National Constitution Article XIX

Article Summary: Article XIX of the National Constitution defines the disciplinary actions of the National Council, including the authority of the Council to discipline any Chapter or Member, and describes punishable offenses and disciplinary actions.

ARTICLE XIX: DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

Section 1: Chapter Delinquencies

All Reports, Dues, and Fees called for by the National Office shall be forwarded promptly by the due date. The National Office shall contact a delinquent Chapter as soon as possible regarding any Reports, Dues, or Fees not received by the National Office by the appropriate due date. Failure to submit Reports, Dues, or Fees by the appropriate due date shall subject the Chapter to a fine to be determined by the National Council. In addition, the delinquent Chapter shall lose all Grand Chapter voting and reimbursement privileges until all delinquent financial obligations, forms, and reports are received by the National Office. Further disciplinary action may be taken if deemed necessary by the National Council. Multiple or recurring offenses may subject the Chapter to further disciplinary action under the provisions of Section 2 below.

Section 2: Offenses and Voting Requirements

If a Chapter acts in a manner contrary to the National Constitution, the Chapter shall be disciplined according to the severity of the offense. Chapter actions deemed as offenses include, but are not limited to, nonpayment of National Dues or Fees and failure to comply with other regulations. A three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the National Council shall be necessary for disciplinary action in such event. Disciplinary action shall include, but not be limited to, probation, suspension, or revoking a charter of the Chapter by the National Council.

Section 3: Summary Suspensions

The Members of the National Council may suspend summarily any Chapter or Member of Phi Sigma Pi whenever such action shall be believed necessary to ensure the continued, orderly functioning of Phi Sigma Pi and/or to protect life or property. A three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the National Council shall not be immediately required, but shall be obtained at a formal hearing within thirty (30) days for the suspension to remain in effect.

Section 4: Notice and Procedure

The National Office shall notify the Chapter President, Secretary, and Chapter Advisor of the disciplinary action taken against the Chapter. In the event that the action results in the suspension of the Chapter, the National Office shall advise the Chapter of the time and place when the Grand Chapter shall hear the suspension appeal. The Grand Chapter shall have the authority to overturn or amend any disciplinary decision of the National Council after such a hearing by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Members present at a duly convened meeting of the Grand Chapter.

Section 5: Authority to Discipline Members

Any Member of Phi Sigma Pi may be disciplined by the National Council for non-payment of financial obligations or for conduct unbecoming of a Member of Phi Sigma Pi. Disciplinary actions shall include, but not be limited to, probation, suspension, or expulsion. All disciplinary actions shall require at least a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the National Council. A member who has been placed on probation or suspended may be reinstated at any subsequent meeting by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the National Council, after the terms of disciplinary action have been completed.

Section 6: Reduction of Disciplinary Actions

A Chapter that is under disciplinary action may have the disciplinary action reduced by completing part or all of the terms and conditions of the action and by appeal to the National Council. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the National Council will reduce the action.

Section 7: Definition of a Chapter Not in Good Standing

Any Chapter which is delinquent in the Chapter's monetary remittance, forms, reports, or which is the subject of disciplinary action by the National Council, shall not be considered a Chapter in good standing.