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Tau Beta Sigma
Eta Nu

Chapter By-Laws

Updated December 2007
By Karrie Lawson

Preamble
To the Constitution of
Tau Beta Sigma
Eta Nu Chapter

Be it known that Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Sorority for members of the collegiate band, is an organization exclusively in the field of college and university bands, for the following purposes:

1. To promote the existence and welfare of the collegiate bands and to create a respect and appreciation for band activities among the listening public everywhere.

 

2. To honor outstanding members of the band through privilege of membership, in the sisterhood, extended in recognition of musical achievement, demonstrated leadership, and an enthusiastic approach to band activities.
3. To develop leadership through active participation with the band, and through it, to strengthen those traits of conduct, thought and idealism which characterize the responsible membership of the band.

 

4. To encourage a close relationship between collegiate bands and promote a high average of attainment by the performance of good music and selection of worthwhile projects.

5. To provide a meaningful and worthwhile social experience for all engaged in collegiate band work, and to cooperate with other musical organizations and societies in every manner consistent without mutual purposes and those of the institution which chapters are located.

 

Tau Beta Sigma Mission Statement:

Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority provides service to collegiate bands, encourages that advancement of women in the band profession, and promotes and enriches an appreciation of band music through recognition, leadership development, and education of its members.

 

Article I.  Name
            The name of this organization shall be Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Sorority for College and University Band Members. Tau Beta Sigma was incorporated under the laws of the sovereign state of Oklahoma as of March 26, 1946. This chapter shall be known as the Eta Nu Chapter, founded on March 13, 1986.

Article II.  Purpose
            The purpose of the Eta Nu Chapter is to provide support and assist the band program at Tarleton State University. This is accomplished through the dedication and devotion of its members.

Article III.  Membership
            There are seven categories of membership:  active, conditional, inactive, associate, honorary, alumni and life.

1. Active Membership
1. The active member must have completed the chapter’s membership education program or have their membership transferred from a chapter in good standing with National Headquarters.
2. The active member must be enrolled in school at Tarleton State University and be in good standing.
3. The active member must be enrolled/actively participating in band and attend meetings each semester. In the event an active member is unable to enroll/actively participate in band due to class conflicts or medical reason, the member may continue as an active member for the academic term upon approval of the chapter and sponsor. National Headquarters must approve exceptions.
4. The active member must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA). If the grade point average falls below a 2.0, the member is placed on probationary status. If after one semester the member does not meet this GPA requirement, the member must go before the executive council for action. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the chapter may suspend or lift suspension on any probationary member. National Headquarters must be notified within ten (10) days of each action.
5. The active member must pay membership dues by the required date unless approved by the executive council.
6. A member of Kappa Kappa Psi who has ever held active status in Kappa Kappa Psi is not eligible for active membership in Tau Beta Sigma.
7. The active member is eligible to hold office, serve on committees, take part in all business and social affairs and vote.

 

1. Conditional Membership
1. A formerly active member in good standing may obtain conditional status for one academic year totaling any two (2) semesters.
2. Conditional status in the sorority may be obtained for up to one (1) academics year by a formerly active member in good standing. Conditional status may ne requested by and active member, in writing, from the chapter when conflicts arise because of work or class schedules and thus prevent the student from fulfilling the requirements of active membership.
3. Members who meet the criteria shall be granted conditional status upon payment of the current year’s membership dues.
4. After one year, the conditional member must reclaim active status or become an alumni or life member, or the member will be classified as inactive with the chapter.
5. The conditional member is eligible to attend all meetings and functions, however are ineligible to hold office or vote.

1. Inactive Membership
1. Inactive members are formerly active members that have not paid membership dues.
2. Inactive members are not considered in good standing and have no active membership privileges, which includes the wearing and/or display of any Tau Beta Sigma paraphernalia.
3. An active member may be reviewed and reinstated with a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the chapter upon payment of membership dues and chapter fees.
4. An inactive member must obtain active status before alumni status can be given.

 

1. Associate Membership
1. Associate membership is granted to a member of Kappa Kappa Psi who is a transfer student to a college or university that has no active chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
2. The associate member must be educated in the Ritual and traditions of Tau Beta Sigma.
3. The associate member may vote and hold office.
4. Any exceptions must be approved by the National Council.

1. Honorary Membership
1. Honorary membership is given in recognition of outstanding ability, accomplishment, or devotion to the best interest of the Sorority.
2. Honorary membership shall be the highest honor which can be conferred by a chapter.
3. Undergraduates are ineligible for honorary membership.

 

1. Alumni Membership
1. Active, associate, or conditional members become alumni members of the sorority when they graduate or terminate their affiliation with their college or university.
2. Alumni members shall have the same privileges as active members except voting, introducing business or holding office.
3. An alumni member may serve as a non-voting member of any active committee.
4. An alumni member may be reactivated upon enrolling/actively participating in band, paying membership dues and chapter fees, and petitioning the membership annually for active status to be approved by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of active membership.

1. Life Membership
1. Alumni or senior members, upon payment of Life Membership fees together with an application to the National Headquarters shall be entitled to Life Membership privileges in the Sorority providing their addresses are available at the National Headquarters.
2. If application for Life Membership is requested within two years of graduation, it must have chapter approval.
3. Purchase of a Life Membership does not exempt a person from payment of annual membership dues during the senior year.

 

Article IV.  Disciplinary Action
            Upon proper voting procedure:

1. Probation

1. A member may be placed on probation for
a. Failing to meet chapters grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
b. Becomes delinquent in any obligation(s) to the chapter or who   displays conduct in violation of National, District, or Chapter policies.
c. Presence and/or consumption of drugs and/or alcohol at any Tau Beta Sigma function, band function, on school property, or in the presence of letters is cause for automatic probation with terms set by the chapter.
d. Presence includes possession and exhibiting the effects of drugs and/or alcohol, including altered behavior and smell of alcohol on their person.
2. For a description of actions to be taken, refer to article 6.618 of the National Constitution.

            B. Suspension
1.   A member on probation who does not successfully make restitution or any member who violates any policies or procedures of the National, District or local Chapter may be placed on suspension.
2.  The member will be considered not in good standing and will have no active privileges.

1. Expulsion
1. A suspended member who does not successfully meet the obligations specified pursuant on Article IV B, or any member who repeatedly violates the National, District, or local Chapter policies of procedures, may be expelled.
2. Prior to a vote on expulsion, the member has a right to a hearing before the active chapter membership and Chapter Sponsor. At least one week prior to the hearing, the member, Chapter Sponsor, District Counselor, and National Headquarters shall be notified of the reason for the disciplinary action.
3. The vote on expulsion shall be by secret ballot and the member will be informed of the vote totals.
4. Having been expelled, the member shall return to the chapter all regalia and property of the Sorority being held, and the expulsion shall be noted in the Master Chapter Roster at National Headquarters.

 

Article V. Officers

            The officers of the Eta Nu Chapter shall be;  President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Alumni Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Parliamentarian. Their duties are as follows:
           

1. President
1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the chapter and shall be a non-voting member of all chapter committees.
2. The President shall sign all checks for monies disbursed and shall sign all contracts and other instruments of business incurred by the chapter.
3. The President shall be responsible for filing a Fall Activity Report and Chapter Summary Report (following the term as President) to National Headquarters.
4. The President shall be designated as the official representative of the chapter whenever such representation is required.
5. The President shall serve as chairperson of the Scholarship committee.
2. Vice-President
1. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside at meetings of the chapter and shall advance the purpose of the sorority as stated in the Preamble to the Constitution.
2. The Vice-President shall be responsible for the education, training, and initiation of all members of the chapter.
3. The Vice-President shall be responsible for the maintenance and care of all ritual materials.
4. The Vice-President shall serve as chairperson of the Membership and Ritual and Regalia committees.
3. Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall control the receipts and disbursements of all monies of the chapter.
2. The Treasurer shall sign all checks for money disbursed.
3. The Treasurer shall submit recommendations concerning the financial policies of the chapter.
4. The Treasurer shall be responsible for a monthly report of monies owed to and disbursed by the chapter.
5. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of the monies for and the ordering of all regalia from the National Executive Director of the Sorority.
6. The Treasurer shall serve as chairperson of the Ways, Means and Service Committee, and supervise all fundraisers conducted by the chapter.
4. Recording Secretary
1. The Recording Secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings and keep them in a chronologically ordered notebook.
2. The Recording Secretary shall sign all contracts and other instruments of business incurred by the chapter.
3. The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a permanent record of each chapter member, including name, address, phone number, and instrument played.
4. The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for recording absences and tardies at all meetings, band practices, and mandatory events and shall warn members after one (1) unexcused absence.
5. The Recording Secretary will be responsible for notifying members of all incurred fines in a monthly report.
5. Corresponding Secretary
1. The Corresponding Secretary shall prepare and send news items to the National Executive Director.
2. The Corresponding Secretary shall prepare and send all news items to the Podium and New Alto.
3. The Corresponding Secretary shall be responsible for at least one form of correspondence with other chapters per semester, specifically in the Southwest District.
4. The Corresponding Secretary shall serve as chairperson for the Publications committee.
5. The Corresponding Secretary shall be responsible for correspondence within the chapter.
6. Historian
1. The Historian shall be responsible for the history of the chapter by compiling an annual scrapbook to be displayed at the District Convention each spring. The scrapbook shall remain in the possession of the chapter.
2. The Historian shall be responsible for any visual presentation on behalf of the chapter.
3. The Historian shall be responsible for the Kappa Kappa Psi-Tau Beta Sigma slide show when it applies.
4. The Historian shall be responsible for monthly updates of the Chapter bulletin board.
5. The Historian shall serve as chairperson of the History committee.
7. Parliamentarian
1. The Parliamentarian shall be responsible for keeping order and privacy during meetings and official ceremonies.
2. The Parliamentarian shall be responsible for knowing Robert’s Rules of Order and ensuring that the business of the chapter is conducted in accordance with those rules.
3. The Parliamentarian shall serve as chairperson of the By-Laws committee,
8. Alumni Secretary
1. The Alumni Secretary shall keep a recently updated list of all alumni of the chapter including as much contact information as possible, and maintain alumni records.
2. The Alumni Secretary shall prepare a newsletter each semester to be sent to alumni.
3. The Alumni Secretary shall serve as chairperson of the Alumni Relations Committee.
9. Executive Council
1. The Executive Council shall consist of all officers.
2. The Executive Council shall meet weekly at a specified time before chapter meetings to determine business to be presented at the next appointed meeting.
3. The Executive Council shall review all absences and deem them excused or unexcused as it sees fit.
4. The Executive Council shall present all business discussed to the chapter for approval.

Article VI. Elections

            Elections shall be held during the spring semester at least two weeks prior to restricted activities. Officers serve for a period of one year beginning June 1 and ending May 31 of the next year except in the case of special elections where the officer serves a period ending May 31. All officers shall serve without compensation.

1. Officer qualifications
1. To run for an office, a member must have active membership status, possess outstanding business ability, and be capable of positively representing the chapter.
2. Candidates running for the office of President and Vice-President must have at least one full year of active membership status, not counting  the membership education semester, except in the case where there is no one fitting that description.
3. A member may hold only one office at a time.
2. Nominations
1. Nominations for each office, starting with President, shall be made from the floor of the meeting.
3. Voting
1. Each member running for a particular office shall stand before the chapter and present their qualifications for that position in a three (3) minute speech and a predetermined question and answer session. The other candidates running for the same office will step out and wait for their turn to speak before the chapter.
2. A majority of all votes cast shall be necessary for election.
3. All voting in the Eta Nu Chapter shall be done by secret ballot unless otherwise specified.
4. Each active and associate member, except President, shall have one vote. In case of a tie, a brief question period will be held and another vote will be taken. If there is still a tie, the President will vote.
5. If possible, the Chapter sponsor shall count the votes. Otherwise, two members chose by the chapter shall count the votes.

 

Article VII. Committees
            All committees shall be appointed by the chapter President and shall consist of as many members as the President deems necessary. Standing committees of the Eta Nu Chapter shall be Membership, Ways, Means and Service, History, and Ritual and Regalia. Additional committees may be established as deemed necessary by the needs of the chapter.

1. Activities Committee
1. An active member shall be elected to serve as chairperson of the Activities committee.
2. The Activities committee is responsible for planning social functions and activities.
2. Scholarship Committee
1. The President and Treasurer shall be the co-chairpersons of the Scholarship committee.
2. The Scholarship committee shall be a closed committee consisting of the President and Treasurer.
3. The Director of Bands will choose a recipient of the Dr. Christian Rosner Memorial scholarship.
4. The committee shall announce the scholarship publicly at a concert or Banquet.
5. The requirements are as follows:
1. The scholarship shall be called the Dr. Christian Rosner Memorial Scholarship.
2. The recipient must be a female of sophomore level or above at the time of the scholarship is applied and not a member of Tau Beta Sigma.
3. The recipient must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 at the time the scholarship is applied.
4. The recipient must be a full-time student carrying at least twelve (12) semester hours.
5. The recipient must be enrolled in band during the semester the scholarship is presented as well as the semester following the presentation of the scholarship.
6. The recipient may not receive the scholarship in consecutive years.
7. The amount of the scholarship is to be determined by the Chapter before applications are distributed.
3. Membership Committee
1. The Vice-President shall serve as chairperson of the Membership committee.
2. The Membership committee shall be responsible for all recruiting for the chapter.
3. The Membership committee shall be responsible for setting up booths at the Organizational Fairs.
4. The Membership committee will plan at least three (3) informational parties in the fall semester and one (1) in the spring semester prior to selection of Membership Candidates.
4. Ritual and Regalia Committee
1. The Vice-President shall serve as chairperson of the Ritual and Regalia committee.
2. The Ritual and Regalia committee shall be responsible for the maintenance of all ritual materials.
3. The Ritual and Regalia committee shall be responsible for scheduling and preparing all rituals.
5. Ways, Means, and Service
1. The Treasurer shall be chairperson of the Ways, Means, and Service committee.
2. The Ways, Means, and Service committee shall be responsible for organizing fundraisers and service projects for the chapter.
3. The Ways, Means, and Service committee is responsible for creating a budget for the year.
4. Fundraisers may be done throughout the semester for various reasons.
5. Ten percent (10%) of all fundraising monies shall go towards the Dr. Christian Rosner scholarship fund, with exception to the monies raised for membership dues.  All other deviations from this plan shall be approved by a majority vote of the chapter.
   
6. Publications Committee
1. The Corresponding Secretary shall be the chairperson of the Publications committee.
2. The Publications committee shall be responsible for at least one form of correspondence between the Eta Nu Chapter and all other chapters.
3. The Publications committee shall be responsible for composing and sending a newsletter of publication to the Podium and New Alto when they are due.
7. Alumni Relations Committee
1. The Alumni Secretary shall be chairperson of the Alumni Relations committee.
2. The Alumni Relations committee shall be responsible for putting together and maintaining a record of all alumni members, including their full name, current address, big brother/sister, little brother/sister, and birthday.
3. The Alumni Relations committee shall be responsible for putting together alumni newsletters and sending them out at least once per semester.
8. History Committee
1. The Historian shall serve as chairperson of the History committee.
2. The History committee shall be responsible for a pictoral and written history of the Eta Nu Chapter by compiling information and pictures for a scrapbook to be displayed at District Convention in the Spring semester.
3. The history committee shall be responsible for a monthly update of the bulletin board.
4. The History committee shall be responsible for the Kappa Kappa Psi Tau Beta Sigma slide show when it applies.
9. Reception Committee
1. An active member shall be elected to serve as chairperson of the Reception Committee.
2. The Reception committee shall be responsible for preparation for all receptions including purchase of supplies and contacting building manager at least twenty four (24) hours in advance.
3. The Reception committee shall be responsible for set up, serving, and clean up at all Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band concerts as well as any additional needed by the Director of Bands or chapter.
10. By-Laws Committee
1. The Parliamentarian shall serve as chairperson of the By-Laws committee.
2. The By-Laws committee shall be responsible for revising this consitituion and all amendments every two years unless need arises with a three-fourths (3/4) vote prior to next revision and providing a copy to each member.
   
   

Article VIII. Meetings

1. Meetings will be held weekly at a date, time, and place to be determined by the chapter on which letters or pin with pin attire will be worn all school day and until after the meeting. After one (1) warning fines will be issued.
2. An hour and a half shall be allotted for meetings and must be present for first forty-five (45) minutes to be counted present.
3. Special chapter meetings may be called upon favorable vote of seventy-five percent (75%) of the active members of the chapter or upon recommendation of the chapter President approved by a fifty percent (50%) to seventy-five (75%) percent vote of the chapter officers
4. Three-fourths (3/4) of all active members in the chapter, together with at least two chapter officers shall constitute a quorum at all meetings.
5. In general, the order of business of all chapter meetings shall be:
1. Opening Ceremonies
2. Reading of Minutes
3. Report of Chapter Officers
4. Report of Committees
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business
7. Closing Ceremonies
   

Article IX. Attendance

1. Policies
1. Active Members shall be allowed one (1) unexcused absence from chapter meetings/activities/band.
2. Rituals and other functions that the chapter has deemed official by a three-fourths (75%) vote will carry a higher fine. A member’s one unexcused absence cannot be applied under these circumstances.
3. Members unable to attend a meeting/activity/band must notify the President or Recording Secretary twenty-four (24) hours in advance. If the member is unable to give twenty-four (24) hours notice, the member must call either the President or Recording Secretary at least one hour prior to the event.
4. Any member not informed of a specially called meeting or activity at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance is automatically excused.
5. Three tardies (entering after roll call) constitute one un-excused absence.
2. Fines
1. The second (2nd) unexcused absence will result in a five dollar ($5) fine.
2. The third (3rd) unexcused absence will require the member to explain their actions before the executive council. The executive council will recommend to the chapter further action to be taken.
3. Absences from rituals and official functions will result in a ten dollar ($10) fine.

Article X. Membership Candidacy

1. Qualifications
1. The maintenance of the tradition of quality membership shall be the sole responsibility of the initiating chapter.
2. Prospective members must possess outstanding character. They must also be outstanding leaders in the band and on campus.
3. Membership candidacy into the sorority may be offered tostudents enrolled and actively participating in a Tarleton State University semester long ensemble at the time of candidacy and with one (1) full semester of band enrollment prior to the semester of consideration.
4. Any member of the sorority may propose the name of a prospective member eligible to become a membership candidate at a regularly scheduled chapter meeting. A three-fourth (75%) vote of the total active membership shall be required to elect a prospective member into membership candidacy.
5. No person having gone through ritual of the first degree for Kappa Kappa Psi will be considered for membership candidacy.
2. Membership Education Program
1. Before becoming an active member, the membership candidate must complete a Membership Education Program as prescribed by the chapter.
2. The chapter will determine the length and terms of the Membership Education Program.
3. Membership Candidates will attend regularly scheduled candidate meetings under the direction of the Vice-President and the Membership Committee.
4. Candidates will be required to complete a project that benefits the band during the Membership Education Program.
5. The Membership Candidate must score ninety percent (90%) or better on all tests.
6. If continual problems arise with an individual membership candidate, the chapter may deem it necessary to request that individual to come before the chapter and present their case.
7. A Membership Candidate may be suspended by a three-fourths (75%) vote of the active membership.

Article XI. Membership Dues

1. Membership dues must be paid to and received by National Headquarters by the stated deadline each fall semester. Any member who does not pay membership dues shall be considered an Inactive Member.
2. The national initiation fee for newly initated members shall be paid to the Treasurer who will ensure that it will be sent to National Headquarters along with the completed initiate form. Upon receipt of payment of initate dues, the initiate will receive a membership shingle, membership card, and gold recognition pin.
3. Each member-active, associate, or conditional shall be required to pay a local membership fee of $25 during the Spring Semester.

Article XII. Reports

1. All reports to the National Headquarters shall be typewritten and a duplicate copy maintained in the chapter file.
2. The Fall Activity Report shall be prepared and submitted to National Headquarters by December 1.
3. The Chapter Summary Report shall be prepared and submitted to National Headquarters by June 1.
4. The Chapter Constitution shall be submitted with the Chapter Summary Report when it is revised.
   

Article XIII. Constitution

1. Proposed amendments to this constitution shall be presented at a regularly scheduled meeting. A three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the active membership is needed to amend this constitution.
2. This constitution is a revised version of the previous Eta Nu Chapter constitution. All previous constitutions shall become void.
3. The National Constitution of Tau Beta Sigma shall preside over this constitution.
4. Roberts Rules of Parliamentary Procedure shall preside over all aspects of the Eta Nu Chapter.