Virginia Chi Chapter of the

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON FRATERNITY

By-Laws
Updated as of April 2009

NAME:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Virginia Chi Chapter of the Province Gamma at Virginia
Commonwealth University.

PURPOSE:

The members of this fraternity have set forth an organization whose objectives are to
instill friendship and character among its members, to encourage scholastic and social
prominence, believing that where there is no law, there is no liberty, and having as its aim
the preservation of society as well as the individual, with true acceptance and
understanding of the National Laws and Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, do establish the
following articles and the By-Laws of the Virginia Chi Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

ARTICLE I Membership 5

Section 1 Pledge Education 5

Section 2 Rescinding Pledgeship 5
Section 3 Time Limit 5
Section 4 Affiliation 5
Section 5 Inactive Members 5
Section 6 Neophytes 6
Section 7 GPA 7

ARTICLE II Meetings 8

Section 1 Regular Meetings 8

Section 2 Special Meetings 8
Section 3 Quorum 8
Section 4 Chapter (Defined) 8
Section 5 Membership (Defined) 8
Section 6 Vote 8
Section 7 Order of Business 9
Section 8 Courtesy in Meeting 9
Section 9 Fines 10

ARTICLE III Officers 11

Section 1 Required Officers 11

Section 2 Term of Office 11
Section 3 Methods of Election 11
Section 4 Vacancies and Offices to be Vacated 11
Section 5 Offices Held 11
Section 6 Qualifications 11-12

ARTICLE IV Duties of Officers 13

Section 1 Eminent Archon 13

Section 2 Eminent Deputy Archon 13
Section 3 Eminent Treasurer 13-14

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

ARTICLE IV Duties of Officers (cont.)

Section 4 Eminent Recorder 14

Section 5 Eminent Chaplain 14
Section 6 Chapter Advisor 14
Section 7 Pledge Educator 14-15
Section 8 Scholarship Chairman 15
Section 9 Athletics Chairman 15
Section 10 Eminent Chronicler 15
Section 11 Eminent Warden 16
Section 12 Eminent Herald 16
Section 13 Social Chairman 16
Section 14 Rush Chairman 16
Section 15 Fund-Raising Chairman 16
Section 16 Risk Manager 16
Section 17 Community Service Chairman 17
Section 18 IFC Delegate 17
Section 19 Eminent Correspondent 17

ARTICLE V Executive Council 18

Section 1 Membership 18
Section 2 Duties of Executive Council 18
Section 3 Disciplinary Powers of Executive Council 18

ARTICLE VI Standards and Ethics Board 19

Section 1 Creation of Standards and Ethics Board/Offences 19

Section 2 Violations 19
Section 3 Sanctions 19
Section 4 Scholarship 19-20

ARTICLE VII Fees 21

Section 1 Pledge Fee 21

Section 2 Initiation Fee 21
Section 3 Payment of Initiation Fee 21
Section 4 Neophyte Fee 21
Section 5 Bull Pledge Fee 21

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

ARTICLE VIII Brothers' Dues 22

Section 1 Chapter Dues 22

Section 2 Maximum Indebtedness 22
Section 3 Delinquency 22
Section 4 Miscellaneous 23
Section 5 Scholarship Incentives 23

ARTICLE IX Pledging and Social Affiliates 24

Section 1 Pledge Program 24

Section 2 Alumni Status 24

ARTICLE X Distribution and Amendment 25

Section 1 Distribution 25
Section 2 Amendment 25

ARTICLE XI SAE National Policies 26

Section 1 Alcohol and Drugs 26

Section 2 Hazing 26
Section 3 Sexual Abuse 26
Section 4 Fire and Safety 27
Section 5 Chapter Policies 27

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ARTICLE I

Membership

Section 1. Pledge Election

Three negative votes shall constitute failure of election to pledgeship. The name
of a person who has failed election may be re-evaluated a maximum of 3 times (4
times total) per semester.

Section 2. Rescinding Pledgeship

According to National Laws, Title V, Article 22, Section 68: after the pledge has
fulfilled the institutional requirements, he shall be entitled to prompt initiation
unless as many as one-third of the entire membership of the chapter in good
standing (whether or not present or voting) vote to carry him as a pledge for a
longer period, or as many as one-quarter of the entire membership of the chapter
in good standing (whether or not present or voting) vote to rescind the pledge.

Section 3. Time Limit

A bid extended to a “rush” does not carry over into the following semester. Every
bid handed out by the fraternity will be valid only for that semester until the
specified acceptance date.

Section 4. Affiliation
See National Laws, Title V, Article 23, Section 71-73). A member applying for
affiliation, and having been verified as a brother from their previous chapter, will
be allowed to a) attend social functions and activities, and b) attend chapter
meetings as a non-voting member until his affiliation is accepted.

Section 5. Inactive Members

1) According to National Laws, Title XIII, Article 67, section 221: An inactive
member is one who, at his own request and upon good cause shown, while he is
still a student, has been permitted by the chapter by a three-fourths vote of
approval, to assume a status of inactivity; but such a member cannot become
inactive until he has paid in full all dues and obligations due his chapter, the
Province, and the National Office. Inactivity cannot take place unless applicant
has been a member of the chapter at least 1 year.

A. After exceeding the period of 1 year when one can be deemed “inactive,” in
order to be re-instated into the brotherhood that person must state their case before
the executive council to be re-instated.

2) An inactive brother may attend and participate in (without a vote) meetings with
the approval of the Eminent Archon.

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3) An inactive member shall be allowed to attend only one social event per 2
months.

4) Any brother given long term or permanent academic, financial, or judicial

suspension from Virginia Commonwealth University shall be moved to alumni
status, and removed from the chapter’s active roster.

5) Any brother given a one semester academic, financial, or judicial suspension from
Virginia Commonwealth University shall be moved to Inactive status, given he
meets the requirements listed in Article 1, Section V. If he does not meet the
requirements, he remains Inactive but does not become eligible for the benefits
stated in Article 1, Section V, Subsections 2 and 3, and must pay full National
dues.

Section 6. Neophytes
1) A pledge that does not attain a 2.50 Semester G.P.A. and maintain an overall 2.50
G.P.A. becomes a neophyte for one semester. If at the end of the semester the
neophyte does not attain a 2.50 Semester G.P.A. and maintain an overall 2.50
G.P.A. he is automatically rescinded.

2) Neophytes can be brought up for a review at any time and shall not continue on as
an SAE with one-quarter of the chapter in good standing voting negatively.

3) Neophytes must be in good standing to engage in any activity.

4) Monthly meetings will be held for neophytes during the fall and spring semester.
The meeting will be held one hour before first brothers meeting of each month.
The meeting will be chaired by the Eminent Deputy Archon, and a five dollar fine
will be levied for an unexcused absence.

Section 7. GPA
1) Any brother who’s cumulative and semester GPA are below a 2.5 shall be
suspended from the Fraternity, and shall remain suspended until a semester GPA of
2.5 or higher is attained.

2) Such a brother suspended on the basis of scholarship shall:

-Pay an inactive fee deemed fitting by the Executive Council;

-Not participate in any social, brotherhood, or intramural function unless permitted

by the Executive Council;

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-Work closely with the Scholarship Chair to develop a signed improvement plan to
improve academic behavior.

-Additional discipline may be left to the Executive Council’s discretion

3) If a brother remains suspended for scholarship reasons longer than one semester, he
will be referred to a judicial board for review.

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ARTICLE II

Meetings

Section 1. Regular Meetings

1) See National Laws, Title V, Article 25, Section 80.

2) Regular Meetings shall be held beginning the first full week of each semester, and
ending the week before finals.

Section 2. Special Meetings

1) According to National Laws, Title V, Article 25, Section 81: Special meetings
may be called at any time by the Eminent Archon, and shall be called by him on
the written request of three or more members.

2) Notification for a special meeting must be given to the brotherhood 48 hours prior
to the meeting date and time.

Section 3. Quorum
1) According to National Laws, Title V, Article 25, Section 82: At any regular
meeting of a Chapter Collegiate, a majority of the members in good standing shall
constitute a quorum, and at any special meeting, two-thirds of the members in
good standing shall constitute a quorum.

2) If a quorum is not present, the brothers present may meet as a committee of the
whole as defined by the Sturgis Rules of Order.

Section 4. Chapter (definition)

All brothers active and in good standing (financially and academically) shall be
defined as the Chapter.

Section 5. Membership (definition)

All active brothers shall be defined as the membership.

Section 6. Vote
1) See National Laws, Title V, Article 25, Section 83.

2) A majority shall be 50% plus one of the active members in good standing present
and voting.

3) An abstention does not count as a vote.

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Section 7. Order of Business

1) The order of business of a regular meeting shall be as follows:
A. Formal opening according to the ritual.
B. Chaplain's service.
C. Officers' Reports:
1) Chaplain’s words of wisdom
2) Pledge Ed
3) Rush Chairman
4) Philanthropy Chairman
5) Community Service Chairman
6) Brotherhood Chairman
7) Social Chairman
8) Fundraising Chairman
9) Alumni Relations Chairman
10) Intramural Chairman
11) Eminent Treasurer
12) Eminent Deputy Archon
13) Eminent Archon

F. Old Business
G. New Business
All Motions shall be tabled until the next meeting unless a three-quarters
vote of the Chapter present and in good standing is achieved to waive the rules.
H. Remarks for the good of the order.
I. Formal closing according to the ritual.
2) The order of business of a special meeting shall be determined by the Eminent
Archon.

Section 8. Courtesy in Meetings

1) Discussion of a pro or con shall be limited to 3 minutes per person. Time to be
kept by the Eminent Warden and Eminent Treasurer.
2) At no time shall a brother be allowed to speak on any single motion more than
twice.

Section 9. Fines
1) Fines may be levied by the Eminent Archon, Eminent Deputy Archons, and
Eminent Warden.
2) Brothers not present for the first five minutes of a meeting shall be deemed late,
and fined $1.00 per minute after the designated time. Brothers absent from the
entire meeting shall be fined $25.00. Each brother shall be given one “free pass”
per semester, enabling him to miss one meeting a semester without penalty.
3) Fines may be levied for the use of rude or vulgar language during any meeting.

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4) Brothers in good standing, attending their final semester before graduation, will be
given the privilege of not attending chapter meetings and not be fined. This does
not include initiation, pledging and bylaw review meeting.
5) Fines for missing a brother’s initiation shall be $25.00, pledge ceremony shall be
$25.00, rush workshop shall be $25.00, scheduled bid sessions (more than 15
minutes late) shall be $10.00, and pledge retreat shall be $25.00.
6) All fines may be appealed in writing within two regular meetings of the date they
were levied. Appeals must be submitted to the Eminent Recorder.
7) Fines owed to the Chapter, may be either paid in cash or as stated in section nine.
8) Any brother who does not complete the number of community service hours
required by the community service chair, will be fined an amount per hour as
determined by the community service chair.
9) Any member who is not in badge attire at the first regular meeting of every month
shall be subjected to a fine of $10.00.
10) Fines may be levied per the discretion of the Standards & Ethics board as
punishment for certain offenses.

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ARTICLE III

Officers

Section 1. Required Officers

1) Eminent Archon
2) Eminent Deputy Archon
3) Eminent Treasurer
4) Eminent Recorder
5) Eminent Chaplain
6) Chapter Advisor
7) Pledge Educator
8) Scholarship Chairman
9) Athletics Chairman
10) Eminent Chronicler
11) Eminent Warden
12) Eminent Herald
13) Social Chairman
14) Rush Chairman
15) Fundraising Chairman
16) Risk Manager
17) Community Service Chairman
18) IFC Delegate
19) Eminent Correspondant

Section 2. Term of Office

1) Elections shall be held at least two weeks prior to the end of Spring and Fall
semesters.
2) See National Laws, Title V, and Article 26, Section 91-92 with the exception of
the Eminent Treasurer which is described in Article III, Section 2, and Part 2.
3) Replacement of officer if not fulfilling requirements is 80% vote, and adequate
replacement is available.

Section 3. Method of Election

See National Laws, Title V, Article 25, Section 88-90.

Section 4. Vacancies and Offices to be Vacated

See National Laws, Title V, Article 26, Section 93-94.

Section 5. Offices Held

At no time shall a brother hold two Executive Council offices.

Section 6. Qualifications

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1) Every member of the active chapter in good standing is eligible to run for any
office. He must also be in good standing with the University.
2) A member may be elected to an office without verification of academic standing;
however, his election will not be valid until grade verification is received by the
Eminent Archon.
3) Any member elected to an office will be required to verify a minimum 2.5 GPA at
the end of the current semester.
4) To retain his office each officer must remain in good standing with the chapter
and University, maintain a 2.5 attend Executive Council meetings if his office
places him on the Board (See Article V), and fulfill the duties of his office (See
appropriate section with Article IV).

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ARTICLE IV

Duties of Officers

Section 1. Eminent Archon

The Eminent Archon shall:
A. Preside over Chapter meetings
B. Be official spokesman for the Chapter
C. Appoint officers & committees not otherwise provided for
D. Approve orders drawn on the Eminent Treasurer for appropriations made by the
Chapter
E. Enforce a strict observance of Nat'l laws, Bylaws, and lawful orders
F. Prevent conduct by members or the chapter that could tend to degrade or cheapen
the fraternity
G. Keep the rituals securely guarded
H. At the end of his term, submit a report as in accordance with the National Laws
I. Be the presiding officer over the Executive Council.
J. Shall be the IFC and Greek Council representative.
K. Shall be a member of the Executive Council

Section 2. Eminent Deputy Archon

The Eminent Deputy Archon shall:
A. Support the Eminent Archon in all matters of discipline and shall be charged with
the responsibility of maintaining order and proper decorum at all functions.
B. Be required to make a complete study of the National Laws of Sigma Alpha
Epsilon and the Chapter Bylaws of the Virginia Chi Chapter of Sigma Alpha
Epsilon. He shall study the rules of parliamentary procedures, and be prepared at
any time to express his opinion to the Chapter on such matters. The Eminent
Deputy Archon can be relieved of this requirement if the Chapter elects a specific
brother to serve in this position.
C. Act with full powers in the absence of the Eminent Archon.
D. Shall be a member of the Executive Council.
E. Coordinate all committees.
F. Back up the Eminent Archon in all matters of discipline and particularly he shall
be charged with the responsibility of maintaining order and proper decorum at all
functions.
G. Serve as the Chairman of the Standards & Ethics Boards

Section 3. Eminent Treasurer

The Eminent Treasurer shall:
A. Be a member of the Executive Council.
B. Hold funds, securities, vouchers, and account books of the Chapter.
C. Reconcile and maintain all accounts of the Chapter.

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D. Work to eliminate old accounts receivable.

E. Remit to the proper authorities all sums lawfully assessed against the Chapter.
F. Prepare or have prepared a budget of the estimated Chapter income and
expenditures for the year's operations by the first meeting of the fall semester.
G. Collect and record all monies due the Chapter.
H. Collect Brothers’ dues.
I. Present the Brothers' balances at the Brother's meeting.
J. Present a current list of fines to the chapter on a weekly basis.

Section 4. Eminent Recorder

The Eminent Recorder shall:
A. Keep the following records:
1. Minutes of the meeting of the Chapter and Executive Council.
2. A true and correct copy of the Chapter Bylaws.
3. Attendance records of Chapter meetings.
4. Copy of the National Laws
B. Attest the actions of the Chapter.
C. Notify members of Special meetings of the Chapter 48 hours in advance
D. Make meeting minutes available to the chapter weekly
E. Prepare a chapter telephone directory and summer address list.
F. Be a member of the Executive Council.

Section 5. Eminent Chaplain

The Eminent Chaplain shall:
A. Open each formal meeting with a reading from scripture and a word of prayer. He
shall perform all other duties customarily associated with his office as requested
by the Eminent Archon.

Section 6. Chapter Advisor

The Chapter Advisor shall:
A. Counsel the Chapter in the administration of its affairs, and assist in perpetuating
the Fraternity's standards, policies and traditions.
B. Be primarily concerned with the good administration, high standing, and campus
prestige of the chapter.

Section 7. Pledge Educator

The Pledge Educator shall:
A. Be a brother whose character, scholarship, sense of fair play, understanding of
youth, industry and loyalty to the highest ideals of the fraternity make him
particularly fitted for this important service.
B. Have the responsibility of carrying on the entire pledge education program as
outlined in these By-laws and the traditions of the fraternity.
C. Be empowered to make reasonable requests upon all members for assistance and
appoint one or more assistants to help him in successful fulfillment of this
obligation.

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D. Have the sole responsibility to conduct any pledge meetings, assignment of

special work details, and in directing the indoctrination program as required by the
chapter laws.
E. Be eternally vigilant to take all necessary precautions both personally and
officially that no act of the Chapter or individuals tend to degrade the humanity or
stifle the personality of those under his care.
F. Be required to submit a written pledge program for the consent of the brotherhood
before rush.
G. Organize a Pledge Retreat including budget and schedule for chapter approval
H. Be a member of Executive Council.

Section 8. Scholarship Chairman

The Scholarship Chairman shall:
A. Check grades of pledges and activities.
B. Report to the Executive Council and chapter any scholastic delinquencies and
difficulties of members and pledges.
C. Advise and counsel with members and pledges on courses, tests, and methods of
study.
D. Maintain a test file.
E. Instruct the pledges and actives on time management, study skills, and career
planning.
F. Organize a scholarship plan for those brothers who are not in good standing
academically. The Scholarship Chairman and the Standards and Ethics Board
shall decide upon penalties for failure to fulfill the requirements of the program.

Section 9. Athletics Chairman

The Athletics Chairman shall:
A. Manage, direct and arrange schedules for all chapter athletic teams.
B. With advice and counsel of the captain of each team, shall name the players on
each team so as to insure chapter-wide participation with no ensuing loss to
scholastic effort or other chapter duty.
C. Be charged with the responsibility of getting men out to practice and keeping the
schedules.
D. Shall register teams with the VCU Office of Recreational Sports Semesterly

Section 10. Eminent Chronicler

The Eminent Chronicler shall:
A. Keep a history of the chapter.
B. Keep a fraternity scrapbook.
C. Keep all archives and personal or historical data pertaining to the chapter or
alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University including campus news and events,
scientific, literary, social or athletic occurrences of interest to Virginia Chi or to
the general college or educational world.

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Section 11. Eminent Warden

The Eminent Warden shall:
A. Assist the Eminent Archon in keeping the meeting orderly and quiet.
B. Guard the door to insure privacy at Chapter meetings.
C. Have meeting room in order for all meetings.
D. Levy fines for misconduct during meetings.
E. Be responsible for clean-up after meetings.

Section 12. Eminent Herald

The Eminent Herald shall:
A. Store and maintain all ritual materials.

Section 13. Social Chairman

The Social Chairman shall:
A. Submit a social calendar at the beginning of each semester for approval for the
chapter.
B. Plan and organize all social events.
C. Prepare for approval a budget for each social event.
D. Report to the chapter all actual budgets for social events.

Section 14. Rush Chairman

The Rush Chairman shall:
A. Organize rush workshops.
B. Establish a budget and rush schedule for chapter approval.
C. Organize and supervise Rush Week Activities.
D. Be a member of the Executive Council from the day he is elected until the first
meeting after Rush Week. (No Voting Privileges)

Section 15. Fund-Raising Chairman

The Fund-Raising Chairman shall:
A. Plan at least two fund-raising projects per semester.
B. Search for, organize and run fund-raising activities.

Section 16. Risk Manager

The Risk Manager shall:
A. Inform chapter in all areas which constitute a risk to the fraternity (risks at parties,
Date Rape, Fire Safety, and Under-age drinking, drunk-driving) through a chapter
seminar.
B. Work all parties insuring all IFC and SAE policies are followed.
C. Register all guests on the guest list.

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Section 17. Community Service Chairman

The Community Service Chairman shall:
A. Inform chapter about community service projects available to the membership
B. Meet with each brother not currently involved in an individual community
service activity to assist in acquiring a service of interest
C. Work with the community in order to develop strong extra-fraternal
relationships.
D. Keep record of a mandated 15 hours of community service per brother per
academic semester. Hours completed in the summer or winter will be
allocated to ensuing Fall and Spring semesters respectively. Failure to
complete the required hours shall be punishable by fine, detailed in Article II,
Section 9.

Section 18. IFC Delegate

The IFC Delegate shall:
A. Utilize an officer notebook that is updated after each election

B. Attend all IFC and Fraternity and Sorority Council meetings or appoint another
member to attend if he is unable to.

C. Serve as the Chapter’s delegate to the IFC and Fraternity and Sorority Council
meetings

D. Inform Chapter about IFC policy and other events in the fraternity and sorority
community.

Section 19. Eminent Correspondent

The Eminent Correspondent shall:

A. Conduct the correspondence of the Chapter.

B. Prepare and forward the following reports:
a. Form D, the report of newly elected officers, to the Eminent
Supreme Recorder, the Province Archon, the Chapter Advisor,
and the President of the House Corporation immediately after
each election.
b. Chapter news for The Record.
C. Give notice of expulsions and reinstatements by the Chapter Collegiate
as required in Section 77B.

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ARTICLE V

Executive Council

Section 1. Membership
1) The Executive Council shall be composed of the Eminent Archon, Eminent
Deputy Archon, Eminent Treasurer, Eminent Recorder and Pledge Educator. In
addition, all past Eminent Archons still active shall be voting members of the
Executive Council.
2) Any member of the Executive council missing two meetings in a semester will be
removed from his office and said office shall be declared vacant unless a written
and approved excuse is submitted within two Executive Council meetings from
the original date of absence.

Section 2. Duties of the Executive Council

The Executive Council shall:
A. Act as advisory group to the Eminent Archon.
B. Be the policy forming body on all matters not requiring a vote of the entire
chapter.
C. Approve requests for deferred payments of dues and assessments.
D. Act as a disciplinary body; considering and reviewing all violations of the general
rules of conduct and other activities which might jeopardize good order and
discipline.
E. Discuss and develop opinions regarding tabled motions from previous Chapter
and Executive Council meetings.
F. Meet once per week during the academic year.
G. Plan agenda for weekly meetings.

Section 3. Disciplinary Powers of Executive Council

The Executive Council shall:
A. Act as a disciplinary body; considering and reviewing all violations of the rules of
conduct and other activities which might jeopardize good order and discipline.
B. Conduct investigations into actions and activities as warranted.
C. After thorough investigation, impose penalties to include, but not limited to fines,
alcohol probation, and social probation with a majority vote of Executive Council.
D. Upon the submittance of a written appeal, suspend all penalties imposed.
Penalties may be overturned by a 2/3 vote of the members present of the Virginia
Chi Chapter. However, penalties shall become effective immediately, upon
notification, after an appeal has been denied. Appeals must be submitted to the
EDA within 48 hours of the Executive Council decision.

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ARTICLE VI

Standard and Ethics Board

Section 1.1 Creation of Standards and Ethics Board/Offences

A. The Creation of a Standards and Ethics board whose duty is to handle
measures in relation with offences, violations and sanctions of the chapter
members (Sec. 1.2)
Section 1.2 List of Offences
1) Commission of flagrant offenses against the laws of the land or of
Virginia Commonwealth University.
2) Violation of the laws, bylaws, and lawful orders of the fraternity
3) Violation of the Oath of Initiation
4) Conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, or unbecoming of
“True Gentleman”
Section 2.1 Major Violations
1) Unwarranted Physical or mental attacks and/or abuse of members or people of the
community
2) Failure to pay fines/dues or money due to the Fraternity in a reasonable timely
manner in accordance with the executive council.
3) Use of substances forbidden by the laws of Virginia Commonwealth University,
Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and/or laws of the city of Richmond, the State of Virginia
and the Federal Government.
4) Failure to maintain a scholastic requirement in conjunction with the chapter’s
standards and laws.
Section 2.2 Minor Violations
1) Failure to participate in events appropriately scheduled by the fraternity in which
attendance is mandatory or necessary for the operation of the fraternity in general
without proper notice or excuse in advance.
2) Conduct of a member or members misrepresentative of the “True Gentleman” in
which the fraternity is represented in a bad light in relation to the perspective of
the Greek community or University.
Section 3.1 Major Sanctions
1) Expulsion from the Fraternity
2) Social Probation and/or Intramural probation
3) Loss of ability to vote in chapter meetings, and/or take part in ritual events
4) Required hours for scholastic work, deemed appropriate by Scholarship Chair
Section 3.2 Minor Sanctions
1) Temporary social probation
2) A Fine that would be administered which is either given in chapter by-laws where
applicable or deemed acceptable by standards board for particular offense.
Section 4.1 Scholarship
1) Each brother will be held to the highest scholastic standards. In doing so
each brother who lets their cumulative GPA fall below a 2.5 for any given

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semester shall not be allowed to attend any/all social events and intramural
events.
Section 4.2
1) Each brother who’s semester GPA falls below a 2.5 for two consecutive
semesters will be also subject to section 1.1.
Section 4.3
1) In correlation with section 1.1, if a brother scores a grade of an B on a test,
project or paper weighted 15% or more, or if that brother scores an B on 5
quizzes of lesser weights than he is allowed a “free pass” to attend 1 social
event or participate in one intramural sports game.
2) If a brother falls under section 1.2 stated above, then you must score a
grade of an A on a test, project, or paper weighted 15% or more, or if a
brother scores an A on a total of 5 quizzes of lesser weights to obtain a
“free pass” for participation in a social or intramural event.

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ARTICLE VII

Fees

Section 1. Pledge Fee

Pledge fees shall be determined by the Executive Council.

Section 2. Initiation Fee

Every member elect is subject to an initiation fee determined by International
Office.

Section 3. Payment of Initiation Fee

The initiation fee shall be paid in full prior to the initiation; no credit shall be
extended to anyone nor shall a promissory be accepted as payment, nor shall the
oral or written guarantees of members or alumni be accepted. A promissory note
on which the chapter may realize the cash prior to the time of the initiation may be
accepted.

Section 4. Neophyte Fees

Neophytes will be assessed dues equal to Brother's dues. There will also be a late
fee of $20.00 for each payment after the tenth day of the month. Bad standing is
constituted by an outstanding balance greater than or equal to one months dues.

Section 5. Bull Pledge Fees

A Bull Pledge shall be a pledge who has not completed the requirements to be
initiated with his pledge class and shall continue as a pledge in the next pledge
class. Social dues will begin to be assessed the month after the initiation of the
aforementioned pledge class.

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ARTICLE VIII

Brother's Dues

Section 1. Chapter Dues

1) The chapter dues, including social fees, and any special assessments, shall be
determined by the Executive Council and approved by the Chapter.
2) Brother dues shall be paid as follows:
A) There will be a discount for dues paid in full prior to the start of the semester,
as decided upon by the Executive Council.
B) The Payment Plan
The payment plan will consist of a down payment and subsequent installments as
worked out by the brother in question and the Eminent Treasurer.
3) If a brother goes inactive after paying for the semester, he will be issued a refund
only for the complete remaining months in the semester (at the discounted rate
charged per month). Any incomplete months will generate no refund.

Section 2. Maximum Indebtedness

1) Any member of the Chapter who owes the Chapter an amount greater than one
month's dues after the second month shall lose his good standing as a member.
He shall lose his right to vote on any question before the Chapter, become a Big
Brother, participate in sports, and his right to hold office, unless stated otherwise
in his payment plan. (45 days into the semester)

Section 3. Delinquency
1) If at any time during the academic year, a member remains at maximum
indebtedness for thirty days, he becomes delinquent in accounts and shall be
immediately notified there of in writing by the Eminent Treasurer. Within 14
days from the date of such notice, he shall either:
a) Pay the whole account
b) Submit to Executive Council a written statement setting forth the
reasons for nonpayment
c) Set up a payment schedule with the Eminent Treasurer.
2) A member may be returned to good standing if a payment schedule is established
with the Eminent Treasurer given that the payment plan is set up within 14 days of
his receiving written notice and that he does not become delinquent in
assessments incurred after the payment schedule was established.
3) The Eminent Treasurer will require a promissory note to secure a payment
schedule. If neither (a) nor (c) above is complied with, charges shall be preferred
against the member under the provisions of Title IX of the National Laws of
Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

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Section 4. Miscellaneous
1) Active graduate students will be assessed the rate of one half the active
undergraduate Brother's dues per semester.
2) If 100% of dues are not in by the due date, then a 10% charge is added for
payment plan. Then an extra charge of 10% of the remaining balance is added for
a late payment to be put on a payment plan. Payment plan payment is due the first
meeting of each month, and will be a minimum of $100 each payment (excluding
if the remaining balance is less than $100).

Section 5. Scholarship Incentives

1) The scholarship incentives are to be arranged by the scholarship chairman and
approved by the executive council.

Semester Grade Point Scale

Grade Award

4.0 Will owe 50% of Chapter Dues excluding National Dues

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ARTICLE XI

Pledging and Alumni Status

Section 1. Pledge Program

1) A student of Virginia Commonwealth University must be in academic good-
standing to be extended a bid.
2) No pledge shall be initiated into the Virginia Chi Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
unless he meets all qualifications of the VCU IFC recruitment guidelines and
receives a majority vote from the chapter to be initiated.
3) No member elect shall be initiated until all Chapter fees have been paid.
4) Every member elect who has met all qualifications will be initiated at any time the
Chapter designates.

Section 2. Alumni Status

1) Any brother, currently in good standing, who having attended a collegiate
institution for longer than four years, may choose to become an alumnus of the
chapter, if formal notice is given in writing to the Eminent Archon prior to the
chapter’s required roster submission to the national offices of Sigma Alpha
Epsilon and to the Interfraternity Council at Virginia Commonwealth University
and with the approval of a majority of the Virginia Chi chapter.
2) Any brother, currently in good standing, who having attended a collegiate
institution for less than five years, may choose to become an alumnus of the
chapter, if formal notice is given in writing to the Eminent Archon prior to the
chapter’s required roster submission to the national offices of Sigma Alpha
Epsilon and to the Interfraternity Council at Virginia Commonwealth University
and with unanimous approval by the majority of the Virginia Chi chapter.

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ARTICLE X

Distribution and Amendment

Section 1. Distribution
1) Each member is to be supplied a copy of these By-Laws to remain in his
possession for the period of his connection with the active Chapter.
2) One copy shall be sent to the National Office for deposit.
3) Four copies of these By-Laws, marked plainly on each copy "Official Copy", shall
remain the property of the Virginia Chi Chapter, and in the custody of the
Eminent Archon, the Eminent Deputy Archons, and the Eminent Recorder. These
copies may be inspected by any member.

Section 2. Amendment
1) A motion to amend the By-Laws of the Virginia Chi Chapter of Sigma Alpha
Epsilon may be made by any member at a regular meeting of the Chapter.
2) The Amendment must be in writing and must refer to the Article and Section that
is being changed or added.
3) The Eminent Recorder shall receive the written amendment and if it is passes by a
two-thirds vote of the Virginia Chi Chapter, he shall post the amendment in his
"Official Copy" of the Chapter By-Laws.
4) By the end of each semester, the By-Laws shall be reviewed by the members of
the Chapter, at a special By-Law review meeting. At this time the By-Laws shall
be brought up to date to include all amendments made to them in the preceding
year.

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ARTICLE XI

SAE National Policies

Section 1. Alcohol and Drugs

1) The possession, use and/or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on
Chapter premises, during an official Fraternity event, or in any situation sponsored or
endorsed by Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all
applicable laws of the state, county, city, and university. This includes the laws
regarding the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.
2) SALE OF ALCOHOL by any chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is strictly
forbidden. This is to include any action that can be remotely construed as alcohol sale
such as:
A) Charging admission to parties
B) Passing the hat
C) Selling empty cups
D) Selling drink tickets.
3) The possession, sale and/or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS OR CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCES at any SAE house or sponsored event or at any event that would
allow a normal observer to view one as associated with the Fraternity is strictly
prohibited and will be grounds for the immediate expulsion of those involved.
4) Each member and pledge will be INSTRUCTED on the drinking age laws, regulation
of sale laws, open container laws and other laws pertinent to chapter's jurisdiction,
specifically dram shop liability, implied consent, and host liquor liability. Instruction
shall also be provided with the goal of engendering in each member a sense of
responsibility toward the welfare of those who consume alcohol, the encouragement
of intervention to prevent any person from drinking to excess, or from engaging in
any potentially dangerous activity, including driving a motor vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol. Instruction must also be provided on emergency procedures to
be employed as a result of alcohol abuse.
5) No "GRAIN ALCOHOL," and any such distilled liquor that exceeds 100 proof, or
above 50 percent pure grade alcohol per volume, is to be served in any form or
mixture during a Fraternity sponsored event, due to the destructive and immediate
effects that such high alcohol concentration can cause. Furthermore, any legal use of
alcohol will not involve providing unlimited quantities, no activity shall encourage
rapid consumption of alcohol, and no person shall be forced for any reason to
consume alcohol.
6) All RUSH ACTIVITIES associated with any chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be
DRY, which is without the use of alcohol beverages. The ideals and concepts on
which the Fraternity stands are not dependent on alcohol.
7) OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access, and without specific
invitation, shall be prohibited.
8) NO PURCHASE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITH CHAPTER FUNDS. This
includes the purchase of kegs of beer. All alcoholic beverages consumed at SAE

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chapter functions must be brought by the individual brothers attending the function or
through a cash bar operated by the licensed establishment where the function is held.
9) THE PURCHASE OR USE OF A COMMON SOURCE OF ALCOHOL SUCH AS
KEGS, PARTY BALLS, PUNCH, ETC. IS PROHIBITED. Chapters may hire a
licensed, professional catering service with certified bartenders which may utilize
common containers. Any service retained must have general liability and liquor
liability insurance polices.

Section 2. Hazing
The Fraternity will not tolerate nor condone any form of hazing. Hazing is to be defined
as: (from National Laws):
1) Paddling in any form
2) Physical exercises resulting in excessive fatigue or exhaustion
3) Deprivation of normal sleep and rest
4) Any form of corporal or mental punishment
5) The placing of anyone in actual or simulated peril or jeopardy of health
6) Undignified methods and stunts
7) Either public or private quests
8) Treasure hunts
9) Road trips, late work sessions or any other activities which interfere with scholastic
achievement of the pledges
10) Personal servitude

Section 3. Sexual Abuse

The Fraternity will not tolerate nor condone any form of sexually abusive
behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This
is to include any actions that are demeaning to women including but not limited to
date rape, gang rape or verbal harassment. Any such actions will be cause for
expulsion of individual offenders and/or charter suspension.

Section 4. Fire and Safety

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity hereby mandates that no chapter shall be
housed in or use the services of a structure which does not meet minimum fire and
safety requirements of the community. The chapter will be responsible to provide
the National Office by November 15 of each year with a written statement from
the local fire inspector proclaiming the Chapter or its facilities are safe for
habitation or regular use.

Section 5. Chapter Policies

All Chapters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon will develop policies on alcohol and drugs,
hazing, sexual abuse, and conduct unbecoming a true gentleman, and fire health
and safety including the use of Chapter property and conduct of Chapter events.

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