Archons during the 2021-2023 biennium, and as President of the Raleigh Alumni Association. In 2021, Joe founded SAE Hunters & Anglers, an affinity group for alumni of SAE who are passionate about the great outdoors. At the time, it was the first alumni association of its kind and has since grown to nearly eight hundred members. He is also a founding member of the SAE National Historic Society, established in 2024.

DR� JOE HALCOMB (KENTUCKY ‘74)

EMINENT SUPREME

HERALD

Dr. Joe Halcomb was initiated into the Kentucky Epsilon chapter at the University of Kentucky (UK) in 1970. Since then, he has served as an Alumni Advisor for the chapter and a delegate to the National Convention. During his undergraduate years, he held several leadership positions, including Eminent Archon of his chapter.

Dr. Halcomb became the Eminent Supreme Chronicler of the Fraternity’s Supreme Council in 2023. Previously, he served on the SAE Foundation Board of Trustees from 2019 to 2023, chairing the Scholarship Commission. He has also been a Faculty Member at SAE’s Leadership School and DeVotie Ritual Institute. Additionally, he has received the Merit Key and other alumni awards and is a member of the Founder’s Circle at the Ruby Level.

Dr. Halcomb is the Founder and CEO of Phoenix Initiâre, a private equity firm, and he is a limited partner at Telegraph Hill Partners. Prior to

Over the years Joe has also served as a Chapter Advisor, Alumni Association Treasurer, Province Deputy Archon, and was a long-time member of the fraternity’s permanent committee on growth - the Expansion Advisory Committee (EAC) - having been appointed by three consecutive Eminent Supreme Archons. He has served multiple times as a faculty member at John O. Moseley Leadership School, DeVotie Ritual Institute, SAE Executives Academy, and several province leadership schools. In 2022, he and two fellow Province Archons established the Tri-Province Leadership School, a biennial event for the chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The event took place in Spartanburg, SC and was attended by nearly one hundred undergraduates and alumni in its first year.

Professionally, Joe serves as Senior Program Manager of Strategy and Transformation at Red Hat, a wholly owned subsidiary of IBM, Inc. with $3.5B in annual revenue. He spends his time managing, directing, and supporting strategic initiatives across the Red Hat enterprise. In the decade prior to that, he worked in management consulting at IBM and later Accenture as Consulting Manager, supporting clients across multiple industries, markets, and geographies. During that time, Joe worked primarily on organizational strategy and transformation, communications, and change management.

Joe lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his five year old son, Jay. He is active in his community as a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and as a youth wrestling coach and official. He is proud member and officer is his Masonic lodge, Hiram Lodge #40 in Raleigh, NC, founded in the year 1799. He is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason and an active member of Shriners International, which supports the Shriners Children’s Hospitals.

founding Phoenix Initiâre, he held senior executive positions at Amgen, a multi-billion-dollar biotechnology company, and Zimmer, a leading orthopedic device company.

He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from UK and completed his postgraduate training in Internal Medicine. Additionally, he holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from UK and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), respectively.

Dr. Halcomb is a board member at UK and the benefactor of the UK Department of Biomedical Engineering, named in his honor. He was inducted into the UK Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2020 and received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree in 2021.

Joe and his wife, Joani, live in Franklin, TN. They have two daughters and eight grandchildren. Joe enjoys driving his restored 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster and is an avid drummer with a custom drum kit made from a 300-year-old poplar tree.

JOSEPH COSTELLO

(YOUNGSTOWN STATE ‘03)

EMINENT SUPREME

CHRONICLER

Brother Costello is a dedicated member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon with over 20 years of Alumni service. He was an active member of Ohio Alpha from 1998-2003, and graduated from Youngstown State University in 2003 with a degree in Computing and Information Systems. After graduating, he embarked on international experiences, working in the Finance & Banking industry in Dublin, Ireland, and at the King Faisal School in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia, where he helped develop and certify their International Baccalaureate program. Wrapping up his research Thesis remotely in 2020, he earned his Master’s degree in Computing and Information Systems from Youngstown State University.

His commitment to SAE is evident in his extensive leadership roles:

• Chapter Advisor for Ohio Alpha Alumni Association (3 years)

• Ohio Alpha Alumni Association President (11 years)

• Province Council Treasurer (8 years)

JOHN DEAS (CHARLESTON ‘80)

EMINENT SUPREME

CHRONICLER

Brother Deas was a founding father of the South Carolina Upsilon chapter at the College of Charleston. He is a two-time Eminent Archon of his chapter and was the president of the IFC for one year.

He was the Student Advisors’ Chairman to the College of Charleston President. He attended the John O. Mosley Leadership School as an undergraduate and graduated with a BS in Business. He recently attended the Ritual Academy.

Since graduation, John has continued to serve the realm in many leadership roles. He was Province Archon for Province Omicron when it was NC and SC for 6 years. He hasserved three times as an SAE National Leadership School faculty member. He currently sits on the Permanent Committee for Expansion, was a Deputy Province Archon for 4 years, and has been the current Province Archon

• Council of Province Archons Secretary (2019-2021)

• Council of Province Archons Chairman (2021-2023)

• Province Archon for Province Pi (2017-Present)

Joe has also served extensively as faculty, contributing his expertise to the John O. Moseley Leadership School, Alumni Leadership Academy, Emerging Leader Academy, and District Academy.

Brother Costello’s dedication has been recognized with the Order of the Lion, Order of Minerva, and the Merit Key, the second-highest honor bestowed by the fraternity. He approaches his service with integrity and a passion for the SAE experience.

Joseph resides in Youngstown, Ohio, with his wife, Stephanie, and their three children: Joey (11), Sammy (6), and Emmy (3). Professionally, Joe serves as Executive Director of IT Infrastructure and Operations for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, maintaining the internet, WAN, LAN, and Wi-Fi architecture for the over 100 school sites in the district supporting 7,700 staff, and 36,000 students.

for Province Rho for the last 2 years. He is the Secretary for the Council of Province Archons and Chapter Advisor for the SC NU Chapter at Clemson University. John has been a Chapter Advisor for 4 different universities for 10 years. He was Chapter Advisor of the Year in 2016 at Winthrop University.

Brother Deas has been awarded a Certificate of Distinction for Patronage to his Chapter, the Order of the Phoenix, the Order of the Lion, the Order of the Minerva, and the Merit Key.

John has built a distinguished sales career marked by leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond his personal ventures, he has successfully managed multimillion-dollar accounts, led international sales teams, and transformed business relationships, driving millions of dollars in revenue and proving himself as a results-driven leader. His ability to lead, strategize, and deliver results has defined his professional journey. As a professional photographer and a federally licensed drone pilot, he has combined technical expertise with creativity.

John lives in Good Hope, GA with his wife Jan. He is a professional photographer whose work has been shown at many galleries in the US. John is a 3rd-degree Master Mason and a 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Freemason.

MICHAEL KIMBERLIN

(FORT HAYS STATE ‘01)

EMINENT SUPREME CHRONICLER

Michael Kimberlin is a seasoned educator and dedicated fraternity volunteer with over two decades of leadership experience. A 2001 graduate of Fort Hays State University, he also holds a master’s degree in School Leadership from Benedictine College. With 23 years in education, including 16 as a principal, he is known for fostering student achievement and positive learning environments, earning the respect of colleagues and the broader community.

He lives in Holton, Kansas, with his wife, Tenille, and their three children, Lilly, Andy, and Olyvia. Family is central to his life, and Holton’s close-knit community reflects his values of service, education, and leadership.

An active Sigma Alpha Epsilon volunteer since college, Brother Kimberlin has served as Chapter Advisor at KSDE, and has held multiple leadership roles for Province Zeta. For 13 years, he has served as Province Zeta Archon, overseeing chapters operations and assisting them in upholding SAE’s core values. His work within SAE has earned him national recognition, being awarded the Order of the Lion, Minerva and the Merit Key.

He has also served on several national committees, including the Permanent Committee on Ritual, where he has helped preserve SAE’s traditions and values. As a facilitator for National and Province Leadership Schools, the Executives Academy, and the DeVotie Ritual Institute, he has mentored future fraternity leaders, emphasizing integrity and brotherhood.

Through his commitments to education and fraternity service, Michael Kimberlin exemplifies leadership, leaving a lasting impact on students and fraternity members alike.

Proud to Support Your Brotherhood

PARLIMENTARY PROCEDURE

THE FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE ARE PRESENTED HERE. FOR A MORE EXTENDED TREATMENT, CONSULT ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER OR MARIE H. SUTHERS’ PRIMER IN PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE.

THE BUSINESS OF AN ORGANIZATION IS INTRODUCED AT MEETINGS BY MEANS OF MAIN MOTIONS, COMMITTEE REPORTS, OR COMMUNICATIONS.

MAIN MOTIONS

The steps leading to the adoption of a main motion are: 1. Obtaining the floor; 2. Making the motion; 3. Seconding the motion; 4. Stating the motion; 5. Discussing the motion; 6. Putting the motion; 7. Voting.

To obtain the floor, rise, address the chair (the presiding officer), who recognizes the member by calling him by name. Then, and not before, the member states his motion. If several members rise at the same time, the chair decides which rose first and is thus entitled to the floor.

To make the motion, say “I move that ...” Do not say, “I make a motion that ...,” “I want to make a motion that ...,” or “I move you, Mr. Chairman ...” A motion must always be in the affirmative form.

To second the motion say “I second the motion.” It is not necessary to rise or to be recognized by the chair.

DISCUSSION

Before allowing any discussion of the main motion, the chair must state, that is repeat, the motion. Until the chair has stated the motion, the maker can withdraw or alter it without asking the consent of the meeting.

After the chair has stated the motion, the maker may ask permission to withdraw or amend it, and such permission is granted by the chair if there is no objection offered. If there is any objection, a motion to withdraw or amend may be made.

After the chair has stated the motion, he asks, “Is there any discussion?” The maker of the motion has the right to speak first, and should be recognized by the chair, even if another member has risen first and addressed the chair. Speakers must address their remarks to the chair. If a member desires to ask a question of the speaker, he rises, says, “May I ask a question?” In cases of an emergency a member rises, and without being recognized, says, “I rise to a question of privilege.” The chair interrupts the member who has the floor and says, “State your question.” It may be to have better ventilation, to have disorder, such as whispering among members, checked. It may be a request for information as to some statement made by a speaker. When the questions of privilege have been settled, the member who was interrupted continues the discussion.

The discussion must be relevant to the motion.

VOTING

The discussion may be closed by the chair, who asks, “Are you ready for the question?,” or by a call from the floor. This is usually done in small bodies by a call of “Question.”

When the members are ready to close debate (end the discussion), the chair puts the question, that is, restates it. Exception: if a motion is simple and plainly understood by the members, the chair can call for a vote without putting the motion.

As soon as the chair has put the motion, he must call for the vote. “All those in favor of the motion say ‘Aye,’” or “Stand,” or “raise the hands.” If the meeting seems closely divided in opinion, the chair should call for a rising vote. After those in favor of the motion have voted, the chair must call for the negative vote, “Those opposed …,” even though he thinks the vote unanimous.

If the vote is by “Ayes” and “Nays,” and the chair is not sure of the result, he should call for a second vote, asking for a rising vote. The members must remain standing or hold their hands raised until the chair announces the result by saying, “The motion is carried (or lost).”

If a member doubts the result of the vote as announced by the chair, he can ask to have it retaken by calling, “Division.” He need not rise to make this call. It needs no second. It calls for a rising vote.

A vote by ballot is a secret, written vote. Unless called for in the Bylaws, it can be ordered by “general consent.” That is, without waiting for a motion, the chair says, “If there is no objection, the vote will be by ballot.” If there is any objection, the chair may ask for a motion, or a member may make such a motion.

The motion to vote by ballot cannot be debated, and as soon as the motion is made and seconded, the chair must call for the vote. This motion should be used in all cases where the question is such that members would hesitate to express their viewpoints openly.

The chair does not vote, except in case of a tie, or, when the vote is by ballot. While there can be only one main motion before the meeting at a time, we see that there can be two motions, a main motion, and the motion to vote by ballot.

There are several “secondary” motions that can be made when a main motion is before the meeting: vote by ballot, motion to refer to a committee, and the motion to adjourn.

POSTPONEMENT

If a main motion needs to be studied more carefully than is possible in the meeting, the motion to commit should be make. “I move to refer the motion to a committee.” This motion can be debated, but the discussion must refer strictly to the desirability of having the motion considered by a committee. The motion can be amended.

If the motion is in the simplest form, as above, the chair asks for suggestions as to the number of members on the committee, and as to when they shall report.

The motion to commit may take the complete form: “I move that the question be referred to a committee of five, to be appointed by the chair, with instructions to report at the next meeting.”

The member making the motion to commit is usually made chairman of the committee.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The committee report may be placed on file if it merely gives information to the meeting. If it contains specific recommendations, the committee chairman, as soon as he finishes reading the report, should move that it be adopted.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion to adjourn may be made at any time. It becomes the immediately pending question. It cannot be amended or debated. It must at once be put by the chair. But remember –the meeting is not adjourned until the chair makes an announcement to that effect.

SUMMARY

Some of the rules of a seemingly more technical nature, involving the priority of motion, etc., are simplified in the chart.

The Rules of Order to be adopted by the 169th Anniversary Convention supersede any information presented herein. These guidelines are intended to simply guide the delegates with regard to common parliamentary procedures.

POSTPONEMENT

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. Presiding Officer. The Eminent Supreme Archon is the presiding officer of the Fraternity Convention, and he may delegate the chair at his discretion without intervening motion.

2. Committees. The Eminent Supreme Archon may appoint such ad hoc committees as he deems necessary to conduct the business of the Fraternity Convention. Such committees may report to the Fraternity Convention at the discretion of the chair.

3. Convention Program. Subject to these Standing Rules, the sessions of the Fraternity Convention and other scheduled events will be at such times and places as are set forth in the official program approved by the Eminent Supreme Archon. The times and locations of events may be changed as announced at the convention sessions.

4. Standard Order of Business. The order of business will be determined by the schedule, as set forth in The Phi Alpha

THE CONVENTION FLOOR

1. Credentialed Delegates. The Fraternity Convention must credential those delegates to the Fraternity Convention as the Fraternity Laws permit.

2. Floor Privilege. The following individuals hold floor privilege at all sessions of the Fraternity Convention:

a. Credentialed members of the Fraternity Convention.

b. The General Counsel of the Fraternity.

c. An alternate delegate from a Chapter Collegiate; provided, however, such alternative delegate will only hold floor privileges if his Chapter Collegiate’s official delegate is absent.

d. Members of the Board of Directors for Sigma Alpha Epsilon Financial & Housing Corporation

e. Members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation Board of Trustees

f. Initiated members of the Fraternity Service Center.

g. By motion or by rule adopted by a three-fourths vote, any other person.

3. Debate. No person who has floor privileges may speak more than twice on the same question. Speech times responding to a question are as follows, unless a majority vote extends the time to a ten-minute maximum:

a. Five minutes for the first speech

b. Three minutes for the second speech

4. Yielding the Floor. Speakers may not yield more than once to another member and the time consumed by both cannot exceed that set forth by rule.

5. Suspension of the Fraternity Laws. No matter requiring suspension of the Fraternity Laws by unanimous

RULES OF ORDER

consent may be considered while any convention committee is absent from the floor.

6. Literature and Campaign Materials. Candidates for any elected office may distribute no more than one piece of literature per Plenary Session. Literature may not be more than one standard size sheet of paper (8.5”x11”), but sheets may be double-sided. No literature before or during convention may be distributed anonymously, and the candidate or his campaign must list authorship on any materials. Furthermore, the same regulations apply to any literature by any member regarding Fraternity Laws proposals.

ELECTION OF FRATERNITY OFFICERS

1. Closing Nominations. A motion to close nominations for a Fraternity office will conclusively close nominations for that office; a motion to close nominations may not be reconsidered.

2. Question-and-Answer Period. For any contested election of a Fraternity officer, the Fraternity Convention must entertain a question-and-answer period for all candidates at such time and place as approved by the Eminent Supreme Archon.

3. Nomination Speeches. Each candidate for Fraternity office shall have nominating speeches as follows:

a. Uncontested positions shall have a three minute nominating speech.

b. Contested positions shall have a four minute nominating speech and a two minute seconding speech.

3. Order of Election. Elections of the Fraternity officers will be in the following order:

a. Eminent Supreme Archon

b. Eminent Supreme Deputy Archon

c. Eminent Supreme Warden

d. Eminent Supreme Herald

e. Eminent Supreme Chronicler

f. Eminent Supreme Recorder

g. Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon

4. Majority Required to Elect. A candidate to Fraternity Office must receive a majority of all votes validly cast to be elected. If no candidate receives a majority of all votes validly cast, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes validly cast will be removed from consideration. If more than one candidate is tied for receiving the lowest number of votes validly cast, each of them will be removed from consideration unless only one candidate will remain.

PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE FRATERNITY LAWS

1. Report by Committee. Pursuant to the Fraternity Laws, proposals to amend the Fraternity Laws are charged to the Permanent Committee on Fraternity Laws for its consideration and reporting.

2. Reporting. The Committee will review all proposals duly before it and report to the Fraternity Convention on those proposals it recommends for adoption.

a. Proposals reported by the committee will properly be before the fraternity convention without a motion to approve.

b. Proposals not reported by the committee are subject to a motion to discharge.

ROLE CALL VOTES

1. Chair May Order. The chair may, at his discretion, order a vote to be taken by roll call if he is in doubt as to the division of the Fraternity Convention.

2. Voting Order. The order of casting a roll-call vote will be as follows:

a. Members of the Supreme Council

b. Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon

c. Eminent Supreme Record

d. Past Eminent Supreme Archons

e. Each Province Alphabetically, begininng with the Province Archon and followed by the delegates representing Chapters Collegiate and Alumni Associations

3. Call of Convention. Committees in session must be notified of any roll-call vote and may be compelled to return to the floor for the vote.

FRATERNITY LAW PROPOSALS

The following proposals to amend the Fraternity Laws were submitted to the Eminent Supreme Recorder before midnight on January 30, 2025, pursuant to fraternity laws. The Permanent Committee on Fraternity Laws met on March 13, 2025 to consider the proposals and formulate a recommendation on each, as is shown per proposal.

All proposals were copy edited prior to publication to ensure consistent formatting. However, the substance of the proposals was not modified in an effort to preserve the original language of the submitter(s). The rationales were also written by the submitter(s).

Text that is underlined and purple represents additions, while text that has a strikethrough represent deletions.

The Permanent Committee on Fraternity Laws

Ray Seaford (South Florida ’89) - Chairman Travis Bullock (Towson ‘12)

Ben Johnson (UC-Irvine ‘87) - Supreme Council Liason

Spencer Long (Central Michigan ‘08) - Staff Liason

PROPOSAL 1

AMEND SECTION 29.A.

29. The Fraternity Convention. The supreme authority of the Fraternity is vested in the Fraternity Convention.

A. Membership. The Fraternity Convention consists of each of the following:

1. Past Eminent Supreme Archons who have served for a full term of office

2. Past Eminent Supreme Recorders who

Brian Meyer (William & Mary ‘17)

Hugh Barr Miller (Alabama ‘85)

David Vicknair (Nicholls State ‘07

served a minimum of four years in that role

2 3. The Fraternity officers

4. SAE Foundation Board of Trustees and CEO

5. SAE Financial & Housing Corporation Board of Directors and CEO

6. Chairman of the Permanent Committees

3. 7. Each Province, represented by its Province Archon or, in the absence of such Province Archon, the Province Deputy Archon or another Province officer designated by the Province Archon

4. 8. Each Chapter Collegiate, represented by one delegate

5. 9 Each alumni association, represented by one delegate

Proposed by: Joseph

B. Richey (Penn StateUniversity Park ’05), Eminent Supreme Herald

Rationale:

The goal should be to have the voting delegates at our national conventions to be individuals who are engaged and familiar with the operations of the fraternity, whether undergraduate or alumni. The SAE Foundation Board of Trustees and the members of the F&H Board of Directors are working hand-in-hand with the Supreme Council, FSC Staff, and countless volunteers around the Realm to advance the mission of SAE Fraternity and are crucial voices in the day-to-day operating of the fraternity and the year-by-year execution of long term visions and strategies. It is right and proper that these senior leaders and officers of this organization have a fair voice in the convention of each biennium that governs our fraternity and sets its direction. The same can and absolutely should be said of the CEOs of each of the entities. This mirrors the convention voting privileges held by the Supreme Council and its CEO, the ESR. Making this change will be another strong step to enhance the governance of SAE at its highest level. The majority of the voting convention body must consist of undergraduates (50%+1 of voting delegates) ; this change does not put that minimum threshold at risk. This change does not apply to any non-regular members of either the SAE Foundation or F&H Board, such as “Honorary Members” or “Emeritus Members”.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. Overall, the Committee was in favor of adding non-Collegiate delegates with valuable institutional knowledge as permanent Fraternity Convention delegates. But this proposal is not without its difficulties. For the following reasons, the Committee believes this proposal is best left to the 2025 Fraternity Convention for discussion and debate.

Proposed Amendment 1 would permanently add approximately 30 non-Collegiate delegates to the Fraternity Convention. A review of past Fraternity Laws reveals that some of the proposed delegates contained in Proposed Amendment 1 were

previously afforded permanent delegate status at past Fraternity Conventions. But subsequent Fraternity Conventions removed these delegates due to legal concerns about their association with the Fraternity Convention. Also, in the past, the Fraternity Laws afforded delegate status to the chairmen of numerous committees. Over time, these chairmen were also removed as permanent delegates from the Fraternity Laws.

Despite the foregoing, if adding these 30 nonCollegiate delegates did not have the potential to trigger any additional Fraternity Laws the Committee would have recommended adoption. That is not the case. It is for this reason that the Committee did not recommend adoption but, instead, defers this proposal to the Convention floor for discussion and debate. As guidance for the discussion, the following additional concerns need to be considered by the Fraternity Convention.

Maintaining the required 50%+1 Collegiate delegate majority.

Prior to the 2003 Fraternity Convention, 150 Alumni Associations were formed for the express purpose of voting for Supreme Council candidates. This created a Collegiate delegate minority. In response, a Fraternity Law was passed which created the Collegiate majority delegate rule, the often quoted “50%+1 rule.” This rule is found in section 29.B.4 of the Fraternity Laws. Since 2005, Collegiate delegates must constitute a majority of the delegates credentialed at a session of the Convention in order for the session to move forward. Of interest is what happens if there is no natural Collegiate majority. Section 29.B.4 contains an automatic response:

Collegiate Majority. If delegates from the Chapters Collegiate do not comprise a majority of the delegates credentialed at a session of the Fraternity Convention, then the alternate delegate from each eligible Chapter Collegiate must also be credentialed as a delegate of that session of the

Fraternity Convention. (Emphasis supplied).

According to the FSC, since its enactment, this Collegiate Majority “failsafe” provision has never been invoked. The question before the Committee is whether passage of Proposed Amendment 1 could, either on its own or in conjunction with

other current or future proposed amendments, reasonably result in triggering the Collegiate Majority “failsafe” provision for the first time. The answer is yes. Applying Proposed Amendment 1 to past Fraternity Conventions is instructive.

For the 2021 Fraternity Convention the total delegate count reported to the Committee by the FSC was 241. Collegiate delegates numbered 135. Non-Collegiate delegates numbered 106 and alternate Collegiate delegates numbered 47. (Non-Collegiate delegates are comprised of past Eminent Supreme Archons, Alumni Associations, Province Archons and Fraternity Officers.). Had proposed amendment 1 been in place for the 2021 Convention, the delegate count would have been Collegiate delegates 135, non-Collegiate delegates 136 (106+30), thereby creating a Collegiate delegate minority. This would have resulted in triggering the Collegiate delegate majority “failsafe” provision, meaning that every alternate delegate from each eligible Chapter Collegiate must be credentialed as a delegate for that session of the Fraternity Convention. Had this occurred, the 47 Collegiate alternate delegates would have been credentialed thus resulting in a Collegiate delegate count of 182 (135+47) to a non-Collegiate delegate count of 136.

For the 2023 Fraternity Convention the total delegate count reported to the Committee by the FSC was 270. Collegiate delegates numbered 169 and the alternate Collegiate delegates numbered 85. Non-Collegiate delegates numbered 101 due to a slight decrease in attending Alumni Associations. Thus, had this proposed amendment been in place for the 2023 Convention, the addition of 30 additional non-Collegiate delegates would not have triggered the “failsafe” provision.

Looking backwards, proposed amendment 1 seems safe to adopt. Even when triggering the “failsafe” provision a Collegiate delegate majority was maintained. But the Committee is also charged with looking forward when recommending adoption of a proposed amendment. And, in this case, the Committee did not have to look too far to find an issue.

The Committee’s concern was that future proposed amendments seeking to continually add non-Collegiate delegates would place the 50%+1 Collegiate delegate majority rule under strain

until, eventually, even with the “failsafe” provision activated, it too might fail to successfully produce a Collegiate delegate majority. If so, then no Convention sessions.

Which begs the question, would the Collegiate majority “failsafe” always guarantee a Collegiate majority under any circumstances? The answer, taking into account both current and future proposed amendments to the Fraternity Laws, is no. For more on this possibility, see the Committee’s response to Proposed Amendment 15, which seeks to add 121 permanent nonCollegiate delegates to the Fraternity Convention. Further exacerbating the issue is the unknown surrounding Alumni Associations attending future Conventions. Currently, as reported to the Committee by the FSC, there are 84 active Alumni Associations 62 of which, on average, attend Convention. Then there are the 64 additional nonactive Alumni Associations who, with the simple payment of a check, can become active and appear as delegates for Convention.

Then there is this. While it may be difficult to add a new Collegiate delegate to the equation it is relatively simple to add an Alumni Association delegate to the equation. This occurs through the creation of a new Alumni Association, reactivation an existing but closed Alumni Association or a having an existing Alumni Association, who did not attend the previous Convention, decide send a delegate to the next Convention. All of this being possible long before the Committee considered proposed amendment 1 which could automatically add 30 permanent non-Chapter delegates to Convention and proposed amendment 15 which could automatically add 121 permanent nonChapter delegates to Convention.

If the Committee was the last word on this topic, the Committee would have voted to approve proposed amendment 1 and not adopt proposed amendment 15, thereby limiting the addition of new permanent non-Collegiate delegates to 30. But the Committee is aware that this Convention, on its own accord, can also approve proposed amendment 15, thereby adding an additional 121 permanent non-Collegiate delegates. Not knowing the outcome of the Convention’s attempt, if any, to discharge and favorably vote for proposed amendment 15, the Committee believes it cannot support adoption of either proposed amendment.

For these reasons, the Committee recommends this proposal to the Convention for further discussion, debate and analysis.

PROPOSAL 2

AMEND SECTIONS 42.A.3. & 42.B.1.

42. Province Convention.

A. Membership.

3. Each Chapter Collegiate in the province, represented by its Eminent Archon, or, in his absence, its Eminent Deputy Archon his designee, and two additional delegates B. Qualifications.

1. Chapter Collegiate Delegates. Each Chapter Collegiate is entitled to delegates as noted in Section 41.A.3. two delegates and two alternates to any session of the Province Convention, provided that such Chapter Collegiate is current in its dues and reports to the Province and the Fraternity Service Center

Proposed by: Joseph Costello (Youngstown State ’03), Province Pi Archon; Raymond “Hondo” Davids (Maryland ’77), Province Omicron Archon; Richard Shanahan (Fort Hays State ’03), Province Gamma Archon; Stan Strom (Arizona State ’82), Province Upsilon Archon; Bill Voelp (Maryland-Baltimore County ’89) Province Mu-Delta Archon

Rationale:

The current reading of the two provisions offers some confusion and conflicts. First, it appears Section 42B1 only gives the chapter 2 delegates, but Section 42A3 states 3 persons eligible from a chapter collegiate. This referencing to the section above clarifies that confusion. Further, in practice most EAs attend a Province Convention, but limiting representatives of the chapter to just two officers doesn’t create enough flexibility. The change to Section 41A3 not only provides this flexibility, but conforms with language in use for Province Archons who can designate someone to represent at a National Convention (Section 29A3).

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes Chapter Collegiate leadership in the form of the Eminent Archon or the Eminent Deputy Archon is an integral component of a Province Convention.

Thus, the Eminent Archon, or in his absence the Eminent Deputy Archon, must be present at any Province Convention to elect Province leadership.

PROPOSAL 3

AMEND SECTIONS 43.A.5. & 44.E.

43. Province Council.

A. Membership.

5. One or more Province Alumni Secretaries Brotherhood Engagement Officers, as the Province Convention determines.

44. Duties.

E. Province Alumni Secretary Brotherhood Engagement Officer. The Province Alumni Secretary Brotherhood Engagement officer will assist and foster the growth of the alumni associations and alumni brother engagement in the province.

Proposed by: Joseph Costello (Youngstown State ’03), Province Pi Archon; Jason Scott Embry (Western Kentucky ’94); Stan Strom (Arizona State ’82), Province Upsilon Archon; Bill Voelp (MarylandBaltimore County ’89) Province Mu-Delta Archon

Rationale:

This Province officer position is not intended to only work with and build alumni engagement but to 1) recruit province participation starting with undergraduates, 2) support the greater engagement of undergraduates and graduates together, and 3) build cohesiveness in brothers remaining involved post-graduation.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes if a new position is created, it must have clearly defined duties specific to the office. A simple title change is insufficient.

PROPOSAL 4

AMEND SECTIONS 8.F., 29.A.5., 29.B.2., 31.B.1., 42.A.4., 42.B.2., 42.G., 44.A., 44.E., 65., 66., 67., & 68.

Alumni Associations Chapters

Proposed by: Joseph Costello (Youngstown State ’03), Province Pi Archon; Richard Shanahan (Fort

Hays State ’03), Province Gamma Archon; Stan Strom (Arizona State ’82), Province Upsilon Archon; Bill Voelp (Maryland-Baltimore County ’89) Province Mu-Delta Archon

Rationale:

Changing the terminology to say “chapters” is intended to help brothers remember that our membership is lifelong and thus they can always belong to a chapter. This small move is intended to strengthen our alumni recruitment efforts.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes more discussion is required as this name change proposal did not take into account any Alumni Association preferences or the existing incorporated legal names of Alumni Associations. This issue should be examined by an ad hoc committee and the proposal resubmitted to the Committee for the 2027 Fraternit y Convention.

PROPOSAL 5 AMEND SECTIONS 54.

54. Procedure for Granting Charter. Whenever the Permanent Committee on Extension deems extension to a collegiate host institution to be propitious, the Supreme Council Committee may approve the formation of an Emerging Chapter for eventual chartering as a Chapter Collegiate.

A. Petition. Whenever an Emerging Chapter Determines, in consultation with the Province Archon and the Eminent Supreme Recorder, that it has met all conditions required to be chartered as a Chapter Collegiate, it may submit a petition for charter, signed by at least twenty-five persons eligible for Fraternity membership, with the Eminent Supreme Recorder, accompanied by a charter fee of three thousand dollars, subject to refund if no charter is granted.

B. Investigation. Before a petition may be considered by the Fraternity Convention, a team appointed by the Eminent Supreme Archon Recorder, in consultation with the Chair of the Permanent Committee on Extension, consisting of one member of a Chapter Collegiate and two members of the Chapter Alumnus, none of whom may have been previously associated with the Emerging Chapter, must investigate the Emerging Chapter, with at least one member visiting in

person. A Report and recommendation must be submitted to the Fraternity Convention, by and through the Eminent Supreme Archon Permanent Committee on Extension who will present it at the next General Session of the Fraternity Convention as part of its biennial activity report.

C. Granting Charter. A two-thirds vote of the Fraternity Convention will The Permanent Committee on Extension may, upon reviewing the investigation report and confirming the requirements to be chartered have been met, authorize the Supreme Council to sign and issue a charter and to install the group to which it is issued as a Chapter Collegiate of the Fraternity.

All charters authorized by the Permanent Committee on Extension are to be reported to the next General Session of the Fraternity Convention for confirmation by majority vote.

Proposed by: Joseph Costello (Youngstown State ’03), Province Pi Archon; Richard Shanahan (Fort Hays State ’03), Province Gamma Archon; Stan Strom (Arizona State ’82), Province Upsilon Archon; Bill Voelp (Maryland-Baltimore County ’89) Province Mu-Delta Archon

Rationale:

Fraternity Conventions are the only Governing Body authorized to grant charters to new collegiate groups. In Fraternity Law, the Permanent Committee on Extension is given the duty to develop, amend, and implement a plan for deliberate and orderly growth of the Fraternity.

As a committee of the Fraternity Convention, appointed by the Supreme Council, supported by the Eminent Supreme Recorder, it clearly has the direct mandate, as well as the most direct knowledge of the development of emerging chapters and charged with maintaining potential future expansion, from the Fraternity Convention. Authorizing them to grant a charter, which must be reported at the next Fraternity Convention for confirmation, removes several steps in the current process and provides the Supreme Council with less administrative tasks to free them to focus on the strategic direction of the Fraternity.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes the Supreme Council is capable of its continued role in this process.

PROPOSAL 6

AMEND SECTIONS 28.

28. Appeals.

A. Jurisdiction. The following decisions are subject to appeal to the specified Fraternity bodies:

1. Any adverse action taken by a Chapter Collegiate or by a Province Archon under his own authority or with his consent may be appealed to the chapter’s or the Province Archon’s Province Council.

2. Any adverse action, including on appeal, taken by a Province Council, may be appealed to a special committee authorized by the Supreme Council.

3. Any adverse action, including on appeal, taken by the Supreme Council Special Committee, may be appealed to the Fraternity Convention to comprise a final appeal by the accused, with such appeal to be heard by the Council of Province Archons sitting as a court composed of all the Province Archons present at the next regular session of the Fraternity Convention.

B. Appellate Procedure.

1. Method. Any appeal must be in writing and must substantively state the basis for the appeal.

2. Notice. Notice of the appeal must be given both to the Fraternity Body or officer whose decision is being appealed and, for appeals to a Province Council, to the respective Province Recorder, or, for appeals to the Supreme Council or the Fraternity Convention, to the Eminent Supreme Recorder.

3. Timeline. Any appeal must be made within thirty days of the accused’s notice of the action being appealed

4. Transmission of Record. If an appeal is duly taken, the body whose decision is being appealed most, within seven days, transmit to the appellate body a complete record of the matter.

5. Parties. The parties to an appeal will be the accused and the following representative of the Fraternity or his designee:

a. The Eminent Archon, for any matter originally tried by his Chapter Collegiate.

b. The Province Archon, for any matter originally tried by his Province Council or for a summary action taken by his Province

Council or himself, either under his own authority or with his consent.

c. The Eminent Supreme Archon, for any matter originally tried by the Supreme Council or a special commission or for any summary action taken by the Supreme Council

6. Hearing. An appellate body may make rules governing the hearing of appeals before it, provided, however, that equal time must be given to the accused and to the representative of the Fraternity.

7. Decision.

a. A Province Council must give the accused notice of its decision on appeal within thirty days of the appeal hearing.

b. The Supreme Council Special Committee must give the accused notice of its decision within six months of the appeal hearing.

c. The Council of Province Archons must, before the adjournment of the regular session of the Fraternity Convention, report its findings to the Fraternity Convention for final action.

8. Judgment. The judgment on appeal will be one of the following:

a. To affirm the conviction and the penalty

b. To affirm the conviction but reduce the penalty

c. To reverse the conviction and acquit the appellant

C. Membership Status During Appeal & After Reversal. During the pendency of an appeal, the accused will be temporarily suspended from the rights, privileges, and immunities of the Fraternity; however, a judgment to reverse the conviction and acquit the accused restores the member to his original rights, but, if the penalty was expulsion or suspension, such reversal does not render him or his Chapter Collegiate liable for any obligation that would have accrued during the period between the imposition of the penalty against him and its reversal.

D. Failure to Appear. If the appellant fails to appear at the hearing of his appeal, his appeal must be dismissed, and no subsequent appeal may be entertained.

Rationale:

The Supreme Council needs the ability to focus on the strategic management of the Fraternity. It frequently must divert this attention to tasks that deflect from this strategic visioning. Appeals, while infrequent, are one of those tasks that divert their attention and can be better handled by a select group of brothers who can devote more attention to the arguments of both the accused and the trial body. The Supreme Council can determine how to constitute this special committee under its current authority to create committees.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes the Supreme Council is capable of its continued role in this process.

PROPOSAL 7

TO AMEND SECTIONS 33.B. AND ADD A NEW SECTION 33.C.

33. The Supreme Council.

B. Election. The Fraternity Convention will elect each Fraternity officer at each regular session of the Fraternity Convention. The Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon may only be elected upon the nomination of the Past Eminent Supreme Archons and the Eminent Supreme Recorder may only be elected upon the nomination of the Supreme Council. At a regular session of the Fraternity Convention, five brothers will be elected from those receiving the most votes to compose the members of the Supreme Council.

1. At the first Supreme Council meeting after their election, held during the Fraternity Convention of their election, the 5 members of the Supreme Council will elect from them the officers of the Fraternity as per their by laws.

2. The Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon may only be elected at the Fraternity Convention upon the nomination of the Past Eminent Supreme Archons.

3. The Eminent Supreme Recorder may only be elected at the Fraternity Convention upon the nomination of the Supreme Council.

C. Terms. All elected members of the Supreme Council, except for the Eminent Supreme Recorder and Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon, can be elected to 3 terms consecutively.

1. The Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon may serve one, two-year term.

2. The Eminent Supreme Recorder may be elected until such time he retires or until such time the position is declared vacant.

3. All limitations for this provision start with the elections of the 169th Anniversary Convention. C. D. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring between regular sessions of the Fraternity Conventions must be filled by the Supreme Council.

Proposed by: Joseph Costello (Youngstown State ’03), Province Pi Archon; Richard Shanahan (Fort Hays State ’03), Province Gamma Archon; Stan Strom (Arizona State ’82), Province Upsilon Archon

Rationale:

This amendment updates our current election method, one which no other peer Fraternity uses and very few, if any, non-profit boards use. The current process to elect the Supreme Council discourages people from being considered or even running in some instances. By updating how we elect, a brother no longer has to feel they must serve 10 years on the Council and instead can contribute to the Council for the time they feel is best for the Fraternity. Some brothers may also feel they do not want to be the ESA, but feel confined to that outcome under the current procedures. This new election method can allow them more freedom to contribute to the Fraternity’s success without feeling pressured to serve in a post they do not want. Similarly, some elected to the Council would make better contributors than ESA, or someone may fit the position of Eminent Warden and thus the members of the Council can elect him to that role continuously. Further, the term limitations are not intended to be a lifetime tenure, meaning a brother could serve 3 terms, not run for a term, and then return for another 3 terms.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes complete loss of institutional knowledge at the Supreme Council level for a total board change is a genuine concern amongst other considerations.

PROPOSAL 8

TO AMEND SECTIONS 27.E.

27. Penalties.

E. Reinstatement.

1. Required Vote. Any member who has been expelled or suspended may be reinstated by any of the following:

a. A two-thirds vote of the Chapter Collegiate or Province Council which imposed such penalty

b. If the suspension was a summary action taken by a Chapter Advisor (with Province Archon approval) or by a Province Archon, a two-thirds vote of the Province Council may reinstate the member.

c. If the suspension or expulsion was a summary action taken by the Eminent Supreme Recorder, a four-fifths vote of the Supreme Council may reinstate the member.

b. d. A four-fifths vote of the Supreme Council

c. e. The Fraternity Convention

f. Once a Fraternity Convention has taken action on an appeal, reinstatement is not possible except by a 2/3 vote of delegates at a succeeding Fraternity Convention.

Proposed by: Ian Strelsin (Christian Brothers ‘04), Province Theta Archon

Rationale:

This revised amendment provides distinct paths for reinstatement based on the authority that initially imposed the summary suspension or expulsion. It clarifies reinstatement procedures and aligns decision-making authority with the original disciplinary action source, upholding procedural consistency across the Fraternity’s governance structure.

• Chapter Advisor or Province Archon Summary Suspension: The Province Council may reinstate the member with a two-thirds vote, ensuring that the council responsible for the oversight of the Chapter Collegiate and the Province Archon has reinstatement authority.

• Eminent Supreme Recorder Summary Suspension or Expulsion: The Supreme Council may reinstate the member with a fourfifths vote, preserving a higher threshold for reinstatement at the national level.

• Additional Oversight: The amendment maintains existing routes for reinstatement via

the Chapter Collegiate, Supreme Council, and Fraternity Convention, ensuring that any level of governance may consider reinstatement if appropriate.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes reinstating an expelled or suspended member is best addressed by the Chapter Collegiate which issued the punishment and to which the reinstated member would likely rejoin and not the Province Council.

PROPOSAL 9 TO AMEND SECTIONS 11.A.2.

11. Realm-Wide Governance.

A. Decision-Making.

2. Direct Vote. If authorized by these Fraternity Laws, a specified officer may solicit a Direct Vote of the Fraternity Body to resolve such measures as may benefit from resolution before the Fraternity Body’s next meeting or session.

a. Solicitation. Such direct vote may be submitted by electronic ballot to each member of the Fraternity body eligible to vote as of the date the officer solicited the direct vote at the latest address of record at the Fraternity Service Center.

c. Limitations. A Direct Vote cannot be authorized six months after or before a regular scheduled meeting of the Fraternity Body requesting the action, nor can it be used to change a dues or fee amount that is specified in a Fraternity, Province, or Chapter law.

Proposed by: Richard Shanahan (Fort Hays State ’03), Province Gamma Archon

Rationale:

Over the last 4 years, Direct Vote ballots, outside of those to approve charters, have come at a higher rate than in decades. In several instances, requests to change Fraternity Law have happened soon after a Fraternity Convention where the change

could have been vetted and a recommendation from the Fraternity Laws Committee could have been known, and the Fraternity Convention delegates would have had an opportunity to fully discuss and have a complete discussion on the need for the change. Further, if there is a real emergency, the Supreme Council currently has the ability to change the law under Section 10 2, which also requires the succeeding convention the ability to ratify the action and thus allow for a full debate. Thus, Direct Votes are no longer necessary.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes eliminating, altering or imposing limitations upon the current direct vote process would be to the detriment of the Fraternity.

PROPOSAL 10 TO AMEND SECTIONS 11.A.2.

11. Realm-Wide Governance.

A. Decision-Making.

Proposed by: Richard Shanahan (Fort Hays State ’03), Province Gamma Archon

Rationale:

been known, and the Fraternity Convention delegates would have had an opportunity to fully discuss and have a complete discussion on the need for the change. While some changes have been very minor and undoubtedly would have produced little, if any, debate, the process of changing Fraternity Law by Direct Vote shortcircuits that debate. In fact, no mail ballot has ever been defeated and the response rate is incredibly low. The current process encourages lack of participation because a non-response is automatically counted as a yes. This provision in the current law is necessary because the low response rate would lead to a failure of quorum and thus charters, in particular, not being approved in a timely fashion. Most notably, the proposed change in January to increase the annual dues amount was specifically done to avoid debate on the Convention floor for fear of the measure failing. This change forces better planning to submit law changes in a timely manner to allow full review by the Fraternity Laws Committee and specifically stops the circumvention of a full debate and discussion of changes to financial impacts to those paying the bills.

PROPOSAL 11

AMEND SECTIONS

18.C.2.

18. Initiation.

C. Initiation Activities.

2. Any newly elected Fraternity member must be fully initiated into the Fraternity no later than ninety-six hours 14 days after he accepts an invitation to join the Fraternity, unless his invitation is rescinded prior to initiation or unless the Eminent Supreme Recorder, for good cause shown, extends this time requirement.

Proposed by: Rick Shipley (Evansville ’79); John Kelley (Central Florida ’77); Stan Strom (Arizona State ’82), Province Upsilon Archon

Rationale:

The ninety-six-hour time frame creates unintended consequences. Our new members do not have the time or motivation to learn about Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Ninety-six hours to learn about our organization that they are joining and that we expect them to value for a lifetime simply isn’t an adequate time frame to develop an appreciation for the Fraternity.

All new members should have the understanding of what they are joining, that our fraternity is for life. That they will eventually need to know the True Gentleman, learn our songs, have a summary of our national and local chapter history. That hazing is not permitted. That we place an emphasis on friendship, scholarship, leadership and service. Then once they understand what they are joining, only then can they truly commit to who we are. To accomplish this, after signing a bid, they will be required to complete the National onboarding modules and review sections of the on-line copy of the Phoenix, so that they have an understanding of what they are joining. Hopefully this can be accomplished in 8 days, but because every campus is different, a maximum of 14 days will be allowed to complete these steps and make the initiation fee payment. This time shall not be used to haze or make them prove themselves, but allow them the time to understand who we are and to commit to being an SAE.

This time period could also allow for the new membership materials to be sent to the chapter, thus trying to allow for the new member to be initiated with their own pin. All membership materials including their pin, a hard copy of The Phoenix, Membership Card and Membership Certificate / Shingle shall be delivered as soon as all the required on-boarding steps are completed. As for the question of the cost of insurance if we extend this time period, we have the understanding that Delta Sigma Phi has adopted a 35-day window and has done a great deal of on-boarding education research. They are also insured through the Favor & Company insurance agency and have had no issues with their insurance coverage.

bid to initiation properly places focus on better Chapter recruitment and bid processes when selecting new members rather than relying upon a post-bid program. If a new member is initiated and commits an offense or flagrant offense, section 24, Summary Actions, is available for the prompt removal of the member from the Chapter Collegiate.

PROPOSAL 12 AMEND SECTIONS

10.A.1.

10. Fraternity Laws & Rituals

A. Amendment & Repeal

c. All Fraternity Laws amendment proposals submitted in accordance with this Section shall be published in the Convention The Phi Alpha and brought to the Convention floor regardless of any Committee recommendation(s) unless withdrawn by the member(s) who submitted the amendment. The Presiding Officer of the Convention shall set and publish the order of consideration for each amendment unless redirected by a majority vote of the Convention. Any amendments not considered before the adjournment of the regular session of the Convention shall be considered at the next regular session of the Fraternity and be the first amendments considered at that Convention unless withdrawn by the member(s) who submitted the amendment. d. Fraternity Laws amendment proposals may be amended on the floor of the Convention by a majority vote of the Convention.

Proposed by: John Kelley (Central Florida ’77)

Rationale:

Current Fraternity Convention Standing Rules require approval from the Permanent or Convention Committee on the Fraternity Laws to be brought to the floor of the Convention for consideration and vote unless the entire Convention votes to bring the specific proposal to the floor. This puts too much power into a small committee, typically working without input from stakeholders. This amendment calls for ALL amendments to be brought to the Convention floor without approval of any Committee. If a member cares enough to research and submit a Laws proposal, they deserve to have their

proposal heard and considered. This is a matter of openness, transparency, and fairness.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The proponent of any proposed Fraternity Law not recommend for adoption by the Committee and not subsequently addressed at Convention may then submit, without penalty, their proposal for the next Fraternity Convention.

PROPOSAL 13

AMEND SECTIONS 18.C.2. 18. Initiation.

C. Initiation Activities.

2. Any newly elected Fraternity member must be fully initiated into the Fraternity no later than ninety-six hours 45 days after he accepts an invitation to join the Fraternity, unless his invitation is rescinded prior to initiation or unless the Eminent Supreme Recorder, for good cause shown, extends this time requirement.

Proposed by: John Kelley (Central Florida ’77)

Rationale:

• The 96-hour requirement has not yielded the promised results of lower insurance costs and reduction of bad behavior.

• There have been unintended consequences that have adversely impacted the Fraternity.

• This short time to initiation does not give enough time for the candidate and the Chapter member to get to know each other and ensure they feel comfortable with SAE and SAE comfortable with them.

• Candidates are not compelled to learn and understand the True Gentleman, our history, and our culture prior to their initiation.

• Many, if not most Chapters treat their 96-hour new members like pledges until the next class is initiated.

• The 96-hour requirement does not require initiation fee payment until 10-days after initiation resulting in Chapters being stuck with fee payment for men who drop out just after initiation.

• The 96-hour requirement does not provide enough time to pay for and receive their badge

and membership package at their initiation ceremony.

• 45-days will allow for new member education, initiation fee payment, and receiving their badge at their initiation ceremony, but not so long to expose candidate to bad behavior.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. No amendment required as the Eminent Supreme Recorder currently has discretion to provide extensions if timely requested by a Chapter Collegiate. Further, the 96 hour bid to initiation properly places focus on better Chapter recruitment and bid processes when selecting new members rather than relying upon a post-bid program. If a new member is initiated and commits an offense or flagrant offense, section 24, Summary Actions, is available for the prompt removal of the member from the Chapter Collegiate.

PROPOSAL 14 AMEND SECTIONS 11.A.2.

11. Realm-Wide Governance.

A. Decision-Making.

2. Direct Vote.

b. Effect of Non-Response. If any member fails to vote within ten days after the date the direct vote is solicited, an affirmative vote will be implied, and the ballot must make clear this stipulation. that ballot shall not be counted in the direct vote total tabulation. Any ballot that is returned, but does not specify a vote to approve or disapprove the question, shall be deemed invalid and not be counted in the direct vote total tabulation. The ballot shall make clear these stipulations.

c. Minimum votes required. Total direct votes ballots received and valid must meet quorum requirements for the convention as outlined Title III of these Laws. Any direct vote that does not receive the minimum votes required may be resubmitted for direct vote 30 days after the date the direct vote is solicited.

d. Reporting of results. Results of direct votes (approve, disapprove, invalid ballots, and ballot not received) shall be reported to all members who received the direct vote ballot and be published as deemed appropriate by

the Eminent Supreme Recorder. Any member may request and receive roll call results of all direct votes.

Proposed by: John Kelley (Central Florida ’77)

Rationale:

Currently, no response to a direct vote ballot is counted as a YES vote, which skews the results and virtually assures direct votes are “approved”. It would be a better representation of the will of the Fraternity for only votes received and valid be counted. If a matter put to a direct vote has merit, it will be approved under these changes and the process will be deemed fair and transparent to the Realm. We do not need to use electoral subterfuge to gain approval of a matter put to a direct vote.

The Committee does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes eliminating, altering or imposing limitations upon the current direct vote process would be to the detriment of the Fraternity.

PROPOSAL 15

AMEND

SECTIONS

29.A. & 29.B.

29. The Fraternity Convention

A. Membership.

5. Each house corporation, represented by one delegate

5. 6. Each alumni association, represented by one delegate

B. Qualifications.

2. House Corporation Delegate. Each house corporation is entitled to one delegate to any session of the Fraternity Convention, provided that such delegate is a member in good standing of such house corporation and provided that such house corporation is current in its reports to the Fraternity Service Center.5. Each house corporation, represented by one delegate

2. 3. Alumni Association Delegate. Each alumni association is entitled to one delegate to any session of the Fraternity Convention, provided that such delegate is a member in good standing of such alumni association and provided that such alumni association is current in its dues and reports to the Fraternity Service Center.

3. 4. Single Vote. No individual is entitled to have more than one vote on any matter before the Fraternity Convention, including on any direct vote.

4. 5. Collegiate Majority. If delegates from the Chapters Collegiate do not comprise a majority of the delegates credentialed at a session of the Fraternity Convention, then the alternate delegate from each eligible Chapter Collegiate must also be credentialed as a delegate of that session of the Fraternity Convention.

Proposed by: John Kelley (Central Florida ’77)

Rationale:

• House Corporations are a major stakeholder in SAE, but currently have no voice in the organization.

• House Corporations control more assets for SAE than the Foundation and the Fraternity combined and should be able to vote at a convention on matters that can impact their bottom line and threaten their existence.

• Title IX of The Fraternity Laws, defines House Corporations and requires they comply the Fraternity Laws and other duly imposed regulations including annual reporting. Yet they have no vote or voice at the Convention

• House Corporations perform a significant service to SAE by providing safe housing and programing space for a majority of our Chapters. This vital service provided by House Corporations warrants a vote at the Convention and a voice in important matters for Chapter Housing and SAE.

• Section 29. B. 4. Collegiate Majority, will ensure Collegians will still have a majority of eligible votes at Conventions.

• A Chapter does not need to have a Chapter House to have a house corporation.

The Committee does not recommend adoption. Unlike the Proposed Amendment 1 which seeks to add 30 permanent non-Collegiate delegates, this proposed amendment, according to information reported to the Committee by the FSC, would add 121 non-Collegiate delegates in the form of housing corporations (a number which could increase in the future thereby automatically adding additional non-Collegiate delegates). Adding 121 non-Collegiate delegates for a Fraternity

Convention would likely overwhelm the 50%+1 Collegiate majority even after triggering the Collegiate majority “failsafe” provision because the increased permanent non-Collegiate delegate count could be greater than the Collegiate delegates in attendance even after adding in the alternative Collegiate delegates. Further, if the 2025 Convention, after discussion and debate, approves Proposed Amendment 1 and 15, this would permanently add 151 non-Collegiate delegates to the equation which would make it difficult to achieve a Collegiate delegate majority under the best of circumstances. Again, the Committee looked to the 2021 and 2023 Convention delegate counts for guidance.

For the 2021 Fraternity Convention the total delegate count reported to the Committee by the FSC was 241 apportioned as follows: Collegiate delegates 135, non-Collegiate delegates 106, a Collegiate delegate majority.

Had Proposed Amendment 1 and 15 been in place for the 2021 Convention, the delegate count would have been: Collegiate delegates 135, nonCollegiate delegates 257(106+30+121), a nonCollegiate delegate majority.

This would result in activation of the “failsafe” provision, meaning that every alternate delegate from each eligible Chapter Collegiate would be credentialed as a delegate for that session of the Fraternity Convention. For the 2021 Fraternity Convention 47 Collegiate alternate delegates were in attendance. But even credentialing each alternate delegate would not have resulted in a Collegiate majority since you would now have:

Collegiate delegates 182 (135+47), non-Collegiate delegates 257. Still a non-Collegiate majority. Thus, no 2021 Fraternity Convention.

For the 2023 Fraternity Convention the total delegate count reported to the Committee by the FSC was 270 apportioned as follows: Collegiate delegates 169, non-Collegiate delegates 101.

Had Proposed Amendment 1 and 15 been in place for the 2023 Convention, the delegate count would have been: Collegiate delegates 169, nonCollegiate delegates 252 (101+30+121), a nonCollegiate delegate majority.

This would again result in activation of the “failsafe”

provision, meaning that every alternate delegate from each eligible Chapter Collegiate to be credentialed as a delegate for that session of the Fraternity Convention. For the 2023 Fraternity Convention 85 Collegiate alternate delegates were in attendance. Credentialling each alternative delegate would have resulted in a Collegiate majority by the narrowest of margins: Collegiate delegates 254 (169+85), non-Collegiate delegates 252.

A two person College delegate majority. Thus, a 2023 Fraternity Convention, but based upon the slimmest of margins. And what if the number of attending Collegiate delegates or alternate delegates decreased while the number of attending Alumni Association increased? No Fraternity Convention sessions.

Separate and apart from the mathematical model presented above the Committee does not believe a House Corporation requires delegate representation at Convention. A House Corporation is a legal entity formed simply to acquire or hold title to real property for the benefit of a Chapter Collegiate. See section 67 (“House Corporation. A Chapter Collegiate or other Fraternity members may organize a corporation or other business entity to be known as a House Corporation for the purpose of acquiring or holding title to real property domiciling a Chapter Collegiate, known as a Chapter House.”). Given the singular purpose of a House Corporation, i.e. to hold real property with no other Fraternity function, it is assumed the interests of the Housing Corporation and the Chapter Collegiate it houses are largely aligned with no significant conflicts of interest. Clearly, both the House Corporation and the Chapter Collegiate are uniformly aligned in their interest to achieve the uninterrupted continuation of the Chapter Collegiate. Having no significant conflicting interests, if both the House Corporation and Chapter Collegiate have parallel interests in the uninterrupted continuation of the Chapter Collegiate, then a Chapter Collegiate delegate’s vote at Convention would be, in fact, in the best interests of its associated House Corporation. Further, not all Chapter Collegiates have houses. Thus, Chapter Collegiates without houses would be at a voting disadvantage.

Thus, the Committee believes a House Corporation does not require a separate non-Collegiate delegate at Convention to protect its interests.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO� 16

AMEND SECTION 8.

8. Governing Bodies

F. House Corporations

F. G Alumni Associations

Proposed by: John Kelley (Central Florida ’77)

Rationale:

When the Laws amendment proposal authorizing house corporations to have a vote at the Convention is adopted, this provision will rightfully add House Corporations as one of the “Governing Bodies” of SAE. If the Laws amendment proposal authorizing house corporations to have a vote at the Convention is NOT adopted, the author shall request to withdraw this proposal.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. This proposal was expressly dependent upon approval of Proposed Amendment No. 15 and is thus moot.

PROPOSAL 17

AMEND SECTION 30.A.

8. Finances

A. Mileage Allowance. Without regard to the status of a Chapter Collegiate, each member of the convention – except any delegate from an alumni association and house corporations – will receive a mileage allowance from the Fraternity at an amount per mile set by the Supreme Council.

Proposed by: John Kelley (Central Florida ’77)

Rationale:

When the Laws amendment proposal authorizing house corporations to have a vote at the Convention is adopted, this provision prevents house corporation delegates from receiving any funds from the “mileage allowance”. If the Laws amendment proposal authorizing house corporations to have a vote at the Convention is NOT adopted, the author shall request to withdraw this proposal.

The Committee does not recommend adoption. This proposal was expressly dependent upon

approval of Proposed Amendment No. 15 and is thus moot.

PROPOSAL 18

AMEND SECTION 29.G.

29. The Fraternity Convention

A. Direct Vote. The Eminent Supreme Archon, with the advice and consent of the Supreme Council, may solicit a direct vote of the Fraternity Convention. For the purpose of this section, the delegate to the Fraternity Convention for a Chapter Collegiate is its Eminent Archon, for a house corporation is its president, and for an alumni association its president

Proposed by: John Kelley (Central Florida ’77)

Rationale:

When the Laws amendment proposal authorizing house corporations to have a vote at the Convention is adopted, this provision authorizes the house corporation President If the Laws amendment proposal authorizing house corporations to have a vote at the Convention is NOT adopted, the author shall request to withdraw this proposal.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. This proposal was expressly dependent upon approval of Proposed Amendment No. 15 and is thus moot.

PROPOSAL 19

AMEND SECTION 57.A.3.

57. Finances.

A. Dues & Fees.

3. Health & Safety Allocation Model. a. Annual billings to Chapters for Health & Safety Allocation Model fees and fines shall include a detailed breakdown of the calculation for arriving at the per man fee / fine including, but not limited to: Premiums / surcharges paid for liability insurance, percentage of funding for each employee funded by these fees, total dollars for employees funded by these fees, total dollars for replenishment of insurance reserves, rebates / payments received from Favor

& Company, added fees / fines specific to the Chapter, any other elements of the fee greater than 5% of the total, and the total number of members used in the fee calculation.

b. Added fees or fines to a Chapter may only be applied if the actions of that Chapter specifically resulted in increased premiums / surcharges for liability insurance or payment from the insurance reserve. Every Chapter shall receive a complete list of all added fees or fines included in the Health & Safety Allocation Model and which of those added fees or fines (if any) apply to their Chapter.

Proposed by: John Kelley (Central Florida ’77)

Rationale:

The Health & Safety Allocation Model fees and fines are a significant cost to our undergraduate members, yet the make up and calculation for the per member fee charged to every Chapter annually. In addition to the value of transparency, it will also show members the financial consequences of bad behavior.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes that attempting to create a fixed mathematical formula governing future dynamic expenses is not functional business model.

PROPOSAL 20

AMEND SECTION 40.D.

40. Finances.

D. General Liability Insurance.

3. Health & Safety Allocation Model. The Eminent Supreme Recorder will ensure that a sufficient amount of general liability insurance is purchased to protect the Fraternity, including Fraternity Service Center staff members, Province and Chapter Collegiate alumni advisors and officers, and Chapter Collegiate officers. In the alternative, should Chapter Collegiate officers not be a “First Named Insured” under the general liability policy with a “duty to defend,” the Fraternity will cover up to $25,000 in legal fees from the SIR for as long as they knowingly have not violated federal, state, or local laws.

Proposed by: Greg Somers (Michigan State ’98)

Rationale:

• The current General Liability policy does not specifically list chapter members or officers as named insured. They state however that “according the Policy’s Who is insured endorsement, an “Undergraduate Insured” may qualify as an insured:” This doesn’t require the Insurance Carrier to Insure them.

• They go on to state that even if you qualified as an insured under the Who is insured endorsement, such insured status relates only to indemnity coverage, as the Policy expressly does not provide defense cost to coverage to Undergraduate Insureds, no matter the theory of liability or underlying factual allegations. Specifically, the Policy’s Coverage A Insuring Agreement provides that “there shall be no duty to defend … ‘undergraduate insureds’ …” Additionally, Special Endorsement #A, Special Coverage Extension Primary Coverage similarly provides that Underwriters have “no duty to defend any insured that is not a ‘Primary Insured,” the definition of which expressly excludes Undergraduate Insureds.

• Even if they qualified as an insured for purposes of indemnity coverage, such coverage is excess over any other insurance it may have. General Liability Condition 4. Excess Insurance, makes this point clear. This means that the undergraduates must use their parent’s homeowner’s insurance first before the Fraternity General Liability Insurance would even indemnify them.

• The undergraduate members make the payments towards their Health and Safety Fees with the understanding that they are covered under a General Liability policy. It is disingenuous at best to not have them as a “First Named Insured” or at a minimum cover up to $250,000 towards their legal defense should they be named in a lawsuit with the caveat that if they violated Federal, State or Local laws, there would be an exclusion from coverage in that situation.

• This may also prevent an Officer who is named in a lawsuit from potentially testifying against the Fraternity because the insurance carrier declined to cover his legal fees and he was forced to retain his own attorney. Many other national fraternities choose to cover legal fees for that exact reason.

The Committee on the Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Committee believes this proposal would make Fraternity liability coverage “dollar one” coverage instead of a member’s homeowners’ coverage, for both a current and a new class of insureds, and, if no insurance was available because the member’s conduct fell outside of the scope of the insurance coverage, then under this proposal, the Fraternity would be required to provide up to $25,000 to defend the member. The unknown and unintended costs of this proposal were not quantified by the author nor are they quantified by the Fraternity Service Center or the Fraternity’s insurer prior to adoption, thus creating an opened ended unlimited financial liability exposure for the Fraternity. Finally, insurance coverage cannot be layered by the Fraternity in the manner in which the author contents given that all insurance policies at issue, including the member’s homeowners’’ insurance, are written by insurers, and not the insureds, on industry governed insurance contracts.

PROPOSAL 21

AMEND SECTION 14. & 15.

14. Fraternity Membership.

A. The Fraternity’s Chapters. A Fraternity member is a member of one of the following chapters:

1. A Chapter Collegiate

2. The Chapter Alumnus

3. The Chapter Quiescent

4. The Chapter Eternal

B. Actions Affecting Membership.

1. Effect upon Initiation. Immediately upon his initiation, a brother becomes a member of the Chapter Collegiate that initiated him.

2. Effect upon Graduation. Any member of a Chapter Collegiate who graduates or has graduated from a collegiate host institution with an undergraduate degree will immediately become a member of the Chapter Alumnus.

3. Effect upon Studying Abroad. Any member of a Chapter Collegiate who temporarily separates from his collegiate host institution to study abroad will remain a member of his Chapter Collegiate.

4. Effect upon Transfer, Withdrawal or

Reenrollment. Except as provided for regarding studying abroad, any member of a Chapter Collegiate who separates from his collegiate host institution, either by withdrawal or by transfer to another collegiate host institution, will immediately become a member of the Chapter Alumnus Quiescent until such time as he re-enrolls as a student at his original collegiate host institution or affiliates with another Chapter Collegiate at another collegiate host institution, as provided for in this Title, thus immediately becoming a member of that Chapter Collegiate.

5. Effect upon Suspension. Any Fraternity member who is duly suspended or who loses good standing as a member of the Chapter Alumnus will immediately become a member of the Chapter Quiescent.

6. Effect upon Inactivity. Any member of a Chapter Collegiate who is granted inactive membership status, as provided for in this Title, will immediately become a member of the Chapter Quiescent until such time as he graduates or separates from his collegiate host institution, thus immediately becoming a member of the Chapter Alumnus.

7. Effect upon Failure to Make Alumnus Gift. Any member of the Chapter Alumnus who is delinquent in accounts will immediately become a member of the Chapter Quiescent.

8. Effect upon Expulsion or Resignation. Any Fraternity member who is duly expelled or who resigns his membership, as provided for in this Title, ceases to become a Fraternity member or any of the Fraternity’s chapters.

9. Effect upon Reinstatement. Any person whose membership in the Fraternity is reinstated, as provided for in this Title, from his suspension, expulsion, or resignation will immediately become a member of the appropriate chapter that he would be a member of had his suspension, expulsion, or resignation never taken place.

10. Effect upon Passing. Any Fraternity member who passes away will immediately become a member of the Chapter Eternal.

15. Membership Status.

A. Membership Standing.

1. Collegiate Member in Good Standing. A Fraternity member is a Collegiate Member in good standing with the Fraternity unless any of the following apply: a. He is under probation. b. He is a member of the Chapter Quiescent.

c. He is delinquent in accounts.

d. He is delinquent in scholarship.

e. A formal accusation exists against him.

2. Alumnus Member in Good Standing. Good standing in the Fraternity for a member of the Chapter Alumnus requires a gift of ten dollars or more in a fiscal year or aggregate gifts totaling one hundred dollars either to the Fraternity or to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation. A Fraternity member is an alumnus member in good standing with the Fraternity unless any of the following apply:

a. He fails to donate ten dollars or more in a fiscal year or aggregate gifts totaling one hundred dollars either to the Fraternity or to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation.

3. Alumnus Member by Petition. A Fraternity member may petition to obtain alumnus status through application to the Supreme Council.

a. The form and content of the application is to be promulgated and executed by the Eminent Supreme Recorder, or his designee.

b. The Supreme Council has sole discretion to grant or deny petitions to obtain alumnus status. All decisions are final and may not be appealed.

c. Members who are granted alumnus status by petition are to be afforded all the rights and privileges of alumnus members.

B. Inactive Membership. The Fraternity neither offers nor recognizes any type of inactive membership status. Chapters are expressly prohibited from offering or recognizing any type of inactive membership status, and Chapters may not utilize other membership statuses, such as probation or suspension, as a means to offer or recognize inactive membership status. An active member may become an inactive member at his own request and upon good cause shown if each of the following apply:

1. He is a member in good standing of the Chapter Collegiate.

2. He has been a member of the Chapter Collegiate for at least two years.

3. He is not delinquent in accounts.

4. His Chapter Collegiate has approved his inactive membership by a three-fourths vote.

5. His Eminent Archon and his Chapter Advisor or Province Archon have established that the Chapter Collegiate has made every attempt that will allow the member to retain active membership.

6. He has obtained the written approval of his

Chapter Advisor or Province Archon.

C. Resignation of Membership.

1. Qualifications. Any member of the Fraternity may resign his membership in the Fraternity as follows:

a. Collegiate Member. He must declare, in writing, his intent and specific rationale to his Chapter Collegiate Eminent Archon. the Eminent Supreme Recorder.

b. Alumnus Member. He must declare, in writing, his intent and specific rationale to the Eminent Supreme Recorder, or his designee. He will be asked to accompany his declaration with his membership badge, certificate of membership, and membership card.

c. He must not be delinquent in accounts.

2. Required Vote. A two-thirds vote of the Supreme Council may accept any member’s resignation.

3. 2. Effect. The resigned member will lose all connection with the Fraternity, including the rights and privileges of membership, but will not be released from the pledge of secrecy given at the time of his initiation. He will also forfeit the right to receive The Record.

4. 3. Reinstatement. Any resigned member may petition the Supreme Council for reinstatement of his resigned membership. A two-thirds vote of the Supreme Council will reinstate the resigned member.

Proposed by: Greg Somers (Michigan State ’98)

Rationale:

• Prohibiting Inactive Membership: By offering inactive membership, our Fraternity and Chapter Collegiate groups are encouraging a 2–3-year member experience, rather than an all-encompassing lifetime membership.

• For chapters with chapter houses, as it stands today, it’s not uncommon for juniors or seniors who no longer live in the chapter house to request inactive status or utilize other statuses as a means to obtain inactive status.

• A Chapter Collegiate suffers when junior and senior members disaffiliate from the Fraternity in any way, as these members can offer their advice and wisdom to chapters that have younger, less-prepared leaders.

• Offering Alumnus Status by Petition: Understanding extraordinary circumstances arise from time to time, this new status option

will offer undergraduate members who would otherwise resign or find themselves in the Chapter Quiescent to petition the Supreme Council for alumnus status. That said, these circumstances should be rare, which is why the Supreme Council will have the final word on all alumnus status petitions.

• Simplifying Resignation Process: The current resignation process is too complex and requires the Supreme Council to approve each request. Simply put, that’s unnecessary.

• Members who wish to resign should be able to do so easily and without fanfare.

• Active, undergraduate members should only need to give notice to their Chapter Collegiate’s Eminent Archon, who can then notify the FSC of the member’s resignation.

• Members are not always in possession of their membership badge, certificate of membership, and membership card. Albeit important symbols of our Fraternity, these items are ceremonial in nature—especially in our increasingly digital world—and, thus, need not be returned.

• Our Scope of Association, and many Chapter Collegiate membership agreements, require payment of any past due balances regardless of membership status. Thus, this is an unnecessary hurdle that prevents someone from resigning—someone who, at that point, likely shouldn’t be recognized as a member, anyways.

• Redefining the Effect upon Transfer, Withdrawal, or Re-enrollment: Theoretically speaking, as the Fraternity Laws are currently written, members may become part of the Chapter Alumnus with little to no effort on their part.

• For example, as currently written, a member may transfer after one semester, which would grant him alumnus status.

• Alternatively, as currently written, a member may withdrawal.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. While the concept of a four year undergraduate active membership in a Chapter Collegiate is a noble aspirational goal, it cannot be mandated by the Fraternity Laws. Prohibiting inactive membership creates mandatory membership with a concomitant enforceable financial debt obligation.

PROPOSAL 22

ADD TITLE X

Title X: National Conduct Board

Section 1: Purpose and Scope

A. Purpose: The National Conduct Board (NCB) is established to provide consistent, expert oversight in adjudicating serious disciplinary cases brought to the Province level, especially those involving allegations with potential legal consequences (e.g., hazing, sexual assault, racial discrimination).

B. Scope: The NCB shall hear any disciplinary case that reaches the Province level, upon referral by the Province Council, for offenses that involve potential legal or reputational risks to the Fraternity.

Section 2: Composition of the National Conduct Board

A. Membership: The NCB shall be composed of:

1. Five (5) Standing Members, appointed by the Supreme Council, each serving two-year staggered terms. Members should have backgrounds in law, compliance, education administration, or fraternity management. Standing members must be in good standing with the Fraternity.

2. Province Archon or Province Delegate, representing the province from which the case originated.

3. Chapter Advisor or Alumni Association President: If the case pertains to a Chapter Collegiate, a Chapter Advisor shall serve. If it pertains to an alumnus or involves noncollegiate conduct, the Alumni Association President of the relevant Alumni Association shall serve instead.

4. Eminent Supreme Recorder (or Designee) [Ex Officio]: Serves as a non-voting advisory member to provide continuity and serve as a conduit to the Fraternity’s Legal Counsel.

B. Chairmanship: A Chairperson and ViceChairperson shall be elected by the five standing members, serving one-year terms with the possibility of reappointment. The Chairperson will preside over hearings, ensuring adherence to procedure.

Section 3: Authority and Powers

A. Jurisdiction: The NCB has jurisdiction over cases escalated to the Province level, including

but not limited to:

1. Sexual misconduct or assault

2. Racial or discriminatory harassment

3. Hazing

4. Any conduct exposing the Fraternity to legal liability or reputational harm

B. Powers: The NCB may impose sanctions consistent with Fraternity Law, including suspension, expulsion, probation, reprimands, or fines.

C. Legal Counsel Consultation: The NCB may consult with the Fraternity’s Legal Counsel, provided that any member representation by legal counsel must be by a Fraternity member in good standing.

Section 4: Hearing Procedures

A. Notice: The accused shall receive written notice of the charges and hearing date at least 10 days in advance (changed from 20 days) to align with Fraternity Law

B. Hearing Rights: The accused may:

1. Attend the hearing

2. Present evidence

3. Be represented by a Fraternity member in good standing or legal counsel if the NCB deems it appropriate

C. Decision-Making Process:

1. A quorum of at least five members is required for hearings.

2. A majority vote determines guilt and sanctions.

Section 5: Reporting and Record-Keeping

A. Documentation: The NCB Chairperson shall ensure all proceedings are documented, including evidence, findings, and disciplinary actions.

B. Communication of Findings:

1. The NCB’s findings shall be provided in writing to:

a. The accused

b. The Province Council

c. The Supreme Council

2. Summary findings may be shared with other Fraternity bodies for awareness or precedentsetting purposes.

Section 6: Appeals

A. Right to Appeal: Any member found guilty by the NCB may appeal:

1. First to the Membership Review Committee (MRC) (on behalf of the Supreme Council - or

the Supreme Council may choose to hear the appeal itself)

2. Further appeal to the Fraternity Convention, where the Council of Province Archons will hear the case and make a recommendation to the Convention

B. Final Decision: The Fraternity Convention ruling is final.

Proposed by: Ian Strelsin (Christian Brothers ’04), Province Theta Archon

Rationale:

This proposal ensures consistent, expert handling of serious disciplinary matters, reducing bias and inconsistency at the Province level. A centralized body, composed of trained members and local representatives, reinforces accountability and fairness. The addition of the Eminent Supreme Recorder (or designee) as an ex officio member ensures legal oversight and alignment with Fraternity governance.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws does not recommend adoption. The Fraternity Laws already contain complete, full and widely used procedures and processes for disciplining member misconduct. See section 24 “Summary Actions” and section 25 “Disciplinary Procedures.” Adding another competing disciplinary process is not required.

PROPOSAL 23

AMEND SECTION 10.A.1.

14. Fraternity Membership.

A. Amendment & Repeal.

1. By the Fraternity Convention.

b. Submission Deadline. Any member in good standing with the Fraternity may propose an amendment or repeal to the Fraternity Laws or Ritual by giving notice to the Eminent Supreme Recorder by the 30th Day of January at 12:00 AM CT that immediately precedes a regular session of the Fraternity Convention. The Eminent Supreme Recorder must publish such notice in the issue of The Phi Alpha for that session of the Fraternity Convention

c. Report of Eminent Supreme Recorder. The Eminent Supreme Recorder shall consider and report to the Fraternity Convention what effect, if any, each timely submitted

amendment or repeal proposed to these Fraternity Laws has upon the Fraternity’s liability insurance, financial budget and requirements of the collegiate host institutions where the Fraternity is located. d. Publish. The Eminent Supreme Recorder shall publish in the issue of The Phi Alpha for that session of the Fraternity Convention each timely submitted amendment or repeal to these Fraternity Laws, the Report of the Eminent Supreme Recorder and the Report of the Permanent Committee on Fraternity Laws.

Proposed by: Steve Mitchell (Indiana ’83), Eminent Supreme Recorder

Rationale:

This proposal would improve upon the current practice of the Eminent Supreme Recorder providing last minute verbal reports on the floor of the Fraternity Convention regarding what, if any, effect certain amendments or repeals proposed to the Fraternity Laws have upon the Fraternity’s liability insurance, financial budget and requirements of the collegiate host institutions where the Fraternity is located. By providing this information to the Fraternity Convention via the Phi Alpha along with the report of the Permanent Committee on Fraternity Laws, Fraternity Convention delegates will be fully informed in advance of the Fraternity Convention as to the amendments or repeals proposed to the Fraternity Laws.

The Committee on Fraternity Laws recommends adoption. The Committee agrees with the stated rationale submitted for this proposal by the Eminent Supreme Recorder and the necessity for the implementation and incorporation of this Proposed Amendment within the Fraternity Laws.

PROPOSAL 24

AMEND SECTIONS 24.B. AND 28.A.1.

24. Summary Actions.

B. For an Offense. Whenever a member commits an offense, the Eminent Supreme Recorder, the Province Archon, or, with the consent of the Province Archon, either the chapter advisor or chapter advisory board may summarily suspend, reprimand, or place on probation that member or

some combination of these.

28. Appeals

B. Jurisdiction

1. Any adverse action taken by a Chapter Collegiate, Chapter Advisor or by a Province Archon under his own authority or with his consent may be appealed to the chapter’s or the Province Archon’s Province Council.

Proposed by: Steve Mitchell (Indiana ’83), Eminent Supreme Recorder

Rationale:

This proposal would improve upon the Fraternity’s disciplinary structure and permit a Chapter Advisor, typically the Fraternity’s first responder, to take summary action (limited to suspension, reprimand or probation) when an undergraduate member commits an offense as defined in section 22 of the Fraternity Laws. This proposal also modifies section 28.A.1. to permit an appeal from a Chapter Advisor’s summary action decision. Realistically, if a Chapter Advisor is without summary action powers, non-conforming members are free to disregard both the Chapter Advisor and Fraternity mandates since the Chapter Advisor has no individual authority over members of the Chapter Collegiate to enforce Fraternity mandates and, instead, is entirely dependent upon petitioning the Province Archon for timely consent.

PROPOSAL 25

ADD SECTIONS 12.B.7

12. Fraternal Duties.

B. Flagrant Offenses.

7. Violation of the Membership Agreement set forth in Minerva’s Shield.

Proposed by: Steve Mitchell (Indiana ’83), Eminent Supreme Recorder

Rationale:

All members have digitally executed online at portal.sae.net a membership agreement when

claiming their members-only account upon acceptance into Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The Membership Agreement is in Minerva’s Shield. See Minerva’s Shield (2024), pages 6-8. https:// www.sae.net/resources/minervas-shield. This Membership Agreement has been in place for over two decades as part of the contractual code of conduct each new member agrees to follow when joining the Fraternity and has been enforced by the Fraternity. This proposal codifies within the Fraternity Laws the breach of the Membership Agreement by a member as a Flagrant Offense.