Preamble
We, the sisters of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc., come together to
display sound moral and ethical judgment, to promote services among community, to
pursue excellence in education, to explore richness in culture, and to be noticed socially,
as open minded sisters.
Article I
Name
We are recognized as the Omicron Alpha Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National
Sorority, Inc. at Grand Valley State University.
Article II
Membership
Section A.
Chapter Membership
All chapter members must have completed a membership intake process
which is a minimum of 8 weeks at Grand Valley State University
(GVSU). Chapter members must be in good standing in accordance to
Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. and GVSU. Equal benefits
will be given to all members in good standing.
Qualifications
1. Undergraduate
a. Must be a full time student enrolled at GVSU.
b. Must maintain a GPA of 2.6 or above
i. Sisters initiated prior to the Spring 2007
semester, must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA as
well as follow the Academic Policy** to be
considered to be in good standing with the
chapter.
c. Special circumstance concerning undergraduate status
shall be determined by the Sisterhood Enhancement
Committee (SEC).
2. Early Alum
a. Must be enrolled at GVSU.
b. Must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or above.
c. Terms of Early Alum shall be determined by their
individual contract with the chapter.
d. Must be senior by credit hour (90+ credits).
e. Must meet with and be approved by SEC.
f. Special circumstance concerning Early Alum status
shall be determined by the Sisterhood Enhancement
Committee (SEC).
3. Alumnae
a. Has completed their designated undergraduate
programs and holds a diploma from GVSU.
Termination of Membership
1. If any member wishes to terminate her membership to Sigma
Lambda Gamma, she must submit a written explanation to the
Sisterhood Enhancement Committee (SEC).
2. A member may be terminated if she does not uphold the
principles of Sigma Lambda Gamma.
3. The SEC will present the termination proposal to all active
members for a vote.
4. Two-thirds of all active members must approve of the
termination for the proposed member at the next chapter
meeting.
Section B.
Associate Members
Qualifications
1. Must have completed at least one semester GVSU as a full
time student.
2. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
3. Must complete the Membership Recruitment Process.
a. All forms mandated by National Headquarters and
GVSU, informational meeting, and interview
4. Must demonstrate prior leadership experience.
5. In order to obtain Initiated status, associated members must
complete the Membership Intake Process.
6. Final selection of Associate Members shall be left to the
discretion of the current undergraduate membership.
a. All associate members must be voted in by threefourths vote
Termination of Associate Members
1. Termination of an Associate Member will be determined by the
current undergraduate members in accordance to the five
founding principles and the discretion of the chapter.
a. Termination of an Associate Member shall be
determined by a three-fourths vote
b. Membership Educator’s recommendation shall be taken
into consideration in determining termination
2. Any prospective member that terminates the Membership
Education Process may not reinstate themselves in the
Membership Intake Process without a letter of appeal and a
three-fourths vote from the active members of the chapter.
Membership will not be excluded to those Grand Valley State University
students based on the following reasons: age, color, disability, familial
status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race,
religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight.
Article III
Officers
Section A.
Positions
1. President- The President shall be the chief executive officer of the
chapter and be responsible for the general supervision of the chapter;
coordinating chapter affairs in accordance with the established
programs and policies.
Qualifications
a. Has prior leadership and management experiences, is a
visionary, and possesses the ability to motivate and inspire
others.
b. Understands parliamentary procedure.
c. Represents the chapter well within the GVSU Community,
other institutions and at regional and national functions.
d. Is in good standing
Duties
a. Presides at all chapter meetings and SEC meetings.
b. Calls special meetings of the chapter if deemed necessary.
c. Carries on the work of the chapter as directed by the
constitution, chapter by-laws and Sigma Lambda Gamma
national rules and policies.
d. Conducts initiation and other ceremonies as prescribed in the
Ritual and Ceremonies Manual.
e. Fills temporary vacancies of other officers.
f. Takes a leadership role in the year-round membership
recruitment effort of the chapter, participates actively in the
chapter, understands the budgeting process and advocates
responsibility.
g. Keeps notebook and/or records current and trains successor
before leaving office.
h. Attends Greek Life Council meetings.
i. Maintains interactions with the Office of Student Life
j. Responsible for planning and implementing a Sisterhood
Retreat each semester.
2. Vice President: Vice President of Program Development - The Vice
President shall in the absences of the President, represent the chapter and
preside at all regular and special meetings. She shall oversee the
recruitment of all new. She will facilitate new member education and
orientation to the chapter preparation for induction and initiation.
Qualifications
a. Understands chapter rules and serves as a mentor to the
members and/or new members.
b. Possesses a strong value system that includes a belief in the
dignity of every person, a respect for academic achievement,
and appreciation of diversity, and an ability to make difficult
decisions.
c. Has a commitment to being the liaison between the President
and General Members.
d. Ensures follow up with all members to assure that goals are
accomplished and tasks are completed.
Duties:
a. Leads Chapter members in goal setting at the beginning of each
month.
b. Serves as a member of the Executive Board and attends all
meetings.
c. Keeps a notebook and/or records current and trains successor
before leaving office.
d. Serves as chair of Greek Week, National Hazing Prevention
Week, Homecoming, Icebreaker, and the Breast Cancer
Awareness Walk
3. Vice President of Recruitment -The Vice President of Recruitment shall
oversee the Member Recruitment Program of this chapter.
Qualifications:
a. Is a visionary and can motivate and inspire others;
b. Understands delegation and serves as a mentor to the members
of the chapter;
c. Is analytical and strategic about the recruitment process;
d. Understands the need for recruitment processes year-round in a
variety of ways and reviews all possible resources to use;
f. Performs all other duties usually incumbent of the office.
Duties:
a. Leads her department members in goal-setting at the beginning
of their terms;
b. In charge of attending any necessary meetings pertaining to
recruitment and follows up with all Directors to assure that goals
are accomplished and tasks are completed;
c. Serves as a member of the Judiciary Board;
d. Reports in accordance with the sorority calendar giving
information as to progress in the areas of finance, housing, and
administration;
e. Responsible for paperwork of possible interests including
paperwork for the interview.
f. Sends e-mails to possible interests with pertinent information
including informationals, interest events, and interviews
g. Keeps her notebook current and trains her successor before
leaving office;
h. Performs all other duties usually incumbent of the office.
4. Secretary: Vice President of Chapter Operations- The Secretary shall
oversee all administrative operations of the chapter she will report in
accordance with the sorority calendar giving information as to the progress
of areas within the chapter and work closely with the chapter advisor.
Qualifications
a. Is organized, detail oriented, and understands the importance of
individual and chapter responsibility.
b. Possesses the personal skills to work closely and well with
Nationals, Members, the Office of Student Life and advisors.
c. Is actively involved with chapter operations and activities.
Duties:
a. Attends Executive Boards Meetings and follows up with all
officers to assure that the goals were accomplished and tasks
are completed.
b. Keeps a notebook current and trains her successor before
leaving offices.
c. Is responsible for Headquarters’ progress reports and
supervising chapter paperwork for fundraising, dances, nonhazing reports, etc.
d. Is responsible for being liaison between Sigma Lambda
Gamma and outside organizations.
e. Is responsible for taking notes, posting minutes, and
maintaining the master calendar schedule
f. Responsible for the upkeep of the Chapter Minutes and
communication on the listservs.
5. Vice President of Marketing-The Vice President of Marketing shall
oversee and coordinate the public relations, publicity, philanthropic
fundraising, community services, and campus activities of the chapter.
Qualifications
a. Is a visionary and can motivate and inspire others;
b. Is creative and artistic but also analytical and strategic;
c. Understands the importance of Sigma Lambda Gamma’s image,
name recognition, and positive and frequent publicity.
Duties:
d. Reports in accordance with the sorority calendar giving
information as to progress in the area of marketing;
e. Works in concert with the Chapter Advisor;
f. Maintains the chapter website
g. Keeps her notebook current and trains her successor before
leaving office;
h. Performs all other duties usually incumbent of the office.
6. Vice President of Finance
Qualifications
a. Ability to handle money and recognize priorities of Sigma
Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
Duties:
a. Reviews bank statements for the chapter
1. Keeps a ledger of all transactions and is the principle of
account.
b. Responsible for any funding requests needed to be carried out
for programming.
c. Responsible for filling out national budget report.
d. Responsible for sending out national dues and collecting chapter
dues.
7. Vice President of Academics
Qualifications
a. Ability to recognize academic priorities of Sigma Lambda
Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
Duties:
a. Must obtain a copy of the grades of members from the
president
b. Responsible for academic programs
d. Recognizes and awards individuals for outstanding academics
e. Keeps track of academics of associate members
f. Responsible for the implementation of any academic plans for
undergraduate and associate members.
8. Vice President of Alumni Relations
Qualifications
a. The ability to recognize the value of maintaining
communication with Alumni of Sigma Lambda Gamma
National Sorority, Inc.
Duties:
a. Maintains Alumni newsletter and contact information.
b. Maintain alumnae relations
c. Responsible for planning Alumni related events.
d. Works with Alumni relations chair and keeps them up to date
with national policies.
9. Historian
Qualifications
a. Must have access to a quality camera.
b. Must pay attention to detail.
c. Be creative and artistic.
Duties
a Responsible for creating and maintaining an event binder which
includes pictures, event title, number of attendees and the event
flyer.
b. Must attend all events and responsible for taking pictures of
events. If unable to attend than VP of Marketing chair must
take pictures.
10. Alumni Relations Chair
Qualification
a. Must live in the West Michigan area.
b. Must have a good relationship with Chapter and Alumni.
Duties:
a. Maintains a current list of contact information for sisters;
b. Actively seeking contact information for sisters who we do not
have contact information for;
Section B.
Election of the Officers
1. Elections shall be held annually during the month of April.
2. Nominations will be taken one week prior to the election.
3. Voting shall be by secret ballot and a majority vote is needed to elect.
4. The newly elected officer shall presume office immediately.
5. The length of the term shall be one calendar year.
Section C.
Filling Vacancies
1. Vacancies caused by disqualification, resignation, removal or otherwise shall
be filled by the President or other qualified executive board member until the
next election date.
Membership Educator Role(s)
The Membership Educator shall oversee the Membership Intake Process.
Qualification
 Should have at least one year within the Sisterhood.
 Must have and maintain a G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher.
 Exhibits sound judgment and patience.
 Preference given to previous Membership Educators and Assistant Membership
Educators who have proven to be effective in that position. With an emphasis on
the Assistant Membership Educators.
Duties
 Must schedule and attend all membership education meetings.
 Maintain current records and notes for each educational process.
 Is responsible for coordinating rituals with the President of the Chapter.
 Responsible for all intake paperwork through GVSU and Headquarters.
 Communicates progress of the Associate Members to the Chapter.
*The Assistant Membership Educator (AME) shall entail all of the previous
qualifications and duties as the Membership Educator. In the case of an absence of
the Membership Educator, the AME shall oversee the Membership Intake Process.
Section D.
Recall of Officers
1. If an officer continually fails to act in the best interest of the chapter, she will
be considered for removal of office. A written proposal must be submitted by
a member stating reason(s) for removal of office. It will then be proposed
during New Business at a regularly scheduled meeting. A 2/3 vote is required
by the chapter for impeachment of office.
Article IV
Finance
Section A.
Dues and Assessments
1. Undergraduate Membership Dues
a. Due by the discretion of the chapter
i. $105 National Dues
ii. $75 Chapter Dues
2. Early Alum Dues
a. Due by the discretion of the chapter
i. $105 National Dues
ii. $75 Chapter Dues
3. Alum
a. Dues are not required but any donation is encouraged.
4. Associate Member Dues
a. $255 MIP Dues.
b. Membership Intake Process Dues will be collected within the first
week of induction.
c. A payment plan containing timeline and amount paid may be arranged.
Section B.
Banking
1. Banking shall be done through an account at a bank decided by the active
members.
Section C.
Disposition of Funds if Inactivation Occurs
1. If an associate members drops/ is dropped any payment to the chapter will remain
in the Chapter Fund
Section D.
Special Circumstances/ Leave of Absence
1. If a member becomes inactive due to extenuating circumstances, 50% of the total
Chapter dues will be paid. If dues are already paid, partially or over the 50%, the
chapter will not refund the member. If a member refuses to pay her dues,
National Headquarters will be notified and the member will be put in bad
standing.
2. National Headquarter dues shall be paid in full.
Section E.
Dissolution of Funds
1. In the event that Sigma Lambda Gamma should become inactive, all funds would
be forwarded to the National Office.
Article V
Meetings
Section A.
Chapter Meetings
1. Chapter Meeting will be held on a weekly basis as determined by the active
members.
2. In case of an emergency situation, the president is allowed to call a meeting with
at least 2/3 attendance.
Section B.
Attendance
1. Attendance is mandatory. If absent, the absentee must get in contact with the
President an hour in advance before the missed meeting or mandatory event. The
absence will then be voted on at chapter. Failure to notify the President an hour
in advance will result in an automatic $15 fine. Any absence will be discussed at
the next chapter meeting to determine whether the absence is excused. If the
Chapter deems that the absence is unexcused a $15 fine will be assessed.
a. ALL EVENTS ARE MANDATORY unless previously discussed
during voting (this excludes any Membership Intake Process Meetings)!
b. In extreme circumstances automatic fine may be waived if deemed
appropriate by a majority vote of the chapter.
c. Review of any absence will occur at the next Chapter Meeting where a
vote will be taken on whether or not the absence will be excused. If the
absence is deemed unexcused a $15 fine is assessed.
2. Tardy Policy
a. Must notify president of possible tardiness at least 15 minutes before
scheduled time.
b. Arrival past five minutes of the start time is subject to a fine.
c. If sister is more than 5 minutes late there will be a $5.00 fine assessed.
d. If a sister is over 20 minutes late, it may be considered an absence and
shall be voted on in the next meeting.
Section C.
Section A.
Section B.
Ritual
i. To be able to participate in ritual (induction or initiation) a sister
must be in good standing.
Article VI
Amendements
These by-laws may be amended by a 2/3 vote of all members in
good standing enrolled in the chapter.
The vote may be taken only after the proposed amendment has met
the following requirements.
1. It must be presented during a chapter meeting in which
there must be a quorum (quorum is defined as 2/3 of the
voting population) present.
2. Amendments must be submitted to the President prior
to the Chapter Meeting as well as distributed to the
current active Chapter members.
Hazing Policy
Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. strictly forbids hazing, which is defied as
any act or tradition that endangers the physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing of an
associate and/or member; request encourages or suggests violation of city, county, state,
or national law; is mentally or physically degrading; or requests a personal or menial task
of an associate member and/or member, regardless of location, intent, or consent of the
participant. Hazing corrupts the true meaning of a sorority; it negates the values of
loyalty, hope, trust, supportive friendship, kindness, and compassion of Sigma Lambda
Gamma National Sorority Inc. Violation of the Sorority’s Hazing Policy by a member or
pledge will result in a review of associate member status or membership or suspension,
withdrawal or disestablishment of Chapter. As an organization at Grand Valley State
University, we will comply with the University’s Hazing policy.
Alcohol Policy
1. No alcoholic beverages may be stored, served, consumed or sold by sisters of
the Omicron Alpha Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma at official events.
2. Omicron Alpha chapter funds may not be used to purchase alcoholic
beverages.
3. We shall not sponsor or co-sponsor any function with any distributor of
alcoholic beverages or brewing companies.
4. No member of the Omicron Alpha chapter shall buy or distribute any alcohol
with or to any underage interest or associate member.
5. Omicron Alpha active chapter members are not to have any distasteful
pictures of alcohol consumption, alcohol paraphernalia, others in pictures
consuming or holding alcohol paraphernalia; posted on internet social
networks such as Facebook, MySpace, etc. Underage sisters should not have
any alcohol related pictures on social networks.
6. Prospective members and current Omicron Alpha chapter members:
a. Omicron Alpha active chapter members will refrain from excessive
alcohol consumption in the presence of prospective members.
7. The alcohol policy of Grand Valley State University is also applied.
8. The alcohol policy of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., is also
applied.
*(footnote) Official events are planned, publicized, and implemented by the
Chapter as reflected in the minutes
*(footnote) Interest status shall be defined by the chapter. Interest list will be
updated at the first chapter meeting of each month.
Grade Policy
Procedures when an active member receives a semester GPA under a 2.75
1. First Semester- Probation Status
a. The active member will continue to hold voting rights, office positions,
and be eligible to go to sorority events, programs, and socials.
b. Duties
i. Mandatory study tables two times a week for 1½ hours, in tutor lab
or with a chosen tutor. Must have a signed sheet from tutor
documenting hours.
ii. Provide Academic Chair with syllabus listing tests and quizzes.
Must provide Academic Chair with grade received one week after
exam.
iii. Seek academic/ emotional counselor advice.
2. Second Semester- Probation 2 Status
a. The active member will meet with SEC to discuss academic plan and
sanctions
b. The active member will not hold an office position, or be eligible to vote,
or go to social Greek-sponsored events. Active members must continue to
pay dues.
c. Duties
i. Mandatory study tables two times a week for 1½ hours, in tutor lab
or with a chosen tutor. Must have signed sheet from tutor
documenting hours.
ii. Provide Academic Chair with syllabus listing tests and quizzes.
Must provide Academic Chair with grade received one week after
exam.
iii. Seek academic/ emotional counselor advice.
3. Third Semester- Questionable Status.
a. Active member loses all benefits except attending meetings and paying
dues. Member has no responsibilities and cannot attend any social Greeksponsored events.
b. Duties
i. Mandatory study tables two times a week for 1½ hours in tutor lab
or with a chosen tutor. Must have signed sheet from tutor
documenting hours.
ii. Provide Academic Chair with syllabus listing tests and quizzes.
Must provide Academic Chair with grade received one week after
exam.
iii. Seek academic/ emotional counselor advice.
iv. Must meet with SEC to review termination of member.
4. Each semester there after a sister’s termination shall be reviewed by SEC.
Confidentiality Policy
Upon the initiation of each new member, a confidentiality contract must be signed,
that will bind her to keep the information that she has been privileged with to herself.
In the event a sister disaffiliates or is terminated she shall be presented with a copy of
her confidentiality contract. The contract will be written as determined by active
members of the chapter. Violation of the confidentiality contract may result in
appropriate legal action.
Upon the induction of new members, the membership educator must sign the
educator expectations agreement. The initiated members must sign the initiated
member’s responsibilities and expectations agreement that the membership educator
must keep. Violation of these agreements may result in appropriate disciplinary
action.
Gamma mother selection- Gamma mothers should be selected according to the
National Policy Manual:
- Chapter shall decide which active members are eligible for the position
- Those members who are eligible and show an interest in filling the
position will be considered to move on to the next phase of the selection
process.
- Associate members will be asked to write a paragraph about an active
member or members they would consider as a Gamma mother.
- Active and associate members are to be paired by result of written
paragraph and chapter discussion.
- All final decisions will be left up to the chapter.

Travel Expenditures
Chapter will be responsible for all registration and transporation fees for National
Conventions/Retreats and regional meetings.
Good Standing Clause:
Good Standing shall be defined as a sister that meets the fiscal and academic
requirements as outlined nationally and by the Omicron Alpha chapter.