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BYLAWS OF PHI DELTA CHI (CONSTITUTION IS LOCATED HERE)
CHAPTER I – THE GRAND COUNCIL & THE NATIONAL OFFICE
Number 1.
The term of each Grand Officer shall be from the time of installation at a Grand Council through the succeeding Grand Council until that person’s successor has been installed.
Number 2.
The Executive Council shall be placed under a bond to the Fraternity of not less than $50,000.
Number 3.
Two percent of the total national revenue of the Fraternity shall be set aside in each year to provide a permanent emergency fund to be invested in United States Government Bonds or approved Banks. This fund shall not be used except in cases of unusual emergency and then only on unanimous approval of the Executive Council.
Number 4.
The Grand Council shall meet at least once in four years and may meet more frequently if deemed advisable by the Executive Council. The Executive Council shall determine the time and place for meetings of the Grand Council.
Number 5.
Traveling expenses of the Grand Officers and Executive Director and expenses while in attendance at the Grand Council may be paid out of the National Treasury.
Number 6.
The traveling expenses of the Collegiate Delegate to the Grand Council shall be paid from the National Treasury when finances permit, the manner and amount to be determined by the Executive Council.
Number 7.
(a) Each Collegiate or Alumni Chapter or candidate shall submit to the Nominating Committee, the name, background, and qualifications of each Brother they consider qualified to be a member of the Executive Council. This requirement must be fulfilled before the candidate can be considered by the Nominating Committee.
(b) The Nominating Committee shall consist of at least one Brother from each Region of the Fraternity, under the guidance of the Grand Past President.
(c) No more than two Brothers representing any Chapter may be eligible to hold Grand Office at the same time. This restriction does not apply to the Grand Vice President for Student Affairs.
Number 8.
The Grand President shall, for the duration of the Grand Council, appoint a Grand Master-At-Arms, a Grand Chaplain, and such other Grand Council Officers as are needed for the good of the Fraternity.
Number 9.
The financial status and accounts of the Fraternity shall be reviewed before each Grand Council by an independent Certified Public Accountant appointed by the Grand President. The Executive Director shall include the results of this review and its recommendations in an address to each Grand Council.
Number 10.
Voting on questions by Grand Council must be done by ballot upon demand of any Delegate.
Number 11.
A fine imposed upon unexcused absence or tardiness of Delegates at Grand Council sessions shall be $5.00 for each occasion or an amount set by Grand Council.
Number 12.
The Executive Director or a representative shall record the Minutes of the Grand Council and distribute a copy of these Minutes to each of the Collegiate Chapters and Grand Officers as soon as possible.
Number 13.
A petition for a Charter as a Collegiate Chapter of Phi Delta Chi must be submitted to the Executive Director or Grand President for a period of time deemed necessary by the Executive Council before final action is taken, or before it is presented to the Grand Council for such action. The Executive Director must notify each Collegiate Chapter in writing immediately upon receipt of such a petition, giving each Collegiate Chapter information concerning the applicants, including the date on which final action may be taken by the Grand Council or the Executive Council, copies of all correspondence up to date of notification, and other information deemed appropriate by the Executive Council). The expense shall be paid by the petitioning body. A favorable vote of at least 3/4 of the Collegiate Chapters shall be necessary before the Executive Council may take any action on final granting of a Charter. Failure of a Chapter to respond within 30 days shall signify that it is in favor of the Charter being granted. The Collegiate Chapter vote being favorable, a unanimous vote of the Executive Council shall still be necessary prior to granting a Charter.
Number 14.
Each new Collegiate Chapter shall pay an Installation Fee, including a Charter Fee of an amount determined by the Executive Council. The new Chapter shall pay for membership certificates of the Charter Brothers, rental of badges, Ritual books, Regalia, and expenses of one Grand Officer, or an officer appointed for the purpose by the Executive Council, to install the new Collegiate Chapter.
Number 15.
The Executive Council may from time to time elect a Board of Counselors. This Board will recognize Alumni Brothers who are Leaders in Pharmacy. The Board of Counselors shall be an honorary, ambassadorial organization whose purpose is to provide advice to the Executive Council.
Number 16.
The Executive Council may establish a not-for-profit educational foundation, to be known as the Pharmacy Leadership & Education Institute, to further the leadership and other benevolent missions of the Fraternity. The Fraternity’s Executive Council shall ratify the nominated members of the Institute’s Board of Directors. The Grand Past President or a representative of the Institute's Board of Directors shall present to Grand Council a report of the activities of the Institute since the previous Grand Council.
Number 17.
These Bylaws may be repealed or amended by a 3/4 vote of a Grand Council. Such repeal or amendment shall, however, have been proposed at least one business session prior to the vote at the same Grand Council.
CHAPTER II - REGIONAL OPERATIONS
Number 1.
The Collegiate Chapters of Phi Delta Chi shall be divided into at least five distinct regions by the Executive Council, in order to facilitate communication and organization. Regional Directors for Collegiate Affairs and Alumni Affairs may be appointed by the Executive Council to assist in the administration of the region.
Number 2.
A Regional Correspondent (RC) shall be elected at each Regional Conference or Grand Council. All nominees for this office shall be in attendance at their respective Regional Conference or Grand Council.
Number 3.
(a) The duties of the Regional Correspondent shall be to call meetings of the Regional Conference to order at the appointed time; to preside at such meetings; to preserve order and decorum; and to further act as the executive officer of the region.
(b) Further, the RC shall keep a complete recording of all proceedings of the region including a ledger of the attendant expenses during the term; to present to the Regional Conference a report with recommendations, covering the proceedings and acts of the term; and to deliver to that person’s successor all documents and property belonging to the office.
(c) It is the duty of the Regional Correspondent to aid Collegiate Chapters with professional projects, fund raising, membership recruitment, participation in the Achievement Award Program, attendance at Fraternity meetings, and to offer other assistance as needed.
(d) Candidates for the office of Regional Correspondent shall be in good academic standing and shall be able to complete the term while still enrolled at a school of pharmacy.
Number 4.
(a) Each Region shall convene each year that the Grand Council does not convene. Rotation of meeting sites will be based on Greek alphabetical sequence of chapter names. Exceptions may be approved by the Executive Council. Regional caucuses shall be held at least twice during Grand Council.
(b) Quorum for business sessions shall consist of Delegates from at least 50% of Collegiate Chapters in the region. Each Collegiate Chapter represented shall have one vote. Each Alumni Chapter represented shall have one vote, as will the Regional Correspondent and Regional Director(s) in attendance. No Regional Officer may cast votes as a Chapter Delegate.
CHAPTER III - OBLIGATIONS OF COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS TO NATIONAL OFFICE
Number 1.
If necessary, an annual assessment shall be levied upon each Chapter by the Executive Director to provide for the national functions of the Fraternity. The amount assessed is to be proportional to the membership of each Collegiate Chapter and the total maximum yearly amount shall be determined by each Grand Council according to the economic needs of the Fraternity.
Number 2.
(a) At the opening of each academic year each Worthy Keeper of Records & Seals shall forward to the Executive Director a certified list of Brothers and pledges and shall notify the Executive Director of all further pledges and initiates.
(b) Any Chapter that shall knowingly falsify the Chapter membership report for the purpose of evading the payment of any fees or dues, shall be deprived of a vote in Grand Council, and upon proof of repetition of the offense the Charter of said Chapter shall be revoked.
(c) Each person initiated into the Fraternity shall pay one Initiation Fee, the amount of which is determined by the Grand Council at its meetings. The Worthy Keeper of Finance of the Collegiate Chapter shall be responsible for the collection and payment of this fee to the Executive Director. The Initiation Fee for newly initiated Brothers shall be forwarded to the National Office, in full, within 72 hours following initiation of the new Brother.
(d) Membership certificates must be ordered within 72 hours after the initiation of new Brothers.
Number 3.
The Initiation Fee shall be determined by the Collegiate Chapter. This fee, however, must be sufficient to cover the entire Initiation Fee of the new Brother, the rental of an official pin or key, and the rental of a membership certificate, all of which shall be forwarded to the Executive Director within 72 hours following the initiation of each new Brother. The Collegiate Chapter may require an additional amount, if it so desires.
Number 4.
(a) The pin and membership certificate of each Brother of the Fraternity shall be the property of the Collegiate Chapter to which the Brother paid an Initiation Fee, said fee to cover its rental to the Brother as long as the Brother is in good standing.
(b) A jeweled pin may be rented by payment to the Collegiate Chapter of the difference in purchase price between the regular pin and the jeweled pin desired.
Number 5.
The official emblems of the Fraternity, the method of obtaining them and their uses shall be:
(a) The Official Pin shall be of high quality, the gold composition of which shall be determined by the Executive Council, and fitted with a durable safety clasp.
(1) A plain triangular pin in shape, with point at the bottom, one-half inch in size, having a wide beveled border and a raised black enamel center. The letters Phi Delta Chi to be shown in gold, flush with the surface of the black enameled center, the Delta slightly larger than the Phi and Chi.
(2) A crown set jeweled pin of the same size and description as the plain pin, but with stones set in the border and held in place with separate clamps.
(3) The pin shall be worn over the heart by all Brothers.
(4) The pin shall be purchased by a Chapter from the official jeweler through the Executive Director. The Executive Director may appoint a Pin Custodian who shall perform the duties of the Executive Director in authorizing the official jeweler to fill orders for jewelry. The official jeweler shall be determined by the Executive Council.
(5) The design of the pin shall not be used on any favor or article of jewelry.
(6) No person who is not a Brother of the Fraternity, except a Brother’s mother, father, sister, Brother, daughter, son, spouse, or fiancée, shall be allowed to wear the pin.
(b) Pledge Button which shall be the shape of the official pin but one-eighth inch in size, with wine enameled border finished gold plate.
(c) A Coat-of-Arms as adopted by the Grand Council in 1911.
(d) Five-inch Wall Plaque as selected by the 1931 Grand Council.
(e) A Banner, as adopted by the 1950 Grand Council.
(f) A Flag, as adopted by the 1973 Grand Council.
(g) Official Emblems of the Fraternity shall be an Identification Button composed of three Greek letters, Phi, Delta, and Chi, combined in horizontal or diagonal position or a miniature coat-of-arms.
(h) An Identification Card shall be issued to all Collegiate Brothers. Such cards are to be printed by the National Office for presentation to a new Brother along with a certificate when financial obligations of initiation are paid. Such cards are to be of a size to fit a wallet.
Number 6.
(a) Each Brother of a Collegiate Chapter shall receive a copy of each edition of The Communicator of Phi Delta Chi.
(b) Each Chapter failing to have their required submission in for an issue of The Communicator of Phi Delta Chi shall be fined an amount determined by the Executive Council.
Number 7.
November Second of each year shall be known as Founders' Day and shall be observed with an appropriate ceremony by each Collegiate and Alumni Chapter.
Number 8.
A Chapter inspection may be held at any time the Executive Council may decide that it is necessary. In an emergency or where a Grand Officer is called by school authorities, the Chapter in question may be fined an amount equal to all expenses incurred in connection with that inspection, an investigation, or related proceedings.
CHAPTER IV – COLLEGIATE CHAPTER GOVERNMENT
Number 1.
A simple majority of the Collegiate Brothers of a Chapter shall constitute a quorum.
Number 2.
In all business meetings of the Collegiate Chapter, the following order shall be observed:
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Inspirational Exercises (optional)
- Reading of Minutes
- Reports of Officers
- Reports of Committees
- Election or Installation of Officers
- Proposals for Membership
- Initiation
- Unfinished Business
- New Business
- Fines and Appeals
- Remarks for the Good and Welfare of the Fraternity
- Appointment of Committees
- Second Roll Call
- Adjournment
- Inspirational Exercises (optional)
Number 3.
In all parliamentary rulings not provided for in the Phi Delta Chi Constitution and Bylaws, the Fraternity shall be governed by the most recent revision of Robert's Rules of Order.
Number 4.
It shall be the duty of each Brother to become familiar with the Phi Delta Chi Constitution, Bylaws, Fraternity Ritual, House Rules, History, and all other matters pertaining to the Fraternity. In addition to the above, each officer shall commit to memory and be able to recite the officer’s part of the Fraternity Ritual.
Number 5.
No Brother shall be allowed a seat in the Council Chamber nor have a right to vote on any matter pertaining to the Fraternity after initiation night until such time as he or she has complied with Bylaw Chapter IV, Number 4, and can answer any and all questions pertaining to matter contained therein.
Number 6.
Any Collegiate Brother who shall miss any meeting of the Chapter without satisfactory excuse, which shall be presented to the Worthy Chief Counselor in writing within 24 hours prior to said meeting shall be fined a sum determined by the Chapter.
Number 7.
Accounts for Brothers and pledges shall be payable one billing term (monthly, quarterly, or semesterly) in advance, and shall be due on the first of each billing term. They shall become delinquent if not paid by the time specified by local Chapter Bylaws and shall be subject to a fine of 10%. Any Brother (or pledge) remaining in arrears at the end of a billing term shall, at the expiration of that time, be automatically suspended from the Chapter, which shall notify the Executive Director's office in writing. The Brother shall surrender his or her badge (or pledge button) to the Worthy Chief Counselor, shall be permitted to continue residence in the Chapter house, but not allowed to board there or attend or take part in any of the Chapter meetings or activities. The suspension shall continue until his or her account is paid in full (including rent and Chapter dues) during the period of suspension. A delinquent Brother (or pledge) believing that existing circumstances warrant being exempt from suspension, may, before the 20th day of the billing period, appear before the appropriate committee and state reasons for claiming exemption. If such authority advises that credit be extended, the Brother (or pledge) shall furnish a bankable note for the full amount of indebtedness and make arrangements to such authority for its retirement.
Number 8.
Each Collegiate Chapter shall have at least one Formal Meeting each month. Formal Meetings shall include the ceremonial opening and closing of the business meeting using Fraternity Ritual and Regalia.
Number 9.
The Worthy Chief Counselor may call special meetings and must call one on the written request of three Brothers.
Number 10.
The Worthy Keeper of Finance should have an assistant.
Number 11.
Any officer who is the subject of scholastic probation by the host school shall be removed from office by the Executive Committee of the Chapter until such time as probation has been removed.
Number 12.
A Brother, upon changing schools and wishing to affiliate with a Collegiate Chapter of the Fraternity in which he or she was not initiated, shall bring a certificate signed by the Worthy Chief Counselor and Worthy Keeper of Records & Seals of the Chapter of origin, showing good standing of that Chapter. This certificate shall be presented to the Worthy Keeper of Records & Seals of the Chapter with which he or she wishes to affiliate, which shall be obliged to accept that person as a Brother.
Number 13.
Any Brother may be expelled by 3/4 vote of the Collegiate Brothers of that Chapter, provided said Brother shall have been found guilty of repeated disorderly conduct, nonpayment of dues, fines, or assessments, or violation of the Phi Delta Chi Constitution, Bylaws, or Fraternity Ritual. Such expulsion may take place only after the Brother has been warned at the preceding regular meeting. If a Brother is expelled, the Chapter expelling that Brother shall report in writing said action to the Executive Council as soon as possible. The Chapter shall retrieve the pin and membership certificate of the Brother expelled and return them to the National Office.
Number 14.
Any Brother having allegedly violated any obligation or rule carrying the penalty of expulsion shall have the right to trial. All charges must be proffered at a regular meeting by a Collegiate Brother, and the accused shall be immediately notified of such charges and directed to appear at the next regular meeting for trial. If the accused or a representative is not present, having disregarded the notice to appear, the trial shall be conducted as though the Brother were present and a final vote taken. The trial shall be presided over by the Worthy Chief Counselor. The accused may request a Brother for defense, and the Worthy Chief Counselor shall appoint a Brother for prosecution.
Number 15.
Any Brother who has been expelled by a Chapter may appeal to the Executive Council or Grand Council.
Number 16.
Any person who has been expelled from a Chapter and who has not been reinstated in the Fraternity by the Executive Council or Grand Council, shall not again be eligible for Membership.
Number 17.
When any person has resigned or has been expelled from the Fraternity, that Chapter must notify all other Chapters in the Fraternity. The National Office will assist with distribution of these notices.
Number 18.
Upon being pledged to the Fraternity, the candidate shall sign an agreement promising to abide by the Constitution, Bylaws, and Fraternity Ritual, and not to disclose any secret or method of procedure of this Fraternity that the Brother may happen to learn before being initiated.
Number 19.
Any Brother who is in good standing with the Chapter and who for personal reasons is no longer able to be a part of that Chapter may be temporarily suspended by a 3/4 vote of that Chapter. The Chapter may remove the suspension at any later time by a 3/4 vote. Under said suspension the Chapter is still financially responsible for that Brother.
Number 20.
Any Brother may be placed on probation based on local Chapter Bylaws. The Chapter is responsible for all fraternal requirements of such a Brother.
CHAPTER V – ALUMNI CHAPTERS
Number 1.
(a) A National Alumni Committee shall be formed. This committee will report at each meeting of the Grand Council and consist of the presidents of each Alumni Chapter, with the Grand Vice President for Alumni Affairs acting as chairman. This committee will conduct its affairs by correspondence. All correspondence will be sent to the chairman, whose duty it will be to issue bulletins to each Brother. Each Brother of this committee shall send in a complete report of that Alumni Chapter, together with personal ideas and comments. Reports shall then be sent out to every Brother of the committee and comments invited so that eventually an ideal association will be developed.
(b) This committee shall work to establish Alumni Chapters where they are not now organized. They shall conduct their work in cooperation with the Worthy Chief Counselor of the Collegiate Chapter, seeing that the WCC organizes the Brothers who will graduate each year, presenting a suitable Constitution and Bylaws for their approval. Officers shall be elected before the Brothers leave college, and report to the Grand Vice President for Alumni Affairs regarding the work of their Chapter.
Number 2.
(a) Dues-paying Alumni Brothers shall receive a subscription to The Communicator of Phi Delta Chi and a membership card. The amount of the first allotment alumni dues shall be determined by the Grand Council.
(b) The National Alumni Life Membership Fee is an amount equal to ten times the National Alumni Dues payable as a single installment or installments spaced over not more than 3 years. Those Alumni who have paid dues annually for 20 consecutive years shall automatically be given Life Memberships upon petitioning the Executive Council.
Number 3.
A recognized Alumni Chapter shall have one vote in the proceedings of the Collegiate Chapter. Each Chapter, if they so choose, may extend to each individual Alumnus one vote for a period of time determined by the Collegiate Chapter, at the end of which the Alumni Chapter again shall have only one vote as a body unless the Collegiate Chapter decides otherwise. If further representation in Collegiate Chapter proceedings is desired for Alumni, the consent of the Collegiate Chapter concerned and that of the national Executive Council must first be obtained.
Number 4.
To represent the interests of Alumni Brothers, the voting alumni delegate at regional and national meetings shall be determined as follows. Priority for designation as the delegate of an Alumni Chapter will go first to an alumni Brother initiated at that Chapter, then to an alumni Brother authorized in advance in writing by officers of a chartered Alumni Chapter. Another Alumni Brother may be seated as the Alumni Chapter's delegate with the approval of the Executive Council acting as a Credentials Committee.
Number 5.
Any Alumni Brother may be expelled by 3/4 vote of dues-paying members of his or her Alumni Chapter or a unanimous vote of the Executive Council, if guilty of repeated disorderly conduct, nonpayment of dues, assessments, or violation of the Phi Delta Chi Constitution, Bylaws, or Fraternity Ritual. Any Brother under threat of expulsion shall have the right to trial, analogous to Chapter IV of these Bylaws. If a Brother is expelled, the Chapter expelling that Brother shall report it to the Executive Council in writing, retrieve the membership certificate and all jewelry, and return them to the National Office. Any Brother who has been expelled by a Chapter may appeal to the Executive Council or Grand Council.
As amended by the 66th Grand Council (West Palm Beach, 2007)
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