bylaws test

Tau Omega Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®

Chapter Bylaws

May 2020

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Table of Contents

Article I. Name.............................................................................................................................. 1
Article II. Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 1
Article III. Membership ................................................................................................................... 1

Section 1. Qualifications for Membership .....................................................1

Section 2. Assessments, Fees or Dues .............................................................1

Section 3. Membership Intake........................................................................2

Section 4. Delegates.........................................................................................2

Section 5. Rights of Membership ...................................................................2

Article IV. Section 6. Transfers, Disciplinary Actions & Hazing....................................2
Officers ......................................................................................................................... 3

Section 1. Types of Officers ............................................................................3

Section 2. Duties of Officers ...........................................................................3

Section 3. Term of Office................................................................................5

Section 4. Requirements for Office ................................................................5

Section 5. Installation of Officers ...................................................................6

Section 6. Nominations and Elections ............................................................6

Section 7. Vacancies........................................................................................6

Article V. Section 8. Removal of Officer.........................................................................6
Meetings ....................................................................................................................... 6

Section 1. Chapter Meetings...........................................................................6

Section 2. Executive Committee .....................................................................6

Section 3. Special Meetings.............................................................................6

Section 4. Joint Meetings................................................................................7

Section 5. Quorum Chapter Meetings............................................................7

Section 6. Method of Notification of Meeting ................................................7

Article VI. Section 7. Electronic Meetings .......................................................................7
Executive Committee .................................................................................................... 7

Section 1. Executive Committee Meetings .....................................................7

Article VII. Section 2 Quorum Executive Committee Meetings .......................................7
Article VIII. Committees ................................................................................................................... 7
Article IX. Parliamentary Authority .............................................................................................. 11
Article X. Amending the Bylaws.................................................................................................. 11
Dissolution .................................................................................................................. 11

Article I. Name

This organization shall be known as Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Article II. Purpose
The purpose of Tau Omega Chapter is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to
promote unity and friendship among college educated women, to maintain a progressive interest in
college life, and to be of service to all mankind as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Article III. Membership
Section 1. Qualifications for Membership
The chapter shall be composed of Graduate sorors who meet all financial requirements as defined by the
Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Section 2. Assessments, Fees or Dues

A. Annual Dues and Assessments
The annual dues and assessments shall be the amount set by the Finance Committee and approved
by the chapter. Dues are due and payable January 1 of each year. Dues postmarked after January
24th, if mailed, or received by the Chapter via electronic transfer or cash/check payment in person
after January 27th must be accompanied by the late fee outlined in the current Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and Bylaws. New members of the Sorority shall pay dues in
accordance with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws.

B. Exemption of Chapter Dues
The following officers shall be exempt from Chapter dues and responsible for the payment of the
per capita tax only: Basileus, First Anti-Basileus, Second Anti-Basileus, Grammateus, Pecunious
Grammateus, Tamiouchos, Anti-Tamiouchos, Epistoleus, Hodegos and Graduate Advisor(s).

C. Reduced Chapter Dues

A soror who transfers into Tau Omega within one (1) year of graduation shall be exempt from
Chapter dues during her first year of membership. She is required to pay the full amount of per
capita tax.

D. Assessments
1. Each year, every soror shall be responsible for and satisfy an obligatory fundraising assessment
or a monetary assessment in lieu of an obligatory fundraising assessment. The assessment shall
be payable to The Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund, Incorporated.
2. In fundraising years, sorors must satisfy their obligatory fundraising assessment by either
a. Payment of obligatory fundraising assessment (the requisite number of fundraising tickets)
by the earlier of October 1 or two weeks prior to the fundraising event, or
b. payment of a monetary assessment with their dues.
3. In non-fundraising years, sorors must satisfy their monetary assessment by October 1st or a
designated date as approved by Chapter vote.
4. A soror who fails to satisfy her Chapter obligatory fundraising assessment as set forth in Art.
III Sect. 2.D.2 or monetary assessment as set forth in Art. III Sect. 2.D.3
a. shall lose her status as a financial member of the Chapter:
b. shall lose her eligibility to vote in the November election of officers; and
c. shall lose her eligibility to run for an elected office in the November election of officers.

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5. A soror who has lost her status as a financial member of the Chapter pursuant to Art. III Sect.

2.D.5 may restore her status as a financial member immediately upon her satisfaction of the

obligatory fundraising assessment or the monetary assessment. However, a soror who satisfies

her obligatory fundraising assessment or monetary assessment after the dates set forth in Art.

III Sect. 2.D.2 or Art. III Section 2.D.3, shall not regain her eligibility to vote in the November

election of officers or her eligibility to run for an elected office in the November election of

officers for the Chapter year.

Section 3. Membership Intake

The chapter will conduct its Membership Intake Process (MIP) in accordance with the most recent edition

of the MIP Manual.

Section 4. Delegates

A. Delegates for Regional Conferences and Boules must be active members of Tau Omega Chapter,
attend meetings regularly, be an active member of a committee and be available for the entire
conference. Delegates who do not turn in their conference reports will forfeit their reimbursement
from the chapter.

B. The Basileus and the Graduate Advisor(s) shall automatically be included as delegates for

Regional Conferences and Boules.

Section 5. Rights of Membership

A member who has met her financial obligations of the chapter shall have the right to full participation in

proceedings, make motions, debate and to vote.

Section 6. Transfers, Disciplinary Actions & Hazing

A. Transfer
Any member desiring to transfer from the Chapter shall receive a Transfer Verification form from
the Pecunious Grammateus. As per Constitution and Bylaws for AKA Sorority Inc., the member
must have paid all financial obligations to the chapter prior to transferring.

B. Disciplinary Actions
A chapter may impose the penalty of withdrawal of privileges on a member for infraction of the
sorority rules as prescribed in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Bylaws; ARTICLE
VI. A decision to invoke the penalty must be voted by a two-thirds vote of the membership at a
meeting for which written notice has been given. The member must be notified in writing of the
action taken by the chapter and the conditions of restoration. A copy of the notice shall be sent to
the Regional Director and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office.

C. Hazing Definition and Prohibition
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated defines hazing as an act or series of acts which includes,
but is not limited to physical acts such as hitting, striking, laying hands upon or threatening to do
bodily harm to any individual(s) while acting in one’s capacity as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha,
behavior which is directed against any individual(s) for the purpose of causing shame, abuse, insult,
humiliation, intimidation or disgrace and a variety of prohibited practices, including but not limited
to, “underground hazing,” “financial hazing,” “pre-pledging,” “post-pledging,” or “post-initiation
pledging.”

Hazing is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated in any form by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Incorporated.

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Article IV. Officers

Section 1. Types of Officers

A. Elected Officers

Officers of the Chapter shall be the Basileus, First Anti-Basileus, Second Anti-Basileus,

Grammateus, Pecunious Grammateus, Tamiouchos, Anti-Tamiouchos, Epistoleus, Graduate

Advisor(s), Ivy Leaf Reporter, Philacter, Hodegos, and (2) Members-at-Large.

B. Appointed Officers

The following officers shall be appointed by the Basileus and approved by the Executive

Committee: The Historian and the Parliamentarian.

Section 2. Duties of Officers

A. Basileus
It shall be the duty of the Basileus to preside over all meetings and to enforce the observance of
the Constitution and Bylaws of Tau Omega Chapter; to call special meetings; to appoint the
chairman of standing and special committees for which provision is made; to be chairman of the
Executive Committee and to perform such other duties as her office may require. The Basileus
shall be bonded. She shall be an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating
Committee. She shall serve as a member of The Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund, Incorporated
Board of Trustees concurrent with her term as Basileus

B. First Anti-Basileus
It shall be the duty of the First Anti-Basileus to assist the Basileus in performance of her duties
and to preside during the absence of the Basileus. She shall serve as Chairman of the Program
Committee and be responsible for coordinating the Executive Committee Retreat. She shall serve
as a member of The Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund, Incorporated Board of Trustees
concurrent with her term as First Anti-Basileus

C. Second Anti-Basileus
It shall be the duty of the Second Anti-Basileus to assist the Basileus in the performance of her
duties and preside in the absence of the Basileus and First Anti-Basileus. Her specific duty in
addition to those stated above, shall be that of Chairman of the Membership Committee. To be
appointed as Chairman of the Membership Committee, she shall never have been suspended for
hazing.

D. Grammateus
It shall be the duty of the Grammateus to serve as Secretary of the Chapter at meetings and
Executive Committee Meetings and, as such, she shall be responsible for the recording of minutes
of each meeting. She shall serve as a member of the Bylaws Committee.

E. Pecunious Grammateus
It shall be the duty of the Pecunious Grammateus to collect all monies from all sources, keep
records of the financial status of each member, to make monthly reports in writing of the financial
workings of her office showing the amounts collected, and immediately after receipt, turn over all
monies to the Tamiouchos and report all monies received to the Grammateus.
She shall serve as a member of the Fundraising Committee and the Finance Committee. The
Pecunious Grammateus shall be bonded. See Sect. 3. She shall serve as a member of The Tau
Omega Charitable Trust Fund, Incorporated Board of Trustees concurrent with her term as
Pecunious Grammateus.

F. Tamiouchos
It shall be the duty of the Tamiouchos to receive all monies for the Chapter from the Pecunious
Grammateus giving proper vouchers for the same; to deposit all monies within 5 days after receipt
of the same; to promptly pay all expenses of the Chapter for which properly signed orders have

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been received; to make monthly and annual reports in writing of the financial workings of her office
showing the amount on hand. She shall deliver to her successor all monies, books and vouchers in
her possession within thirty (30) days after the close of the December meeting, obtaining receipts
for delivery of the same. She shall serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee. The Tamiouchos
shall be bonded. She shall serve as a member of The Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund,
Incorporated Board of Trustees concurrent with her term as Tamiouchos.

G. Anti-Tamiouchos
It shall be the duty of the Anti-Tamiouchos to assist the Tamiouchos in the performance of her
duties, e.g. signs checks in her absence. She shall serve on the Finance Committee. She will serve
a two year term, on alternate years from the Tamiouchos. The Anti-Tamiouchos shall be bonded.

H. Epistoleus
It shall be the duty of the Epistoleus to notify all sorors in writing of a) all meetings; b) all meetings
at which proposed candidates are to be voted upon; c) the nature of any proposed amendments to
be voted upon. She shall serve as member of the Membership Committee.

I. Parliamentarian
It shall be the duty of the Parliamentarian to assist the presiding officer in the interpretation of
Constitution and Bylaws of the Boule and bylaws of the Chapter according to Robert's Rules of
Order, Newly Revised. She shall serve as Chairman of the Bylaws Committee.

J. Graduate Advisor
The Graduate Advisor shall perform those duties as established for Graduate Advisors in the Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Bylaws and Manual of Standard Procedure and the Membership Intake
Manual. The Graduate Advisor(s) shall chair the Graduate Advisor Council.

K. Ivy Leaf Reporter
It shall be the duty of the Ivy Leaf Reporter to transmit chapter news to the Ivy Leaf publication
and to be responsible for all local publicity. Final copies of all material shall first be submitted to
the Basileus for approval.

L. Philacter
It shall be the duty of the Philacter to efficiently guard all entrances to meetings, to receive and
introduce all visitors at meetings, record and report attendance, and to announce all alarms. She shall
check the credentials and/or eligibility of the Soror to enter. The Philacter shall serve as a member
of the Membership Committee.

M. Hodegos
It shall be the responsibility of the Hodegos to coordinate refreshments for Chapter meetings; send
cards for congratulations, illness, and other occasions involving members. The Hodegos shall assist
the Philacter and shall serve as a member of the Membership Committee.

N. Member-at-Large
It shall be the duty of each Member-at-Large to meet with the Executive Committee and cooperate
in every way to serve the interests of the chapter. The Members-at-Large shall serve as members
of the Membership Committee. In addition, one Member-at-Large shall serve as a member of the
Finance Committee and the other as a member of the Bylaws Committee.

It shall be the duty of each officer to deliver to her successor all files, supplies and other
materials in her possession within thirty (30) days after the expiration of her term. The Basileus
or designee will assure that all materials have been transferred. Failure to do so will result in
withdrawal of individual privileges as set forth in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Bylaws.

Any officer deemed to be consistently neglecting or failing to discharge her duties may be removed from
office pursuant to the provision of the Operation Manual.

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Section 3. Term of Office

A. Officers shall be elected annually by secret ballot at the annual November meeting of the Chapter
for a term of two years with the exception of the Philacter, the Hodegos, and the (2) Members-at-
Large who shall be elected for a term of one year. All officers shall serve for up to 2 consecutive
terms but no more than four consecutive years in the same office or until their successors are
elected.

B. Officers shall be elected annually at the November meeting in accordance with the following
schedule:

Odd Years: Basileus, Second Anti-Basileus, Epistoleus, Tamiouchos, Graduate Advisor(s).

Even Years: First Anti-Basileus, Grammateus, Pecunious Grammateus, Anti-Tamiouchos and Ivy Leaf
Reporter.

Each Year: Philacter, Hodegos, Members-at-Large (2), Nominating Committee (5).

Section 4. Requirements for Office

Candidates for office shall meet all qualifications and requirements for active Chapter participation as
established in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws.

A. A candidate for the office of Basileus, First Anti-Basileus, Second Anti-Basileus, Grammateus,
Pecunious Grammateus, Tamiouchos, Anti-Tamiouchos, Member-at--Large and Graduate Advisor
shall be a financial member of Tau Omega chapter the fiscal year preceding her nomination.

B. Candidates for the office of Graduate Advisor are required to be a member of Tau Omega for at
least two (2) years and be currently certified by the Directorate approved Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Incorporated Graduate Advisors Certification Program through the Corporate Office
immediately prior to her election. She shall not have been suspended for hazing, shall be at least
five years post graduate from an undergraduate college or university program, and must have
attended one of the last two Boules or one of the last two Regional Conferences.

C. The Philacter, Hodegos, Epistoleus, Ivy Leaf Reporter and Nominating Committee candidates must
be a financial member of Tau Omega Chapter the year of nomination.

D. Candidates for Basileus of Tau Omega Chapter shall meet the following requirements:

1. Served as an elected or appointed member of Tau Omega Executive Committee OR previously
served as Basileus, First Anti-Basileus, Second Anti-Basileus, Tamiouchos or Graduate
Advisor in any Graduate Chapter.

2. Shall have been an active and financial member of Tau Omega Chapter for two years preceding
her nomination.

3. Must have attended one of the last two Boules or Regional Conferences prior to her
nomination.

E. Candidates for the office of First Anti-Basileus shall have served as a committee chairman during
the two years prior to her candidacy.

F. Candidates for the office of Second Anti-Basileus shall have served on the Membership Committee
during the two years prior to her candidacy.

G. Candidates for the office of Basileus, Pecunious Grammateus, Tamiouchos and Anti-Tamiouchos
shall have received certification for the office within the last two years or obtain within one year of
election.

H. All financial obligations of candidates for office shall be met as of the designated date for that year.

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I. All candidates except for Philacter, Hodegos, Epistoleus, Ivy Leaf Reporter and Nominating
Committee member must have attended five (5) or more of the previous years' meetings.

J. To be a nominee for Tamiouchos, Pecunious Grammateus, or Anti-Tamiouchos, a soror shall

certify that she has not been sanctioned 1) legally or 2) internally by another organization for

misappropriation of funds.

Section 5. Installation of Officers

Section 6. All officers shall be installed at the close of the December meeting and shall assume
their duties as of January 1st.

Nominations and Elections

A. Nominations.

See ARTICLE VII, I.

B. Elections (Tellers).

The Basileus, shall appoint the chairman and at least two members who shall conduct the election

process. The Committee will read the results of the tally to the Chapter and the Basileus will

declare the election. A plurality of votes cast shall govern the election. When there is only one

nominee for an office or committee position, the Basileus can declare that the nominee is

officially elected by unanimous consent or by acclamation.

Section 7. Vacancies

Terms: in case of an unexpired term of office of Basileus, the vacancy shall be filled by the First Anti-

Basileus. In case of an unexpired term of office of any Nominating Committee chairman or member, the

vacancy shall be filled by recommendation from the existing members and/or Chairman of the Nominating

Committee to the Executive Committee, absent the Basileus, and subject to the vote of the chapter” All

other vacancies shall be filled through appointment by the Executive Committee subject to the vote of the

chapter except the Nominating Committee.

Section 8. Removal of Officer

As it relates to “Term of Office”, the term of the outgoing officers end when those of the incoming officers
begin or to ensure the continued service of officers in the event of difficulty in obtaining a nominee for an
office. Additionally, officers may be removed from office for cause by disciplinary proceedings as provided
in the parliamentary authority.

Article V. Meetings

Section 1. Chapter Meetings

Regular meetings shall be held on the third Saturday of each month of the program year with the exception

of December when it shall be held on the second Saturday, unless otherwise ordered by the Chapter or

Executive Committee. Chapter meetings are to be held in a manner that allow sorors to be in a room together

for face to face discussion of chapter business. In the event of an emergency or special circumstance, a

chapter meeting may be held electronically upon approval by the Regional Director.

Section 2. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is empowered to change no more than two (2) Chapter meetings during the

chapter program year. These changes are to be announced to the chapter in advance.

Section 3. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the Basileus with the approval of the Executive Committee and shall be
called upon by the written request of ten (10) members of the Chapter. The purpose of the meeting shall be
stated in the call, except in the case of an emergency, when at least three (3) days’ notice shall be given.

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Section 4. Joint Meetings

There shall be at least two (2) joint meetings of the Graduate and Undergraduate Chapters as established in

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Bylaws.

Section 5. Quorum Chapter Meetings

To conduct a business meeting, one-third (1/3) of active membership must be present at the opening of

the meeting.

Section 6. Method of Notification of Meeting

The call shall be in writing, by telephone or electronic mail.

Section 7. Electronic Meetings

The Executive Committee, Standing Committees and Special Committees are authorized to meet by
audio/telephone or video conference call or through other electronic communications media as long as all
members may simultaneously hear each other and participate during the meetings.

Article VI. Executive Committee

This committee shall be composed of the Basileus as chairman, all other officers, chairmen of Standing

committees and the immediately retiring Basileus. This committee shall meet monthly.

The Executive Committee shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Chapter, between its

business meetings, make recommendations to the Chapter and shall perform such other duties as specified

in these Bylaws. The committee shall be subject to the orders of the Chapter, and none of its acts shall

conflict with actions taken by the Chapter. Special meetings of the Committee may be called by the

Basileus on written request of three (3) members of the committee.

Section 1. Executive Committee Meetings

The Executive Committee shall meet monthly except during the summer months.

Section 2 Quorum Executive Committee Meetings

To conduct and vote on business, one-third (1/3) of active Executive Committee members must be present
at the opening of the meeting.

Article VII. Committees

A. Standing Committees
The Standing Committees shall be the Executive, Fundraising, Bylaws, Finance, Membership,
Program, Graduate Advisors Council, Archives, Evaluation and Standards, Nominating,
Connection, Leadership Development, Protocol and Internal Audit.

B. Executive Committee
See ARTICLE VI

C. Bylaws
This committee shall consist of the Parliamentarian as chairman, the Grammateus, one Member-
at-Large and at least four (4) other members. It shall propose needed changes in the Bylaws when
indicated, carefully examine all proposed amendments from other sources and formulate same for
presentation, with recommendations for approval or rejection. This committee shall also provide
ongoing assistance in the interpretation of and compliance with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
and Chapter Bylaws and operating procedures, as required.

D. Finance
This committee shall consist of the Tamiouchos as chairman, Anti- Tamiouchos, one Member-At-
Large, the Pecunious Grammateus and at least four (4) other members. They shall draw up and
supervise the operation of the annual budget.

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E. Membership
The Second Anti-Basileus shall be chairman of this Committee. This committee shall consist of the
Epistoleus, the Hodegos, the Philacter, the two (2) Members-at-Large and at least four (4) other
members. It shall be the duty of the Committee to maintain membership numbers and conduct
membership intake activities.

It shall be the duty of this committee to:

a. Take steps in considering candidates for membership in the chapter according to the procedures
as established in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Chapter Bylaws.

b. Report on standing of all members regularly and to approve excuses for non-attendance.

c. Maintain current files covering sorority participation, community service and professional
achievements of all members. Plan reclamation and reactivation activities.

F. Program
The First Anti-Basileus shall serve as chairman of this committee. This committee shall consist of
the chairmen of those committees which provide program services. The function of this committee
shall be to outline a tentative program and formulate general program recommendations for the
Chapter to consider beginning in August at the Executive Committee Retreat followed by
presentation to the Chapter at the September Chapter meeting and adoption by the Chapter at its
October meeting. It shall also be the responsibility of the committee to coordinate and implement,
whenever necessary, program activities approved by the chapter. The chairman of the Program
Committee shall be an ex-officio member of all other chapter committees that perform program
functions [i.e.: community service, social action, scholarship, and committees designated to
implement national and local program targets].

G. Fundraising
The Chairman of this committee shall be appointed by the Basileus. This committee shall consist
of the Pecunious Grammateus, Tamiouchos, and at least five (5) other members.

This committee shall be responsible for formulating and presenting detailed fundraising activities
at the September chapter meeting. It shall be further responsible for implementing fundraising
activities approved by the chapter through subcommittees as required. All fundraising projects to
be held in conjunction with The Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund, Incorporated must be submitted
to its Board of Trustees for consideration and approval to serve as the fiscal conduit for fundraising
events. The Chairman shall serve as a member of The Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund,
Incorporated Board of Trustees concurrent with her term as Fundraising Chairman.”.

H. Graduate Advisors Council (GAC)
This committee shall consist of the Graduate Advisor(s) as chairman or co-chairmen and at least
five (5) other members who will make up the GAC. It shall be the responsibility of the committee
to assist the Graduate Advisor in coordinating the activities of the undergraduate chapter(s') affairs.
Members of the GAC must meet the same qualifications as the Graduate Advisor as set forth in our
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws and the Chapter Bylaws. This
committee shall consist of the Graduate Advisor(s) as chairman or co-chairmen and at least five
(5) other members who will make up the GAC. It shall be the responsibility of the committee to
assist the Graduate Advisor in coordinating the activities of the undergraduate chapter(s') affairs.
Members of the GAC must meet the same qualifications as the Graduate Advisor as set forth in our
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws (ARTICLE III Section 21) and the
Chapter Bylaws.

I. Evaluation & Standards
This committee evaluates the overall performance of the chapter in fulfilling international program

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and standards goals. This committee shall consist of five (5) members of the general body.

The Standards Committee shall prepare and conduct annual orientation for officers and chairmen
of committees to be held at the December Executive Committee meeting. This orientation will
include a review of the duties and responsibilities of officers and committee chairmen, operational
procedures and required reports. This orientation must be attended by incoming and outgoing
officers and the chairmen of committees to facilitate the smooth transfer of responsibilities and
records.

J. Nominating
This committee shall be composed of five (5) members elected by the chapter in November of each
year. The chairman of this committee shall be elected by the committee.

1. No less than two (2) meetings shall be held with the majority of the committee members
present. The first meeting to give serious thought to the officers to be chosen and to give
consideration to the best qualified candidates available for office. The last meeting to finalize
the slate of the best qualified candidates.

2. The committee shall have current Chapter Bylaws, an updated financial list and attendance
records in their possession at the time of the committee meeting.

3. The slate must be submitted to the Executive Committee prior to submitting the slate to the
Chapter. The slate shall be presented to the chapter at the October meeting.

4. No additions or deletions shall be made to the slate after submission of the committee's report
to the Executive Committee until the day of the elections.

The Committee shall report the slate of officers to Executive Committee and to the Chapter at their
respective October meetings and shall distribute the slate officers to sorors ten days before the
November Chapter meeting

K. Connection
The Connection Committee shall consist of a Chairman and at least four other members. The
committee shall identify and study issues which impact upon the quality of life. The committee
shall further design strategies for communication and networking with community based
organizations, our members and elected officials to promote an agenda favorable to all society in
which we live and serve; mobilize all facets of the environment for action; to formulate and
recommend position statements to Regional, National and International bodies.

L. Archives
The Archives Committee is responsible for collecting materials related to the chapter’s history and
the maintenance of chapter files such as:

1. Golden and Diamond interviews

2. Ivies Beyond the Wall Project – collection of obituaries and funeral programs.

3. Collection and cataloguing items, newspaper ARTICLEs, etc. pertaining to the chapter and
sorors in the chapter.

4. Regional/Boule minutes

5. Sorority publications

M. Leadership Development
1. The committee is responsible for developing workshops.

2. Coordinate leadership training for members seeking office.

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N. Protocol
The committee shall be responsible for developing and maintaining current protocol guidelines for
chapter meetings, sorority functions and other public events.

O. Internal Audit
This committee shall consist of three members appointed by the Basileus and it shall not include
any current members of the Finance Committee or Financial Officers of the chapter nor anyone
that was a member of the Finance Committee or Financial Officers during the period covered by
the audit. The audit will commence on February 15th of each year. The purpose of the audit is to
enable the chapter to determine the adequacy, completeness and accuracy of the financial records
maintained by the chapter financial officers via an annual internal audit. The Internal Audit
Committee will examine the following Internal Documentation:
• Minutes of Chapter Meetings (reference the section related to reports by the Pecunious
Grammateus and the Tamiouchos)
• Monthly Financial Reports
• Annual Statement of Financial Operations
• Remittance of Funds Reports
• Vouchers, including the attached invoices
• Checkbook •
• Cash Receipts Journal
• Cash Disbursements Journal and check register
• Bank Statements and reconciliations
• Receipts from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office
and then perform the steps, both general and specific, required by the Fiscal Fitness Guide for
Chapter Financial Operations or other Sorority manuals created by Alpha Kappa Alpha to outline
the rules for chapter financial operations.

The Internal Audit Committee will prepare a written report upon the completion of the Audit that
reflects the Initial Findings of the audit. The written report with Initial Findings will be first
submitted to the Tamiouchos, Pecunious Grammateus and other members of the Finance
Committee to allow for any needed clarification of issues raised by the Initial Findings.

If the Finance Committee provides clarifications that are viewed by the Internal Audit Committee
as sufficient to address any of the Initial Findings, then the related Initial Findings should be
removed from the final version of the report.

The report including any revisions to the Initial Findings should then be submitted to and reviewed
with the Executive Committee prior to its submission to the chapter.
The Final Report, with Final Findings, if any, shall be submitted to the chapter and it shall include
an Audit Letter. The Final Report should be submitted to the chapter within 60 days of the
commencement of the Audit process.

P. Special (Ad hoc) Committees
The Basileus shall create committees as needed to facilitate the purpose and objectives of Chapter.

Q. Committee Reports/Chairmen
All committee reports requiring the approval of the Chapter must be submitted to the Executive
committee prior to submission to the Chapter. A copy of all reports must be submitted to the
Grammateus.

Those committee chairmen, either standing or ad hoc, who have been appointed by the Basileus,
may be removed by the Basileus if they are found to be negligent in the performance of their duties.
In this instance, removal shall require the approval of a majority of the members of the Executive

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Committee.

R. Responsibilities of Committee Chairmen and Appointed Officers
1. The chairman of each committee is responsible for submitting to the Basileus and the First
Anti Basileus a detailed typed report of committee activities due annually by November 30
or 45 days after the completion of an activity.

2. Appointed officers and appointed chairmen of committees must submit their resignations
at the end of the Basileus' term.

3. Appointed chairmen of committees shall serve no longer than four (4) years. The same as
elected and appointed officers.)

4. All publicity must be channeled through the Ivy Leaf Reporter.

5. All officers, both elected and appointed are expected to attend Executive Committee
meetings. If unable to do so, it is the individual officer's responsibility to notify the Basileus
in advance.

Article VIII. Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the

Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the

Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and these bylaws and any special

rules of order adopted by the Chapter.

The governing documents will be used in said order:

Corporate Constitution and Bylaws Corporate Manual of Standard Procedure
Chapter Bylaws
Special rules of order/Standing Rules
The rules contained in the current/latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly
Revised

Article IX. Amending the Bylaws

The Chapter Bylaws may be amended by a two-third (2/3) vote of the financial Sorors casting votes

provided the proposed amendments have been presented in writing and distributed to members 60 days

before the meeting at which voting takes place. Proposed amendments shall be discussed at the chapter

meeting one month prior to the vote. Chapter members and the Bylaws Committee can propose Bylaw

changes

Article X. Dissolution

Upon dissolution of Tau Omega Chapter its assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes

within the meaning of Sec 501 (c) (7) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any

future federal tax code or for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Sec 501 (c) (3) of the

Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to

the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.

Adopted: May 1925 (Chartered)
Amended: June 20, 2015
Amended July 2018
Revised: March 2019
Amended May 2020

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TAU OMEGA CHAPTER
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED

HARLEM, NEW YORK