ALPHA GAMMA DELTAConstitution and Standing Rules

2019

Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity

Constitution and

Standing Rules

2019

ΑΓΔ Constitution and Standing Rules i January 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS CONSTITUTION AND STANDING RULES ALPHA GAMMA DELTA FRATERNITY

Certificate of Incorporation Page 1 Preamble 2 Constitution 3 Standing Rules 17

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE PAGE I Name, Significance, Object, Government 3 Name 3 Significance 3 Object 3 Government 3 II Membership 4 Types of Membership 4 Election to Membership 4 Privileges and Responsibilities 4 of Membership III International Officers 4 Manner of Election 5 Term of Office 5 Powers and Duties 6 IV International Council 6 Governing Body 6 Membership 7 Powers and Duties 7 Meetings 7 Quorum 7 Voting Between Meetings 7 V Indemnification 8 VI Volunteer Structure 8 Standing Committees 8 Special Committees 10 Directors 10 VII International Convention 11 Time and Place 11

ARTICLE PAGE Notice 11 Membership 11 Order of Business 11 Convention Management 11 Voting/Quorum 11 Reports and Minutes 11 VIII Extension, Installation, Charters 12 Extension 12 Installation 12 Charters 12 IX Special Events 13 International Reunion Day 13 Feast of Roses 13 X Ritual, Insignia, Symbols, Emblems, Trademark 13 Ritual 13 Insignia 14 Symbols 15 Emblems 15 Trademark 15 XI Parliamentary Authority 16 XII Amendments 16 Amendment at International 16 Convention Amendment during International 16 Convention Interim Amendment to Certificate of 16 Incorporation

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STANDING RULES

STANDING RULE PAGE

1. Governing Documents 17 2. Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal 17 Substances 3. Ethical Behavior 18 4. Finance 18 5. Fund Raising 19 6. Good Standing 19 7. Hazing 19 8. Publications 20 9. Amendments 22-23

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CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF ALPHA GAMMA DELTA FRATERNITY

We, the undersigned, all being persons of full age, and citizens of the United States, and at least one of whom is a resident of the State of New York, desiring to form a corporation, pursuant of the Membership Corporation Law of the State of New York, do hereby make, sign and acknowledge this certificate for that purpose, as follows:

First. The name of the proposed corporation is “Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity” Second. The particular object for which the corporation is to be formed is to perpetuate among a group of college women a spirit of mutual assistance and understanding; to maintain high standards of scholarship, to develop womanhood, to strive for the attainment of high ideals in college, community and personal life, and to train for leadership and a sense of responsibility for the welfare of others, and in order to carry out such purposes to promote the establishment of chapters at various colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. (Amended November 24, 1953) Third. The territory in which the operations of said corporation are to be conducted is the United States of America and the Dominion of Canada, and the city in which the principal office is to be located is the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, N.Y. (Amended November 24, 1953) Fourth. The date for holding the annual meeting of said corporation shall be fixed by the By-laws. (Amended November 24, 1953) Fifth. The number of its Directors shall be not less than five nor more than fifteen. (Amended November 24, 1953) Sixth. The names and places of residence of the several persons to be its directors until the first annual meeting, are as follows: Marguerite Shepard, Forestville, N.Y. Jennie C. Titus, Syracuse, N.Y. Ethel E. Brown, Euclid, N.Y. Flora Knight, Bath, N.Y. Georgia Otis, Wolcott, N.Y. Estelle Shepard, Forestville, N.Y. Emily H. Butterfield, Detroit, Michigan Georgia A. Dickover, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Mary L. Snider, Walden, N.Y.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto made, signed, acknowledged and filed this certificate in duplicate. Dated, this 12th day of May, 1905 Filed at the New York State Office, Albany, N.Y., on June 3, 1905 Amended November 24, 1953

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PREAMBLE

We, the members of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the

proper governance of our Fraternity.

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CONSTITUTION OF

ALPHA GAMMA DELTA FRATERNITY

ARTICLE I. NAME, SIGNIFICANCE, OBJECT, GOVERNMENT

Sec. 1. NAME. The name of this organization, incorporated in the State of New York, shall be

ALPHA GAMMA DELTA FRATERNITY, herein referred to as, “the Fraternity.” Sec. 2. SIGNIFICANCE. The significance of ALPHA GAMMA DELTA shall be explained by

Fraternity Ritual. Sec. 3. OBJECT. The particular object for which the Fraternity is formed is to perpetuate among a

group of college women a spirit of mutual assistance and understanding, to maintain high standards of scholarship, to develop womanhood, to strive for the attainment of high ideals in college, community and personal life, and to train for leadership and a sense of responsibility for the welfare of others; and in order to carry out such purposes, to promote the establishment of chapters at various colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

Sec. 4. GOVERNMENT. a. The Fraternity, its members, officers, conventions and related entities shall

be governed by the Constitution and Standing Rules and Policies of the Fraternity.

b. The government of the Fraternity shall be vested in International Convention

and International Council.

c. Voting members of the Fraternity who shall be entitled to one vote shall be:

(1) International Council Officers (2) Past Grand/International Council Officers (3) Members of the Volunteer Service Team (4) The accredited delegate from each collegiate and alumnae chapter and each alumnae club (5) The accredited delegate from each incorporated house association (6) Chapter Advisors as appointed by International Council d. Voting members of the Fraternity are eligible to cast only one vote per

member, even though the member may hold more than one position comprising the voting membership.

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ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

Sec. 1. TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP. There shall be two classes of membership: collegiate and

alumna. a. Collegiate Membership. A member who is enrolled in a college or university and is

regularly matriculated according to the definition of matriculation by that institution and is affiliated with a collegiate chapter shall be a collegiate member.

b. Alumna Membership. Any other member of the Fraternity shall be an alumna

member. Sec. 2. ELECTION TO MEMBERSHIP. a. Membership in the Fraternity shall be attained by election and initiation in

accordance with procedures outlined in the Alpha Gamma Delta Membership Handbook and The Ritual.

b. Eligibility. (1) The membership of the Fraternity shall consist entirely of women. (2) Any woman who holds membership in another National Panhellenic

Conference fraternity or a fraternity in the National PanHellenic Council is not eligible for membership in the Fraternity. This restriction does not apply to membership in professional or honorary fraternities.

(3) A woman of good character and scholarship who is pursuing a regular

undergraduate course at the college or university at which a collegiate chapter is located is eligible for consideration for membership.

(4) A woman of good character and achievement who is not eligible to be

considered for collegiate membership is eligible for consideration for election to membership as an alumna.

Sec. 3. PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP. a. Membership in the Fraternity is a lifetime privilege which carries responsibilities

as defined in The Ritual. b. Failure to meet the responsibilities of membership may result in disciplinary action

as described in the Alpha Gamma Delta Membership Handbook.

ARTICLE III. INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS

Sec. 1. INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS. The International Officers of the Fraternity shall be the

International President, the International Vice President–Alumnae, the International Vice President–Collegians, the International Vice President–Membership, the International Vice President–Extension, the International Vice President–Finance and the International Vice President–Panhellenic Affairs. Beginning with the 2018-2020 biennium, the position of

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International Vice President–Panhellenic Affairs will no longer exist and the International Vice President–Education will be added to International Council.

Sec. 2. MANNER OF ELECTION. a. Procedures. All election procedures shall be coordinated by and be under the

direction of the Elections Committee as defined in the Alpha Gamma Delta Elections Handbook.

b. Election. The International Officers shall be elected by a mail vote of the Voting

Members of the Fraternity. c. Ballots.

(1) The president of each collegiate and alumnae chapter and alumnae club shall present the ballot for action to those members present at their meeting. The majority vote shall be registered on the ballot and the ballot shall be filed as directed by the Elections Committee. (2) Ballots from the other Voting Members of the Fraternity shall be filed as directed by the Elections Committee. d. Reports. Election results shall be distributed by mail or electronic mail to the Voting

Members of the Fraternity. Sec. 3. TERM OF OFFICE.

a. The International Officers shall serve for a term of office of two (2) years or

(1) Until their successors are elected or appointed in accordance with the Constitution.

or

(2) Until they have served a maximum of three (3) two-year (2) terms in that

office. b. An International Officer may be removed from office without assigning cause by the

unanimous vote of the International Officers exclusive of the vote of the officer who is the subject of the action.

c. International Officers shall serve not more than six (6) two-year terms (12 years)

either consecutively or nonconsecutively on International Council.

d. International Council Officers appointed to International Council shall be subject to term limits in accordance with the Constitution and Standing Rules.

(1) If an International Council Officer is appointed within one calendar year from the date of International Council Installation, her service shall be considered a full term.

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(2) If an International Council Officer is appointed after one calendar year from the date of International Council Installation, her service shall not be considered a full term, and therefore is not credited toward cumulative years served.

Sec. 4. POWERS AND DUTIES. a. The International Officers shall be the members of International Council and the

Board of Directors, respectively, and in such capacity shall serve, function and manage the affairs of the Fraternity.

b. The International President shall: (1) Serve as President of the Corporation for purposes of New York State law. (2) Serve as the presiding officer at the Annual Meeting of the Fraternity. (3) Maintain responsibility for the implementation of policies established by

International Council. (4) Perform such other duties incident to the office of President and Chief

Executive Officer of the Corporation as International Council may prescribe. c. Corporate Officers required for the purposes of New York State law shall be elected

by and among the International Officers. d. Each International Officer and Corporate Officer shall perform such duties as

International Council or the International President may prescribe. e. The International Vice President–Alumnae shall perform the duties of the

International President if the International President is temporarily absent, is temporarily unable to serve, or if the International President requests that International Vice President–Alumnae temporarily assume the duties of International President.

f. International Council, following the procedures prescribed in the Alpha Gamma

Delta Elections Handbook, fills the vacancy if the International President is unable to complete her term in office because of resignation, permanent absence, or permanent incapacity.

ARTICLE IV. INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL

Sec. 1. GOVERNING BODY. The governing body of the Fraternity shall be the International

Council. International Council shall serve as the Board of Directors of the corporation for the purposes of the State of New York law.

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Sec. 2. MEMBERSHIP. International Council shall be composed of the International Officers. Sec. 3. POWERS AND DUTIES. International Council shall have the following powers and duties. a. To enforce the Constitution and Standing Rules and the Policies of the Fraternity. b. To appoint the delegates to National Panhellenic Conference as may be deemed

necessary and act on matters referred to it by National Panhellenic Conference. c. To appoint International Officers to fill vacancies. d. To determine the location for, establish and maintain an International Headquarters

for the Fraternity. e. To employ and supervise an Executive Director. f. To adopt Fraternity Policies as applicable. g. To assume fiduciary responsibility for management of Fraternity assets. h. To be responsible for the safekeeping and distribution of all copies of The Ritual, Ritual Music, Alumnae Ritual, Ritual Ceremonies and Services Manual and it’s paraphernalia. i. To direct the issuance of Fraternity publications. j. To determine the time and place for International Convention and make such

financial provisions as may be deemed necessary. k. To approve the granting of charters, the withdrawal of charters, the resolution of

collegiate chapters into alumnae chapters and the reinstatement of chapters when applicable.

l. To perform other such duties as may be particularly assigned in the governing

documents of the Fraternity. m. To be responsible for the continuing welfare of the Fraternity. n. To submit an annual report to the membership. Sec. 4. MEETINGS. a. International Council shall meet at least annually. b. Special meetings of International Council may be called by the International

President and/or shall be called on the written request of three of its members. Sec. 5. QUORUM. At any meeting of International Council a majority of the Council shall

constitute a quorum. The vote of the majority of those present shall constitute the action of International Council, except as herein otherwise specifically provided.

Sec. 6. VOTING BETWEEN MEETINGS. Between meetings International Council may take action

on any questions within its jurisdiction by voting thereon by letter or electronic means,

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provided that such action shall be reported at the next ensuing meeting of International Council and entered in the minutes thereof. The vote of the majority of International Council shall constitute the action of International Council except as herein otherwise specifically provided.

ARTICLE V. INDEMNIFICATION It is the policy of the Fraternity to provide indemnity to its officers, directors, employees, agents and volunteers who acted in good faith and reasonably believed that their conduct in their capacity as such officers, directors, employees, agents or volunteers of the Fraternity, or in the case of all other conduct, was at least not opposed to the best interest of the Fraternity, and in the case of criminal proceedings had not reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. Such indemnity pertains to any action or proceeding in which an officer, director, employee, agent or volunteer is made a party by virtue of holding an office, directorship or other position in or on behalf of the Fraternity. In the situation of an action brought by or on behalf of the state, this indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding. Indemnification is limited and effective only to the full extent permitted by law. Indemnification is prohibited if the officer, director, employee, agent or volunteer is found to be liable to the Fraternity or adjudged to have received personal benefit from the transaction. All requests for indemnity shall be submitted to the International Council of the Fraternity and shall be considered in the manner provided in § 723 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law of the State of New York. In compliance with this article International Council shall, to the extent lawful and feasible (considering cost and the resources available to the Fraternity) purchase insurance to protect the officers, directors, employees, agents and volunteers from liability for their actions as officers, directors, employees, agents and volunteers of the Fraternity. The foregoing indemnity provision shall in no way limit the extent of any insurance coverage purchased for such purpose.

ARTICLE VI. VOLUNTEER STRUCTURE Sec. 1. STANDING COMMITTEES. The standing committees of the Fraternity are appointed by

International Council for two-year terms and shall be responsible to International Council as directed. The Chairman shall be responsible for filing a yearly written committee report to be distributed on or before the Annual Meeting.

a. Archives. (1) Membership. The Archives Committee shall consist of a chairman and not

less than three (3) members, one (1) of whom may be a member of International Council.

(3) Duties. The Archives Committee shall supervise the preservation of the

archival aspects of the Fraternity.

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b. Documents Audit. (1) Membership. The Documents Audit Committee shall consist of a chairman

and not less than three (3) members, one (1) of whom may be a member of International Council.

(2) Duties. The Documents Audit Committee shall:

(a) Aid International Council in the enforcement of the Constitution

and Standing Rules of the Fraternity. (b) Perform an annual review of the governing documents and report to

International Council. (c) Review and draft amendments to the governing documents of the

Fraternity and submit them to International Council for review prior to vote as provided in the Constitution and Standing Rules, and ensure that copies of amendments are sent to all voting members of the Fraternity.

(d) Review and approve all collegiate chapter, alumnae chapter,

alumnae club and house association bylaws. (e) Review and update all Fraternity Governing Documents as listed in Standing Rule 1 of the Constitution and Standing Rules upon adopted changes to nomenclature. c. Elections. (1) Membership. The Elections Committee shall consist of a chairman, and not

less than three (3) members, the chairman being a past Grand/International Council member.

(2) Duties. The Elections Committee shall: (a) Educate the general membership of the Fraternity about the

elections process. (b) Conduct the election for International Officers according to the

Alpha Gamma Delta Elections Handbook. d. Ritual. (1) Membership. The Ritual Committee shall consist of a chairman and not less

than three (3) members, one (1) of whom may be a member of International Council.

(2) Duties. The Ritual Committee shall:

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(a) Be generally responsible for the proper knowledge and presentation of all Fraternity Ritual Services.

(b) Review all cases of loss and defacement of The Ritual and Ritual

material, make necessary recommendations to International Council and implement the resulting decision.

e. Philanthropy. (1) Membership. The Philanthropy Committee shall consist of a chairman and

not less than two (2) members, one (1) of whom may be a member of International Council.

(2) Duties. The Philanthropy Committee shall: (a) Encourage members and new members to support the Alpha

Gamma Delta Foundation and the international philanthropy. (b) Encourage members and new members to participate in community

service projects. (c) Serve as the liaison between the Fraternity members and new

members and the international philanthropy. f. Panhellenic Delegation (1) Membership. The Panhellenic Delegation shall consist of a chairman, and

not less than three (3) members, one of whom may be a member of International Council.

(2) Duties. The Panhellenic Delegation shall: (a) Serve as the official Delegate and alternate Delegates of the

Fraternity to the National Panhellenic Conference. (b) Consult with and advise the Fraternity members on all Panhellenic

matters. Sec. 2. SPECIAL COMMITTEES. International Council may appoint any special committees which

may be deemed necessary and desirable to carry on the work of the Fraternity. Sec. 3. DIRECTORS.

a. International Council shall appoint sufficient volunteer Directors for a two-year term in non-Convention years to accomplish the administrative operations for the International Fraternity, the collegians and the alumnae of the Fraternity.

b. International Council shall appoint sufficient volunteers for a two-year term in non-Convention years to assist the Directors in the implementation and performance of their duties.

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ARTICLE VII. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Sec. 1. TIME AND PLACE.

a. The International Convention of the Fraternity, for all purposes required by the Certificate of Incorporation, shall serve as the annual meeting of said corporation, except that in the years in which International Convention is not held a designated meeting of International Council shall serve as the annual meeting.

b. The International Convention of the Fraternity shall be held biennially at a time and

place selected by International Council. c. In case of emergency, International Council, by vote, either with or without a

meeting, shall have the power to call, postpone or omit a Convention. Sec. 2. NOTICE. The Executive Director shall be responsible for notifying each Voting Member of

the Fraternity, at least four months in advance, of the time and place of International Convention in a fair and reasonable manner.

Sec. 3. MEMBERSHIP. The membership of International Convention shall consist of the Voting

Members in attendance as defined in Article I and other members in Good Standing in attendance.

Sec. 4. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business at International Convention shall be

designated by International Council, and in the absence of such provision shall conform as nearly as possible to the order of business prescribed in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

Sec. 5. CONVENTION MANAGEMENT. International Council shall appoint all personnel

necessary for the management of International Convention. Sec. 6. VOTING/QUORUM. a. Each Voting Member of the Fraternity present and in Good Standing shall have a

vote. All voting shall be in person. The International President, as chairman, shall vote only in case of a tie.

b. Quorum. Two-thirds of the Voting Members of the Fraternity present and in Good

Standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and unless otherwise specified the vote of the majority shall constitute the action of International Convention.

Sec. 7. REPORTS AND MINUTES. a. At International Convention the International Council shall distribute to the Voting

Members of the Fraternity copies of the reports of the International Council and Chairmen of Standing Committees.

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b. Following International Convention the International Council shall distribute to the Voting Members of the Fraternity copies of the minutes of the business meeting of Convention.

ARTICLE VIII. EXTENSION, INSTALLATION, CHARTERS

Sec. 1. EXTENSION.

a. International Council, by unanimous vote, may accept the petition for a charter from a local group established at a college or university which is authorized to confer bachelor degrees and which is accredited by the recognized regional association of colleges and secondary schools, or other recognized agency and/or entity that confers accreditation in the relevant jurisdiction.

b. International Council, by unanimous vote, may direct the organization of a

provisional chapter of the Fraternity at a college or university which is authorized to confer bachelor degrees and which is accredited by the recognized regional association of colleges and secondary schools or other recognized agency and/or entity that confers accreditation in the relevant jurisdiction.

Sec. 2. INSTALLATION. Installation of a new chapter of the Fraternity shall be conducted as

described in the Alpha Gamma Delta Installation Handbook. Sec. 3. CHARTERS. a. Granting. A charter grants permission from the International Council of the

Fraternity to form a chapter. The permission implies a responsibility for the receiver to preserve the true heritage of the Fraternity which grants the charter, and to guard its future growth and development.

b. Loss or Defacement. Loss or defacement of a charter through carelessness or intent

shall be subject to a monetary fine. c. Withdrawal. International Council, by majority vote, may withdraw the charter of a

collegiate chapter. d. Resolution. International Council, by unanimous vote, may resolve a collegiate

chapter into an alumnae chapter. e. Rechartering. (1) Withdrawal. Where a charter has been withdrawn, International Council, by

majority vote, may approve rechartering. (2) Resolution. When a collegiate chapter has been resolved into an alumnae

chapter, International Council, by unanimous vote, may approve rechartering.

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ARTICLE IX. SPECIAL EVENTS

Sec. 1. INTERNATIONAL REUNION DAY. a. Purpose. The purpose of International Reunion Day shall be to develop Fraternity

friendships, to renew and to develop understanding of the true meaning of fraternity and the Fraternity’s Object and Purpose, and to promote closer association among the members, collegiate and alumnae chapters and alumnae clubs.

b. Attendance. Attendance at International Reunion Day shall be limited to members

and new members of the Fraternity. On rare occasions, when the topic is especially timely or related to general fraternity matters, a speaker who is a non-member may be invited.

c. Time/Theme. International Reunion Day shall be held annually at a date in the

spring to be announced by International Council. The theme shall be announced annually by International Council.

d. Program. The program for International Reunion Day shall be designed to meet the

purpose for which this day was constituted. Sec. 2. FEAST OF ROSES. a. There shall be only two occasions for the use of the term Feast of Roses. (1) The formal banquet held in connection with a collegiate chapter’s

celebration of the major initiation of the school year. (2) The formal banquet held at the close of International Convention. b. Attendance. (1) Alumnae members shall always be invited. (2) Only initiated members of the Fraternity, their husbands, and their parents

may attend a Feast of Roses celebrating a collegiate initiation. (3) Only initiated members of the Fraternity and special guests invited by

International Council may attend a Feast of Roses at International Convention.

ARTICLE X. RITUAL, INSIGNIA, SYMBOLS, EMBLEMS, TRADEMARK

Sec. 1. RITUAL. a. The Ritual of the Fraternity shall be that adopted and in use at the present time.

Recommendations for revisions regarding instructions, such as: officer titles, length of dress and current language may be made by the Ritual Committee Chairman and approved by International Council. Revisions regarding content, such as: vows,

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explanations and spoken words must be made by a two-thirds vote of International Convention.

b. Knowledge of all Ritual Services and secret material shall be restricted to initiated

members of the Fraternity. c. All services of the Fraternity shall be conducted according to the form given in The

Ritual of Alpha Gamma Delta. d. The Initiation Service shall be presented by the collegiate officers or a special team

appointed by International Council at a time and location approved by International Council.

e. The Ritual, rehearsal copies, Ritual Music, and all other secret Fraternity material

shall be kept in a fireproof, locked box. f. Loss or defacement of The Ritual or Ritual material shall be subject to fines as levied

by International Council. Sec. 2. INSIGNIA. a. The Badge. (1) The Badge of the Fraternity shall be a monogram of the three Greek letters:

Alpha, Gamma and Delta. (a) The Badge shall be worn strictly as a Badge by a collegiate

member of the Fraternity. The Badge may be worn by an alumnae member in the traditional manner, or as a piece of distinctive jewelry on the collar or lapel, as a pin or pendant or as a ring.

(b) The Badge may be jeweled only with pearls or diamonds. (c) The all diamond Badge shall be reserved for the sole use of

the International President and shall be presented to her at the time of her installation as a lifetime gift from the Fraternity. The diamond Badge of an International President shall revert to the Fraternity upon her death.

(d) At the time of her initiation, each member shall purchase a

life leasehold on a Badge. (e) A chapter may not purchase, own or use a special Badge

for any particular purpose. (f) The Badge of a deceased member shall revert to the

Fraternity or may be buried with her. (2) The Badge design may be used only in or on Fraternity premises,

publications, authorized Panhellenic publications, college annuals,

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Fraternity sponsored functions and other uses as approved by International Council.

b. The New Member Pin. (1) The New Member pin of the Fraternity shall be a shield with the three

Fraternity colors, as described in the Pledge Service. (2) The New Member pin shall be worn strictly as a new member pin and only

by new members of the Fraternity, prior to their initiation. (3) The New Member pin is the property of the Fraternity and shall be returned

to the chapter at the time of initiation or termination of the pledge of an uninitiated member.

c. The Recognition Pin. The recognition pin of the Fraternity shall be a small design of

the three Greek letters–Alpha, Gamma and Delta–in plain gold. d. The Honors of Epsilon Pi. For outstanding service to the Fraternity in various fields,

International Council may, upon petition, award the Honors of Epsilon Pi as defined and described by the Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity Honors of Epsilon Pi Handbook.

e. The Armorial Bearings. The Armorial Bearings of the Fraternity shall be: “Gules;

on a bend, or, between two billets, or, three annulets vert; crest, on a royal helmet a buff and crimson rose between epsilon pi, proper.” Canadian chapters may omit the use of the Royal helmet except for purposes of Ritual and identification.

Sec. 3. SYMBOLS. No change shall be made in the meaning, explanation or pledge of secrecy

related to the symbols given in the Initiation Service. Sec. 4. EMBLEMS. a. The Colors. The colors of the Fraternity shall be red, buff and green. b. The Flowers. The flowers of the Fraternity shall be red and buff roses. c. The Flag. The flag of the Fraternity shall be in accordance with the following official

design: A red field, divided by a diagonal buff bend bearing the Greek letters Alpha, Gamma and Delta in medium green, a buff billet in each section of the red field.

d. The Seal. The official seal of the Fraternity shall be a design composed of the

Armorial Bearings encircled by the words: “Founded at Syracuse University, A.D. 1904,” with an additional band encircling the whole containing the words: “Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity.”

e. The Jewel. The jewel of the Fraternity shall be the pearl. Sec. 5. TRADEMARK. a. The name Alpha Gamma Delta, the Greek letters ΑΓΔ, the Badge design and the

Armorial Bearings shall be registered in the United States of America according to the provisions of current trademark law.

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b. Infringement. Infringement of trademarked material is subject to legal action by the

Fraternity.

ARTICLE XI. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The Fraternity shall be governed by the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised except in matters provided for in the Constitution and Standing Rules and Handbooks of the Fraternity.

ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS.

Sec. 1. AMENDMENT AT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION.

a. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Chairman of the Documents Audit Committee by January 31 in the year of the International Convention at which they are to be acted upon so that they may be brought into conformity with the current Constitution.

b. Following review by the Documents Audit Committee and International Council, the

proposed amendments shall be submitted prior to International Convention to all Voting Members of the Fraternity.

c. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Voting Members of the Fraternity

present and in Good Standing who cast a vote shall be required to adopt a proposed amendment.

Sec. 2. AMENDMENT DURING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION INTERIM. a. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Chairman of the Documents Audit

Committee so that they may be brought into conformity with the current Constitution.

b. Following review by the Documents Audit Committee and International Council, a

proposed amendment shall be submitted to all Voting Members of the Fraternity. c. The president of each collegiate and alumnae chapter and alumnae club shall submit

such proposed amendment to her chapter or club for adoption or rejection by a majority vote and shall immediately report the resulting vote of her chapter or club as directed.

d. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Voting Members of the Fraternity in

Good Standing who cast a vote shall be required to adopt a proposed amendment. Sec. 3. AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. Any amendment relating

solely to the Certificate of Incorporation for the Fraternity shall be made in accordance with procedures set forth in the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law of the State of New York.

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STANDING RULES OF

ALPHA GAMMA DELTA FRATERNITY 1. GOVERNING DOCUMENTS. The governing documents of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity shall be: a. Articles of Incorporation b. Constitution. c. Standing Rules. d. Fraternity Policies and Position Statements. Fraternity Policies and Position Statements shall, for all purposes of administration, be as binding as if a part of these Standing Rules. e. Fraternity Officer Handbooks and Procedures Manuals. Fraternity Officer Handbooks and

Procedures Manuals shall, for all purposes of administration, be as binding as if a part of these Standing Rules.

2. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES. a. Alcoholic Beverages. (1) Alcoholic beverages may not be kept, stored, served or consumed in Alpha Gamma

Delta chapter houses, chapter rooms, chapter lodges or chapter suites. (2) Chapters, individual members and new members must abide by federal,

state/province, local college or university, Fraternity and chapter provisions concerning the possession and use of alcoholic beverages.

(3) Alpha Gamma Delta funds may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. (4) For chapters, failure to comply with any of the above provisions shall result in

disciplinary action. (5) For individual members and new members, misuse of alcoholic beverages and/or a

breach of federal, state/province, local, college or university, Fraternity or chapter provisions concerning its possession and/or use shall be deemed non-support of the standards of the Fraternity and shall result in disciplinary action.

b. Illegal Substances, Marijuana and Prescription Drugs (1) Illegal substances and marijuana shall not be brought on Alpha Gamma Delta

Property: owned, rented or occupied or to an Alpha Gamma Delta event. (2) Members or new members of Alpha Gamma Delta may not abuse, misuse or sell

illegal substances or marijuana. (3) Members or new members of Alpha Gamma Delta may not abuse, misuse or illegally

sell prescription drugs.

ΑΓ∆ Constitution and Standing Rules 18 January 2019

(4) For chapters, failure to comply with the Standing Rule shall result in disciplinary action.

(5) For individual members and new members, breach of federal, state/province, local,

college or university, Fraternity or chapter provisions regarding the possession and/or use of illegal substances, marijuana or prescription drugs shall be deemed non-support of the standards of the Fraternity and shall result in disciplinary action.

3. ETHICAL BEHAVIOR. a. A chapter, club or member of the Fraternity shall not undertake fund raising which involves

an appeal for money to other chapters or clubs or to members of any other chapter or club of the Fraternity, except upon prior authorization of International Council.

b. A member of the Fraternity may not solicit chapters, clubs or members for business involving

personal profit. 4. FINANCE. a. Fiscal year. The fiscal year of the Fraternity shall be from June 1 to May 31, inclusive. b. Bonds. All officers of the Fraternity who handle Fraternity funds shall be adequately bonded

at the expense of the Fraternity. c. Audit. All accounts of the Fraternity shall be audited annually by a Certified Public

Accounting firm and a report of such audit sent to International Council. d. International Fraternity Funds. (1) Operating Fund. The purpose of this fund shall be to maintain the Fraternity

organization and International Headquarters.

(2) Housing Fund. The purpose of this fund shall be to provide grants and loans to chapters and house associations, to provide for expenses of the personnel assigned to work with housing, to provide for the expense of the Housing Fund’s portion of the Fraternity audit, to provide for major expenditures related to the upkeep and maintenance of International Headquarters, and to make capital contributions to the Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity Housing Corporation.

(3) Other Funds. International Council may establish other funds as necessary for the management of the Fraternity.

e. Investment of Fraternity Funds. (1) The Fraternity shall retain a professional investment counselor. Monies shall be

invested in accordance with objectives and investment guidelines approved by International Council.

(2) All monies held in reserve for special purpose, and the income used only for the

designated purposes. f. Fees and Dues.

ΑΓ∆ Constitution and Standing Rules 19 January 2019

(1) To provide funding for the International Fraternity Operating Fund, the Housing Fund and other funds that the Fraternity, in its sole discretion, may designate from time to time, fees and dues may be assessed either collectively or individually.

(2) The payment requirements for these fees and dues shall be as outlined in the Alpha Gamma Delta Finance Procedures Handbook. (3) A yearly increase, if determined necessary, in any fees or dues will be set by

International Council.

g. Financial Report. Following the annual audit, a written Financial Report shall be prepared and distributed to the Voting Members of the Fraternity.

5. FUND RAISING. All monies earned in the name of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity, Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, or local charities must be contributed to or used for its intended and advertised purpose. 6. GOOD STANDING.

a. Individuals. The requirements for Good Standing for an individual collegiate member, affiliate member and alumna member shall be stated in the Alpha Gamma Delta Change in Membership Status Manual.

b. Collegiate Chapter. The requirements for Good Standing for a collegiate chapter shall be stated in the Collegiate Leadership Manual. c. Alumnae Chapter. The requirements for Good Standing for an alumnae chapter shall be

stated in the Alumnae Leadership Manual. d. Alumnae Club. The requirements for Good Standing for an alumnae club shall be stated in the Alumnae Leadership Manual. e. Determination Date. Good Standing for all chapters and clubs shall be determined annually by the International Council after May 1. 7. HAZING. a. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off

Fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include creation of excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shocks; wearing apparel publicly which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and jokes; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late night sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with Alpha Gamma Delta Constitution and Standing Rules, The Ritual or Policy, or the regulations and policies of the educational institution, state or province.

b. Hazing by individual members, new members or chapters of Alpha Gamma Delta is

prohibited.

ΑΓ∆ Constitution and Standing Rules 20 January 2019

c. For chapters, failure to comply with this Standing Rule shall result in disciplinary action. d. For individual members and new members, failure to comply with this Standing Rule shall be

deemed non-support of the standards of the Fraternity and shall result in disciplinary action. 8. PUBLICATIONS. a. Alpha Gamma Delta Quarterly. The magazine of the Fraternity shall be the Alpha Gamma

Delta Quarterly, and shall include material dealing with specific Fraternity subjects and matters of Greek, Panhellenic, college or university interest and concern, as approved by International Council.

b. Skiouros. Skiouros, a special Alpha Gamma Delta bulletin, shall be published under the

direction of International Council at such times as may be necessary and advisable. c. The Ritual. International Council shall be responsible for the production, safekeeping and

distribution of all copies of The Ritual, Ritual Music, Alumnae Ritual, Ritual Ceremonies and Services Manual and it’s paraphernalia.

d. Fraternity Education Materials. International Council shall publish and distribute all

Fraternity Education materials. e. Other Publications. International Council may publish and distribute any other materials or

publications deemed necessary. 9. AMENDMENTS. a. These Standing Rules may be amended at International Convention. (1) An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Voting Members present and in good standing at International Convention who cast a vote shall be required to adopt a proposal to amend a Standing Rule. (2) A proposal to amend these Standing Rules must be submitted to the Chairman of the Documents Audit Committee no later than January 31 in the year of the International Convention at which it is to be acted upon so that it may be brought into conformity with the Constitution and Standing Rules. Following review by International Council, the proposal must be submitted prior to International Convention to all Voting Members of the Fraternity. b. These Standing Rules may be amended in the Convention interim. (1) During Convention interim, a unanimous vote of International Council shall be required to amend a Standing Rule. (2) A Standing Rule adopted by International Council shall be in full force until revoked by International Convention. (3) International Council may not adopt a Standing Rule which has been rejected by International Convention.