Article III     Membership
The members of this Fraternity shall be those male persons who have been duly initiated into the Fraternity.

Statute No. 3 – Membership

A. Designations

S3.01  A person who has been duly initiated by an active chapter of the Fraternity shall thereafter be a member of that chapter, as well as a member of the Fraternity.

E3.01-1  The fraternal grip is to be used only by initiated members of the Fraternity.

S3.02  A member of any chapter may, upon enrollment as a student at another institution, become an affiliate member of a chapter at that institution under conditions set forth in the bylaws of the latter chapter.

S3.03  The designation active member shall apply to any member who is enrolled as an undergraduate student at an institution at which an active chapter is chartered, and who is either a member or an affiliate member of the chapter.  A graduate student who is otherwise eligible for active membership shall be designated an active member at his request.

E3.03-1 The Executive Committee and CAMAC may create a subcategory, such as Suspended Active Status (SAS), as required and will maintain a glossary of the terms of any membership status.

E3.03-2 The General Fraternity does not recognize “inactive” status. There is no provision from the General Fraternity for any special status for a member who is on work study, who is participating in study abroad, who is on an internship or who is otherwise absent from the chapter for a period of time.

S3.04  The designation alumnus member shall apply to any member who is not an active member.

E3.04-1 At the discretion of the Executive Committee a Membership Review Board may be appointed with the intent of reviewing an active chapter’s membership.  The Executive Committee may, upon recommendation from the Membership Review Board, place members on Alumni Status.  Undergraduate members placed on Alumni Status will remain in good standing with the Fraternity, but will not be allowed to participate in active chapter activities.  Chapter activities may be defined by the Executive Committee, but in general would include, but not be limited to: chapter meetings, social events and intramural activities.

S3.05  The designation Life Loyal Sig, or Life Member, shall apply to any member who is a participant in the Life Loyal Sig program. The Executive Committee shall prescribe by regulation the requirements for participation in the Life Loyal program.

S3.06  The designation active alumnus member shall apply to any alumnus member who is an active member of a General Fraternity alumni program, such as The Life Loyal Sig or Alumni Program.

B. Eligibility

S3.07  Except as provided in Section 3.08 and 3.08.1, each person initiated into membership in the Fraternity shall, at the time of his initiation,

     a.  Be a bona fide male student in good academic standing at the institution specified in the charter of the initiating chapter, not enrolled for the sole purpose of establishing membership eligibility, unless his pledgeship was interrupted by military service, or other circumstances as deemed acceptable by the Executive Committee, upon request of the initiating and pledging undergraduate chapter;

     b.  Not be or have been a member of any other fraternity of like character, except as specifically approved by the Executive Committee;

     c.  Be judged to meet the Standards of Membership set forth by Founder Isaac M. Jordan, namely, that no man shall be admitted to membership who is not believed to be a man of good character, a student of fair ability, with ambitious purposes, a congenial disposition, possessed of good morals, and having a high sense of honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility; and

     d.  Have satisfactorily completed the chapter’s program of pledgeship, including the official Fraternity examination.

E3.07-1  Each active chapter shall, with the approval of the Grand Praetor, adopt a by-law or by-laws stating the chapter’s criteria for declaring a student to be scholastically eligible for pledging and for declaring a pledge to be scholastically eligible for initiation.  The criteria shall include any scholastic requirement for pledging or initiation imposed by the university or college at which the chapter is located.

E3.07-2  To be eligible for pledging, a student must have attained an accumulated scholastic grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 scale or have a GPA at or above the all-men's average at the host institution specified in the charter of the initiating chapter.  If the student, at the time of pledging, is a freshman who has not yet received college grades, then he must have attained one of the following academic standards:  1) graduated in the top twenty-five (25) percent of his high school (or equivalent) graduating class or 2) must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.  These academic standards shall be considered a minimum and, therefore, chapters may define higher academic standards. The recruitment committee should interview all candidates with the help of the scholarship chairman to explain Sigma Chi’s academic requirements before extending bids to these students. The Grand Consul is authorized to grant a waiver of the academic requirements contained in this provision if extenuating circumstances exist for the prospective member.

E3.07-3  To be eligible for initiation, a pledge must (i) have attained an accumulated scholastic grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or have a GPA at or above the all-men's average at the host institution specified in the charter of the initiating chapter or, if no college scholastic grade point average is available at the time of initiation, then 1) graduated in the top twenty-five (25) percent of his high school (or equivalent) graduating class or 2) must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 and reasonable belief that he will have at least a collegiate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or have a collegiate GPA at or above the all-men’s average at the host institution; (ii) be paid up and current in all financial obligations to the chapter and Fraternity, including any chapter dues as well as chapter and General Fraternity Pledging and Initiation fees; and (iii) must pass the Preparation for Brotherhood (P4B) course examinations, as designed and approved by the General Fraternity during a closed book exam with a score of seventy-five (75) percent or better.  A pledge receiving a lower score on an exam, after two attempts, may take the exam a third time prior to the scheduled initiation only if authorized by the chapter’s Magister and the Chapter Advisor due to extenuating or aggravated circumstances.  These academic standards shall be considered a minimum and, therefore, chapters may define higher academic standards. The Grand Consul is authorized to grant a waiver of the academic requirements contained in this provision if extenuating circumstances exist for the prospective member.

E3.07-4  All chapters must achieve, for each grading term in the academic year, a composite grade point average (for brothers and pledges combined) of a 2.75 on a scale of 4.0 (or the equivalent on another grading scale) or be above the institution’s undergraduate all men’s average, whichever is lower.  For those chapters whose host institutions do not employ an equivalent numerical grading system, the chapter must achieve, for each grading term in the academic year, a composite average (for brothers and pledges combined) greater than that mandated for graduation from the host institution in the charter.

E3.07-5  If at the end of a grading term an undergraduate member's cumulative grade point average, as recorded by the host institution, falls below that required for initiation as specified in e3.07-3, he will automatically be placed on academic probation for the following term as specified in e3.07-6. The member may appeal his probation at any time to the chapter's grand praetor citing extenuating circumstances.

E3.07-6  Academic probation prevents a brother from exercising voting rights, holding chapter office, participating in intramural sports on behalf of the chapter, or attending chapter social events. While on academic probation a member is expected to otherwise participate as an active member, including paying dues.

E3.07-7  If an undergraduate member remains below the required cumulative GPA for initiation as specified in e3.07-3 for two consecutive grading terms, he will be automatically suspended from the fraternity. The suspension will continue until he either achieves the necessary cumulative gpa or achieves a 3.0 GPA in a single term. The member may appeal his suspension at any time to the chapter's grand praetor citing extenuating circumstances. graduating members will transition to alumni status if on suspension. 

S3.08  The alumni of any group which is granted a Charter under the provisions of Section 4.03 may, if otherwise eligible, be initiated into membership in the Fraternity at the time of installation or subsequent thereto; provided that the Executive Committee shall have given prior written approval of each such initiate.

S3.08.1  A chapter may initiate any male who is not currently a student at the institution where the initiating chapter is located, but who is otherwise qualified for membership and who is deemed worthy of membership in Sigma Chi with the approval of the General Fraternity’s Executive Committee, and provided that he meets the qualifications set forth in Section 3.07(b) and 3.07(c), and further provided that he has not previously been found unsuitable for membership by an undergraduate chapter.  The request for such initiation should be received by the Executive Committee at least 60 days prior to the proposed initiation unless the time period is waived by the Executive Committee.

S3.09  The foregoing criteria shall not be construed as conferring a right to membership on any person.

C. Procedures

S3.10  A candidate for membership shall be pledged, i.e., accepted into the pledgeship program of an active chapter, only upon formal approval of not less than ninety (90) percent of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the chapter.  Pledgeship shall begin with the Formal Pledge Ceremony.

S3.11  The pledging of each candidate shall be promptly reported to the Executive Director.

E3.11-1  Within ten (10) days of the Formal Pledge Ceremony, each active chapter shall submit to the Headquarters completed pledge forms, as may be prescribed by the Executive Committee, together with a check payable to the Fraternity covering the current pledge fees for each person pledged, provided that upon written notice of the Grand Praetor to the Executive Director such forms, for the chapters within his province, shall be forwarded directly to the Grand Praetor.

S3.12  Pledgeship shall be terminated only by the candidate’s initiation, by agreement between the candidate and the chapter, or by a vote of not less than 20 percent of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the chapter, unless the chapter bylaws prescribe some higher percentage.

S3.13  Prior to his initiation, each candidate’s eligibility under Section 3.07 shall be affirmed by:

     a.  A formal vote of final approval by not less than 80 percent of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the chapter, and

     b.  The tacit approval of the Grand Consul, who shall disapprove only for a stated cause based on the provisions of Section 3.07.

S3.14  The initiation of each candidate shall be promptly reported to the Executive Director.

E3.14-1  Not later than twenty-one (21) days prior to a proposed date of initiation, each active chapter shall submit to its Grand Praetor completed Report of Initiation forms.  No chapter shall conduct an initiation without the prior approval of its Grand Praetor.  The initiation form shall also provide a space for the Consul, Magister, and Chapter Advisor to verify that the men listed on the form as being proposed for initiation are scholastically eligible for initiation, as prescribed by the Sigma Chi Executive Committee.

E3.14-2  Immediately following each Initiation, each active chapter shall submit to the Headquarters the Report of Initiation on the forms prescribed by the Executive Committee, together with a check payable to the Fraternity covering the current initiation fees for each person initiated, provided that upon written notice of the Grand Praetor to the Executive Director such forms, for the chapters within his province, shall be forwarded directly to the Grand Praetor.

E3.14-3  If the forms and fees, as specified in Executive Committee Regulations 3.11-1 and 3.14-2, are not received as provided in said Regulations, the Executive Committee shall invoke the provisions of Statute 7.03 and the applicable Executive Committee Regulations.

S3.15  Each initiate shall receive an initiation badge, a certificate of membership, and such other items as the Executive Committee may determine.

S3.16  The Executive Committee shall summarily nullify the initiation of any person who was not eligible therefore under Section 3.07 or 3.08 and may similarly nullify the initiation of any person who was not pledged and initiated in accordance with Sections 3.10 through 3.14.

S3.17  The Executive Committee may, under such conditions as it elects to impose, reinstate a suspended or expelled member or designate any active member an alumni member.

E3.17-1  Consideration of reinstatement of a member suspended or expelled from membership for reasons other than financial delinquency will be conditioned upon the recommendation of the active chapter, if any, or alumni which had proposed his suspension or expulsion.

E3.17-2  The reinstatement of any member shall be published as soon as practicable in The Sigma Chi Bulletin, unless otherwise directed by the Executive Committee.

D. Responsibilities

S3.18  Each member shall be responsible to the Fraternity and to his own good conscience for his observance of:

     a.  The oath and obligation taken at the time of his initiation;

     b.  The Governing Laws of the Fraternity and, when applicable, the bylaws of a chapter;

     c.  The lawful decisions and orders of the Grand Consul and of any regularly constituted body of the Fraternity;

     d.  The laws of the land;

     e.  The laws, rules and regulations, when applicable, of the institution at which a chapter is located; and

     f.   A personal code of ethics which shall preclude any conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline or unbecoming a member of the Fraternity within the meaning of its laws.

S3.19  Each member shall faithfully discharge his financial obligations to the Fraternity and to any chapter thereof.

S3.20  Alumni members, when on the premises of an active chapter, shall be subject to the bylaws of the chapter.

Article IV            Organization

A. Chapters. The Fraternity shall establish and maintain active and alumni chapters.

Statute No. 4 – Organization

S4.01  A Chapter shall be an established and identifiable association of members perpetuating itself and holding at the pleasure of the Fraternity a duly-issued charter.

S4.02  The designation active chapter shall apply and refer to any chapter composed of members who are pursuing a program of study at an institution of higher learning designated by the Fraternity.

 E4.02-1 Each eligible undergraduate chapter and associate chapter shall maintain membership in an Interfraternity Council, where applicable, that is NIC Standards compliant, and pays annual NIC dues.

S4.03  The following procedures shall apply to the chartering and rechartering of active chapters:

     a.  The New Chapter Development Committee shall investigate, on a continuing, informal basis, the desirability of establishing active chapters; and shall under the direction of the Executive Committee initiate, direct, and assist in action leading to such establishment when the circumstances so warrant in accordance with policies approved by the Executive Committee.

     b.  The chartering of a new active chapter shall be conducted under the direction of the New Chapter Development Committee in accordance with the policies approved by the Executive Committee.

E4.03-1  A New Chapter Development Committee shall be composed of fifteen members, six of whom shall be alumnus members appointed by each newly elected Grand Consul for a four year term to begin ninety (90) days following each Grand Chapter, two of whom shall be undergraduates or recent products of the NCDC process and shall be appointed by each newly elected Grand Consul for a one year term ending with the appointment of his successor, and one of whom shall be appointed by the Grand Consul to act as chairman and hold office at the pleasure of the Grand Consul.  All such appointments shall be made only with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee. Expenses shall be reimbursed by the Fraternity under guidelines established by the Executive Committee.  The following procedures, in addition to the provisions of Statute 4.03 and ECR 4.03-1, shall apply to the preparation, petitioning and chartering of a new active chapter:

     a.  Expansion efforts shall be directed by the New Chapter Development Committee under the guidelines set forth by the Executive Committee in the Fraternity’s publications “Expansion Policies and Petitioning Procedures” and “Reactivation Procedures and Guidelines.”

     b.  A Declaration of Intent submitted by a local fraternity seeking a Sigma Chi charter shall be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of $500.00.

     c.  The Declaration of Intent will be considered for acceptance by the Executive Committee if it is submitted in complete and accurate form.  Acceptance of the Declaration by the Executive Committee formally recognizes the group as an “associate chapter.”

     d.  An “associate chapter” assumes those obligations to the Fraternity outlined in the Expansion Policies and Petitioning Procedures including:

i.  The payment of:

a.  Pledge Fees (Statute 5.05) by each pledge member of the Associate chapter from the time of acceptance of the Declaration of Intent by the Executive Committee

b.  Initiation Fee (Statute 5.06) prior to initiation and Member Fees (Statute 5.07) following the initiation, as currently required of the active members of the Fraternity.

ii.  Fulfilling the requirements set forth for undergraduate chapters in ECR 6.02-i-4

     e.   In the case where a chapter of Sigma Chi has been previously chartered at an institution and it is the intent to re-establish said chapter, no invitations to membership in an associate chapter on that campus will be extended to any potential member until all debts owed by the prior chapter to the international fraternity have been fully paid.

     f.  Upon receipt of a recommendation of approval from The New Chapter Development Committee of the Formal Petition of the Associate chapter, along with the material provided in Statute 4.03-d, the Executive Committee may authorize an official call for vote on the petition. Thereupon the Executive Director shall cause such material to be printed in The Sigma Chi Bulletin. Such publication shall be at least 60 days prior to the Grand Chapter at which the vote is to be taken, or, in the event of a vote by mail or via electronic means, the publication shall occur no later than the call for vote. Ballots recording the vote shall be returned to the Executive Director and be valid only if recorded electronically or postmarked within the forty-five (45) day period from the date the official call for vote is announced.

S4.04  Alumni Chapters, Alumni Associations, and Alumni Clubs shall be those groups of alumni members duly chartered as such by the Executive Committee.

     a.  An Alumni Association may be chartered only upon the petition of not fewer than ten (10) active alumni members residing in reasonable proximity.

     b.  An Alumni Chapter may be chartered only upon the petition of not fewer than ten (10) active alumni members of an alumni association which has been chartered for not less than one year.

     c.  An Alumni Club may be chartered only upon the petition of not fewer than seven (7) alumni members residing in reasonable proximity.  The petition shall consist of an annual report.  An Alumni Club may not become an Alumni Chapter without first becoming an Alumni Association, remaining in good standing as an Alumni Association for at least one year, and complying with all pertinent Governing Laws of the Fraternity.

E4.04-1  Alumni Chapters and Alumni Associations shall be named for their locale, specifically a city, village, or geographic area, and not a specific chapter or college/university.

S4.05  The Executive Committee shall be empowered, under such conditions as it may elect to impose, to accept the voluntary surrender of a charter by any chapter, and to restore a suspended chapter or surrendered charter to good standing.

E4.05-1  Alumni Chapters whose charters have been suspended for failure to comply with Statute 6.03 may only be restored to good standing upon the submission and acceptance of evidence that the chapter has met the requirements of Statute 6.03 for the previous 12 months.

B. Grand Chapter. The supreme legislative power of the Fraternity shall be vested in the Grand Chapter.

     1.  The members, each of whom shall have one vote, shall be:

a.  A delegate elected by and from the active members of each undergraduate chapter in good standing;

b. A delegate elected by and from each alumni chapter in good standing;

c.  The several Past Grand Consuls, and

d. The Grand Consul.

     2.  The business of the Grand Chapter shall be transacted at regular biennial and at special meetings, over each of which the Grand Consul shall preside.  There shall be no proxies at sessions of the Grand Chapter.

     3.  At each regular meeting, the Grand Chapter shall elect the following for terms to commence at the conclusion of such meeting:

a.  A Grand Consul, who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Fraternity and shall also be empowered to interpret, construe and enforce the Constitution, Ritual and Ritualistic Statutes, Statutes and Regulations of the Fraternity;

b. A Grand Pro Consul;

c.  A Grand Quaestor;

d. A Grand Tribune;

e.  A Grand Historian; and

f.  Four alumni members of the Executive Committee, two of whom shall be Grand Praetors elected by majority vote of the Grand Praetors who will be in office immediately following the conclusion of such meeting, one of whom shall be a Grand Trustee elected by majority vote of the Grand Trustees who will be in office immediately following the conclusion of such meeting, and one of whom shall be elected by majority vote of the Alumni Chapter delegates.

S4.06  The Grand Chapter shall convene (i) regularly every other year at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee and made known at least sixty (60) days in advance, unless for good reason the Executive Committee deems a meeting inadvisable, and (ii) specially at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee upon not less than fifteen (15) days notice to the chapters in good standing.

S4.07  The meetings shall be conducted by the Grand Consul according to Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised.

S4.08  A quorum shall consist of duly certified and registered delegates from a majority of the chapters, active and alumni.

E4.08-1  In connection with the certification of delegates to the Grand Chapter, the following shall apply:

     a.  Each active and alumni chapter in good standing may elect alternate delegates to the Grand Chapter, to act in the absence of its delegate as its representative in the Grand Chapter, but no chapter shall be entitled to more than one vote.

     b.  To be duly certified, delegates and alternates of each active and alumni chapter must hold credentials, executed by the presiding and recording officers of the chapter represented, giving authority for such representation, and must have been active members of said active or alumni chapter within the period of ninety (90) days preceding the Grand Chapter.

     c.  No delegate shall represent more than one chapter.  An undergraduate is ineligible to be the delegate or alternate of an alumni chapter, and, except in situations of a senior graduating within ninety (90) days preceding the Grand Chapter, an alumnus is ineligible to be the delegate or alternate of an active chapter.

S4.09  The Executive Director shall be secretary of the Grand Chapter and shall maintain minutes of the sessions.

S4.10  Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution or these Statutes, action of the Grand Chapter shall be by a majority of those duly certified and registered delegates voting.

S4.11  A travel allowance shall be paid to each delegate elected by and from the active members of active chapters in an amount and according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

E4.11-1  Each active chapter whose delegate or alternate is in attendance shall receive a travel allowance computed on the basis of eight (8) cents per mile for the first 1,000 miles and ten (10) cents per mile for each mile thereafter for the distance from the active chapter to the Grand Chapter and return.  The travel allowance check will be payable to the active chapter, and be available at or after the conclusion of the Grand Chapter provided the delegate or alternate is in attendance at all official sessions of the Grand Chapter.

S4.12 Not less than ninety (90) days before each regular meeting of the Grand Chapter, the Grand Consul shall appoint a Nominating Committee composed of two Past Grand Consuls, to be selected by the Past Grand Consuls; two Grand Trustees to be selected by the Grand Trustees; two Grand Praetors to be selected by the Grand Praetors; the two most recent International Balfour Award winners who are available to serve; and the two undergraduate representatives of the Executive Committee.  The Grand Consul shall designate the chairman and secretary.  The membership of the Nominating Committee shall be published in The Magazine of Sigma Chi or The Sigma Chi Bulletin as expeditiously as possible after such appointment.  The report of the Nominating Committee shall not preclude nominations from the floor of the Grand Chapter.  If the name of a member of the Nominating Committee has been placed before the committee for an office not currently held by the member, he shall withdraw from consideration or resign from the committee.  The Nominating Committee shall not consider the active undergraduate Executive Committee positions in its deliberations; however, each candidate for these positions must secure the declared support of a minimum of 10 of the active chapters.

E4.12-1  The election process for the positions of undergraduate representatives to the Executive Committee shall take place during a caucus of active chapters at the Grand Chapter, or undergraduate province delegates to the Grand Council. The caucus shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules or Order, Revised, and be chaired by the senior International Balfour Award winner currently serving on the Executive Committee or, in the event of his unavailability, by the most recent International Balfour Award winner available to serve in this capacity.

E4.12-2  If fewer than two (2) candidates have fulfilled the requirements of eligibility as stipulated in Statute 4.12 prior to the calling to order of the Grand Chapter or Grand Council as the case may be, the undergraduate caucus may consider nominees from the floor, providing those nominees secure written approval of 10 of the active chapter delegates in attendance.  The candidate need not be present to be eligible for election, provided he meets all other eligibility requirements.

E4.12-3  Undergraduate elections at Grand Chapter and Grand Council will proceed according to rules that are adopted by the Grand Chapter and Grand Council at the opening of each meeting.  Sample undergraduate election rules will be made available in the manner described in Statute 4.22.1 for other sample election rules and procedural rules.

S4.13  The Grand Consul shall appoint to serve at his pleasure a seven-member Governing Laws Committee, and he shall designate one member as chairman.  The committee shall consider and report to the Grand Chapter upon all proposals to amend the Constitution or these Statutes.  The committee may propose amendments to the Constitution or Statutes on its own motion.

S4.13.1  Unless a committee is established in the Governing Laws, the Grand Consul may create or disband committees at his discretion. Except where otherwise provided in the Constitution or these Statutes, the Grand Consul shall appoint the members of the various committees within ninety (90) days after the adjournment of each regular meeting of the Grand Chapter. For each committee, the Grand Consul shall appoint at least one (1) undergraduate member. For each committee with more than seven (7) members, the Grand Consul shall appoint at least two (2) undergraduate members. Upon a showing of good cause approved by the Executive Committee, the Grand Consul may appoint fewer undergraduate members than specified in this Statute.

Duties of Grand Officers

S4.14  The Grand Consul, in addition to duties prescribed elsewhere in the Constitution and these Statutes and without limitation upon his responsibility and authority as Chief Executive Officer of the Fraternity, shall report on the state of the Fraternity at regular meetings of the Grand Chapter.  His expenses shall be paid by the Fraternity according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

E4.14-1  The Grand Consul, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee, may remove from office any Grand Officer, alumni chapter officer, alumnus facilitator, chapter advisor, or active chapter officer for neglect of duty, malfeasance in office, or other offense against the laws, dignity, or interest of the Fraternity.  Should such be considered, the officer being considered for removal shall be informed in writing of such proposed removal and the reasons therefore at least thirty (30) days in advance of such consideration, and shall be given the opportunity to appear before the Executive Committee prior to a decision on his removal.  Similar notice and information shall be furnished to the active chapter, the Chapter Advisor and the Grand Praetor where an active chapter officer is being considered for removal.

E4.14-2  In event the Grand Consul determines there is probable cause to believe an offense stated in Regulation 4.14-1 has occurred and finds that there may be irreparable damage to the Fraternity if such officer continues in such capacity, then the Grand Consul may immediately remove such officer forthwith; provided such officer shall be informed in writing of all grounds for removal.  A removed officer may within thirty (30) days of his removal file a written notice with the Executive Director of his intent to appear before the Executive Committee at its next regular meeting to request reinstatement and the Executive Committee shall provide a reasonable time for such officer to be heard.  Upon review, the Executive Committee shall issue a ruling either endorsing or overturning the Grand Consul’s action, retroactive to the date of removal of the officer.  The decision of the Executive Committee shall be subject to review, and either endorsement or overruling, at the following Grand Council or Grand Chapter.  Failure to appeal to the Executive Committee within thirty (30) days will constitute a waiver of any right to appeal the decision.  On further petition of the removed officer or the Grand Consul the action of the Executive Committee shall be reviewed by the next session of the Grand Council or Grand Chapter, and shall include a complete public review of the facts as presented to the Executive Committee.

S4.15  The Grand Pro Consul shall assist the Grand Consul in the performance of his duties.  His expenses shall be paid by the Fraternity according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

S4.16  The Grand Quaestor shall (i) act as treasurer of the Fraternity and controller of its funds, (ii) be one of a group authorized by the Executive Committee of whom any two persons may together sign and issue checks and drafts upon Fraternity funds, and (iii) prepare and deliver budget and financial reports as directed by the Executive Committee.  His expenses shall be paid by the Fraternity according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

S4.17  Each Grand Praetor shall file annually with the Executive Director a report of the activities and status of each chapter in his Province after having made an official visit to the chapter. He shall convene at least once in each year a meeting of representatives of all chapters in his Province and file a report thereof with the Executive Director.  He shall appoint to serve at his pleasure a Chapter Advisor or Advisors for each active chapter in his Province to assist him in the performance of his duties in supervising such chapter.  He shall designate an undergraduate member of the Grand Council in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.23.  The expenses of the Grand Praetor, and of the Praetorial college to meet once each year exclusive of and in addition to any meeting at Grand Chapter, Grand Council or Leadership Training Workshop, shall be paid by the Fraternity according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

E4.17-1  Each Grand Praetor and each Chapter Advisor is expected to attend the next session of the Leadership Training Workshop following his appointment.  Expenses shall be reimbursed by the Fraternity under guidelines established by the Executive Committee, provided the Grand Praetor or Chapter Advisor is in attendance for the complete Workshop program.

E4.17-2  The Grand Consul may appoint an Assistant Grand Praetor in any Province, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee.  An Assistant Grand Praetor shall have such powers and duties as authorized in his appointment; however, he shall not be a member of the Grand Council.

E4.17-3  Unless otherwise provided, an Assistant Grand Praetor appointed as stated above shall be entitled to reimbursement as provided in the Grand Quaestor’s Policy and may attend the annual Grand Praetor’s meeting or the Transformational Leaders Workshop if the Grand Praetor is unable to attend.

S4.18  The Grand Tribune shall be the spiritual and fellowship advisor of the Fraternity.  He shall encourage and promote the attainment by members of the Virtues upon which the Fraternity was founded. He shall report to regular meetings of the Grand Chapter.  His expenses shall be paid by the Fraternity according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

S4.19  The Grand Historian shall maintain the archives and other documents and objects of historical significance to the Fraternity and, as appropriate and from time to time, shall author a history of the Fraternity and biographies of its significant members.  His expenses shall be paid by the Fraternity according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

S4.20  The Grand Trustees shall be responsible for liaison with each corporation, trustee, individual, association or other person holding any property or any interest in any property for chapter house purposes or for the benefit of any particular chapter; shall from time to time report to and advise the Executive Committee with respect thereto; and shall perform such other functions as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Executive Committee, including issues that involve the General Fraternity.  The expenses of the Grand Trustees shall be paid by the Fraternity according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

E4.20-1  The Grand Consul may appoint an Assistant Grand Trustee in any Region, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee. An Assistant Grand Trustee shall have such powers and duties as authorized in his appointment; however, he shall not be a member of the Grand Council

C. Grand Praetors.  The several chapters of the Fraternity shall be apportioned into Provinces by the Executive Committee. For each such Province there shall be a Grand Praetor who shall be (i) nominated at each regular meeting of the Grand Chapter by one or more of the delegates elected by the active chapters in the Province and (ii) elected by the Grand Chapter.  The Grand Praetor shall advise the chapters in the Province, and shall be empowered to enforce therein the Constitution, Statutes, Ritual and Regulations of the Fraternity.  The Grand Praetors collectively shall be known as the Praetorial College.  They shall elect from among their number at each regular meeting of the Grand Chapter a chairman who shall be known as the Dean of the Praetorial College.  Any vacancy in the office of Dean shall be filled only by an election held from within the Praetorial College.

D. Grand Trustees.  There shall be eighteen (18) Grand Trustees, nine to be elected for a four-year term at each regular meeting of the Grand Chapter. The several chapters of the Fraternity shall be apportioned into Regions by the Executive Committee. For each such Region there shall be one or more Grand Trustees, with the number of Grand Trustees to be set by the Executive Committee. At the time of his election or appointment, each Grand Trustee shall reside either in the Region that he will serve or in an adjacent Region. The Grand Trustees collectively shall be known as the Board of Grand Trustees. They shall elect from among their number at each regular meeting of the Grand Chapter a chairman who shall be known as the Chairman of the Board of Grand Trustees. Any vacancy in the office of Chairman shall be filled only by an election held from within the Board of Grand Trustees.

E. Executive Committee. The business and affairs of the Fraternity shall be conducted by an Executive Committee composed of the following, none of whom shall be an employee of the Fraternity:

     1.  The Grand Consul, who shall be Chairman, the Grand Pro Consul, the Immediate Past Grand Consul, the Grand Quaestor, and the four alumni members elected by the Grand Chapter;

     2.  The two most recent winners of the International Balfour Award who are able to serve, to be appointed each year by the Grand Consul immediately following announcement of that year’s winner; and

     3.  Two current active undergraduate members of the Fraternity, to be elected by the undergraduate members of the Grand Council at its biennial meeting, and by the active chapter delegates to the Grand Chapter at its biennial meeting.  Each such member shall have at least one year of active undergraduate membership remaining at the time of his election, and shall serve for one year or until his replacement is duly elected.

S4.21  The Executive Committee shall meet at least four times each year and, upon reasonable notice from the Chairman, at such other times as may be necessary.  A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum, and action shall be by a majority of members voting.  The expenses of the Executive Committee members shall be paid by the Fraternity.

E4.21-1  The Grand Consul shall invite the chairman of the Board of Governors of the Sigma Chi Foundation to attend and participate without vote in each meeting of the Executive Committee.  The expenses of the chairman or his designee shall not be reimbursed by the Fraternity.

S4.22  Without limiting the generality of the executive power vested in the Executive Committee to conduct the business and affairs of the Fraternity, and in addition to those duties mentioned elsewhere in the Constitution or these Statutes, the Executive Committee shall have the responsibility and authority to:

     a.  Determine the time and place of regular and special meetings of the Grand Chapter;

     b.  Employ an Executive Director, who shall (i) administer the Fraternity; (ii) employ and supervise members of the Headquarters Staff and clerical personnel; (iii) act as secretary of the Grand Chapter and the Executive Committee; (iv) maintain the Seal, unissued copies of the Ritual and a compilation of the Governing Laws; (v) maintain an accurate roll of members; (vi) assist the Grand Quaestor and maintain the accounts of the Fraternity; and (vii) perform such other duties as are specifically assigned to him by the Executive Committee;

     c.  Direct the payment of such expenses incurred by officers, boards, committees and members in the performance of Fraternity business as it shall deem required by the Constitution, these Statutes, or the best interests of the Fraternity;

     d.  Cause the accounts of the Fraternity to be audited at least annually by a firm of independent certified public accountants;

     e.  Administer and invest the endowment and trust funds of the Fraternity, and for this purpose employ competent professional advisors and counselors;

     f.   Keep and maintain fidelity bonds upon all members and employees having control over Fraternity funds and property, and such casualty and liability insurance as it shall deem best for the Fraternity;

     g.  Establish procedures for certifying delegates to meetings of the Grand Chapter;

     h.  Authorize several persons, any two of whom together may sign and issue checks and drafts upon Fraternity funds;

     i.   Establish regulations for the use of the insignia;

     j.   Verify annually the status of alumni chapters;

     k.  Determine the amount and payment of dues, fees and other financial obligations of members save as same may be determined specifically by the Statutes;

     l.   Supervise the publication and distribution of The Magazine of Sigma Chi and The Sigma Chi Bulletin; and

     m.  Establish committees consisting of members of the Fraternity and delegate to such committees such matters as it may from time to time determine.

S4.22.1  In order to allow members to better prepare for Grand Chapter and Grand Council, the Standard Operating Procedures and/or the headquarters website will include Sample Procedural Rules for Grand Council, Sample Procedural Rules for Grand Chapter and Sample Procedural Rules for Elections at Grand Chapter and Grand Council.   Each Grand Chapter or Grand Council will adopt its own rules, but if the proposed rules deviate from the Sample Rules, that deviation must be pointed out to the members prior to adoption.  The three Sample Procedural Rules will be approved by the Executive Committee.

F. Grand Council. There shall be a Grand Council which shall consider and advise upon present and proposed policies of the Fraternity, and shall have power to enact, amend or repeal the Statutes.  The Grand Council shall consist of the members of the Executive Committee, the several Past Grand Consuls, the Grand Tribune, the Grand Historian, the several Grand Praetors, the several Grand Trustees, one undergraduate to be designated by each Grand Praetor, and such others as may be prescribed by Statute.  The Grand Council shall meet biennially and in the year in which no regular meeting of the Grand Chapter is held, at a time and place to be fixed by the Executive Committee, and shall be presided over by the Grand Pro Consul.  The Executive Committee may call a special meeting of the Grand Council at any time on not less than thirty (30) days notice to the members thereof to be held at a time and place to be determined by the Executive Committee.

S4.23  Each Grand Praetor shall be required to invite in writing each of the active chapters in his Province to submit the name of an undergraduate member of such chapter for consideration as the undergraduate to be designated by such Grand Praetor as a member of the Grand Council at its next meeting.

S4.23.1  There shall be an Agenda Committee for each regular meeting of the Grand Council composed of the Grand Pro Consul, who shall be the Chairman, two members nominated by a majority vote of the Grand Praetors, two members nominated by a majority vote of the Grand Trustees, two undergraduate members appointed by the Grand Consul, and one Past Grand Consul to be selected by the Past Grand Consuls.  This committee shall be constituted within (90) days following the termination of each regular meeting of the Grand Chapter.  The duties of this committee are to confer and set the agenda of such meeting of the Grand Council and after consultation with the Executive Committee to cause such agenda to be distributed to each member of the Grand Council at as early a date as possible and in any event not less than ninety (90) days prior to the date upon which such meeting is to commence.

S4.23.2  Each regular meeting of the Grand Council shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, and shall continue for sufficient time to permit adequate opportunity for examination, discussion, and action upon resolutions and reports.

E4.23.2-1  A majority of the members of the Grand Council shall constitute a quorum at all sessions of the Grand Council.

S4.23.3  The expenses of the members of the Agenda Committee, in attending a meeting thereof, shall be paid by the Fraternity according to procedures determined by the Executive Committee.

S4.24  The expenses of each undergraduate member of the Grand Council shall be paid by the Fraternity.

E4.24-1  The undergraduate members of the Grand Council shall serve a one year term from the first day of February of each year, unless an alternate term of service is authorized by the Grand Consul.  A duly-appointed undergraduate member may be reappointed for a second term, subject to the provisions of Statute 4.23.

G. Sigma Chi Corporation.  There shall be a corporation, not for profit, to be known as the Sigma Chi Corporation, which shall be subject to the enactment of the Grand Chapter.  The members of the Sigma Chi Corporation shall be the members of the Executive Committee, the several Grand Officers, and the several Past Grand Consuls; the Directors shall be the members of the Executive Committee; and the officers shall be a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.

H. Endowment Funds.  The trustees of each of the several endowment funds, which are trust funds in perpetuity, shall be the individual members of the Executive Committee as constituted from time to time.

I. Vacancies.  Unless otherwise specified by Statute, all vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the Grand Consul, with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee.  In the event of a vacancy in the office of Grand Consul, the Grand Pro Consul shall become Grand Consul for the unexpired term.

S4.25  The Fraternity shall conduct a Transformational Leaders Workshop each year. The Executive Committee, or entities designated by the Executive Committee, shall approve the curriculum and other features of the Workshop. The Executive Committee may designate various entities to perform functions previously assigned to the Education and Leadership Board.

E4.25-1  The Executive Committee will annually develop a travel reimbursement or stipend formula for attendees to the Transformational Leaders Workshop consistent with the organization’s budget and logistical constraints and needs. Such formula will be developed no later than March 15 of every year and transmitted to the chapters by the Executive Director as soon as possible thereafter. The method of rendering stipends will be in the most efficient manner possible.

E4.25-2  Attendance at the Transformational Leaders Workshop (“TLW”) and other Fraternity-sponsored educational programs is by invitation only, as specified below.

     a.  Subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, designated Fraternity entities may establish policies on the number of members of an undergraduate chapter or invited petitioning local who may attend the TLW or other designated educational events sponsored by the Fraternity. The policy may also establish charges for attendance and set the amount of and conditions for receiving travel stipends.

     b.  Alumni or non-initiated persons may not attend or participate in TLW or other designated educational events sponsored by the Fraternity unless they have received an invitation to do so. Invitations to those events may only be issued by the Grand Consul; the Executive Director or members of the Headquarters staff designated by the Executive Director; or another person or entity designated by the Executive Committee. A Grand Praetor may issue invitations to participate in his Province Conference. An invitation issued in accordance with this subparagraph may, but is not required to, offer reimbursement for reasonable and necessary travel expenses consistent with the Grand Quaestor’s Expense Reimbursement Policy, and may waive registration or other fees for attending the event. Any such offer is subject to budgeted and available funds.

E4.25-3 Conduct Policy. Brothers attending TLW and any other Fraternity-sponsored event shall at all times act with courtesy and self-control, and their conduct shall reflect to our brothers and other people with whom they come in contact the purposes and values of Sigma Chi. This requirement applies both during scheduled events and activities, as well as elsewhere during unscheduled time at the event venue and in the community. Brothers not conforming to this standard of conduct may be summarily removed and excluded from the event and the vicinity by the Grand Consul, Executive Director, or their designees. Any brother not complying with these conduct requirements is subject to further Fraternity disciplinary action, as provided in the Governing Laws. This includes, within the sound discretion of the Grand Consul, removal from any elected or appointed office. Any volunteer who is removed from an event under this paragraph shall forfeit any expense reimbursement to which he would have been entitled, and may be required to reimburse the Fraternity for any travel costs and event registration costs that had been paid directly by the Fraternity on the brother’s behalf.

Article V     Governing Laws

A.  The Governing Laws of the Fraternity shall consist of this Constitution, the Ritual and Ritualistic Statutes, the Statutes, and the Regulations of the Executive Committee.

1.  The Ritual and Ritualistic Statutes shall contain the secret enactments of the Fraternity and shall have equal force and effect with this Constitution.

2.  The Statutes shall supplement the Constitution and Ritual.

3.  Regulations to implement the Constitution, Ritual and Ritualistic Statutes, and Statutes may be enacted by the Executive Committee and shall be recorded as such.

Article VI     Amendments

A.  This Constitution may be amended only at a regular meeting of the Grand Chapter by a three-fourths vote of the members voting on a proposal.

B.  With due regard for secrecy, the Executive Committee may at its own initiative, or shall at the request of the Ritual Committee, submit to the Grand Chapter proposed amendments to the Ritual. A three-fourths vote of the undergraduate delegates present and voting at Grand Chapter shall be necessary to amend the Ritual. Any proposed amendment or amendments to the Ritual or Ritualistic Statutes shall be submitted to the Executive Director no later than 90 days prior to the opening session of Grand Chapter. Upon receiving such proposals the Executive Director shall within seven days notify the active and alumni chapters. Either the Grand Chapter or the Grand Council may amend the Ritualistic Statutes by majority vote.. 

C.  Regulations adopted by the Executive Committee may be amended by a majority vote of either the Grand Chapter or the Grand Council, which amendments shall be binding on all subsequent actions of the Executive Committee.

Constitution Ends

Statute No. 5 – Property & Finances

A. Property

S5.01  The Sigma Chi Corporation shall have the authority to make contracts and agreements on behalf of the Fraternity in furtherance of the general administration of the Fraternity.  The Executive Committee shall determine which Fraternity affiliated entity shall have title to and manage the real and personal property used for the benefit of the Fraternity, thereby assuring more efficient and effective management of assets, more efficient and effective administration of fraternal matters, and effective custody of historical and educational artifacts pertaining to the Fraternity.  The Executive Committee shall also be empowered, on behalf of the Fraternity, to enter into such contracts, to buy, lease, license, sell, or otherwise transfer assets or responsibilities as it may determine are necessary for the good organization and efficient operation of the Fraternity. This authority shall be exercised in accord with applicable laws, rules and regulations, and for the best interest of the Fraternity, including but not limited to determining the legal entity which holds, manages and administers the general expense fund, the general endowment fund, various trust funds established for the general benefit of the Fraternity, including any chapter thereof, and any other type of property, real or personal, tangible or intangible.

S5.02  In the event a chapter becomes inactive for any reason whatsoever, unless pertinent civil law requires otherwise, any property held by that chapter or its housing corporation shall be held subject to the direction and orders of any two members of a Property Committee comprised of the Grand Consul, the President of the house corporation, or if there be no President, a nominee of the chapter, corporation, trustee, individual, association or other person that holds title to the property, and a third member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity elected at a meeting of the alumni of such chapter duly called by any five of such alumni for the purpose of such election on not less than twenty days notice, or their respective delegates, which committee shall determine the use and ultimate disposition of such property or the proceeds thereof.

B. Finances

S5.03  There shall be a General Expense Fund, to which shall be credited all receipts and from which shall be paid all expenses of the Fraternity, except for receipts and expenses of the General Endowment Fund which shall be credited with all receipts associated with the portion of Life Membership sales required to provide The Magazine of Sigma Chi and from which shall be paid all expenses associated with the provision of The Magazine of Sigma Chi to Life Members.  Investment earnings, gains and losses shall be credited to each fund based upon individual fund invested assets which may be co-mingled for investment purposes.

E5.03-1  All checks written on behalf of the Fraternity shall be written in compliance with the Management Controls Policy as adopted by the Executive Committee.

E5.03-2  The Executive Director of the Fraternity shall propose to the Executive Committee, for review and approval, staff compensation, employee benefit plans (including medical, dental, defined contribution and other such plans as well as policies regarding sick leave, vacation and the like) and modifications thereto, including the selection of agents or brokers.  The Executive Committee may delegate its review and approval authority to the Budget Committee, or to the Grand Consul, Grand Pro Consul or Grand Quaestor, except that the compensation for the Executive Director shall be set by the Executive Committee as a whole.

E5.03-3  All contracts obligating the Fraternity (or its related entities) may only be executed by the Executive Director.  Contracts in excess of $25,000 will require approval as outlined in the Management Controls Policy as adopted by the Executive Committee.

S5.04  [RESERVED. Statute eliminated by act of the Grand Council during its session on June 11, 2016. Previously referred to a Student Aid Loan Fund]

C. Dues and Fees

S5.05  At the time a candidate for membership is pledged, the chapter shall collect for the Fraternity from the candidate a Pledge Fee of $100.00. The Pledge Fee shall be transmitted to the Fraternity with the report of pledging, for which the chapter shall receive a copy of the Fraternity pledge manual and a pledge button for the candidate to wear during Pledgeship.

S5.06  Before a candidate for membership may be initiated, the chapter shall collect for the Fraternity from the candidate an initiation fee of $300.00.  The Initiation Fee shall be submitted to the Fraternity with the Report of Initiation.

S5.07  the chapter shall transmit $200 per initiate as a Member Fee within one month after the initiation of the member.  As of the 15th day of March and the 15th day of October in each year, each active chapter shall report to the Fraternity the names of the active members of the chapter.

E5.07-1  Each active member shall receive a subscription to The Magazine of Sigma Chi and The Sigma Chi Bulletin for the period covered by such dues payment.

E5.07-2  Active chapters shall report for all active members including those engaged in some cooperative work-study or off-campus curricular program, including any such program involving study outside the United States or Canada

E.5.07-3 In conjunction with the payments transmitted by each active chapter by October 15 and March 15 of each academic year as described in Statute 5.07, each active chapter shall transmit to the International Fraternity a pre-paid deposit of the registration fee for that chapter’s delegate to the next Grand Chapter and a Leadership Fee to fund the development and execution of the Fraternity’s various programs. The respective fees will be set by the Executive Committee by September 1^st of each academic year and will be communicated as soon as possible thereafter by the Executive Director.

D. Investments

S5.08 General

     a.  There shall be no amortization of premiums nor accumulation of discounts on trust fund investments.

     b.  Unless another beneficiary is designated in the making of any specific donation or bequest for the purpose of any of the several endowment funds, the beneficiary of the trusts created in pursuance of the provisions of this Statute shall be the Sigma Chi Corporation or its lawful successor.

     c.  The Executive Committee is authorized to incur any expenses incident to the establishment, modification, change and/or maintenance of a trust and/or trusts, or agency or custodian agreements for the several endowment funds, except as is otherwise provided in case of a particular fund or funds and to pay such expenses from the several funds.  All direct expenses incurred by the Executive Committee in connection with the income or principal of any of the several endowment funds shall be charged against the income received by the Corporation on account of such funds if same is sufficient, and otherwise against such regular and special accounts as the Executive Committee may direct.  All said endowment funds shall be segregated either within one trust, agency or custodian agreement or in separate trust, agency or custodian agreements in such form or forms as may be approved by the Executive Committee.

     d.  Investment of the principal of the several endowment funds and current funds, when not otherwise specifically provided by devise or deed of gift, shall be limited to those securities which at the time of purchase qualify as legal investments for trustees under the laws of the State of Illinois and/or Sigma Chi mortgages as defined in sub-paragraph (e) below:

     e.  First and second mortgages secured by chapter house property, or secured by real estate and furnishings approved by the Executive Committee, shall be considered proper investments.

     f.  All resolutions and acts of the Grand Chapter authorizing, directing or requiring investment or expenditure of any of the funds of the Fraternity shall be mandatory on the Executive Committee only when such resolution or action shall contain specific instructions as to the funds from which such expenditure or investment shall be made and the amount thereof.

E5.08-1  An undergraduate or alumnus member may obtain a Life Membership in the Fraternity by payment of the rate prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee.  A Life Membership shall include a membership card, lapel pin, certificate, a  subscription to The Magazine of Sigma Chi in accordance with the type of membership purchased, and other special benefits.

E5.08-2  Monies received for Life Memberships shall be placed in the General Endowment Fund of the Fraternity and to the General Operating Fund as determined by the Executive Committee.

E5.08-3  A membership in the Alumni Program of Sigma Chi will be at the rate prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee and shall provide recognition as an active alumnus.  The Alumni Program rate shall be $25 for one year, $42 for two years, and $59 for three years.

E5.08-4  An Investment Committee shall be appointed to monitor, review and regularly report on the invested assets of all funds held by the Sigma Chi Corporation including the General, Student Aid, Endowment and such others as may be created.  The committee shall make recommendations regarding these assets to the Executive Committee as may be required.  The Investment Committee shall meet from time to time and be composed of the Grand Pro Consul, the Grand Quaestor (who shall serve as Chairman), and alumni appointed by the Grand Consul, each of whom shall have pertinent expertise in a related field. At least one member of the committee shall be a Grand Trustee, and at least one of whom shall be a Grand Praetor.

S5.09 General Endowment Fund

     a.  The General Endowment Fund shall be a permanent fund to promote the general purposes of the Fraternity.

     b.  The income received by the Corporation on account of the General Endowment Fund shall be credited to that Fund.  Surplus cash of the General Endowment Fund may be invested in such investments as are permitted by Statute. Custody and control of cash balances and invested assets shall be under the control of the Executive Committee.

E5.09-1  Application forms for a loan of Fraternity funds or for the Fraternity’s guarantee of a mortgage for the purpose of building or improving a chapter house may be obtained from Constantine Capital, Inc.

E. Prohibition on Solicitation

S5.10  No member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, officers, group, committee, chapter, commission or affiliated entity thereof shall circularize the Fraternity, its chapters or membership for the purpose of soliciting money without having first obtained permission from the Executive Committee, pursuant to a properly authorized license agreement approved by the Fraternity.  This prohibition does not apply to solicitations by one or more active or alumni chapters, alumni associations or house corporations only among the membership thereof for the purposes of obtaining contributions or dues for the benefit of one or more such entities.

Statute No. 6 – Chapter Operation

S6.01  The members and officers of each chapter shall collectively discharge the responsibilities set forth in Statute 3.18.

E6.01-1  No active chapter shall conduct or allow to occur any event, activity or behavior which could be regarded as disrespectful of any minority group or women.  Prohibitions include but are not limited to disrespectful skits, parodies, songs, parties, writings, attire or makeup.  Noncompliance with this regulation shall be a violation of Statute 3.18 and subject to sanction as provided in Sections 7.01 and 7.03.

S6.02  Each active chapter shall:

     a.  Equip itself with proper Initiation paraphernalia, a roll book, and such other supplies as are necessary to operate a chapter;

     b.  Adopt bylaws for its government, and file a copy thereof with the Executive Committee;

     c.  Maintain satisfactory standards of scholarship, morals and discipline;

     d. Conscientiously apply the provisions of Section 3.07 to each prospective new member, and propose for membership only those persons eligible thereunder;

     e.  Insure a continuing influx of such new members by means of its recruitment activities and pledge programs, and by initiations which shall be held only in the manner and form prescribed by the Ritual;

     f.  Organize and conduct a suitable program of Pledgeship for each prospective new member, said program to be based on the contents of “The Norman Shield” and other pertinent publications of the Fraternity, and to involve no hazing, physical or mental harassment, or requirements which are inconsistent with the pledge’s scholastic responsibilities;

     g.  Hold regular chapter meetings in accordance with the requirements of the Ritual;

     h.  Maintain communication with its alumni members, and encourage alumni representation at chapter meetings and initiations; and

     i.  Pay when due the full amount of any lawful dues, fees, or other charges owed the Fraternity by the individual active members and pledges of the chapter, whether or not such an individual has paid his share of such amount to the chapter.

E6.02-a-1  Active chapters shall purchase items of Initiation and/or Ritual paraphernalia and the roll book only from the General Headquarters or authorized suppliers.

E6.02-b-1  No active chapter or petitioning local shall form, conduct, sponsor or permit to function, officially or unofficially, any women’s auxiliary, little sister, little sigmas or other group involving women students, which is in any way affiliated or identified with the chapter or the Fraternity. Such titles, identity or status shall not be conferred on an individual basis.  Nothing in this regulation precludes a chapter from choosing a chapter sweetheart on an annual basis.

E6.02-e-1  Upon notification of a Chapter’s non-compliance with Statute 6.02-e, 6.02-g and/or any of the Ritualistic Statutes, the Executive Committee will issue a Formal Warning to the Chapter.  This will be done by a Certified or Registered Letter to the Chapter, with copies to the Chapter Advisor and Grand Praetor. Such letter will direct the Consul to comply immediately and to certify within sixty (60) days to the Executive Committee, Chapter Advisor and Grand Praetor that the Chapter is then in compliance with the Statutes.  The Consul will further state his plans for future compliance. If compliance is not achieved within the prescribed sixty (60) days, the Executive Committee will immediately suspend the Charter of the Chapter according to the rules of the Executive Committee.

E6.02-f-1  Pledgeship embraces all activities involved from the execution of the Membership Commitment Statement and Formal Pledging Ceremony through Initiation.  Pledge training shall utilize “The Norman Shield,” the Preparation for Brotherhood (P4B) Magister’s Guide, the P4B eLearning on Sigma Chi Online within the foundational leadership certificate, the Mission Statement, and the principles embodied in the Ritual and the Ritualistic Statutes.

E6.02-f-2  All activities and conduct in the foundational leadership certificate, including both the Preparation for Brotherhood Program (P4B) and ritual for life (R4L) new initiate program shall be fully consistent with the provisions of the Ritual, Ritualistic Statutes, the Mission Statement, and the Governing Laws of the Fraternity, and shall be designed to prepare and inspire a pledge for his responsibilities as an initiated member, student and citizen.

     a.  Each active chapter is required to confer with its Foundational leadership mentor Chapter Advisor and Grand Praetor prior to the start of each semester to ensure a thorough understanding of the Foundational Leadership certificate, including both the P4B and R4l programs program. Additionally, each chapter shall be required to comply, in spirit and in fact, with every aspect of the foundational leadership certificate, including both the P4B and R4l program as detailed by the General Fraternity. In the event a chapter is unable to review the program with their Foundational Leadership Mentor, chapter advisor and Grand Praetor, they should immediately contact the Executive Director who will work with the Grand Consul in providing that chapter an alternative review method. A failure to review the Foundational leadership certificate, including both the p4b and r4l programs, with the Grand Praetor is NOT a sufficient reason to deviate from the P4B curriculum.

     b.  The Consul, Magister and kustos must sign a statement as their attestation that the chapter will adhere to the Foundational Leadership certificate curriculum, including both the P4B and r4l programs.  Any deviation from the Foundational leadership certificate curriculum, including both the p4b and r4l programs, may be grounds for disciplinary action against the chapter, and may result in disciplinary action against the undergraduate officers, up to and including expulsion from membership.

     c.  The Foundational leadership mentor, Grand Praetor and Chapter Advisor have no duty to investigate or monitor the Foundational leadership certificate, including both the p4b and r4l programs, beyond the written commitment of the officers noted above.

     d.  In accordance with the Foundational Leadership Certificate curriculum,  no Preparation for brotherhood pledge education program shall exceed five (5) weeks excluding time when school is not in session or during midterm exams. The five-week pledge program shall begin with the formal pledging/big brother ceremony, and chapters must deploy the big brother program beginning in the first week of the foundational leadership certificate and the p4b program. All new members must be initiated prior to the commencement of final exams. If a host institution requires a shorter term for a pledge program, a shorter, prescribed version of the model P4B program shall be used in its entirety. Furthermore, no Ritual for life new initiate program may exceed five (5) weeks in length.

    E. When calculating the pledge program's five weeks, do not include the recruitment period, university sanctioned academic breaks or reading day and final exam periods. During such times, all pledging activities are prohibited. All potential new members are to go through the formal pledging ceremony within 72 hours after official bid acceptance.

                    a. if a bid is offered while school is not in session, the formal pledging ceremony must be conducted within 72 hours of school commencing.

                    b. If a bid is accepted during the time when school is in session, the formal pledging ceremony must be conducted within 72 hours.

                    c. Exceptions for special circumstances should be referred to the Grand Consul for review.

                    d. All pledging activities are strictly prohibited during the time period between bid acceptance and the formal pledging ceremony.

    F. Effective July 1, 2023, all initiates are required to complete the Fraternity’s Ritual for Life (R4L) program. Any initiated member who does not complete the R4L program within 90 days from their initiation will be ineligible to: hold elected office; receive a scholarship from the Sigma Chi Foundation; attend Fraternity-sponsored educational events, including but not limited to, Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop and the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit; receive awards from the chapter, the province, or the international fraternity; be a big brother for another pledge of the chapter. Any initiated member who does not complete the R4L program within 180 days of initiation will be suspended from membership. Upon successful completion of the R4L program, the initiated member will be immediately restored to good standing and any sanctions as listed above will be immediately lifted.

E6.02-f-3  Any activities which are inconsistent with the letter and/or the spirit of Statute 6.02-f shall result in Executive Committee action.  Such action may lead to individual suspension or expulsion, and to suspension or revocation of the Charter of an active chapter.  If an active chapter is found to be engaging in any activity judged unacceptable by the Executive Committee, that chapter will have the burden of establishing the “good faith” behind its decision to continue or initiate such activity.

E6.02-h-1  Any active chapter seeking to contract for publication of a chapter membership directory or chapter newsletters by a commercial publishing or mailing firm may do so only with the prior consent of the Chapter Advisor and president of its House Corporation (or equivalent).

E6.02-i-1  Each active chapter shall promptly and accurately render the following reports and fees to the General Headquarters, the Grand Praetor and Chapter Advisor as specified in the reports: semi-annual report and fees; reports of pledging and fees; and Reports of Initiations and fees.

E6.02-i-2  Each active chapter shall maintain appropriate records of the financial transactions and financial status of the chapter.

E6.02-i-3  Each active chapter is expected to have performed a complete audit or, as a minimum, a review of chapter financial records and procedures by a qualified, impartial professional, at the end of each fiscal year.  A copy of this audit or review is to be furnished to the General Headquarters, the Grand Praetor, the Chapter Advisor(s) and House Corporation.

E6.02-i-4  All U.S. undergraduate chapters are required to provide proof of a minimum of $1,000,000 general liability coverage naming Sigma Chi Fraternity/Corporation as additional insured. Canadian chapters are required to provide proof of a minimum of $1,000,000 Canadian general liability coverage naming Sigma Chi Fraternity/Corporation as additional insured.  General liability insurance policy coverages for all chapters must include host liquor liability coverage and hired/non-owned auto coverage.  All local groups must provide proof of general liability insurance, consistent with the requirements listed above, naming Sigma Chi Fraternity/Corporation as additional insured before they are duly installed as a chapter of Sigma Chi.

S6.03  Each alumni chapter shall:

     a.  Comply with all pertinent Governing Laws of the Fraternity;

     b.  Hold meetings and/or events at least six times each year; and

     c.  Assist any nearby active chapters in recruiting prospective new members, conducting initiations, developing and maintaining good scholarship, maintaining housing facilities, and promoting good relations with college or university officials.

     d.  By the 15^th day of February in each year report to the Fraternity on the prescribed forms the names of those alumni members who are affiliated with it.

E6.03-1  To qualify as an alumni chapter in good standing, an alumni chapter must (i) have as members at least ten (10) persons who are active alumni members of the Fraternity as defined in Statute 3.06; (ii) report on forms prescribed by the General Headquarters the names and addresses of its officers and members utilizing the most current list of all alumni living within its geographic area to be provided by the General Headquarters by February 15 each year; report the location and time of its meetings; and identify all undergraduate chapters within a 100 mile radius; and (iii) comply with the requirements of Statute 6.03.  Each Alumni Chapter, in addition to its annual report, must submit a $300.00 annual registration fee in order to be in good standing with full voting authority.

E6.03-2  A meeting or event shall be any activity that has been reasonably communicated to the membership in a timely fashion and is attended by no less than 5 members.

S6.04  Each alumni association shall comply with all pertinent Governing Laws of the Fraternity, and shall hold at least two meetings and/or events each year.

E6.04-1  Each Alumni Association, in addition to filing its report of its meeting and/or events, must submit a $250 annual registration fee to be considered an Alumni Association.

S6.05  Each Alumni Club shall comply with all pertinent Governing Laws of the Fraternity, is entitled to recognition as a Sigma Chi entity, but is not entitled either to a vote at Grand Chapter or to any services from the General Fraternity.  An Alumni Club must consist of at least seven (7) alumni Sigma Chi brothers.

E6.05-1  Each Alumni Association and Alumni Club must submit its annual report by the deadline established for Alumni Chapters.

E6.05-2  House Corporations shall be duly incorporated bodies of members of the Fraternity, which bodies exist for the purpose of holding title to or interest in real and personal property for chapter house purposes of a particular active chapter, and providing for the proper existence, improvement, care and safety of said property.  Effective July 1, 2017, officers of the International Fraternity who are named insureds on the fraternity’s liability insurance policies are prohibited from serving as a local officer or director of a house corporation or chapter, or having a direct ownership interest in local fraternity property. This provision does not apply to individuals holding security interests in chapter properties. Such reports as may be required by the General Fraternity or governmental authorities shall be submitted promptly by officers of said corporations.

S6.06  Each member and chapter is prohibited from burning any replica of any symbol or insignia of the Fraternity whether or not such burning is in association with any chapter activity, including but not limited to, an Initiation ceremony, Constantine re-enactment, pledge function, or social function.  A violation of this Statute shall result in the suspension of the charter of the chapter unless the chapter, within fourteen (14) days of when the Executive Committee advises the chapter that it has determined that a violation has occurred, shows cause to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee why its charter should not be suspended.

Statute No. 7 – Discipline

S7.01  The Executive Committee shall be empowered to discipline members charged with violating the Governing Laws of the Fraternity. Such charges may be brought using any of the following request methods:

(1) by a two-thirds vote of the members of an active chapter present and voting,

(2) by five alumni members of the Fraternity,

(3) upon the recommendation of an alumni review panel directed by the Executive Committee to evaluate allegations of chapter or member misconduct or failure to follow Fraternity policy; or

(4) by the Executive Committee.

Whenever such charges request punishment of expulsion or suspension from membership in the Fraternity, the Executive Committee, or a committee designated by the Executive Committee to review conduct and discipline matters, shall make a preliminary review of the charges; and the Executive Committee may thereafter appoint a Trial Board to hear and decide such charges.

E7.01-1  The Executive Committee may appoint a subcommittee (“the Accountability committee”) to execute certain of its responsibilities pursuant to Statute 7.

E7.01-2  an undergraduate chapter by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting may impose any or all of the following penalties upon undergraduate members for violation of Statute 3.18:

     1.  community/campus/chapter service not to exceed 300 hours;

     2.  restitution of actual out-of-pocket losses;

     3.  social probation for a period of two or fewer full semesters;

     4.  loss of live in privileges for a period of two or fewer full semesters;

     5.  loss of voting privileges for a period of two or fewer full semesters;

     6.  other, with prior approval of the accountability committee.

If the recommended punishment is suspension of membership in the Fraternity for a designated time or expulsion from membership in the Fraternity, the charges must be referred to the Executive Committee as outlined in Statute

7.Any entity authorized to bring charges under S7.01 shall report its action in writing within ten (10) business days following such vote by such entity on a form available from Headquarters or a functional equivalent in a format approved by the Executive Director or his designee. The form may be completed and submitted electronically, without handwritten signatures. The identity of the accused, the section(s) of the Governing Laws violated, a description of the charges, and the penalty assigned shall be reported in such manner.

If a brother is suspended from membership or expulsion is requested by an entity identified in S7.01, he may appeal his penalty to the Executive Committee within thirty (30) days of notification of such penalty. The Executive Committee may refer the request to the Accountability committee. If the Accountability committee determines that there are substantial disputes of material facts, it may recommend that the executive committee appoint a Trial Board to hear the evidence.

E7.01-3  When the Executive Committee receives a request for disciplinary action pursuant to ECR 7.01-2, but not including suspension or expulsion, it may impose such penalty or it may modify the penalty provided that such modified penalty does not exceed the limits specific in the ECR 7.01-2. The Executive Director shall notify the member disciplined, the undergraduate chapter, the Chapter Advisor and the Grand Praetor if the committee had modified the action taken by the undergraduate chapter.

If a brother is recommended for suspension or expulsion from the Fraternity as provided in E7.01-2, he may appeal the recommendation to the Executive Committee within thirty (30) days of notification of such referral. The Executive Committee shall then determine whether a trial board is needed to hear the evidence and make findings of disputed material facts, and recommend a disposition to the executive committee and accountability committee. the executive committee has ultimate authority to determine a disposition of the request. 

E7.01-3.1  The Executive Committee, upon its own motion or upon referral of a Grand Officer or the Chapter and Member Accountability Committee, may suspend or revoke the membership of any member of an undergraduate chapter whose charter has been suspended or revoked if the member of the former chapter continues to engage in activities typical of an undergraduate chapter, whether or not such activities are conducted in the name of Sigma Chi, his former chapter, or under a substitute or underground organization organized or operating for fraternal purposes. Any member of a former chapter whose membership in Sigma Chi is suspended or revoked may request review by a trial board under S7.01 and related Executive Committee Regulations. Such brother shall have the burden of proving that he has not continued to engage in fraternal activities as specified above. This process may also be used to suspend or revoke the membership of any alumnus of the Fraternity who assists, aids or abets the efforts of any member of an undergraduate chapter whose charter has been suspended or revoked in engaging in activities prohibited under this section.

E7.01-4  In the event that an allegation that one or more members has committed a serious violation of the Governing Laws of the Fraternity, the Executive Committee or accountability committee may suspend all privileges of such member(s) for a period not to exceed forty-five days during the investigation of the allegation. This suspension may be extended by another forty-five (45) days by the Executive Committee or accountability committee.

E7.01-4.1  In the event of an allegation that one or more members has committed a serious violation of the Governing Laws of the Fraternity, and the Grand Consul or Grand Praetor determines the brother or brothers present credible and substantial risk to the personal safety of others or property, they shall have the right to immediately suspend the brother(s) from active membership on a temporary basis. The acting officer should then notify the Chairman of the accountability committee of the disciplinary action. The chairman of the accountability committee or his designee(s) will investigate and overturn or uphold the suspension and determine the duration of the suspension or any additional items, conditions or actions per its current policies and procedures. The brother has the right to appeal if necessary as detailed below in E7.01-5.

E7.01-4.2  Should an emergency situation arise where the Grand Consul or the Grand Praetor determines that chapter operations should be suspended immediately, the acting officer has the right to do so after consulting with and receiving concurrence from any one of the following; the Grand Consul, Grand Pro Consul, or the Executive Director. This temporary suspension shall remain in effect until the Executive Committee can convene to review the situation and vote to uphold, modify, or overturn the suspension.

E7.01-5.1  The grand Consul may appoint a chairman and members of a Universal Trial Board who have the experience and capability to serve as Trial Board members when needed to decide disputes and facts in member disciplinary cases.

E7.01-5.2  If the Executive Committee or accountability committee receives an appeal pursuant to ECR 7.01-3 above and it deems such appeal to have merit, it may refer the matter to a trial board to make determinations of disputed material facts.

     1.  The chairman of the Universal Trial Board shall designate three impartial members of the Universal Trial Board, one of whom shall serve as presiding officer, to hear the disputed matter. 

    2.  The Executive Director shall notify the accused, the alumni members who initiated the complaint, the undergraduate chapter, the Chapter Advisor and the Grand Praetor of the trial board's appointment and composition. The trial board will commence within thirty (30) days of appointment. The presiding officer of the trial board shall serve written notice on all essential parties of the date, time and place for trial. Notice may be provided by any reasonable means, including electronic. The trial may be conducted by video conference. The notice shall advise the accused of his right to be represented by counsel, who must be a Sigma Chi and a member in good standing of a U. S. federal, state or Canadian Provincial bar association.  The notice also shall advise the accused of his right to call and cross examine witnesses.

The trial board shall hear the evidence, make written findings of fact and decide if the charges are true and, if true, recommend penalty.  The presiding officer shall forward the trial board’s written findings, decision and recommendations to the Executive Director with a copy to the Grand Praetor within fourteen (14) days of the hearing.  These findings shall include a copy of the original Member Accountability Form, a list of all witnesses appearing before the trial board along with summaries of their testimony, any documents used as evidence, and a summary of any arguments made by the accused in their defense either to promote their innocence or seek a lesser punishment than that recommended by the trial board.  The Executive Director shall forward a copy of the trial board’s report to the accused, the brothers bringing the complaint (if appropriate), the undergraduate chapter, the Chapter Advisor, the Accountability committee, and the Grand Praetor.  The parties may file a written request to submit new information to the Executive Director if that information is material and was not reasonably available at the time of the hearing. A copy of this request shall also be served on the presiding officer of the trial board. Such request shall be served on the Executive Director within fifteen (15) business days of issuance of the trial board’s report.  

The accountability committee may forward a recommendation for expulsion or suspension from Fraternity membership for approval by the Executive Committee or may recommend such lesser penalty as it may deem proper, giving due consideration to the recommendation of the trial board and any new information submitted.  A recommendation by the accountability committee for expulsion or suspension from Fraternity membership shall be referred to the full Executive Committee, which will receive a full copy of the trial board’s findings and any additional new information submitted.  The Executive Director shall immediately notify the accused, the five alumni (if appropriate), the undergraduate chapter, the Chapter Advisor, the Grand Praetor, and the university/college (if appropriate) of the executive Committee’s decision.

E7.01-5.3  Upon good cause being shown, the Executive Committee may extend the above time periods. Good cause shall include, but is not limited to, global pandemic, college or university closing or vacation, or similar event which makes it unduly difficult to comply with the time periods. An occurrence of the aforementioned is not an automatic extension.

E7.01-6  Suspension or expulsion from membership or suspension of voting rights shall not relieve the person from compliance with the provisions of Statutes 3.18 through 3.20.

E7.01-7  The future reinstatement of a member who was suspended or expelled from membership for reasons other than financial delinquency shall be conditioned upon the recommendation of the undergraduate chapter, if any, or the alumni who requested his suspension or expulsion. The reinstatement of any member shall be for good cause, and only upon approval of the Executive Committee.

S7.02  The Executive Committee shall be empowered to suspend from membership in the Fraternity any member charged with violating Section 3.19.  In the event a suspended member has not paid or settled his delinquent financial obligation within twelve (12) months from the date of suspension and signed a promise to pay future financial obligations promptly, such suspended member shall be expelled from membership in the Fraternity without further action.

E7.02-1  An active member who fails to discharge his financial obligations as required by Statute 3.19 may be proposed for suspension from membership in the Fraternity for financial delinquency: (1) by a two-thirds vote of the chapter members present and voting; (2) by five alumni members; or (3) by the Executive Committee. In preparing such proposal, the Quaestor, an alumni proponent(s) or the Executive Committee must certify that the delinquent member has been notified of the debt, that a reasonable effort has been made to collect the debt, and that the delinquent member has been served notice that his delinquency is being referred to the General Fraternity for action. The completed written request shall be filed using the Member Accountability Form available from the International Headquarters and shall be reviewed and signed by the Chapter Advisor and the Grand Praetor before being forwarded to Headquarters.  Upon receipt of the written request, the Executive Director shall inform the delinquent member by mail of the proposed action, the consequences and the methods of resolving the delinquency short of Executive Committee consideration. In the event the debt is not paid, settled or contested prior to the date of the next Executive Committee meeting, the delinquent member’s name will be placed before the Executive Committee for appropriate disciplinary action.  The member must be given at least thirty (30) days from the date of the initial Executive Director notification to reconcile his account.  If the Executive Committee suspends an active member for financial delinquency, reinstatement may occur on a favorable vote by the committee.

E7.02-3  If a member fails to pay, settle or successfully appeal his debt within one year of his suspension, he will automatically be expelled from the Fraternity.  To be reinstated, an expelled member must settle his debt with the Fraternity and make a written proposal to the Executive Committee as to why his membership privileges should be restored. Upon review of the written request the committee may restore membership privileges to the expelled member.

S7.03  The Executive Committee, the Grand Consul or the Grand Praetor shall take cognizance of any chapter’s failure to comply with the provisions of Sections 6.01 or 6.02, and shall be empowered to give to the chapter a formal warning; the Executive Committee or the Grand Consul may place a chapter on probationary status; and the Executive Committee may place a chapter on show cause status or suspend a chapter’s charter, or may declare an individual active member to be no longer an active member.  The Committee may also recommend to the Grand Chapter that the chapter’s charter be revoked, whereupon a majority vote of the members of the Grand Chapter shall be necessary and sufficient to effect revocation.

E7.03-1  As a result of deficiencies or delinquencies in adherence to the provisions of Statute 6.01, Statute 6.02 or other pertinent Governing Laws and standards of the Fraternity including the timely submission of such forms and fees as are required, the Executive Committee or such subcommittee as it may designate may take appropriate disciplinary action upon a chapter which may consist of a probationary period, or status to show cause why its charter should not be suspended or revoked.  Such disciplinary action upon a chapter may be requested by the Executive Director, the Grand Praetor, the Chapter Advisor, or the House Corporation, with a complete report submitted to the Executive Committee.  This probationary status may include any or all of the following: (i) restriction of Fraternity services or benefits; (ii) requirement for submission of periodic reports on the current status, goals and improvement of the chapter; (iii) establishment of a local alumni supervisory committee with authority to set achievement goals, standards and regulations for the chapter and enforce chapter discipline; (iv) removal of a member from the chapter house property or his suspension or expulsion from membership; (v) removal of chapter officer(s) from his (their) office(s); (vi) required attendance at an Executive Committee meeting, Leadership Training Workshop or other Fraternity function; and (vii) such other conditions as the Executive Committee may determine.  The period of time which the chapter remains on probationary status is subject to the discretion of the Executive Committee.  Failure to meet the conditions of the probationary status may result in suspension by the Executive Committee or recommendation of revocation of the charter.  The Executive Committee may authorize written notification to all alumni members of the chapter in such circumstances.

E7.03-2  In the event of an allegation that a chapter has committed a serious violation of a Fraternity, University, state, provincial, or federal law, the Executive Committee or such subcommittee as it may designate may place such chapter on suspension for an interim time period until an investigation has occurred and the committee renders a decision on the matter.

E7.03-3  Except in the case of an interim suspension as provided in 7.03-2, in the event of suspension or revocation of the charter of a chapter, the Executive Committee will direct the Executive Director and Grand Praetor to obtain from the chapter its charter, Rituals, and Ritualistic materials, roll books and other items of Sigma Chi insignia, identification or property, which will be held in such manner as directed by the Executive Committee.

E7.03-4  So long as a chapter is subject to disciplinary action under E7.03-1, no individual member of the chapter who is currently a student at the institution specified in the chapter’s charter is eligible to serve on a General Fraternity committee or hold a General Fraternity office without special permission from the Executive Committee. The members remain eligible for leadership programs, scholarships, and other educational programs.

S7.04  The Executive Committee shall be empowered to suspend or revoke the charter of an alumni chapter or association which fails to comply with the provisions of Section 6.03 or 6.04 respectively, or to meet the minimum membership required by Section 4.04.

S7.05  An active chapter may, under its bylaws, by a two–thirds vote of its members present and voting, remove the occupant of any chapter office in the event such occupant is placed on academic probation by the institution at which the chapter is located, is enrolled in less than the number of academic hours required by the school to be considered a full–time student or his Grade Point Average (GPA) falls below the GPA required for initiation by that active chapter.

Statute No. 8 – Honors To Members & Chapters

S8.01  There shall be a Significant Sig Award made to those alumni members of the Fraternity whose achievements in their field of endeavor have brought honor and prestige to the name of Sigma Chi. Recommendations for the Significant Sig Award shall be under the direction of the Executive Committee.

S8.02  There shall be an Order of Constantine, composed of alumni members of the Fraternity selected on the basis of long and distinguished service to Sigma Chi.  The Grand Consul on assuming his office shall become a member of the Order of Constantine.  The selection of members of the Order shall be under the direction of a committee of seven members of the Order of Constantine, at least three of whom shall be members of the Grand Council.  This committee shall be appointed by the President of the Order of Constantine.

S8.03  There shall be an International Balfour Award presented to the graduating senior in the Fraternity who has best exemplified good character, demonstrated scholastic achievement, given distinguished service to Sigma Chi, and whose achievements in varied fields of student activity have brought honor and prestige to the name of Sigma Chi.  The recipient of the International Balfour Award shall be selected from the recipients of the several Province Balfour Awards under the direction of the Executive Committee.

E8.03-1  The following shall apply in the selection of the recipient of the International Balfour Award.

     a.  Definition of Terms: A “graduating senior” shall mean an active member who will receive his degree in the academic year during which the award is made.  The academic year shall be deemed to commence with the Fall term. A candidate’s personality may properly be considered an aspect of good character.

     b.  Province Balfour Awards:  The recipient shall be selected under the direction of the respective Grand Praetors and may involve the assistance of other members.  The selection shall be made from the Balfour recipients of the several active chapters within the Province. Nominating brochures from active chapters shall be only in the form and manner prescribed in the most recent edition of “The Standard Operating Procedures Manual.”  The Grand Praetor may not select more than one recipient for consideration for the International Award.

     c.  Selection Committee: The Grand Consul shall appoint a committee of five from among the past International Balfour Award winners and the alumni members of the Grand Council, other than Grand Praetors. One of the five members should be the most recent International Balfour Award winner available to serve.  The Grand Pro Consul shall be the Chairman and a member of the Headquarters Staff designated by the Executive Director shall be the secretary of the committee.

     d.  Committee Procedure: The committee members will review the several brochures of the Province Award recipients and the consensus of their votes shall determine the three finalists who shall each be invited to attend the next meeting of the Grand Chapter, Grand Council or Leadership Training Workshop for a personal interview with the committee. Expenses of the three finalists to meet with the committee shall be paid by the Fraternity.  The personal interview with the committee shall be a condition precedent to a member’s selection as winner of the International Award. In the event one or more of the three finalists cannot attend the General Fraternity function designated, the Grand Consul may authorize the substitution of the next highest runner-up available as a replacement to the group of three finalists or authorize a later interview as may be deemed advisable under the circumstances.

S8.04 There shall be an International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi Award presented to the official sweetheart of one active chapter selected under regulations prescribed by the Executive Committee.

E8.04-1  The following shall apply in the selection of the recipient of the International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi award.

     a.  The term “official sweetheart” shall mean: 1. A nominee who on March first of the year in which she is nominated for the Award is a full-time student in the college or university in which the nominating active chapter is located or, if such has only a male student body, from a nearby college, university or finishing school; 2. The nominee must have been elected as the chapter sweetheart by the members of the nominating active chapter.

     b.  Criteria for selection: The nominees will be considered on the basis of personality, character, poise, campus and Sigma Chi activity and general accomplishments.

     c.  Nominating Procedure: 1. On or before March first in the calendar year in which a regular meeting of the Grand Chapter is held, nominations may be made by the several active chapters by filing with the General Headquarters nominating brochures and materials in the form and manner prescribed in the most recent edition of “The Standard Operating Procedures Manual”; 2. Each nomination must be accompanied by an entry fee of $40.

     d.  Selection Committee: The Grand Consul shall appoint a Selection Committee comprised of three alumni members and shall designate one of them as Chairman.

     e.  Selection Procedures: The committee will review the several brochures of the nominees and the consensus of their votes shall determine the three finalists who shall each be invited to the Grand Chapter with their expenses paid by the General Fraternity.  In event one or more finalists cannot attend the Grand Chapter, the Chairman of the Selection Committee, with the authorization of the Grand Consul, may substitute the next highest runner(s)-up as finalist(s).

     f.  Election: The International Sweetheart shall be selected from among the three finalists at each regular meeting of the Grand Chapter by vote of the active chapter delegates to the Grand Chapter, with each active chapter certified for Grand Chapter vote having one vote.

S8.05  There shall be such further and additional awards to members and chapters as may be prescribed by, and under regulations of, the Executive Committee.

E8.05-1  The J. Dwight Peterson Significant Chapter Award shall be the Fraternity’s highest award to active chapters in recognition of commendable performance in the major fields of operations, programs and activities.  Criteria and selection procedures shall be enacted by the Executive Committee.

E8.05-2  The Daniel William Cooper Award may be presented annually to the active chapter having the most outstanding educational program in the Fraternity.  Selection shall be based upon data contained in the Peterson Significant Chapter Award application and the recommendations of the General Headquarters Staff and the Standing Committee on Scholarship, with the approval of the Executive Committee.

E8.05-3  The Legion of Honor Award may be presented annually to active chapters judged to have a commendable scholarship program, with selection as provided in regulation 8.05-2.

E8.05-4  The Order of the Scroll Award may be presented annually to the one active member nominated by his chapter who has made the greatest contribution to the educational program of the chapter. Nominations are to be submitted on the form provided by the Executive Director with selection made on the recommendation of the General Headquarters Staff and with the approval of the Executive Committee.

E8.05-5  The Charles G. Ross Award may be presented annually to the active chapter with the most outstanding publications program. The recipient is to be selected by vote of a panel of alumni members experienced in the fields of journalism and related areas, appointed by the Editor of Publications with the approval of the Chairman of the Publications Board of the Fraternity.

E8.05-6  The Public Relations, Community and Campus Service Award may be presented annually to the active chapter which has conducted the most outstanding program in this area of activity.  In addition, a Public Relations Citation will be presented to those active chapters which have conducted commendable programs in this area of activity. Selection of the Citation recipients shall be made by the Executive Director in consultation with the General Headquarters Staff.  The Award recipient will be selected by a committee of alumni members having experience in this area of activity, appointed by the Grand Consul.

E8.05-7  There shall be an Awards Committee appointed by the Grand Consul. The following awards may be presented annually to the individual or chapter selected by the Awards Committee for recommendation to the Executive Committee from among the nominations of active chapters or alumni chapters, as appropriate, submitted on the form provided by the General Headquarters: (i). Dr. Erwin L. LeClerg Chapter Advisor Award, recognizing an outstanding alumni member serving as the Chapter Advisor of an active chapter. (ii) William T. Bringham House Corporation Officer Award, recognizing an outstanding alumni member serving as an officer of a house corporation for an active chapter. (iii) Jay E. Minton Alumni Chapter Officer Award, recognizing an outstanding alumni member serving as an officer of an alumni chapter. (iv) Edna A. Boss Houseparent Award, recognizing an outstanding individual serving as houseparent to an active chapter. (v) Dr. Donald B. Ward Alumni Chapter Community Service Award, recognizing the alumni chapter conducting an outstanding program in the area of service to the community in which it is located. (vi) Alumni Chapter Excellence Award, which shall be the Fraternity’s highest award to alumni chapters in recognition of commendable performance in the major fields of operations, programs and activities. In addition, the Edwin C. Fisher Grand Praetor Award may be presented biennially to a Grand Praetor who has guided both individual brothers and chapters in his Province to strive for their full potential, has endeavored to foster a spirit of brotherly unity among all the chapters within his Province, and has executed all Statutory duties for the term in which he is nominated.

E8.05-8  The following awards may be presented annually, to recipients as selected by the vote of a panel of alumni members experienced in the area of activity prescribed by the Award, appointed by the Grand Consul, on recommendation of the Executive Director: (i) James E. Montgomery Award recognizing an outstanding publications program of an alumni chapter. (ii) Outstanding Sportsman of the Year Award recognizing an outstanding member in the field of athletics.

E8.05-9  A Grand Consul’s Citation may be presented by the Grand Consul, to a member who has performed outstanding service to the Fraternity; or to designated non-members in special circumstances. Individuals may be nominated for the award by a chapter, Fraternity body or member.  Citations will be made sparingly and with a high degree of selectivity for service which may include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) service for several years to a functioning group within the Fraternity (as faculty member of the Leadership Training Workshop, a House Corporation Officer, Chapter Advisor or Alumni Chapter Officer); (b) a single event involving unusual devotion of time or sacrifice or heroism (major fund raising project, Chairman of a Grand Chapter Committee, installation of a chapter, an act resulting in the saving of human life).

E8.05-10  A Certificate of Appreciation may be presented, upon authorization of the Executive Director, to a member or to a non-member in recognition of excellent service to the Fraternity.  Requests for a certificate may be made by a chapter, Fraternity body or member who shall pay for the certificate.  The certificate is designed to recognize service as an officer of an active or alumni chapter, alumni association or house corporation, or a special incident of service to a chapter or the Fraternity by a member or non-member.

E8.05-11  A Semi-Century Sig Certificate may be presented to an alumni member who has been active in the Fraternity and a member for fifty (50) or more years.  This certificate is presented at the request of an active or alumni chapter or Fraternity body.

E8.05-12  An award, including but not limited to a Peterson Award, Balfour Award, Significant Sig Award and other award or certification, may be revoked or rescinded by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. The individual or chapter so affected shall have thirty (30) days from the date notification of the revocation is sent to appeal that revocation. The individual or chapter may appear at the next face to face Executive Committee meeting to present their appeal, provided that such presentation shall be subject to limitation by the Grand Consul.

Statute No. 9 – Amendments

S9.01  Only the Governing Laws Committee pursuant to Statute 4.13 or members in good standing may propose amendments to the Constitution.  Any proposal by members in good standing must be endorsed by a petition presented by five percent of the total of the active and alumni chapters in good standing as of the date of the petition.  Any proposed amendment shall be placed in the hands of the Executive Director ninety (90) days prior to the opening session of the Grand Chapter, for his prompt distribution to all chapters and persons entitled to vote thereon and considered reported on by the Governing Laws Committee pursuant to Statute 4.13.

S9.02  The Statutes may be amended by majority vote of any session of the Grand Chapter or of the Grand Council.  Any proposal to amend the Statutes must be (i) proposed by the Governing Laws Committee pursuant to Statute 4.13, or (ii) endorsed by a petition presented by five percent of the total of the active and alumni chapters in good standing as of the date of the petition.  Any proposed amendment shall be placed in the hands of the Executive Director ninety (90) days prior to the opening session of the Grand Chapter or the Grand Council, as the case may be, for his prompt distribution to all chapters and persons entitled to vote thereon and considered and reported on by the Governing Laws Committee pursuant to Statute 4.13.  The Statutes may also be amended by majority vote of the active and alumni chapters in good standing on submission to them of the proposed amendment or amendments by mail endorsed either (i) by the Governing Laws Committee pursuant to Statute 4.13, or (ii) by a petition presented by five percent of the total of the active and alumni chapters in good standing as of the date of the petition.  Any amendment or amendments proposed for mail vote must be placed in the hands of the Executive Director forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the mail vote, for his prompt distribution to all chapters and persons entitled to vote thereon.

E9.02-1  An optional mail vote on proposed changes to the Ritual or Ritualistic Statutes shall be conducted with due regard for secrecy. Amendments to the Ritual shall be submitted to the Grand Chapter, and amendments to the Ritualistic Statutes shall be submitted to either Grand Chapter or Grand Council. All amendments shall be circulated by the Executive Director using certified or registered mail or via another qualified delivery system which will ensure appropriate security and record of delivery. Ballots for mail votes shall be submitted to the General Headquarters within sixty (60) days from the date of official circulation..

E9.02-2  Executive Committee Regulations and policies enacted by the Executive Committee for the General Fraternity may be amended by majority vote of any session of Grand Chapter or Grand Council.  Any proposed amendment must be endorsed in principle either (i) by ten chapters in good standing, or (ii) by the Governing Laws Committee.  In either case, the proposal shall be received by the Executive Director thirty (30) days prior to the opening session of Grand Chapter or Grand Council, for prompt distribution to all chapters and persons entitled to vote thereon.

E9.02-3  The Executive Director shall give reasonable notice, but not less than thirty (30) days, to all members of the Grand Council, prior to any Executive Committee meeting at which a proposed Executive Committee Regulation is to be considered and voted upon.  The notice shall contain a text of the proposed regulation. This provision may be waived by a vote of two/thirds of the Executive Committee members present, if the Grand Consul declares a state of emergency requiring prompt action.

The following policy statement has been adopted as a part of the Governing Laws and therefore demands the same respect and attention of the Fraternity's Ritual, Constitutions, Statutes, and Executive Committee Regulations:

Statement of Position Concerning Pledge Training & the Ritual

The teachings of our Ritual—the basis of all our pledging and initiation, and active and alumni life—must govern our every act and attitude. Initiation into Sigma Chi is truly not only a ceremony by which new members are created, but is much more. Its meanings are subject to constant interpretation and achievement by those who have earned the honor by striving for it.

The Fraternity provides extensive material and guidance to chapters on this subject through The Ritual, Ritualistic Statutes, “The Norman Shield, “The Magister’s Manual, the programs of the Leadership Training Workshop, Jordan Initiative, many Province Workshops, just to mention a few, Additionally, resources are provided through the  efforts of the Grand Praetors, alumni volunteers and Headquarters Staff. Further guidance and assistance in those and other areas will continue, and is available to any chapter upon request.

The Basis of Concern

The reasons for concern by the Fraternity in this area cannot be dealt with simply under the heading of the term “hazing.” The term “hazing” is sometimes too narrowly defined by some seeking rationalizations. The goal is preparation for a productive life as a citizen, through Sigma Chi, not merely forced humility or “second class citizenship.” We believe, as the Sigma Chi Creed says, in fairness, decency, good manners, and being ever a credit to our Fraternity.

There is a definite need for increased knowledge and understanding of the seriousness of purpose of Sigma Chi, and the expectations and commitments made by all of us in experiencing our Ritual and the honor of becoming a member.

Your Fraternity leaders and Executive Committee realize and appreciate that the majority of our active chapters conduct responsible and inspiring pledge programs, I-Weeks, and Initiation ceremonies and have not been, are not, and will not become involved in anything which even remotely could be considered “hazing” or in violation of Sigma Chi law or programs. Nonetheless, there is a definite necessity for an increased vigilance, awareness, dedication and determination in this matter. There are chapters in Sigma Chi where our Ritual and its purposes and procedures are not adhered to the fullest, and where questionable, contradictory or wasteful activities are taking place during the Pledge Program, I-Week, or Initiation.

In confronting this problem, the following basics are pertinent:

• Sigma Chi, both in stated goals and purposes, is a positive experience, designed to be contributory and beneficial throughout a man’s life.
• Past, present and future, its purpose is to be uplifting, motivational, value-setting, and enjoyable in constructive ways.
• Its heart is brotherhood, personal association and involvement, and an obligation of every brother to help each other to achieve. It is in the context of positive emphasis and guidance that the following guidelines will apply, and are to be used in determining and conducting any of our activities in the pledging, pre-Initiation and Initiation programs:

Pledge Program Guidelines

• The goals set forth in The Jordan Standard require us, as a Fraternity, to ensure that we allow each student time for his academic responsibilities, a minimum of 6 hours uninterrupted sleep per night, and reasonable campus involvement. Our prospective members are in school for an education, a learning experience, both in and out of the classroom.
• Whatever is performed or allowed to happen must be fully consistent with the ideals and the spirit of our Ritual, Ritualistic Statutes, and Governing Laws. The purpose of the program should be to treat the young men as future leaders of our order.
• If an activity became known and/or publicized, could it really be explained or justified to, and understood or appreciated by, Fraternity officials, parents, university officials, or potential members? If not, it should not be done.
• A man does not pledge to be in servitude to an individual brother. He is aspiring to be a member of the Chapter and the Fraternity.
• If something is designed just to make a man “a good pledge,” rather than to make him a good brother, or just to see “how much he wants to become a member,” it is not appropriate.
• Forced unity or “unity-at-any-cost” can, often unknowingly, result in resentment or exaggerated competition against the chapter, and conflict with the pledge class’ later integration into the chapter, creating a caste system. Unity, loyalty and devotion will occur from shared experiences and ideas.
• If instilling humility is the only or major purpose of what is being done, it should not be done.
• The fact that “we’ve always done it” does not, by itself, justify its continuance.
• The greater the extent of physical or mental exhaustion, excessive nervousness or fear, total frustration, or desire to “get this over with,” the greater the likelihood that the pledge will not absorb, remember and understand the important lessons of our pledge program, the Initiation and Ritual.

Examples of Prohibited Activities

Actions and activities which are explicitly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Any calisthenics, including but not limited to; sit-ups, push-ups, “ ‘bows and toes,” and wall sits.
• Running stairs while reciting material.
• Group runs for the sake of creating “unity,” regardless if it is with active brothers or not.
• Line-ups during which the pledges are placed in front of the chapter in an environment which could reasonably be considered intimidating in nature.
• Link systems, or anything similar, used to intimidate the pledge toward improved performance.
• Forced dorming or sleeping at a chapter-designated location, including the chapter house, separate from the pledge’s permanent residence.
• Yelling and screaming or use of obscenities at pledges in any manner whatsoever.
• Telling pledge he’s failed by snuffing out candles in front of him.
• Brothers intentionally mess up the house or room after pledges clean it.
• Pledges booed and hissed or demeaned when they make a mistake. Pledges being required to perform personal errands or acts of personal servitude for the convenience of brothers. Activities considered personal servitude include, but are not limited to; cleaning, errand running, driving brothers around.
• Calling pledges “scums,” “poops,” “plebes,” or other degrading terms.
• Wearing burlap bags or other embarrassing or uncomfortable garments.
• Less than six hours of undisturbed time in bed each night at any point during their pledgeship or I-Week.
• Deception designed to convince the pledge he won’t be initiated.
• Forcing the pledges to eat any food that is designed to make them sick, burn their mouth, starve them, and/or embarrass them.
• Excessively loud music played during I-Week and between portions of various ceremonies.
• Paddle swats.
• Pushing, shoving or tackling pledges during movement to various events.
• Pledges dragged onto the floor when awakened.
• Pledges write list of their faults or “sins,” believing they must read them to the chapter or brothers.
• Bracing, forcing pledges to sit in a specific position for an extended period of time, and finger-snapping in pledges’ ears.
• Any violation of Ritual instructions, procedures or Statutes.
• Brothers using Ritual materials before Initiation.
• Stripping a pledge down to their underwear or nothing at all.
• Branding the pledges with cigarettes or other hot items
• Forced consumption of alcohol or sharing of alcohol with active brothers as part of a big brother celebration.
• “Fight Nights” where pledges have to fight one another or actives
•  Any drug usage including forced drug usage
• Involving pledges in any form of a designated driver program
• Pledges forced to sleep in a location that is below the quality of their normal residential living environment
• Intentionally black-balling a pledge to send a message to other pledges
• Interviewing brothers for the main purpose of memorization of their information
• Intentionally prohibiting pledges from being able to meet and interact with the members of the active chapter
• Forcing pledges to buy uniforms
• Requiring pledges to buy items for members of the chapter with their own money, such as; gas, cigarettes, condoms, etc
• Any kidnapping activities as a part of a walkout program or revolt. This includes scavenger hunts.

These are a few practices which have been done in the past and there are thousands of others also equally unacceptable.

For any other activities that may not be included above, chapters and members should ask themselves these following questions to consider whether the activity is one that aligns with the spirit of this policy:

• Would you object to this activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by a local TV news crew?
• Would you feel comfortable participating in this activity if your parents, professors, or University officials were present?
• Would you tell potential recruits or new pledges about the activity that they will go through?
• Does participation in this activity violate my values or those of Sigma Chi?
• Does the activity risk emotional or physical harm or abuse?
• If someone were injured, would I feel comfortable being investigated by the police or an insurance carrier?

Conclusion

Sigma Chi’s specified programs for pledge training, I-Week and Initiation, absent of any hazing or questionable activities, have proved to be consistently effective in achieving the development of active, effective committed brothers. Only the brothers in the active chapters can carry out these programs, however.

All Sigma Chis have a responsibility to the Fraternity and its future, and to the rest of the Greek system, and to our families, to enhance and contribute to our reputation, and not even remotely create any situation which may damage it. Sigma Chi must depend on our undergraduate brothers and chapters to perpetuate our Grand Fraternity through Initiation. With this expression of concern and communication, our confidence is placed in you.

Originally issued in August 1977 by the Fraternity Executive Committee, chaired by then Grand Consul James F. Bash.

Amended and re-issued in March 2015 by the Fraternity Executive Committee, chaired by then Grand Consul Michael A. Greenberg.

Further amended and re-issued in June 2016 by the Fraternity Executive Committee, chaired by then Grand Consul Michael A. Ursillo.