Temple University
Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Kappa Kappa Psi
National Honorary Band Fraternity
Alpha Epsilon Chapter Constitution

I. GENERAL

1.01 Adoption - This Constitution is a revised form of the original Constitution of the Colony Chapter and was adopted by the chapter in October of 1994. This Constitution pertains to all types of membership regardless of the date of initiation unless excluded by the sponsor, executive committee, and if deemed necessary the Director of Bands.

1.02 Amendment - This Constitution may be amended by a seventy-five (75) percent vote of the active membership of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter. Such amendments shall have been read and presented to all Brothers at a general business meeting.

1.03 Name - The name of this organization shall be the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity for College and University Band members.

1.04 Objective - It shall be the purpose of this organization to contribute morale, spirit, enthusiasm, service, and to encourage leadership within the Temple University Bands.

1.05 Disclaimer - The Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity expressly prohibits discrimination by any component part of the Fraternity or by any person acting on behalf of the Fraternity on the basis of race, national origin, gender, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, or marital status. Rather it is the policy of this Fraternity to foster a spirit of mutual understanding and respect among all people, especially those involved with college and university bands, remembering that music is the universal language.

1.06 Hazing Disclaimer - The Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity neither approves of nor is responsible for actions of members of local chapters (commonly referred to as "hazing") which may result in injury to persons or damage to property. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such actions and situations include: paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shock, scavenger hunts after dark, one way road trips which leave an individual to find his/her own return transportation, wearing apparel at any time or at any location which is not in good taste, required engagement in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading games or humiliating activities, compulsory consumption of any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, and any other activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of the sheltering institution. 1.061 Recognizing the dangers and problems associated with the use and abuse of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances, Kappa Kappa Psi does not condone the use of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances at any Fraternity sponsored event, function, or meeting. Each chapter is encouraged to develop an alcohol and controlled substance awareness program highlighting the responsibilities and liabilities of alcohol and controlled substance possession, consumption and distribution. The National Council shall have the authority to take disciplinary action against any district, chapter, or member found to be in violation in this program.

1.62 No provision of the National Constitution or National Guide to Membership Education or Program shall be interpreted as mandating any action which threatens the well being or existence of Kappa Kappa Psi. The National Council is charged with monitoring all programs of the Fraternity and with exercising its judgement to halt any and all activities that threaten the fiscal or legal well being of the Fraternity.

2. OFFICERS

2.01 The officers of the chapter shall be: Sponsor/Advisor (ex officio), President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Alumni/Historian, Parliamentarian/Sergeant-at-arms, and other officers as needed.

2.02 The active members of the chapter shall elect its officers at a regularly called meeting of the chapter.

2.03 Each chapter officer shall be an active member of the Fraternity in good standing at the time of election and be a regularly enrolled student at Temple University during the term of office. Each officer shall possess more than

ordinary business ability and shall be capable of representing the chapter under all ordinary conditions. Each officer shall have the best interests of the Fraternity at heart and shall be willing to be able to devote the necessary time to the execution of the office. The Chapter Sponsor shall have the authority to exempt any officer from a specific requirement of the office.

2.04 The election of the chapter officers shall

be held at least once during the academic year. Nominations for each office shall be made from the floor of the meeting and a majority of all votes cast shall be necessary for election.

2.05 The officers shall be elected by the voting membership in attendance at a specified election midway through the spring semester in a democratic election.

a) The term of office shall be for the following fall and spring semesters.

b) An officer may serve no more than two (2) semesters in the same office.

c) Nominees for the office of President and Vice President shall have been initiated members at least two (2) semesters prior to their nominations.

d) All other officers shall have been initiated as members at least one (1) semester prior to the election.

e) Nominations of officer candidates shall take place at a general meeting at the end of February or at the beginning of March.

f) Candidates for office shall except invitations for no more than two (2) offices.

g) Election of officers shall take place at the meeting following the meeting during which prospective officers were nominated.

h) Candidates must present a brief speech on their behalf and field questions from the general membership at the election meeting.

i) Elections shall be held by secret ballot.

j) If a candidate is running unopposed, he/she shall be voted upon in a democratic election. If majority is not achieved, nominations are reopened.

k) A majority of votes is required for a candidate to be elected into office.

l) If no candidate receives a majority of the votes, a run-off between the two (2) candidates with the greatest number of votes shall be held. The candidate obtaining the greatest number of votes in the run-off election shall win the election.

m) Inauguration of all officers shall take place at the meeting following the elections.

n) For a period of thirty (30) days following the inauguration, the former officers (if not re-elected) shall remain in office in an advisory capacity. During this period, the former officers shall do everything necessary to acclimate the new officers to their positions and insure a smooth transition of administration.

2.06 The Sponsor shall operate under the authority of the Director of Bands. The Sponsor acts as a consultant to the chapter and assists the group in its growth and development. He/She provides direction through advice, understanding and clarification. The Sponsor serves at the pleasure of the chapter with the approval of the Director of Bands.

2.07 The President shall preside at all meetings of the chapter and shall be a member ex officio of all chapter committees. The President shall sign all checks for monies disbursed and shall sign all contracts and other instruments of business involving the chapter. The President shall be designated as the official representative of the chapter whenever such representation shall be required and shall prepare and send all reports to the National Executive Director of the Fraternity.

2.08 The Vice-President shall, in the absence of the President, preside at meetings of the chapter and shall advance the purpose of the Fraternity as stated in the Preamble of this Constitution by promoting the work of the chapter as preformed by its several officers and committees. The Vice-President shall be responsible for the educating, training and initiation of all members, unless another officer has been elected to that duty.

2.09 The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for;

a) Recording attendance at each meeting and maintaining an accurate record of excused and unexcused absences and fine due dates if applicable. This information shall be included in the minutes for each meeting.

b) Recording minutes for each meeting.

c) Reading minutes from the previous meeting.

d) All minutes shall be typed, approved and signed by the Chapter President and Recording Secretary prior to the next meeting.

2.10 The Treasurer shall be responsible for:

a) Presiding over all financial affairs of the Fraternity.

b) Being chairperson of the fundraising committee.

c) Any discrepancies which may occur in the financial ledgers.

d) Submitting a list of all members who have not paid dues at the first regularly scheduled meeting following the due date.

e) Submitting a written monthly statement to the executive committee and the Sponsor for review of financial activity.

2.11 The Corresponding Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence with other chapters and ensuring the correspondence with National and District offices be submitted according to deadlines set forth by the National and/or District offices.

2.12 The Alumni/Historian shall be responsible for maintaining a written and pictorial record for the activities of the chapter, maintaining contact with chapter alumni, and in conjunction with the Corresponding Secretary, provide letters to alumni as needed. The Alumni/Historian shall also maintain a record of each alumnus and inactive member of the chapter, including name, address and phone number. The Alumni/Historian will collect permanent address information, dispense Life Membership applications to all Brothers graduating or leaving the University, and supply this information to National Headquarters.

2.13 The Parliamentarian/Sergeant-at-Arms shall be responsible for maintaining parliamentary style (Robert's Rules of Order) at all official meetings and maintain the privacy of said meetings. The office will be an elected position as per other offices.

2.14 Relief of Officers

a) At a business meeting, any active member can request an officer to voluntarily resign his/her position. The member must give reason(s) for his/her position. The member must give reason(s) for his/her aforementioned action.

b) Any officer that has not fulfilled his/her duties shall be relieved of office.

c) A seventy-five (75) percent vote shall be necessary for relief of an officer.

d) A general election shall be conducted as soon as possible following the relief or resignation of an officer. The new officer shall serve for the remainder of the current term. If the remainder of the current term is a semester or more, it shall constitute a full term for the new officer.

3. FINANCES

3.01 All monies of the chapter shall be received and expended by the Treasurer. The Chapter President and the Treasurer shall sign all expenditures.

3.02 The fiscal year for the chapter shall be from July 1st to the next succeeding June 30th.

3.03 The financial policies of the chapter shall be governed by a budget adopted at the beginning of each fiscal year.

3.04 Income of the chapter shall be derived from annual dues assessed each active member and fundraising projects conducted by the chapter. These dues shall be determined by the chapter and shall include an annual national membership fee as determined by the National Chapter and payable to the Executive Director on or before September 30th of each year along with the submission of all appropriate forms. Chapters at schools with starting dates after September 15th will not be required to pay fees until October 15th. If the fees are not paid and all forms are not submitted complete with required signatures, the chapter will go on immediate probation. Probation will include the immediate suspension of all fraternal activities. Any chapter not in full standing thirty (30) days from the due date will be assessed a surcharge of twenty-five (25) percent of the total member dues and chapter fee. Chapters that have not paid by January 1st will be officially suspended and may have the chapter charter revoked.

4. COMMITTEES

4.01 Committees of the chapter shall be determined as required by the chapter and the Chapter President shall appoint all committees.

4.02 There shall be one (1) standing committee:

a) Membership Education

4.03 The President shall appoint committees whenever they are deemed necessary and shall dissolve when they have completed their function.

5. MEETINGS

5.01 A regularly called meeting of the chapter shall be held at least once a month during the regular academic school year of Temple University. Meetings may be held more frequently when deemed advisable by the chapter. The chapter shall determine the exact time of the meeting.

5.02 Special chapter meetings shall be called as provided by local bylaws.

5.03 Majority of all active members in a chapter which includes at least fifty (50) percent of chapter officers shall constitute a quorum at all meetings.

5.04 In general, the order of business of all chapter meetings shall be:

a) Opening Ceremonies

1) Call to Order

2) Recitation of the Creed

b) Appreciation Time

c) Reading of the Minutes

d) Report of the Chapter officers

e) Report of Committees

f) Old Business

g) New Business

h) Closing Ceremonies

1) Adjournment

2) Singing of the Hymn

When deemed advisable, the general order of business may be changed by the Chapter President.

5.05 Meetings of the executive committee may be called with the Chapter Sponsor at the discretion of the President.

5.06 Special meetings shall be called at the request of the majority of the membership or upon the request of the President.

5.07 All meetings shall not last any more than two (2) hours, unless voted upon by the chapter to be extended.

6. MEMBERSHIP

6.01 Chapter membership shall consist of seven (7) types: Active, Conditional, Inactive, Associate, Honorary, Alumni, and Life Membership. All Active, Associate, and Conditional. memberships expire September 30th.

6.02 An initiated member of Tau Beta Sigma shall never be granted active status in Kappa Kappa Psi.

6.03 A Temple University Marching Band member or a Graduate to the Temple University Marching Band may be offered entry into the Membership Education Program of the Fraternity after beginning participation in the Temple University Marching Band unless the Chapter Sponsor makes exception. The Prospective member shall be a Temple University Marching Band member or a Graduate Assistant to the Temple University Marching Band who possesses unusually good character and demonstrates leadership potential.

6.04 An active member of the Fraternity must be a registered member of the Temple University Marching Band or a Graduate Assistant to the Temple University Marching Band during the fall semester who has been formally initiated after the completion of the Membership Education Program of the Fraternity. All annual dues and fees must be paid up to date to maintain active membership in the Fraternity. At the discretion of the Alpha Epsilon chapter and Sponsor/Director of Bands, individual students may be retained as active members for a period not to exceed one year although the student may actually only qualify for conditional status.

6.05 It shall be the duty of each active member to attend all meetings of the chapter; to pay promptly all financial obligations to both the chapter and the Fraternity; to become acquainted with the National Constitution, the District Constitution, and the Alpha Epsilon Chapter Constitution and the history of Kappa Kappa Psi; and to support the efforts and purposes of the chapter and Fraternity.

6.06 In a chapter meeting, any active member of the Fraternity shall be permitted to propose the name of an eligible person to enter the Membership Education Program. A negative vote of twenty-five (25) percent or five (5) members, whichever is greater, of the eligible voting membership shall be required to prevent a person from entering the Membership Education Program of the Fraternity. If a person is rejected on a second ballot in the same meeting, the name shall not be proposed again during the current academic year.

6.07 Prior to initiation, the candidate shall pay an initiation fee and the year's national dues as determined by the National Chapter (refundable if not initiated to the Chapter Treasurer who shall forward it to the National Executive Director). The candidate shall not be considered initiated until said name has been recorded in the Master Chapter Roster at the National Headquarters.

6.08 Before becoming eligible for active membership, a candidate must complete the Membership Education Program as prescribed by the National Organization, have fulfilled all financial obligations as per section 6.07, and immediately prior to the initiation receive a favorable vote of seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible voting membership.

6.09 Conditional Status in the Fraternity may be requested by an active member when that member cannot, without undue hardship, continue to meet the requirements for active status. The request shall be in writing and shall state the specific reasons for requesting conditional status. To become effective the member shall have paid national member dues for the current academic year. The request shall be approved by a majority vote of the chapter, with approval of the Sponsor/Director of Bands. Conditional status shall not be maintained for more than one (1) year.

6.10 Conditional members may, at the discretion of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter, attend chapter meetings, District and National Conventions and events, participate in Ritual, participate in chapter fundraisers and service projects, and attend chapter social functions. Conditional members shall not hold office, propose candidates for membership, introduce business, vote on any matters, or act in the capacity of Big Brother.

6.11 Former active members who are enrolled in schools but do not pay members dues shall be classified as inactive members. Inactive members are not considered in good standing and have no privileges of Fraternity membership. Inactive members may not participate in any Fraternity business, projects, or activities. To return to active status, said member must request in writing of the local chapter. Upon approval of the local chapter and sponsor, and payment of all financial obligations to the National Headquarters and the local chapter, said member shall be returned to active status.

6.12 Membership under conditional status shall be granted to any previously active member of Tau Beta Sigma whose local institution does not possess an active Tau Beta Sigma chapter and who meets the transfer requirements as defined in the Kappa Kappa Psi Transfer Policy. The conditional membership shall not exceed thirty (30) days during which time such member shall enter an orientation period to become familiar with the principles of Kappa Kappa Psi and the operations of the local chapter. At the end of the orientation period, such member shall request associate status. Associate member status shall be conferred upon such member with the approval of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter and Sponsor.

6.13 Associate members shall have all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities associated with active membership. Associate membership shall be granted to any member who has previously transferred to a Kappa Kappa Psi chapter under the Kappa Kappa Psi Transfer Policy or who has been granted honorary membership in lieu of the Transfer Policy.

6.14 Honorary members of the Fraternity shall possess the same general qualifications as active members except that they shall not necessarily be regularly enrolled at Temple University nor possess any qualifications as musicians. They shall be generally recognized as outstanding in their field of endeavor or shall have performed outstanding service for the Temple University Marching Band or Fraternity.

6.15 An initiation fee as determined by the National Chapter for each honorary member initiated by a chapter shall be paid by the Treasurer to the National Executive Director prior to the initiation and shall entitle the honorary member to Life Membership privileges in the Fraternity without further obligations. The National Executive Director shall provide a special membership certificate and membership card and gold recognition button. If deemed advisable, the chapter may purchase additional jewelry for honorary members.

6.16 Alumni members of the Fraternity shall be those Active, Associate or Conditional members of the Fraternity who have completed their education or who have terminated their affiliation with their college or university. Any alumni member shall have all privileges

of an active member, except those of voting and introducing business. In the event an alumni member wishes to reactivate with the respective chapter, said alumnus must be registered as a student, be an active member of the Temple University Marching Band, and meet requirements as an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.

6.17 Any alumni member upon payment of a Life Membership contribution, the amount to be set by the National Chapter, along with an application to the National Headquarters, shall be entitled to Life Membership privileges and may, if desired, subscribe to the PODIUM. Life Membership may be purchased by an active or associate member before completion of that member's affiliation with their college or university but that member's Life Membership shall not become effective until such completion or termination takes place. Life Membership payment by a member in his/her last academic term does not exempt a member from payment of local and active member dues.

6.18 Upon due cause, a member of the Fraternity may be placed upon probation following a favorable vote on the motion of seventy-five (75) percent of the chapter's eligible voting membership and approval by the chapter sponsor.

6.19 A member placed on probation shall be informed, in writing, of the following: the reasons for probation; a specified time period in which to make restitution; and the obligations needed to be fulfilled within that time period. Fulfillment of all obligations shall be approved by the chapter and sponsor. Failure to complete all obligations is just cause for either an extension of the probationary term or for the initiation of suspension proceedings.

6.20 Upon due cause, a member of the Fraternity may be suspended following a favorable vote on the motion to suspend of seventy-five (75) percent of the chapter's eligible voting membership and approval from the chapter sponsor. Suspended members may not participate in any Fraternity business, projects, or activities.

6.21 A member placed on suspension shall be informed, in writing, of the following: the reasons for suspension; a specified time period in which to make restitution; and the obligations needed to be fulfilled within that time period. Fulfillment of all obligations within the specified time period shall return said member to previous membership status. Fulfillment of all obligations shall be approved by the chapter and sponsor. Failure to complete all obligations is just cause for either an extension of the suspension term or for the initiation of expulsion proceedings.

6.22 Upon due cause, a member of the Fraternity may be expelled following a favorable vote on the motion to expel of seventy-five (75) percent of the chapter's eligible voting membership and approval of the chapter sponsor. Such expulsion must conform to the rules and regulations Temple University. The member will be given a hearing before the said motion is voted on. The vote will be secret ballot, and the member will be informed of the vote totals. Having been expelled, the member shall return to the chapter all regalia and property of the Fraternity being held, and the name shall be stricken from the Master Chapter Roster at the National Headquarters.

6.23 Any member of any Kappa Kappa Psi chapter who has recently been an active member of that chapter is, upon transferring to another school, eligible to become an active member at the chapter of that school. Active membership will be granted to the candidate upon enrollment in the band program at the new school, written recommendation from the candidate's previous chapter and payment of chapter dues.

6.24 Membership status in Kappa Kappa Psi may not be terminated by the member through resignation. However, as stated in 6.20, 6.21, and 6.22, a member may be suspended or expelled for due cause by the chapter of his/her affiliation.

6.25 Relief of Membership

Any active member may be relieved of his/her membership through the following process:

a) The relief process is initiated by the signing of a petition of one-half (1/2) of the active membership.

b) The reason for relieving the member in question shall be designated by the petition.

c) A copy of the signed petition is to be presented to the member in question at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to said meeting.

d) The petition shall be read to the member in question at an official meeting of the Fraternity. At this time, the member in question may present his/her defense and answer any questions put to him/her by the Fraternity.

e) The members shall then discuss the matter in the absence of the member in question, at the termination of the discussion, the President shall call for a vote by secret ballot.

f) If the member does not appear for the designated meeting, his/her membership may be voted on in his/her absence.

g) A seventy-five (75) percent vote of the eligible voting membership in attendance shall be necessary for the relief of the member in question. If a seventy-five (75) percent vote is not obtained, the petitioners may move that the member in question be suspended. Suspended members shall not have the right to vote or hold office.

h) Reinstatement of any member, withdrawn or suspended, may be secured by asking to have his/her case reviewed by the Fraternity. Appropriate action shall be determined by the active members present, with a seventy-five (75) percent vote of the eligible voting membership necessary for reinstatement to take place.

6.26 To achieve initial active membership or to maintain good standing as a brother of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, active members must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (as is required by Temple University). Grade reports must be submitted to the Chapter Sponsor within three (3) weeks of the beginning of each semester.

6.27 If a Brother of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi has received a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below 2.0, the Brother will be given a probationary period of one (1) semester to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. If after the probationary the Brother has still not achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above, the Brother will either be granted an extended probationary period or be placed on suspension, as per section 6.19, at the discretion of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.

7. DELEGATES AND PROXIES

7.01 A delegate, alternate delegate, or proxy shall represent each active member of the Fraternity in good standing at each District and National Chapter Convention. Each delegate, alternate delegate, or member acting as a proxy for an absent chapter either shall have a current membership card, a Life Membership card, or be properly vouched for by the Committee on Credentials Resolutions. Each delegate or proxy will be officially seated when all National or District registration procedures have been completed.

7.02 The active members of a chapter shall elect its delegates at a regularly called meeting of the chapter. Each chapter delegate shall be an active member of the Fraternity in good standing at the time of elections.

7.03 Each delegate and the alternate delegates of a chapter shall have an official statement signed by the Alpha Epsilon Chapter President and the Sponsor to the effect that they have been duly elected by Alpha Epsilon.

7.04 Each official delegate, alternate delegate, or proxy (when officially seated at a District or National Convention) shall have one (1) vote at Convention. Each official delegate or proxy shall serve for the duration of the Convention to which appointed.

7.05 The election of chapter delegates to the District Convention shall be held at least thirty (30) days prior to the opening date of the Convention. The election of chapter delegates to the National Chapter Convention shall be held at least sixty (60) days prior to the opening date of the Convention.

7.06 Chapter delegates shall serve without compensation. Expenses of chapter delegates, when authorized by the chapter, shall be paid by the chapter upon presentation of a written statement approved by the Chapter President and Treasurer.

7.07 The election process shall be the following:

a) Nominations for delegate, closing nominations for delegate, and voting for delegate.

b) Repeat process for first alternate.

c) Repeat process for second alternate.

7.08 Revote must be approved by seventy-five (75) percent of the eligible voting membership of the chapter. If a revote is decided, the President must call an emergency meeting as soon as possible. Should quorum not be achieved, the previous vote stands.

8. REPORTS

8.01 All reports of the chapter shall be submitted to the National Executive Director in writing by December 1st and June 1st to the National Headquarters on forms prescribed by the National Headquarters.

9. ATTENDANCE

9.01 All active members are required to be in attendance at all official meetings and rituals.

9.02 Any active member who is unable to be attend an official meeting must submit a written excuse to one (1) of the officers or the Sponsor. In case of emergencies, active members only need to contact the President or the Sponsor, but must still submit a written excuse at the next meeting.

9.03 Any active member who is unable to be in attendance for a ritual must submit a written excuse to one (1) of the officers or the Sponsor at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the said gathering. In the case of emergencies, active members only need to contact the President or the Sponsor, but must still submit a written excuse at the next meeting.

9.04 Active members are required to attend all chapter meetings and rituals. If an active member is absent from two (2) or more meetings and or rituals during a semester, at the end of the said semester, the active Brotherhood must vote on whether or not the member is to be suspended according to section 6.20. Reinstatement shall be handled in reference to section 6.25h.

9.05 A Brother with any unexcused absence of a meeting will elicit a two dollars ($2) fine. A Brother with any unexcused absence of a ritual will elicit a three-dollar ($3) fine. Fines must be paid in full to the Treasurer via the President by the adjournment of the next meeting following the unexcused absence. If any fines are not paid in full before the adjournment of the second (2nd) meeting after the unexcused absence, the Brother will be suspended as per section 6.20. Reinstatement shall be handled in reference to section 6.25h. The President shall be responsible for notifying Brothers of unexcused absences and fines. The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the records of excused and unexcused absences and reading such records at each meeting as per section 2.09a.

10. SERVICE

10.01 All active members are required to complete service for the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Temple University Diamond Bands.

Last revised: December 26, 1998

Sheila M. Oliver, President