Local Bylaws

Of the

Delta Iota Chapter

Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity

(Revised: February 12, 2005)

ARTICLE I. Name

This organization shall be known as the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity.

ARTICLE II. Type of Organization

This shall be a fraternity for students with an appreciation for and interest in good music that are enrolled in Central Michigan University and for professional musicians of alumni or honorary status.

ARTICLE III. Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of Delta Omicron shall be: To create and foster fellowship through music; to give students an opportunity to meet with one another; and by personal contact and exchange of ideas, to broaden the individual outlook; to strengthen a devotion and loyalty to Alma mater; to develop character and leadership; to encourage the highest possible scholastic attainment, excellence of individual performance and appreciation of good music; to give material aid to worthy music students; to manifest interest in young musicians entering the professional world.

The objectives of Delta Iota shall be: To promote American music and musicians; to further the work of aspiring composers; to stimulate the appreciation of good music at the community level; to advance high ethical standards of professional conduct in the musical world; to encourage understanding of the cultures of all nations; to do any and all things conductive to the service, betterment and ultimate welfare of musicians.

ARTICLE IV. Members and Patrons

All members of Delta Iota shall be initiated members only. Types of initiates shall be collegiate, professional, and national honorary. The fraternity shall abide by the regulations of the Professional Fraternity Association relative to membership qualifications. No member of another nationally recognized professional music fraternity is eligible for membership in Delta Omicron. Membership in Delta Iota shall not be denied because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual preference, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Section 1: Prospective members shall be those who wish to become affiliated

with the active Central Michigan University chapter.

A. ELIGIBILITY

A candidate for collegiate membership shall be a student enrolled in Central Michigan University and have successfully completed 5 credit hours in music (those courses with the MUS designator). The student shall have completed at least the first term freshman year and shall have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in all music classes and at least 2.0 in all other subjects for the term immediately preceding the probationary period. S/he must also possess the potential for musicianship.

B. ELECTION TO PROSPECTIVE MEMBERSHIP

Any prospective person(s) eligible for membership shall receive a bid for membership. The prospective shall accept the bid by means of a letter of intent. Prospective members intending to attain active membership shall be presented with a DO pin or fraternity colors, and a book containing knowledge of Delta Omicron, the Delta Iota chapter, and other pertinent information. These materials shall be presented at all times during a probationary period. The probationary period shall not exceed 6 weeks unless the Province President grants permission.

At a general halfway point during the probationary period, the First Vice-President shall select a date for the prospective members to give a presentation of their progress to the chapter. At this time, a minimum forty percent of all interviews and signatures must be completed, and the prospective cannot have any pending demerits. Members in attendance, in good standing, will then decide whether or not to permit prospective members to continue the probationary process and on the proposed candidate project by way of three-fourths vote. Before or after a candidate’s continuation acceptance, any prospective may be asked to withdraw their intent to join by a three-fourths vote from the chapter. If the chapter feels that a prospective member has not met the standards of Delta Omicron, the chapter is not obligated to initiate them as an active member.

C. ELECTION TO ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

A prospective member shall be elected to full active membership upon completing all prospective member duties, pass the fraternal knowledge exam with a minimum grade of ninety percent, and receive a Permit to Initiate issued by the Province President. An induction ceremony will be held to initiate prospective members into full active collegiate membership.

D. DUTIES OF A PROSPECTIVE MEMBER

Attain knowledge of the fraternity and the Delta Iota chapter.
Present the DO pin at all times over the heart from 8:00 am Monday to 5:00 pm Friday. Exceptions may be made when necessary (i.e. going to the SAC).
The book shall be carried at all times from 8:00 am Monday to 5:00 pm Friday. Exceptions may be made when necessary.
Attend scheduled weekly meetings with the chapter 1st Vice President.
At a halfway point, give a presentation of progress to the chapter.
Attain musicianship through a recital.
Declare a candidate project.
Organize and participate in a fundraiser to defer the cost of the candidate project. Any remaining funds will be deposited into the chapter’s general account if a worthy cause is not determined.
Prospective members are highly encouraged to attend all chapter functions. However, chapter meetings are reserved for active members and alumni only.

Section 2: Collegiate members shall be those affiliated with the active Delta Iota

chapter at Central Michigan University.

Section 3: The Presentation of Progress shall include, but not limited to, a date for

the candidate recital, fundraiser, candidate project, and any questions for the group.

Section 4: Prospective members initiated in the spring will not be allowed to vote

for executive board officers.

A. AFFILIATION WITH THE COLLEGIATE CHAPTER

Upon initiation, a prospective member will become a collegiate member of the Delta Iota chapter. If the student changes from specialization in music to another field of study, the student may continue chapter affiliation or may assume alumni status. If one transfers to another school where there is a Delta Omicron chapter, the student may be an affiliate with that chapter or may assume alumni status.

As a collegiate member, one must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA at Central Michigan University. If the GPA of a student drops below this standard, the member shall forfeit the right to hold office until their grades come up to that standard. Grades will be checked every year by the scholarship chair to verify members’ grade point average. Each collegiate member shall pass an annual fraternity knowledge examination and perform once each semester in a chapter function (musicale, meeting, banquet, etc.).

Each collegiate member will pay chapter dues in the amount of thirty-five dollars ($35) per year. New initiates in the fall would not pay $30 national dues in the spring. In the beginning of the year, dues may be paid in full, or in installments each semester with permission by the treasurer. These fees are due by a date set by the treasurer. For every week past this dead line a one-dollar late fee will be attached to the amount due. Newly initiated members will pay chapter dues their first fully active semester.

B. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Applies per-semester
A written excusal note must be given to the President, Secretary, or placed on the Delta Omicron board prior to the official function to be missed. In the case of an illness or extenuating circumstances, a note is to be issued as soon as possible, up to one week from the event. Upon receipt of the excusal note, a majority vote from all members in good standing is needed for excusal from an official function.
If no communication has been received within one week of the official Delta Omicron function, the absence is automatically unexcused.
Official functions are defined by the chapter which may include, but not limited to, open/closed rush, business meetings, and musicales sponsored by the chapter.
If the excuse is not approved, the Secretary will send a written notice to the active member via letter or email. If a member has two or more unexcused absences, the secretary will be responsible for sending a notice to the active member explaining that they are no longer in “good standing” with the chapter. This letter should also include a copy of the attendance policy.
If a member is found not to be in good standing, the following applies:

Forfeits all voting rights.
Loss of office. Once the member in question is reinstated into good standing, they may resume their office.

1. The President will appoint a representative for the time remaining until the

member is reinstated.

Cannot be nominated to office the following semester.
All monetary reimbursement for Delta Omicron activities will be lost. (Ex. Banquet, planned trips, fund raisers, dues).
The member in question loses their right to have a little sister/brother the following semester, regardless of reinstatement into good standing.
Any current big sister/brother will lose their little and will not be allowed a little the following semester. The next eligible active member will have the opportunity to accept that little.
Members are allowed to appeal to the Executive Board if they feel their bad standing is unjust.
Attending three consecutive official functions will allow the member in question to be reinstated into good standing.

C. ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

To attend every meeting and required function, scheduled school or professional music obligation, unless there is an emergency, family situation or severe illness.
To attend every Delta Omicron musicale in professional dress unless there is an emergency, family situation or severe illness.
To dress up every meeting day (Tuesday) in either letters on even numbered days or professional dress on odd numbered days.
To perform at least once a semester in a Delta Omicron function.
To use social functions to strengthen our fraternal bond so we can succeed in our musical obligations.
To know and uphold the Creed and goals of the fraternity.
To uphold the position one may have, including member at large and committee members, to the best of their ability and to the goals set for the semester.
To serve on a committee every semester.
To thoroughly read the minutes every week.
To obtain and understand a copy of the bylaws and constitution.
Posses the ability to address any issue to the group concerning its’ aims.

D. FORFEITING MEMBERSHIP

Once a student is initiated into a chapter, it is assumed that that person will remain an active member for the duration of their student days based on their vow to do so.

Upon notification that a member is not paying national dues, the international president will send a letter to that member notifying him/her that dues must be paid within a 30 day period in order to maintain his/her standing with the national organization. If dues are not paid within this time frame the member will be dropped from all national publication lists, and will be ineligible for any benefits of the fraternity including, but not limited to, holding an office in the local chapter and eligibility for scholarships and grants.

S/he MAY NOT list Delta Omicron as an organization of membership on all resumes, vitas, and job applications.

When dues are paid in full, membership will be reinstated.

E. FINES

1. All fines must be paid within one week of being issued. Every week following a one-dollar ($1) fine will be added until it is paid off. The money from fines will go toward the Patricia Nixon Memorial Woodwind Scholarship fund.

2. MONEY DUE – If there is a deadline set by the treasurer or another member, the money must be paid by the due date, unless a financial agreement to pay otherwise has been set by the treasurer and that member in writing.

3. RITUAL, FUNDRAISING EVENTS, CONCERTS – If one of these events is missed, the member in question may be asked to participate in extra community service projects or be prepared to perform more than once that semester through the discretion of the President.

4. COMMUNITY SERVICE – Each member is required to complete 5 community service hours in the fall and 10 in the spring. Five of the community service hours in the spring must be related to music. No rollovers are permitted between semesters. If all hours are not completed, the member will have the choice of being in bad standing or paying a fine of five dollars ($5) for every hour not completed.

F. ALUMNI

When one wishes to be considered an alumnus of Delta Omicron, one may participate in the alumni ceremony given by the chapter s/he is affiliated with. The chapter can give any active member who is graduating a ceremony up to one semester prior to graduation, permanently leaving school, or has changed his/her degree emphasis to a program outside of music. In order to participate in an alumni ceremony more than one semester prior to graduation, one must receive a favorable majority vote from the chapter’s executive board.

Section 3: Alumni members shall be any of those who is a graduated collegiate member who pays alumni dues (Excluding any honorary initiates/patrons.)

ARTICLE V. Organization

A. ELIGIBILITY OF OFFICERS

A collegiate member is eligible to hold an executive board office provided the member has successfully passed the fraternity knowledge exam, is in good standing, has been active for at least one full semester, and intends to remain active for the duration of the next full school year, as executive board offices are full-year terms.

The knowledge exam needs to be administered previously to the day of nominations for election. The exam can be in any form the chapter sees fit, as long as all members show competency. Ad-hoc positions may be held by newly initiated members, and can be year or semester positions.

All members in good standing, including those in their first active semester, are eligible for any and all other ad-hoc positions.

B. PROCEDURE FOR ELECTING

Candidates for the offices shall be nominated at least one meeting previous to the date of elections. Candidates should be prepared to state why they would be willing to serve the office for which they are nominated. The secretary will create a ballot and tally the results at the end of the election. The Secretary may pick assistants to help tally votes. Elections shall be by secret ballot at a regular meeting in the spring semester of the year. Newly elected officers will serve the following scholastic year, or the next meeting following initiation into office.

Newly initiated members during the spring semester may not be allowed to vote for executive board members

C. OFFICES

The following shall be the executive offices of the chapter: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Music, Warden, Historian, Chaplain, and Director of Publicity.

General duties of the executive board are as follows:

Meet once a month or congregate as needed, allowing any active member to attend these meetings.
Enforce the attendance policy as defined in the local bylaws.
Cannot make financial decisions for the chapter unless in the case of an absolute emergency in which the amount may not exceed fifty dollars.
Present suggestions made during their meetings regarding policies that will affect the chapter.

Ad-hoc offices are those designated by the president and/or chapter to aid in the goals of Delta Omicron and the chapter. Any ad-hoc position may be created or dismissed according to the needs of the chapter. Such ad-hoc positions may include Assistant to First Vice President, Website Manager, Fundraising, Choral Director, Tri-frat Liason, SGA Representative, Social Chair, Scholarship Chair, Community Service Chair, committee chairs.
Like ad-hoc positions, committees are only needed when deemed necessary. Committees may include fundraising, banquet, or community service types.

D. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

For neglect or mismanagement of duty, an officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the chapter or by joint consent of the executive board and the province president. During the course of a term, if an officer feels they cannot fulfill the obligations of the position, they may ask to be relieved of this duty. The chapter president appoints a replacement to serve for the remainder of the term.

Section 1: Specific duties of executive board officers are presented as follows:

A. PRESIDENT

Preside at all meetings
Enforce all fraternity regulations
Have the deciding vote in case of a tie, except in elections
Be responsible for carrying out the purpose and aims of the fraternity
Appoint committees deemed necessary
Send a report of chapter conditions to the province president

B. FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Perform the duties of the president in their absence or disability
Shall be in charge of prospective membership training and preparation for initiation
Conduct and grade all fraternity knowledge exams for members, forwarding the results to the province president
Hold weekly meetings for prospective members
Be a liaison between the actives and candidates for membership

C. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Keep a card and computer file, as received from the warden, of all alumni members of the chapter, indicating complete name, current address, and date of leaving campus
Keep contact with the alumni of the chapter and update them with current chapter events
Forward biographical information of alumni members to the chapter historian for recording in the chapter membership book
Give copies of all changes in data to the offices of the executive secretary, executive treasurer, and national second vice president
Notify the executive treasurer and the national second vice president of all members not returning to campus, giving current resident addresses and all other information requested on forms provided for this purpose
Write newsletters for the WHEEL with the publicity chair

D. SECRETARY

Enter, in a durable bound book, the minutes of each meeting, type and print one copy that is to be filed at the end of the year
Record the attendance of each meeting
Email the minutes for both the active and executive board meetings to all active members, province president, chapter advisor and alumni
Send the names and addresses of all newly elected officers to the province president and all members of the national board (Form IB 361)
Send bids to prospective members
Write official communications as instructed by the chapter
Assign the Star of Delta Omicron
Create and distribute active and alumni phone lists and home address lists of all actives members

E. TREASURER

Collect all money due to the chapter and the national fraternity
Pay out money that has been allocated by the chapter
Give receipts for money received upon request
Keep a permanent record of all financial transactions
Send a financial report each month to the province president
Order chapter supplies, badges, and equipment upon the request of the chapter
The chapter savings and checking accounts will bear the names of the president, treasurer, and/or chapter advisor

F. DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Plan programs and supervise arrangements for all monthly and open musicales
Send copies of programs to the national music advisor
Liaison to the event staff coordinator in the CMU Music Building
Schedule tentative concerts for the following year at the end of spring semester

G. WARDEN

Prepare the room for meetings or ceremonies including required materials
Serve as custodian of ritual materials
Receive the password and grip of members at the door before admitting them to the meeting rooms
Keep a card file, indicating complete names and addresses of each member and date of initiation. This card shall be transferred to the files of the chapter second vice president when the member leaves school
Keep an inventory of chapter property
Collect chapter property for summer storage
Appoint the chapter advisor or another member of the chapter to serve as custodian of all chapter property during the summer months

H. HISTORIAN

Record a history of the chapter during the collegiate year in which s/he held office and file it into the chapter’s archives
Send an annual chapter history, approved by the chapter to the national historian
Collect biographical information of members from the chapter membership book, and particulars of any obituaries shall be recorded
Organize the chapter library and archives
Keep a complete file of WHEELS and EPOILLACS, dating back at least five years from the current issue
Keep such other WHEELS and EPOILLACS as are valuable to the historical record of the chapter, indicating the permanence of the documents
Destroy completely any discarded EPOILLACS
Create a chapter scrapbook containing events from the year
Organize the chapter portrait

I. CHAPLAIN

Be prepared to present a suitable inspirational reading at the regular business meeting and as requested by the President.
Responsible for Outstanding Member of the Month.
Promotion of good morale within the chapter.

J. PUBLICITY

Maintain the chapter board
Write chapter newsletters for the WHEEL with the second vice president
Create and put up posters for chapter events such as musicales, fundraisers, etc.
Send all programs/publications of chapter events to the nationals fraternity

Section 2: Non-collegiate members may be faculty, staff, or those chosen by the

chapter with approval from the national board

A. CHAPTER ADVISOR

The province president shall appoint a chapter advisor. Each appointee shall be chosen from the alumni membership, nominated by the active chapter, and approved by the national board
Duties of the Chapter Advisor:

Attend meetings of the chapter
Give counsel from the standpoint of the fraternity
Serve on audition committee as finance advisor
Sign the monthly financial report of the chapter to send to the province president
Serve, if possible, as custodian of chapter property during the summer
Send an annual report, relative to chapter conditions and the performance foregoing duties to the national first vice resident
Be named on the chapter checking and savings accounts along with Treasurer and President.

The term of office of a chapter advisor shall be for one school year. The advisor is eligible for reappointment. The national board holds the power to remove a chapter advisor from office

B. FACULTY SPONSOR

1. The sponsor may or may not be a member of the fraternity

Duties of the Faculty Sponsor:

Represent Delta Iota chapter to school administration when needed
Confer with chapter officers
Give of personal interest through attendance at fraternity functions. S/he may attend chapter meetings. If s/he is not a member of the fraternity, they must withdraw during ceremonies and discussion of ritual

C. PATRONS AND PATRONESSES

A chapter patron or patroness is a person interested in music, the aims of Delta Omicron and its members. S/he shall be installed through the installation for patrons and patronesses as found in the ritual, and is entitled to wear the Chapter Patron or Patroness pin. If a pin is desired, the cost shall be borne by the patron or patroness unless the chapter wishes to present the pin as a gift of appreciation.

D. NATIONAL PATRON OR PATRONESS

A national patron or patroness is a musician who has attained a reputation in his or her field nationally. This title may also be placed upon a nationally recognized patron of music. The candidate must have the unanimous approval of the National Board of Directors and the national committee on honorary members. The international president or a representative appointed by the international president must induct the candidate. The candidate is exempt from all financial obligations and may not be present at any chapter ritual or meeting.

E. NATIONAL HONORARY INITIATE

A national honorary initiate is a musician who has attained outstanding recognition in the field. A candidate for national honorary membership must have the unanimous approval of the National Board of Directors and the national committee of honorary members. The international president or a representative appointed by the international president shall initiate the honorary in accordance to Delta Omicron ritual in which a fraternity badge is presented. The initiate is exempt from all financial obligations may be present at any chapter ritual or meeting.

F. PROFESSIONAL INITIATE

A professional initiate is a music faculty member, a graduate of a recognized music school, a concert artist, or a professional musician. The professional member can be initiated by the chapter or at a Triennial Conference. A professional shall assume alumni status immediately upon initiation, or may be affiliated with the chapter for a period of not more than one year. A professional initiate is exempt from all chapter and initiation fees as well as any entrance exam. S/he can be present at any chapter ritual or meeting.

G. CHAPTER MOTHER OR FATHER

Each collegiate chapter may have a chapter mother or father. S/he is initiated by the collegiate chapter and can enjoy all privileges of the fraternity. Upon initiation, s/he shall assume alumni status and can attend chapter ritual and meetings.

ARTICLE VI. Meetings

A. The chapter president shall preside over all meetings and rituals unless otherwise specified, or is unable to do so

B. Meetings will be run through Robert’s Rules of Order for parliamentary procedure

C. Only active members, chapter advisors, and alumni may be present during any official or business meeting and ritual

D. A majority (50% +1) of all collegiate members in good standing must be present to hold any official or business meetings or rituals

1. Photography is strictly prohibited during ritual

ARTICLE VII. Disbursement of Funds Clause

In the event that the Delta Iota chapter of Delta Omicron should become inactive and/or cease to exist, all funds will be donated to Central Michigan University’s School of Music. Funds will be sent to:

Friends of Music

Central Michigan University-School of Music Rm. 162

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859

*Checks are made payable to Friends of Music

APPENDIX:

HOW TO CREATE THE BIG LIST

Order will be determined by the discretion of the 1^st Vice President.

1) Belong to a dying tree and this is their last active semester.

2) Members who have not received a little

A. Semester initiated

B. Date of Graduation

C. Date of Birth

3) Members who did not receive a little the previous semester but has received a little in the

past

A. Semester initiated

B. Date of Graduation

C. Date of Birth

4) Members who received a little the previous semester

A. Semester initiated

B. Date of Graduation

C. Date of Birth

5) New Active class

A. Date of Graduation (usually not known so order by DOB)

Date of Birth

6) Members in Bad Standing

***Members in 5 and 6 absolutely cannot take a little. In the event that there are not enough Bigs, financial support from the fraternity or “Co-Bigs” will be considered.

VOTING

The voting procedure involves three main stages. (1) The motion. (2) The discussion. (3) The vote. There cannot be regression once proceeding into a later stage (i.e. no amendments can be made to the motion once proceeding to the vote, only in discussion).

Voting rights are reserved for collegiate members in good standing with the chapter and the fraternity.

a. Those members initiated in the spring semester will not be allowed to vote for

executive board positions for the fall.

The only time the President is allowed to vote is to break a tie.

A majority (50% +1) vote of those who vote yes or no is necessary in order to make any motion valid.

When voting, one may vote yes, no, or chose to abstain from voting.

Any member can choose to abstain from any motion for any reason.

Any member who does not vote or is not present will be considered as abstaining.

Results from a vote (majority, thee-fourths, etc.) will be based off the total number of yes and no votes, not including those abstained

A majority of members in good standing must vote in the positive or negative in order for the vote to count. If the majority chooses to abstain, a re-vote must be issued. A motion to strike the vote may not be granted in this stage seeing as there is already an unresolved motion on the floor.

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