Bylaws of the

Pan American Chapter

Of

Delta Upsilon International Fraternity

 

Article I.                   Membership

Section 1.    Candidates for Associate Membership

a.      Preliminary Requirements

1.      Must be enrolled in the University of Texas- Pan American, herein referred to as The University. 

2.      Must not be a member of another National Inter- Fraternity Conference Organization

3.      Must not be a member of any organization that is inconsistent with the teachings of Delta Upsilon International Fraternity, herein referred to as The Fraternity.

4.      Meets all the requirements set by The Fraternity, the University of Texas-Pan American Chapter, herein referred to as The Chapter, and The University

5.      Must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.25 and a current GPA of no less than 2.25

6.      If potential candidate is an entering freshman, then he must have a high school cumulative GPA of no less than 2.5.

b.      Responsibilities

1.      Maintain steady communication with The Chapter and its members, to be evaluated by the President and Vice President of Recruitment or their designees.

2.      Actively participate in The Chapter’s Candidacy program, sponsored and governed by the V.P. of Recruitment.

Section 2.    Associate Membership

a.      Preliminary Requirements

1.      Must have met all requirements for Candidates for Associate Membership.

2.      Must have accepted, signed and submitted a bid for Associate membership.

3.      Must take the oath of Associate Membership, to be offered at the same General Assembly meeting where the list of Candidates for Associate Membership has been accepted.

b.      Responsibilities

1.      Actively participate in New Member Education Training program.

2.      Actively seek to fulfill the requirements for Full Membership.

c.       Privileges

1.      May serve as an officer of their respective pledge class, as governed by the regulations established and maintained by the V.P. of Membership Education.

2.      May Participate in events sponsored by The Chapter, given that they are appropriate under the regulations set forth by the V.P. of Membership Education and in accordance with the regulations established by the V.P. of Loss Prevention

3.      May vote in any meetings designed for their respective pledge class

4.      May serve on any other standing committee or sub-committee, as appointed or otherwise governed by the rules established by a specific committee and approved by the V.P. of Membership Education

5.      May use symbols of The Fraternity and The Chapter, as approved by the V.P. of Membership Education

6.      May vote on all matters of finance as pertain to The Chapter

7.      May wear the words “Delta Upsilon” on any article of clothing

8.      May not wear the Greek letters, DU, established as the official mark of Delta Upsilon

Section 3.    Full Membership

a.      Requirements

1.      Must be enrolled and in good standing in The University.

2.      Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at all times while a Full Member

3.      Must have successfully completed the New Member Education Program.

4.      Must undergo The Initiation Ceremony

5.      Must not be delinquent on any Associate Member dues or other duly assessed fees.

6.      A man who has previously held full membership or its equivalent at another chapter of The Fraternity may petition The Chapter for Full Membership status if he meets all the requirements for said membership as stipulated herein

b.      Responsibilities

1.      Must retain good standing at The University

2.      Must not only retain the required GPA standards, but also constantly strive to improve it.

3.      Must attend general assembly meetings as per the recommendation of the Executive Council and as approved by the President of The Chapter

4.      Must attend specified number of membership education events as recommended by the V.P. of Membership Education. Must attend specified number of recruitment events as recommended by the Vice President of Recruitment.

5.      Abide by the regulations recommended by the Vice President of Loss Prevention

6.      Uphold, preserve and advance the principles of The Fraternity and The Chapter

7.      Refrain from and discourage others from the commission or omission of any act detrimental to The Fraternity or The Chapter

c.       Privileges

1.      May serve as an officer of The Chapter as long as the requirements for that position have been met

2.      May Participate in any event sponsored by The Chapter, given that no other sanctions or restrictions apply

3.      May vote in the General Assembly

4.      May serve on any other standing committee or sub-committee, as appointed or otherwise governed by the rules established by a specific committee or its executive division

5.      May use any symbol of The Fraternity and The Chapter, as governed by the official rules of each

Section 4.    Alumni

a.      Requirements

1.      Upon graduation or leaving The University and being in “good financial standing” with The Chapter a Full Member or an Inactive Member shall be granted Alumnus Status

2.      Becoming an Alumnus excuses a member of The Chapter of all future financial and attendance obligations to The Chapter

3.      The General Assembly may choose to make a Full Member an Alumnus by a 2/3 vote before that man leaves The University by petition by that member

4.      Alumni from any chapter of The Fraternity are welcome to any function of The Chapter unless a majority vote by The General Assembly rescinds those privileges

Article II.                Executive Council

Section 1.    V.P. of Administration

a.      Description

1.      The secretary serves on the executive council, takes minutes of all official meetings of the chapter, and distributes them to the undergraduates, alumni, and all other appropriate groups and individuals. He keeps all records of the chapter and maintains relations with the International Fraternity. He is the central resource for the chapter and is responsible for internal chapter communications.

b.      Duties

1.      Serve as an executive council officer within the chapter. Attend executive council meetings and contribute input as to the advancement of the Fraternity.

2.      Create, maintain, and update as necessary, a chapter member phone/e-mail list and roster.

3.      Prepare outline agenda for chapter and executive council meetings detailing all agenda items.

4.      Record minutes from chapter and executive council meetings.

5.      Maintain attendance records for meetings and other required chapter events.

6.      Responsible for all mailings to the International Fraternity Headquarters. This includes the Change of Officer Form, Leadership Institute Registration, and Summer Officer Address Form.

7.      Produce a master chapter calendar for planning and coordinating events. Collect dates from every chapter officer at the beginning of each academic term, for inclusion in the master calendar. Distribute copies of this master calendar to every member and pledge.

8.      Manage the activities of the historian and librarian. Assist these sub-officers with their duties, and hold them accountable for their duties and responsibilities.

9.      Maintain the chapter's by-laws, and make all updates in a timely manner. Ensure that the chapter by-laws reflect the policies and procedures of the chapter. When needed, form and chair the by-laws committee, which is responsible for compiling all major bylaw revisions or changes.

10.  Compile and maintain a central chapter resource file which includes copies of all chapter programs, chapter by-laws, Fraternity constitution and by-laws, officer notebooks, chapter and executive council meeting minutes, etc.

11.  Develop and maintain a detailed account of secretarial activities and compile an officer notebook to educate future officers.

12.  Compile all necessary support documentation for the Fraternity awards applications and the Chapter Excellence Report as outlined in the Chapter Administration section of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook.

13.  Develop position goals and budget. Utilize appropriate sections of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook as a planning tool in the goal setting process.

14.  Properly and adequately train all assistants and replacements.

Section 2.    V.P. of Loss Prevention

a.      Description

1.      The Vice President-Loss Prevention serves on the Executive Council and works closely with them to help prevent and reduce risk within the chapter.  He educates the entire membership on Fraternity policy and loss prevention in general.  He provides regular reports to the chapter and to the International Fraternity concerning risk reduction and ensures that the chapter operates under guidelines established by federal, state/provincial, local, university, and Fraternity officials.

b.      Duties

1.      Serve as an Executive Council officer within the chapter.  Attend Executive Council meetings and contribute input as to the advancement of the Fraternity.

2.      Review FIPG, Fraternity, and university loss prevention policies with the entire membership annually.

3.      Ensure that the chapter adheres to guidelines and laws of the Fraternity, FIPG, university, city, county, and state/province.

4.      Schedule three speakers per year dealing with issues concerning Loss Prevention such as alcohol/drug abuse, hazing, sexual abuse, AIDS/STD’s, legal liability, etc.

5.      Ensure that the chapter pays all insurance fees in a timely manner.

6.      Develop and enforce the chapter’s loss prevention policy.

7.      Develop and maintain a detailed account of loss prevention activities and compile an officer notebook to educate future officers.

8.      Develop position goals and budget.

9.      Properly and adequately train all assistants and replacements.

Section 3.    V.P. of Scholarship

a.      Description

1.      The V.P. of Scholarship serves on the executive council and is responsible for developing and implementing the chapter’s academic assistance program. He educates the entire membership on ways to improve their study skills and helps to cultivate an attitude that academics are important.

b.      Duties

1.      Serve as an executive council officer within the chapter. Attend executive council meetings and contribute input as to the advancement of the Fraternity

2.      Ensure that the chapter’s GPA is above the all-men’s average on campus.

3.      Develop and implement a written scholarship program which minimally includes:

a.      An academic resource list

b.      Study skills information

c.       Chapter tutorial programming

d.      A personal study hours schedule for members

4.      Enforce the academic eligibility requirement to vote at chapter meetings, hold chapter offices, to pledge, and to initiate.

5.      Utilize campus resources related to academics such as tutorials, workshops/seminars, and library tours.

6.      Maintain a recognition program to reward scholastic achievement.

7.      Develop and annually update a file containing old tests, class notes, and professor evaluations.

8.      Develop and maintain a detailed account of scholarship activities and compile an officer notebook to educate future officers and committee members.

9.      Properly and adequately train all assistants and replacements.

10.  Compile all necessary support documentation for the Fraternity awards applications and the Chapter Excellence Report as outlined in the Chapter Administration section of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook.

11.  Develop position goals and budget. Utilize appropriate sections of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook as a planning tool in the goal setting process.

12.  Professor evaluations

13.  Test Library

14.  Lecture Note Library

Section 4.    V.P. of Membership Education

a.      Description

1.      V.P. of Membership Education serves on the Executive Council and assumes the role of the President in the event that he is unable to perform his duties.  He is responsible for all educational programming and activities, which promote the Fraternity's purposes and ideals.

b.      Duties

1.      Serve as an Executive Council officer within the chapter.  Attend Executive Council meetings and contribute input as to the advancement of the Fraternity.

2.      Develop a written membership education program, which includes a monthly agenda of activities.

3.      Schedule a minimum of one guest speaker per month to speak on topics of educational value to the membership.

4.      Develop and enforce a written code of conduct for all members.  This code will at a minimum include:

a.      Policies concerning the treatment of women

b.      Prohibitive measures concerning the use of illegal drugs

c.       A statement concerning the abuse of alcohol and underage drinking

5.      Sponsor two workshops per year with another fraternity, sorority, or campus organization.

6.      Teach etiquette and gentlemanly conduct to members annually.

7.      Sponsor or attend cultural events twice a year.

8.      Create a chapter activity directory, where members' activities and honorary memberships are posted and updated regularly.

9.      Oversee and preside over all judicial proceedings for the chapter.

10.  Ensure that the chapter is an active part of the Greek community and attend all IFC meetings.

11.  Develop and maintain a detailed account of membership education activities and compile an officer notebook to educate future officers.

12.  Compile all necessary support documentation for the Fraternity awards application and the Chapter Excellence Report as outlined in the Membership Education section of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook.

13.  Develop position goals and budget.  Utilize appropriate sections of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook as a planning tool in the goal setting process.

14.  Properly and adequately train all assistants and replacements.

Section 5.    V.P. of Recruitment

a.      Description

1.      The Vice President of Membership Recruitment shall serve on the Executive Council and coordinate the chapter’s recruitment efforts

b.      Duties

1.      Serve as an Executive Council officer within the chapter. Attend Executive Council meetings and contribute input as to the advancement of the Fraternity.

2.      Develop and chair the Membership Recruitment Committee. In conjunction with the committee, and through the efforts of the entire chapter, coordinate, plan, and implement a successful recruitment program.

3.      In conjunction with the Membership Recruitment Committee set a recruitment goal for the chapter.

4.      Develop a written calendar of year-round recruitment events. With the committee, plan and implement events, which utilize all or part of the chapter membership.

5.      Train chapter members on effective recruitment techniques through regular recruitment workshops.

6.      Compile and maintain a list of prospective members using all available resources. Resources may include, but are not limited to: chapter members and pledges, university admissions and Greek affairs office, alumni members, International Headquarters, women on campus, non-Greek friends and relatives, and other campus organizations.

7.      Track the progresses made on each recruitment contact and follow up regularly with the prospective member or ensure that regular follow up is being made by the membership.

8.      Present candidates for membership to the chapter and determine strategy for delivering the bids.

9.      Coordinate and oversee the bidding process.

10.  Work with the Pledge Educator to ensure that all paper work and fees have been sent to IHQ for each pledged man.

11.  Develop recruitment materials and utilize available resources designed to educate potential members and their families about the benefits of membership in Delta Upsilon.

12.  Develop and maintain a detailed account of recruitment activities and compile an officer notebook to educate future officers and committee members.

13.  Participate in all Fraternity activities, which lead to the improvement and growth of the chapter.

Section 6.    V.P. of Finance

a.      Description

1.      The Chapter Treasurer is directly responsible for the receipt, care, and disbursement of all chapter funds. The Treasurer must work with the undergraduates, alumni officers, and International Fraternity to secure a sound and fiscally prudent future for the Chapter.

b.      Duties

1.      Serve as an Executive Council officer within the chapter.   Attend Executive Council meetings and contribute input as to the advancement of the Fraternity.

2.      Develop and execute the Chapter’s fiscal policies to guarantee a sound financial future.

3.      Work with the Alumni Treasurer to prepare an annual balanced budget to be submitted and approved by the membership at large.

4.      Prepare and disseminate on a timely basis accurate monthly financial statements with comparisons to budget and prior year activity.

5.      Compile all necessary support documentation needed for the Fraternity awards applications and the Chapter Excellence Report as outlined in the Financial Management section of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook.

6.      Communicate all significant financial activity and results to undergraduates, alumni officers, and the International Fraternity.

7.      Responsible for the collection of all fees and past due accounts receivable in accordance with the Chapter’s approved collection policy.

8.      Distribute organized monthly or quarterly bills to each chapter member.

9.      Prepare all required regulatory reports as needed.

10.  Submit payment to the Chapter’s suppliers and vendors on a timely basis.

11.  Develop and maintain a detailed account of treasurer's activities and compile an officer notebook to educate future officers.

12.  Develop position goals and a budget.  Utilize the appropriate section of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook as a planning tool in the goal setting process.

13.  Properly and adequately train all assistants and replacements.

Section 7.    V.P. of Public Relations

a.      Description

1.      The vice president-public relations serves on the executive council.  He plans, organizes and directs the chapter’s efforts in addressing alumni, parents, Greeks and non-Greek students, faculty and administration, and the local community.  He is the chairman of the public relations committee, and reports the committee’s findings and actions to the executive council and the general membership.  He is responsible for all chapter publications and articles for the Fraternity’s Quarterly magazine.  He keeps records of all graduate members including their addresses, occupations, and other pertinent information.

b.      Duties

1.      Serve as an executive council officer within the chapter.  Attend executive council meetings and contribute input as to the advancement of the Fraternity.

2.      Develop and implement a written plan for alumni, parents, Greek, campus and community relations outlining newsletters, events, and other related programming designed to keep these audiences apprised of Fraternity activities.

3.      Oversee the alumni relations’ officer, philanthropy and community service officer, parent’s relation’s officer, IFC delegate, special events chairman, and campus relation’s officer.  Assist them with their responsibilities, and hold them accountable for their duties and responsibilities.

4.      Organize and chair monthly public relations committee meetings that will be attended by all sub-officers.  This committee shall be responsible for the development and execution of the chapter's public relations program.

5.      Compile all necessary support documentation needed for Fraternity awards applications and the Chapter Excellence Report as outlined in the Public Relations, Alumni Relations and Human Service sections of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook.

6.      Sponsor a minimum of two alumni and/or parents events per year such as Founders Day, Initiation, Parent’s Day, or Homecoming.

7.      Publish an alumni and/or parents newsletter a minimum of two times per year.

8.      Invite parents, faculty, and alumni to initiation ceremonies by written correspondence.

9.      Ensure that all chapter publications, T-shirts, and events are in accordance with Delta Upsilon’s image as “The Gentlemen’s Fraternity”.  Avoid tasteless, insensitive, socially demeaning, or offensive themes.

10.  Actively pursue positive relations with the campus and surrounding community.

11.  Sponsor and/or be actively involved in a minimum of two service/philanthropic projects per academic year

12.  Develop and maintain a detailed account of public relations activities and compile an officer notebook to educate future officers and committee members.

13.  Develop position goals and budget. Utilize the appropriate sections of the Chapter Excellence Plan Guidebook as a planning tool in this process.

14.  Properly and adequately train all assistants and replacements.

Section 8.    President

a.      Description

1.      The President will serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the chapter. He shall be the head of the chapter’s organizational structure. He will be the liaison between the chapter and the university, community, alumni, and International Fraternity.

b.      Duties

1.      Serve as an Executive Council officer within the chapter. Attend Executive Council meetings and
contribute input as to the advancement of the Fraternity.

2.      Lead executive council and chapter meetings.

3.      Oversee all officers; ensure accountability and responsibility in all members.

4.      Coordinate the goal setting process of the chapter and executive council.

5.      Approve major financial expenditures.

6.      Serve as a positive role model by adhering to Fraternity, FIPG, university/college, city, county,
and state/provincial laws and guidelines.

7.      Recruit and cultivate new leaders.

8.      Keep in contact with Delta Upsilon International Headquarters and return completed paperwork
in a timely manner.

9.      Meet with the university Greek advisor and alumni officers on a regular basis.

10.  Serve as the chapter spokesperson.

11.  Develop and maintain a detailed account of presidential activities and compile an officer
notebook to educate future officers and committee members.

12.  Develop position goals and budget.

13.  Properly and adequately train all assistants and replacements.

Article III.             Officers

Section 1.    Requirements

a.      Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2. 5 at the time of nomination for said position

b.      Must be in Full membership classification at the time of nomination

c.       Must remain in Full Membership classification during service as this executive officer

Section 2.    Responsibility, Authority and Jurisdiction

a.      Will have a permanent seat in the Executive Council representing the executive division under his jurisdiction

b.      Insure the proper implementation of all programs for the executive division under his jurisdiction

c.       Determine efficacy of all programs under the jurisdiction of this executive division and modify them as necessary as per amendment process described in this document

d.      Develop and propose to the executive council new programs or initiatives to better meet the goals of the executive division under his jurisdiction

e.      Compile a written and oral officer’s report for every General Assembly meeting detailing the activities of the executive division under his jurisdiction.  The oral report shall be delivered to the General Assembly, while the written report will be submitted to the Vice President of Administration

f.        Develop objective goals and detailed budget for the executive division under his jurisdiction

g.      Develop and maintain officer’s notebook, to assist in training of future officers

h.      Adequately train all assistants and replacements to ease the transition of power and minimize loss of skills between terms of office

Article IV.             Committees

Section 1.    Fund Raising Committee

a.      Description

1.      Devise and organize events in which the proceeds benefit the chapter.

b.      Duties

1.      Organize at least 2 fundraising events a semester.

Section 2.    Awards Committee

a.      Description

1.      Devise and organize awards to be given to the chapters members of students on campus

b.      Duties

1.      Should organize at least one awards ceremony a semester

Section 3.    Executive Council

a.      Description

1.      Coordinate and advise all new business, calendars, and events for the chapter.

b.      Duties

1.      Must meet once a week to discuss the status of their officer duties.

Section 4.    Recruitment Committee

a.      Description

1.      Organize recruitment events and aid in all recruitment efforts.

b.      Duties

1.      Hold at least one recruitment event a week

2.      Assist the V.P. of Recruitment.

Section 5.    Social Committee

a.      Description

1.      Organize all social events including alumni events, parent events, faculty events, as well as any socials.

b.      Duties

1.      Coordinate all needed events with V.P. of Public Relations and V.P. of Membership Education.

2.      Coordinate the alumni, parent, and faculty events.

Article V.                General Assembly

Section 1.    Purpose

a.      To insure efficient and democratic function of The Chapter

b.      To decide, by the rules of Parliamentary Procedure, on all official business of the Chapter unless otherwise provided for in these By Laws

Section 2.    Regular Meetings

a.      At least one general assembly meeting must be scheduled each month of the academic fall and spring semesters

b.      At least one general assembly meeting must be scheduled for each academic summer semesters

c.       A quorum of The Chapter must be present for the general assembly to conduct business

d.      Any Full member may take part in debate of general assembly as governed by parliamentary rule

e.      Each meeting of the general assembly must be scheduled one week in advance by the president of the chapter

Section 3.    Special Meetings

a.      A special meeting of the general assembly may be called by the president of The Chapter or the Executive Council, for a specific purpose

b.      A special or emergency session of the general assembly will be in order only in the event that an unforeseen issue arises which The Chapter must consider before the next scheduled meeting of the general assembly

c.       The agenda for a special session of the general assembly will be prepared by the party calling said meeting

d.      The party calling for a special meeting of the general assembly, must make every effort to notify the members of the chapter about the calling of the special session and provide all details necessary to allow as many members as possible to attend

e.      Although attendance records for a special meeting of the general assembly must be kept as for any other meeting of the general assembly, recorded absences may not be used towards attendance requirements for the membership

Section 4.    Parliamentary procedures

a.      Parliamentary order for the general assembly will proceed as described in the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, unless otherwise provided for in these By Laws

b.      Meetings of the general assembly will be conducted in strict accordance to the order of business as described in Robert’s Rules of Order or as per the agenda published by the president of The Chapter prior to each meeting

c.       Special sessions of the general assembly may disregard the standard order of business and most formal procedures of Robert’s Rules of Order and be conducted in the manner best suited to the items of business it was called to consider.  The presiding officer of the general assembly in special session will have final judgment in questions regarding this issue

d.      Quorum for the general assembly is hereby defined as one more than one half of all membership currently in Full membership status

e.      All items of new business must be submitted to the executive council prior to the general assembly meeting in which it will be considered, unless the general assembly votes on emergency consideration of said measure

Section 5.    Elections

a.      Will be held on the last week of March each year

b.      Nominations for president of The Chapter and of chief executive for each division shall be made at least one (1) weeks prior to the date of election

c.       Each vacancy will be voted upon by the general assembly individually

d.      The order of nominations and elections shall be as follows: 1) President; 2) VP Membership Education; 3) VP of Finance; 4) VP of Administration; 5) VP of Recruitment; 6) VP of Loss Prevention; 7) VP of Public Relations; 8) VP of Scholarship

e.      Voting for each vacancy will be by secret ballot

f.        Any full member may nominate any other full member for any vacancy to be filled during the election process

g.      Self nominations are encouraged, and in order

h.      Once a nomination is made, the nominee may accept nomination or decline it

i.        If the nominee is certain that he does not meet the requirements for said vacancy, the nomination must be declined

j.        If after closing nominations, there are more than two (2) men for any vacancy, then the top two candidates must be selected by a plurality vote of the general assembly on election day

k.      The nominee with a majority vote of [GAG1] the general assembly will be considered elected to office

l.        Elections are considered effective upon adjournment of the session of the general assembly in which the election occurred

Section 6.    Impeachment

a.      The general assembly must decide on all impeachment proceeding brought to it by the Judiciary Directorate

b.