S I G M A S I G M A P H I
G R A N D C H A P T E R
Office of the SECRETARY-TREASURER
CONSTITUTION OF GRAND CHAPTER
As Revised October 23rd, 2005
PREAMBLE
In order to more perfectly perpetuate the teachings of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, and to establish as hereinafter set forth to the end of obtaining complete unity of its several parts, we, the members of the GRAND CHAPTER of SIGMA SIGMA PHI-together with the several subordinate chapters, do hereby formulate and agree to adopt this instrument for the future government of the fraternity, in convention assembled at Orlando, Fl. This 23rd day of October, 2005
ARTICLE I-NAME
The name of this organization shall be SIGMA SIGMA PHI-NATIONAL-an Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity.
ARTICLE II-OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES
The objectives and purposes of SIGMA SIGMA PHI shall be fourfold, namely: To further the Science of Osteopathic Medicine and its standards of practice; To improve the scholastic standing and promote a higher degree of fellowship among its students; To bring about a closer relationship and understanding between the student bodies and the officials and members of the faculties of our colleges; To foster allegiance to the American Osteopathic Association and to perpetuate these principles and the teachings through the maintenance and development of this organization.
ARTICLE III-MEMBERSHIP
The membership of SIGMA PHI-NATIONAL shall consist of the present members and students of the recognized Osteopathic Colleges, members of their faculties, Osteopathic Physicians who have met the requirements of the by-laws as hereinafter set forth, and any layman who has performed outstanding services to the promotion of Osteopathic Medicine through association with its teaching institutions of the American Osteopathic Association or its allied divisional societies.
ARTICLE IV-GOVERNMENT
The government of this organization shall be vested in a GRAND CHAPTER composed of Honorary and Active members and delegates from the subordinate chapters, chosen in accordance with the By-laws as hereinafter set forth who shall have full privileges to vote and to hold office except as provided in the by-laws.
ARTICLE V-DUTIES & POWERS OF THE GRAND
CHAPTER FISCAL YEAR
Section I. Duties
This body shall convene in executive session at least once each calendar year for the purpose of transacting such business as may legally come before it.
Section 2. Powers
The GRAND CHAPTER shall have the power to establish and provide for the formation, government and regulation and control of the subordinate chapters of SIGMA SIGMA PHI and to issue charters or to rescind the same anywhere in the United States or foreign countries under such terms, provisions and conditions as may be provided for in the by-laws as hereinafter set forth.
Section 3. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be from October 1st to September 30th inclusive.
ARTICLE VI-FRATERNITY PROPERTIES
The official properties of SIGMA SIGMA PHI shall consist of the Ritual, Official Seal, Crest, Insignia, Pledge Pin, Colors, Flower, and Communion Mottoes as described and set forth in the subordinate chapter by-laws. Title and custody of these properties, their copyrights and/or permission for their several usage's shall be vested in the Officer of the GRAND CHAPTER at all times, and permission for their use must be granted by duly constituted authority of that body, or as may be allowed by the by-laws as hereinafter stated.
ARTICLE VII-BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
GRAND CHAPTERS
Nine members shall be elected to serve as voting members of the Board of Directors. One Student-non-voting member will also be elected. These nine shall constitute the Board of Directors. Thereafter, three elected members of the Board of Directors shall be elected to serve for 3 years each in staggered terms, or until their successors have been elected and qualified. The immediate Past-President shall continue to serve on the Board of Directors until his successor is selected automatically by the election progression process.
ARTICLE VIII-CODE OF ETHICS
The Code of Ethics of the American Osteopathic Association shall be the Code of Ethics of Sigma Sigma Phi-National.
ARTICLE IX-OFFICERS
1. The officers shall be elected by the members every two(2) years from the personnel of the Board of Directors and shall serve until their successors have been duly elected and qualified as follows:
PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENT, SECRETARY-TREASURER, &
EDITOR
2. Any vacancy in the Board of Directors due to death or other cause may be filled by election by the Board of Directors. Such appointee shall hold office until this vacancy has been filled by election by the membership of the GRAND CHAPTER at the next legal meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER.
ARTICLE X-MAINTENANCE
The maintenance of the GRAND CHAPTER shall be derived from a per capital dues, levied on all members of the GRAND CHAPTER and from Subordinate Chapters as hereinafter stipulated in the by-laws.
ARTICLE XI-ANNUAL MEETINGS
The regular annual meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER shall be held at a convenient time and place designated by the President, preferably during the week of the annual convention of the AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION.
ARTICLE XII-STANDING COMMITTEES
The following standing committees of the GRAND CHAPTER shall be in effect: Auditing; Petitions & Charter; Awards; Membership; Ritual & Resolutions; Constitution & by-laws; Nominations; and Editorial.
ARTICLE XIII-AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this constitution may be made at any legal meeting by a two-thirds(2/3) vote of membership in attendance who are in good standing, providing such amendments have been presented to the subordinate chapters and to the membership in writing or printed form or published in an A.O.A. official publication, not less than thirty(30) days before being acted upon.
BY-LAWS OF GRAND CHAPTER
As Revised October 23rd, 2005
ARTICLE I-MEMBERSHIP
The membership in the GRAND CHAPTER of SIGMA SIGMA PHI-NATIONAL shall consist of the present membership, the Active members for the subordinate chapters as stated in Article IV, Section I, II, & III of the by-laws of the subordinate chapters, and the Active and Honorary members elected by the GRAND CHAPTER. And the Delegates from the subordinate chapters chosen by them in the ratio of one(1) for each fifteen(15) active members in good standing or a major fraction thereof.
Section I. Election to Membership
Any member of a subordinate chapter in good standing at the time of graduation from the College in which that chapter is located and upon receipt of a certificate of membership in the GRAND CHAPTER shall then become an active member of the GRAND CHAPTER. Dues payments is required to be in good standings. Thereafter, yearly dues payment qualified for good standing as noted in ARTICLE III, Section I. Osteopathic Physicians graduated from recognized Osteopathic Colleges may be nominated by Subordinate Chapter or by three(3) members of the GRAND CHAPTER. A curriculum vitae of each nominee shall be presented to the GRAND CHAPTER Secretary not less than sixty(60) days prior to a legal meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER.
Part 2. Honorary Membership-Nomination and Election.
Only non-Osteopathic Physicians shall be considered for honorary membership. Three(3) members of the GRAND CHAPTER may submit a candidate for honorary membership. Such proposal shall be accompanied with a curriculum vitae of the proposed candidate and sent to the GRAND CHAPTER Secretary not less than sixty(60) days prior to a legal meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER.
DIRECTORS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER
The election of the honorary membership shall be by a two-thirds(2/3) vote of the Directors of the GRAND CHAPTER.
Section 2. Termination of Membership
Membership in SIGMA SIGMA PHI-NATIONAL may be terminated by resignation or expulsion. A vote of two-thirds(2/3) of those in attendance at a legal meeting of the members of the GRAND CHAPTER of the subordinate chapter(when they take action on their chapter members) shall be required.
Part I. Resignation
Any active or Honorary member of the GRAND CHAPTER may resign membership in SIGMA SIGMA PHI of his/her own volition upon consent by a two-thirds(2/3) vote of the members in attendance at a legal meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER.
Part II. Expulsion
Any active or Honorary member may be expelled from SIGMA SIGMA PHI and have all rights and privileges as a member of the organization revoked by a two-thirds(2/3) vote of the members of the GRAND CHAPTER in legal session. Any of the following acts of offenses shall constitute due cause of action to expel: Failure to comply with the rules as laid down by the Constitution & By-laws of the Fraternity; conspiracy against a member; any violation of the Code of Ethics of the A.O. A. that would cause loss of membership in that association; failure to meeting financial obligations concurrent with membership without sufficient reason for delinquency; or any conduct unbecoming a members and a physician in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the physician in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the GRAND CHAPTER. The member shall be notified of impending action to terminate membership and be given opportunity and action to terminate membership and be given opportunity and invitation to appear in person before the membership committee prior to the action to consider termination of membership.
Section 3. Transfer & Details
All regularly transferred or deleted members from the subordinate chapters shall be duly recorded as such in the records of that chapter and a copy of such record sent to the GRAND CHAPTER secretary. No consideration of race, religion, sex, creed, or material origin shall be a determinate of membership to SIGMA SIGMA PHI.
ARTICLE II-GOVERNMENT
Section I:. Duties of Officers
Part I. PRESIDENT
The duties of the President shall be: To preside at all of the meetings of the GRAND CHAPTER; call a special meetings; appoint all committees except as provided for in the Constitution & by-laws and serve, ex official, on all of them; shall as installing officer at the time of the installation of officers of newly formed subordinate chapters, with the power to appoint substitute installing officers in the event that for some special reason he/she is unable to act in official capacity as such; have general supervision of all affairs of SIGMA SIGMA PHI; see that harmony is preserved and that the by-laws of the organization are enforced; by precept and example, inculcate the ideals and teachings of SIGMA SIGMA PHI, and perform such other duties as may be required in the faithful fulfillment of that office.
Part 2. PRESIDENT-ELECT
Will take office after the term of the Current President is completed.
Part 3. VICE-PRESIDENT
The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in the event of absence of that officer, and shall act as chairman of the Awards Committee.
Part 4. SECRETARY-TREASURER
The Secretary-Treasurer shall be the direct assistant to the President and act as Liaison Officer between the President and the other Grand Chapter Officers between the President and the other Grand Chapter Officers and the officers of the subordinate chapters; shall be custodian of all seals, emblems, and crests and other official property belonging to SIGMA SIGMA PHI; shall at the direction of the President and/or the Directors, issue certificates, order and dispense keys, charms official stationary, etc., shall act as the interpreter of the Constitution and by-laws; be a member of the Petitions & Charters Committee; maintain a record during the tenure of office of the activities of the GRAND CHAPTER as well as of the subordinate chapters and make a report of the same at each regular or special meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER and/or by order of the President of the Board of Directors. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the GRAND CHAPTER and shall transact all business of SIGMA SIGMA PHI and keep all finances with suitable records of the same under the direction of the President; shall keep an accurate classified roll of the membership of the organization and a file of all records for historical reference, shall attend to the notification of all professional publications of the activities of SIGMA SIGMA PHI and assist the Editor in complying material for written report at each annual meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER or whenever so ordered by the President and/or Board and upon their order, publish a form as specified by them in collaboration with the Editor including the above reports; shall at all times work in close association with the officers and perform all duties inherent with and pertaining to the fulfillment of the office. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be bonded at the discretion of the Board of Directors and shall furnish a financial report and present same at the annual meeting, shall assist in providing facilities for the annual meeting of SIGMA SIGMA PHI GRAND CHAPTER and such special meetings as may be called, shall examined the credentials of all delegates from the subordinate chapters to these meetings; shall have charge of the ballot box.
Part 5. EDITOR
Under the direction of the President and the Board of Directors, the Editor shall, with the assistance of the Secretary-Treasurer gather together all material suitable for use in "THE SIGMA SCOPE", official publication of SIGMA SIGMA PHI, and edit and distribute copies of said publication to all Active, Alumni, and Honorary members via the web site and shall when directed by the President and/or the Board, issue all bulletins pertaining to this organization and fulfill such other duties as are expected with and pertaining to the office. This publication has been suspended due to funding at this time.
Part 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall act as the advisory board to the President and shall constitute the judiciary body of SIGMA SIGMA PHI. Its members shall serve on committees as stipulated in the by-laws. In the event of the absence of the President and the Vice-President from any regular or special meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER, a Director shall be elected by the Board and/or members present to conduct the business of the meeting.
ARTICLE III-REVENUE
The income of the GRAND CHAPTER of SIGMA SIGMA PHI shall be derived from all members of the GRAND CHAPTER and subordinate chapters as follows:
Section I. Membership Dues
Each member of the GRAND CHAPTER shall pay to the Secretary-Treasurer annual per capita dues as set or changed by the GRAND CHAPTER Board at any meeting prior to any billing to the membership. GRAND CHAPTER membership dues shall begin in the first fiscal years, of the GRAND CHAPTER of SIGMA SIGMA PHI, following graduation, interns and residents, will pay a reduced fee upon graduation of $10.00 a year. Honorary members shall pay dues and assessments, may vote and hold office and shall receive a certificate of Honorary membership.
Section 2. Subordinate Chapter Fee
Each subordinate chapter shall pay to the GRAND CHAPTER a fee of five dollars($35.00) per member for each new initiate at the time of initiation into that chapter.
Section 3. Charter Fee
Each newly formed subordinate chapter of SIGMA SIGMA PHI shall remit a charter fee of five hundred dollars($500.00) with its formal application for permission to organize a subordinate chapter. In event this request is not granted, such a fee shall be returned after deducting the amount of monies used in investigating the qualification of the applicants, and feasibility of establishing such a subordinate chapter.
Section 4. Dispositions of Funds
All funds must be deposited with the Secretary-Treasurer of the GRAND CHAPTER and shall be utilized upon order to the President and/or the Board of Directors for all current and incidental expenses.
ARTICLE IV-PUBLICATIONS
Section I. Name
The GRAND CHAPTER may publish a suitable bulletin, which shall be edited by the GRAND CHAPTER EDITOR and such others as may be necessary to appoint to constitute an editorial staff, and circulated by the Editor as directed by the Board of Directors.
It shall be called "The Sigma Scope"
Section 2. Distribution
The publication may be distributed to all subordinate chapters, Active, Alumni, and Honorary members of SIGMA SIGMA PHI, to Presidents, and Deans of all recognized Osteopathic Colleges, Executive Director of the A.O.A., and the Chairman of its Bureau of Professional Education and Colleges. At this time “The Sigma Scope” has been suspended due to lack of funds. The Web Site is being utilized to keep membership informed.
Section 3. Expense
The "Sigma Scope" shall be published and all incurred expenses are paid for from the General Fund of the GRAND CHAPTER upon duly appointed order from the President if and when funds are available.
ARTICLE V-MEETINGS
Meetings of the GRAND CHAPTER shall be Regular and Special.
Section I. Regular Meetings
The Regular Meetings of the GRAND CHAPTER shall be held in accordance with ARTICLE XI of the Constitution and shall be designated as the Annual Meeting.
Section 2. Special Meetings.
A Special Meeting may be called by the President upon written request of any three(3) members of the Board of Directors of by fifty(50) members in good standing in the GRAND CHAPTER. The reason or reasons for such a meeting shall be specified and explained in the written request and shall be stated in the notice of the special meeting to all members.
ARTICLE VI-STANDING COMMITTEES
The Standing Committees and their duties shall be as follows:
Section I. Auditing
The auditing committee shall consist of the Secretary/Treasurer.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall annually present a financial report to the membership and it shall be sent to the President and one to the Vice-President, prior to the Annual Meeting.
Section 2. Petitions and Charters
The Committee on Petitions and Charters shall consist of three(3) members appointed by the President together with the Secretary. This committee shall receive all petitions for a charter for a subordinate chapter and upon receipt of the same shall appoint an investigating committee, which shall consist of members in good standing in the GRAND CHAPTER. In the event that there are not members in the vicinity, the Chairman may select a committee of reputable Osteopathic Physicians to act in lieu of the above. The committee shall report its findings with recommendations at the next regular or special meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER, after which a vote will be taken upon the report and the committee's recommendations.
Section 3. Awards
The Committee on Awards shall consist of the Vice-President, one other Director, and one additional member appointed by the President who shall confer at least three months before each annual meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER for the purpose of considering the candidates proposed by members of that body and/or any subordinate chapter for awards, and after polling the directors for confirmation of the committee's decisions, shall present such report at the annual director's meetings and make such awards at the annual meeting or whenever best suited for the recipient.
Section 4. Membership
The Committee on Membership shall consist of one member of the Board of Directors and two other members of the GRAND CHAPTER appointed by the President who shall meet at any time necessary, in person or by mail vote, for the purpose of considering those candidates proposed by the GRAND CHAPTER or subordinate chapters for membership, and shall present its report with recommendations at the annual meeting.
Section 5. Resolutions & ritual
The Committee on Resolutions & Ritual shall consist of the immediate Past-President, one other Director, and two additional members appointed by the President, and shall draft and present to the GRAND CHAPTER such resolutions as may be suggested by subordinating chapters or so ordered by the GRAND CHAPTER.
The President shall install all new members and shall confer all degrees upon newly elected members of the GRAND CHAPTER of SIGMA SIGMA PHI at each annual or special meeting according to the provision of the Ritual, a copy of which shall always be in the custody of the President, or the Chairman, or the Secretary. The immediate Past-president shall act as chairman of this committee and shall serve as installing officer for newly elected officers of the GRAND CHAPTER at the annual meeting.
Section 6. Constitution & by-laws
The Committee of Constitution & by-laws consist of the Secretary/Treasurer, who shall act as the interpreter of the Constitution & by-laws, and two other members appointed by the President and shall study the documents and submit amendments to the GRAND CHAPTER as may be deemed necessary and/or recommended by subordinate chapter and/or individual members.
Section 7. Nominations
The Committee on Nominations shall consist of the immediate Past-President and two other members appointed by the President, and shall meet during the annual meeting for the purpose of submitting to the GRAND CHAPTER a list of Nominees for the various offices of the fraternity including the Board of Directors whose term of office is expiring.
Section 8. Editorial
The Editorial Committee shall consist of the Editor of the GRAND CHAPTER and one or two other members appointed by the President and shall be responsible for collecting and publishing the material in the "Sigma Sigma Scope". The Editor shall be the Chairman.
ARTICLE VII-ORDER OF BUSINESS
The following order of business shall be observed in conducting all regular or special meetings of the GRAND CHAPTER.
1. Call to order
2. Attendance roster to be signed
3. Unapproved minutes of previous Board meeting
4. Unapproved minutes of previous General Assembly Meeting
5. Active Chapter reports
6. Reports of Officers
7. Reports of Standing Committees
8. Old Business
9. New Business
10. Election of Officers
11. Installation of New Officers
12. Adjournment.
ARTICLE VIII-AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these by-laws may be made at any legal meeting by a two-thirds(2/3) vote of the members in attendance who are in good standing providing such amendments have been presented to the subordinate chapters and to the membership in writing or printed form, or published in the "Sigma Scope", or published in an A.O.A. official publication not less than thirty(30) days before being acted upon.
SUBORDINATE CHAPTER BY-LAWS
Revised October 23rd, 2005
ARTICLE I-PURPOSE
The by-laws as hereinafter set forth shall regulate the activity of recognized subordinate chapters of SIGMA SIGMA PHI, by the authority of the GRAND CHAPTER, and shall conform to the outline and provisions of the Constitution & by-laws of the GRAND CHAPTER.
ARTICLE II-THE FRATERNITY
Section I. Name and Meaning
This organization shall be known as________________________Chapter of SIGMA SIGMA PHI-NATIONAL, Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity.
Section 2. Object and Purposes
The objects and purposes of this chapter shall be as follows:
To conform to the "OBJECTIVES & PURPOSES OF THE GRAND CHAPTER" To promote good fellowship, brotherly love among the various chapters represented in SIGMA SIGMA PHI-NATIONAL; the continued betterment of the College and the Fraternity as a whole; the advancement of a higher scholastic standing in the College; the perpetuation and the advancement of Osteopathic medicine.
Section 3. Consistency
The Fraternity shall consist of the presently organized and duly recognized subordinate chapters, any new duly chartered subordinate chapters, and the GRAND CHAPTER, according to the rules set forth in Article I of the by-laws of the GRAND CHAPTER.
Section 4. Headquarters
____________Chapter shall have its headquarters in the__________, located in the City of________________, County of_____________, State of _____________as authorized by its Charter from the GRAND CHAPTER enabling it to legally exist and function, a copy of which shall be hung in the chapter-room or the College at all times or be kept in the files of the subordinate chapter.
Section 5. Grand Chapter Allegiance
Recognized subordinate chapters shall at all times pay allegiance to and recognize the authority of the GRAND CHAPTER as the governing body of SIGMA SIGMA PHI, and be directed accordingly under the Constitution and by-laws of the GRAND CHAPTER and its duly elected officers.
ARTICLE III-PROPERTIES
Section I. Communion Mottoes
In case of doubt, to further test persons claiming to be members of the Fraternity, the Secret communion mottoes shall be used as directed by the RITUAL.
Section 2. Divulsion of Secrets
Ignorance shall be no excuse for the divulging of the secret of SIGMA SIGMA PHI. Neither resignation, suspension nor expulsion shall release anyone from the Oath of Secrecy imposed by the RITUAL of the Fraternity.
Section 3. Emblem
Part A. Membership Key. The official emblem of the Fraternity shall be a charm of gold designated in the shape of the Human Sternum, of an uniformed prescribed size upon which the Greek letters Sigma, Sigma, and Phi are emblazoned. The initial of the chapter, the member's GRAND CHAPTER number, initials, and year of graduation shall be engraved upon the back of the key charm.
The design of this emblem shall be in the custody of the Officiary of the GRAND CHAPTER. It shall be worn by all members of the fraternity in good standing and shall always be worn as a charm suspended from the watch chain or the like. Under no circumstances shall the chapter key be worn as a pledge pin. Part B. Official Jeweler. The sole designer and maker of the official insignia of the fraternity shall be chosen by the GRAND CHAPTER officiary after examples of workmanship and samples of materials have been submitted to them together with bids for comparative prices of equally satisfactory workmanship. The Official Jeweler shall be selected by the Board of Directors of the GRAND CHAPTER. Keys and other insignia shall be purchased according to the instructions set forth in the "Official Instructions for Ordering chapter Supplies" booklet available from the GRAND CHAPTER Secretary.
Part C. Key Ownership. The title to each member's key shall be vested in recognized subordinate chapters until its wearer graduates from College in good standing in the Fraternity, and receives the certificate of membership in the GRAND CHAPTER. If a member severs connection with SIGMA SIGMA PHI for any reason whatsoever, the member shall surrender that key to the subordinate chapter upon demand of its officers and/or members.
Part D. "Sister Pin". A similar charm identical with the member's key but smaller in size may be used as a "Sister's" or "Sweethearts" or "Mother's" pin. It shall bear the wearer's initials only on the back and shall be made and worn in the form of a pin and must always be work as such.
Section 4. Recognition Pin. The GRAND CHAPTER may issue an insignia known as a "Recognition Pin" which shall consist of a monogram group of the three Greek letters, Sigma, Sigma, and Phi, in a prescribed arrangement and of a specified size. The Official Jeweler shall manufacture it only and all rights to it shall be vested in the GRAND CHAPTER officiary. It shall be obtained by order of the Board of Director of the GRAND CHAPTER by one of the following applications:
a. From petitioning of ten(10 or more members of the GRAND CHAPTER.
b. Petitioning of a subordinate chapter. Petitions shall be accompanied with a
Curriculum vitae and the fee designated by the GRAND CHAPTER and shall
be sent to the Secretary of the GRAND CHAPTER. The "Recognition Pin"
shall be awarded by the GRAND CHAPTER at a regular of special meeting
as shall be worn on the tip of the left lapel in the manner of similar forms of insignia.
Section 5. Fraternity Colors
The fraternity colors shall be Crimson Red and Royal Blue and shall always be displayed at all meetings wherein the RITUAL if used.
Section 6. Fraternity Flower
The official fraternity flower shall be the Red Carnation and shall be worn or utilized insofar as possible or advisable at all chapter functions.
Section 7. Fraternity Crest
The crest of SIGMA SIGMA PHI shall consist of a shield enclosed within a wreath meeting with a figure of the human skull above it. Upon the shield shall be emblazoned a femur, the eye, the ear, the hand and the open book. Below the shield shall be a banner upon which appear the words "Fratres Fratorum". The design of the crest shall be the property of the GRAND CHAPTER and shall appear on all official stationery, documents, and certificates of the GRAND CHAPTER and of recognized subordinate chapters.
Section 8. Fraternity Seal
The official seal of SIGMA SIGMA PHI shall be a duplication of the official emblem of the fraternity placed within a circle wherein are inscribed the words "SIGMA SIGMA PHI-GRAND CHAPTER-CORPORATE SEAL"., the possession of this seal is vested solely with the officers of the GRAND CHAPTER and shall appear on all official and legal documents pertaining to SIGMA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY.
Section 9. Certificates
Part A. Membership Certificates. Following initiation into SIGMA SIGMA PHI subordinate chapter, the new member shall or may receive a suitable certificate of membership duly signed by the President and Secretary of the subordinate chapter. In event of severance with the subordinate chapter, the member shall be obligated to surrender the certificate upon demand of the officers or members of that chapter. At the time of graduation, the member shall receive an official certificate of membership in the GRAND CHAPTER duly signed by the President and Secretary of the GRAND CHAPTER and bearing the official seal and colors of the fraternity. In event of severance with the GRAND CHAPTER, the member shall be obligated to surrender that certificate of membership upon demand of the officers or members of the GRAND CHAPTER.
Part B. Certificates of Award.
Certificates of award may be issued to any member of the Osteopathic Profession of layman in recognition of outstanding services having a direct bearing and influence upon the advancement of this profession, its teaching, its practice, special service to patients, or research. An application for a citation shall be presented to the Secretary of the GRAND CHAPTER not less than thirty (30) days prior to the annual or special meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER. Such "award" shall be given by the GRAND CHAPTER.
Section 10. Ritual
There shall be but one RITUAL for the use of the fraternity, possession of which shall
be vested in the Secretary of the GRAND CHAPTER. Upon request of the officers
of a recognized subordinate chapter for its use to initiate a candidate, it shall be
forwarded to the Secretary of the subordinate chapter for that purposes and be returned
to the GRAND CHAPTER Secretary by the Secretary of the subordinate chapter when the work is completed. By special permit from the GRAND CHAPTER Secretary it may
be kept in the files of the subordinate chapter secretary. No additions, changes or
deletions may be made in the form of the RITUAL by anyone in SIGMA SIGMA PHI
without the approval of the Ritual Committee of the GRAND CHAPTER. It shall not be perishable to make or allow copies to be made of it.
ARTICLE IV-MEMBERSHIP
Section I. Classification
Subordinate chapter members shall be classified as active members of the subordinate
chapter. They shall be students chosen from a class at a recognized college of Osteopathic Medicine who have successfully completed the first semester of classroom work. The choice of pledges shall be based upon scholarship and service to the college and/or profession.
The maintained scholastic standing shall be not less than 80% and in no event be below
"C+"or its equivalent. No courses remediated for academic reasons. At Pass-Fail grading schools, the Pass grade shall be the equivalent of "C+", for the purpose of determining eligibility.
Section 2. Determination of Membership Limitation Subordinate chapter membership
shall not exceed 25% of the regular enrollment of students of the local recognized
Osteopathic College in the Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, & Senior classes. Should
the fraction computation by 0/5% or more over the computed 25%, the fraction shall allow one additional candidate.
Examples:
Four enrollment classes 200x25%=50 candidates
Four enrollment classes 400x25%=100 candidates
Section 3. Evaluation for Candidacy
After the end of first semester of education, the chairman of the membership committee of the subordinate chapter shall receive from the Dean of the local recognized Osteopathic College, a list of the students whose scholastic attainment meets the minimum requisites of SIGMA SIGMA PHI standards. The membership committee shall investigate each prospective candidate and shall make its report and recommendations to the subordinate chapter at its next legal meeting. Their investigation and report shall cover the candidate's standing scholastically, acceptance by fellow students, abilities, character, habits, demeanor, and ability and willingness to work with others. The candidate shall be voted upon by secret ballot unless a motion is passed to defer action. Unless a specified time has been set for voting upon the candidate, the vote shall be by secret ballot at the next legal meeting of the subordinate chapter. The "late bloomer" or student whose real capabilities do not show up until the last school year should not be overlooked as a candidate for membership in this fraternity. It may be that their scholarly activities or service to the school are not fully recognized until late in their matriculation.
Section 4. Pledging
The Pledging Committee shall be instructed by the President to wait upon all candidates
who have been selected for membership in the subordinate chapter and to report the results of their interviews at the next regular meeting.
Section 5. To Elect a Candidate to Membership of a Subordinate Chapter
To elect a candidate to membership, the ballot must be ninety percent (90%) favorable,
or more, of all members present and voting. Candidates may be balloted upon for
membership only at regular meetings (or at a special meeting called solely for that purpose where all members must be present of proxies submitted in their proper form). There will be at least tow pledge classes and inductions each year; fall and spring. There may be more (or quarterly) if the chapter so desires.
Section 6. Balloting
Open discussion of a candidate shall be in order at any meeting, prior to balloting on him/
her. Upon motion or by ascension to proceed with the balloting, the President shall
instruct the Secretary-Treasurer to apply the ballot box.
Section 7. Initiation.
All pledges shall be initiated at a regular or a special meeting called for that purpose as
directed by a majority vote of the members in good standing in the chapter. Initiation
of all pledges into subordinate chapters shall take place not less than thirty (30) days after
the pledging ceremony and is empowered to execute all of the work according to the
RITUAL, which shall be obtained from the Secretary of the GRAND CHAPTER by
proper request from the subordinate chapter Secretary.
Section 8. Notification of GRAND CHAPTER Secretary/Treasurer promptly after
election to subordinate chapter membership, that chapter secretary shall send the full
names of all candidates listed and classified according to their year of anticipated
graduation accompanying the list with funds to cover the GRAND CHAPTER fees.
Section 9. Alumni to Active Membership
A subordinate chapter may nominate an alumnus of any recognized Osteopathic College
for Active Membership in the GRAND CHAPTER. Notice of such nomination with
curriculum vitae of the candidate shall be forwarded to the GRAND CHAPTER Secretary not less than sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting of the GRAND CHAPTER.
Election to membership shall be by action of the Board of Directors of the GRAND
CHAPTER. The presentation of the active membership certificate and key shall be at
a time and place designated by the Board of Directors of the GRAND CHAPTER.
Section 10. Termination of Membership
Membership in a subordinate chapter may be terminated by resignation, suspension, or
expulsion, effective upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members. (See procedure in By-
Laws of GRAND CHAPTER, ARTICLE I, Section 2, Part I, & Part II). These
procedures may be utilized by a subordinate chapter in relation to it members.
Section 11. Transfers and Demits
Any recognized subordinate chapter shall honor all other duly organized and recognized
chapters of SIGMA SIGMA PHI regarding transfers and demitted members of the
fraternity at any regular meeting after due deliberation of the proper recommendations
it may make.
Part A. Transfers. An active member in good standing may transfer his/her membership
from any chapter to that of any subordinate chapter upon an invitation of its officers and
members at the time of the application. If accepted, such transferee shall keep his/her
chapter number, and designate the affiliation with the new chapter by prefixing the Greek
letter of the adopted chapters to the previous Greek letter and number.
Part B. Demits.
Any member in good standing in his/her chapter who from necessity shall be forced to
absent him/her self from regular attendance at the local Osteopathic College shall be issued upon request, a demit by the Secretary. A demitted member automatically becomes inactive in relation to the activities of that chapter and the affairs of SIGMA SIGMA PHI and may be reinstated by the original or another recognized subordinate chapter upon receiving a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership.
Part C. Recording Transfers and Demits.
All transfers from and to, and all demits issued from any subordinate chapter, shall be
duly recorded in the records of that chapter by its secretary, and a true copy of the
same, together with a letter explaining the circumstances attending such action shall be
filed with the GRAND CHAPTER Secretary not less than seven (7) days after such action
is taken. This also applies to recording and registering members who are otherwise
expelled, suspended, or resigned from a chapter.
ARTICLE V-REVENUES
Section I. Initiation Fees
An initiation fee of $____shall be charged each candidate for admission into the chapter,
which will disbursed as follows:
GRAND CHAPTER Fee, $35.00(payable to the GRAND CHAPTER Treasurer);
Initial expense$_________, Chapter Fee$_________per_________payable_________.
Dues shall be assessed upon all active members and failure to meet this obligation over a
period of _________shall render that member liable to suspension from the chapter.
Reinstatement of such a member shall be made upon receipt of all monies due and owing
the chapter and a two-thirds (2/3) vote of acceptance of the members of__________
Chapter.
Section 3. Assessments
Assessments may be levied against all active members of________Chapter whenever
necessary, but only on vote (2/3) of the entire membership.
ARTICLE VI-GOVERNMENT
Section I. General Government
The general government of_________Chapter shall be vested in its officers and a local
or district representative of the GRAND CHAPTER elected by the subordinate
chapter or appointed by the Board of Directors of the GRAND CHAPTER. They alone
shall have the charge of all business and transactions voted upon by its members and shall support the official duties of their respective offices as laid down by the Constitution & by-laws of SIGMA SIGMA PHI-NATIONAL.
Section 2. Officers
The officers for_________Chapter shall consist of a (1) President, (2) Vice-President,
(3) Secretary/Treasurer, & (4) Editor.
The election of officers for_________Chapter of SIGMA SIGMA PHI shall be held at the_________(College) by secret, written ballot, such names to be presented in open
nomination from the floor. The________meeting of each_____shall be the one at which
the elections are to be held. It shall be unlawful to require a succession of terms in office
to be elected to any higher office in_________Chapter.
Section 3. Duties of Officers
Part A. PRESIDENT. The president shall preside at all meetings; call all special meetings; be a member of all committees ex-officio; appoint al committees. He/she shall have proven him/her self-worthy of this honor and fulfill all the duties inherent to his/her official capacity.
Part C. SECRETARY-TREASURER. The Secretary-Treasurer shall call the roll,
record the minutes of all meetings and generally perform those duties inherent to this
Office.He/she shall collect all income pay all bills upon authorization of the chapter and/or its officers; give a report of the financial standing of the chapter; be a member of the Finance committee and be a member of the chapter with unquestionable repute and
integrity. He/she shall carry on all forms of correspondence pertaining to the chapter keep a file of all minutes, records and letters to and from the GRAND CHAPTER and the sister chapters and make a report of all activities at each meeting and with the President
make an annual report to the GRAND CHAPTER.
Part D. Editor. The Editor shall report all of the activities of________chapter to the
college and other professional publications when so ordered; keep a record of the Alumni
and Honorary members of SIGMA SIGMA PHI; collaborate with the GRAND CHAPTER Editor in putting the required bulletins of the GRAND CHAPTER annual publication. He/she shall keep all records, documents and date of historical value pertaining to this chapter and chapter publication when so required.
Section 4. Term of Officer
The regularly elected officers for________Chapter shall serve for a period of________.
In the event of the failure of any officer to fulfill that tenure of office until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
Section 5. Committees
Part A. Standing Committees. The following standing committees for _________Chapter shall be appointed at the beginning of the term of office each newly elected President:
(1) Awards
(2) Membership
(3) Pledging
(4) Initiation
(5) Social
(6) Finance
Part B. Special Committees. Such special committees shall be appointed by the President, as needed.
ARTICLE VII-MEETINGS
Section I. Regular Meetings
The Regular Meetings of_________Chapter shall be held on the______of each
__________.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings of this chapter may be called by the President when he/she has the
signatures of_______members of this chapter in good standing, requesting such; which
shall be duly recorded by the Secretary. Notice of such meetings shall be given at
least_______hours in advance, giving the reason(s) for meeting.
Section 3. Quorum
At all regular meetings a two-thirds(2/3) majority of the active membership of_________
Chapter shall constitute a Quorum; at any special meetings, a simple majority of said
membership shall suffice to constitute a quorum.
Section 4. Order of Business
The following regular order of Business shall prevail at all meetings:
1. Roll Call
2. Reading & approval of unapproved minutes
3. Officer's reports
4. Committee reports (all)
5. Old Business (balloting on names)
6. New Business (proposal of names; election of Officers)
7. Installing new officers
8. For the good of the fraternity
9. Roll call
10. Oath of adjournment
Section 5. Rules of Order
All meetings of recognized subordinate chapters should be governed by Roberts' Rules
of Order-Revised.
ARTICLE VIII-AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these by-laws of subordinate chapters of SIGMA SIGMA PHI-NATIONAL must be presented in written or printed form and submitted to the
active members of the Chapter and subordinate chapter sixty (60) days prior to action
thereon. Adoption of amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of a legal meeting
of the members present and voting that are in good standing in the subordinate chapter
of GRAND CHAPTER. Approval of the GRAND CHAPTER must be obtained to
become effective.