Alpha Tau OmegaEst. 1884 · Gainesville, Florida

§1Precedence of National Authority

These bylaws are established under the authority of the National Fraternity of Alpha Tau Omega and, in case of any conflict, the constitution and laws of the National Fraternity shall take precedence. Nothing in conflict with the constitution or laws, or with the standards of the University of Florida, shall be allowed to exist in the Alpha Omega Chapter.

§2Definitions

Reference herein made to the "constitution" means that constitution and laws of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity dated January 1, 1980, or as later amended or changed.

§3"Fraternity" & "Chapter"

"Fraternity" means the National Fraternity of Alpha Tau Omega. "Chapter" means the Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

§4Adoption & Supersession

These bylaws, after adoption by a majority vote of the active members, shall supersede and replace all bylaws, rules, and regulations previously adopted by the chapter which may be in conflict.

§5Amendment

These bylaws may be amended by a favorable vote of two-thirds of the active members (who have been active for longer than one scholastic semester) present and voting at any regular or special meeting.

§6Notice of Proposed Amendments

Proposed amendments must be presented in written form at least one week prior to the vote. The notification shall include a first reading followed by discussion, and a final reading, discussion, and vote on the second week. No amendment shall be effective unless in compliance with the constitution, laws, and minimum requirements outlined in the Policies and Procedures of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Inc.

§7Interpretation

All extraneous circumstances or undefined articles shall be referred to the Executive Committee for a final decision.

§1Election to Membership

Election to membership shall be in accordance with Article VII of the constitution and laws of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

§2Election to Pledgeship

Election to pledgeship shall be by vast majority ballot pursuant to Article VII, Section 5, of the Alpha Tau Omega Constitution.

§3Composition

Membership shall consist of all those who have been properly initiated and all affiliates who are properly enrolled at the University of Florida.

§4Affiliation from Other Chapters

Members initiated at other chapters may be affiliated in accordance with the ATO constitution, provided they acquire approval by two-thirds of the active chapter members present. The member must actively participate in Alpha Omega's Chapter functions for one semester preceding the vote, and submit a letter of good standing from the Worthy Master of his previous chapter.

§5Classifications

All members shall be carried on the official rolls in the order of initiation. Each member shall be in one of three classifications:

• Alumnus - any graduated member not currently enrolled in undergraduate colleges at UF.
• Active Member - any member currently enrolled at UF paying the full bill required.
• Inactive Member - a UF-enrolled member not paying the full bill. Inactive members must still pay national dues at minimum.

§6Pledges

Men classified as pledges of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity shall be subject to all rules, regulations, and laws contained herein or adopted by the Chapter as part of the pledge program.

§7Good Standing

All members shall remain in good standing by adhering to all policies set forth by ATO National, the University of Florida, and any additional requirements from Chapter Revitalization or Membership Review. This includes:

• Mandatory participation in all required educational and development programs, including the ATΩ Pursuit Program.
• Compliance with all Health & Safety policies and accountability measures.
• Adherence to all sanctions, requirements, and operational expectations placed upon the Chapter.

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination of membership.

§1General

All members shall be subject to all rules, regulations, and laws contained in the constitution, bylaws, and house rules.

§2Active Membership Obligation

All initiated members shall remain fully active and pay fully active dues during their entire enrollment period at UF or for four (4) years, whichever is shorter. Discounts, rebates, or release from this obligation require approval by two-thirds of the Executive Committee or the national fraternity.

§3Payment of Dues

Each semester's bill shall be paid at the start of the semester as determined by the Worthy Keeper of Exchequer.

• Extensions require approval by two-thirds of the Executive Committee.
• Late payment incurs a fine of 10% of the total bill due, plus immediate suspension of dining, social, voting, parking, and bump privileges.
• 30 days in arrears: suspension from the Chapter; all rights and privileges forfeited until paid.
• 60 days in arrears: recommendation to the Province Chief for suspension.

§4Attendance

Active members and pledges shall attend all official functions. The Scribe takes roll at official functions. Fines for absences:

• Rush meeting or formal pledging: placed on driving list.
• Initiation: $50.00 (if deemed necessary by Executive Committee).
• Regularly scheduled chapter meeting: $10.00.
• Two unexcused absences in a month: immediate suspension from the next social function.

§5Privileges

• Alumni - all rights and privileges as prescribed by the Constitution.
• Active members - full rights and privileges per the Constitution and bylaws.
• Inactive members - no vote, no participation in fraternity functions, no benefits.
• The Worthy Master assumes the highest position on the bump list at the end of the Spring semester following his Fall election.

§6Right of Appeal

Any member subject to disciplinary action by the Judicial Committee may appeal to the Chapter in regular or special meeting. A majority of members present is necessary to override the decision. An appeal shall not be heard again unless by two-thirds affirmative vote. Punishments coming directly from the bylaws cannot be overridden.

§7Major Disciplinary Proceedings

All disciplinary action involving fines in excess of $100.00 or suspension for longer than two semesters follows trial proceedings as prescribed by the Constitution.

§9Member Expectations

All members shall maintain a commitment to academic achievement and campus involvement.

• The Chapter shall strive for a cumulative GPA at or above 3.0.
• Each member is expected to participate in at least one additional campus organization.
• Each member is expected to complete a minimum of 10 service hours per semester.

§1Officer Ranks

§2Election Timing

Election of the Worthy Master, Worthy Chaplain, Worthy Keeper of the Exchequer, Risk Management Officer, Worthy Keeper of Annals, and Worthy Scribe shall be held as near as possible to the first week of November. Nominations in the second-to-last week of October, speeches the last week of October, elections the first week of November.

§3Installation & Transition

Newly elected officers take over upon official installation in the last chapter of the fall semester. Outgoing officers shall have all records up-to-date and turn them over with all property. Newly initiated brothers shall not participate in executive elections in the same semester they are initiated. Each outgoing officer is required to take detailed transition notes on computer and file them with the Worthy Keeper of Annals.

§5Eligibility

Only active members with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and no financial indebtedness to the Chapter shall be eligible for office. All officers must demonstrate strong academic standing and leadership capability.

§7Automatic Disqualification

Any officer or committee chairman whose financial indebtedness remains delinquent for more than 30 days shall immediately become disqualified and the Executive Committee shall call another election immediately. Exception by two-thirds vote of the Chapter (not including the officer in question).

§8Vacancies

Whenever a vacancy occurs in any elected office, an election shall be called within seven days or at the next Chapter meeting. The elected officer shall fill the un-expired term.

§9Removal from Office

Any officer may be removed upon petition of five active members or Executive Committee recommendation, in conjunction with a two-thirds majority vote of the Chapter.

§12Board of Directors

The business of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors (Trustees) consisting of the Worthy Master, Worthy Chaplain, Risk Management Officer, Worthy Keeper of the Exchequer, Worthy Keeper of the Annals, and Worthy Scribe. Directors hold office for one year or until successors are elected.

§1Worthy Master

Liaison between the Chapter and the University, National Fraternity, and Alumni. Responsible for all actions of the Chapter. Official representative to all national Congresses. Chairman of the Executive Committee. Voting member of the Alpha Omega Board of Trustees and Housing Corporation.

§2Worthy Marshall

Oversees all committee chairs. Assumes responsibilities of the President if he is removed or absent. Shares campus involvement opportunities with the chapter and provides new members with opportunities inside or outside the fraternity.

§3Worthy Chaplain

Ritual expert. Sets up the Chapter Room for ceremonies. Keeps order in the annals room. Coordinates brotherhood events. Serves as spiritual advisor.

§4Worthy Keeper of Exchequer

Exclusive responsibility for Chapter funds. Adjusts member financial statements at his discretion (subject to Executive Committee review). Advises Chapter on all expenditures. Selects an Assistant WKE subject to Chapter approval. Oversees the House Manager, Social Chairman, Roadtrip Chairman, Formal Chairman, and Homecoming Chairman.

§5Worthy Keeper of Annals

Keeps accurate National and IFC rolls. Preserves chapter history. Maintains alumni address records. Plans and executes alumni weekend in the fall. Prepares alumni/parent newsletter mailed five weeks before each semester ends. Organizes an annual career fair for brothers and alumni.

§6Worthy Scribe

Takes attendance at all official functions. Records Executive Committee, Chapter, and Judicial Board meetings. Keeps accurate minutes. Compiles and submits the chapter's annual report to national headquarters. Oversees the Public Relations Chairman, Community Service Coordinator, and Campus Involvement Chairman. Maintains the Chapter List Serve.

§7Risk Management Officer

Chairman of the Judicial Committee (non-voting). Calls brothers suspected of by-law violations for hearings. Gives semester reports on risk management policies. Aids in planning all Chapter functions to ensure compliance.

§8Worthy Usher

Serves as Philanthropy Chairman. Plans at least two major philanthropic events per year with a minimum goal of $2,000 raised annually for an approved non-profit. Oversees participation in sorority philanthropies.

§9Worthy Sentinel (New Member Educator)

Oversees the new member experience in strict accordance with the ATΩ New Member Education Framework, the ATΩ Manual, and University of Florida policies. Upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy for hazing. Implements a structured, values-based program focused on leadership development, brotherhood integration, academic success, and personal and professional growth. Coordinates weekly new member meetings on campus in a transparent, approved setting. Oversees mentorship pairing new members with active brothers and alumni. Ensures a clear syllabus, a defined timeline (not to exceed six academic weeks), and full transparency. Coordinates formal parent communication.

§10Social Chairman

Plans and executes all social functions. Assists the Recruitment Chairman with rush parties. Takes a chapter vote five weeks prior to each semester's end for upcoming socials. Responsible for the upkeep and security of Chapter stereo equipment. Must comply with all university regulations.

§11House Manager

Advises the Chapter on care of the chapter house and grounds. Directly in charge of the Chapter maintenance employee. Ensures compliance with all Fire Safety requirements. May levy fines up to $50.00. Holds at least one bump per semester. Appoints a parking lot manager, energy conservation officer, and yard manager.

§12Recruitment Chairman

Serves as Rush Chairman. Organizes the rushing program and meets eligible university and high school students. Answers all alumni rush recommendations. Required to be in Gainesville for summer. Must complete Phired Up Certification.

§14Kitchen Manager

Enforces regulations pertaining to the dining room and kitchen. May levy fines up to $10.00 for kitchen and dining room violations. Head server at the evening meal. Responsible for dining room help employment. Holds at least three sit-downs per week.

§15Scholarship Chairman

Enforces study hours for new members. Obtains academic reports from the IFC office each semester. Informs the chapter of available scholarships. Maintains an up-to-date scholarship file and old resumes.

§16Intramural Chairman

Organizes teams, appoints coaches, acquires equipment, and publicizes intramural events. Maintains communication with the intramural office. Keeps the chapter informed of President's Cup standings.

§1Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the Chapter are held weekly during the college year. Chapter is held every Monday at 6:15 PM unless moved by the Worthy Master or in conflict with another required event.

§2Changing Meeting Time

The time and date of regular meetings may be changed only by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting.

§4Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the Worthy Master at his discretion or upon any instance requiring Chapter decisions prior to the next scheduled meeting.

§5Formal Meetings

Formal Chapter Meetings shall be opened and closed in the manner prescribed in the Ritual.

§6Parliamentary Procedure

Any parliamentary procedure not covered by the Ritual, Constitution, or bylaws shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order as interpreted by the Worthy Master.

§8Chapter Room Rules

• Reading material not pertinent to Chapter business is prohibited during meetings.
• Profane or obscene language is prohibited.
• The Worthy Master and Worthy Sentinel shall fine any member whose conduct is not in keeping with the spirit of the Fraternity.

§1Committees

1. Executive Committee
2. Rush Committee
3. Membership Education Committee
4. Judicial Committee
5. Philanthropy Committee
6. Bylaw Revisions Committee

§2Executive Committee

Consists of the eight elected officers and two at-large members, with Worthy Usher and Worthy Sentinel as non-voting members until the spring pledge class has been initiated. The Worthy Master is chairman. Duties include reviewing and approving chapter policy decisions, serving as the Chapter's highest judicial board for appeals, voting on proposed legislation before it reaches the full chapter, and appointing: Scholarship, House, Public Relations, Community Service, Recruitment, Kitchen, Intramural, Alumni Relations, and Campus Involvement chairmen.

§3Judicial Committee

Made up of the Worthy Master, Worthy Marshall, Worthy Keeper of the Exchequer, Worthy Chaplain, Worthy Scribe, and four at-large members chosen by the executive board. Headed by the Risk Manager. Takes disciplinary action on conduct prejudicial to the Chapter including offenses against law, failure to pay indebtedness, disciplinary action by the University, continued failure to participate, property destruction, physical assault, and more. May levy fines up to $100.00 or invoke suspension up to two semesters by majority vote.

§4Membership Education Committee

Composed of the New Member Educator and no more than two appointed members. Assists in planning and executing a structured, values-driven new member program aligned with ATΩ National standards and Chapter revitalization requirements.

§5Rush Committee

Consists of the Rush Chairman, Worthy Chaplain, Worthy Scribe, and appointed members. Secures names of prospective rushees from alumni and members. Establishes contact, investigates eligibility (financial, social, scholastic), organizes entertainment, and organizes fall, spring, and summer rush. Instructs brothers on proper rush conduct per Phired Up Certifications.