Spring 2016
Sorority Policy Overview
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s we move forward in the biennium, the National Council has worked hard to address numerous issues by organizing and clarifying those issues into formalized policies for the chapters of the sorority. Please know that these policies are meant to set clear and specific expectations and to ensure that all members are treated fairly in regard to fines, membership dues, and initiate fees. Additionally, these policies look to ensure that chapters are promoting the ideals and purposes of the organization in programing and chapter operations. 1. Policy Constitutional Fines The National Council has seen numerous chapters using fines in their constitutions as a form of punishment for several different offenses including tardiness, unexcused absences from chapter events and other infractions deemed inappropriate. The National Council asks that all chapters remove all fines from their constitutions and formulate attendance and behavioral standards that focus on membership status changes instead of monetary penalties. Please refer to section 6.304 and Sections 6.601 through 6.605 of the National Constitution for clarification on chapter finances and membership statuses, respectively. 2. Guidance for off Campus Membership Education Activities This document was developed to guide chapters in scheduling the locations of their MEP activities. Note that these restrictions apply to membership education activities with membership candidates or prospective members during rush events and the membership education process. The intent of these guidelines is not to restrict the chapter from congregating or socializing in private residences, rather, these guidelines are to ensure that the recruitment and membership education process is not exclusive nor intimidating to prospective
members. Membership education classes must take place on campus in a “neutral” space. Mandatory or compulsory membership education activities shall remain on campus. This includes all membership education classes and mandatory membership education events such as fundraisers or service projects, with the following exceptions: 1. Social events or fundraisers that occur at a 3rd –party commercial establishment. Bowling alleys, skating rinks, video game/ arcade venues, and other similar social activities that occur at a business are acceptable. Please be mindful of the risks regarding transportation to and from these events if it is provided by chapter members. 2. Social or sporting events which occur on public property during times when the location is normally open to the public, e.g. softball, football, soccer, etc., in a public park or on publically accessible fields during normal operating hours. 3. Service projects that are performed alongside Active members that are directly related to band service and must be performed in specific off-campus locations. 3. Membership Education Program Policy including Test Policies All Chapters will be required to have an approved MEP on file with the National Organization as off Fall 2016 to be allowed to participate in Membership Intake. (Please reference the National Vice President for Colonization and Membership for additional clarification) Additionally, we have asked in the past biennium that active member be required to take the same tests as the membership candidates. This allows for elimination of a detrimental hierarchy and promotes continued learning in the sisterhood.
by Dr. Kathryn Garrett Kelly National President - ΤΒΣ
4. Chapter Dues Cap Chapter dues, per the National Constitution, may not exceed 75% of the National Dues of $100 annually. All other funding of the chapter must come from fundraising and/or donations. 5. Policy on Initiate Dues Membership Candidates can not be required to pay more then the National Initiate fee of $110 during their candidacy period. If there are required materials, they must be provided by the chapter. 6. Investigation Protocol This document clarify the investigation process and works as a protocol used in response to possible policy violations reported to the Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma National Headquarters and National Councils. This document includes an outline of the investigation process and a recommended timeline for its implementation and completion. These new policies are in line with current practices and reflect the efforts of the National Council to safeguard the integrity and longevity of the organization. The National Council will continue to work to put resources in place that help build stronger chapters and reduce risk in the sorority so that when we look at ourselves in 70 more years, we will be a reflection of the principles we hold dear; based on a quest for equality, diversity, and promotion of sisterhood while serving our bands! Know that the National Leadership Team is here to answer any questions that you may have and will work with each chapter through the new Chapter Visitation Program and Leadership Expansion to educate our membership on these and other important policies of the sorority. It is indeed an honor to be selected to serve!
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