Student OrgsTau Psi Omega (REDS)

I. Preamble The Tau Psi Omega Fraternity is a brotherhood dedicated to the principles of friendship, benevolence, humbleness, cooperation, forbearance, and sportsmanship. To these principles each member pledges his sacred honor. II. Purpose A. To promote and cultivate in its members a high degree of moral and religious principles. B. To cooperate in all ways with the college, its administration, and faculty in carrying on the functions and objectives of the school. C. To provide a social and recreational outlet for its members. This includes: - Fraternity sponsored concerts, sporting events, and tournaments. - Fraternity meetings and get-togethers. - Fraternity community service projects. - Fraternity intramural teams. III. Fraternity Leadership At the beginning of each semester, ten officers will be elected to perform as leaders and planners throughout the semester. The fraternity will be headed by a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. These members will be accountable for the organization of the fraternity. The remaining six officers will be responsible for the fraternity’s cooperation and compliance with the rules set by the fraternity as well as the rules of the college. A majority of the organization will be in the hands of the president. He will have the responsibility for and authority over the planning and conducting the day-to-day affairs of the Fraternity. These include but are not limited to the organization of pledging, community service projects, banquet, and all other fraternal activities. All major activities involving the organizations funds must be discussed and approved by a majority vote of those present at fraternity meetings. It is also the responsibility of the president to attend IGS meetings, inform the fraternity of IGS proceedings and decisions, inform the Reds Board of IGS complaints, respond to IGS complaints, and inform IGS of procedures regarding complaints. Along with these duties he is to meet with the faculty advisor on a weekly basis, respond to complaints by the members of the faculty or administration, report to the members of the fraternity on problems with the faculty or administration, and report to the faculty or administration on procedures regarding complaints. The vice president will serve as an assistant to the president, presiding in his absence. If the organization feels that the president is unable to adequately fulfill his duties, the vice president will succeed the president upon his resignation or removal from office, until such time as a new President can be elected. The job of the secretary is to keep an accurate and complete record of the attendance at meetings and to take minutes at each meeting for members who are unable to attend. He will then keep the fraternity informed of meetings and activities by sending out the minutes to the fraternity’s e-mail alias. If the secretary is unable to attend a meeting, it is his duty to delegate his job to an individual who will be in attendance at the meeting. The treasurer will be in charge of fraternity funds. Only he and the president will be allowed to write out checks from the fraternity account. He is responsible to bill and collect all dues, initiation fees, dinner fees, and other necessary assessments. He also must maintain current and accurate records of the financial position of the fraternity and prepare all required reports. He should also be able to report on the financial position of the fraternity at all meetings. These reports must include: - Previous month’s balance - Transactions of the month - Current month’s balance - Possible future expenditures During the fall semester, the remaining officers will be composed of two seniors, two juniors, and two sophomores (to be elected after the pledging period is complete). These officers are charged with the disciplinary aspects of the fraternity. These offices cannot be held in conjunction with other offices. A. Assignments of the Tau Psi Omega Judiciary Committee (Reds Board) - 2 Seniors - 2 Juniors - 2 Sophomores A. Duties of Pledge Leaders 1. Assist in organizing and running the pledging period. 2. Listen to pledge complaints and deal with problems not addressed by pledge fathers. 3. Take charge of activities when the president and vice president are unable to attend. 4. Ensure that the pledging rules are followed. 5. Guarantee the rights of the pledges. B. Duties of the Inter-Greek Senate (IGS) representative 1. Attend IGS meetings. 2. Inform the fraternity of IGS proceedings and decisions. 3. Inform the Reds Board of IGS complaints. 4. Respond to IGS complaints. 5. Inform IGS of procedures regarding complaints. C. Duties of Faculty Representatives 1. Meet with the faculty advisor on a regular basis. 2. Respond to complaints by the members of the faculty or administration. 3. Report to the president and other members of the fraternity on problems with the faculty or administration. 4. Report to the faculty or administration on procedures regarding complaints. IV. Fraternity Regulation A primary function of the Reds Board is responding to fraternal problems that may arise throughout the year that can include but are not limited to the breaking of college rules, IGS sanctions, the breaking of fraternity rules, and the misuse of fraternity funds, complaints from the administration, faculty members, current members, pledges, or the Gustavus community. A. Policy for Dealing with Fraternity Problems 1. Inform the president of the problem. 2. Hold a meeting of the Board. Note: The president may attend the board meetings to offer advice, but may only vote in the case of a split decision. 3. Record the formal charge against the member(s) involved. 4. Collect information on offense. 5. Meet with the accused member(s) to hear each member’s account. 6. Decide upon adequate punishment, referring to fraternity rules, and inform the accused member as soon as possible. 7. Announce the ruling of the Reds Board at the next meeting, revealing the reasons for their decision, and the penalty for the offense. 8. If necessary inform the administration on the ruling of the Reds Board and actions taken by the fraternity. B. Implementation of Disciplinary Procedures 1. Carrying out disciplinary measures is the responsibility of the entire fraternity, but it is the Fraternity’s officers who must monitor punishment and make certain that it is enforced. 2. Failure to follow disciplinary decisions of the Reds Board will result in: - An increased punishment for the deviant member. - Possible disciplinary procedures for members who refuse to assist in the disciplinary measures or who ignore the decisions of the Reds Board. 3. Continued disobedience may result in probation or suspension for the pledging period, semester, year, or college career. V. Brotherhood Responsibilities Membership in the brotherhood of the Reds comes with the responsibility of each member to fulfill his duties to the fraternity. These duties include following the rules of the fraternity, prompt payment of fraternity dues, and participation in a majority of the fraternity’s functions. A. Dues 1. The amount to be paid and the final date of payment will be specified by the president at the beginning of the semester. 2. Should a member be unable to pay dues by the deadline, the tardy member must contact the president or treasurer to work out a payment plan for the semester. This can only be done by members facing serious financial difficulties or having similar problems with payments. The president and treasurer reserve the right to refuse to a payment plan if the reason for the failure to pay is considered inadequate. 3. Members who do not pay will be put on inactive status after the deadline and will remain inactive until his dues have been fully paid. 4. A weekly late fee will be added to dues not paid by the deadline. The late fee will be decided by the president at the beginning of the semester. B. Participation in the Fraternity 1. Participation in fraternity activities meant for the enjoyment of members is optional. 2. Participation in fraternity functions necessary for the operation of the fraternity is required. Exceptions to this include, but are not limited to, members who are unable to participate due to athletics, studies, or important personal reasons. Members who will be unable to attend events of this nature are required inform the president of his lack of participation a reasonable amount of time prior to the scheduled event. 3. Failure to participate in a planned activity without an acceptable excuse will result in the following: a. Exclusion from the next fraternity activity. b. Two-week suspension of active status. c. Semester-long suspension of active status. The first absence will result in a verbal warning, while each unexcused absence following will result in a greater penalty. VI. Fraternity Funds Fraternity funds will be kept in the Tau Psi Omega Reds Fraternity bank account, which will be under the names of the president and treasurer. The treasurer will be in charge of monitoring the account, overseeing the financial transactions of the fraternity and reporting the status of the account at monthly fraternity meetings. Fraternity funds will be used to pay for activities and IGS dues, as well as to finance fund-raisers and community service projects. Fraternity funds can in no way, directly or indirectly be used to purchase alcohol for any reason. VII. Honorary members At the beginning of spring semester, fraternity members have the option of nominating non-brothers as honorary members of the fraternity. Honoraries have the option of paying dues slightly less than membership dues as chosen by the president. These members are NOT allowed to attend meetings, participate in pledging activities, or hold office in the fraternity. Active status only allows the honorary members to participate in fraternity functions and activities as well as attend Reds banquet. VIII. Inactive members A. Reasons for inactivity 1. Fraternity member is abroad 2. Fraternity member is under review for disciplinary reasons 3. Fraternity member has failed to pay dues 4. Fraternity member has personally chose to be inactive B. Rules for inactive members Inactive members cannot participate in fraternity functions designed for the enjoyment of fraternity members. They are forbidden from attending or voting at fraternity meetings. Members who are inactive due to failure to pay dues must, if they plan to become active during the current semester, participate in all fraternity community service projects, fund-raisers, and activities for the betterment of the fraternity. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary measures by the Reds Board upon payment of dues. Members inactive from decisions of the Reds Board are NOT entitled to any refund of dues. I.X. Banquet Banquet will be held once each semester. It will be arranged by the president, or someone appointed by him. All active members and honorary members will be invited to attend. X. Fraternity Rules The Tau Psi Omega fraternity believes that each brother should be allowed to make his own decision regarding how they live his life. The fraternity does not exist to regulate the personal lives of its members. Although the Reds as a group do not condone or support in any way illegal or troublesome behavior by its members, the fraternity cannot be responsible for the individual acts of fraternity brothers that occur outside fraternity functions and activities. When members are participating in fraternity sponsored events, however, they must abide by the rules and regulations set by the Reds. The rules are as follows: 1. The Reds funds can in no way, directly or indirectly be used to purchase alcohol for any reason. 2. The Reds funds can in no way, directly or indirectly be used to purchase illicit for any reason. 3. Fraternity activities will not infringe on the rights of others on or off campus. 4. Any activity not consistent with the college policies or local or state laws is forbidden. 5. Abuse or misuse of facilities used by the fraternity is not allowed. Members must not abuse nor allow others to abuse the property of others. 6. Any activity involving stealing or vandalism will not be tolerated. Vandalism using Reds symbols, names, or trademarks is not allowed in or out of fraternity activities. Due to the legal ramifications and negative effects of such acts on the fraternity and on the college, all members found responsible must go before the Reds Board with a minimum punishment of two months inactivity. Any pledge member engaging in fraternity-related vandalism will lose his pledge status and will not be eligible to pledge in future years. 7. Dues MUST be paid on time. 8. The fraternity does not support or condone racism, sexism, or substance abuse. 9. The Reds do not use or support the use of illegal drugs. 10. The fraternity does not support or condone elitism. Whomever a member wishes to associate with or spend time with is up to the individual member. 11. Decisions made by the Reds Board are final and must be carried out by all fraternity members. 12. The Reds funds can in no way, directly or indirectly be used to purchase entertainment that may be considered inappropriate by a reasonable person. 13. All brothers must abide by the fraternity rules with NO exceptions. XI. Reds Board Rulings and Punishments Specific punishments for breaking the rules of the fraternity will be decided by the Reds Board. Once the Board has made a decision, the member(s) involved will be notified immediately. Rulings go into effect immediately when the decision has been made. Should a member of the Board be charged with an infraction of the rules his place on the Board will be taken by the president during the decision-making process. During pledging, hearings of the Reds Board must be resolved within three days of when the problem arises, during bid period, the Board will have one week, and two weeks any other time throughout the year. XII. Decisions of the Reds Board A. Punishment for breaking rules 1. Letter of apology to all involved parties. 2. Individual or group fines for any damages incurred. 3. Additional punishment determined by the Reds Board. B. Possible Additional Actions by the Reds Board 1. Suspension from next activity 2. Fine 3. Temporary suspension of active status 4. Semester-long suspension of active status 5. Year-long suspension of active status 6. Community service activities XIII. Pre-Pledging, Bid, and Pledging Period Each of these periods are meant to acquaint pledges with fraternity members and give them an idea as to what the fraternity is, what to expect from the fraternity as a member, and what to expect during the fall pledging period. Bid period will consist of the bid days, in which prospective members will bid the fraternity. Pledges, at this time, will only be responsible for getting to know the actives and attending as many activities as possible. The Pledging period will occur in the fall and will be open to all individuals who actively pursued bidding the previous spring and who have attained a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5. It will be composed of nine days starting with “Meet the Pledges” and ending on “Picnic Day.” The dates will be set to best accommodate fall sporting activities, and events other than “Meet the Pledges,” “Meet the Actives,” and “Picnic Day” will be optional for individuals whose academics, collegiate athletics, or performing arts come into conflict. Personal reasons for absences must be assessed by the president, vice president, and pledge leaders. What constitutes a valid excuse for absence is decided upon by the officers of the fraternity (i.e. work, family gatherings, etc.). XIV. Rules for the Pledges 1. Know the Tau Psi Omega preamble as well as the purpose for the fraternity. Purpose: The preamble and purpose are integral parts of our fraternity’s core beliefs. Each represents the values and tradition set forth by the founders of the fraternity. 2. Know the Growler Purpose: This is the fraternity song. All past and current members know this song, and it is frequently sung at fraternity events and get-togethers. 3. Know 4BLM and TCOS Purpose: Each is a part of the tradition of the fraternity and is part of the origin of the Reds. 4. Know that the Tau Psi Omega Fraternity is the oldest fraternity, established in 1904. 5. Know the legend of Uncle Lude Purpose: The legend is a part of the tradition of the fraternity and is part of the origin of the Reds. 6. Know the full names, hometowns, majors, ands specifics of the actives. Purpose: To acquaint the pledges with the actives and bring active members closer to prospective members. Although this may be mentally strenuous, the increased knowledge of active members will increase each member’s diffusion into the fraternity. 7. Pledges will carry a red bandana at all times. This rule is nullified during times when pledges are participating in collegiate activities or performing arts. Purpose: Purpose: The bandana is a symbol that each member receives on his first night of Pledging. It is a part of the tradition of the fraternity. 8. Each pledge must make a paddle for his pledge father before the end of the second semester. Purpose: This is done as thanks to each pledge father for his guidance and help during the pledging period and throughout the year. 9. No actives will go on rides. Purpose: To ensure the safety of the pledges as well as the actives. 10. Pledges will elect a leader to act as a go-between between the pledges and actives. His duties will include: a. Providing organization and leadership for the pledge class. b. Keeping track of pledges who will be participating in the pledging activities. c. Providing a positive role model for the other pledges during rush. d. Bringing attention to any problems the pledging class has to the officers. 11. Pledges will eat all meals with actives if present. Purpose: To help pledges become better acquainted with the actives and increase the principles of friendship and brotherhood in a relaxed atmosphere. 12. Studies come first. A pledge must use his time well. Purpose: To encourage a pledge to actively pursue academics and to ensure that their studies will not be negatively affected during the pledging period, as well as to promote time management. 13. Pledges will not be allowed to shave during the pledging period unless required for a college sporting or performing arts activity. 14. Any pledges divulging any aspect of initiation events will lose his pledge status immediately. Purpose: To limit knowledge of the fraternity history and rituals within the fraternity. 15. Pledges may not be seen in groups larger than three when inactive. Exceptions include time spent working on academics, participating on college sporting teams, or performing arts activity. Purpose: Keeping pledges in smaller groups will make it necessary for pledges to know each other on a personal level. This facilitates pledges learning about each other as people instead of fraternity members. 16. There will be no taking of other fraternity or sorority possessions or college property during the pledging period. 17. There will be no consumption of alcohol or any other illegal drugs by the pledges during pledging period. Purpose: This is to maintain a level of safety during the pledging period and ensure that each pledge acts in accordance with the fraternity and IGS values. XIV. Pledge Problems If a pledge has a problem with attendance, disagrees with an activity, or feels that his rights as a pledge has been violated, they should talk to (in order): a. Pledge father b. Pledge leader c. Officer XVI. Rules for the Fraternity during the Pledging Period 1. The rules set forth in the “Gustavus Adolphus College Hazing Policy will be strictly followed throughout the pledging period. 2. No paddling is allowed. 3. No pledges will consume harmful substances, including alcohol or other illegal drugs. This is done to prevent risk to the other pledges as well as to himself. Any pledge that arrives at a pledging event intoxicated with lose his pledging status and be given a ride home. 4. All participants in pledging activities will be appropriately dressed. 5. Activities involving exercise will not be physically harmful. 6. No pledge will be place in an insecure or dangerous situation. 7. No pledge may be pressured to break local law or college policy. 8. The pledging period will be held on twelve days throughout a fourteen day period. 9. All pledging activities will be held off-campus. 10. All pledges and active will be provided with a copy of the rules and stipulations during pledging prior to the pledging period. 11. No conduct which is disorderly or disruptive may be practiced or encouraged by active members. Members must actively discourage other actives and pledges from participating in such acts. 12. Any activities contrary to the purposes and objectives of the college or fraternity are not allowed. 13. Members who are in direct contact with the pledges can not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. XVII. Prospective Selection Criteria At the beginning of the pledging period, members will select those who will be allowed to attempt to join the fraternity. Things that will be taken into account when deciding who may attempt to join will be: 1. At least a sophomore in his college career 2. Minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 3. A general acceptance from active members 4. Participation in extra-curricular activities 5. Overall standing with the college 6. Membership may not be denied on the basis of race, religion, or sexual preference. XVIII. Communication within the Fraternity All members have the right to remain aware and informed, as well as understand the current agenda and priorities of the fraternity. It is the job of the president and other officers to inform both the members, as well as the advisor, of sanctions issued by IGS, recommendations from college officials and our advisor, and consequences of actions taken by the fraternity. XIX. Procedures for Amending the Constitution 1. The amendment must be presented at an official meeting of the fraternity. 2. The amendment must be discussed with and deemed suitable by the college administration and faculty advisor. 3. The amendment will be voted on at an official fraternity meeting at which a minimum of 2/3 of the active members of the fraternity are present. A majority vote at this meeting is required to pass the amendment. 4. The faculty advisor and college administration will be informed as the whether the amendment was passed or failed. 5. The new form of the constitution will be written and kept in the Reds Archives. XX. Conclusion This constitution was written in the spring of 1992 by the Reds officers in order to fulfill reinstatement requirements and to set the standards for the future fraternity members. It was modified and then initiated by the fraternity that same spring. It has been revised in the spring of 2009 to adapt to the times of the fraternity. Following it will help the fraternity to avoid the circumstances which led to the loss of the fraternity’s charter in 1986 and the unrecognition of the fraternity in 2006 and 2007. Future members will be expected to abide by it and use it in determining future fraternity policies.