Student OrgsDelta Phi Omega

Article I. Name

The name of this organization shall be the Delta Phi Omega Sorority.

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of the Delta Phi Omega sorority is to promote positivity and inclusivity within  Gustavus and our sorority. We work to strengthen the bond of friendship in creating a true sisterhood that works collectively as a group to achieve a common goal of bettering the community around us through service and supportive members. We have a strong dedication to excellence and hold each other accountable to be the best that we can be. We create a lifelong bond among our sisters that provides respect, support, loyalty, and sisterhood.

Article III. Core Values 

Dedication

• Self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty. In our sorority, dedication looks like attending all required events and showing up to all other events when you are able. It also means dedicating yourself and your actions to representing the organization in the best way possible. 

Enthusiasm 

• Intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval. In our sorority, enthusiasm looks like having a positive attitude, excitement, and passion during meetings and events. It also means expressing your genuine excitement and love for the organization when talking to other non-Deltas.

Loyalty

• A strong feeling of support or allegiance. In our sorority, loyalty looks like supporting sisters in times of need. It means having each other's back at all times and not talking negatively about your sisters in any situation. It also requires loyalty to the organization itself - holding each other accountable to our actions, and making sure our actions and words support the values of the sorority.

Trust

• Assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. In our sorority, trust is having the support of others not only when facing hardships but with anything a sister may feel the desire to share. It also means that if a member has concerns with something in regards to the sorority, they should be able to have the trust in their other members to be a safe resource to go to and process the concerns and help decide next steps.

Altruism

• Unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. In our sorority, altruism looks like community service and philanthropy efforts. In addition, the actions of each individual member should be in the best interest of the sorority, not just themselves. This also means prioritizing the events of the sorority over personal events within reason.

Sisterhood

• The solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns. In our sorority, sisterhood resembles all of the values listed above, in addition to the overall concept of women supporting women. We will lift each other up and work cohesively to promote the organization. It is a privilege to be a sister of the sorority, and one that should not be taken lightly. 

Article IV. Membership
Section I. Eligibility of Members:
The eligibility for membership shall be in accordance with the regulations set by Gustavus Adolphus College and the Inter Greek Senate, including a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Members must identify as female or non-binary of sophomore status or higher and in good standing with the college. The Delta Phi Omega Sorority will not discriminate on the basis of  race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or other categories protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.

Section II. Obtaining Membership:
The active members will determine the specific method of determining incoming class numbers and members in the sorority each year based on the current needs of the sorority. Participation, interest, and enthusiasm for pre-pledging activities expressed by each prospective new member will be taken into consideration. The selected new members will be informed via an invitation sent by the sorority.

 
Section III. Membership Status and Requirements
New Member Status

• New members have been invited to join the Delta Phi Omega Sorority, and have accepted this invitation. They are not allowed to attend active meetings and are not expected to pay dues. They are, however, expected to attend sorority functions and abide by the rules of the sorority, Gustavus Adolphus College, and the Inter-Greek Senate.

Active Status

• In order to maintain active status, a member must be a full time student (unless special circumstance) of Gustavus Adolphus College with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Active members are required to pay dues, attend weekly meetings, and participate in events. They must also abide by the sorority’s attendance policy. During the fall and spring semesters, active members owe their dues on the first day of the semester. As soon as a new member becomes an active member in the chapter, they are responsible for paying all dues including IGS dues. 

Honorary Status

• This title is given to members that are off campus for early graduation, internships, study abroad, student teaching, and transfer of schools. If the member is under honorary status, they will be given the opportunity to partake in senior send off and receive cords for their graduation. Honorary members are not expected to meet the time or monetary requirements of active members.

Inactive Status

• Members who do not meet the requirements of active status, honorary status or probationary will be considered inactive.  They will be ineligible to attend meetings of the sorority, banquets, and senior send off.  The inactive member will not be required to pay dues if inactive status is determined or declared within four weeks of beginning the semester.  If a member is placed on inactive status during the semester, dues will not be refunded.  A member must report to the sorority if they elect to become inactive so that the sorority is aware of the status of all members.

• Members can choose to go inactive. Inactive status occurs when the active member chooses to go inactive. If a member chooses to go inactive, they shall not partake in the activities listed above. They shall also not be allowed to wear their letters and receive cords for graduation. 
• After being inactive, to gain active status several requirements must be met.  Sorority consideration of an inactive member to become active again will only take place within the first two weeks of each semester.  The inactive member must attend one IGS meeting with the president and make a statement either in writing or in person to the sorority as to personal intentions for returning to the sorority.  After completion of the requirements, the member will be considered active and held to active status standards. A member that chooses to go inactive may only go inactive for one semester and then they must choose whether or not to return to active status. If the choice is made not to return to active status, then they are also declaring that they are dropping the sorority.

Section IV. Communication Procedure of Negative Behavior 

When a member shows negative behavior these are the following steps with how communication works surrounding the event at hand.

• Presidents talk in person to the member if they are willing to discuss the details of the event involving that specific member. All information and documentation regarding the event/behavior should be provided at this meeting.
• Presidents meet with the member and Greek Advisor to discuss the event and/or the behavior further. 
• Presidents and member will then meet with the Executive Board if the member is willing to, otherwise Presidents will inform the Executive Board about the event of the behavior. All necessary information and documentation will also be passed along to the executive board.

Section V. Probationary Status

If a member does not meet active status or abide by all other sections of the Constitution, they will be placed onto Probationary Status.  The member will be notified by the Presidents when active status is coming into question to enable time for the member to take personal corrective actions.  The member will be notified that the Presidents have placed them on Probationary Status by a letter, ideally handed to them in person (Misconduct Letter found in resources). This status will last a minimum of two weeks, potentially longer depending on the severity of the situation. Probationary Status carries over between semesters if there are not enough weeks left in the semester, not including J-Term. The Presidents retain the right to determine the status of all special considerations or circumstances. In order to regain active status, the member must perform the following requirements. If these are not fulfilled within the allotted time (i.e., two weeks), the member will be considered inactive.

• Fix the problem that placed the member on probationary status (i.e. correct banquet misconduct by member or date, meet with necessary professionals for learning purposes, meet with parties involved to apologize and resolve the issue). 
• Attend all sorority events during those two weeks unless related to probationary status (i.e. community service, development, educational, IGS sponsored, and other chapter activities). However, the privilege of attending banquet, social events, and senior send-off is revoked while on probationary status. 
• Apologize and communicate to the sorority about the matter that resulted in probation. 
• Members on probationary status are required to pay all dues owed. 

Title IX: Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Resources

Gustavus Adolphus College recognizes the dignity of all individuals and promotes respect for all people. As such, we are committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination including sexual and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence like sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or is experiencing these types of behaviors, know that you are not alone. Resources and support are available; you can learn more online at https://gustavus.edu/titleix/. You may speak to someone confidentially by contacting the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART/CADA), Chaplains, Counseling Center, or Health Service staff; conversations with these individuals can be kept strictly confidential. SART/CADA can be reached 24 hours a day at 507-933-6868. You can also make a report yourself, including an anonymous report, through the form at https://gustavus.edu/titleix/.

• Any individual currently a member of or seeking membership into Delta Phi Omega Sorority found responsible by the college, city, county, state, or federal judiciary system of sexual misconduct of any nature will no longer be eligible for membership.
• Any new member that is currently accused of sexual misconduct of any nature is ineligible for membership within the Delta Phi Omega Sorority until that individual has been found not guilty by the college, city, county, state, or federal judiciary system.
• Any individual accused of sexual misconduct of any nature will be placed on inactive status within the Delta Phi Omega Sorority pending adjudication by the college, city, county, state, or federal judiciary system. Active membership may only be reinstated after all charges have been dropped, or the individual has been found not guilty by all of the entities listed above.

Article V.  New Member Education Period
The purpose of New Member Education is to develop knowledgeable and engaged members of our chapter. The objectives of our New Member Education period are:

• To teach members the values of Delta Phi Omega sorority and how to live them every day
• To build overall chapter unity, while encouraging class unity
• To provide an understanding of the history and context, traditions, programs, organization, and governance
• To better acquaint new members with each other, current active members, and advisors
• To develop friendships, loyalty, and sisterhood
• To instill the values of teamwork, community service, academic achievement, and leadership
• To provide social and recreational opportunities
• To ensure that new members are prepared to meet the organization’s standards and requirements
• To educate members about the broader Greek community

A new member may at any time during this period, prior to initiation, choose to resign from being a new member and be exempt from financial obligations. This shall result in a loss of new member status and all new member privileges will be revoked. 

During this time, each new member will be required to attend at least 75 percent of activities. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration. If they have not gone to at least 75 percent of new member education activities, their fellow new members, along with oversight from the Executive Board and Sergeant et arms, reserve the right to vote them out of the new member process by 2/3 majority vote.

New Member activities will concern and affect only those involved with the sorority. Extreme care will be taken to avoid interference with the campus and local communities.

The Presidents shall be aware of all activities throughout the new member period. If there is a problem concerning an event or active member, it will be their responsibility to consult sorority policy and the Constitution.

Section I. Position Description

There will ideally be three New Member Educators throughout the new member period, one who has been a New Member Educator previously. The experienced New Member Educator will be able to train the other New Member Educators. The experienced member will be able to communicate about the ups and downs of the previous new member period to make positive changes to the next one. If the experienced New Member Educator no longer holds the role for any reason, an active member of junior or senior standing will be elected into the position. Any New Member Educator may be asked to step down from their position after meeting with the presidents and the other New Member Educators. 

Section II. Hazing
The Delta Phi Omega Sorority behaves in accordance with the hazing policies of Gustavus Adolphus College and the Inter-Greek Senate: Gustavus Adolphus College prohibits conduct by any individual, organization, or group that is defined as hazing. Activities included in the college definition of hazing, as detailed in the college document entitled "Definitions and Stipulations" (1982), are those that either cause physical harm or mental anguish or have the potential of doing so.

If at any time a new member feels that their rights have been infringed upon or that they have been subjected to hazing, they will be encouraged to express their feelings to an active member. The incident will then be brought to the attention of the President and New Member Educators, who will investigate the claim and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.

Gustavus Adolphus College does not tolerate hazing in any form by any individual, group, or organization. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, whether on or off campus premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, intimidation, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such actions may be perpetrated by an individual, group, or organization against an individual or individuals.

Section III. Policies and Standards

Student clubs and organizations at Gustavus Adolphus College provide the campus with activities, programs, and resources to enhance the quality of student life. Students who participate in co-curricular activities are more likely to succeed at both personal and professional goals, develop leadership skills, form lasting friendships with peers and learn more about a chosen career field.

This growth is only possible when the organization promotes Gustavus’ core values of Excellence, Community, Justice, Service, and Faith. Groups and individuals live these values by:

• Supporting members' physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
• Contributing to members academic goals and successes.
• Promoting civility and respectful treatment of one another.
• Protecting members from manipulation, exploitation, or degradation of any nature.
• Fostering relationships built on trust, acceptance, honesty, and mutual respect.

Anyone found responsible for violating these principles may be subject to severe sanctions including suspension or expulsion of the individual, group, or organization from the College.

Section IV. New Member Education Period Chair Expectations

The New Member Education Period begins as soon as potential new members accept their bid. There shall be no contact between current active members and new members until after Mother and Daughter introductions. The Sergeant et Arms is the only active member that is allowed to make contact with the new members in between accepting bids and the Mother and Daughter introductions. There shall be open communication between the Sergeant et Arms, New Member Educators, all other active members, and the Greek Faculty Advisor about all the events surrounding the new member period.

• Sergeant et Arms Expectations:
  • The Sergeant et Arms is responsible for being an overall motherly figure to the new members and will be the first in the chain of command immediately above the new members and their mothers. The Sergeant et Arms is expected to play a very active role in the recruitment process. If issues arise during the new member period, new members shall report to the Sergeant et Arms.
  • The Sergeant et Arms shall choose Mother/Daughter pairs. The Sergeant et Arms will choose the pairs based on the compatibility of the two involved parties. The Sergeant et Arms may openly discuss any concerns with the New Member Educators. The Mothers have the option to submit a list of their top 3 desired Daughters to the Sergeant et Arms - this is the only input Mothers can give. The Mother/Daughter pairs will be released to the Mothers the morning after bids have been selected. The Daughters shall find out who their Mother is through door-knocking or on the first night of the new member period.
• New Member Educator Expectations:
  • The New Member Educators are responsible for conducting the New Member Education period. They create the calendars, plan activities, and gather supplies needed for the new member period. 
• Active Members Expectations:
  • All active members are expected to attend all New Member Education events that are listed on the given active member calendar from the New Member Educators. They shall notify the New Member Educators, Secretary and Co-Presidents if they are unable to attend.
• Communication Between Mother/Daughter Pairs:
  • The Mothers cannot notify their Daughter of the pairing until door knocking is completed. After door knocking there should be open communication between the pair. The Mothers are advised to reach out to their Daughters regularly throughout the new member period.  
  • The current Sergeant et Arms, New Member Educators, and Co-Presidents cannot be a mother or co-parent of any of the new members. Under unique circumstances, there shall be a vote involving all active members regarding the ability for any of these positions to be mothers.

Article VI. Chair Positions 

Section I. Elections:
Elections of the governing chair positions shall take place at the end of the semester and be prior to the semester in which the position will begin. Nominations shall occur for all chair positions the week before voting. Members need to write a statement of intention for each position of interest to be considered eligible for running for the position. The statement is sent to all active members for consideration before the election meeting. During the election meeting, the candidates must leave the room for when they are being considered and voted on for each position they run for. Everything said within the room is confidential and must not be discussed outside of elections. The candidate receiving a majority of the vote will be elected to the position and notified after the meeting.

Section II. Executive Board: 

The executive board is comprised of the following positions. Each of these positions are held for one year, but members are allowed to rerun for a position if they choose. A member is only allowed to hold one of these positions at any given time. 

• Co-Presidents
  • The Co-Presidents are responsible for organizing and presiding over weekly
    meetings, attending weekly Inter-Greek Senate meetings, and serving as a
    liaison with the administration. They are to be representative at all
    appropriate campus and community events as needed. 
  • They are also fully involved during the New Member Period, assisting the New Member Educators with important decisions and thoroughly going over and providing the constitution to the new members during the new member period.
• Executive Board Assistance 
  • Other members of the Executive Board; Secretary, Treasurer, and Constitution chair will assist the Presidents. They will run the meetings in the absence of the Presidents and will stand in at meetings of the Inter-Greek Senate if necessary. Executive Board members will split up the responsibilities and will be voted on separately. 
  • Secretary 
    • The Secretary keeps track of meeting minutes and is in charge of informing all active members of important information and upcoming events discussed during the meeting. The minutes and information must be sent out to the sorority after the completion of the meeting.
    • They are also responsible for keeping a record of meeting minutes for the history of the sorority.  They are in charge of absences and keeping up with the attendance folder, including the attendance at weekly meetings.
  • Treasurer
    • The Treasurer handles the financial matters of the sorority, including budgeting, collection of Delta and IGS dues, reimbursements, and allocation of additional money for events.
    • The treasurer should also be transparent about all financial matters.
  • Constitution 
    • The constitution chair is in charge of reviewing, revising, and proposing amendments to the sorority. This chair should work with the executive board to resolve any incident that requires consulting the constitution. The chair should provide copies to each incoming new member class. 

Section III: Other Chair Positions
There are two chairs for each position unless specified. Transition documents for positions are required to be passed onto the next position holder. Any receipts from positions and events should be given to the treasurer. 

• Recruitment 
  • The chairs are to be elected at the end of Fall semester. 
  • The role is to coordinate all pre-New Member activities for the Spring and Fall. This includes the informal Spring Recruitment Period and the Fall Recruitment Week.
  • Responsibilities include: organization of open recruitment events, conducting recruitment week days (activities, apparel, themes, topics, etc.), work with the Greek advisor, extend bids, coordinate recruitment outreach, etc.
• New Member Education
  • There are to be three chairs at any given time from two different graduation classes (either two juniors and one sophomore, or one junior and two sophomores). 
  • The role is held for two years, new chairs elected every fall semester
  • The Educators plan the entirety of the New Member Education period and communicate expectations with all active members, as laid out in Article V. 
  • Plan Senior Send off
    • Senior send-off is an event held at the end of spring semester to honor and celebrate all the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our graduating seniors. 
    • All sorority members must be active or honorary status to attend. 
    • Other active members may contribute ideas, and will help with executing the event as needed or directed by the New Member Educators.
• Community Service
  • In charge of brainstorming ideas and organizing ways for the Deltas to get involved in the Gustavus and St. Peter communities. Community service events should focus on the betterment of the Gustavus, St. Peter, and/or Mankato communities. 
  • There should be a minimum of two Delta community service events each semester to follow attendance requirements.
• Development
  • In charge of planning Delta events that promote bonding. These events should be centered around building relationships and spending quality time together. They can be any length of time (come and go, one hour, overnight, etc.), and should be spaced out throughout the semester. A minimum of two development events should occur throughout the semester, but the more the better.
• Philanthropy
  • In charge of planning the annual Breast Cancer Benefit event as well as brainstorming fundraising ideas, organizing Relay for Life, along with keeping track of past events. This position will have two co-chairs to balance the responsibilities. This position is held for 2 years. Every spring semester, a new philanthropy chair will be elected and trained by the current chair. 
• Banquet
  • Is in charge of planning a banquet for the sorority in the Fall and Spring semester. They must follow the All Greek Banquet Guidelines and procedures adequately to plan the banquets.
  • Banquet is a privilege and not a right; all members must be considered of active or honorary status in order to attend. 
  • Each member may bring one date, and hold all responsibility for that person. All sorority members and their dates must sign the responsibility form, agreeing to abide by all rules and conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner. If the sorority member or their guest fails to behave in such a manner, the sorority member will be placed on probationary status immediately. 
  • All sorority dues must be paid prior to the banquet, or other arrangements need to have been made in order to attend. 
  • Once the deadline for payment for banquet attendance has been reached, all members and guests are obligated to pay, even if they end up not attending. This will only be waived for unique circumstances.
  • Everyone must ride the bus or the transport organized, including all dates that are Gustavus Adolphus College students, unless permission has been granted.
• Apparel
  • Is in charge of designing and/or ordering any Delta apparel and getting approval by the Greek Advisor

• Social
  • In charge of organizing Delta social events, such as Delta Sweethearts, Delta/Eppie Christmas, Tour de Franzia, wine and cheese parties, crush parties, etc.… brainstorm new events, and organize events with other sororities and fraternities.  There is to be a minimum of one large social event each semester, but the more the better. 
• History and Alumni
  • Is in charge of planning the Alumni Banquet, contacting alumni, sending out the Delta newsletter, and organizing an alumni email list. They are also responsible for holding an event during homecoming for alumni and any other alumni events that they see fit. 
• Publicity
  • Is in charge of anything that involves promoting the sorority or its events. They should maintain and post regularly on all social platforms. This can consist of events the sorority attends, educationals and anything that can promote and update people about the Deltas.
• Health and Wellness
  • Is in charge of promoting health and wellness within the sorority.  This may be by making fitness challenges with a health award bag, sending out healthy tips and recipes, and other fun healthy activities as brainstormed by the group. This can relate to mental wellbeing, fitness, food and other areas where members feel like they need support.
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion(DEI)
  • Is in charge of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion of the sorority by informing members of cultural events. The position is also responsible for incorporating DEI activities into multiple meetings throughout the semester. 
• Educational
  • Is in charge of coordinating educationals each semester. The educational topics should be based on a wide range of the sororities desires and interests.  
  • There should be a minimum of two Delta educationals each semester to follow attendance requirements.

Article VIII. Meetings

Section I. Occurrence and Duration
Meetings shall take place once a week, excluding during January Term and any Gustavus scheduled breaks, and shall be run efficiently by the Presidents.

Section II. Goals of Meetings

• Relay relevant information concerning upcoming events and current activities.
• Act as an open forum for other chair positions to communicate new events.
• To socialize and further the sisterhood of the members of the sorority.

Article IX. Attendance 

• All actives are required to attend all meetings, IGS sponsored events, and other chapter activities (community service and educational). The Secretary shall take attendance. Attendance to events held by a particular committee is mandatory for the chair(s) of said committee. If a position chair is unable to attend an event they are hosting due to excusable reasons, they must allocate responsibilities accordingly and inform the Secretary and Co-Presidents.
• Active members are allowed to have four unexcused absences per semester. All absences from mandatory events are to be reported by email to the Co-Presidents, Secretary and position chair(s) in charge of the event, to be voted on as to whether they are excused. Absences are to be reported within 24 hours prior to the event in question, unless an emergency prevents one from doing so. Any class or co-curricular activities (i.e. sports, choir, clinicals, etc.) are automatically excused. An individual with four unexcused absences is automatically placed under probationary status.
• Any member who foresees a conflict with keeping to the Attendance Policy may submit a proposal to the Co-Presidents indicating the conflict and arguing to bypass Probationary Status. The Co-Presidents will present the proposal at the next weekly meeting anonymously. A two-third vote by all actives present will determine if the proposal is acceptable.

Article X. Alcohol Policy

The sorority agrees to abide by the alcohol policy as adopted by the Inter-Greek Senate, Gustavus Adolphus College, and local and state laws. Any rules broken by active members or guests during a sorority function shall be subject to the college judicial system.

Alcohol consumption shall not be encouraged or forced upon any member. Non-alcoholic beverages and food shall be provided at activities where alcohol is available. At specific functions where alcohol is present (i.e. banquet, senior sendoff, etc.), there is a required number of sober active members for the safety and security of sorority members and the surrounding community.

Any individual who seems excessively intoxicated shall be removed and aided accordingly by one of the designated sober monitors to prevent possible injury to self and others.

Alcohol may not be consumed by any new member or any member in charge of new members. Drinking in your Delta Phi Omega letters is prohibited. 

Article XI. Advisor Policy

The sorority should be in good standing with the Greek Advisor. There should be biweekly meetings scheduled between the Greek Advisor and the Presidents.

Article XII. Proposals to Change the Constitution
Amendments may be formally proposed by any active member. A vote will take place at the following meeting. Amendments shall be passed with a two-thirds majority vote of the active members of the sorority.