Delta Sigma Phi

Constitution & Bylaws

Published October 18, 2021

Last updated at, and presented with amendments from, the 63rd Convention in Los Angeles, California.

All past versions and previous copies of the Constitution and/or Bylaws should be considered obsolete.

Preamble

The Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity in convention assembled declares and affirms the

following principles:

That the belief in God is essential to our welfare.

That loyalty to the constituted authority of our nations and their subdivisions is a

cardinal virtue of our Brotherhood, the pledged faith of which shall never be broken; and that

our Brotherhood, receiving the blessings of liberty, education and fraternity, shall ever support, foster and defend our universities, colleges, and school systems, founded under the

dispensation of our governments and constituting the bulwarks of democracy for us, for our

posterity and for all men.

That the sanctity of the home and the sacredness of the family bond, the hearthstone of our enlightened civilization, and the chivalry of man toward woman, shall be maintained and protected by us, not only for ourselves and our posterity, but also for the good of all mankind.

That as a symmetrical culture, a fraternal communion among the colleges of this

country, and brotherhood of men, whose ideals and beliefs are those of modern civilization, are essential to the welfare of our college men.

In furtherance of these aims, the Fraternity has recognized certain standards of

attainment and gentlemanly conduct expressed in the ideals symbolically represented by the

three Greek letters, Delta, Sigma, and Phi; and it shall be the constant endeavor of the brothers who may be called to preside over and govern the Fraternity, or its component chapter, to enforce the precepts of the Fraternity by every reasonable means within their power, and they, and each Brother of the Fraternity shall exemplify those principles by conduct as well as enforcement in order that the Fraternity may grow and prosper with honor to itself and that the world may ever be convinced of the sincerity of our purpose.

Purpose

We are Delta Sigma Phi, loyal for life. We commit ourselves—heart, mind and soul—to

the pursuit of building better men. We seek this for all members, through the search for

enlightenment, the practice of chivalrous conduct, and the cultivation of brotherhood among all mankind.

Table of Contents

Preamble        2

Purpose        3

Table of Contents        4

Constitution        5

Article I: Name        5

Article II: Insignia & Accouterments        5

Article III: Membership        6

Subdivision 1: General Membership Provisions        6

Subdivision 2: Life Membership        7

Subdivision 3: Classifications of Membership        7

Subdivision 4: Expulsions, Reinstatement & Chapter Closures        8

Subdivision 5: Transfer of Membership        8

Article IV: Undergraduate Chapters        9

Subdivision 1: General Provisions        9

Subdivision 2: Chapter Executive board        10

Subdivision 3: Alumni Advisors and Boards        10

Article V: Alumni Chapters & Associations        10

Subdivision 1: General Provisions & Authority        10

Article VI: Fraternity Enactments        11

Subdivision 1: Ritual        11

Subdivision 2: Fraternity Governance        11

Article VII: National Governance & Officers        12

Subdivision 1: National Governance & Authority        12

Subdivision 2: Officers        14

Subdivision 3: Grand Council Elections        14

Article VIII: Convention        15

Subdivision 1: Convention Authority        15

Subdivision 2: Voting Rights        16

Article IX: Honors and Awards        17

Article X: Amendments        17

Certification        18

Bylaws        19

Article I: Principal Office        19

Article II: Authority        19

Article III: Grand Council        19

Eligibility for Council Membership        19

Article IV: Grand Council Elections        21

Subdivision 1: Grand Council Elections        21

Subdivision 2: Undergraduate Off-Year Elections        22

Article V: Officers        22

Article VI: Regional Commissioners        23

Article VII: National Office        24

Article VIII: National Historian        24

Article IX: President’s Council        25

Article X: Committees & Rules of National Convention        25

Constitution

Article I: Name

Section 1.        The name of the Fraternity is and shall be Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. The name written in Greek letters is ΔΣΦ.

Article II: Insignia & Accouterments

Section 1.        The corporate seal of the Fraternity is circular in form. The inscribed words “Sigillum Fraternitatis” are at the top, inside the outer circumference. The Greek letters for Delta Sigma Phi are at the bottom, inside the outer circumference. Within a smaller circle is an equilateral triangle divided into three triangles. Each of the three smaller triangles contains one symbol; starting with the top‐right triangle and continuing in a clock‐wise direction: a lute, a lamp, and a knot. Within the smaller circle is the year “1899” beneath the equilateral triangle.

Section 2.        The badge of the Fraternity is diamond‐shaped and gold in color. A smaller black diamond centered within the badge bears the symbol of the Fraternity at the top, the letters ΔΣΦ in gold across the middle, and the gold head of the sphinx on the bottom. The Fraternity authorizes only initiated members of the Fraternity to wear the unjeweled badge of the Fraternity. Unjeweled badges remain the property of Delta Sigma Phi. Alumni members may wear the unjeweled badge or a jeweled badge. Members of the Fraternity may bestow a jeweled badge (also called “pins”) upon significant others, such as a girlfriend, spouse or mother, who may wear the jeweled badge. The Grand Council may establish rules concerning badges and pins.

Section 3.        The New Member pin is the symbol of the Fraternity: a white circle with a Nile Green equilateral triangle set inside of it. Gold lines radiate from the center of the emblem to the three points of the triangle in addition to outlining the circle and triangle.

Section 4.        The coat‐of‐arms consists of a shield bearing a field of Nile Green. The upper portion of the shield is charged with three inescutcheons bearing in gold, from left to right, a lute, a knot, and a lamp. The lower portion of the shield contains a pyramid. The central portion of the shield bears a silver chevron with a small shield displaying an open book and the year “1899”. On each side of the shield is mantling of purple trimmed in ermine. Beneath the shield is a streamer displaying the words Δελτα Σιγμα Φι (Delta Sigma Phi in Greek). At the crest of the shield is the breast and head of the Sphinx. Affixed to the breast of the Sphinx and outreached over the shield are scarabaeus wings.

Section 5.        The Delta Sigma Phi primary colors are Nile Green and Carnation White. Two secondary colors are Desert Gold and Royal Purple.

Section 6.        The Flag of Delta Sigma Phi is Nile Green with the symbol of the Fraternity in the hoist and the Greek letters: Delta, Sigma and Phi in white displayed on the fly of the flag, from the top to the bottom and arranged diagonally from hoist to fly. If a fringe is added it shall be white or yellow/gold.

Section 7.        The magazine of the Fraternity is “The Carnation.”

Section 8.        The Fraternity flower is the white carnation.

Article III: Membership

Subdivision 1: General Membership Provisions

Section 1.        Membership in the Fraternity is limited to men who agree with the principles of Delta Sigma Phi and have been accepted as a member by a chapter and who have been initiated or who are candidates for initiation. Each member, upon initiation, shall be given a signed certificate of membership and badge of the Fraternity.

Section 2.        The Fraternity shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, physical condition, or any other classification or trait protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law; provided however, that only men may be members of the Fraternity.

Subdivision 2: Life Membership

Section 1.        Once initiated, membership in the Fraternity is for life unless terminated by expulsion. New members who have not been initiated may voluntarily resign at any time prior to initiation.

Section 2.        Members may join professional, academic, or civic fraternities.

Subdivision 3: Classifications of Membership

Section 1.        There are four classifications of membership in Delta Sigma Phi: New members, Undergraduate members, Alumni members, and Honorary members.

1. New members are men who have accepted an invitation to join an undergraduate chapter of Delta Sigma Phi and who have participated in the new member ceremony, but have not yet been initiated. New Members are candidates for initiation.
2. Undergraduate members are those who are initiated and are students enrolled and pursuing a course of study toward a bachelor’s degree or comparable terminal course of study at an accredited post‐secondary educational institution, where those members are initiated by or affiliated with an undergraduate chapter that exists at that institution or the At‐Large chapter, and are in good standing with the Fraternity.
3. Alumni members are initiated members who have:

1. graduated with an academic degree or departed from a host institution and who are in good standing with the undergraduate chapter of which the member was an undergraduate member while pursuing an academic degree, or have been initiated at the invitation of and by an undergraduate chapter, an alumni chapter or an alumni association as an alumnus member.
2. If an undergraduate member transfers from the educational institution at which he is a chapter member in good standing to another educational institution, that member becomes an alumnus member unless he transfers to or affiliates with another undergraduate chapter as provided in this Constitution or the Bylaws.
3. If an undergraduate chapter does not exist, but an alumni chapter does, then such alumni chapter may invite and initiate members who agree with the principles of Delta Sigma Phi.
4. All initiations shall comply with the Fraternity Manual.

4. Honorary members are those members designated by the Grand Council. Honorary members are classified as alumni members.

Subdivision 4: Expulsions, Reinstatement & Chapter Closures

Section 1.        New members are probationary candidates for initiation. As such, new members enjoy that status at the pleasure of and unfettered discretion of the initiated members of the undergraduate chapter at which they are new members. The Alumni Corporation Board, Chapter Advisor of that undergraduate chapter, Executive Director or Grand Council, may also terminate a new member’s membership.

Section 2.        Any initiated member, regardless of classification, may be expelled from the Fraternity for good cause as set forth in the Fraternity Manual. Any initiated member against whom expulsion proceedings have been brought for any reason, other than solely for failure to meet financial obligations, may request a hearing before a committee of initiated members as set forth in the Fraternity Manual. Any initiated member against whom expulsion proceedings have been initiated has the right to due process as defined in the Fraternity Manual. Findings and the result of each hearing shall be reported to the Executive Director or Grand Council as set forth in the Fraternity Manual.

Section 3.        A formerly initiated member expelled solely for financial delinquency may apply for reinstatement pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Fraternity Manual, upon proof that all financial obligations have been fully paid. A person expelled from membership for reasons other than for financial delinquency may be reinstated by the unanimous vote of the Grand Council upon good and sufficient cause being shown.

Section 4.        An initiated member whose chapter has been reorganized or closed will be reclassified as an alumnus and placed on probationary status during their remaining tenure as an undergraduate student.

Subdivision 5: Transfer of Membership

Section 1.        An undergraduate member of one undergraduate chapter may affiliate with or transfer to another undergraduate chapter with the consent and approval of each chapter concerned, provided the member is in good standing with the Fraternity and the chapter from which he transfers. Alumni members may affiliate with additional chapters (including alumni chapters and undergraduate chapters) in addition to the undergraduate chapter into which the alumni member was initiated.

Article IV: Undergraduate Chapters

Subdivision 1: General Provisions

Section 1.        Chapters of Delta Sigma Phi may be established at institutions of higher education.

Section 2.        Students at institutions of higher education where an undergraduate chapter does not exist may join as undergraduate members of the At‐Large chapter of Delta Sigma Phi after following all requirements established in the Bylaws and Fraternity Manual. The At‐Large chapter is an undergraduate chapter for all purposes of the Fraternity’s Constitution and Bylaws unless expressly stated otherwise.

Section 3.        Recognition may be granted by the Grand Council for undergraduate chapters as provided in the Bylaws and/or the Fraternity Manual.

Section 4.        For just cause, the Grand Council may authorize the reorganization of a chapter upon a finding that the current chapter is in jeopardy of failure, or that actions of the chapter membership fail to meet standards of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Such reorganization may result in removal of members or reclassification of membership status or other actions the Grand Council deem appropriate.

Section 5.        The Grand Council may authorize suspension or revocation of the charter of an undergraduate chapter upon finding that the chapter is in violation of Delta Sigma Phi’s code of conduct, Federal, State or local laws.

Section 6.        In the event that the Grand Council revokes the charter of an undergraduate chartered chapter, or withdraws recognition of a new chapter, or in the event that an undergraduate chapter becomes inactive, the Alumni Corporation Board of such chapter should take control of the assets of the chapter, satisfy claims of creditors of the chapter and then transfer the balance of the assets of the chapter to the Fraternity to be held for the benefit of such chapter, according to the procedures and requirements of the Fraternity Manual.

Subdivision 2: Chapter Executive board

Section 1.        Each undergraduate chapter will have an undergraduate executive board. The role and scope of these offices will be provided for in the Fraternity Manual.

Subdivision 3: Alumni Advisors and Boards

Section 1.        Each chapter will have an Alumni Corporation that is legally incorporated in the state in which the chapter resides. The Alumni Corporation shall be governed by a board of directors (Alumni Corporation Board, or ACB) in accordance with the Alumni Corporation’s articles of incorporation and bylaws. The Chapter Advisor serves as an ex officio member of an ACB. Members of the Alumni Corporation Board shall not act as a legal representative or agent of the national Fraternity or national Housing Corporation, nor shall they have the right to assume, create or incur any liability of any kind, expressed or implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of the national Fraternity or the national housing corporation. The members of the Alumni Corporation Board will abide by the Fraternity’s Constitution, Bylaws and policies established by the Fraternity Manual and their own local ACB bylaws.

Section 2.        Any alumnus or volunteer who serves on an ACB may be removed from the same by the Executive Director for good cause.

Article V: Alumni Chapters & Associations

Subdivision 1: General Provisions & Authority

Section 1.        The purposes of Alumni Chapters are to encourage alumni relations with and mentoring for an undergraduate chapter, to foster brotherhood amongst alumni, and to support the Fraternity and its ideals.

Section 2.        An Alumni Chapter consists of alumni members of the same undergraduate chapter and may also contain affiliated alumni members initiated at other undergraduate chapters or the At‐Large chapter. Petitions for a charter for alumni chapters must adhere to the requirements in the Fraternity Manual.

Section 3.        An Alumni Association consists of a group of alumni members living within a geographic area. The alumni may be alumni members from various undergraduate chapters. The purpose is to foster brotherhood amongst the members and to support the Fraternity and its ideals.

Section 4.        Charters may be granted by the Grand Council for Alumni chapters and Alumni Associations in accordance with the Fraternity Manual.

Section 5.        Alumni Chapters and Associations have the authority to initiate members into the Fraternity in accordance with the Fraternity Manual.

Section 6.        The Grand Council may authorize suspension or revocation of the charter of an Alumni Chapter or Association upon finding that the Chapter or Association is in violation of Delta Sigma Phi’s Code of Conduct, Federal, State or local laws.

Article VI: Fraternity Enactments

Subdivision 1: Ritual

Section 1.        The secret enactments of the Fraternity shall be those contained in the Ritual Book which are classified as esoteric. These secret enactments shall have equal force and validity in all respects to the Constitution.

Section 2.        Only initiated members may be present at esoteric Ritual events and meetings at which esoteric ritual is observed.

Section 3.        The Ritual of the Fraternity is composed of the secret procedures that directly result in the admission into membership in the Fraternity.

Section 4.        There are two esoteric Ritual procedures, and they form one coordinated induction process. These are the pinning ceremony and the initiation ceremony.

Section 5.        The Ritual may be amended as stated in Article X.

Subdivision 2: Fraternity Governance

Section 1.        Bylaws that are in furtherance of the purposes of and not inconsistent with this Constitution shall be promulgated by the Grand Council. The Bylaws shall be approved or amended by a two‐thirds vote of the Grand Council.

Section 2.        The Grand Council shall issue, and revise as necessary, a Fraternity Manual which shall have equal force and validity in all respects as the Bylaws of the Fraternity. The Fraternity Manual shall be approved by a two‐thirds vote of the Grand Council.

Article VII: National Governance & Officers

Subdivision 1: National Governance & Authority

Section 1.        Neither the Fraternity nor its officers have control of and/or responsibility for the day-to-day operations of its individual members, chapters or the alumni organizations. However, should it come to the attention of any officer of the Fraternity that any policies or practices of an undergraduate chapter, alumni chapter or alumni association, or any individual members are in violation of this Constitution, its Bylaws, or the stated policies of the Fraternity, then such action as may be appropriate may be taken by the Grand Council.

Section 2.        The governing documents, including, but not limited to articles or certificate of incorporation, Constitution, Bylaws, rules, regulations or policies of any kind or nature of the Fraternity, chapters, alumni corporation boards, alumni chapters and alumni associations shall not conflict with any federal state, or local law.

Section 3.        The governing power of the Fraternity is vested in a Grand Council as the chief governing body of the Fraternity. The Grand Council shall be elected by the membership. The Grand Council has the power to:

1. promulgate Bylaws and a Fraternity Manual
2. establish a budget and manage finances for the Fraternity
3. appoint, elect and establish officers of the Fraternity according to provision of this Constitution
4. establish honors and awards
5. admit new chapters and associations to the Fraternity by granting them a charter
6. suspend or revoke charters and place chapters, associations or other subordinate units of the Fraternity on probation or order reorganization
7. expel individual members who have violated the Fraternity Code of Conduct as identified in the Fraternity Manual
8. protect and safeguard the Ritual and other Fraternal secret enactments
9. postpone the Convention as provided in Article VIII
10. to enter into beneficial agreements with other fraternal and voluntary associations
11. provide standing rules for the Convention, which have the same authority as the Bylaws
12. fill vacancies occurring on the Grand Council for reasons other than expiration of terms, until the next Convention, by a qualified individual, appointed in accordance with the Bylaws
13. all other powers including interpreting the Constitution, licensing the use of trademarks, tradenames and copyrights, entering into binding agreements and contracts on behalf of the Fraternity and all enactments that are necessary and proper for a non‐profit board of directors to exercise for the general welfare of the Fraternity.

Section 4.        The Grand Council is comprised of nine members, six of whom shall be elected alumni members in good standing. The term of office for elected alumni members is four years, or until qualified successors are elected.

Section 5.        Eligibility for Grand Council membership, nomination procedures and appointment to vacancies occurring within the Grand Council shall be provided for within the Bylaws of the Fraternity. No member may be elected to the Grand Council who has not fulfilled the additional eligibility requirements as set forth in the Bylaws.

Section 6.        Two members shall be elected undergraduate members in good standing. One undergraduate member shall be elected at the Convention. The other undergraduate member shall be elected in the year following the Convention in the same month as the Convention convened in the previous year. Undergraduate members of the Grand Council may not serve as an elected official within their chapter. The term of office for elected undergraduate members is two years or until a successor is elected and qualified as specified in the Bylaws.

Section 7.        The other member of the Grand Council shall be the immediate Past President. If the Past President declines, or is unable to fill that position, that position will be filled as a vacancy as identified within the Bylaws.

Section 8.        The terms of office for all Grand Council members, except the undergraduate member not elected at the Convention, begin and end at the adjournment of the Convention. The term of office of the undergraduate member not elected at the Convention begins and ends as specified in the Bylaws.

Section 9.        A vacancy occurs when a member of the Grand Council resigns, dies, is removed, is ineligible to continue to hold office, or when no member is elected to an open seat on the Grand Council during a Convention. Any such vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the Bylaws.

Section 10.        Provisions for removal of members from the Grand Council shall be provided in the Bylaws, provided that no member of the Grand Council will be removed from the Grand Council by less than a three‐fourths vote of the other members of the Grand Council.

Section 11.        Five members of the Grand Council shall constitute a quorum for transacting business. A majority of those present and voting at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient vote to determine any question not otherwise specified herein.

Subdivision 2: Officers

Section 1.        All members of the Grand Council and the Executive Director are “national officers.” The Grand Council may appoint additional positions and officers and designate which are “national officers.” The President, Vice‐President and Secretary‐Treasurer of the Grand Council are also the President, Vice‐President and Secretary‐Treasurer of the Fraternity, respectively.

Section 2.        Officers of the Grand Council will be elected from the members of the new Grand Council before the last session of each Convention by a combination of incoming, outgoing, and continuing members of the Grand Council. Each shall be elected for a term of two years and shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified. No person shall serve as President more than two terms.

Section 3.        The Executive Director and other officers shall be appointed by the Grand Council in accordance with the Bylaws. The Executive Director of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity must be an initiated member of the Fraternity.

Section 4.        The Grand Council shall appoint a Regional Commissioner for each region to assist within that region in accordance with the Fraternity Bylaws.

Subdivision 3: Grand Council Elections

Section 1.        The delegates to the Convention are entitled to vote for the election of the following members of the Grand Council:

1. One undergraduate member;
2. Three alumni members, who shall fill the three four‐year terms that will expire when their replacements are elected and sworn into office.
3. In the event that a vacancy on the Grand Council has occurred between the immediately preceding Convention and the current Convention, and the elected term of office remaining on such vacancy extends beyond the current Convention, one alumnus member to fill each such remaining term; and
4. In the event that the President of the Grand Council is, due to a term limitation, ineligible to be reelected President at the current Convention, and such member’s elected term of office remaining on the Grand Council extends beyond the current Convention, one alumnus member to fill the remainder of such unexpired term.

Section 2.        The elected members of the Grand Council who are elected at the Convention shall be elected by the voting delegates to the convention of the Fraternity in the manner specified in the Bylaws. The undergraduate member of the Grand Council who is not elected by the Convention shall be elected in the manner specified in this Constitution and as specified in the Bylaws.

Article VIII: Convention

Subdivision 1: Convention Authority

Section 1.        The power of the Fraternity is and shall be vested in the Convention delegates subject only to the Constitution, Bylaws, laws, and fundamental precepts and principles of the Fraternity.

Section 2.        The Convention shall be presided over by the Grand Council President, or in his absence or inability to preside, by the Grand Council Vice President. In the absence or inability of both, such further successor as specified by the Grand Council shall preside over the Convention. If not otherwise provided in this Constitution or the Bylaws, or the Rules of the Convention as provided by the Grand Council, the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall apply.

Section 3.        The Convention shall prescribe and determine the general policies of the Fraternity. The Grand Council shall establish rules for the Convention. The President of the Grand Council shall appoint members to committees or delegate this authority to the Executive Director.

Section 4.        The Convention shall be called by the Grand Council once every second year. Notice of the time and place shall be given to the membership at least twelve months prior to the date of the Convention; provided however, that if the Grand Council shall conclude that the holding of a Convention is inadvisable because of the state of the nation or the financial condition of the Fraternity, then the Grand Council by a two thirds vote has the authority to postpone the Convention until such time as the condition causing the postponement shall have passed, in which case notice shall be sent to the membership. In the event of a postponement, all officers, including the undergraduate member of the Grand Council, shall continue in office during the postponement. Interim vacancies in all offices shall be filled during the postponement in the same manner as when there is no postponement.

Subdivision 2: Voting Rights

Section 1.        Each undergraduate chapter, alumni chapter and alumni association in good standing with 50 members or fewer shall be allowed one vote at the Convention. Chapters and associations in good standing shall be allowed one additional vote for each additional group of members, in increments of 50 or a portion thereof, such votes to be cast by delegates who are initiated members in good standing duly chosen by such chapters.

Section 2.        No undergraduate chapter, alumni chapter or alumni associations shall be allowed more than three votes.

Section 3.        The names of the elected delegates and alternates chosen must be certified to and be received by the Executive Director at least 30 days before the opening of the Convention in the manner set forth in the Fraternity Manual. Such certificates shall be certified by the President or Secretary of the chapter or association. A chapter or member is “in good standing” when the chapter or member has satisfied all obligations to the Fraternity.

Section 4.        The list of the names of the delegates and alternates shall be provided to a Credentials Committee of the Convention. For good cause shown, the Credentials Committee of the Convention may allow the substitution of the names of delegates and alternates. For good cause shown, the Credentials Committee may allow the substitution of delegates and alternates, regardless of a 30 day notice requirement.

Section 5.        Each member of the Grand Council, National Foundation Board, Housing Corporation Board, Regional Commissioner, and Deputy Regional Commissioner shall be allowed one vote at the Convention. These votes may not be delegated to an alternate or substitute.

Section 6.        Each duly qualified Alumni Corporation Board President, Alumni Chapter President, Alumni Association President, and Chapter Advisor in attendance shall be allowed one vote.

Section 7.        In the absence of any alumnus member who is eligible to vote under Section 6, his vote may be exercised by an alternate who must be certified to and received by the Executive Director at least 30 days prior to the opening of the Convention in the manner set forth in the Fraternity Manual. Such certification shall be certified by the Executive Director.

Section 8.        The voting rights conferred upon chapters, associations and individuals in this Article notwithstanding, no individual shall cast more than one vote.

Article IX: Honors and Awards

Section 1.        The Fraternity may grant awards from time to time, recognizing superior achievements and to encourage contributions to its cause.

Section 2.        The highest award of the Fraternity is the designation of an alumnus member as recipient of the Mr. Delta Sig Award. The Mr. Delta Sig Award shall be granted by the Grand Council or its designated committee on the basis of sustained contributions of major importance to the National Fraternity.

Section 3.        The Harvey Hebert Award shall be granted to alumni members on the basis of sustained outstanding service to the Fraternity, or for achievement which reflects honor upon the Fraternity. A committee comprised of previous Harvey Hebert Award winners appointed by the Grand Council may grant the award.

Section 4.        An Outstanding Undergraduate Award may be granted annually to one of the Fraternity’s undergraduate members whose achievements and leadership reflect the highest ideals of the Fraternity.

Section 5.        The Fraternity may grant other awards as identified within the Fraternity Manual or as deemed appropriate by the Grand Council.

Article X: Amendments

Section 1.        This Constitution may be amended by a two‐thirds vote of the Convention. The Esoteric Ritual may be amended by a three‐fourths vote of the Convention. The Exoteric Ritual may be amended by a two‐thirds vote of the Convention or, without following the procedures in Section 2 or 3, by the Grand Council.

Section 2.        Amendments to the Constitution and Ritual may be proposed by the Grand Council, any initiated member, chapter or alumni association in good standing and must be delivered in writing to the Executive Director at least 120 days in advance of the Convention. The national headquarters shall give notice of proposed amendments to the Ritual or Constitution by submitting any proposed amendments to the chapters, alumni associations, commissioners, chapter advisors and other delegates at least 60 days prior to the Convention, along with any recommendations the Grand Council may have.

Section 3.        The Constitution may also be amended by a two‐thirds affirmative vote of the persons eligible to vote at the preceding Biennial Convention as described in Article IV, or their substitutes as defined in Article VIII, each with the number of votes described therein. Provided, however, that proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Grand Council, in care of the Executive Director, by any undergraduate or alumni chapter or association in good standing, or by the Grand Council. The Grand Council shall consider said proposed amendment, and it shall be submitted in writing to the chapters and all others entitled to vote upon it within 60 days after the receipt of said proposed amendment with any recommendations the Grand Council may have. All those entitled to vote upon the proposal, upon receipt of said proposed amendment, shall within 60 days, forward their votes to the Grand Council, in care of the Executive Director. All amendments approved in this manner shall become effective 15 days after expiration of the 60 day voting period.

Section 4.        A proposed amendment to the Ritual or Constitution submitted to the Convention may be further amended by the Convention without resubmittal to chapters and alumni associations. Amendments approved in this manner shall become effective upon adoption.

Certification

The undersigned hereby certify that this Constitution was amended and restated in its entirety, by the Convention assembled in Los Angeles, California, October 2021.

Thomas W. Archer        Phillip A. Rodriguez

President        Executive Director

Bylaws

Article I: Principal Office

The principal office of this Fraternity shall be in Indianapolis, Indiana, or at such other place as may be designated by the Grand Council.

Article II: Authority

The authority for these Bylaws is the Constitution of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.

Article III: Grand Council

Eligibility for Council Membership

Section 1.        The Grand Council is the chief governing body of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity as established by the Constitution.

Section 2.        To be eligible for service on the Grand Council as an alumnus member, a person shall be an initiated member of the Fraternity and:

1. possess a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited four - year institution
2. submit a personal statement to the Executive Director, at least 90 days prior to the opening of the National Convention at which he intends to seek the position, explaining why he wishes to fill the position of Member of the Grand Council; and
3. attend the National Convention at which he intends to seek the position

Section 3.        To be eligible for service on the Grand Council as an undergraduate member, a person must be an initiated member of the Fraternity and in good standing with the National Fraternity and:

1. be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher education or have obtained a baccalaureate degree during his term of office;
2. have a grade point average equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
3. remain an undergraduate for at least one year from the date of election;
4. submit a personal statement to the Executive Director, at least 90 days prior to the opening of the National Convention or online election, explaining why he wishes to fill the position of Undergraduate Member of the Grand Council; and
5. Attend the National Convention at which he intends to seek the position.

Section 4.        Vacancies occurring on the Grand Council for reasons other than expiration of terms shall be filled until the next Convention by a qualified individual, appointed by the remaining members of the Grand Council.

Section 5.        Removal of a member of the Grand Council shall occur by a three-fourths vote of the Grand Council.

Section 6.        Notice of Grand Council meetings, other than the biennial meeting at the Convention, shall be given from the Executive Director on direction of the President, in sufficient time to reach each member at least 3 days before the time appointed for the meeting. If the time and place of the next Grand Council meeting has been set and announced prior to the adjournment of the previous meeting, then no further notice is necessary. A waiver by majority vote of the Grand Council must be obtained if notice is shorter than required timeframe.

Section 7.        No members of the Grand Council shall receive a fee of any kind for attending a meeting of the Grand Council or for other services. Authorized travel, food, and hotel expenses of members of the Grand Council and employees required to attend meetings of the Grand Council shall be reimbursed according to a predetermined schedule established by the Grand Council.

Section 8.        The Grand Council may from time to time create committees of one or more members of the Fraternity for such purposes and with such powers as the Grand Council may determine, provided that such purposes and powers shall not be contrary in any way to the provisions of the Constitution, Bylaws, nor to the actions or policies of the Grand Council, and provided that the work of such committees does not duplicate that of a committee then in existence.

Section 9.        Actions may be taken by the Grand Council through a vote of the Grand Council via in person, teleconference or virtual meeting or email. A quorum for the Grand Council shall be a majority of members, i.e., 5 members.

Section 10.        Meetings of the Grand Council may be conducted by telephone conference or virtually. Such participation shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 11.        The National Fraternity will make public statements regarding political or legislative issues only to the extent such issues are directly related to the Fraternity or its ability to operate, and any such public statements must be approved by majority vote of the Grand Council.

Article IV: Grand Council Elections

Subdivision 1: Grand Council Elections

Section 1.        For each Convention, the President shall appoint a Nominating Committee of members in good standing. The committee shall be chaired by the Immediate Past President unless that position is vacant, in which case the President shall appoint one member of the committee to be the chair. Members of the Grand Council whose term of office is expiring at the Convention will not be members of the Nominating Committee.

Section 2.        The Nominating Committee shall make one nomination for each vacancy. The full slate of nominees shall be disclosed to the Convention, and additional nominations of eligible candidates may be accepted from the floor. The chairman of the nominating committee shall advise the Convention as to whether the nominated candidates are eligible to serve. Ineligible candidates are not permitted to stand for office.

Section 3.        Before the balloting begins, proponents of each candidate shall be allowed a combined total of five minutes to speak on his behalf.

Section 4.        Balloting for Positions on the Grand Council Voting on candidates shall be by secret written ballot unless there is only one candidate for each office being voted upon, in which case voting may be by voice vote.

Section 5.        Each qualified voter shall vote for a number of candidates equal to the number of vacancies to be filled, and on each round of voting only ballots containing that number of votes shall be counted. Candidates shall be declared elected only when they have received a majority of those voting. On the second ballot, the number of candidates shall be reduced to twice the number of remaining vacancies by elimination of candidates receiving the lowest number of votes. On every ballot, at least the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated after each round, unless such elimination shall leave only one candidate who has not yet received a majority vote.

Section 6.        In the event of any tie vote between the fewest number of votes, or a tie-vote on the last ballot with only two candidates, additional rounds of balloting will be conducted between the candidates who are tied until at least one achieves a majority, or if two or more are tied for the fewest number of votes, until one has fewer votes.

Subdivision 2: Undergraduate Off-Year Elections

Section 1.        The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee of not less than seven members in good standing. The committee shall be chaired by the Immediate Past President unless that position is vacant, in which case the President shall appoint one member of the committee to be the chair.

Section 2.        Each undergraduate member in good standing who wishes to be a candidate for the Grand Council shall certify to the nominating committee, in writing, his eligibility to serve. The requirements for eligibility specified in these bylaws.

Section 3.        The Nominating Committee shall endorse one nominee from the full slate of nominees unless there is only one candidate, in which case the Nominating Committee may either endorse the nominee or not. The full slate of nominees shall be disclosed to the electors. The chairman of the nominating committee shall advise the Executive Director as to whether the candidates are eligible to serve. Ineligible candidates are not permitted to stand for office.

Article V: Officers

Section 1.        The President is the Chair of the Grand Council and shall perform the following duties:

1. Preside at the National Convention.
2. Act as Chairman of the Grand Council.
3. Appoint Convention committees.
4. Appoint other committees as may be authorized and approved by the Grand Council.
5. Call meetings of the Grand Council.
6. Sign such legal documents as may be authorized by the Grand Council.
7. Perform such other duties as may be directed by the Grand Council.

Section 2.        Upon the resignation, incapacity, or death of the President, the Vice President shall assume the office of the President for the remainder of the unexpired term. He shall also act on matters regarding the Fraternity as the President may from time to time assign to him.

Section 3.        The Secretary/Treasurer shall maintain a record of all official acts of the Grand Council and perform all other duties incident to the office including signing, along with the President, such legal documents as may be authorized by the Grand Council.

1. shall keep or cause to be kept accurate minutes of all meetings of the National Convention and Grand Council.
2. Be responsible for arrangements for the custody of all monies, funds, and valuable financial or legal documents of the Fraternity.
3. Submit or cause to be submitted annually at the close of the Fraternity’s fiscal year a full and complete financial statement in a form and manner generally accepted by certified public accountants and to which a firm of public accountants approved by the Grand Council shall attach its certificate of audit.
4. Serve as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
5. Be under valid bond for and in such amounts as are determined by the Grand Council, with the premiums on such bonds being paid by the Fraternity.

Section 4.        The immediate Past President shall serve as chairman of the Nominating Committee. If the immediate past president is unable to fulfill these duties, the President shall appoint another alumnus member to serve as chairman of the Nominating Committee.

Section 5.        Any officers, representatives, and employees of the Fraternity shall, on the direction of the Grand Council, be bonded for the faithful performance of duties in such amount and by such surety company as the Grand Council or Executive Director may direct. Premiums on such bond shall be paid by the Fraternity.

Section 6.        No Grand Council member shall serve as a Chapter Advisor, a member of an Alumni Corporation Board or in any other chapter position.

Article VI: Regional Commissioners

Section 1.        The Grand Council shall have the authority to approve Regional Commissioners and define their respective regions to promote the strategies and engagement of the Fraternity.

Section 2.        The Regional Commissioners shall make regular reports to the Grand Council.

Section 3.        Vacancies occurring among the Regional Commissioners for reasons other than expirations of terms may be filled by the Grand Council.

Section 4.        Commissioners may serve for no more than 8 consecutive years.

Section 5.        The Grand Council may remove a National or Regional Commissioner by a three-fourths vote.

Article VII: National Office

Section 1.        The Grand Council has authority to employ or discharge the Executive Director

Section 2.        The fiscal year of the Fraternity shall be from July 1 to June 30 in the following year.

Section 3.        The Executive Director shall manage the financial affairs of the Fraternity and have general charge of the National Headquarters staff.

Section 4.        The Executive Director of the Fraternity must be an initiated member of Delta Sigma Phi.

Section 5.        The Executive Director shall report to the Grand Council on the activities of the National Headquarters and other directives as identified by the Grand Council. The frequency of reports shall be determined by the Grand Council.

Section 6.        The Executive Director shall submit to the Grand Council a proposed budget prior to June 30th of each year for its consideration and approval. He shall submit to the Grand Council statements of income and expense, accounts receivable and payable and other reports as indicated by the Grand Council Treasurer.

Section 7.        All funds of the Fraternity shall be deposited in depositaries authorized by the Grand Council.

Section 8.        The Executive Director shall be the signatory on the operating and set aside accounts of the Fraternity.

Section 9.        Checks against any fund of the Fraternity aside from the operating fund or the set aside account shall have two signatures. One shall be of the Executive Director and the other that of the top finance executive reporting to the Executive Director.

Article VIII: National Historian

Section 1.        A National Historian shall be appointed by the Grand Council at each convention. He must be an initiated member of Delta Sigma Phi.

Section 2.        The National Historian shall be the chief historical officer of the Fraternity. He shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Have access to all chapter records and documents and to all National Fraternity records of every form and nature.
2. Direct and supervise the collection and preservation of material for the history of Delta Sigma Phi and determine what documents and other materials shall be placed in the archives of the National office for perpetual care.
3. Be responsible for the editing and publishing of a history of Delta Sigma Phi, subject to the approval of the Grand Council.
4. Any publications prepared by the Historian or under his direction pertaining to the Fraternity shall be published in the name of the Fraternity, and the copyright shall remain with the National Fraternity.

Article IX: President’s Council

Section 1.        Each duly elected president of an undergraduate chapter in good standing shall serve on the Presidents Council.

Section 2.        The two undergraduate Grand Council Directors shall Co-Chair the President’s Council.

Section 3.        The Presidents Council shall meet quarterly to collect and discuss matters of concern to the undergraduate members to the Fraternity. The President’s Council shall report to the Grand Council through the undergraduate Grand Council Directors.

Article X: Committees & Rules of National Convention

Section 1.        The Grand Council has authority to provide procedures for creating national committees for the biennial convention.

Section 2.        The Grand Council shall provide for standing rules of order for the conduct of business at the convention. The standing rules may provide for a method for each chapter, and alumni association to provide documentation demonstrating the good standing for each for the purpose of seating delegates at the convention.