eta omicron constitution

Kappa Kappa Psi Eta Omicron Chapter, Founded 1980

James Madison University

Chapter Handbook

Kappa Kappa Psi 2014 1

CONTENTS

Preamble to the National Constitution ...................................................................................................................... 2

Eta Omicron Constitution ......................................................................................................................................3-12

I. General......................................................................................................................................................... 3

II. Membership ..............................................................................................................................................3-5

III. Prospective Members ................................................................................................................................... 5

IV. Sponsor ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

V. Officers .....................................................................................................................................................5-7

VI. Meetings ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

VII. Voting Procedures & Officer Elections ....................................................................................................... 7

VIII. Project Groups ..........................................................................................................................................7-8

IX. Finances ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

X. Attendance Policy .....................................................................................................................................8-9

XI. Guidelines for Probation .........................................................................................................................9-11

XII. Hazing ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

XIII. Joint Affairs ............................................................................................................................................... 11

XIV. Amendments to the Constitution .......................................................................................................... 11-12

Constitution of the Joint Council of Eta Rho and Eta Omicron............................................................................ 13

Sections 6, 9, and 15 from the Northeast District Constitution ........................................................................ 14-15

Section VI from the National Constitution ......................................................................................................... 16-22

Eta Omicron Officer Handbook .......................................................................................................................... 23-29

I. General....................................................................................................................................................... 23

II. Executive Board......................................................................................................................................... 23

III. President ............................................................................................................................................... 23-24

IV. Executive Vice President ...................................................................................................................... 24-25

V. Vice President of Membership .................................................................................................................. 25

VI. Vice President of Service ...................................................................................................................... 25-26

VII. Vice President of Brotherhood .................................................................................................................. 26

VIII. Secretary ............................................................................................................................................... 26-27

IX. Treasurer .................................................................................................................................................... 27

X. Historian ............................................................................................................................................... 27-28

XI. Appointed Officers .................................................................................................................................... 28

XII. Music Director ........................................................................................................................................... 28

XIII. Webmaster ............................................................................................................................................ 28-29

Parliamentary Procedure ..................................................................................................................................... 30-33

Fraternity Hymn ........................................................................................................................................................ 34

Fraternity Song ..................................................................................................................................................... 35-36

Joint Song ................................................................................................................................................................... 37

Fraternity Creed, Mission Statement, Fraternal Code of Conduct ....................................................................... 38

Revised by Allen Derina

Executive Vice President, 2013-2014

April 27, 2014

STRIVE FOR THE HIGHEST

2 Eta Omicron Chapter Handbook

Preamble to the National Constitution

Be it known that Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Fraternity for College Bandmembers is an organization

operating exclusively in the field of the college and university band, and for the following several purposes:

1. To promote the existence and welfare of the college and university bands and to cultivate at large a

wholesome respect for their activities and achievements.

2. To honor outstanding bandmembers through privilege of membership extended as a reward for technical

achievement and appreciation for the best in music.

3. To stimulate campus leadership and promulgate an uncompromising respect through the medium of the

college band for gracious conduct, good taste, and unswerving loyalty.

4. To foster a close relationship between college bands and to promote a high average of attainment by the

performance of good music and the selection of worthwhile projects.

5. To provide a pleasant and helpful social experience for all engaged in college band work and to cooperate

with other musical organizations in any manner consistent with the purposes of the institution at which

chapters are located.

“IT IS AN HONOR TO BE SELECTED TO SERVE”


ETA OMICRON CONSTITUTION

I GENERAL

1.01 This document provides the basis for the rules and framework of the activities and members of this chapter

for which it is written and of which it is a part.

1.02 This document is subordinate to and does not supersede the National Constitution of Kappa Kappa Psi.

1.03 The name of this organization shall be the Eta Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary

Band Fraternity for College and University Bandmembers.

1.04 The chapter shall exist:

1. To promote the existence and welfare of the college and university bands and to cultivate at large

a wholesome respect for their activities and achievements.

2. To honor outstanding bandmembers through privilege of membership extended as a reward for

technical achievement and appreciation for the best in music.

3. To stimulate campus leadership and promulgate an uncompromising respect through the medium

of the college band for gracious conduct, good taste, and unswerving loyalty.

4. To foster a close relationship between college bands and to promote a high average of attainment

by the performance of good music and selection of worthwhile projects.

5. To provide a pleasant and helpful social experience for all engaged in college band work and to

cooperate with other musical organization in any manner consistent with the purposes of the

institution at which chapters are located.

1.05 Robert’s Rules of Order (current revision) shall be the parliamentary authority for all meetings and actions

of this chapter.

II MEMBERSHIP

2.01 Active members shall be those who have been formally initiated under the guidelines of the National

Fraternity and this chapter. To remain on active status, the following guidelines must be met:

1. Members must pay, on a yearly basis, national dues and chapter dues and shall have paid initiate

dues. All due dates for payment will be set by the chapter Treasurer. Any member who is unable

to fulfill his financial obligation to the fraternity must make other arrangements with the

Treasurer. Members remain on active status until two weeks after the final due date for payment

of dues in the fall semester.

2. Members must actively and successfully participate in the University band program at least once

within the academic school year and be in good academic standing with James Madison

University. Sections 6.506 and 6.507 of the National Constitution are to be observed concerning

active status of members.

2.02 Conditional status in the Fraternity may be requested by an active or associate member when that member

cannot, without undue hardship, continue to meet the requirements for active or associate status,

respectively. The request shall be in writing and shall state the specific reasons for requesting conditional

status. To become effective, the member shall have paid national member dues the current academic year.

The request shall be approved by a majority vote of the chapter, with approval of the Sponsor/Director of

Bands. Conditional status shall not be maintained for more than one (1) year. After one (1) year, a request

must be submitted to maintain Conditional status.

2.03 Conditional members may, at the discretion of the chapter, attend chapter meetings, District and National

Conventions and events, participate in Ritual, participate in chapter fundraisers and service projects and

attend chapter social functions. Conditional members shall not hold office, propose candidates for

membership, introduce business, vote on any matters, or act in the capacity of a big brother.


2.04 Former active or associate members who are enrolled in school but do not pay member dues shall be

classified as inactive members. Inactive members have no privileges of Fraternity membership. Inactive

members may not participate in any Fraternity business, projects, or activities. To obtain privileges of

membership, said member must request, in writing, reinstatement by the chapter from which the member

became inactive. Upon review of the inactive member’s written request, the inactive member must receive

a favorable vote of seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible voting membership, the approval of the chapter

sponsor, and payment of all financial obligations to both the chapter and Fraternity in order to be granted

privileges of membership.

2.05 Alumni members of Eta Omicron are those active, associate, or conditional members of the fraternity who

have completed their education or have terminated their affiliation with James Madison University. In the

event an alumni member wishes to reactivate with this chapter, said alumnus must be registered as a

student, be an active member of the University band program, and meet requirements as an active member

of the chapter. Alumni members have privileges that are at the discretion of the chapter. These privileges

include but are not limited to: attending chapter meetings, participating in Ritual, participating in chapter

fundraisers, and attending chapter social functions. Alumni members shall not, at the Chapter or District

level, hold office, propose candidates for membership, introduce business, vote on any manners, or act in

the capacity of big brother.

2.06 Honorary members of Eta Omicron shall possess the same general qualifications as active or associate

members except that they shall not necessarily be regularly enrolled at James Madison University nor

possess any qualifications as musicians. They shall be generally recognized as outstanding in their field of

endeavor or shall have performed outstanding service for the James Madison University band program or

Eta Omicron.

2.07 Upon due cause, as outlined in section XI of Eta Omicron Constitution, a member may be placed on

probation following a favorable vote on the motion of seventy-five (75) percent of the chapter’s eligible

voting membership and approval by the chapter sponsor.

2.08 A member placed on probation shall be informed by the President, in writing, of the following: the reasons

for probation; a specified time in which to make restitution; and the obligations needed to be fulfilled

within that time period. Fulfillment of all obligations within the specified time period, as stated in section

XI of Eta Omicron Constitution, shall return said member to previous membership status. Fulfillment of

all obligations shall be approved by the President and sponsor. Failure to complete all obligations is just

cause for either an extension of the probationary term or for the initiation of suspension proceedings.

2.09 Upon due cause, a member of the Fraternity may be suspended following a favorable vote of seventy-five

(75) percent of the chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval from the chapter sponsor.

Suspended members may not participate in any Fraternity business, projects, or activities.

2.10 A member placed on suspension shall be informed, in writing, of the following: the reasons for suspension;

a specified time period in which to make restitution; and the obligations needed to be fulfilled within that

time period. Fulfillment of all obligations within the specified time period shall return said member to

previous membership status. Fulfillment of all obligations shall be approved by the President and sponsor.

Failure to complete all obligations is just cause for either an extension of the suspension term or for the

initiation of expulsion proceedings.

2.11 Upon due cause, a member of the Fraternity may be expelled following a favorable vote of seventy-five

(75) percent of the chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval of the chapter sponsor. Such

expulsion must conform to the rules and regulations of the local institution involved. The member will be

given a hearing before the said motion is voted on. The vote will be secret ballot, and the member will be

informed the vote totals. Having been expelled, the member shall return to the chapter all regalia and

property of the Fraternity being held, and the name shall be stricken from the Master Chapter Roster at the

National Headquarters.

2.12 No person shall be considered a member of this fraternity until that person has been entered upon the roster

of the chapter and the roster of the National Office.


2.13 No person shall be restricted from becoming a member of the Eta Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi

based on the following: race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, martial status, religion, creed,

handicap, age, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

III PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS

3.01 A prospective member of this chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi shall be anyone who has been enrolled at James

Madison University for no less than one (1) semester unless exception is made by the chapter sponsor, has

participated in a James Madison University band program as defined by playing a brass, percussion, or

woodwind instrument in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, or the Marching Royal Dukes,

or by performing in the colorguard in the Marching Royal Dukes, and is in good academic standing as

defined by James Madison University. The prospective member shall be a band member who demonstrates

responsibility and concern for the band.

3.02 At the beginning of the each semester, an informal smoker will be held for all interested students. Within a

reasonable amount of time, a formal smoker will be held. At this time, a vote shall be taken on the

admission of the prospective members. A negative vote of twenty-five (25) percent or five (5) eligible

voting members, whichever is greater, of the eligible membership shall be required to prevent a person

from entering the Membership Education Program of the Fraternity. The Vice President of Membership

will then send bids to prospective members following the formal smoker.

3.03 Extension of bids to prospective members will occur at only one (1) time each semester.

3.04 Two favorable votes of seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible membership shall be required to continue

the Membership Education Process. A third vote of seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible membership

shall be required to allow a Membership Candidate to commence with the ritual of Third Degree.

3.05 There shall be no restriction regarding race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, marital status, religion,

creed, handicap, age, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

IV SPONSOR

4.01 There shall be at least one (1) sponsor to this organization.

4.02 The sponsor(s) shall be the Director of Bands at James Madison University or shall be the appointed

representative of the Director of Bands.

4.03 The Sponsor shall exist for the following purposes:

1. Interpret University policy to the chapter.

2. Assist the chapter in reaching its stated goals.

3. Aid in representing the chapter within the University community.

4. Help in maintaining the continuity of the chapter.

V OFFICERS

5.01 The officers of the chapter shall be the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Membership,

Vice President of Service, Vice President of Brotherhood, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Music Director,

and Webmaster. Each officer shall adhere to the Eta Omicron Officer Handbook for his or her duties.

5.02 Eligible members shall elect officers within two (2) weeks following spring break. Elected offices are:

President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Service, Vice

President of Brotherhood, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian. Each candidate for office shall be an active

member of the Fraternity who possesses outstanding business or professional ability and shall be capable of

representing the Fraternity under all ordinary conditions.

5.03 Candidates for office must submit to the chapter the following materials at least three (3) days prior to the

date of elections in order to be eligible for election:


1. A platform that should include a list of goals and plans/strategies to meet them, the member’s

fraternal experiences, musical leadership and accomplishments, and experiences outside of Kappa

Kappa Psi

2. Any other supporting documents such as a résumé or letter(s) of recommendation

5.04 The President shall preside over all meetings of the chapter, create and oversee project groups, and preside

over the Executive Board. The President shall co-sign all checks, contracts, and other instruments of

business or treasury concerned with the chapter. The President shall serve as the representative of the

chapter unless otherwise delegated by the President.

5.05 The Executive Vice President shall oversee project groups with the President. It will be the duty of the

Executive Vice President to see that the chapter adheres to proper parliamentary procedure. The Executive

Vice President shall also perform any reasonable duties deemed necessary by the President.

5.06 The Vice President of Membership shall be responsible for the education, training, and initiation of all

prospective members. They shall also present the Membership Education Program (MEP) for each

semester to the chapter for approval.

5.07 The Vice President of Service shall be responsible for the development and coordination of all service

activities of the chapter.

5.08 The Vice President of Brotherhood shall be responsible for planning social functions that further enhance a

sense of Brotherhood within the Fraternity.

5.09 The Secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings and maintain a roster of members including name,

address, phone number, and any other pertinent information. The Secretary shall be responsible for

communication within the chapter and shall coordinate with the Historian in publishing the chapter

publication, HO Happenings. The Secretary shall coordinate with the Sponsor and Director of Bands when

checking the grade point average (GPA) of all members at the beginning of each semester.

5.10 The Treasurer shall control the receipts and disbursements of all monies of the chapter and shall submit a

budget and further recommendations concerning the financial policies of the chapter as may be required.

The Treasurer shall co-sign all checks for monies disbursed and shall prepare and be responsible for

keeping records of all chapter finances.

5.11 The Historian shall be responsible for maintaining a written and pictorial record of the chapter and the

band. The Historian shall coordinate with the Secretary in publishing the chapter publication, HO

Happenings.

5.12 The Executive Board shall consist of the current elected officers, including the Immediate Past President.

The Immediate Past President shall not vote in Executive Board decisions.

5.13 The Immediate Past President shall serve on the Executive Board in an advisory capacity if the Immediate

Past President is still an active member of the chapter following the term as President. The Immediate Past

President shall be listed with the other members of the Executive Board, regardless of the Immediate Past

President’s status.

5.14 Upon due cause, an officer may be removed from office by a favorable vote of seventy-five (75) percent

the eligible membership assembled.

5.15 Each officer shall be an active member in good standing of the Fraternity. Any change in an officer’s

status will constitute a vacancy in that office.

5.16 Vacancies in office, except the President, who shall be replaced by the Executive Vice President, will

warrant a special election to fill the vacancy at the earliest possible date. If a vacancy exists and there are

three (3) weeks or less in the academic year before the chapter’s annual elections, the vacancy will be filled

by an eligible member to be appointed by the Executive Board. If, in the time between officer elections


and officer installations, a vacancy exists, the Executive Board shall appoint the officer-elect to fulfill the

remainder of the term.

VI MEETINGS

6.01 Meetings shall be held at least once every month in which the University is in regular session. Other

meetings may be called as the Executive Board deems necessary.

6.02 A special meeting at which a vote will take place may be called by the President or by written petition

signed by a simple majority of active members. An attempt shall be made at least one (1) day in advance to

notify all members of the meeting and subject(s) to be discussed at the meeting.

6.03 Fifty (50) percent plus one (1) of all eligible members of the chapter and at least two (2) officers, one of

which shall be the President or a Vice President, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings.

6.04 The order of business shall be determined by the presiding officer at each meeting. The following business

shall be included in each meeting:

1. Opening ceremonies

2. Officer reports

3. Project Group reports

4. Old business

5. New business

6. Announcements/Open forum

7. Closing ceremonies

VII VOTING PROCEDURES & OFFICER/DELEGATE ELECTIONS

7.01 Absentee ballot voting will be enacted during chapter meetings. Any active member may cast an absentee

ballot if he or she will not be present at the meeting.

7.02 Members who wish to vote by absentee must submit their votes to the Executive Vice President prior to the

call of the question. Absentee ballots submitted in this manner shall be for the formal motion as stated to

him or her. If the motion is amended during debate, the vote by absentee shall be considered an “abstain.”

If the member does not cast an absentee vote, he or she shall be considered to have abstained.

7.03 Eligible active members voting by absentee shall not count toward quorum.

7.04 Elections for elected offices will be held once a year. At the last chapter meeting prior to spring break,

nominations will be opened, taken from the floor, and then closed. At officer elections, nominations will

again be opened and taken from the floor. Nominations will be closed to all offices before voting takes

place.

7.05 Voting procedures for officer and delegate elections will be as follows:

1. A simple majority of eligible members is required for election. Any Active or Associate member

who will not be present at the election may submit an absentee ballot, while observing section

7.02 and 7.03 of Eta Omicron Constitution, using preferential voting, as outlined in Robert’s Rules

of Order (current revision).

2. If there is no majority, the result is announced, the candidate or candidates with the single lowest

vote total shall be removed from the ballot, unless such action shall leave no candidate on the

ballot, and the election is held again. This process will be repeated until a candidate is elected or

the office is left vacant.

3. There shall be a limit on candidates’ speeches of three (3) minutes and on question and answer of

ten (10) minutes, unless a member moves to otherwise extend or limit, adopted by a two-thirds

vote. Candidates for the office in question must leave the room during discussion.

VIII PROJECT GROUPS


8.01 At the discretion of the Executive Vice President, a project group may be created for a specific initiative or

event.

8.02 An Executive Board member shall appoint a member of the chapter to head the project group. The

President and Executive Vice President shall oversee the project group.

8.03 There shall be two (2) types of project groups: type I and type II. Type I shall be considered a large task or

long-term commitment. Type II shall be considered a small task or short-term commitment. The President

and Executive Vice President shall determine the type of each project group.

8.04 Each active or associate member must earn a minimum of one (1) project point per semester where type I

project groups count as one (1) point and type II project groups count as one-half (1/2) of a point.

8.05 Successful fulfillment of a project point, either in partial or in full, shall be determined by the President and

Executive Vice President at the recommendation of the project group head.

IX FINANCES

9.01 All monies of the chapter will be received and expended by the Treasurer. All expenditures will be co-

signed by the President and the Treasurer.

9.02 At the end of each spring semester, the chapter shall set the rate for chapter dues and adopt a budget for the

next fiscal year.

9.03 The chapter shall vote to distribute any funds not budgeted to an office.

X ATTENDANCE POLICY

10.01 All active and associate members must attend all chapter meetings, Fraternity and Joint Rituals, mandatory

rush events as outlined in the Membership Education Program, Project Group requirements as outlined in

section VIII in Eta Omicron Constitution, chapter events, one (1) concert ushering, and all obligations to

the marching band crew to which they are designated as outlined in section 11.06 in Eta Omicron

Constitution.

10.02 All active members must complete schedule “Wampler” shifts, scheduled every week. A Wampler shift is

defined as one (1) hour present at the Wampler table during scheduled “Wamplering” hours which will be

determined by the chapter Sponsor and/or Director of Bands each semester. Conflicts with scheduling or

completing a Wampler shift will be dealt with at the discretion of the Vice President of Service on an

individual basis. Completion of a member’s Wampler requirement will be determined by the Vice

President of Service.

10.03 A chapter event shall be defined as any event moved upon by the chapter or mandated by the Director of

Bands or Sponsor.

10.04 If an active or associate member is absent from one or more of the requirements as outlined in 10.01 in Eta

Omicron Constitution, he or she must use participation in Fraternity events, at the discretion of the

Executive Board member organizing the event, to make up for the absence in the manner described below:

1. Ask the Executive Board organizer of the event to use participation to makeup an absence. The

Board member will approve or deny your request.

2. Fill out the Attendance Makeup Sheet, and take it to the above Executive Board member to sign.

3. Present your completed Attendance Makeup Sheet to the Secretary.

10.05 Executive Board members cannot use their own events to makeup an absence.

10.06 In order to request conditional status, members must have no outstanding absences.

10.07 Members must have no outstanding absences at the end of a semester.


10.08 In extreme circumstances, absences may be excused. Those circumstances include: absence due to death in

the family, absence due to illness requiring hospitalization, and other emergency circumstances out of

control of the member.

10.09 The President and Secretary shall collaborate and decide if the absence is excused. If the officers do not

agree that it falls under the excused absence clause, the absence remains unexcused.

XI GUIDELINES FOR PROBATION

11.01 General guidelines:

1. Members on probation may not hold office, propose candidates for membership, introduce

business, or vote on any matter, but may, at the discretion of the chapter, attend District and

National Conventions and events and participate in Ritual. A big brother of a current membership

candidate will continue to serve as a big brother at the discretion of the Vice President of

Membership.

2. The specified time period in which to make restitution shall be the remainder of the academic

semester. At the last meeting of the semester, there shall be a mandatory vote by the chapter

concerning all members still on probation to determine whether to extend probation or to initiate

suspension proceedings.

11.02 Explanation of non-fulfillment of dues requirement:

1. If an installment in an active, associate, or conditional member’s payment plan is more than two

weeks overdue, there will be a mandatory vote by the chapter to place the member on probation.

2. If a member is not placed on probation and does not fulfill his or her monetary obligations, there

will be a mandatory vote by the chapter.

3. If a member is placed on probation, he or she will bring his or her payment plan up to date before

being taken off probation. If a member defaults on the payment plan after being taken off

probation for dues, there will be a mandatory vote by the chapter. If he or she is placed on

probation for a second time, he or she will have to pay the remainder of his or her balance to the

chapter before being taken off probation.

4. Active and associate members placed on probation for dues are still bound by the Eta Omicron

Attendance Policy.

11.03 Explanation of non-fulfillment of GPA requirement:

1. In accordance with the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the

Secretary shall coordinate with the Sponsor or the Director of Bands when checking the grade

point average (GPA) of all members at the beginning of each semester to check for good academic

standing.

2. If an active, associate, or conditional member’s GPA falls below a 2.0 cumulative, there will be a

mandatory vote by the chapter to place the member on probation.

11.04 Explanation of non-fulfillment of attendance requirement:

1. If an active or associate member fails to comply with the attendance policy outlined in 10.01 of

Eta Omicron Constitution, there will be a mandatory vote by the chapter to place the member on

probation.

2. If a member is placed on probation, he or she must reconcile all delinquent requirements from the

previous semester in order to be removed from probationary status. Functions attended to fulfill

delinquent requirements shall not count toward attendance for the semester.


11.05 Explanation of non-fulfillment of band participation requirement:

1. If an active or associate member fails to actively and successfully participate in the University

band program at least once within the academic school year, there will be a mandatory vote by the

Fraternity. Active and successful participation in the University band program shall be defined as

performing in a University approved ensemble. Examples of a University approved ensemble

include, but are not limited to, all School of Music ensembles, Nuance Winterguard, JMU Indoor

Drumline, and JMU Pep Band. Upon the unanimous decision of the Executive Board, this

requirement may be waived.

2. If a member is placed on probation, they will remain on probation until restitution is made, or for

the duration of the semester, at the discretion of the chapter.

11.06 Explanation of non-fulfillment of marching band crew participation requirement:

1. Marching band crew obligations are as follows:

a. Game day crew: game day crew head shall communicate with logistics crew and

establish a meeting time. Game day crew shall meet at that time and help prepare for the

game. Non-marchers on game day crew must successfully participate in at least two-

thirds (2/3) of regularly scheduled games as well as all playoff games barring conflicts as

approved by the game day crew head. Game day crew members who march must fulfill

all duties of the crew when not interfering with regular marching band requirements.

Duties include, but are not limited to: handing out water after pre-game and half-time,

cleaning up the band stands after games, and any other tasks as determined by game day

crew head and/or logistics crew.

b. Podium crew: podium crew shall set up and tear down podiums and band stand ladders at

all rehearsals and performances. Podium crew members who march must fulfill all duties

of the crew when not interfering with regular marching band requirements. The podium

crew head shall approve all conflicts.

c. Pit crew: pit crew shall assist with the relocation of pit equipment as determined by pit

crew head and/or pit section leader. Pit crew members who march must fulfill all duties

of the crew when not interfering with regular marching band requirements. The pit crew

head shall approve all conflicts.

d. Uniform crew: uniform crew shall help with all distribution and return of uniforms.

Uniform crew members who march must fulfill all duties of the crew when not

interfering with regular marching band requirements. The uniform crew head shall

approve all conflicts.

2. The crew head and/or the Vice President of Service shall determine successful fulfillment of

duties.

3. If an active or associate member fails to fulfill their marching band crew requirements, there shall

be a mandatory vote by the chapter to place the member on probation.

11.07 Explanation of non-fulfillment of big brother payment plan requirement:

1. A member acting as a big brother of a current Kappa Kappa Psi membership candidate may

borrow funds, at the discretion of the Executive Board, in the amount of up to $150, for the

chapter for use in providing the following tools necessary tot he membership candidates’ process

and initiation: book supplies, a star, a paddle, one set of letters, and a blanket.

2. Borrowed funds will be returned to the chapter on a payment plan schedule created between the

Treasurer and the member. The full amount of borrowed funds must be returned by the final


meeting prior to the member becoming alumni. All receipts of purchased tools must be provided

to the Treasurer as proof of use of funds.

3. If an installment in an active, associate, or conditional member’s payment plan is not submitted by

the meeting immediately following a due date or if receipts are not provided, there will be a

mandatory vote by the chapter to place the member on probation.

4. If a member is not placed on probation and does not fulfill his or her monetary obligation, there

will be a mandatory vote by the chapter each meeting immediately following a due date.

5. If a member is placed on probation, he or she will bring his or her payment plan up to date and

provide all receipts before being taken off probation. If a members defaults on the payment plan

after being taken off probation for default, there will be a mandatory vote by the chapter. If he or

she is placed on probation for a second time, he or she will have to pay the remainder of his or her

balance to the chapter before being taken off probation.

6. Active and associate members placed on probation for payment plan default are still bound by the

Eta Omicron Attendance Policy.

XII HAZING

12.01 Hazing is prohibited as outlined in the National Policy on Hazing and James Madison University’s Hazing

Policy.

12.02 Kappa Kappa Psi, in keeping with JMU’s expectations for a positive academic and social environment,

unconditionally opposes hazing. No individual member of our group or the group itself may engage in or

plan any activity that may be defined as hazing.

12.03 Kappa Kappa Psi opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort,

embarrassment, harassment or ridicule to its members or prospective members. In addition, no individual

nor recognized organization may by physical or mental stress or by subtle or covert technique, impair,

make captive, or destroy an individual’s freedom of thought and choice.

12.04 Hazing, under Virginia law, is defined as activities for the initiation or induction into an organization which

include calisthenics or other strenuous physical activity; exposure to inclement weather; consumption of

food, liquid, beverage, drug or other substance; confinement to any room or compartment; spraying,

painting or pelting with any substance; burying in any substance; burning, branding or tattooing or another

activity which may result in physical injury or endanger the health or life the individual being hazed. J17-

101 Section 18.2-56 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, which declares hazing illegal, establishes

conditions for civil and criminal liability and outlines the duties of the university when a student has been

found guilty of hazing.

12.05 It is hereby incorporated as part of this constitution and will serve as a guide for action by the university

and Kappa Kappa Psi if there is an instance of hazing by this fraternity or any of the members. It will be

the duty of the officers of Kappa Kappa Psi to educate the membership of this policy.

XIII JOINT AFFAIRS

13.01 The Eta Omicron Chapter shall recognize any decisions made by the Joint Chapters of Eta Omicron and Eta

Rho.

XIV AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

14.01 Amendments shall be made to the constitution of this chapter by a request in writing, which must be sent to

the Executive Vice President. Amendments must receive a favorable vote of seventy-five (75) percent of

the eligible membership assembled and approval of the chapter sponsor to gain ratification.


14.02 All amendments to this Constitution, once duly ratified by the chapter and approved by the sponsor, shall

be submitted for approval to Office of Student Activities and Involvement.

14.03 This document is considered adopted upon a favorable vote of seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible

membership assembled and approval of the chapter sponsor.

14.04 At the time of the proposal of amendments, each amendment shall be discussed and amended separately

and then tabled.

14.05 At the next meeting, each amendment shall be voted upon separately.

14.06 This document may not be suspended in its entirety; however, parts may be suspended by a favorable vote

of seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible membership assembled.

14.07 This document becomes effective upon approval by Office of Student Activities and Involvement.


CONSTITUTION OF THE

JOINT CHAPTERS OF ETA OMICRON AND ETA RHO

I GENERAL

1.01 The name of this organization shall be the Joint Chapter of Eta Omicron and Eta Rho.

1.02 The Joint Chapter shall exist to coordinate efforts to serve the band program at James Madison University

and to strengthen the relationship between Eta Omicron and Eta Rho.

1.03 Robert’s Rules of Order (current revision) shall be the parliamentary authority for all meetings and actions

of this chapter.

1.04 This constitution shall be considered approved or amended upon a seventy-five (75) percent favorable vote

of each organization.

II MEMBERSHIP

2.01 Membership shall consist of members who have been formally initiated under the guidelines of their

respective National Chapter, chapter at James Madison University, and have completed the Joint Third

Degree of the Joint Chapter of Eta Omicron and Eta Rho.

III OFFICERS

3.01 The officers shall consist of the Executive Boards of both organizations.

3.02 The Executive Board of the Joint Chapter of Eta Omicron and Eta Rho will meet once a month during the

fall and spring semesters, unless the Presidents deem it unnecessary.

3.03 The Presidents shall preside over all meetings and oversee all activities of the Joint Chapter.

3.04 The Executive Vice Presidents shall see that parliamentary procedure is adhered to at all meetings.

3.05 The Executive Vice Presidents shall oversee any Joint Committees.

3.06 The Vice Presidents of Membership shall meet prior to the rush period of their respective organizations

each semester to discuss and revise the Joint Membership Education Program and present it to the Joint

Chapter for their approval.

3.07 The Vice Presidents of Membership shall present dates for Joint Rituals at least two (2) weeks in advance.

3.08 The Vice Presidents of Service shall plan Marching Band Crews and appoint and communicate with Crew

Heads.

3.09 The Vice Presidents of Service shall plan Adopt a Highway three (3) times a year

3.10 The Vice Presidents of Service, along with the Vice Presidents of Membership, shall plan a Joint Rush

event two (2) times a year.

3.11 The Vice President of Brotherhood and the Vice President of Social Affairs shall plan and distribute Band

Buddies at least one (1) week before Band Camp.

3.12 The Vice President of Brotherhood and the Vice President of Social Affairs shall plan Band Banquet at the

conclusion of the Marching Band Season and coordinate costs with the Treasurers.

3.13 The Secretaries shall record the minutes of all meetings and report them to their respective organizations.


3.14 The Secretaries shall exchange updated Brother and Sister Rosters by the first week of classes for the fall

and spring semesters.

3.15 The Treasurers shall plan any Joint Fundraising and decide how to split the profits between the

organizations.

3.16 The Historians shall be responsible for taking pictures at Joint Events and Rituals.

IV COMMITTEES

4.01 Committees may be created and disbanded at the discretion of the Executive Vice Presidents and with the

advice of the Executive Boards.

4.02 Each Executive Vice President shall appoint a member from their respective organizations to co-chair each

committee.

4.03 There shall be a standing Joint Service Committee co-chaired by the Vice Presidents of Service.

V MEETINGS

5.01 A joint meeting will be held at least once a month during the fall and spring semesters, unless the

Presidents deem it unnecessary.

5.02 Both Eta Omicron and Eta Rho must have a quorum as defined by their respective constitutions before any

meeting may take place.

5.03 The order of business at all meetings shall be as follows:

1. Officer reports

2. Committee reports

3. Old business

4. New business

5. Announcements/Open forum


SECTIONS 6, 9, AND 15 FROM THE

NORTHEAST DISTRICT CONSTITUTION

6. Conduct

6.01 The Northeast District strictly forbids members and Chapters from using banquet fees, Chapter fees,

registration fees, or any similarly labeled monies for purchasing alcoholic beverages at District functions.

The possession, sale, use, or consumption of alcoholic beverages at District functions shall comply with the

Kappa Kappa Psi Policy on Alcohol and Controlled Substances.

6.02 Any District Council member possessing knowledge of an alleged violation of any section of the National

Constitution, District Constitution, or an alleged violation of policy as formally communicated by the

National Council or District Council, shall detail immediately, in writing, any and all information on such

incidents to the National President, National Executive Director, or Northeast District Governor(s).

9. Chapters

9.01 Only a Chapter that has paid off all of its District and National Dues and is not under suspension or charter

revocation as described in the National Constitution shall be considered a Chapter in good standing.

9.02 Every Chapter must send a delegate fee of ten (10) dollars to the District Secretary/Treasurer no later than

five days after the close of the last Precinct meeting. Failure to send payment by this date will result in a

late fee of fifteen (15) dollars. A Chapter will not be permitted to seat a delegate or proxy until all fees

have been paid. The District Council, with approval of the Governor(s), reserves the right to waive the

delegate fee if deemed appropriate for that year.

9.03 Every Chapter that fails to submit their annual national membership fees tot he National Headquarters by

the deadline stated in 6.304 of the National Constitution shall reimburse the District for income lost

because of the Chapter’s tardiness. The reimbursement amount shall be equal tot he amount of income lost

from the district’s fall allocation caused by the Chapter as determined by the District Secretary/Treasurer.

This reimbursement shall be sent to the District Secretary/Treasurer prior to District Convention. A

Chapter will not be permitted to seat a delegate or proxy until all fees have been paid.

15. Delegates and Proxies

15.01 Each active Chapter of the Fraternity in good standing with the District shall be represented by a delegate,

alternate delegate, or proxy.

15.02 The Active and Associate members of a Chapter shall elect a delegate and one (1) or more alternate

delegates, if possible, at a regularly called meeting of that Chapter.

15.03 Each delegate and alternate delegate of a Chapter shall have an official statement signed by the local

president and sponsor to the effect that they have been duly elected by their Chapter prior to the start of

District Convention.

15.04 A proxy shall be considered as anyone who is seated in place of an official delegate. A proxy shall be an

Active, Associate, or Life member of the Fraternity and shall be a member of a Chapter in the District. The

proxy holder is responsible for relaying all pertinent information to the Chapter for which they are seated.

15.05 Each official delegate or proxy shall have a vote at regularly called District Convention.

15.06 Each official delegate shall serve for the duration of the Convention to which he/she has been appointed.

15.07 Should official Chapter delegates appear following the seating of the proxies and before the second

separate session recesses, the proxies shall relinquish their seats to the official Chapter delegates.


15.08 A Chapter may submit a written proxy designation representation by another Chapter at District

Convention. The Proxy must be submitted prior to the opening of separate session of Convention.

15.09 All delegate forms (See Part I, Section 7.02h of the Northeast District Constitution) shall act as a letter of

proxy and each proxy shall be seated accordingly. In the event a Chapter cannot attend a District

Convention, their delegate and proxies shall be assigned, in Greek alphabetical order sequentially year to

year, to a Chapter within their Precinct. If there are no alternates available within the Precinct, the proxy

shall be seated in Greek alphabetical order from year to year from the remainder of the District Chapters.

15.10 Each Chapter shall have no more than three (3) delegates, including regular delegates, written proxies and

alternate delegates seated as proxies during the course of the District Convention.


SECTION VI FROM THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION

1. GENERAL

6.101 Chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity shall be established throughout the general jurisdiction of the

Fraternity at academically accredited colleges and universities, with the permission of the Director of

Bands, and then operate in a manner consistent with this document, the rules and regulations of the college

or university, local ordinances, and state and federal laws. The Director of Bands is responsible for

governing and monitoring the activities and affairs of the local chapter. The Director of Bands may choose

to appoint an individual to serve in the role of Chapter Sponsor. The National Council shall recognize the

authority of the Chapter Sponsor appointed by the Director of Bands; however, the Director of Bands has

ultimate authority in matters pertaining to the chapter. The Chapter Sponsor and Director of Bands are

members ex officio of all chapter committees.

6.102 Chapters shall be named after letters in the Greek alphabet. After the alphabet has been exhausted, the

chapters shall be named by prefixing each letter with the first letter of the alphabet and again reusing the

alphabet. After again exhausting the alphabet, the chapters shall be named by prefixing each letter with

second letter of the alphabet, and so on as chapter names are needed. Alphabet letters shall be assigned

consecutively as chapters are named.

6.103 The chapter shall have jurisdiction over all its members at the college or university where the chapter is

located.

6.104 Each chapter shall have its own constitution which shall be approved by the Chapter Sponsor. The chapter

constitution shall in no way conflict or receive priority over this Constitution.

6.105 Investigative Hold. Upon due cause, chapters of the Fraternity may be placed on investigative hold by the

National Council. All chapter functions and activities shall be halted pending an investigation by a

representative of the National Organization who shall make a written report to the National Council within

ten (10) days following the conclusion of the investigation. The National Council, after reviewing the

report and the chapter's response and any other information provided to them, may take appropriate action

to sanction the chapter. The chapter may appeal the action(s) imposed in accordance with a procedure

established by the National Council to ensure due process to the chapter within ten (10) day of the National

Council's decision to sanction. Said chapter's Director of Bands, Chapter Sponsor, Chapter President,

District Governor(s), District President and the appropriate college or university officials shall be notified

within ten (10) days of sanction decision from the National Council.

6.106 Probation. Upon due cause, chapters of the Fraternity may be placed on probation by the National Council.

Probation shall be accompanied by such terms and conditions as necessary and appropriate to correct the

deficiency and/or failures of the chapter and ensure observance of fraternity obligations. Probation shall

not extend beyond the end of the fiscal year, or at the discretion of the National Council. Chapters who

miss two (2) consecutive report obligations to the National Chapter will automatically be placed on

probation. Any chapter that fails to timely correct their situation may face further sanctioning from the

Fraternity.

6.107 Suspension. Upon due cause, chapters of the Fraternity may be placed on suspension by the National

Council. Suspension shall be accompanied by such terms and conditions as necessary and appropriate to

correct the deficiency of the chapter and ensure observance of fraternity obligations. All chapter functions

and activities shall be suspended. The chapter may only meet under the supervision of the Director of

Bands and Chapter Sponsor, or their designee, to address the conditions of the suspension. Chapters who do

not meet their financial dues obligation to the National Chapter will be placed on suspension. Any chapter

that fails to timely correct their situation may face further sanctioning from the fraternity.

6.108 Charter Revocation. Upon due cause, including the continued failure of a chapter to follow the policies and

procedures of the Fraternity, the National Council shall revoke the charter of the chapter. The National

Headquarters shall take appropriate measures to effect surrender of the chapter’s charter and other items of

identification with the Fraternity. Where appropriate, remaining collegiate members of the chapter shall


also be expelled. The chapter may appeal the disciplinary action imposed in accordance with a procedure

established by the National Council to ensure due process to the chapter. Said chapter’s Chapter Sponsor,

Chapter President, District Governor(s), District President and the appropriate college or university

officials shall be notified within ten (10) days of disciplinary action.

6.109 Reinstatement. A chapter charter which has been revoked may be reinstated after inspection by a

representative of the National Organization, provided that the petitioning group meets the standards

required for a new chapter and that all financial obligations accrued prior to revocation of the chapter

charter shall have been settled. A chapter so reinstated shall be granted its previous chapter name after

completing a recolonization program.

2. OFFICERS

6.201 The officers of a chapter shall be: Sponsor/Advisor (ex officio), President, Vice President, Secretary,

Treasurer, Historian, Alumni Relations Officer and other officers as needed.

6.202 The active and associate members of a chapter shall elect its officers at a regularly called meeting of the

chapter.

6.203 Each chapter officer shall be an active or associate member of the Fraternity at the time of election and a

regularly enrolled student at the college or university during the term of office. Each officer shall possess

more than ordinary business ability and shall be capable of representing the chapter under all ordinary

conditions. Each officer shall have the best interests of the Fraternity at heart and shall be willing and able

to devote the necessary time to the execution of the office. The Chapter Sponsor shall have the authority to

exempt any officer from a specific requirement of office.

6.204 The election of chapter officers shall be held at least once during the academic year. Nominations for each

office shall be made from the floor of the meeting and a majority of all votes cast shall be necessary for

election.

6.205 Each officer shall serve for a period of one (1) year unless otherwise stipulated by the chapter. Chapter

officers shall serve without compensation.

6.206 The Sponsor shall operate under the authority of the Director of Bands. The Sponsor acts as a consultant to

the chapter and assists the group in its growth and development. He/She provides direction through advice,

understanding and clarification.

6.207 The President shall preside at all meetings of the chapter and shall be a member ex officio of all chapter

committees. The President shall sign all checks for monies disbursed and shall sign all contracts and other

instruments of business involving the chapter. The President shall be designated as the official

representative of the chapter whenever such representation shall be required and shall prepare and send all

reports to the National Executive Director of the Fraternity.

6.208 The Vice President shall, in the absence of the President, preside at meetings of the chapter and shall

advance the purposes of the Fraternity as stated in the Preamble of this Constitution by promoting the work

of the chapter as performed by its several officers and committees. The Vice President shall be responsible

for the educating, training, and initiation of all members, unless another officer has been elected to that

duty.

6.209 The Secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings of the chapter and shall sign all contracts and other

instruments of business incurred by the chapter. The Secretary shall maintain a permanent record of each

member of the chapter including name, address, telephone number, chapter roster number, and instrument

played. In addition, the Secretary shall be responsible for all chapter correspondence.

6.210 The Treasurer shall control the receipts and disbursements of all monies of the chapter, and shall submit

recommendations concerning the financial policies of the chapter as may be required. The Treasurer shall


sign all checks for monies disbursed and shall prepare and be responsible for keeping records of all chapter

finances.

6.211 The Historian shall be responsible for maintaining a written and pictorial record of the activities of the

chapter and band.

6.212 The Alumni Relations Officer shall collect permanent address information and dispense Life Membership

applications to all brothers graduating or leaving the college or university, and to supply this information to

the National Headquarters. The Alumni Relations Officer shall work with and promote alumni activities.

3. FINANCES

6.301 All monies of the chapter shall be received and expended by the Chapter Treasurer. All expenditures shall

be signed by the Chapter President and Treasurer.

6.302 The fiscal year for the chapter shall be from June 1 to the next succeeding May 31.

6.303 The financial policies of the chapter shall be governed by a budget adopted at the beginning of each fiscal

year.

6.304 Income of the chapter shall be derived from annual dues assessed each active and associate member and

fundraising projects conducted by the chapter. These dues shall be determined by the chapter and shall

include an annual national membership fee as determined by the National Chapter and payable to the

National Executive Director on or before September 30 of each year along with the submission of all

appropriate forms. Chapters at schools with starting dates after September 15 will not be required to pay

fees until October 15. If the fees are not paid and all forms are not submitted complete with required

signatures, the chapter will go on immediate probation. Probation will include the immediate suspension of

all fraternal activities. Any chapter not in full standing in thirty (30) days from the due date will be assessed

a surcharge of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total member dues and chapter fee. Chapters that have not

paid by January 1 will be officially suspended and may have the chapter charter revoked.

4. MEETINGS

6.401 A regularly called meeting of the chapter shall be held at least once each month during the regular

academic school year of the college or university where the chapter is located. Meetings may be held more

frequently when deemed advisable by the chapter. The exact time of the meeting shall be determined by the

chapter.

6.402 Special chapter meetings shall be called as provided by local bylaws.

6.403 Fifty (50) percent of all active and associate members in a chapter together with at least two (2) chapter

officers shall constitute a quorum at all meetings.

6.404 In general, the order of business of all chapter meetings shall be:

a. Opening Ceremonies

b. Reading of Minutes

c. Report of Chapter Officers

d. Unfinished Business

e. New Business

f. Report of Committees

g. Closing Ceremonies

6.405 When deemed advisable, the general order of business may be changed by the Chapter President.

5. MEMBERSHIP


6.501 Chapter membership shall consist of seven (7) types: Active, Associate, Conditional, Inactive, Alumni,

Life, and Honorary Membership. All Active, Associate, and Conditional memberships expire September

30.

6.502 An initiated member of Tau Beta Sigma shall never be granted active status in Kappa Kappa Psi.

6.503 A bandmember may be offered entry into the Membership Education Program of the Fraternity after the

satisfactory completion of one (1) term as a member of the college or university band unless exception is

made by the Chapter Sponsor. The prospective member shall be a band member who possesses unusually

good character and demonstrates leadership potential.

6.504 Eligible individuals shall be permitted entry into the Membership Education Program at the request of an

active or associate member of the Fraternity. A negative vote of twenty-five (25) percent or five (5)

members, which ever is greater, of the eligible active and associate membership shall be required to prevent

a person from entering the Membership Education Program of the Fraternity. If a person is rejected on a

second ballot in the same meeting, the name shall not be proposed again during the current academic year.

6.505 Prior to initiation, the membership candidate must receive a favorable vote of seventy-five (75) percent of

the eligible voting membership and pay an initiation fee and the year’s national dues as determined by the

National Chapter (refundable if not initiated) to the Chapter Treasurer who shall forward it immediately to

the National Headquarters. The candidate shall not be considered initiated until said name has been

recorded in the Master Chapter Roster at the National Headquarters. Any chapter that submits information

for initiates later than thirty (30) days after the initiated date will be assessed a late reporting fee of an

additional twenty-five (25) percent of the total number of initiates submitted.

6.506 Active and associate members of the Fraternity shall be registered students and members of the college or

university band program who have been formally initiated after the completion of the Membership

Education Program of the Fraternity. All annual dues and fees must be paid up to date to maintain active

membership in the Fraternity.

6.507 It shall be the duty of each active and associate member to attend all meetings of the chapter; to pay

promptly all financial obligation to both the chapter and the Fraternity; to become acquainted with the

National Constitution, District Constitution, the local constitution and the history of Kappa Kappa Psi; and

to support the efforts and purposes of the chapter and Fraternity.

6.508 Any member of any Kappa Kappa Psi chapter who has recently been an active member of that chapter is,

upon transferring to another school, eligible to become an active member at the chapter of that school.

Active membership will be granted to the member upon enrollment in the band program at the new school

and fulfillment of all financial obligations.

6.509 Associate membership is available to any active member in good standing of Tau Beta Sigma who transfers

to another school with only a Kappa Kappa Psi chapter. The student may request associate status with the

Kappa Kappa Psi chapter. To be eligible to request associate status, the student shall be enrolled in the

band program. Following such a request, the student shall complete an orientation program not to exceed

thirty (30) days, during which time the chapter will assist the student in becoming familiar with the

principles, purposes, and policies of Kappa Kappa Psi and the operations of the local chapter. Upon the

successful completion of the orientation program and approval of the chapter sponsor, the chapter shall

vote on the request for associate status. The student must receive a favorable vote of seventy-five (75)

percent of the eligible voting membership and pay the year’s national dues as determined by the National

Chapter (refundable if not initiated) to the Chapter Treasurer who shall forward it immediately to the


6.510 To maintain associate status, the member shall satisfy all requirements and obligations for active status set

forth in Section 6.506 and 6.507, as well as any local requirements, such as local dues, service hours,

attendance, etc. Associate members shall have all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities related to active

status in the chapter. In the event of one or more subsequent transfer to other schools, associate

membership may be continued if there is no Tau Beta Sigma chapter at the local institution. However, upon


subsequent transfer to another school with a Tau Beta Sigma chapter, the associate members are no longer

be eligible for associate membership status in Kappa Kappa Psi.

6.511 Conditional status in the Fraternity may be requested by an active or associate member when that member

cannot, without undue hardship, continue to meet the requirements for active or associate status,

respectively. The request shall be in writing and shall state the specific reasons for requesting conditional

status. To become effective, the member shall have paid national member dues for the current academic

year. The request shall be approved by a majority vote of the chapter, with approval of the

Sponsor/Director of Bands. Conditional status shall not be maintained for more than one (1) year. After one

(1) year, a request must be submitted to maintain Conditional status.

6.512 Conditional members may, at the discretion of the local chapter, attend Chapter meetings, District and

National Conventions and events, participate in Ritual, participate in chapter fundraisers and service

projects and attend chapter social functions. Conditional members shall not hold office, propose candidates

for membership, introduce business, vote on any matters, or act in the capacity of a big brother.

6.513 Former active or associate members who are enrolled in school but do not pay member dues shall be

classified as inactive members. Inactive members have no privileges of Fraternity membership. Inactive

members may not participate in any Fraternity business, projects, or activities. To obtain privileges of

membership, said member must request, in writing, reinstatement by the chapter from which the member

became inactive. Upon review of the inactive member’s written request, the inactive member must receive

a favorable vote of seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible voting membership, the approval of the chapter

sponsor, and payment of all financial obligations to both the chapter and the Fraternity in order to be

granted privileges membership.

6.514 Alumni members of the Fraternity shall be those Active, Associate or Conditional members of the

Fraternity who have completed their education or who have terminated their affiliation with their college or

university. In the event an alumni member wishes to reactivate with the respective chapter, said alumnus

must be registered as a student, be an active member of the institution’s band, and meet requirements as an

active or associate member of the local chapter.

6.515 Alumni members have privileges that are at the discretion of the local Chapter. These privileges include but

are not limited to: attending Chapter meetings, participating in Ritual, participating in Chapter fundraisers,

and attending Chapter social functions. Alumni members shall not, at the Chapter or District level, hold

office, propose candidate for membership, introduce business, vote on any matters or act in the capacity of

a big brother.

6.516 Any alumni member upon payment of a Life Membership contribution, the amount to be set by the

National Chapter, along with an application to the National Headquarters, shall be entitled to Life

Membership privileges and may, if desired, subscribe to The PODIUM.

6.517 Honorary members of the Fraternity shall possess the same general qualifications as active or associate

members except that they shall not necessarily be regularly enrolled in the college or university where the

chapter is located nor necessarily possess any qualifications as musicians. They shall be generally

recognized as outstanding in their field of endeavor or shall have performed outstanding service for the

college or university band or Fraternity.

6.518 An initiation fee as determined by the National Chapter for each honorary member initiated by a chapter

shall be paid by the Chapter Treasurer to the National Headquarters prior to the initiation and shall entitle

the honorary member to Life Membership privileges in the Fraternity without further obligations. The

National Headquarters shall provide a special membership certificate and membership card and gold

recognition button. Additional jewelry for honorary members may be purchased by the chapter if deemed

advisable.

6.519 Upon due cause, a member of the Fraternity may be placed on probation following a favorable vote on the

motion of seventy-five (75) percent of the chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval by the

chapter sponsor.


6.520 A member placed on probation shall be informed, in writing, of the following: the reasons for probation; a

specified time period in which to make restitution; and the obligations needed to be fulfilled within that


previous membership status. Fulfillment of all obligations shall be approved by the chapter and sponsor.

Failure to complete all obligations is just cause for either an extension of the probationary term or for the

initiation of suspension proceedings.

6.521 Upon due cause, a member of the Fraternity may be suspended following a favorable vote of seventy-five

(75) percent of the chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval from the chapter sponsor. Suspended

members may not participate in any Fraternity business, projects, or activities.

6.522 A member placed on suspension shall be informed, in writing, of the following: the reasons for suspension;

a specified time period in which to make restitution; and the obligations needed to be fulfilled within that


previous membership status. Fulfillment of all obligations shall be approved by the chapter and sponsor.

Failure to complete all obligations is just cause for either an extension of the suspension term or for the

initiation of expulsion proceedings.

6.523 Upon due cause, a member of the Fraternity may be expelled following a favorable vote of seventy-five

(75) percent of the chapter’s eligible voting membership and approval of the chapter sponsor. Such

expulsion must conform to the rules and regulations of the local institution involved. The member will be

given a hearing before the said motion is voted on. The vote will be a secret ballot, and the member will be

informed of the vote totals. Having been expelled, the member shall return to the chapter all regalia and

property of the Fraternity being held, and the name shall be stricken from the Master Chapter Roster at the


6.524 Membership status in Kappa Kappa Psi may not be terminated by the member through resignation.

However, as stated in 6.520, 6.521, and 6.522, a member may be suspended or expelled for due cause by

the chapter of his/her affiliation.

6. DELEGATES AND PROXIES

6.601 Each active chapter of the Fraternity shall be represented at each District and National Chapter Convention

by a delegate, alternate delegate, or proxy. Each delegate, alternate delegate or member acting as a proxy

for an absent chapter shall have a current Active or Associate membership card, a Life Membership card, or

be vouched for properly. Each delegate or proxy will be officially seated when all National or District

registration procedures have been completed.

6.602 The active and associate members of a chapter shall elect its delegates at a regularly called meeting of the

chapter. Each chapter delegate shall be an Active, Associate or Life Member of the Fraternity at the time of

election.

6.603 Each delegate and the alternate delegates of a chapter shall have an official statement signed by the local

president and sponsor to the effect that they have been duly elected by their chapter.

6.604 Each official delegate, alternate delegate, or proxy (when officially seated at a District or National

Convention) shall have one (1) vote at the Convention. Each official delegate or proxy shall serve for the

duration of the Convention to which appointed.

6.605 The election of chapter delegates to the District Convention shall be held at least thirty (30) days prior to

the opening date of the Convention. The election of chapter delegates to the National Chapter Convention

shall be held at least sixty (60) days prior to the opening date of the Convention.

6.606 Chapter delegates shall serve without compensation. Expenses of chapter delegates, when authorized by the

chapter, shall be paid by the chapter upon presentation of a written statement approved by the Chapter

President and Treasurer.


7. COMMITTEES

6.701 Committees of the chapter shall be determined as required by the chapter and all committees shall be

appointed by the Chapter President.

8. REPORTS

6.801 All reports of the chapter shall be submitted to the National Headquarters in writing by December 1 and

June 1 to the National Headquarters on forms prescribed by the National Headquarters.

9. COLONIZATION

6.901 Procedures and guidelines for colonization as approved by the National Chapter and/or National Council

will be adhered to by the advising chapter, advisor, and colony.


ETA OMICRON OFFICER HANDBOOK

I GENERAL

1.01 The Eta Omicron Officer Handbook explains the specific duties of each officer of the Eta Omicron Chapter

at James Madison University.

1.02 The general duties of each office may be found in the Eta Omicron Constitution and National Constitution

of Kappa Kappa Psi.

1.03 This document becomes effective upon a favorable vote of seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible

membership assembled.

1.04 The officers of the chapter are as follows: President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of

Membership, Vice President of Service, Vice President of Brotherhood, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian,

Music Director, and Webmaster.

II EXECUTIVE BOARD

2.01 The Executive Board shall serve as the governing body for the Eta Omicron chapter, setting policy and

disputes within the chapter

2.02 The Executive Board shall be chaired by the President, with meetings called at his or her discretion. The

members of the Executive Board are the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of

Membership, Vice President of Service, Vice President of Brotherhood, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian,

and Immediate Past President (if present).

2.03 The Executive Board shall review all probation considerations, as outlined in sections X and XI of Eta

Omicron Constitution, prior to introduction as new business in chapter meetings.

2.04 The Executive Board shall discuss any problems that the chapter is facing and attempt to design and

implement solutions.

2.05 The Executive Board shall meet with the Sponsor and/or Director of Bands to discuss new ideas, problems,

or any other pertinent information.

III PRESIDENT

3.01 The President shall preside over all chapter meetings, for which he or she is responsible for setting the time

and place. He or she should plan the agenda for each meeting, following 6.04 of Eta Omicron Constitution.

3.02 The President shall alternately preside over Joint meetings with the President of Tau Beta Sigma.

Meetings, held at their discretion, shall be used to maintain communication between the organizations

regarding joint affairs. The Presidents should plan the agenda for each meeting, following 6.02 of

Constitution of the Joint Council of Eta Rho and Eta Omicron.

3.03 The President shall regularly meet with the Sponsor and Director of Bands of the chapter to maintain open

communication.

3.04 The President shall preside over the Executive Board and call meetings at his or her discretion.

3.05 The President and Vice President of Membership shall assign each membership candidate a big brother,

unless the President is on the list of big brothers. In such case, the next-highest ranking Officer, not vying

for a little brother, will decide with the Vice President of Membership.

3.06 The President shall sign off on all meeting minutes, as composed by the Secretary.

3.07 The President and Treasurer shall co-sign all checks.


3.08 The President shall be responsible for ensuring that the Fraternity is properly represented, taking corrective

measures with any member who participates in any activity contradictory with the fraternity’s ideals and

purposes.

3.09 The President, as an emissary of Kappa Kappa Psi, shall present a gift to the Marching Royal Dukes at the

Band Banquet.

3.10 The President shall be designated as the official representative of the chapter whenever such representation

shall be required, unless otherwise delegated by the President.

3.11 The President shall prepare and send all reports to the National Headquarters of the Fraternity.

3.12 The President shall be certified by Event Management to reserve rooms for designated Chapter events.

3.13 The President, in collaboration with the Vice President of Brotherhood, shall organize a retreat each fall

and spring if feasible.

IV EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

4.01 The Executive Vice President shall oversee all Project Groups of the chapter.

4.02 The Executive Vice President shall record the progress of all Active and Associate members’ Project Group

attendance.

4.03 The Executive Vice President will maintain a project and event schedule containing milestones for the

planning and execution of each officer’s required and suggested activities.

4.04 The Executive Vice President will work with each officer to create a reference of past projects and their

utility. The Executive Vice President will maintain a copy of this reference.

4.05 The Executive Vice President shall maintain order in all chapter meetings utilizing knowledge of Robert’s

Rules of Order (current revision) and National, Northeast District, and chapter constitutions.

4.06 The Executive Vice President shall regularly educate members of the chapter and membership candidate

class on proper parliamentary procedure.

4.07 The Executive Vice President shall review the Chapter Handbook at least once each academic year to

ensure compliance with the latest revisions of the National and Northeast District Constitutions as well as

University policy.

4.08 The Executive Vice President shall be responsible for maintaining the Chapter Handbook and correcting

any typographical and clerical errors.

4.09 The Executive Vice President shall keep in constant contact with the Office of Student Activities and

Involvement (OSAI) to make sure all fraternal documents, events, and actions are within the regulations set

by OSAI and James Madison University.

4.10 The Executive Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall be designated as the official

representative of the chapter whenever such representation shall be required and shall preside over all

meetings of the chapter and of the Executive Board.

4.11 The Executive Vice President, in the absence of the Secretary, shall record the minutes of all meetings,

including all motions and important announcements. He or she must type all minutes, and submit them to

the President for his or her approval.

4.12 The Executive Vice President shall perform any reasonable duties deemed necessary by the President.


4.13 The Executive Vice President shall collaborate with the Vice President of Membership to design and

impellent the Post-Initiate Education.

V VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP

5.01 The Vice President of Membership shall be responsible for the education, training, and initiation of all

members.

5.02 The Vice President of Membership shall make a schedule of membership-related events for the semester,

including rush, rituals, and weekly membership themes which shall be termed the Membership Education

Program (MEP). Rush events should focus on explaining the Fraternity’s mission, the basics of the

membership period, and allow the members of the chapter to become acquainted with each prospective

member.

5.03 The Vice President of Membership shall revise the MEP each semester and present it to the chapter for

approval.

5.04 The Vice President of Membership shall be certified by Event Management to reserve all rooms necessary

for membership-related events.

5.05 The Vice President of Membership shall prepare bids to distribute on bid night to those prospective

members who were accepted as potential Membership Candidates. Bids shall include a list of potential big

brothers and a date and time for First Degree. After the active membership votes on prospective members,

the Vice President of Membership shall distribute bids.

5.06 The Vice President of Membership and President shall assign each membership candidate a big brother,

unless the President is on the list of big brothers. In such case, the next-highest ranking Officer, not vying

for a little brother, will decide with the Vice President of Membership.

5.07 The Vice President of Membership, along with the Tau Beta Sigma Vice President of Membership, shall

determine big brothers for prospective sisters and big sisters for prospective member.

5.08 The Vice President of Membership shall meet weekly with the membership candidate class to discuss

pertinent information and schedule upcoming rituals and events. He or she must also meet with the

membership candidate class once a week to administer a quiz or test.

5.09 The Vice President of Membership shall discuss evaluations of each membership candidate at chapter

meetings, addressing all comments and concerns at this point.

5.10 The Vice President of Membership shall schedule, prepare for, and perform all chapter and joint rituals.

5.11 The Vice President of Membership, in collaboration with the Executive Vice President, shall design and

implement a Post-Initiate Education program (PIE). Post-Initiate Education will be comprised of two parts:

The Continuing Membership Education Program (CMEP) and Brother Enrichment. The Continuing

Membership Education Program will be for newly initiated brothers, while Brother Enrichment will be for

the brotherhood as a whole.

5.12 The Vice President of Membership shall plan Senior Ceremony with the Tau Beta Sigma Vice President of

Membership, providing refreshments and reserving a room for the event.

VI VICE PRESIDENT OF SERVICE

6.01 The Vice President of Service shall be responsible for the development and coordination of all service

activities of the chapter.

6.02 The Vice President of Service shall plan a service event for Fraternity Weekend.


6.03 The Vice President of Service, along with the Tau Beta Sigma Vice President of Service, shall assign all

members to a crew for the Marching Royal Dukes. The crews are as follows: game day, pit, podium, and

uniform.

6.04 The Vice President of Service, along with the Tau Beta Sigma Vice President of Service, shall be

responsible for scheduling Wampler shifts for each semester.

6.05 The Vice President of Service shall schedule members to usher concerts each semester.

6.06 The Vice President of Service shall coordinate uniform dispersal plans with the Uniform Crew Head.

6.07 The Vice President of Service shall maintain communication with the band staff to determine how Kappa

Kappa Psi can better serve the band program.

6.08 The Vice President of Service shall maintain a list of all service activities performed throughout the year

for use in the Chapter Summary Report.

6.09 The Vice President of Service shall coordinate chapter awards, scholarships, and grants, including, but not

limited to: the Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma Matching Grant Program, William G. Posey Service

Award, and MRD Scholarship.

VII VICE PRESIDENT OF BROTHERHOOD

7.01 The Vice President of Brotherhood shall be responsible for the development and coordination for social

activities of the chapter. Social activities should be designed to further develop a sense of brotherhood

within the chapter.

7.02 The Vice President of Brotherhood shall work with organizations to coordinate and plan social activities.

7.03 The Vice President of Brotherhood, in collaboration with the President, shall organize a retreat each fall

and spring feasible.

VIII SECRETARY

8.01 The Secretary shall be responsible for communication within the chapter.

8.02 The Secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings, including all motions and important announcements.

He or she must type all minutes, and submit them to the President for his or her approval.

8.03 The Secretary shall maintain a calendar of Fraternity, band, and University events for the chapter and to

keep the public informed of our events and activities.

8.04 The Secretary shall maintain a roster of members and Membership Candidates, including name, address,

phone number, and any other pertinent information. He or she shall compile and release a fall, spring, and

summer roster. He or she will provide this roster to the Eta Rho Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma each semester.

He or she shall also acquire a roster of members and membership candidates of the Eta Rho Chapter of Tau

Beta Sigma.

8.05 In accordance with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Secretary

shall coordinate with the Sponsor and the Director of Bands when checking the grade point average (GPA)

of all members at the beginning of each semester. If any member is found to be in violation of the GPA

regulations of the chapter, the Secretary shall bring that member up for probation.

8.06 The Secretary shall take attendance at every event at which members are required to be present. If any

member is found to be violation of the attendance policy of the chapter, the Secretary shall report the

violation to the Executive Board and bring that member up for probation.


8.07 The Secretary, along with the President, shall be in charge of all correspondence, including utilization of

social media services, with the National Office, Northeast District, and other chapters.

8.08 The Secretary shall regularly check for fraternity mail, from both the chapter regular mailbox and from

mail collected by the JMU Band Office. He or she shall deliver mail to the appropriate members and

mention all mail at chapter meetings.

8.09 The Secretary shall post notices on the national and district listservs highlighting upcoming events and

activities and notify the chapter of any national, district, or other chapter function that the chapter would be

interested in attending.

8.10 The Secretary shall coordinate the submissions from members to issues of The Podium and the Northeast

Notes.

8.11 The Secretary, along with the Historian, shall produce an issue of the HO Happenings, a publication

dedicated to keeping members informed of events occurring within the chapter, at least once a year. He or

she shall provide a copy to the chapter, Sponsor, Advisor, and any other Honoraries who wish to receive it,

in a timely manner. They shall create articles that highlight upcoming chapter events and important alumni

events.

IX TREASURER

9.01 The Treasurer shall control the receipts and disbursements of all monies of the chapter.

9.02 The Treasurer shall co-sign all checks with the President.

9.03 The Treasurer shall devise a budget for the upcoming year. He or she shall decide how much of the chapter

revenues should go to various funds and present the budget to the chapter for approval before summer

vacation.

9.04 The Treasurer shall recommend an amount for annual dues to the chapter when he or she submits the

budget for approval.

9.05 The Treasurer shall keep an up-to-date balance for each account and inform officers of their current

balances. He or she shall report the balance of the chapter accounts at each chapter meeting.

9.06 The Treasurer shall, at the beginning of his or her term, update all bank forms and signature cards,

obtaining the signatures of the President and Secretary as necessary.

9.07 The Treasurer shall collect dues from members and provide for a payment plan for those unable to initially

pay the full dues amount. If any member has failed to meet the requirements of his or her payment plan,

the Treasurer shall report the violation to the Executive Board and bring that member up for probation.

9.08 The Treasurer shall collect initiation fees from membership candidates and send them to the National

Office with the Initiate Registration Form.

9.09 The Treasurer shall observe deadlines in sending fees to the National Office.

9.10 The Treasurer shall plan a fundraising event for Fraternity Weekend.

9.11 The Treasurer shall prepare letters and budget statements upon the chapter’s requests for money from the

Student Government Association (SGA) Contingency Fund. The Treasurer, along with the President and

any interested member, shall plan the required presentation to the SGA Finance Committee including SGA

in its entirety.

X HISTORIAN


10.01 The Historian shall be responsible for maintaining a written and pictorial record of the activities of the

chapter and the band(s). He or she shall record the events and activities of the chapter outside of meetings.

10.02 The Historian shall take pictures at all important fraternity and Marching Royal Dukes (MRD) functions.

In the events that the Historian cannot make an event, he or she shall designate someone to record the

event.

10.03 The Historian shall work with the webmaster to place relevant chapter content on the website.

10.04 The Historian shall organize composite pictures and group yearbook photo pictures for the fraternity.

10.05 The Historian shall maintain a written history of the chapter, detailing the state of the chapter throughout

the year. He or she shall submit this history along with the Chapter Summary Report.

10.06 The Historian shall maintain all historical records in an organized manner, preserving them for later use and

interest.

10.07 The Historian, having close access to all historical records, shall regularly present information about the

background and history of the chapter.

10.08 The Historian shall, with the help of the chapter, design and assemble the Eta Omicron chapter display for

District and National Convention.

10.09 The Historian shall maintain and update the chapter bulletin board and display case.

10.10 The Historian shall act as a liaison between the active and alumni members of Eta Omicron.

10.11 The Historian, along with the Secretary, shall produce an issue of the HO Happenings, a publication

dedicated to keeping members informed of events occurring within the chapter, at least once a year. He or

she shall provide a copy to the chapter, Sponsor, Advisor, and any other Honoraries who wish to receive it,

in a timely manner. They shall create articles that highlight upcoming chapter events and important alumni

events.

10.12 The Historian shall coordinate alumni-related chapter awards, including, but not limited to: the Eta

Omicron Distinguished Alumni Award and the D. Jarratt Speer Memorial Award.

XI APPOINTED OFFICERS

11.01 Current appointed offices are: Music Director and Webmaster.

11.02 The President and incumbent of the appointed office may appoint a successor, upon agreement.

11.03 Appointments shall be until successors have been appointed.

XII MUSIC DIRECTOR

12.01 The Music Director shall promote musicianship within the chapter through the creation and organization of

music-based projects and events.

12.02 The Music Director shall be responsible for maintaining all Fraternity music and teaching vocal pieces

necessary to the chapter.

12.03 The Music Director shall coordinate musical activities dealing with the chapter, including the celebration of

Kappa Kappa Psi’s National Month of Musicianship.

12.04 The Music Director shall be responsible for all musical activities concerning the membership candidates.

XIII WEBMASTER


13.01 The Webmaster shall maintain, update, and, at his or her discretion, redesign the chapter website. The

website shall be used to keep people informed of our activities, increase our visibility, and to recruit new

members.

13.02 The Webmaster shall work with the Historian to provide a written and pictorial history of the chapter

online.

13.03 The Webmaster shall maintain the infrastructure and integration of social media websites in addition to the

chapter website.


PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

ORIGINS AND PRINCIPLES

This chapter, as have most formal organizations, has adopted Robert’s Rules of Order as its primary parliamentary

authority. Henry M. Robert wrote a book on parliamentary procedure in 1875, and there have been 11 revisions

since then. Robert’s Rules of Order is meant to be an aid, not a hindrance, to efficient and effective meetings. If the

rules ever become a hindrance, they should be suspended to allow an organization to more effectively resolve a

matter. The basic framework prescribed by the rules is a deliberative assembly, “an independent or autonomous

group of people meeting to determine, in full and free discussion, course of action to be taken in the name of the

entire group.” The key to this assembly is the participation of the members who are present, who act on behalf of

the entire membership. Below is an abbreviated discussion of parliamentary procedure as adopted by Eta Omicron.

It is the responsibility of the President and Executive Vice President to be familiar with the complete version of the

rules and to enforce those rules as necessary.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Opening Ceremonies. The presiding officer calls the meeting to order and the Preamble to the National

Constitution or Fraternity Creed is read. Please sit quietly and reflect on the purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi.

2. Officer Reports. Each officer presents a report in the following order: President, Executive Vice President,

Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Service, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian.

3. Project Group Reports. Any project group can present a report.

4. Old Business. Any tabled motions can be brought back to the floor for further discussion and voting.

5. New Business. New issues are brought to the floor in the form of motions. Each motion is discussed

separately and voted upon.

6. Announcements/Open Forum. Any announcements for meetings and events are made. Humorous stories

are told, dancing may occur, and any other random activities may take place at this point.

7. Closing Ceremonies. The Fraternity Hymn or Fraternity Song is sung.

QUORUM

Before any business can take place, a certain number of members must be present. The Eta Omicron Constitution

prescribes, “Fifty (50) percent plus one (1) of all eligible members of the chapter and at least two (2) officers, one of

which shall be the President or a Vice President, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings.”

MOTIONS

All new motions must be made in New Business. With the exception of emergency matters that may arise, any main

motion must be given to the Executive Vice President and the Secretary before the meeting is called to order. Only

one main motion is allowed on the floor at one time, and only Active and Associate members may introduce

business or vote. A member wishing to make a motion must first be recognized by the Chairman and the concisely

state the motion. The motion must be seconded by another member (seconding a motion does not mean you are in

favor of a motion, only that you feel it should be brought to the attention of the organization). In joint meetings, a

motion made by a member of Kappa Kappa Psi must be seconded by a member of Tau Beta Sigma, or vice versa.

DISCUSSION AND DECORUM

Discussion begins with the member that made the motion and then follows in an orderly manner. A member must

be recognized by the Chairman before he or she can speak. All comments during discussion must be pertinent to the

motion on the floor and cannot be a personal attack on another person’s point of view. There are several types of

motions which may be applied to the main motion: Amend, Refer to Committee, Postpone, Limit Debate, Previous

Question (call for a vote), and Table. The chair or a majority of the assembly may limit discussion, specifying the

number of times a member may speak and the time limit that he or she is allotted, as well as if a member may yield

his or her time to another member.


COMMON MOTIONS

Main Motions

Purpose You say: Interrupt Second Debate Amend Vote

Bring business before

an assembly

I move that [or “to”]... No Yes Yes Yes Majority

Lay aside temporarily I move to lay the question on the

table.

No Yes No No Majority

Limit or extend debate I move that debate be limited to... No Yes No Yes 2/3

Postpone to a certain

time

I move to postpone the question

to...

No Yes Yes Yes Majority

Kill main motion I move that the motion be

postponed indefinitely.

No Yes Yes No Majority

Refer to committee I move to refer the motion to... No Yes Yes Yes Majority

Modify wording of

motion

I move to amend the motion by... No Yes Yes Yes Majority

Close debate I move the previous question. No Yes No No 2/3

Register complaint I rise to a question of privilege. Yes No No No None

Take break I move to recess for... No Yes No Yes Majority

Close meeting I move to adjourn. No Yes No No Majority

Make follow agenda I call for the orders of the day. Yes No No No None

Incidental Motions


Request for

information

Request for information. Yes No No No None

Enforce rules Point of order. Yes No No No None

Parliamentary law

question

Parliamentary inquiry. Yes No No No None

Suspend rules I move to suspend the rules. No Yes No No 2/3

Avoid main motion

altogether

I object to the consideration of

the question.

Yes No No No 2/3

Submit matter to

assembly

I appeal from the decision of the

chair

Yes Yes Varies No Majority

Divide motion I move to divide the question No Yes No Yes Majority

Demand a rising vote I move for a rising vote Yes No No No None

Motions That Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly


Take matter from the

table

I move to take from the table... No Yes No No Majority

Reconsider motion I move to reconsider... No Yes Yes Yes 2/3 or

Majority

with

notice

Cancel previous action I move to rescind... No Yes Varies No Majority


AMENDMENTS

Amendments are used when a member disagrees with the content of a motion. Amendments must be seconded,

discussed, and voted on separately. This is the primary amendment, which may be amended itself with a secondary

amendment. The secondary amendment must be discussed, voted upon, followed by further discussion on the

primary amendment, another vote, and finally a discussion on the main motion, followed by a vote.

VOTING

When there is not further discussion on a motion, the Chairman asks all eligible members to vote yes, no, or abstain.

The voting may be by voice vote, show of hands, or counted rising vote. Secret ballot and roll call votes are only

used when specified by the Constitution (membership votes and officer elections) or when requested by a majority

of the assembly. If a member doubts the result of a vote (especially a voice vote), he or she can Call for a Division,

in which the vote is verified by a counted rising vote. Voting by absentee ballot is allowed at the discretion of the

President. All absentee ballots must be submitted in writing to the Executive Vice President before the vote takes

place.

MAJORITY

The number of votes necessary to pass a motion is usually a majority, greater than fifty percent of the eligible

membership, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution, bylaw, or the rules. For all votes, abstentions will be

excluded from the total vote count. Therefore, if there are 30 active members, 16 shall constitute a quorum. If there

are 30 present, and 25 participate in a vote (i.e. not abstain), then:

A majority is 13

A two-thirds vote is 17

A seventy-five (75) percent vote is 19

The presiding officer must remain impartial during the meeting, and may only vote if his vote will affect the

resulting action. Therefore, if there are 30 present (excluding the Chairman), 15 vote yes, and 15 vote no, the

motions fails without the chair’s yes vote. However, if there are 31 present (including the Chairman), 15 votes yes,

and 15 no, the motion can fail if the chair votes no.

Motions Common to Eta Omicron

Majority Vote Favorable Vote of Seventy-five (75) Percent Negative Vote of Twenty-

Five (25) Percent

Conditional Status

Elections1

Regaining Active Status from Inactive Status

Request for Associate Status

Continuation of Membership Education Process

Commencement of the Ritual of Third Degree

Probation, Suspension, or Expulsion1

Impeachment of an Officer2

Ratification of the constitution2

Amendments to the constitution2

Amendments to the guidelines for probation2

Suspension of sections of the constitution or guidelines for

probation2

Entrance to the

Membership Education

Program

1 Must be secret ballot vote 2 Assembled


REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, POINT OF ORDER, PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY

A request for information is raised if a member has a question about the matter being discussed. A parliamentary

inquiry is a question directed to the chair about the parliamentary procedure. A point of order is raised if a member

believes that the rules of the assembly have been violated. Requests, inquiries, and points of order can interrupt the

speaker, and must be answered by the chair.

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

The Eta Omicron Constitution prescribes the procedure for nominations and elections of officers, and these

proceedings are also used in the election of convention delegates. During nominations, the floor is first opened for

nominations for office. Nominations are then taken. A second is not required, but the nominee’s acceptance is; a

nominee automatically accepts if he or she is absent from the meeting. The floor is then closed, if there is no

objection, until the day of elections, when the floor is opened and closed for nominations again. On the day of the

election, each candidate is allowed to speak and answer questions. The candidates then leave the room while the

assembly discusses the candidates for each office, followed by a secret ballot election. A candidate must receive a

majority of the vote to win the election. If there is no majority, the result is announced, the candidate or candidates

with the single lowest vote total shall be removed from the ballot, unless such action shall leave no candidate on the

ballot, and the election is held again. This process will be repeated until a candidate is elected or the office is left

vacant. When voting for more than one candidate for an office, such as convention alternate delegates, the voting

procedure is left to the discretion of the chair or the majority.


Fraternity Creed

We, the brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, believe that service to the college or university band program fosters

responsibility, loyalty, and leadership; that a spirit of brotherhood is enhanced by the participation in a band

program; that music is a universal language and truly the greatest of the arts, and that through fraternal participation,

each member will strive for the highest.

Mission Statement

Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternal organization that promotes the advancement of college and university bands through

dedicated service and support to bands; comprehensive education; leadership opportunities; and recognition; for the

benefit of its members and society.

Vision Statement

With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of

excellence for band fraternal organizations.

Fraternal Code of Conduct

Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi are looked to as role models and leaders by other members in the band and on campus.

We can never know who is watching our actions or who will be affected by our deeds. It is therefore essential that

we present positive qualities at all times. Being a Brother is not a part time commitment. As such, the example we

set should shine constantly to inspire others. The following qualities define Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi. These

qualities described Bohumil Makovsky, our Guiding Spirit. By following Boh’s example, we will teach and inspire

others, as he taught and inspired our Founding Fathers.

Honor

Brothers should conduct themselves with honor at all times. Our service to college and university bands serves as

an example to others. We should take pride in these accomplishments and not let anything tarnish our honorable

reputation.

Integrity

The character of our brotherhood is based upon the principles of decency and sincerity. Our impeccable integrity

lets others know we can always be trusted to keep our word.

Respect

Respect for others is a cornerstone of Kappa Kappa Psi. Our diverse membership is an asset that cannot be taken for

granted. Using this strength to our advantage requires respect for others and their points of view. In return, we ear

the respect from others by treating them as equals.

Loyalty

Service to band programs and the Fraternity require people who are devoted to those organizations. Working

together is the key to achieving our goals. Being loyal and dependable is therefore essential to our success.

eta omicron constitution

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