We, the students of Muhlenberg College, who have endeavored to, develop the spirit of enduring brotherhood, instill the fundamentals of wholesome living and vigorous thinking, promote the spirit of democracy, maintain a high standard of scholarship and morality, and to promote lasting fellowship, do hereby form and establish this constitution for the ETA Chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.

The name of this organization shall be the ETA Chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.

• Section 1.
  This organization shall consist of two councils: The Resident Council and the Graduate Council. Supervision of these two councils shall fall under a Board of Governors, which will consist of members of both the Resident Council and the Graduate Council. The National Executive Director of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity must approve membership to the Board of Governors.
  
  
• Section 2.
  The Resident Council shall consist of those members of the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau who are currently enrolled as students at Muhlenberg College, and who are in good standing with the chapter. Good standing with the chapter is here defined as having no financial obligations, not under censure, and in good standing academically, financially, and personally with the College.
  
  
• Section 3.
  The Graduate Council shall consist of those members of the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau who are not members of the resident council, who are in good standing with the chapter.
  
• Section 4.
  
  A member of the Resident Council who is married may elect to transfer his membership to the Graduate Council by properly notifying the president of the resident council. Proper notification is submission of the proposal in writing.
  
  
• Section 5.
  Any male student of Muhlenberg College who is pursuing a degree, or a male faculty member of Muhlenberg College, is eligible for membership in the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau, if they are not a member of another national college fraternity, other than a national honor society or a professional fraternity.
  
  
• Section 6.
  An Associate Member is that person who is actively pursuing membership into the ETA chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. An associate Member shall become a full-fledged member of the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau when they have completed the membership orientation and passed the national exam, taken the oath, requested the lease of the official badge, and paid their initiation fee.
  
  
• Section 7.
  A member of the Resident Council of Graduate Council of another Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau may transfer his membership to the appropriate Council (Resident or Graduate) of the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau, if: The member in question is in good standing with his former Chapter, the Council he wants to transfer to approves the transfer by at least a two-thirds (2/3) margin, and the transfer is approved by the Executive Director of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.
  
  
• Section 8.
  The ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau shall comply with all rules and regulations regarding membership, recruitment, associate membership training and initiation set forth by the National Fraternity, Muhlenberg College, and the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) on campus.
  

• Section 1.
  The officers of the Resident Council shall be: the President, the Vice-president, the Vice-president of Alumni Relations, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Membership Orientation Officer, the Recruitment Chairman, the Philanthropy and Community Service Chairman, the Social Chairman, the Brotherhood Chairman, the Fundraiser Chairman, the Scholarship Chairman, the Risk Management Chairman, the Historian, the Sergeant-At-Arms, the Inter-Fraternity Representative, and the House Manager.
  
  

• Section 1.
  The President: shall preside over all of the meetings of the Resident Council. He shall serve as the executive head of the chapter. He shall see that all officers and committees function properly and efficiently. He shall appoint all officers and committee heads not elected. He shall see to it that all reports to the National Headquarters are filed on a timely basis. He shall receive a position on the Board of Governors and the Inter-Fraternity Council, and represent the Chapter at the respective meetings.
  
• Section 2.
  The Vice President: shall be the assistant to the President, performing the duties delegated to him by the President, and act in full-authority in the absence of the President. He shall serve as the chairman for the Executive Board. He shall act as the committee coordinator and ensure their effectiveness. He shall act as the administrator of the Tribunal, the Judicial Board.
  
• Section 3.
  The Treasurer: shall keep full and accurate records concerning the finances of the Resident Council. He shall submit for approval, a working budget to the Resident Council, and administer said budget. He shall bill, collect and disperse all funds regarding Chapter matters. He shall represent the Chapter on the Board of Governors as a voting advisor.
  
• Section 4.
  The Vice-president of Alumni Relations: shall issue invitations to alumni for any event deemed proper for Graduate Council attendance. He shall maintain an accurate Graduate and Resident Council mailing list. He shall communicate with the Alumni of the Chapter at least once a semester. He shall maintain the Graduate council files.
  
• Section 5.
  The Membership Orientation Chairman: is the Membership Orientation Officer. He shall develop and execute an educational program for the Chapter to follow regarding orientation to the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. He shall monitor closely the progress of all associate members, and aid them if the need arises.
  
• Section 6.
  The Social Chairman: shall be responsible for the planning and execution of all of the Chapters' social programs. He shall insure that all arrangements are made for every social event or activity. He shall be responsible or delegate responsibility for cleanup after all social events. He shall coordinate with the Risk Management Chairman to insure that all events meet all Federal, State, Local, College, and National Fraternity rules and regulations.
  
• Section 7.
  The Brotherhood Chairman: shall be responsible for the planning and execution of all formal brotherhood events. He shall at all times perpetuate the feeling of Chapter brotherhood and spirit.
  
• Section 8.
  The Secretary: shall maintain accurate and proper minutes of all proceedings of the Resident Council, as well as the Executive Board. He shall be responsible for the safe keeping of all fraternity records, and for the maintenance of the Chapter files. He shall post times and minutes of all Resident Council meetings.
  
• Section 9.
  The Scholarship Chairman: shall be responsible for the planning and execution of the Chapters' scholarship program. He shall monitor every member's grades and GPA's very closely, and intervene when the need arises, i.e. when a member's grades are in jeopardy of noncompliance with the GPA requirements. He shall maintain in good order, the scholarship files on all of the members, and all of the different scholarship programs available.
  
• Section 10.
  The Recruitment Chair: shall be responsible for, and supervise the planning and execution of the Chapters' recruitment programs. He shall be responsible for compliance to all fraternity recruitment regulations set down by the Inter-Fraternity Council, the College, or the National Headquarters. He shall be responsible for and supervise the issuing of invitations, and bids.
  
• Section 11.
  The Philanthropy and Community Service Chairman: shall be responsible for the planning and execution of the Chapter's Community Service programs. He shall maintain a record of total community service hours of every member. He shall ensure that every member meets the required community service hours allotted by the college and the fraternity. He shall report to the Chapter any upcoming community service events. He shall organize the time, date, and place of philanthropy and its associated events.
  
• Section 12.
  The Fundraiser Chairman: shall be responsible for the planning and execution of the Chapter's fundraising programs. He shall supervise all fundraising events, and report to the Chapter any upcoming fundraising events with potential.
  
• Section 13.
  The Risk Management Chairman: shall be responsible for the planning and execution of the Chapter's Risk Management Plan. He shall be familiar with the risk management policies outlines by the College and the National Fraternity. He shall advise the Chapter regarding compliance of these policies, and to which situations to which this might pertain.
  
• Section 14.
  The House Manager: shall be responsible for maintaining the chapter house and all of its furnishings in a neat and orderly manner. He shall be responsible for the opening and closing of the Chapter house at the beginning and end of the school year, and also vacations during the time.
  
• Section 15.
  The Historian: shall be responsible responsible for correspondence between the Chapter and the members involved with chapter writings submitted to the "Laurel." He shall maintain the chapter photo albums and memorabilia pertaining to the history of the Chapter. He shall attend all functions or events and record such events in some manner, e.g. photographs, videotapes, etc.
  
• Section 16.
  The Sergeant-at-Arms: shall admit members to all meetings or events exclusively for the brotherhood, in a manner prescribed by the official ritual of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. He shall be responsible for maintaining order in the Chapter house and enforcing house rules. He shall be responsible for assisting the President maintain order during Chapter meetings. He shall be a static member of the judicial body. He shall be the official interpreter of this Constitution.
  
• Section 17.
  The Inter-Fraternity Council Representative: shall attend all I.F.C. meetings with the Chapter President. He shall give a report of the events of the I.F.C. meetings to the chapter.
  

• Section 1.
  The Executive Board of this chapter shall consist of the President, the Vice-president, the Vice-president of Alumni Relations, the Treasurer, the Scholarship Chair, the Membership Orientation Officer, The Recruitment Chairman, the Secretary, the Risk Management Chairman, and the House Manager.
  
  
• Section 2.
  The Executive Board shall serve as the cabinet to the President, with the Vice-president as the chairman. It shall advise and generally direct Chapter operations.
  
  
• Section 3.
  The Executive Board has full authority to summon any member of the Chapter within three (3) days written notice, signed by the President, to appear before the Board, or the Tribunal for disciplinary action or financial delinquency. If the accused fails to show up at the appropriate meeting, then disciplinary action shall proceed without him. Said accused shall then receive written notification of the decision taken towards him, signed by the President.
  
  
• Section 4.
  Any member of the Resident Council may be elected to a position in the Executive Board, provided that they live in the Chapter house.
  

Title I - Name



• Section 1.
  The judicial board of the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau shall be known as the Tribunal.
  
  
  
  Title II - Purpose
  
  
  
• Section 1.
  The function of the Tribunal is to foster loyalty to the principles of Phi Kappa Tau, to insure adherence to University policy, to promote high standards of gentlemanly behavior, to interpret the Constitution and By-laws of the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau, to mediate disputes among brothers, to mediate disputes between the College and individual brothers, and to aid members in times of crisis.
  
  
  
  Title III - Membership and Appointment
  
  
  
• Section 1.
  The Tribunal shall consist of five (5) members, four (4) voting members, and one nonvoting and presiding officer. The Sergeant-At-Arms is automatically appointed to a voting position on the Tribunal. The Vice-president is automatically appointed as the nonvoting, presiding officer of the Tribunal.
  
  
• Section 2.
  The remaining three (3) voting positions shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Governors. The appointment of the remaining positions must occur no later then two weeks after the elections of the Resident Council Officers. Interviews of all applicants will be conducted by the Board of Governors, after which time they will decide their appointees.
  
  
• Section 3.
  Members of the Tribunal shall serve a term of one (1) year from the date of his appointment.
  
  
• Section 4.
  All members of the Tribunal shall have a minimum GPA of 2.7, and be in good standing with the Chapter and the College. No member of the Tribunal shall have a graduation date falling before his term expires. No voting member of the Tribunal shall be a member of the Executive Council of the Chapter.
  
  
  
  Title IV - Duties
  
  
  
• Section 1.
  The Vice-president shall act as the Hearing Officer, and the Chief Justice. He will receive all cases brought before this Chapter, and arrange all meetings and hearings pertaining to the Tribunal. He will preside over all Tribunal meetings and hearings, call the Tribunal to order, announce final decisions with sanctions to the complainant and defense, and he will adjourn the Tribunal. He will also be responsible for investigating each individual case and present the findings to the voting members of the Tribunal. The findings will be limited to testimony of defendant, written witness statements and verifiable fact. No individual testimony shall be permitted.
  
  
• Section 2.
  The justices shall hear and decide all cases brought before the Tribunal. They will attend all functions associated with the office, and they will keep confidential all matters related to the Tribunal.
  
  
  
  Title V - Powers
  
  
  
• Section 1.
  The Tribunal shall have the power to mediate and arbitrate cases and impose or recommend sanctions for any type of violation. Sanctions will be approved by the Executive Council. The Tribunal has jurisdiction over Initiated members, Associate members, and guests.
  
  
  
  Title VI - Vacancies
  
  
  
• Section 1.
  Any vacancies or open positions will be filled by appointment by the Board of Governors.
  
  
  
  Title VII - Sanctions
  
  
  
• Section 1: Damage
  I. Complete restitution of property and punitive fines of whatever damage done as determined by the Tribunal.
  II. Fines as determined by the Tribunal ($100.00 Max).
  III. Fines are to go to charity of the Tribunal's choice.
  
  
• Section 2: Charitable Acts
  I. Require the individual to do community service as defined by the Tribunal, and to be completed by a specific date.
  
  
• Section 3: Admonition
  I. Verbal warning or a letter of reprimand.
  
  
• Section 4: Medical Aid and Workshops
  I. Require the individual to seek professional help in order to rectify his personal problems. Type of help, length of time and monitoring method will be determined by the Tribunal.
  
  
• Section 5: Probation
  I. Social probation (three (3) semesters max)
  II. Intramural probation (three (3) semesters max)
  
  
• Section 6:
  Suspension from this Chapter for an unspecified amount of time, but not to exceed on year, as recommended by the Executive Council. Dues are still to be paid.
  
  
• Section 7:
  Expulsion from the Chapter, as recommended by the Executive Council.
  
  
• Section 8:
  Any combination of sanctions as deemed necessary by the Tribunal may be added.
  
  
• Section 9:
  For repeat offenses, maximum sanctions can be applied, and increased if the Tribunal sees the need.
  
  
• Section 10:
  Sanctions are to stress education, not punitive fines.
  

• Section 1.
  The following offices are to be elected by the members of the Resident Council: President, Vice-president, Vice-president of Alumni Relations, Treasurer, Secretary, Recruitment, Chairman, Brotherhood Chairman, Membership Orientation Chairman, Social Chairman, Risk Management Chairman, House Manager, Philanthropy and Community Service Chairman, Scholarship Chairman, Fundraising Chairman, Sergeant-At-Arms, Historian, and the Inter-Fraternity Council Representative.
  
  
• Section 2.
  The Chapter Advisor shall be elected by the Chapter by a simple majority (50% +1), and be approved by the Executive Director of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.
  
  
• Section 3.
  The election process shall begin on December 1st and end on March 1st of every academic year. The newly elected officers shall take office the next regular meeting following the elections. The former officials shall stay on the committee for a period of three weeks past the new elections, at which time they will serve as mentors/advisors to the newly elected officers in a "shadow" program. Officers elected shall serve a term of no more that one (1) year, unless permitted to by the Executive Director.
  
  
• Section 4.
  Nominations for each office shall be made no later than February 1st. The secretary shall compile a list of all the nominees for each position by the next Resident Council meeting, and post the list of all of the nominees.
  
  
• Section 5.
  If for any reason, a position is vacated before the term expires, the President must appoint a temporary substitute to the position within two (2) days of the position being vacated. Within two (2) weeks of the position being vacated, the position must be filled by a special election by the Resident Council. If the position is not filled by that time, the President has the authority to appoint a long-term substitute to the empty position, where the appointee must fulfill the obligations of the position to the best of his ability until the next regular election cycle. If the President is the vacated position, then the Vice-president shall serve as the acting President until a new president can be elected. Elections for the new President must be held one (1) month following the vacancy of the office.
  

• Section 1.
  The committees of the Chapter shall be the Executive Board, the Standing committees, and any special committees.
  
  
• Section 2.
  The Standing Committees of the Chapter shall be Recruitment, Social, Brotherhood, Finance, Alumni Relations, and House Management.
  
  
• Section 3.
  Special committees shall be created by the President and will be dissolved once its function is completed.
  

• Section 1.
  All Chapter-wide meetings of the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau shall at the minimum, be governed loosely by the provisions of Robert's Rules of Order. How strictly the Chapter meetings follow Robert's Rules must be decided at the first Chapter meeting. Roll call must be taken at the beginning of every meeting.
  
  
• Section 2.
  Resident Council meetings will occur once a week, every week, except during finals week, vacations and recesses, and not the day before finals for any semester.
  
  
• Section 3.
  The President, Vice-president, or any three (3) members of the Resident Council shall have the power to call either special or emergency meetings for reasons deemed of sufficient importance. For three Resident Council members to call a meeting, they must first inform the President in writing and, in his absence, the Vice-president. A notice must then be placed in a conspicuous place and, if necessary, a phone-chain will be initiated in order to get the word out. Special meetings require a three (3) day notice, and Emergency meetings require twenty-four (24) hour notice. At the beginning of the meeting, the purpose of the meeting must be discussed, and resolved. Only the business announced at the beginning of the meeting can be brought up at said meeting.
  
  
• Section 4.
  All meetings shall be entered in the manner prescribed by the Phi Kappa Tau National Ritual. No member may leave the meeting without first raising his hand and stating "Mr. President, Point of Personal Privilege." The President must immediately recognize the individual and excuse him. He may not be absent for more than ten (10) minutes, and must be readmitted to the meeting in the prescribed ritualistic manner by the Sergeant-At-Arms.
  
  
• Section 5.
  Any brother missing three (3) meetings without being first excused by the Secretary shall lose his voting privileges for the semester. Any brother who misses five (5) meetings without first being excused by the Secretary shall lose his social privileges in addition to losing his voting rights.

• Section 1.
  The Board of Governors of the ETA Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau shall be comprised of at least three (3) members of the Graduate Council, and two (2) members of the Resident Council, including the President of the Resident Council, and the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall serve as a voting advisor to the Board of Governors, and the President of the Resident Council shall serve as the Secretary of the Board of Governors.
  
  
• Section 2.
  The Board of Governors shall meet monthly during the school year, with the President of the Board of Governors being able to call special meetings.
  
  
• Section 3.
  The Board shall exercise general supervisory control over the Chapter, and shall be responsible to the National Council in all matters. One Graduate Council member shall serve as the Financial Advisor to the Resident Council, one graduate member shall serve as the Risk Reduction specialist for the Chapter, and one graduate member shall serve as the Scholarship Advisor to the Resident Council. The Board of Governors has full authority to enforce the Statues of the National Constitution as they pertain to the Resident Council, subject to review by the Executive Council and the National Council. The Board shall at all times act in the best interest of the Fraternity.
  

• Section 1.
  In case of malfeasance of office, neglect of office, or inappropriate conduct, any officer may be impeached by the following procedure: Any three (3) brothers may bring up impeachment charges in writing before the Chapter. The accused shall be given the opportunity to present his case at the next Resident Council meeting. No discussion is to be held at the time the charges are brought up before the Chapter, or after the presentation of the case of the accused. Presentation of the accuser(s) and witness(s) shall be at the next Resident Council meeting, and shall not last for more than sixty (60) minutes. The accused and the witness will have equal time in defense. Following presentation of each case, and defenses, a vote shall be taken by secret ballot. A vote of three-fourths (3/4) is necessary for a conviction, removing the accused from office.
  
  
• Section 2.
  To impose the penalty of suspension on a brother, an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at the official meeting having a quorum is required. The vote shall be by secret ballot. The Executive Council, the Board of Governors, or the National Office can also impose suspension. Suspension consists of surrender of badge, loss of vote, and loss of all privileges of membership. Suspension does not, however, relieve said individual of any obligations to the Fraternity, including financial. The Board of Governors shall be advised of any suspensions rendered. The Executive Director should then be notified in writing of the suspension.
  
  
• Section 3.
  Expulsion of a brother requires an affirmative vote of four-fifths (4/5) of those present at the next regular chapter meeting having quorum. The vote will be by secret ballot. It it is the case that the requirements of expulsion are reached, the member must be expelled from the chapter in accordance with Title VII of the Disciplinary Statues of the National Constitution. The individual in question is immediately put on suspension until notification of approval is received from the National Office. Once affirmative notification is received, expulsion is immediate.
  
  
• Section 4.
  Expulsion by the above procedure shall incur the following consequences: The expelled individual must return his pin to the National Office, and he must either turn in or destroy under witness, any item he may have in possession that indicates that he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, i.e. anything with the Phi Kappa Tau letters or insignia. He may no longer enter any Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity nationwide, refer to himself as a Phi Tau, or participate in any functions of any chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. From the time of his expulsion, he shall be considered as never having associated with Phi Kappa Tau. He shall also be read back to him the oath he took at the time of his initiation.
  

• Section 1.
  The ETA Chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity shall comply with all policies, rules, laws and regulations set forth by the National Fraternity, Muhlenberg College, and state and local authorities. This includes, but is not limited to, rules, laws and regulations regarding recruitment, membership orientation, initiation, and risk management.
  
  
• Section 2.
  The Constitution and Statues of the Phi Kappa Tau National Fraternity shall at all times overrule and supersede this Chapters' Constitution and By-laws.
  
  
• Section 3.
  This Constitution shall supersede and overrule all previous constitutions and amendments of this chapter, upon adoption by the Resident Council, and contingent on approval by the Board of Governors and the Executive Director.
  

• Section 1.
  Any member may propose amendments to this constitution at any regular meeting. The proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the President at least two (2) days before the next regular Resident Council meeting. At the next Resident Council meeting, the proposed amendment will be read, and immediately tabled until the next regular Resident Council meeting.
  
  
• Section 2.
  An affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of those in attendance at a Resident Council meeting having quorum, is necessary to pass an amendment.
  
  
• Section 3.
  Once an amendment has been adopted by the Resident Council, it must be submitted to the Board of Governors for input and comments. A copy of the amendment with comments from the Board of Governors must then be submitted to the National Office for approval. Adoption of the amendment is not final until it has been approved, and signed by the Executive Director of the National Office.
  

Ratification of this Constitution of the ETA Chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity was effected on this day, September 21st, 1999.



__________________________
Resident Council President



__________________________
Chairman, Board of Governors



__________________________
Executive Director



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Date