Student OrgsSigma Alpha Epsilon

Statement Of Purpose/ Mission
The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon live by the creed of the True Gentleman and strive to promote the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership, and service. The only nationally affiliated fraternity on campus, the SAE chapter at Gustavus is nationally and institutionally recognized for high achievement. Our members are involved in arts, athletics, and many other extracurricular activities around campus. SAE is the largest fraternity in the nation, boasting a network of over 200,000 living alumni and offering many opportunities for career advancement, leadership experience, and the formation of life-long friendships. For a meaningful Greek experience that supports your ambitions and encourages personal growth, look no further than Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Affiliations
National
Application Type
Social Greek
Constitution

ARTICLE I: Name and Mission

  1. The name of this organization shall be the Minnesota Gamma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  Henceforth in this document it shall be referred to as “the Chapter.”
  1. The mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is to promote the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, and service for our members, based upon the ideals set forth by our Founders and as specifically enunciated in “The True Gentleman.”
    1. Principles
  1. To develop in our members the skills which will facilitate their making deep and meaningful friendships throughout their lives.
  2. To provide our undergraduate members with a physical and organizational environment conducive to their pursuit of academic excellence.
  • To help our members better understand and experience diversity and change to enhance their respect for individuality and personal integrity.
  1. To foster personal development of our members including leadership, scholarship, citizenship, and social and moral responsibility.
  2. To develop in our members a sense of duty for individual and group involvement in social interactions, service, and community outreach.
  3. To provide our members with guidance, support, and standards based upon the ideals embodied in our Ritual.
  • To develop, maintain, and enforce standards and expectations for the conduct of our members within and outside of the Fraternity.
  • To provide our members with the life-long fraternal experiences that are productive, rewarding, and enjoyable.
  1. The Creed of the Chapter shall be “The True Gentleman.”

The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies, who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue is safe.

-John Walter Wayland

ARTICLE II: Membership

  1. Membership Status
    1. To be extended a bid, the candidate must be a man who is:
  1. In good academic standing with Gustavus Adolphus College, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.
  2. Enrolled in at least 3.0 credits per semester.
  • Not initiated into another local, national, or international fraternity.
  1. Recognized as a second-year student by Gustavus Adolphus College
    1. No potential member shall be offered a bid upon receiving negative votes from one-quarter or more of all members of the Chapter in good standing.
    2. Meetings concerning the election of pledges (“Bid Sessions”) shall be conducted by the Recruitment Chairman.
    3. The Chapter reserves the right, subject to Fraternity Laws, to regulate membership.
    4. Every member must complete the appropriate experience(s) as stated in the TGE.
    5. To be an active member of the Chapter, an individual must have completed the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program and have gone through the Initiation Ceremony.
    6. A member is in “good standing” when he continues to be enrolled in at least three credits at Gustavus Adolphus College, has achieved a grade point average of 2.5 or higher during the previous semester, has not been determined ineligible to be in good standing by the Standards and Ethics Board, and is current on all financial obligations to the Fraternity.  Henceforth in this document members in good standing shall be referred to as “members.”
  1. The Chapter may accept into its membership any member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon who, having been initiated by another Chapter, has transferred to Gustavus Adolphus College upon a two-thirds vote of the Chapter and payment of a $50.00 affiliation fee and current dues.
  2. No active or potential Chapter member shall be judged unfit for membership based on their religious creed, race, place of origin, sexual orientation, age, handicap, marital status, or citizenship.

ARTICLE III: Officers

  1. Officers of the Chapter
    1. The Chapter shall have the following officers:
      1. Eminent Archon
      2. Eminent Deputy Archon
  • Eminent Recorder
  1. Eminent Treasurer
  2. Eminent Chronicler
  3. Eminent Correspondent
  • Eminent Herald
  • Eminent Warden
  1. Recruitment Chairman
  2. Member Educator
  3. Health and Safety Officer
  • Social Chairman
  • Service and Philanthropy Chairman
  • Scholarship Chairman
  1. Eminent Chaplain
  • Brotherhood Chairman
  1. The Chapter can have the following officers which can be filled upon interest of members or need as determined by the Executive Council:
    1. Alumni Chairmen
    2. Fundraising Chairman
  • Awards Chairman
  1. Duties of all Officers. All Officers shall:
    1. Be aware of Fraternity Laws and Risk Management Policies which are pertinent to their position and duties.
    2. Be aware of standards of excellence as defined by Inter Greek Senate, and work towards ensuring the Chapter is operating to the highest of expectations.
    3. Contribute to the Member Education Program by creating and giving presentations on topics of relevance to their position when asked.
    4. Maintain an Officer Notebook to the best of their ability.
  1. Method of Election
    1. Officer selection shall consist of three consecutive meetings held during each semester. This excludes the position of Eminent Treasurer which will be decided prior to these elections.
    2. Nominations for the positions open in the required semester will be held on the first meeting. All nominations for all of the positions must be made at this meeting.
    3. Elections of all Executive Board positions will be held on the meeting following nominations, i.e. the second of the three meetings
    4. Elections of all non-Executive Board positions will be held on the final of the three meetings, two weeks following nominations.
    5. Elections for the position of Eminent Treasurer will happen on the meeting directly following Spring Break in the Spring Semester. Nominations for the position will happen the final meeting before Spring Break.
  1. Term
    1. The term of office for the Eminent Archon is one year. The incoming Eminent Archon shall assume his office on June 1st.
    2. The term of office for the Eminent Treasurer is one year. The incoming Eminent Treasurer shall assume his office on June 1st.
    3. The term of office for the Recruitment Chairman is one year. The incoming Recruitment Chairman shall assume his office two weeks following initiation, to the initiation of the following year.
    4. The term of office for the Member Educator is one year. The incoming Member Educator shall assume his office on January 1st.
    5. The term of the office of Alumni Chairman will be one year. The incoming Alumni Chairman will assume his office on June 1st.
    6. The term of office for the Social Chairman is one year. The incoming Social Chairman shall assume his office on June 1st.
    7. The term of office for all other officers is one semester. The incoming officers shall assume office on June 1st for fall semester and January 1st for spring semester.
  1. Qualifications for Office
    1. In order to hold the office of Eminent Archon, one must have previously held an officer position.
    2. Any member (including those not in good standing) may run for an office other than the ones previously stated, provided that he will be a member in good standing at the time he is slated to assume his office.
    1. All officers must remain in good standing during the duration of their term.
  1. Declaring an office vacant
    1. The Chapter may, by two-thirds vote, declare any office vacant due to the officer no longer being in good standing, the officer’s failure in fulfilling his officer duties, or for the officer’s behavioral violations as determined by the Standards and Ethics Board. Notice of such intended action shall be given to the officer concerned and to all other members of the Chapter at least 48 hours in advance. Said office shall then be filled by an immediate election.
  1. Duties of Officers
    1. Eminent Archon. The Eminent Archon shall:
  1. Preside over meetings of the Chapter.
  2. Serve as the Chief Executive and official spokesman for the Chapter.
  • Appoint officers and committees not otherwise provided for.
  1. Approve orders drawn on the Eminent Treasurer for appropriations made by the Chapter.
  2. Enforce a strict observance of Fraternity Laws, bylaws, and lawful orders, holding all officers accountable to their duties.
  3. Prevent conduct by members that could degrade or cheapen the Fraternity
  • Submit all reports required by the Fraternity Office.
  • Meet weekly with the Chapter’s Faculty Advisor.
  1. Meet weekly with the Eminent Deputy Archon.
    1. Eminent Deputy Archon. The Eminent Deputy Archon shall:
  1. Preside over meetings of the Executive Council.
  2. Work to improve the practices of Chapter officers.
  • Meet at least twice a semester with each officer.
  1. Ensure that all officer notebooks are of acceptable quality.
  2. Be responsible for matters of Chapter discipline.
  3. Serve as the Chapter’s parliamentarian.
  • Coordinate the Chapter’s committee structure.
  • Meet weekly with the Eminent Archon.
  1. Act with full powers in the absence of the Eminent Archon.
    1. Eminent Recorder. The Eminent Recorder shall:
  1. Keep records of: the minutes of the meetings of the Chapter and Executive Council; a true and correct copy of the Chapter Bylaws; Attendance records of Chapter meetings, events, and ceremonies; and a copy of the Fraternity Laws.
  2. Notify members of special meetings of the Chapter.
  • Ensure the Chapter calendar is up to date.
  1. Maintain the Chapter’s filing system.
  2. Prepare a Chapter telephone/e-mail directory.
  3. Keep the campus Greek Advisor(s) informed of all changes in membership.
  • Assist the Eminent Treasurer with his duties.
  • Be responsible for determining the validity of, and processing, excused absence/tardy requests for Chapter meetings and events.
  1. Be responsible for updating and maintaining the Chapter’s website, uploading relevant documentation, and delegating responsibility for digital and social media strategies.
    1. Eminent Treasurer. The Eminent Treasurer shall:
  1. Hold funds, securities, vouchers, and account books of the Chapter.
  2. Reconcile and maintain all accounts of the Chapter.
  • Work to eliminate all accounts receivable.
  1. Remit to proper authorities all sums lawfully assessed against the Chapter.
  2. Prepare a budget of the estimated Chapter income and expenditures for each semester’s operations.
  3. Ensure the Chapter follows the Finance Calendar as set in Article V.
  • Charge the Fundraising Chairman with fundraising duties when necessary.
    1. Eminent Chronicler. The Eminent Chronicler shall:
  1. Keep a history of the Chapter.
  2. Keep a Chapter scrapbook.
  • Maintain a list of Chapter alumni.
    1. Eminent Correspondent. The Eminent Correspondent shall:
  1. Conduct the correspondence of the Chapter.
  2. Give notice of expulsions, suspensions, and reinstatements.
  • Consistently send information about the Chapter to the Fraternity Office for inclusion in The Record, and to the Eminent Chronicler for inclusion in the Chapter Scrapbook.
  1. Keep a record of all birthdays and special events which require a congratulatory message.
  2. Send all thank you notes, flowers, etc. as required by the Executive Council or the Chapter.
  3. Maintain the Chapter’s web site and any other media that affects the fraternity’s public relations.
    1. Eminent Herald. The Eminent Herald shall:
  1. Store and maintain all Ritual materials.
  2. Organize all ceremonies and ensure they follow Ritual.
  • Work with the Member Educator to provide programs and/or events designed to enhance the Chapter’s appreciation for the Fraternity’s Creed, Ritual, and traditions.
  1. Advise the Member Education Committee and create Education Materials.
    1. Eminent Warden. The Eminent Warden shall:
  1. Assist the Eminent Archon in keeping meetings orderly and quiet.
  2. Guard the door to ensure privacy at Chapter meetings.
  • Ensure the meeting room is in order for all Chapter meetings.
  1. Be responsible for clean-up after meetings.
  2. Be charged with maintaining order at all Chapter functions.
  3. Work with the Risk Manager to ensure Risk Management policies are followed at all Chapter functions.
    1. Recruitment Chairman. The Recruitment Chairman shall:
  1. Organize recruitment workshops.
  2. Submit a schedule for recruitment events (for both spring and fall semesters) to the Executive Council during the Executive Council meeting following the fifth regular Chapter meeting of the spring semester. Any additional recruitment events must be presented to the Chapter at least one month before they are to occur.
  • Organize and supervise all recruitment activities and events.
  1. Create and sustain media promoting the fraternity to the campus community.
    1. Member Educator.  The Member Educator shall:
  1. Serve as chairman of the Member Education Committee.
  2. Submit a written education program for the Baseline Experience to the Executive Council at least two weeks before the program is to be submitted to Inter Greek Senate.
  • Coordinate the Bid-to-Initiate Process.
  1. Preside over meetings, events, and ceremonies of those Members in the Baseline Experience phase of Membership.
  2. Use the remainder of his term after the Baseline Experience has been completed to reflect on its success and start developing new ideas for future programs.
  3. Submit a New Member Education contract (outlining the obligations of The Baseline Experience – educational, financial, and otherwise) to the Executive Council for approval during the first Executive Council meeting after the first regular Chapter meeting of the fall semester.
  • Lead the Chapter’s educational programs and events with the aid of assistant educators and/or the Health and Safety Officer or Eminent Herald when appropriate.
  • Provide at least two Member Education events per semester and one event per school year that is open to either the Greek community or the campus at-large.
    1. Health and Safety Officer. The Health and Safety Officer shall:
  1. Inform the Chapter of all areas which constitute a risk to the Fraternity or its members, including risks at parties, rape, fire safety, under-age drinking, drunk driving, etc.
  2. Work with the Member Educator to provide programs and/or events designed to enhance the Chapter’s knowledge of potential risks and Management policies.
  • Work with the Eminent Warden to ensure Health and Safety policies are followed at all Chapter functions.
  1. Register all guests on the guest list of parties.
    1. Social Chairman. The Social Chairman shall:
  1. Serve as a principle member of the Brotherhood Committee.
  2. Plan and organize all social events, including Fraternity/Sorority mixers, functions, date parties, and formals.
  • Ensure the Chapter is following Health and Safety policies at all events.
  1. Plan the Chapter’s involvement in intramural activities.
    1. Service and Philanthropy Chairman. The Service and Philanthropy Chairman shall:
  1. Serve as a member of the Philanthropy Committee.
  2. Organize community service events for the Chapter, with minimum of one event per Semester.
  • Organize events to raise funds on behalf of charitable organizations.
  1. Keep a record of the community service hours spent by the Chapter, and report these records to the Eminent Chronicler.
    1. Scholarship Chairman. The Scholarship Chairman shall:
  1. Maintain academic files (of sample tests, papers, and syllabi).
  2. Meet with each member once each semester to ensure that the minimum G.P.A. requirements are being fulfilled.
  • Promote programs designed to improve the scholastic standing of the Chapter.
    1. Eminent Chaplain: The Eminent Chaplain shall:
  1. Offer prayers and devotions appropriate to the setting at Chapter events.
  2. Be available as a trusted counselor to members in need of assistance.
  • Provide motivational and encouraging words at Chapter meetings and other Chapter functions.
    1. Alumni Chairman. The Alumni Chairman shall:
  1. Maintain a contact list of Chapter alumni and send e-mail updates on a regular basis.
  2. Cooperate with the local alumni association.
  • Plan at least two alumni events per year, scheduled with at least three months’ notice.
  1. Publish an alumni directory every odd-numbered year.
    1. Fundraising Chairman. The Fundraising Chairman shall:
  1. Serve as the chairman of the Fundraising Committee.
  2. Work with the Eminent Treasurer to assess the Chapter’s fundraising needs.
  • Organize fundraising efforts.
  1. Provide brothers with opportunities to cut their dues through fundraising.
    1. Awards Chairman. The Awards Chairman shall:
  1. Oversee the Awards process for both Province and National Awards.
  2. Appoint writers and seek information for awards.
  • Ensure deadlines are met for awards.
    1. Brotherhood Chairman. The Brotherhood Chairman shall:
  1. Serve as a principle member of the Brotherhood Committee.
  2. Plan and organize all intra-Fraternity social events.
  • Plan one Chapter banquet in the Spring semester of each year.
  1. Plan one Chapter retreat in the Fall semester of each year.
  1. Executive Council
    1. Membership
  1. The Executive Council shall consist of the Eminent Archon, Eminent Deputy Archon, Eminent Recorder, Eminent Treasurer, Service and Philanthropy Chairman, Recruitment Chairman, Social Chairman, Brotherhood Chairman, Health and Safety Officer, and Member Educator.
  2. Any member of the Executive Council missing two meetings in a semester will be placed on suspension pending an informal hearing by the chapter unless an approved excuse is submitted two weeks prior to the Executive Council.
  • The Eminent Deputy Archon shall serve as chairman of the Executive Council.
    1. Duties of the Executive Council.  The Executive Council shall:
  1. Advise the Eminent Archon.
  2. Approve requests for special expenditures of Chapter funds not to exceed $200.
  • Be the policy-forming body on all matters not requiring a vote of the entire Chapter.
  1. Approve requests for deferred payment of dues and assessments by members.
  2. Discuss and develop opinions concerning tabled motions from previous Chapter meetings.
  3. Determine the validity of excused absence/tardiness requests from chapter ceremonies.
  • Meet weekly during the academic year, and as required during breaks.
  • Ensure that the Chapter is following Fraternity Laws and Health and Safety Policies.
  1. Ensure that the Chapter is fulfilling the “Standards of Excellence” as defined by Inter Greek Senate when reasonable.
  2. Meet with the Chapter’s Faculty Advisor at least once per month.
  3. Meet with the Chapter’s Alumnus Advisor at least once per month.
    1. Disciplinary Powers. The Executive Council shall:
  1. Have the power to declare members to be no longer in good standing.
  2. Refer members to the Standard and Ethics Board in cases of disciplinary issues.
  1. General Committees
    1. The Eminent Deputy Archon shall coordinate the Chapter’s committee structure.
    2. General Committees shall include:
  1. Fundraising
  2. Education
  • Brotherhood
  1. Service and Philanthropy
  2. Other, as deemed necessary by the Eminent Deputy Archon
  1. Special Committees
    1. The Eminent Archon may appoint special committees as needed.

ARTICLE IV: Meetings, Events, and Ceremonies

  1. Meetings
    1. Regular Chapter Meetings
  1. Meetings will be held weekly during the academic year, at a time set by the Chapter.
  2. The first meeting each month shall be Badge Attire (coat, tie, badge).
  • The Order of Business at Chapter meetings shall be determined by the Eminent Archon, but should follow this format:
    1. Opening Ritual
    2. Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    3. Reports of Officers
    4. Reports of Committees
    5. Old Business
    6. New Business
    7. Comments and Remarks for the Good of the Order
    8. Closed business of Chapter
    9. Closing Ritual
  1. All meetings shall be run by Roberts Rules of Order
    1. Special Meetings
  1. Special Meetings may be called by the Eminent Archon at any time, and shall be called by the Eminent Archon upon the written request of at least five members in good standing.
  2. A minimum of forty-eight hours’ notice is required for special meetings.
    1. Quorum
  1. At any regular meeting of the Chapter, a majority of members in good standing shall constitute a quorum.
  2. At any special meeting, two-thirds of the members in good standing shall constitute a quorum.
    1. Vote
  1. Every member of the Chapter in good standing has the right to vote upon any question lawfully coming before the Chapter, if present at such a meeting. No vote by proxy shall be allowed.
  2. The Eminent Archon shall not vote except in the case of a tie.
  1. Events
    1. All Chapter Events:
  1. Must have an officer in charge (Service and Philanthropy Chairman in charge of service events, Member Educator in charge of educational events, etc.)
    1. If the situation calls for another member to be in charge of an event (i.e. someone on the Brotherhood Committee takes charge of a social event), this must be made clear at the Chapter meetings where the event is discussed.
  2. Should be presented at a Chapter meeting on a conceptual and/or tentative level at least three weeks before the event occurs.
  • Should be presented at a Chapter meeting on a finalized and/or formal level at least two weeks before the event occurs.
    1. Extenuating circumstances that may lead to an event being done on a shorter time scale must have the approval of the Eminent Deputy Archon.
  1. Ceremonies
    1. All Chapter Ceremonies:
  1. Must have dates set within the first three regular Chapter meetings of the semester in which they occur.
  2. Are considered formal events - formal attire (coat, tie, and badge) and conduct are required from all members regardless of whether the ceremony is public or private.
    1. Extenuating circumstances that may lead to a ceremony being done on a shorter time scale must have the approval of the Eminent Deputy Archon.
  1. Tardiness and Absence
    1. Excused Tardiness and Absence from Regular Chapter Meetings
  1. Excused tardiness and absence requests for regular Chapter meetings must be submitted to the Eminent Recorder at least one full day before the meeting which will be missed/attended late.
  2. Every member is allowed to miss 15% of chapter meetings per year
  • Any additional excused absence/tardiness requests must be submitted to the Eminent Recorder at least three full days before the Chapter meeting which will be missed. These additional requests must be determined valid by the Eminent Recorder within one day.
    1. Excused Tardiness and Absence from Chapter Events and Ceremonies
  1. Excused absence/tardiness requests from Chapter events (social, service, educational, recruitment, and other) must be submitted to the officer running the event at least one week before the event which will be missed. The request must be determined valid by Eminent Recorder within one day and the ruling must be communicated to the member immediately.
  2. Excused absence requests from Chapter ceremonies must be submitted to the Eminent Recorder at least one week before the ceremony will be missed. The request must be determined valid by the Eminent Recorder within one week.
  • If a member has three or more absences from Chapter events and/or ceremonies in one semester, their attendance record shall be reviewed by Eminent Recorder. If he deems it fitting, the case will be brought before the Chapter.
    1. Unexcused Tardiness and Absence
  1. Cases of unexcused tardiness or absence from regular Chapter meetings will be recorded in the meeting minutes of that meeting.
  2. Cases of unexcused tardiness or absence from Chapter events and ceremonies will be communicated to the tardy or absent member by the Eminent Recorder within one day of the transgression.
  • In the event of an emergency that causes a tardy or absence, a member can request that the Eminent Recorder review the situation and excuse the tardiness or absence as long as the request is submitted within one day of the transgression.
  1. Fines for unexcused tardiness and absence are listed in Article VI: D.
  1. Conduct
    1. The Eminent Archon, Eminent Deputy Archon, and Eminent Warden have the authority to remove members from meetings, events, or ceremonies for rude or noisy behavior.
  1. Small outbursts at meetings are to be handled on a “three strikes you’re out” basis
  2. Serious breaches of order, or outbursts at formal ceremonies or public events, may be met with more swift action at the discretion of the aforementioned officers
  • Removal from a meeting, event, or ceremony is considered an unexcused absence and the corresponding fines will be assessed.
  1. Additional punishments for removal in such cases will be set forth in the chapter's list of major/minor transgressions

ARTICLE V: Finance

  1. Fundraising
    1. Each semester the Fundraising Committee will evaluate the Chapter’s financial situation and present their findings on financial need and fundraising recommendations to the Chapter within the first two weeks of the semester.
  1. Any member is able to suggest, plan, and/or run a fundraising project.
  2. Fundraising projects will be charged to the Fundraising Chairman and members of the Fundraising Committee for supervision.
    1. Each semester, the Eminent Treasurer shall disperse funds collected through chapter fundraising in the following manner:
  1. All money collected through Chapter fundraising shall be transferred to the Chapter’s accounts.

ARTICLE VI: Dues and Fees

  1. New Member Fee
    1. Prior to formal New Membership, each new initiate must pay a fee equal to that of the national New Member fee.
    2. Additional fees must be voted on and approved by the Chapter.
  1. Member Dues
    1. Dues for members shall be set by the Executive Council and approved by the chapter, as part of the budget process.
    2. The Eminent Treasurer will propose a date to be approved by the chapter regarding dues in the upcoming semester during the prior semester:
  1. The date the chapter will first be billed. This date also represents when members must change statuses (suspended, inactive , or expelled) before being charged. If status is changed after this date during the semester, the member must pay all of the set dues for that semester.
    1. The Eminent Treasurer will also propose two other dates to be approved by the chapter regarding dues during each semester:
  1. The date members must specify details about their payment (such as payment plans) and have those plans approved by the Eminent Treasurer.
  2. ii. The last date to pay dues for the semester before fines are implemented
  1. Fines
    1. The Executive Council may assess the following fines:
  1. Damage to Fraternity property: equivalent to replacement value.
  2. Loss of badge: Member must order a replacement within 1 week.
  • Unexcused absence from Chapter Meeting: $5.
  1. Unexcused tardiness to Chapter Meeting: $1.
  2. Unexcused absence from Initiation Ceremony: $20.
  3. Unexcused absence/tardiness from Chapter event: $5.
  • Other (subject to approval by Chapter): $5 – $50.
  • Unexcused unpaid dues: additional $5 every 2 weeks
  1. Assessments and Member Compensation
    1. Chapter members who incur personal expenses ranging from $5-$200 relating to Chapter meetings, events, ceremonies, or other matters may be fully compensated out of the Chapter’s general fund as long as a receipt or other valid documentation of the expenditure is kept.  Compensation requests must be submitted to the Eminent Treasurer within two weeks of the expenditure.  Any personal compensation to members over $20 must be approved by the Executive Council.
  1. Outstanding Accounts
    1. During the fall and spring semester, any member who does not pay dues in full or create a payment plan with the Eminent Treasurer by the date set by the Eminent Treasurer will no longer be a member in good standing.
  1. Payment Plans
    1. Any member who is unable to pay dues in full by the date set by the Eminent Treasurer will create a payment plan
    2. Payments plans must be approved by the Executive Council. They must also be signed by the member who wishes to have the payment plan, the Eminent Treasurer, and the Eminent Archon.
    3. Any member who misses a payment stated on the payment plan will no longer be a member in good standing.



  1. Scholarship Incentive
    1. Any member who is enrolled in at least 3.0 credits and receives a semester Grade Point Average of 4.0 shall only be subject to the National Risk Management fee and Annual National Fraternity dues for the following semester.
    2. Any member who is enrolled in at least 3.0 credits and receives a semester Grade Point Average of 3.75 or higher shall receive a 20% reduction in dues for the following semester.



ARTICLE VII: Member Education and the True Gentleman Experience

  1. True Gentlemen Experience
    1. A True Gentlemen Experience Plan, as created by the Education Committee, shall be created in accordance with the True Gentleman Experience, and must be submitted to the Executive Council by the Member Educator at least two weeks before the program is to be submitted to the Inter Greek Senate
    2. The True Gentlemen Experience Plan must include:
  1. The minimum content required by the National Fraternity in the True Gentlemen Experience.
  2. At least one service event outside of Inter Greek Senate required “all pledge” service event.
  • An acceptable level of integration with the pledge calendar and pledge requirements as set forth by the Inter Greek Senate and approved by the college administration in the semester before pledge.
  1. Examinations testing relevant or significant Sigma Alpha Epsilon history, tradition, ritual, chapter history, chapter bylaws/practices, and any other topics the Executive Board deems necessary.



ARTICLE VIII: Standards and Ethics Board

  1. Purpose
    1. The purpose of the Standard and Ethics Board shall be to bring to the attention of the members the obligations they made at their initiation to uphold the standards of “The True Gentleman” and to ensure a quality reputation for the chapter. A trial is the last resort. The Standards and Ethics Board should seek out mutually beneficial solutions to situations before a trial is called. The Standards and Ethics Board is not empowered to suspend or expel any members. A trial for suspension or expulsion will be followed by the guidelines outlined in the Fraternity Laws.
  1. Structure
    1. In order to ensure fair representation, eliminate any claims of favoritism, and legitimize the authority of the Standards and Ethics Board, the Board shall consist of five members; one nominated from each of the sophomore, junior, and senior classes, the Health and Safety Officer, and the Eminent Deputy Archon, who shall chair the committee.
  1. Violations and Sanctions
    1. The Chapter will create a list of possible violations and assign suggested sanctions. Violations and sanctions will be classified as major and minor offenses. Imposed sanctions for major offenses may include sanctions for minor offenses as well. Sanctions may also include a trial before the Chapter for suspension or expulsion. If the board feels appropriate violations or sanctions are not on the list, a majority vote of the Chapter is needed to impose it.
    2. Any member who is convicted of a minor infraction will have that or those convictions dropped at the end of the semester if all duties are completed. Any member who is convicted of a major infraction will have the conviction dropped after fulfilling his duties and a period of 2 semesters.
    3. Any officer who is convicted of three minor infractions may be removed from office and his successor shall be appointed by the Eminent Archon. Any officer charged with a major infraction will have his duties suspended until a verdict is rendered. If the member is found guilty, then the member will be removed from office and is unable to run for any office in the next election. If found innocent, then the officer will be reinstated to his office. Any member accused of a major infraction may be tried in front of the Chapter as described in the Chapter Bylaws.
    4. Procedure:
  1. Any and all allegations must first be brought before the Executive Council, which will determine whether or not the allegations merit a Standards and Ethics Board hearing by a majority vote. No discussion will take place as to the guilt or innocence of the party(ies) involved.
  2. Should the Executive Council deem a hearing necessary, the Eminent Deputy Archon will contact the accused within 48 hours to establish a schedule for the hearing, which should occur within one week of the initial complaint. The only people who will be admitted to the meeting are the Board members, the accused, the witness(es), and the Chapter advisor.
  • The hearing's procedures will be as follows:
    1. Reading of Charges by the Eminent Deputy Archon
    2. Witness testimony
    3. Questioning of the witness(es) by the Board
    4. Defendant Testimony
    5. Questioning of the defendant
    6. Closing remarks by the defendant
  1. After the closing remarks by the defendant, all parties, except for the Board members and Chapter advisor, must exit the room. The Board will then deliberate until the guilt or innocence of the defendant(s) is determined. If found guilty, the Board will then determine which sanctions are appropriate. The purpose of the Eminent Deputy Archon is solely to mediate discussion. He should not, under any circumstances, participate in discussion. Only in the case of a “hung jury”, when the votes are evenly split, will the Eminent Deputy Archon cast the deciding vote. The Chapter advisor may assist in the limited mediation, but will not have a vote. Sanctions decided upon by the Board will be final unless an appeal is made to the Chapter and is overturned by a three-quarters vote. It will be the duty of the Eminent Warden to ensure that sanctions are enforced. If the board is unable to decide upon a sentence, or if the accused refuses to abide by the sanctions of the board, the Eminent Deputy Archon shall instigate trial proceedings as outlined in the Fraternity Laws.
    1. The Standards and Ethics Board shall also meet to discuss other disciplinary matters, and to draft new ethics policies for approval by the Chapter. All policies are retroactive and may affect current proceedings. During such time as the Board is awaiting approval from the Chapter, all proceedings are temporarily suspended.



ARTICLE IX: Distribution and Amendment

  1. Distribution
    1. Each member is to be supplied a copy of these bylaws to remain in his possession for the period of his connection with the Chapter.
    2. One copy of these bylaws shall be forwarded to the Chapter Advisor.
    3. One copy of these bylaws shall be forwarded to the Province Archon.
    4. One copy of these bylaws shall be forwarded to the National Fraternity Office.
    5. Four copies of these bylaws, clearly marked “OFFICIAL COPY” shall be distributed to: Eminent Archon, Eminent Deputy Archon, Eminent Treasurer, and Eminent Recorder. These copies should remain part of those officer’s notebooks.
  2. Amendment
    1. A motion to amend the bylaws may be made by any member at any regular meeting of the Chapter.
    2. Amendments must be in writing and must refer to the specific Article and Section affected.
    3. Any motion to amend the bylaws shall sit on the table for a period of one week prior to consideration of the question.



ARTICLE X: National Policies of Sigma Alpha Epsilon

  1. Alcohol and Drugs
    1. The possession, use and/or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on Chapter premises, during an official Fraternity event, or in any situation sponsored or endorsed by Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, county, city, and university. This includes the laws regarding the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.
    2. SALE OF ALCOHOL by any chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is strictly forbidden.  This is to include any action that can be remotely construed as alcohol sale such as:
  1. Charging admission to parties.
  2. Passing the hat.
  • Selling empty cups.
  1. Selling drink tickets.
    1. The possession, sale and/or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES at any SAE house or sponsored event or at any event that would allow a normal observer to view one as associated with the Fraternity is strictly prohibited and will be grounds for the immediate expulsion of those involved.
    2. Each member and pledge will be INSTRUCTED on the drinking age laws, regulation of sale laws, open container laws and other laws pertinent to Chapter’s jurisdiction, specifically dram shop liability, implied consent, and host liquor liability.  Instruction shall also be provided with the goal of engendering in each member a sense of responsibility toward the welfare of those who consume alcohol, the encouragement of intervention to prevent any person from drinking to excess, or from engaging in any potentially dangerous activity, including driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  Instruction must also be provided on emergency procedures to be employed as a result of alcohol abuse.
    3. No "GRAIN ALCOHOL," and any such distilled liquor that exceeds 100 proof, or above 50 percent pure grade alcohol per volume, is to be served in any form or mixture during a Fraternity sponsored event, due to the destructive and immediate effects that such high alcohol concentration can cause. Furthermore, any legal use of alcohol will not involve providing unlimited quantities, no activity shall encourage rapid consumption of alcohol, and no person shall be forced for any reason to consume alcohol.
    4. All RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES associated with any chapter or Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be DRY, that is without the use of alcohol beverages.  The ideals and concepts on which the Fraternity stands are not dependent on alcohol.
    5. OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access, and without specific invitation, shall be prohibited.
    6. NO PURCHASE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITH CHAPTER FUNDS. This includes the purchase of kegs of beer. All alcoholic beverages consumed at SAE Chapter functions must be brought by the individual members attending the function or through a cash bar operated by the licensed establishment where the function is held.
    7. THE PURCHASE OR USE OF A COMMON SOURCE OF ALCOHOL SUCH AS KEGS, PARTY BALLS, PUNCH, ETC. IS PROHIBITED. Chapters may hire a licensed, professional catering service with certified bartenders, which may utilize common containers. Any service retained must have general liability and liquor liability insurance policies.
  1. Hazing
    1. The Fraternity will not tolerate nor condone any form of hazing. Hazing is to be defined as:
  1. Paddling in any form.
  2. Physical exercises resulting in excessive fatigue or exhaustion.
  • Deprivation of normal sleep and rest.
  1. Any form of corporal or mental punishment.
  2. The placing of anyone in actual or simulated peril or jeopardy of health.
  3. Undignified methods and stunts.
  • Either public or private quests.
  • Treasure hunts.
  1. Road trips, late work sessions or any other activities which interfere with scholastic achievement of the pledges.
  2. Personal servitude.
  1. Sexual Abuse

The Fraternity will not tolerate nor condone any form of sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional.  This is to include any actions that are demeaning to women including but not limited to date rape, gang rape, or verbal harassment.  Any such actions will be cause for expulsion of individual offenders and/or charter suspension.

 
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