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Full text of June 6 resolution addressing racism, bias, and social justice now available:
COVID-19 Recommendations and Resolutions now available:
No National policies are currently under review.
This is an old revision of the document!
These ByLaws will govern the structure of Rho Chapter of Mu Beta Psi at Northern Michigan University, in conjunction with the National Constitution. All that is not set forth in this document will be left to Chapter policy. Such policy is subject to change by the Will of the Brotherhood as outlined in these ByLaws.
This Chapter of Mu Beta Psi, National Honorary Musical Fraternity, located on the campus of Northern Michigan University, will be called Rho Chapter.
5.1. Selection of the Chapter Standards Board. 5.1.1. The Chapter Executive Board must propose a slate of no fewer than three Chapter Standards Board members. 5.1.1.1. The number of Chapter Standards Board members must always be odd. 5.1.1.2. The slate of candidates must be ratified as a whole by a threefourths vote of the Chapter during the Chapter election process. 5.1.1.3. If the Chapter fails to ratify the proposed slate of candidates, the Chapter executive board shall propose a new one. 5.2. Use of the Chapter Standards Board. 5.2.1. A Chapter’s Standards Board adjudicates the alleged misconduct of the Chapter’s members. 5.2.2. If, due to limited membership or conflicts of interest, a Chapter is unable to select a Standards Board or hear a complaint, the Chapter will refer the complaint to the National Organization. 5.3. Reporting Alleged Violations. 5.3.1. Any person may allege a violation of this Code by notifying the Chapter President and Chapter Standards Board Chair in writing. 5.4. Prohibition on Conflicts of Interest. 5.4.1. The Respondent or any other member simultaneously charged with similar misconduct may not adjudicate the case or participate in the appellate process. 5.4.1.1. If a Chapter Standards Board member is unable to serve due to a conflict of interest, the Chapter executive board may appoint a temporary replacement with ratification by a three-fourths vote of the Chapter. 5.5. Chapter Standards Board Procedures. 5.5.1. Once the Chapter receives a written complaint, the Chapter Standards Board will select one of its members to manage the adjudication of the complaint and act as Chair for all proceedings involving the complaint. 5.5.2. The Chapter Standards Board will set a date, time, and location or method (e.g., conference call, video conference) for a hearing to adjudicate the case. The hearing must occur within 15 days unless extenuating circumstances justify an extension. 5.5.2.1. When scheduling a hearing, the Chapter Standards Board must make all reasonable attempts to accommodate the Respondent’s schedule (i.e, the hearing should not be scheduled during class time, midterm or final exams, required school activities, etc.) 5.5.3. The Chapter Standards Board will send the Respondent written notice of the hearing at least five days in advance. The notice must 5.5.3.1. outline the provisions of the Code with which the Respondent is charged; 5.5.3.2. describe the nature of the alleged misconduct in sufficient detail to allow the Respondent to present a defense; and 5.5.3.3. indicate the date, time, and location or method (e.g., conference call, video conference) of the Chapter Standards Board hearing. 5.5.4. The Respondent and the Chapter Standards Board may resolve the complaint informally. To resolve the complaint without a Standards Board hearing, the Respondent must, in writing, 5.5.4.1. waive the right to appeal; 5.5.4.2. accept responsibility for each alleged violation of the Code; and 5.5.4.3. agree to complete any sanctions proposed by the Chapter Standards Board. 5.5.4.3.1. The sanctions must be proposed to the Respondent before agreeing to the informal resolution. 5.5.4.4. A written copy of an informal resolution must be sent to the Chapter President. 5.5.5. The Chapter Standards Board will conduct the hearing with the Respondent according to the following guidelines: 5.5.5.1. The Chapter Standards Board may question any party or witness. The Complaint and Respondent may submit questions to the Standards Board Chair, who will ask the questions at their discretion. 5.5.5.2. The Chapter Standards Board will review the charges with the Respondent. The Respondent may admit or deny responsibility for each charge. If the Respondent admits responsibility for all charges, the Chapter Standards Board will only consider information to determine the appropriate sanction. 5.5.5.3. The Complainant will have the opportunity to present information substantiating the Respondent’s alleged misconduct, including pertinent witnesses, written statements, and other records. 5.5.5.4. After the Complainant’s presentation, the Respondent will have the opportunity to present a defense, including pertinent witnesses, written statements, and other records. 5.5.5.5. Witnesses may only be present during the proceedings while offering testimony. 5.5.5.6. The Chapter Standards Board may limit the number of character witnesses or accept written statements instead. 5.5.5.7. After the presentation of all pertinent information, the Chapter Standards Board will excuse the parties and their advisors and deliberate. 5.5.5.8. The Chapter Standards Board will determine, by a majority vote, whether the Respondent is responsible for each charge. 5.5.5.9. If the Chapter Standards Board finds the Respondent responsible, the Standards Board determines the appropriate sanctions. 5.5.6. The Chapter Standards Board will keep minutes of all hearings with Respondents. 5.5.6.1. The minutes will serve as the sole record for all hearings. 5.5.6.2. The minutes should accurately summarize the information presented by the Complainant, Respondent, and any pertinent witnesses. 5.5.6.3. Deliberations will not be included in the minutes. 5.5.7. If the Respondent does not appear for the Chapter Standards Board hearing, the hearing will proceed as scheduled and the Chapter Standards Board will consider the information substantiating the Respondent’s alleged misconduct. 5.5.8. The Chapter Standards Board will notify the Respondent of the outcome in writing within seven days of the hearing. The notice must include 5.5.8.1. the determination of responsibility for each charge; 5.5.8.2. any sanctions assigned; and 5.5.8.3. any applicable appeal procedure. 5.5.9. The Chapter Standards Board must forward copies of the following records for all Standards Board and appellate proceedings to the National Vice-President of Chapter Maintenance at least annually: 5.5.9.1. The written complaint. 5.5.9.2. The Respondent’s hearing notification. 5.5.9.3. The hearing minutes. 5.5.9.4. The Respondent’s outcome notification. 5.5.10. If the Chapter Standards Board suspends or expels the Respondent, the records must be forwarded to the National Vice-President of Chapter Maintenance and the National Secretary within seven days of notifying the Respondent.
6.1. Government 6.1.1. The membership will be governed by the National Constitution and National Policies of Mu Beta Psi and the ByLaws and policies of the Chapter. 6.1.2. All meetings of the Chapter will be based on Robert's Rules of Order. 6.1.3. The power to interpret the governing procedures of the Chapter will be vested in the President, with recommendations from the Parliamentarian. 6.2. Regulations and Requirements 6.2.1. The regular meetings of Rho Chapter will be held weekly as determined by the majority of members present at the first (1st) General Business meeting of each semester. 6.2.2. Special meetings may be called by the President or by a petition of one-half (1/2) of the Active membership. 6.2.3. The Executive Committee may change the time and/or place of any meeting at any time by majority decision, providing sufficient notification of the Brotherhood is given. 6.2.3.1. If the notification cannot be made 24 hours in advance, the Executive Committee has until 2 hours before the original meeting time to post a vote, via the listserv, to change the time and/or place. 6.2.4. Three-quarters (3/4) of all Active members shall constitute a quorum for an election meeting. For all other meetings two-thirds (2/3) of all Active members shall constitute a quorum. 6.2.5. All policies and changes in policy must be approved by a majority vote of the Active membership.
7.1. Alterations to the ByLaws 7.1.1. The ByLaws of Rho Chapter of Mu Beta Psi may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all Active members. 7.1.2. Proposed amendments and revisions to the ByLaws that are defeated will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting in which they were defeated. 7.2. Amendment Log 7.2.1. All amendments made to these Chapter ByLaws and Appendices will be recorded in a log and must include the following: 7.2.1.1. The date on which the amendment was made. 7.2.1.2. The changes made by the amendment. 7.2.1.3. The purpose of the amendment. 7.2.2. The Amendment Log will be attached as an appendix to the Chapter ByLaws.
8.1. The Chapter will keep and maintain an Attendance Policy, which will be attached as an Appendix to the Chapter ByLaws. 8.2. Ratification of this policy, or any changes therein, will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all Active Brothers. 8.3. Upon ratification, this policy will be followed by the Brotherhood.
9.1. Education Policy 9.1.1. The Education Policy and procedures shall be contained in the Member Educator’s handbook. 9.1.2. The Member Educator’s handbook shall hold the same weight as the Chapter ByLaws. 9.1.3. The process for amending the Education Policy shall follow the procedures set for amending the Chapter ByLaws. 9.1.4. Following the conclusion of the education season, the Education Committee shall review the Education Policy and suggest amendments to the Chapter. 9.1.5. All subsequent Education Policy will be subject to the discretion of the Member Educator unless overridden by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Active Brothers. 9.1.6. Education will be discussed in an Education Committee report at all General Business meetings as needed during education season. 9.2. Initiation 9.2.1. Informal Initiation 9.2.1.1. The Informal Initiation Ritual is subject to review by the Board of Trustees. In accordance with National Policy, the Board of Trustees has final authority over the content of the Informal Initiation Ritual. 9.2.1.2. Changes to the events of Informal Initiation must be approved by a threefourths (3/4) vote of the Active Brotherhood. 9.2.2. Formal Initiation 9.2.2.1. The formal initiation will be as set forth by National Policy 9.2.2.2. The formal initiation will be conducted by the Member Educator, and the storage and safekeeping of any items associated with formal initiation is the responsibility of the Member Educator. 9.3. Big Brother Qualifications 9.3.1. To be a Big Brother at Rho Chapter one must: 9.3.1.1. Be an Active Brother in Mu Beta Psi in good academic standing at Rho Chapter (excluding Active Members of the Alumni Association). 9.3.1.2. Be an Active Brother for at least one full semester.