Gamma Kappa Bylaws

Gamma Kappa adheres to all Bylaws of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity.

To give music 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 the Alma Mater; To develop character and leadership;

To encourage the highest possible scholastic attainment, excellence of individual performance, and appreciation of good music;

To do any and all things conducive to the service, betterment, and ultimate welfare of musicians.

Members of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity shall be those men women who duly initiated. Types of initiates shall be: collegiate, chapter mother, professional, and national honorary.

The fraternity shall abide by the regulations of the Professional Fraternity Association relative to membership qualification and rushing. No member of another professional music fraternity shall be eligible. A member of Delta Omicron shall not be a member of another professional music fraternity.

A candidate for membership in Gamma Kappa Chapter shall be of good character enrolled at Winthrop University. She/he shall be a music major or minor and shall have completed the first term of the freshman year. She/he may be a graduate student. She/he shall have a grade average of at least B (3.0) in music subjects and at least C (2.5) in other subjects for the term immediately proceeding her pledging. At least some academic work must be present in the term immediately which is considered to validate the 3.0 music average. In the event of a student with no academic music work in the proceeding term, the average in music from previous semesters will be considered. A candidate shall possess the potential for superior musicianship.

1. A candidate for collegiate membership shall have the affirmative vote of three-fourths of all chapter members in good standing. The vote shall be by secret ballot following discussion of each candidate. There shall be no limit to the number of times the name of a candidate may be proposed. Before or after a candidate's acceptance, an invitation to membership may be withdrawn by a majority vote of the chapter.

2. A written bid shall be extended to a person elected to membership. The bid shall be accepted in writing by signing a sheet in the music office stating, "I hereby accept the bid extended to me by the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Delta Omicron." The prospective member shall be presented a prospective member pin or fraternity colors to be worn until initiation.

4. The prospective member period shall not exceed six school months unless special permission granted by the Province President.

6. The Gamma Kappa chapter shall not initiate a prospective member until Permit to Initiate has been received from the province president.

1. Upon initiation, a collegiate member shall become affiliated with Gamma Kappa Chapter of Delta Omicron at Winthrop University.

2. If a collegiate member changes from specialization in music to another field of study, member may continue her chapter affiliation or she may assume alumni status.

a) Upon change of major, a written notice must be presented to the board of directors stating the change of major and choice of membership status.

b) If a continued affiliation is chosen, all chapter rules remain in effect.

c) If an alumni status is chosen all voting rights and privileges are denied. (See Article 2, section C, number 6).

3. Upon transfer to another school where Delta Omicron is located, a collegiate member may automatically affiliate with that chapter.

4. In the event that a Delta Omicron transfers from another chapter, he will automatically transfer all rights and privileges to Gamma Kappa Chapter after all transfer procedures are completed. (Refer to Article 3).

5. A member of Gamma Kappa in good standing shall be defined as follows:

a) She/he shall have maintained the scholarship average of (2.5),

b) She/he shall have passed an annual fraternity knowledge examination,

c) She/he shall have paid all fees, dues, fines within two weeks of set date or as otherwise notified,

d) She/he shall have attended all pledge ceremonies, initiations, and other official designated mandatory activities,

e) She/he shall have no more than two unexcused absences from regular meeting and activities per semester,

f) She/he shall have turned information in her activities as requested.

6. A member of Gamma Kappa Chapter who is not in good standing shall be considered on probation and shall be denied the right to vote or hold office until such a time as good standing is restored. Examples of probation status include: Not able to hold an office, not attending formal, not able to become a big sister/brother, or cannot apply not become a secret pal. Subject to change by vote of the Board of Directors.

A) Alumnae members shall be: those no longer affiliated with Gamma Kappa through graduation, transferring to another institution, or by leaving Winthrop University; chapter mothers; those who change their major or minor; and professional and national honorary initiates.

Gamma Kappa may have a chapter mother. She shall be initiated by the chapter and shall enjoy all privileges of the fraternity, including the wearing of the badge and pin. Immediately upon initiation, she shall assume alumni status.

1. A professional initiate shall be a music faculty member, a graduate of a recognized music school, a concert artist, or other professional musician.

2. A professional member shall be initiated by Gamma Kappa or at a Triennial Conference.

3. A professional member shall be initiated by Gamma Kappa after conferring with the chapter advisor, or by the Board of Directors.

4. A professional initiate shall assume alumnae status immediately upon initiation. He or she may choose to be an active member of Gamma Kappa for a period of not more than one year.

5. A professional initiate shall be exempt from the prospective member examination and any prospective member fee.

A. Gamma Kappa shall be the official designated name of the Winthrop University collegiate chapter of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity.

A) Attend all prospective member ceremonies, initiation ceremonies, and other official designated mandatory activities of the chapter. No excused absences are allowed for these mandatory activities. Appeal of this requirement may be made to the board of directors of Gamma Kappa Chapter. The board may, at their discretion:

D) Pay all fees, dues, and fines within two weeks of initial notification (See Article 4. Section 10).

1) Any of the above not taken care of will be doubled in amount after the two weeks.

2) A member may appeal for an exception to this policy through the Board of Directors. Such appeals should be written and contain the reasons for such an appeal.

H) Perform on one musicale per semester.

I) Attend one study hall per semester.

J) Turn in monthly programs and reports on their personal activities (musical and otherwise), awards, etc.

K) Fulfill any task assigned to them and participate actively and fully in the chapter.

L) Breach of Trust

1) A Breach of Trust will be defined as follows:

a. Communication of events that have taken place at a formal event or ceremony such as, initiation, bid night, and formal meetings.

b. Communication of statements and/or topics discussed in the above situations.

c. Communicating fraternity secrets or rituals to non-fraternity members

2) Process to prove a Breach of Trust has been made

a. Suspect(s) shall be questioned by the board of directors.

b. Witnesses may be called when necessary.

c. Viable evidence such as, letter, email, reliable source, or confession must be provided.

d. After evidence has been collected, board of directors shall determine whether or not a Breach of Trust has been made.

3) Consequences of Breach of Trust

a. Member(s) will be placed on probation as defined in the bylaws (Article 3, section B, #1, M) for one calendar year. After the year is over, member will meet with the board of directors to determine if they will be taken off probation and put back in good standing with Gamma Kappa.

M) Failure to fulfill any of the above listed duties may result in a member being placed on probation.

1) A member on probation shall be denied the right to vote, have a little sister/brother or secret pal, attend formal, qualify for the Senior Honor Pin, or hold office in Gamma Kappa Chapter.

2) A member who is placed on probation will be notified in writing of that fact and of the cause for the probationary status.

3) Appeal of probationary status may be made in writing to the Board of Directors.

4) Probationary status will be automatically removed upon satisfying the cause of such status.

1. Each member shall be allowed two unexcused absences per semester. Four tardies will constitute an unexcused absence.

2. An excused absence shall be obtained by notification of the Secretary 24 hours in advance of the absence, unless an emergency arises. The excuse, in order to be officially accepted, must have verification by a vote of the Board of Directors of Gamma Kappa Chapter.

3. An appeal for exemption to the two unexcused absence limitation may be addressed to the Board of Directors and may be granted at their discretion.

4. Beginning with the third unexcused absence from regular chapter meetings and any absence from mandatory activities, a member shall be fined $10.00 per absence. These fines must be paid within two weeks to continue in good standing in Gamma Kappa Chapter.

5. In the case of excessive absences (to be defined by the Board of Directors), even when all fines are paid, the Board of Directors may place the member on probation.

6. It is the responsibility of any member missing a meeting, whether excused or unexcused, to contact the Secretary and read and sign the minutes of the missed meeting.

1) Officers of Gamma Kappa will be as follows: President, 1^stVice President, 2^nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Director, Publicity Director, Historian, Chaplain, Warden, and Scholarship Chair.

2) Officers shall be elected and inducted in the Spring of the year, as specified by the Board of Directors of the International Fraternity and shall serve for a period of one calendar year beginning in the summer. Any officer may be re-elected.

1. The President shall have been a member of the Gamma Kappa Chapter for one calendar year.

2. Is chief executive officer of Gamma Kappa; chairs all meetings of the chapter; files monthly letters/reports; serves as the liaison between the chapter advisor and the other officers and the chapter membership; oversees the activities of the other officers; collects all officer reports and submits them to the province president by the designated due date.

1. The 1^stVP shall have been a member of Gamma Kappa Chapter for one calendar year.

2. Is in charge of rush activities and prospective member training; chairs meetings in the absence of the president; files reports on prospective member. 1^st VP is also Chair of the Social Committee.

1. The 2^ndVP shall have been a member of Gamma Kappa Chapter for one calendar year.

2. Is in charge of Alumnae files; keeping contact with the alumnae; is the chair of fundraising and t-shirt committees; files reports on members becoming alumnae. The2^nd VP must serve in office for one calendar year.

2. Takes minutes of all the meetings and keeps a permanent record of those minutes; keeps an up-to-date membership list; serves as the person to whom members submit excuses for absences.

1. The Treasurer shall have been a member of Gamma Kappa Chapter for one calendar year.

2. Collects all fees, dues, and fines; maintains records of all financial transactions; keeps control of all funds of Gamma Kappa; files monthly financial reports and others as needed. The Treasurer must submit a proposed budget to the Board of Directors for approval each semester.

1. The Music Director shall have been a member of Gamma Kappa for one semester and passed basic conducting.

2. Plans and coordinates all musical activities; serves as conductor of any group performances; files reports at beginning and end of each school year.

2. The Publicity Director collects information and programs from the advisor and from members about their activities, honors, and awards; maintains bulletin board; prepares press releases on activities of the chapter; files monthly reports; sends information for publication in local papers and in The Wheel.

4. The Publicity Director may hold another office, not on the executive committee.

2. Secures meetings against intruders; keeps inventory of all supplies and records of the chapter; orders supplies as needed; files an inventory report annually and receives password and grip prior to formal meetings. Sets up for formal meetings, initiation etc.

2. The Chaplain serves as the spiritual guide of the chapter; prepares short devotions for each meeting.

1. The Scholarship Chair shall have been a member of Gamma Kappa chapter for one calendar year, preferably a junior or senior.

3. Plans and supervises activities to promote high scholarship; keeps track of the scholastic status of each member.

4) For neglect of duty, an officer maybe removed by 2/3 vote of the chapter or by joint consent of the Board of Directors and the Province President.

A) If faculty sponsor is not a member, they should not be present when Ritual matters are discussed, during formal business meetings as per the ceremonies manual or during initiations.)

2) Formal meetings shall include at least two meetings each month during the school year, one of which must be a musical meeting. These meetings may be combined;

3) Shall follow the ceremony for Formal Chapter meeting outlines in Ceremonies for Collegiate Chapter;

4) May include special meetings called by the president or by three members in good standing. All chapter members and advisors shall be notified of such a meeting at least 12 hours in advance;

5) Shall function only with a quorum consisting of a majority of the chapter membership in good standing.

G. The chapter shall be responsible for the care and safekeeping of its records and paraphernalia.

1) The chapter shall have a faculty sponsor, male or female, who may or may not be a member of the fraternity.

A) The faculty sponsor shall be appointed by the school administration in coordination with the chapter.

B) The term of office shall be one year, subject to reappointment. Appointment and/or reappointment shall be confirmed by the Board of Directors of the International Fraternity.

C) The faculty sponsor may attend chapter meetings, but if not a member of the fraternity, shall withdraw during secret ceremonies or discussion of Ritual; shall represent the school administration in the functioning of the chapter; and shall perform such specific duties as outlined by the International Board of Directors.

2) The chapter shall have a chapter advisor and additional advisors as needed, who shall be selected from the alumnae membership.

A) The chapter advisor shall be nominated by the chapter in coordination with the Province President and shall be appointed by the International Board of Directors.

B) The term of office shall be one year, subject to reappointment. For just cause, the chapter advisor may be removed from office by the International Board of Directors.

C) The chapter advisor shall attend chapter meetings, shall counsel from the standpoint of the fraternity, and shall perform such specific duties as outlined by the International Board of Directors.

A) A faculty sponsor who is a member of Delta Omicron may perform the dual duties of faculty sponsor and chapter advisor.

J. A chapter patron or patroness shall be a person interested in music, in the purposes and objectives of Delta Omicron, and in its members.

K. Gamma Kappa chapter will be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of the President, 1^st Vice President, 2^nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Director, Publicity Director, and the Chapter Advisor (ex officio).

1) The Board of Directors shall meet once a month during the school year or as needed.

2) The Board of Directors shall function only with a quorum consisting of a majority of its members.

3) The Board of Directors will serve as the appeal board for all questions regarding the standing of the members of Gamma Kappa chapter.

Each prospective member, except the chapter mother and professional initiates, shall be required to pay a national pledge fee as determined by the International Board of Directors.

To be paid by each new initiate prior to initiation as determined by the International Board of Directors.

Shall be paid by each collegiate member as determined by the International Board of Directors.

A) Initiates shall be exempt from payment of national dues during the school year of their initiation.

B) Payment shall entitle a member to a subscription of The Wheel for the current year.

A) Shall be determined by the International Board of Directors and the finance committee;

B) Shall place a member in good financial standing with the fraternity for life and shall entitle her to a life subscription of The Wheel;

D) May be accomplished through consecutive payments of national annual dues for the required number of years. Senior year national dues shall be accepted as the first of the consecutive annual payments.

Gamma Kappa Chapter will pay an annual Conference Investment to the Conference Fund of Delta Omicron. This fund shall be used to defray expenses of the Triennial Conference. The International Board of Directors shall determine the amount of the Conference Investment and shall specify what expenses the Conference Investment shall cover for each collegiate business delegate.

A) Gamma Kappa Chapter shall pay an annual Endowment Fund Investment, the amount to be determined by the International Board of Directors.

B) The changing of the local dues shall be proposed by the Board of Directors and approved by the vote of the chapter.

At the beginning of the calendar year, the Treasurer shall submit a proposed budget to the Board of Directors for approval. Reimbursement shall be made to all officers and the chapter advisor for necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties. Approval from the Board of Directors is needed to exceed the approved budget. Chapter members incurring expenses may submit a request for reimbursement to the Board of Directors for approval. Unusually large expenses should, whenever possible, have prior approval of the Board of Directors.

If a member of Gamma Kappa neglects payment by the due date of fees, fines, or dues, that member will be notified of bad standing. If prior arrangements have not been made the amount past due will be doubled after two weeks.

1. The 3^rdunexcused absence will result in the Secretary notifying the member of unexcused absences and a fine of $10 will be posted to the member's account. This will double in two weeks.

2. After the 4^thunexcused absence, the above procedure is followed, with an additional $10 fine. This procedure is followed for each subsequent meeting missed, adding another $10 each time (doubling after two weeks if unpaid).

3. Any absence from any mandatory event will also result in a $10 fine. Mandatory events include: study hall requirement, musicale performance, service project requirement, committee requirement, information parties, rush parties, invitational dinner, prospective member musicale, pledge-in, and initiation.

4. Please note that having to work does not excuse anyone from a mandatory event. Prior approval of the Board of Directors will be the only exception.

A. The prospective member pin shall be silver Greek letters Delta and Omicron intertwined.

1) A prospective member pin shall belong to Gamma Kappa Chapter and shall be returned to the chapter upon initiation.

3) Any prospective member losing a prospective member pin will be required to pay for its replacement.

B. The badge shall be yellow gold in the form of a lyre with raised gold Greek letters, Delta Omicron, on the band across the strings. It may be plain or set with pearls.

A) New officer elections will take place each school year in the spring semester.

A) Nominations will be taken from the floor beginning with president, followed by 1^St VP, ^2ndVP, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Director, Publicity Director, Historian, Scholarship Chair, Warden and Chaplain.

B) All nominations must be seconded by another member and accepted by the nominee.

A) At the following meeting, each nominee must present a brief speech stating their qualifications and ideas for the office for which they are nominated.

B) There will be a call for last minute nominations for any office before speeches begin for that office. These candidates will make a speech when called upon.

C) After each candidate for an office has spoken, a vote will be taken for that office by written secret ballot.

2. Removal of an officer, amendment of the bylaws, and when considering prospective members for membership -approved by 2/3 majority.

Section 1. An amendment to the bylaws shall be presented in writing to the chapter and will be voted upon no sooner than two weeks from the date of the proposal.

Section 2. An amendment to the bylaws will be adopted by a three-fourths vote of the chapter members good standing by an informal vote by chapter members in good standing.