Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International
William Woods University Pre-Law Chapter
By-Laws
William Woods University
Pre-Law Chapter
revised 10.02.02
Chapter One
Chapter
Section 1. Name
As chartered by the International Executive Board of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, the name of this chapter is William Woods University Pre-Law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International.
Section 2. Location
This chapter is chartered and established at William Woods University and shall remain chartered at this school unless lawful action to the contrary is taken by the International Executive Board.
Section 3. Duties of the Chapter
As provided in the pre-law chapter charter issued by Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, this chapter shall promote the principles, ideals, and precepts of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, shall abide by the Constitution and International By-Laws of the Fraternity, shall adhere to the rules and procedures as lawfully promulgated by the International Executive Board, and shall submit such reports and transmit such fees as required by the duly constituted authorities of the Fraternity.
Chapter Two
Purpose
Section 1. William Woods Chapter
The purpose of this chapter shall be to provide an effective, cohesive forum, smaller than that of the entire undergraduate school student body, to promote the principles, ideals, and precepts of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International; to promote the principles for the professional advancement of its members; to promote the principles of liberty and equal justice under law for all citizens; to stimulate excellence in scholarship; to provide a forum for the interchange between members of this chapter and the other members of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International; and to develop lasting friendships among its members.
This chapter shall uphold the ideals of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, while striving to provide students with access to a national network of attorneys, judges, and political leaders; preparation and admission to law school; with preparation for the LSAT; and with opportunities to participate in law-related activities on campus including mock trials, debate, public service and other political/legal programs.
Chapter Three
Membership
Section 1. Membership
Membership in this chapter shall be open to all persons at this University who meet the requirements and share a desire to enhance themselves, the school, and the Fraternity through work and education in the legal field.
A person becomes a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International and this chapter through all the following:
a. Meeting membership eligibility requirements.
b. Paying the International Membership Fee.
c. Paying the Chapter Initiation Fee.
d. Accepting the By-Laws and all other membership requirements of this chapter.
e. Accepting all financial obligations and future requirements of this chapter.
Membership is composed of persons accepted into membership by this chapter and persons accepted into membership by other chapters of the Fraternity who attend this University and remain in good standing.
Section 2. Eligibility
Eligibility for pre-law membership into Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International shall be as follows:
a. Student Membership - Any student who is in attendance and in good standing at this University and meets membership requirements shall be eligible to be accepted into pre-law membership of this Fraternity as a student member of this chapter.
b. Administration and Faculty Membership - Any full- or part-time administrator or faculty member at this University shall be eligible for acceptance into pre-law membership of this Fraternity as a member of this chapter.
Section 3. Acceptance into Membership
Invitation to pre-law membership into Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International shall be made to any eligible person who expresses interest in joining the chapter and meets the requirements for membership upon approval by a majority vote of all members present and voting at a lawful meeting of the pre-law chapter.
Section 4. Membership in Chapter
Only student, administration, and faculty members who have been accepted into pre-law membership in this Fraternity shall have any status in this chapter. There shall be no other affiliation with this chapter under any circumstances.
Section 5. Requirements of Members
Members of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International who are members of this chapter must remain in good standing with the chapter. Good standing is maintained by doing all of the following:
a. Actively attending and participating in the meetings and other activities of the chapter.
b. Staying in contact with other members of the chapter and the chapter’s officers and informing them of absences or inability to participate.
c. Submitting the required financial obligations of this chapter in a timely manner as defined by the Chapter Treasurer.
d. Maintaining a satisfactory level of “points” as defined by the Chapter By-Laws.
e. Maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the University.
The Executive Committee shall review chapter records at the end of each academic year. Members of this chapter who have fulfilled all the duties outlined in this section shall be recognized. The most active members of this chapter shall also be recognized as determined by the Committee.
Section 6. Member in Good Standing
A member in good standing with this chapter shall be a person who is duly accepted into pre-law membership in Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, and who is not delinquent in the payment of any financial obligations to this chapter of the Fraternity, or delinquent in the performance of any other obligation or duty to this chapter or the Fraternity.
Section 7. Chapter Attendance Requirements and Point System
To encourage participation and increase benefit to members, and reward positive contribution to the chapter, this chapter will record attendance at all official chapter events and keep a point system. Chapter members will be awarded a point for attendance and/or participation in official chapter events. All required events and activities planned by the chapter will be announced and will include:
a. payment of semester dues
b. chapter meetings
c. chapter sponsored events and functions
Members who give notice that they will not be able to attend an event will be noted and awarded no points, but the event will not be included in their total possible point total. The number of points each member has accumulated will place him/her in one of the following categories:
TIER THREE
0% - 40% of the current available points
Tier three members are not in good standing with this chapter, and are not allowed to participate in events requiring travel paid for by the chapter. A member is released from tier three upon accumulation of points necessary for an upper tier. Members who are not current in payment of any chapter dues are placed in tier three regardless of their overall point total.
TIER TWO
41% - 75% of the current available points
Tier two members are in good standing and are eligible for chapter travel events or competition. Members in tier two will be considered for these events based on any other criteria (tryouts, etc.) and past years’ ending point totals. Members in tier two may run for chapter offices.
TIER ONE
76% - 100% of the current available points
Tier one members get priority consideration for chapter travel/competition. Tier one members may run for chapter office. They also receive priority consideration for any chapter-sponsored events that have limited space.
Section 8. Loss of Good Standing
Members who fail to remain in good standing with the chapter will be placed on a probationary status and loose the right of vote in the chapter and the right to participate in activities funded by the chapter.
Section 9. Termination of Membership
Pre-Law membership in this Fraternity may be terminated by the Fraternity and members of this chapter by/for:
a. Expulsion by a legally constituted pre-law chapter of this Fraternity for violating the purposes of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International or the provisions of the International By-Laws or the By-Laws of this chapter.
b. Failure to pay lawful financial obligations to the Fraternity or this chapter.
c. Voluntary resignation from membership.
d. Graduating from this University
Chapter Four
Chapter Officers
Section 1. Officers
This chapter shall annually elect a chapter President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer from among the student members of the chapter who are in good standing with the Fraternity and this chapter and who have at least one full school year prior to graduation from the University at which the chapter is chartered.
This chapter may have other offices established as may become necessary through the operation of this chapter.
An advisor shall be appointed for each chapter by the Pre-Law Director from among the administration and faculty members of each chapter to serve for a one year term.
Section 2. Election of Officers
Elections for chapter officers shall be held before the month of November in each academic year. The chapter President shall set the exact date, time, place, and method for each election. The chapter Secretary shall notify all initiated student members of such decision at least ten days prior to the vote. Election shall be by majority vote of the members in good standing, present, and voting.
Should an officer resign, be removed from office, or otherwise become unable to fulfill his/her duties and/or term of office, the President shall call a special election to fill any vacancy in chapter leadership.
Section 3. Succession
If the need arises to fill an office before the term has ended, the following succession of offices in the chapter shall be used:
a. The President’s office shall be filled by the Vice President.
b. All other offices are subject to special election.
The chapter President will call the special election. Should there be no President, the chapter Advisor will organize the election.
Section 4. Disqualification
An officer may be removed from office and/or disqualified from membership by/for:
a. Failing to fulfill the duties of the office.
b. Failing to maintain a satisfactory level of “points” as defined by the Chapter By-Laws.
c. Failing to maintain good standing within the chapter.
d. Failing to maintain good standing with this University.
e. Failing to pay membership dues.
f. Failing to maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
g. Withdrawing or being dismissed from the University.
Removal and/or membership disqualification for any officer not withdrawing from the University requires a three-fourths vote of the chapter membership.
Section 5. Terms of Office
The term of office for each of the four student officers shall be a one-year period from November to November. In the period between election and oath, the newly elected officers will work closely with the outgoing officers to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of the chapter.
Installation of new officers shall occur at the time of new member initiation, or at a special ceremony for installation declared by the President in the month of November.
Section 6. Duties of Officers
The elected officers of this chapter shall have the following responsibilities and duties:
a. President - The President shall be the chief executive and administrative officer of the chapter. The President’s duties are:
- Setting date, time, and location for all meetings of the chapter members or officers;
- Setting the official agenda for each meeting of the chapter members or officers;
- To preside over meetings of the Chapter members and/or officers;
- Overseeing the duties and activities of the members and officers;
- Giving final approval for all functions, speakers, activities, and expenditures of the chapter;
- Working with the Chapter Advisor to develop programs and ensure the continuation of chapter activities;
- Developing a close working relationship with the Pre-Law Director and filing regular reports on chapter activities;
- Performing and/or assigning duties to members and other officers as necessary for the chapter to fulfill its purpose and maintain its welfare and dignity.
b. Vice President - The Vice President shall assist the President in the performance of chapter duties as may be requested by the President, and will aid with other requests of the President, Chapter Advisor, or Pre-Law Director. The minimum duties of the Vice President are:
- Being prepared to assume the presidency if necessary by familiarizing him/herself with chapter operations and by-laws;
- Presiding over meetings of the chapter or officers when the President requests or is not available;
- Serving as chapter representative when required at meetings of the University’s student government;
- Working the Secretary and Treasurer to ensure that all proper paperwork is filed in a timely manner;
- Acting as historical officer of the chapter.
c. Secretary - The Secretary is the chief recorder and correspondent of the chapter. The minimum duties of the Secretary are:
- Keeping records of all non-financial matters pertaining to this chapter;
- Correspondence with all chapter members and officers keeping them informed of meeting and event dates, times, and locations, and other materials as requested by the chapter President, Advisor, or Pre-Law Director;
- Keeping minutes of each meeting of the chapter members and/or officers;
- Taking roll call at all chapter meetings and mandatory events;
- Maintaining chapter records of enrollment and participation;
- Working with the Treasurer to remit all official reports, paperwork, and funds as required by the International Executive Board;
- Furnishing chapter information to the Executive Board, Pre-Law Director, or chapter President as requested.
d. Treasurer - The Treasurer is the chief financial officer of the Chapter. The minimum duties of the Treasurer are:
- Safekeeping records of all financial matters pertaining to this chapter;
- Collecting and depositing all chapter funds and keeping associated records;
- Certifying that all new member financial obligations have been paid before acceptance into membership;
- Preparing and presenting a treasurer’s report at each meeting of the chapter members and/or officers;
- Keeping a chronological record of all monies received and distributed;
- Keeping the chapter President, Advisor, members, and officers advised of the chapters financial situation and recommending any appropriate action;
- Working with the Secretary to remit all official reports, paperwork and funds as required by the International Executive Board;
- Furnishing chapter financial information to the Executive Board, Pre-Law Director, or Chapter President as requested.
e. Chapter Advisor - The chapter advisor shall assist the student officers in the administration of the chapter, and shall be available to counsel the student members of the chapter and shall act as a liaison between the chapter and the University’s administration.
Chapter Five
Executive Committee
Section 1. Composition
The Executive Committee of this pre-law chapter shall be composed of the four duly elected chapter officers, the chapter Advisor, and the chairperson(s) of any standing chapter committees.
Section 2. Duties
The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility for the proper, efficient and effective operation of the chapter. It shall schedule, plan and implement chapter programs, projects, functions, and meetings with the major objectives of providing for the professional advancement of the members of the chapter, ensuring the continuity of this chapter by acquiring new members, and providing professional service to the members of this chapter, the Fraternity, and the University. It shall carefully study and review all policies and procedures as promulgated by the International Executive Board to ensure compliance therewith by this chapter.
Section 3. Meetings
The Executive Committee shall meet regularly upon the call of the chapter President to consider, discuss, plan, direct, and implement the operations of the chapter. It shall coordinate the work of the various committees of the chapter and shall develop a projected schedule of chapter operations.
Chapter Six
Pre-Law Director
Section 1. Interaction
It shall be the responsibility of the Chapter President and the Chapter Advisor to develop a close working relationship with the Pre-Law Director and to seek his/her aid and advice to ensure the development of contacts for the chapter members with the local law school and alumni chapters of Phi Alpha Delta. The chapter President shall keep the Pre-Law Director fully informed of all chapter meetings, programs, projects, and other activities and shall seek his/her advice thereon when appropriate.
Chapter Seven
Chapter Committees
Section 1. Forming Committees
Standing and/or temporary committees of this chapter may be established for special purposes as determined necessary by the chapter’s Executive Committee. The chairperson and members of each committee shall be appointed by the chapter President. The four duly elected officers of the chapter shall oversee the work of each individual committee.
Chapter Eight
Fiscal Matters
Section 1. Pre-Law Membership Fee
Each candidate for pre-law membership shall pay the International Membership Fee (determined by the International Office), and the Chapter Initiation Fee (determined by this Chapter) to the Treasurer of the chapter prior to acceptance into membership. The International Membership Fee shall be remitted, in the proper form, to the Executive Office by the chapter Secretary and Treasurer within ten days of receipt of the fee. The Chapter Initiation Fee of ten dollars shall be deposited with the general chapter funds by the Treasurer.
Section 2. Chapter Dues
The dues of this chapter are hereby set at fifteen dollars per semester. Each member of the chapter shall pay the established chapter dues to the chapter Treasurer at the time such is due or upon demand of the Treasurer. Members delinquent in the payment of their chapter dues shall pay a penalty of five dollars for such delinquency. Chapter dues for new members to the chapter are waived for the remainder of the academic year in which membership is granted.
Any member who refuses to pay the lawful chapter dues shall be reported to the chapter by the Treasurer and if such member persists in the refusal to pay such lawful obligations, the member may be held to be a member not in good standing and/or disqualified from membership.
Section 3. Administration and Faculty Members
The International Membership Fee and chapter dues are waived for administration and faculty members of this chapter.
Section 4. Assessments
The chapter may, by a majority vote of those members eligible, present, and voting, levy special assessments upon members of the chapter provided that such is levied at a regular or special meeting called for such purposes and that the members of the chapter are notified of such proposed action prior to such meeting. No such assessment shall exceed an amount equal to the annual dues of the chapter. Upon approval of the chapter, such assessment shall be a financial obligation of each member of the chapter and shall be paid to the chapter Treasurer.
Section 5. Financial Responsibility
The affairs of the chapter shall be conducted upon a sound financial basis and no outstanding chapter indebtedness shall be incurred without the prior approval of a vote of two-thirds of the chapter membership.
Chapter Nine
Chapter Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of this chapter shall be held on a schedule determined by the President of the chapter.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings of this chapter shall be held at the call of the President, chapter Advisor, any two of the other officers of this chapter, or upon written request of one-third of the active membership of this chapter to the President or chapter Advisor.
Section 3. Voting
Voting rights are granted to all members of this chapter who are in good standing. Voting may be done at any meeting of the chapter provided all members have been notified of the meeting in advance, unless the Chapter By-Laws outline another specific requirement. Unless otherwise specified in the Chapter By-Laws, approval of a matter requires a majority vote of all members eligible, present, and voting.
Section 4. Procedure
Robert’s Rules of Order (revised) shall control the parliamentary procedure of this chapter.
Chapter Ten
Official Reports
Section 1. Submission
This chapter shall submit reports as required by the Executive Office or the Pre-Law Director, including the forms as hereinafter set forth:
a. The chapter Secretary shall prepare a Membership Enrollment Form for each membership application received.
b. The Membership Enrollment Forms, Membership Applications, and International Membership Fees shall be remitted to the Executive Office by the chapter Secretary and Treasurer within ten days of receipt by said officers.
c. An updated Roster of Officers shall be submitted to the Executive Office by the chapter Secretary immediately upon the election of officers or immediately upon any change in the information included therein.
d. Any changes to the Chapter By-Laws shall be submitted to the Executive Office by the Secretary immediately upon ratification by the chapter membership.
Chapter Eleven
Pre-Law Chapter By-Laws
Section 1. Authority
These Chapter By-Laws are adopted under the authority of and are subject to the rules and procedures of the International Executive Board of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International. Any section which conflicts with such rules and procedures shall be null and void without voiding the remainder of the Chapter By-Laws
Section 2. Amendments
Those sections of these By-Laws which are not prescribed by the International Constitution, By-Laws, or rules and procedures promulgated by the International Executive Board of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International may be altered, amended, or repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members of this chapter at a meeting called for that purpose and shall be effective immediately; provided, however, that notice of the proposed amendment to these By-Laws shall be given to all chapter members at least one week prior to the meeting and provided further that no meeting for which the amendment of these By-Laws shall be called during a vacation period of the school at which this chapter is located.
Section 3. Filed with the Executive Office
Upon adoption, a copy of the Chapter By-Laws shall be immediately mailed to the Executive Office of the Fraternity to be reviewed and approved by the International Executive Board and filed with the records of this chapter and maintained by the Executive Office. Any amendments to these by-laws officially adopted by the chapter shall likewise be filed with the Executive Office.