Chapter Bylaws
Of the
Pi-Xi Chapter
Of
Tau Kappa Epsilon
At
University of California San Diego
Revised October 20th, 2013
Preamble (amended 9/25/11, proposed by Anthony Pesota)
We, the fraters of the Pi-Xi chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, located at
the University of California at San Diego, being fully chartered as a regular
undergraduate chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, specifically adopt the
International Constitution and International Bylaws and traditions of Tau Kappa Epsilon
Fraternity. In addition, the fraters of the Pi-Xi chapter exclusively adopt and shall
operate under the following bylaws. Tau Kappa Epsilon is a non-profit student
organization.
Article 1
Organization (amended 9/25/11, proposed by Anthony Pesota)
Section 1. Organization. We, the fraters of the Pi-Xi chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon
Fraternity, located at the University of California at San Diego, being fully chartered as
a regular undergraduate chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity specifically adopt the
International Constitution and International Bylaws and traditions of Tau Kappa Epsilon
Fraternity. In addition, the fraters of the Pi-Xi chapter exclusively adopt and shall
operate under the following bylaws. Tau Kappa Epsilon is a non-profit student
organization.
Article 2
Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings will be held on campus located at a
suitable site at 7:00pm every Sunday during the standard school year. The Prytanis with
sufficient time and notice may call Special/Emergency meetings.
Section 2. Special Meetings, How Called. Special meeting may be called at any time by
the Prytanis, and shall be called by written request of no less than 5 members. The
purpose of the meeting shall be clearly stated in any such request.
Section 3. Notice of Special Meeting. Notice of special meetings shall be given at least
24 hours in advance and will be posted in chapter bulletin board and/or website.
Section 4. Quorum. 51% of the undergraduate active chapter shall constitute a quorum
for conducting business.
Section 5. Order of Business. The following order shall be the order of business at all
formal meetings. (IF designates Formal meeting procedures)
1) Opening by ritual with initiated members present
2) Roll call by Grammateus (IF)
3) Reading of last minutes by Grammateus (IF)
4) Report of officers and chairs (IF)
5) State of the fraternity by Prytanis (IF)
6) Public Announcements (May also be done any time during meeting upon speakers
approval) (IF)
7) Old Business (IF)
8) New Business (IF)
9) Pass the gavel (IF)
Section 6. Special Orders of Business. (With formal meeting structure) (amended
11/2/08, proposed by Jay Soomal)
1) On official visits by a (n) Grand Officer, or his representative, the report of his
inspection will be given following the reading of the minutes.
2) At meetings called by or because of a Court of Inquiry, the business shall be taken up
immediately after roll call
3) Charges against members shall be heard under the headings, and the method, time,
and procedure to determine immediately after.
4) Fifth week Seventh week fall quarter, elections must take place under New Business.
5) At the next regular meeting after a vacancy occurs in office, the election and
installation to fill the vacancy shall occur under New Business
Section 7. Elections. (amended 10/21/13 proposed by Grant Oliveira)
1) Elections to nine offices shall be held during the fifth week seventh week sixth week
of the fall quarter.
2) The week before elections, nominations are to be made
Nominations will occur 8th week of the Spring Quarter preceding the election in order
to give the nominees time to shadow their predecessor officially. A final round of
nominations will occur the meeting before elections: fifth week of Fall quarter.
3) During the election meeting, nominations will be taken one last time. Immediately
after, each candidate will receive 3 minutes to read a prepared statement and will
answer 3 minutes of questions from the chapter. The candidates will then leave the
room and 3 pro and 3 cons will be given. The winning candidate must have a 50% +
1 vote 2/3 + 1 vote, in the event a 50% + 1 vote 2/3 + 1 vote is not gathered, the
lowest ranking candidate will be removed from the race and a new vote will be taken.
a) When only 2 or less candidates remain, the winning candidate must have a 50% +
1 vote.
4) Special elections to fill incomplete officer terms shall take place in the same manner
as regular elections.
Section 8. Voting. (amended 9/14/2012, proposed by Bradley Feest)
1) No voting may take place unless quorum is met; that is fifty-one percent (51%) of the
undergraduate active chapter is present.
2) All active members who maintain good standing with the fraternity may vote.
3) Votes shall be counted and results announced by the presiding officer at the
conclusion of voting.
4) Voting is only valid when sixty-seven percent (67%) of the present Active Body casts
a yes or no vote
5) Matters in direct opposition to the Risk Management Committee that directly pertain
to risk management or those directly affecting the financial matters of the chapter
shall require seventy-five percent (75%) of the voting body to successfully pass.
a) Determination as to whether a vote falls into either of these situations shall be
solely at the discretion of the Prytanis
6) Any vote to amend or suspend the bylaws shall require seventy-five percent (75%) of
the voting body to successfully pass.
a) Determination as to whether a vote falls into either of these situations shall be
solely at the discretion of the Prytanis.
7) Any vote not addressing in points 2.8.4, 2.8.5 or 2.8.6 shall require sixty-seven
percent (67%) of the voting body to successfully pass
8) Voting must take place during a chapter meeting
9) A vote for the affirmative shall be signified by clearly raising both hands in the form
of a triangle.
a) This method is not required if the voting is to be secretive for a singular vote
b) Determination as to whether a vote falls into either of these situations shall be
solely at the discretion of the Prytanis.
10) Current Candidates shall not be allowed to vote nor run for any position on the
Executive Board.
a) Current Candidates shall be allowed to vote as well as run for any committee
chair position that does not fall under the duties of any member of the Executive
Board
Section 10. Candidate Voting (amended 6/2/11, proposed by Anthony Pesota)
1) The Chapter shall convene a Regular Meeting two days before the end of each Rush
Recruitment Week
a. It is unnecessary to have Quorum
2) A vote on each candidate shall take place as to whether they receive a bid that quarter
a) Requires an eighty (80%) majority vote.
3) Bid Committee will interview each candidate and distribute bids to candidates on the
day before the end of Rush Recruitment Week (Article III, Section 1)
Section 10. Candidate Voting (amended 6/2/11, proposed by Anthony Pesota, amended
9/14/2012, proposed by Michael Szewczyk)
1) The Bid Committee shall convene a meeting two days before the end of each
Recruitment Week
2) A vote on each candidate shall take place as to whether they receive a bid that
quarter
a. Requires an eighty (80%) majority vote in order to receiver a bid.
Article 3
Officers and Committees
Preamble
The purpose of this section is to clearly delineate the responsibilities of each office.
Failure to perform any of the listed duties of office is grounds for immediate review and
dismissal from office.
Section 1. Duties of the Prytanis (amended 11/2/08, proposed by Jay Soomal)
1) To Ensure the well being of the fraternity;
2) To preside over all meetings;
3) To enforce the Constitution, Bylaws, traditions, and rituals of the International
Fraternity and the Chapter;
4) To have all the duties and powers of a president; to serve as the Chief Executive
Officer of the Chapter; to identify and report on the goals of the Chapter; and to carry
out the wishes of the Chapter, in so far as they are consistent with the Constitution,
Bylaws, traditions and rituals of the International Fraternity and the Chapter, and the
laws of the state, province, or the local government or the College or University;
5) To meet with the Board of Advisors and Crysophylos as necessary but, as a
minimum, within two weeks prior to the close of the school year, and to assist in the
preparation of a budget for the following school year;
6) To appoint all committee chairmen, removing any who do not fulfill their
responsibilities. Appointed chairmen will be ratified by a jeweled officer vote. To
remove any committee chairmen who do not fulfill their responsibilities.
7) To serve as the voting delegate to campus interfraternal organizations, unless another
member shall be designated;
8) To serve as the Chapter delegate to Grand Chapter meetings, and Conclaves, unless
another delegate be so designated;
9) To serve as a member of the Membership Quality Board;
10) To serve as a member of the Bid Committee;
11) To serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Advisors, with full voting
privileges;
12) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 2. Duties of the Epiprytanis (amended 11/2/08, proposed by Jay Soomal)
1) To perform all the duties of Prytanis in the absence of the Prytanis;
2) To generally assist the Prytanis;
3) To hold copies of the Constitution, Bylaws of the Chapter and International
Fraternity, and to be familiar with their contents, bringing copies of them to all
meetings and being prepared to answer or secure answers for any question or
interpretation of them;
4) To conduct all correspondence with the Offices of the Grand Chapter, Grand Officers,
and other International Representatives;
5) To oversee the performance of the Committee Chairs and coordinate and schedule
regular meetings with them;
6) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 3. Duties of the External Vice President
1) To prepare a social program based on the budget as approved by the Board of
Advisors. Such programs shall be presented under new business for approval;
2) To supervise and direct the social program, hiring halls, bands, services, purchasing
supplies, or making other expenditures as approved in the previously adopted
program, with all contracts being reviewed and approved by the Board of Advisors
prior to being signed by the Chairman of the Board of Advisors;
3) To ensure that sufficient quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and sufficient
quantities of food are available at all social functions;
4) To coordinate with the Risk Management Committee in developing and enforcing a
social policy for the Chapter. The Chairman of the Social Committee serves as a
member of the Risk Management Committee.
5) Serves as Internal Epiprytanis in his absence;
6) Functions as a social chair for committee to assist with aforementioned duties;
7) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 4. Duties of the Grammateus
1) To keep a permanent record of all proceedings of the Chapter preserving and passing
this record to his successor in office;
2) To send copies of all meeting minutes to the Offices of the Grand Chapter, Regional
and District Officials at their request;
3) To attend to all correspondence not otherwise delegated, maintaining a file of all
Chapter correspondence with the Offices of the Grand Chapter, the school and other
interested parties;
4) To report any unfinished business to the Chapter at each regular meeting;
5) To prepare and forward, promptly, to the Offices of the Grand Chapter a record of
each new initiate, honorary or transfer member with all appropriate fees;
6) To execute and forward to the Offices of the Grand Chapter the credentials of each
Chapter delegate to meetings of the Grand Chapter and Conclaves;
7) To certify to the Offices of the Grand Chapter the nominations of the Chapter and
Faculty Advisors, and
8) To serve on the Membership Quality Board and provide the meeting attendance
record of all members, upon request;
9) Check chapter mailbox on a weekly basis;
10) Maintain all chapter communication including phone-list, email list serve, and chapter
website;
11) To prepare a written set of minutes to the chapter members within 24 hrs of general
meeting;
12) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 5. Duties of the Crysophylos
1) To act as treasurer, collecting all monies due to the Chapter and paying all bills owed
by the Chapter, keeping an accurate record of all transactions;
2) To make a report, in writing, to the Chapter at each meeting of all receipts and
expenditures;
3) To promptly remit to the Offices of the Grand Chapter, Annual Membership Fees,
Liability Insurance Fees, and ensuring payment of and initiation fees, and other
monies owed;
4) To draft a complete financial statement, no less frequently than once each month,
concerning all chapter accounts, filing one copy in the chapter records and sending a
copy to the Chapter Advisor, Chairman of the Board of Advisors and the Grand
Province Advisor;
5) To assist in developing the Chapter budget for the next year and to be responsible for
its proper execution after approval by the Board of Advisors and Chapter;
6) To perform all other functions as treasurer to ensure the financial well-being of the
Chapter;
7) To provide to the Membership Quality Board the financial records of all members,
upon request;
8) To serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Advisors, with full voting
privileges;
9) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 6. Duties of the Histor
1) To keep a permanent record of the personal history and address of each member of
the Chapter, informing the Offices of the Grand Chapter of any changes of address of
active and alumni members, especially to include change of address at graduation;
2) To act as the Chapter historian, preserving all items of historical importance;
3) To promptly provide information to the "THE TEKE" editor at the Offices of the
Grand Chapter concerning individual chapter activities;
4) To furnish information on activities of the Fraternity or its individuals to the school
and community newspapers and other publications;
5) To execute credentials in the absence of the Grammateus;
6) To report to the Chapter all contact with, and/or correspondence from, alumni;
7) To safely keep and transmit to his successor the scroll of the Chapter;
8) To coordinate all alumni activities, events and functions with the Chapter’s Alumni
Association President or his representative.
9) Keep photograph records of all TKE events in a organized fashion including member
photographs for administrative purposes;
10) Keep archived minutes of past meetings;
11) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 7. Duties of the Hypophetes
1) To conduct all devotional exercises of the Chapter;
2) To maintain and have custody of all ritual equipment and Red Books;
3) To administer the Oath of Office to the officers-elect;
4) To preside in the absence of both the Prytanis and Epiprytanis;
5) To develop the Chapter’s Scholarship Program;
6) To collect and record the grades of each member;
7) To counsel any member about his academic progress and difficulties, arranging for
further help, tutoring and assistance as needed;
8) To extend the hospitality of the Chapter to visitors and to see to their needs;
9) To direct Chapter participation in all campus activities not otherwise directed by these
Bylaws;
10) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 8. Duties of the Pylortes
1) To act as doorkeeper and Sergeant-at-Arms at all meetings, maintaining order as
needed or directed by the Prytanis;
2) Maintenance of all flags or other external insignia, properly displaying them
whenever customary;
3) To act as the chapter's Chief Risk Manager; chairing the Risk Management
Committee, and creating a risk management/reduction strategy and plan
a) To ensure that the Chapter follows the TKE Risk Management guidelines as well
as Chapter Risk Management protocols;
b) To develop, implement, and enforce a social protocol/strategy which shall address
all matters of risk management, which may include but not be limited to alcohol,
drugs, hazing, etc. on Chapter property or at chapter functions, and other risk
management concerns;
c) To cooperate with the Pylortes in ensuring that all Chapter members are educated
in, and aware of, all TKE and Chapter risk management guidelines;
d) To report violations to the Chapter Judicial Board, the Board of Advisors, Chapter
Advisor and the Offices of the Grand Chapter.
e) To be trained in CPR/First Aid within the first 3 months of officer transition (to
be reimbursed by the chapter) (Proposed 2/9/14 by Cameron McElfresh, amended
2/17/13)
4) Educating the chapter in its entirety regarding proper standards of risk management at
least twice a year;
5) Acting as head security at TKE social functions;
6) To work with Crysophylos in dues collections by any means necessary;
7) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 10. Duties of the Hegemon (amended 9/25/11, proposed by Anthony Pesota)
1) To serve as the Chapter Educator, responsible for the education of all chapter
members;
2) To coordinate the ordering and maintenance of materials and supplies for Candidates
for Membership;
3) To coordinate all member education sessions and meetings;
4) To be responsible for the Big Brother Program and ensuring each big bro fulfills his
responsibilities;
5) To serve as a member of the Membership Quality Board;
6) Serve on the Rush Committee and assist Rush Chair;
7) To serve as a member of the Risk Management Committee;
8) To serve as a member of the Bid Committee;
9) To ensure that new candidates are properly prepared for initiation;
10) To prohibit any physical or psychological harm to new members, commonly known
as ‘hazing’
11) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 11. Duties of the Rush Chair (amended 11/15/09, proposed by Brian Carnes)
1) To develop and implement an appropriate and effective program to attract new
members to the Fraternity, submitting the program in writing to the Chapter at the end
of each term for approval for the next term;
2) To ensure that all Chapter members are trained in recruitment (rush) techniques;
3) To invite interested individuals to accept membership and to report to the Chapter at
the next meeting.
4) To serve as a member of the Membership Quality Board.
5) To be aware of all programs and resources available to assist the chapter in its
recruitment efforts;
6) To oversee and coordinate all rush recruitment related events;
7) To serve as a member of the Bid Committee;
8) To, in general, do all matters necessary to promote the good and welfare of the
Fraternity and its members.
Section 12. Duties of the Recruitment Chair (amended 11/15/09, proposed by Brian
Carnes)
1) To ensure that all individuals interested in the fraternity remain fully informed about
the rush recruitment program.
2) To be the immediate liaison between all interested individuals and the chapter.
3) To ensure that all Chapter members are trained in recruitment (rush) techniques.
4) To assist the Rush Chair with any necessary tasks pertaining to Rush Recruitment.
5) To serve as Rush Chair if he is temporarily unable to perform his duties.
6) To serve as a member of the Bid Committee.
7) To serve on the Rush Committee.
Section 13. Duties of the Publicity Chair (amended 1/21/13, proposed by Grant Oliveira)
1) To preside over the creation and distribution of all publicity materials, including but
not limited to t-shirts, business cards.
2) To make certain that rush attire and publicity materials are ordered in a timely fashion
and arrive no later than the first day of the quarter for which it is designed.
3) To extend and promote the fraternity’s online presence in conjunction with the
Technology chair and the Histor.
4) To create unique publicity materials for each external chapter event
Section 14. Duties of the Scholarship Chair (amended 1/21/13, proposed by Grant
Oliveira)
1)
To maintain and expand all relevant study materials
2)
To book study rooms during finals and midterms
3)
To preside over study hours at his discretion
4)
To preside over the list of members in poor academic standing in accordance with
Article 5, Section 1, Subsection 7 and to pass this list to the Executive Board.
Section 13. Duties of the Sports Chair
1) To organize and supervise the athletic participation of the Chapter in all appropriate
events.
Section 14. Duties of Judicial Board Representative
1) To hear all cases involving misconduct of members and violations of Chapter bylaws,
the Chapter Risk Management Policy, and the Constitution, Bylaws, laws, traditions,
usages, obligations and ritualistic ceremonies of the Fraternity;
2) To recommend to the Chapter appropriate sanctions upon conviction of minor
violations;
3) To recommend trial by Special Court, as outlined in Chapters XXV and XXVI of the
International Bylaws and Traditions, for any serious violation of the obligations of
membership;
Section 15. Duties of the Risk Management Chair (amended 10/10/09, proposed by Mark
Borden)
1. To ensure that the Chapter follows the TKE Risk Management guidelines as well
as Chapter Risk Management protocols;
2. To develop, implement, and enforce a social protocol/strategy which shall address
all matters of risk management, which may include but not be limited to alcohol,
drugs, hazing, etc. on Chapter property or at chapter functions, and other risk
management concerns;
3. To cooperate with the Pylortes in ensuring that all Chapter members are educated
in, and aware of, all TKE and Chapter risk management guidelines;
4. To report violations to the Chapter Judicial Board, the Board of Advisors, Chapter
Advisor and the Offices of the Grand Chapter.
Section 16. Duties of the Technology Chair (amended 2/6/10, proposed by David Li)
1) To maintain all chapter communication including phone-list, email list serve,
and chapter website; (From Section 4, 10: Remove from Gram and put it here)
2) To assist the Executive Board and Committee Chairmen with all relevant
technological needs.
3) To extend and promote the Chapter’s online presence.
4) To utilize technology to facilitate the Chapter’s needs.
Section 17. Duties of the Housing Chair (amended 2/16/10, proposed by Brian Han and
Jeffrey Lane)
1) To assist in the grouping of Fraters into housing groups based on their desired size of
house, type of roommates, price range and other considerations.
2) To search classified ads (print and online) and similar sources for properties suitable
for groups of interested Fraters.
3) To communicate with housing groups, including those who have already decided to
live together, regarding housing status and potential properties.
4) To facilitate the process of obtaining housing, including reminding housing groups
about potential properties, open houses and opportunities to tour properties.
Section 18. Membership Quality Board (amended 11/18/07, proposed by Nicholas
Butson-Wedewer; amended 4/13/08, proposed by the Executive Board: Steve
Serchia; amended 3/8/09, proposed by the Membership Quality Board: Grant
Luchsinger)
Creation
1) The Membership quality board shall consist of 4 core members, but may request the
assistance of any other fraters as non-voting members, to provide advice and counsel
2) The Membership quality board shall consist of 5 members, but may request the
assistance of any other fraters as non-voting members, to provide advice and counsel.
a) These core voting members shall be
i) Prytanis
ii) Hegemon
iii) Rush Chairman Pylortes ( proposed by Cameron McElfresh 1/12/14,
amended 1/26/14)
iv) Grammateus
v) 1 non-Executive Board position-holding elect
vi) 1 chapter elect approved by the executive board through a simple majority
vii) Epiprytanis
viii) Hypophetes
ix) Crysopholes
Duties of the Membership Quality Board
1) To develop recruitment standards and Member Standards and to present them to the
Chapter for approval;
2) To review these standards each year and present recommendations to the Chapter for
approval;
3) To act as the Chapter’s Judicial Board and hear all cases in which fraters have taken
actions that go against the Member standards as well as evaluating Chapter members
each academic terms according to the established Member Standards.
a) To place members on warning, probation or suspension, or refer to the appropriate
authority for action by way of a 4/5 vote of the Board.
b) To recommend charges for revocation of membership for any member who has
seriously or repeatedly fallen below the Member Standards. These charges shall
be read at the next regular Chapter meeting and the chapter shall decide by way of
a ¾ vote whether to revoke membership or not.
c) To evaluate members who have met the standards on a sustained basis for
appropriate recognition's.
i) Order of the Founder’s
(1) The recognition of Order of the Founders shall be given to any frater who
has successfully given at least one whole year of service to the fraternity
and has at the same time not fallen into bad standing for the entirety of the
previous year.
(2) Barring special circumstances in which the Membership Quality Board
votes otherwise, this award is to be presented during a formal chapter
meeting taking place in Fall Quarter.
ii) Knights of Classic Lore
(1) The recognition of Knights of Classic Lore shall be given to any frater
who has never been in bad standing, has given a year of service to the
fraternity as a committee chair or executive board position, has taken on a
little brother, has been in the fraternity for at least two years including rush
their specific recruitment quarter, has a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75,
has taken on a significant leadership role, and is deemed capable by a 4/5
vote of the Membership Quality Board.
(2) Barring special circumstances in which the Membership Quality Board
votes otherwise, this award is to be presented during a formal chapter
meeting taking place in Winter Quarter.
iii) Fraternity for Life
(1) The recognition of Fraternity for Life shall be given to any frater who has
already been initiated into Order of the Founders and is a graduating
senior.
(2) Barring special circumstances in which the Membership Quality Board
votes otherwise, this award is to be presented during a formal chapter
meeting taking place in Spring Quarter.
4) To select members whom meet the dues discount requirement (Article 4, Section 2),
choosing whether or not they meet all the membership standards and go beyond them,
providing their time and effort to better the Fraternity.
a) Each candidate who meets the requirements (Article 4, Section 2) will go to a
vote, and with ¾ 3/5 4/5 consent, shall receive the discount anointed (Article 4,
Section 2, Paragraph 1, line c)
1) authority (Judicial Board or Board of Advisors) for action. To interview each for
Membership;
2) To invite men to join the Fraternity; (this duty is done by the Prytanis, Hegemon,
Rush Chairman, and 1 chapter elect that can be different from the elected member to
the Membership Quality Board)
3) To evaluate Chapter members each academic terms according to the established
Member Standards.
a) To recommend placing members on warning, probation or suspension, or refer to
the appropriate
b) To recommend charges for revocation of membership for any member who has
seriously or repeatedly fallen below the Member Standards. These charges shall
be read at the next regular Chapter meeting and a vote should be taken to empanel
a Special Court. The Special Court shall be conducted as outlined in the
International constitution and Bylaws (The Black Book).
c) To recommend members who have met the standards on a sustained basis for
appropriate recognition's, i.e., Knights of the Classic Lore, etc.
Section 19. Qualification of Officers (amended 11/2/08, proposed by Jay Soomal)
1) All candidates for election to office must maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and
must be enrolled as a full time student with the university
2) An officer wishing to resign his office must give 2 weeks notice in written form to the
chapter
3) All officers must be fully initiated and maintain active status with the chapter
4) The following will be elected by 50% + 1 vote 2/3% + 1 vote: Prytanis, Internal
Epiprytanis, External Epiprytanis, Grammateus, Crysophylos, Histor, Hypophetes,
Pylortes, Hegemon, and Rush Chairman
5) All officers must be able to attend weekly officer core meetings
6) One officer on the Executive Board (other than the Pylortes) must be trained in
CPR/First Aid within 3 months of officer transition (to be reimbursed by the chapter)
(proposed 2/9/14 by Cameron McElfresh, amended 2/17/14)
Section 20. Obligations and Rights of Officers and Chairmen (amended 11/2/08,
proposed by Jay Soomal)
1) Each officer and chairman is responsible for the actions and functions of it’s
respective groups
2) Each officer is not to exceed their budget, and shall maintain proper financial control
and records over their allocated funds
3) Committee chairmen can be removed by 2/3 +1 vote of the officers that elected them
of the active chapter at general meetings or 50% + 1 of the Executive Board
4) An elected officer may not hold more than one elected office at once
5) No officer may hold his office if he is in bad standing
Section 21. Obligations and Rights of the Executive Board (amended 11/2/08, proposed
by Jay Soomal)
1) In keeping with the traditions and regulations set forth by the fraternity and the Pi-Xi
Chapter By-laws, to carry out the wishes of the chapter and ensure its well-being.
2) To meet at a time and place before official chapter meeting, specified by the Prytanis,
in order to discuss the state of the Fraternity.
3) To discuss the minutes of the Executive Board meeting with the chapter for the
purpose of keeping fellow fraters informed of the business of the chapter.
4) To have its agenda and decisions be openly discussed during meetings and to allow
the chapter to overturn its decisions by a two-thirds majority vote. This vote is
prompted when one frater raises an objection and his concerns are seconded.
a) The chapter may not bring to vote Executive decisions that are related to risk
management or are time sensitive or within 48 hours.
Section 22. The Bid Committee (amended 6/2/2011, proposed by Anthony Pesota,
amended 9/20/2012, proposed by Michael “Bako” Szewczyk)
1) The Bid Committee shall consist of 510 members:
a) Prytanis
b) Rush Chair
c) Recruitment Chair
d) Hegemon
e) Chapter Elect
i) The Chapter Elect shall be voted on by the chapter during regular elections
held in Fall quarter.
ii) The Chapter Elect will serve a term of one year and serve on the Bid
Committee for all rush recruitment periods that fall under their term.
iii) In the event the Chapter Elect is unable to serve for a specific Rush
Recruitment Period, a temporary Chapter Elect shall be elected to serve in his
place for that specific Rush Recruitment Period.
f) 5 appointed members, selected by the Prytanis, Rush Chair, Recruitment Chair,
Hegemon, and Chapter Elect.
i) 3 of the appointed members will be selected from members who have been
active and in good standing within the chapter for 2 or more years.
ii) 2 of the appointed members will be selected from members who have been
active for at least a quarter and in good standing within the chapter for less
than 2 years.
2) Duties of the Bid Committee are to:
a) Be present at all rush recruitment events for the full duration of the event
b) Interview each Candidate for Membership
c) Vote on each Candidate as to whether they receive a bid or not that quarter
i) To give a bid to the Candidate the Bid Committee must vote in favor of the
Candidate by a seventy-five percent (75%) majority.
ii) No member of the Bid Committee may abstain from a vote. If any member
abstains from a vote, his vote shall be taken as a nay vote.
d) Distribute bids to Candidates approved by the Chapter and the Bid Committee
Section 23. Impeachment and Removal of Officers (amended 4/25/10, proposed by
Jeffrey Lane and Ryan O’Rear):
1) An active member may, during a regular chapter meeting, motion for the
impeachment of an elected officer.
2) If seconded, a vote will be held to consider the impeachment of the officer. To
continue with the impeachment of the officer, at least one third of those voting must
vote in favor of the officer’s impeachment.
3) If at least one third of those voting wish to hold impeachment proceedings, the
impeached officer shall leave the room for the entirety of the impeachment
proceedings, except for his turn to speak and answer questions. If appropriate, the
chapter may vote by a simple majority to remove the member who motioned for
impeachment or any other relevant person from the room during the proceedings or
any portion thereof.
4) The chapter shall discuss the merits of removing the officer from his position. The
impeached officer shall be given a three-minute period in which to speak, followed by
two minutes of questions from members.
5) A vote will be held to remove the officer. The impeached officer can be removed by a
two-thirds vote.
Section 24. Committee System (amended 11/28/11, proposed by Anthony Pesota)
1) All active members and candidates will join at least one committee.
a. Members and candidates will submit their top three committee choices to the
Epiprytanis at the beginning of Winter Quarter (after Elections).
b. Additional members and candidates will submit their top three committee
choices to the Epiprytanis at the beginning of Spring and Fall Quarters.
c. Epiprytanis will collaborate with committee chairmen to determine member
placement into a committee.
2) Committees may have coordinator positions under the committee chairmen.
a. Coordinators have authority to utilize committee members to accomplish
tasks.
b. Committee chairman may add, remove or edit coordinator positions upon
approval of the Epiprytanis.
3) Members of each committee will have the opportunity to apply for position(s) within
the committee.
a. Applications will be submitted to the committee chairman.
b. Upon review of all applications, the committee chairman will recommend a
member for the position and notify Epiprytanis.
c. Member will officially hold the position upon approval of the Epiprytanis.
Article 4
Finances
Section 1. Financial Probation through Non-Payment (amended 9/20/2012, proposed by
Bradley Feest)
1) Any member with any charges from prior quarters will be put on social probation
2) Any member whose account is delinquent (After chapter meeting second week) by
more than ½ of quarterly dues at any point during the quarter will be placed on social
probation unless an exception is made by majority vote of the paid active chapter at
regular meetings
3) Financial Probation member will:
a) Have the right to vote suspended
b) Relinquish all social privileges
c) Fulfill all financial and fraternal obligations
d) Will be charged normal dues
4) All officers must maintain a zero balance in order to be in good standing. Failure to
do so will mean resignation from his office.
Section 2. Dues (amended 11/18/07, proposed by Nicholas Butson-Wedewer; amended
4/13/08, proposed by the Executive Board: Steve Serchia, amended 2/9/09,
proposed by Billy Hohenschuh; amended 2/17/09, proposed by Mark Borden;
amended 2/6/10, proposed by Billy Hohenschuh, amended 10/17/10, proposed
by the Executive Board)
1) Dues are to be paid by every active member on time
a) Dues are $350 $325.00 a quarter, unless noted otherwise
b) Any member who has been active for nine regular quarters will pay half dues
starting their 10th quarter
c) Any member who received a 4.0 GPA with a minimum of 16 units shall pay half
dues the following quarter
d) Any member with a 4.0 and 16 units, who successfully qualifies for the discount
described in Article 4, Section 2, part d, shall receive an additional 15% (25%
total) discount.
e) Any member whom attends: 2/3 of all social and brotherhood events, ¾ of all
events deemed mandatory (not including meeting), has less than 2 unexcused
absences from meeting and as well as his committee’s weekly meetings and has
no more than 1 unexcused absence from a mandatory event as defined in Article 8
section 8, shall be voted upon by the membership standards board for a discount
of 10% from dues at the beginning of each quarter
i) This will begin the spring quarter of 2008, with attendance being monitored
starting winter quarter of 2008.
ii) Qualities that the membership standards board will consider when dealing
with individual discounts are listed in Article 3, Section 15.
2) Dues are to be paid by the 2nd meeting of every quarter. A $10 late fee (per each
meeting) will be assessed for all late dues unless granted time by the Crysophyles.
3) Dues are to be paid by the 1st meeting of every quarter. Unless time is granted by the
Crysophyles, the person may choose which of the following options he will commit
himself to:
a) A $10 late fee (per each meeting), or
b) Loss of one social event (per each meeting).
i) If this person does not declare to the Crysophyles which he option he has
chosen before the 2nd meeting of that quarter, the Crysophyles will charge him
a $10 late fee (per each meeting).
ii) If this person has chosen option (ii), the social event(s) shall be determined
solely by the Prytanis.
4) Dues paid in full at the beginning of the quarter shall receive a discount to be
determined by the Crysopholes at the beginning of each quarter.
Article 5
Membership
Section 1. Active Membership Defined (amended 6/2/2011, proposed by Anthony Pesota,
amended 9/20/2012, proposed by Michael Szewczyk)
1) The term “member” as used in the Bylaws, Constitution or any other Pi-Xi rules and
regulations applies to all members be it special, inactive, or active members.
2) Active members must currently be enrolled at University of California San Diego and
be formally initiated into Tau Kappa Epsilon. Visiting initiated fraters will be
accepted into the chapter by a 2/3 vote;
3) All active members of Tau Kappa Epsilon must commit to a 1 year active status.
4) All current members of Tau Kappa Epsilon not enrolled at University of California
San Diego this quarter must be enrolled the following quarter to stay active.
5) All special circumstances are subject to the vote and approval of the chapter;
6) Only alumni in good standing and members active the entire academic year will be
allowed to attend Red Carnation Ball usually held during the spring quarter
a) If new members rushed were recruited in fall quarter, they must be active winter
and spring quarters
b) If new members rushed were recruited in winter quarter, they must be active
spring quarter
c) Special circumstances will be brought before the MQB for consideration (Article
III, Section 3)
7) All active members must remain in good academic standing
a) An active member is no longer considered to be in good academic standing if he
achieves a grade point average lower than 2.5 for more than two active quarters in
a row.
b) A member who is no longer in good academic standing is required to take at least
one quarter leave of absence in “inactive” status as per Article 5, Section 3.
i) This leave of absence will count as one of the two allowable “grace
periods” provided for in Article 5, Section 3, Subsection 1
c) Good academic standing is restored after receiving a grade point average higher
than 2.5 for one quarter
Section 2. Special Members
1) Initiates - If an initiated member withdraws from UCSD, but live in the vicinity and
wishes to remain an active member of the fraternity, he must receive a majority vote
from the chapter to retain active member privileges.
2) No special member can receive a little brother. He may retain one if he already has
one.
3) All special circumstances are subject to the vote and approval of the chapter.
Section 3. Inactive Member Status (amended 6/2/2011, proposed by Anthony Pesota,
amended 9/20/2012, proposed by Michael “Bako” Szewczyk)
1) Members are allowed 2 grace periods to be considered inactive during their
undergraduate career.
a) A grace period is defined as a quarter of leave from active status.
b) If more than 2 grace periods are needed, the member may never return to active
status within the chapter.
i) This member may attend meetings and brotherhood events as an inactive, but
will no longer have the ability to vote or attend social events.
ii) Exceptions include, but are not limited to Studying Abroad, Family
Emergency, or any exceptions approved by the Executive Board.
2) An inactive member has received permission from the officer core to leave for a
quarter and relinquish payment of dues, voting rights, social, and other privileges.
3) A member must submit a reason for going inactive and have a balance of less than
$20.
4) If an inactive member goes on leave for more than one quarter without permission he
may be blacklisted from the scroll.
5) If a blacklisted member wishes to become active once again he must receive a 2/3
vote from the chapter and be initiated with a new scroll number.
6) Inactive members will be required to pay one-third (1/3) of individual Annual
Membership Fees and one-third (1/3) of individual Insurance fees by the first meeting
of each quarter (Article IV, Section 2)
a) Until said fees are paid in full, member will not be allowed to return to active
status
7) Members inactive for two three consecutive quarters will be evaluated by the
Membership Quality Board for possible removal of membership with Tau Kappa
Epsilon (Article III, Section 3)
Section 4. New Members (proposed 1/13/2013 by Manny Guerrero, amended 1/21/2013
by Grant Oliveira)
1) Selection- each new member must have a GPA overall of at least 2.0 and previous
quarter GPA of at least 2.0.
2) New members must also meet requirements set forth by UCSD
3) Voting on prospective new members
a) Before initiation all members will be reviewed by the chapter
b) For expulsion a nay vote of 1/3 of the house.
c) Voting shall be held every week.
i) Only yes votes shall be counted. A 2/3 vote of the chapter is required for
prospective members.
d) No new member shall be initiated unless paid in full by initiation.
4) New members are required to be active the following quarter after formal initiation
a) Members in violation of this rule will be subject to consequences at the discretion
of the MQB if/when active again (Article III, Section 3)
5) New members will be required to pay a one-time activation fee of $25 dollars to the
chapter by the time of their first meeting as a potential new member. This activation
fee will be refundable if the new member is dropped from or otherwise leaves the
initiation process before he receives his Big Brother.
Section 5. Responsibilities of All Members
1) To promote the ideas, goals, and brotherhood of Tau Kappa Epsilon
2) Participate on committees or other area which will benefit the chapter
3) Maintain a cumulative and current GPA of 2.0 or above
4) To perform all tasks designated by the Prytanis
5) To attend all mandatory events
6) There will not be any alcohol at chapter meetings, council meetings, or rush
recruitment events
Section 6. Alumni Status (amended 6/2/11, proposed by Anthony Pesota)
1) Alumni status is reserved especially for the Fraters who have received a regular
Bachelors Degree or Masters Degree at University of California San Diego.
2) Alumni status will also be given to members who have been active for a total of 15
consecutive quarters.
3) Honorary Alumni status shall be given to members who have been initiated into the
Pi-Xi chapter but thereafter transferred to another University and received their
bachelor degree.
4) Alumni members are not allowed at closed chapter events.
a) Exception to this rule will be made at the discretion of the Prytanis.
Section 7. Bad Standing Defined (added 4/13/08, proposed by Executive Board; Steve
Serchia; amended 3/8/09, proposed by the Membership Quality Board: Grant
Luchsinger)
1) An active member may be placed into bad standing if:
a) Dues are not paid at the meeting at the end of 5th week, or not making payments
as told by Crysophylos with fines included.
b) Missing 50% of chapter events without notifying Prytanis or Grammateus of
excuse
c) Missing the required amount of mandatory events as listed in Article 6, Section 8
without notifying the Prytanis or Grammateus with a proper excuse.
2) The Responsibilities of All Members, as listed in Article 5, Section 5, has not been
upheld; as determined by the Membership Quality Board. Privileges lost for
members in bad standing
a) Loss of vote
b) Loss of all social events
3) A member may come out of bad standing by doing all of:
a) Fully paying off debt owed to chapter
b) Abiding by the standards outlined in the discount program
i) (this does not give the member the discount but will only take him out of
bad standing).
*The Membership Quality Board will decide when a member goes into bad standing and
when he regains his good standing privileges*
Section 8. RCB Article (Amended 4/28/13 by Grant Oliveira )
In order to attend RCB in the spring you must be active 2 of 3 quarters of the current
school year. (To be applied starting Fall 2012)
a. If you are inactive in the spring you must pay the inactive member RCB price
in order to attend.
b. Exceptions Include:
i.
New members
ii.
Studying abroad
iii.
Situations approved by the MQB
c. The RCB Chair will set the active member price based on the costs of the
event and his own discretion
(a) The Alumni rate will be pegged at 25 dollars a person above the active
price
(b) The Inactive rate will be pegged at 50 dollars a person above the active
price
Article 6
Chapter Rules/Housing
Section 1. Definition of a Chapter House
1) Any residence occupied by at least one member of Pi-Xi where TKE functions occur
or are performed.
Section 2. Damages to House Property
1) All members are responsible for the actions of themselves and any guests at a house.
2) If any objects in the house are broken the member responsible must fix or compensate
for the damage.
3) All repairs must be done to the satisfaction of the House occupant(s) and Prytanis.
Section 3. Prohibition Against Hazing
1) All fraters will refrain from hazing and do everything in their power to prevent any
such act.
2) Any member who is caught hazing will be brought in front of the Membership
Quality Board.
3) Hazing is defined as anything that is done against the will of a person, or any act that
may cause the person harm be it physically, mentally, or emotionally.
4) Any member witness to an act of hazing by another active shall be required to report
the incident to Chapter Prytanis.
Section 4. Prohibition Against Drugs
1) Any member caught using or selling illegal drugs or narcotics at/on or around any
TKE related function will be subject to the following penalties.
a) 1st Offense a formal warning will be given and a fine of $100 will be assessed
payable up to one month after the fine is assessed.
b) 2nd Offense will include the same penalty as 1st offense and in addition the
member will attune mandatory drug counseling offered by UCSD.
c) 3rd Offense will result in the removal from the Fraternity.
*In the above mentioned offenses and rules alcohol is not considered an illegal drug*
Section 5. Fines (amended 4/13/08, proposed by the Executive Board: Steve Serchia)
1) Fines will be assessed as follows
a) Missing mandatory meetings, $10 (without permissible excuse at the discretion of
the Prytanis)
b) Missing mandatory event, $10
c) Missing a mandatory fundraiser, amount equal to that raised per person calculated
by Crysophyles
d) Any officer who misses an officer’s meeting, $15
e) Any member who misses a formal meeting, Loss of 1 social event gone
f) Any member who misses a general meeting, $5 (without permissible excuse at the
discretion of the Prytanis)
g) Any member who is more than 10 minutes late to a meeting, $2
h) Any member who misses a committee meeting, $5 (without permissible excuse at
the discretion of the committee chair)
i) If any member comes to chapter or committee meetings under the influence of
any drugs he will be escorted out of meeting and fined $5
2) Any active member who misses 50% or more of the weekly chapter meetings in a
given quarter will be assessed a fine of $25 dollars.
*Excuses must be submitted to the officer core Prytanis or Grammateus at least 1 week
prior to the event, but will take up to 24 hrs preceding the event or if extenuating
circumstances arise*
Section 8. Mandatory Events Defined amended 4/13/08, proposed by the Executive
Board: Steve Serchia)
1) Mandatory events are defined as the following
a) Initiation
b) Formal Candidate Events
c) Formal Meetings
d) Weekly Chapter Meetings
e) All Rush Recruitment Activities
f) Fundraisers
g) TKE Philanthropy events (at least 1 a quarter)
h) Absence of a mandatory event will result in the loss of one social event the
following month
2) The first three days of rush are mandatory for all active members of the house
* No excuses will be allowed for Initiation unless emergency*
Article 9
Amendments to the Bylaws
Section 1. How to make an Amendment (amended 2/9/09, proposed by Brian Carnes)
1) Amendments are to be given to the Internal Epiprytanis in writing. The Internal
Epiprytanis will introduce the proposed amendment at the next possible chapter
meeting
2) Motion to make the Amendment will be made at the chapter meeting following the
meeting in which the Amendment was introduced
a) All motions must be seconded to be considered for an Amendment.
3) Amendments will be voted on during the same meeting in which the motion was
made.
a) To amend the bylaws takes a seventy-five percent (75%) majority by the voting
body to successfully pass.
4) Amendments that are approved will be recorded with the date of approval as well as
the name of the proposing member.
Article 10
Suspension of the Bylaws
Section 1. Suspending Bylaws (amended 2/9/09, proposed by Brian Carnes)
1) There needs to be a motion and a second for a vote to be taken
2) To suspend the Bylaws takes a seventy-five percent (75%) majority by the voting
body to successfully pass
3) All suspensions must be given a time table
4) Bylaws suspended “indefinitely” can be reviewed at any time