Brothers,

Under the Phi Kappa Sigma Constitution and Acts, Article XI – The Amendments, we present to you the following legislative items which have been submitted in writing to be presented at the 98th Grand Chapter.

1. Amendment to the Risk Management Policies Zachary Charlton, Beta Mu – South Alabama 2016 This amendment will allow chapters of Phi Kappa Sigma to hold events on chapter property that involve the use of a third party vendor to distribute alcohol. It also allow chapters to have more than the current allowance of attendees (2 per member) at a function that has alcohol. Additionally, it permits chapter funds to be used for an open bar and restricts potential new member attendance.

2. Amendment for Transgender Inclusion Alpha Nu – Georgia Tech This amendment will included assigned sex to the list which shall not be used to deny membership in the Fraternity.

3. Amendment to Nominations Procedure Alpha Nu – Georgia Tech This amendment restructures the nomination process for Grand Officers.

4. Amendment for Long-term Lease Approval Timothy Schug, Alpha Epsilon – Illinois Tech 2007 This amendment will require Grand Officer approval before signing a long-term lease of property.

5. Amendment to War Powers Voting Procedure Timothy Schug, Alpha Epsilon – Illinois Tech 2007 This amendment will update the War Powers section to include phone or e-mail vote and removes telegraph ballots.

6. Amendment to Trademarks Timothy Schug, Alpha Epsilon – Illinois Tech 2007 This amendment corrects typos in the current form.

7. Amendment to Sweetheart Badge Timothy Schug, Alpha Epsilon – Illinois Tech 2007 This amendment clarifies the type of badge permitted and extends the recipient list.

8. Amendment for Chapter Advisor Recommendation Timothy Schug, Alpha Epsilon – Illinois Tech 2007 This amendment permits the Grand Thetas to make a recommendation.

9. Amendment to Membership Records Timothy Schug, Alpha Epsilon – Illinois Tech 2007 This amendment updates the current requirements for recording member information to align with current practices and technology.

10. Amendment to Expansion and Colonization Procedures Timothy Schug, Alpha Epsilon – Illinois Tech 2007 This amendment addresses the current process for expansion and approval, as well as oversight of colonies by Headquarters Staff.

11. Amendment to Gender Requirement Timothy Schug, Alpha Epsilon – Illinois Tech 2007 This amendment seeks to clarify current language in the Constitution regarding eligibility of males for membership.

12. Amendment for Operations Assessment National House Corporation of Phi Kappa Sigma This motion creates an operations assessment for maintaining a National Housing Corporation.

13. Amendment for Chapter Housing Emergency Assessment National House Corporation of Phi Kappa Sigma This motion creates a chapter housing emergency assessment for assisting chapters by the National Housing Corporation.

14. Amendment for Chapter Housing Investment Assessment National House Corporation of Phi Kappa Sigma This motion creates a chapter housing investment assessment for future housing needs through National Housing Corporation.

In the spirit of giving notice (previous notice of motions), the following motion will be proposed at the 98th Grand Chapter.

1. Gender-Neutral Committee Henry WIllshire, Delta Rho – Usinus 2016 That Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity create an exploratory committee to investigate the feasibility, practicality, and ramifications of becoming a gender-neutral organization. As it stands, membership in Phi Kappa Sigma is open to any “bona fide male students,” as laid out in the Constitution in Article III, Section 1. The committee would investigate the legal, social, cultural, and economic consequences of changing that language and the rest of the Constitution so that any person might be inducted as a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

PHI KAPPA SIGMA GRAND

CHAPTER 2016

Zach Charlton

Beta Mu Author Delegation

Title of Bill: Amending Risk Management Policies of the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity Inc.

BE IT ENACTED BY GRAND OFFICERS, NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND CHAPTERS REPRESENTED

Preamble: Whereas Phi Kappa Sigma has had to make many changes in its now 166 years of

existence. Now is the time for yet another. In 2000 the fraternity decided to change

its risk management policies. Among these new policies, some would dictate that all

chapters of Phi Kappa Sigma would not be allowed to have alcohol on chapter

property. The time to reevaluate this legislation has come and the following bill will

make amendments to the current risk management policies that pertain to this topic.

This bill aims to change certain risk management policies and would allow chapters

to hold events that contain alcohol managed by a third party vendor. The benefits of

this include, not having to pay to rent a third party’s venue, not having to pay for a

third party transportation service, and no increase in the fraternities per member

insurance premium. (Stated by Phi Kappa Sigma’s insurance manual in regards to

events with alcohol) The insurance manual does not dictate where the event can and

cannot be held, just has rules and regulations if the event will have alcohol present.

This bill in no way wants to stray from those regulations. The following sections

define the policies that will be changed as well as added to create a new user

experience for our chapters with and without a chapter house.

Section 1: This Bill will allow chapters of Phi Kappa Sigma to hold events on chapter property

that involve the use of a third party vendor to distribute alcohol.

Subsection A: The third party vendor must be licensed as a proper channel to distribute

alcohol in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

Subsection B: The event would still need to be registered in writing with the Phi Kappa

Sigma Headquarters at least 30 days in advance, following current methods used.

Subsection C: This section of the bill would successfully amend the first Risk

Management Policy stating that, “No alcohol may be present on any property owned,

rented, or otherwise used as Chapter facilities at any time”

Subsection D: This section of the bill would successfully amend the fourth policy

dictating rules at chapter functions which states, “Chapter functions on Chapter property

will be alcohol-free”

Section 2: This bill would allow chapters to have more than the current allowance of attendees

at a function that has alcohol.

Subsection A: A list of attendees will still be required adhering to the current deadline

for the registered event. Attendees would be required to sign in upon entering the event.

Subsection B: Attendees that are above the legal drinking age will be given the privilege

of being able to consume alcohol at the said event. Those individuals under the drinking

age should never consume alcoholic beverages as to be in accordance with local, state

and federal regulations.

Subsection C: Upon arriving at the event, Brothers and non-members alike will be

required to sign in to the event through a campus official or local officer. The chapter

may also have the third party vendor provide an individual to allow check guests in as

well as distribute wristbands for those over the legal drinking age. Only these two types

of individuals will be permitted to check individuals into the event.

Subsection D: This section of the bill will amend the policy dictating, “Invitation lists

shall be limited to the number of individual active and new members of the Chapter and

no more than two guests additional per active and new member.” (Where alcohol would

be present at the event)

Section 3: This bill would amend the second risk management policy that states, “No Chapter

may dispense alcoholic beverages. No Chapter may purchase (or use Chapter funds

directly or indirectly for) alcoholic beverages.” The chapter would be permitted to

pay the third party vendor for the use of an open bar if they so choose.

Subsection: This bill would in no way allow chapters to directly purchase alcohol with

chapter funds or dispense alcoholic beverages. The only way permitted for chapter funds

to be used to purchase alcohol would be to pay a third party vendor a flat rate for an open

bar at the agreeance of the vendor.

Section 4: This bill would add a policy that prohibits new members of the organization from

attending these events. These events defined as an event where alcohol will be

provided by a third party vendor on chapter property.

Subsection A: Any male that is not yet initiated in the fraternity and attends an event on

chapter property that contains alcohol will not be allowed to be given a bid until 120

days past the day of the said event. The 120 days start over after every event that is

attended before the 120 days is up.

Subsection B: No new members of any other Greek male organization, on or off the

local chapter’s campus, will be allowed to attend an event that contains alcohol until

he is an initiated brother of his respective organization.

Section 5: Any chapter that is found to be in violation of this policy shall have all rights related

to alcohol consumption and possession on chapter property suspended automatically

for one year from the violation date as well will be subjected to any further

punishment deemed necessary from the grand officers.

Section 6: This bill shall go into effect on January 1st, 2017

PKS Constitution and Acts

Article III – Membership

Section 1 – Eligibility

No prospective candidate shall be denied membership in the Fraternity on the basis of his race,

creed, color, physical ability, sexual orientation, age, or national origin or assigned sex, so long

as the candidate identifies as male at the time of the candidate’s election.

This policy is intended to uphold the Objects of Phi Kappa Sigma as "Men of Honor" and should

not be interpreted as changing the all-male character of the Fraternity or as a waiver of the

Fraternity’s exempt status under Title IX.

Pros:

Adds inclusivity for potential Trans-men members

protects our status for Title IX

protects our brothers who may "come out" after initiation

Cons:

People may feel uncomfortable with this new inclusivity

People may feel uncomfortable sharing chapters/houses with unknown body organs

May cause confusion about our single-gendered male status

PKS Constitution and Acts

Act 4 – The Executive Committee and the Executive Board

Section 7 – Nominations

SEVENTH, the Nominating Committee for the nomination of Grand Officers to the Executive

Committee shall consist of seven (7) members, one to be appointed by the Executive Committee,

one to be appointed by the Grand Deltas, and five to be appointed by the Executive Board as a

whole, consisting of two undergraduate members, two Chapter Advisors, and/or Assistant

Advisors, and one Past Grand Alpha, or in the event there shall be no Past Grand Alpha willing

to serve or currently running for re-election, a retired elected Grand Officer shall suffice.

A brother may be nominated for a Grand Officer by receiving fifteen (15) endorsements.

Endorsements may be given to one brother per Grand Office by: each active Chapter, each

Alumni Chapter, each Chapter Advisor, or, in his absence, the authorized Assistance Chapter

Advisor, and each member of Executive Committee, Grand Deltas as a collective, and Past

Grand Alphas as a collective. If no brother receives 15 endorsements, the brother, or brothers in

the case of a tie, with the most endorsements will receive the nomination. Endorsements must be

submitted in writing at least one hundred twenty (120) days before such session of the Grand

Chapter to the Grand Sigma.

Pros:

Gives chapters and advisors a bigger say in the nomination process

Encourages people interested in grand office positions to talk to chapters and advisors

Limits the possible nominees to prevent a chaotic election

Cons:

Removes the Nomination Committee

Permits for factions to develop openly

Creates a longer election and voting process

ACT 4 THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE EXECUTIVE BOARD The proposed amendment is to insert language regarding the approval of leased property. In the past, we have lost chapters because they did not have the foresight and guidance when executing a lease which caused them financial hardships. PROS: This amendment will help prevent foreseeable hardships that could result in closure. CONS: Some may feel that this is not an issue for the Grand Officers and may add an additional step to the process. CHANGES:

Approval of Chapter Housing Property. THIRTEENTH, prior to (a) the signing of any contracts for the purchase of any building site and/or building, (b) the actual awarding of the construction contract, (c) the actual awarding of a contract for major renovations and/or additions to a building, (d) the signing of any contracts for leased/rented space of a property for longer than two (2) years, and/or (de) the act of solicitation of funds for any of the above-mentioned purposes, each active Chapter, Alumni organization, and/or any building, housing, or holding corporation of such Chapter, shall present full details of building and financial plans to the Executive Committee to secure its formal approval.

ARTICLE XI THE AMENDMENTS This amendment updates the process in which the Executive Committee conducts business during war. PROS: This amendment will update and expedite decision making, if ever needed. CONS: Some may desire to keep the telegraphic ballot from a historical, humorous, or failsafe measure. CHANGES: Section 3. War Powers. At any time during which either the United States of America or the Dominion of Canada, or both, are engaged in war, the Executive committee is authorized to waive, by a three-fourths vote, any provision of the Constitution or of the Acts, which may become impracticable in enforcement or fulfillment because or war conditions.

Appeal of such waiver may be made by any Chapter or may be taken on the initiative of any member of the Executive Committee, and may be adopted by a three-fourths vote of the Committee at regular or special meeting, or by mail, or telegraphic ballot by telephone conference call, or by electronic mail. However, no such amendment or suspension shall remain in effect for a period longer than: (a) that fixed by the Committee; (b) that extending to the next session of the Grand Chapter; or (c) that extending six months after the declaration of an armistice or peace, whichever of such events or dates shall first occur.

ACT 14 INSIGNIA This amendment cleans up language in the Act. PROS: Clarity CONS: None CHANGES: Trademark Policy. The design or representation of the Badge, Coat-of-arms, Seal, Pledge Button, Standard Recognition Button, Flag, or Greek letters of Phi Kappa Sigma shall not be manufactured, created, used or offered for sale by any person, company or firm except as specifically authorized in writing by the Executive Committee, which power to authorize may be delegated to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall maintain a list of authorized person, companies and firms.

Active chapters of the Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity may reproduce the Fraternity’s insignia, including the words “Phi Kappa Sigma” or “Phi Kap”; any design or representation of the Badge, Coat-of-Arms, Seal, Pledge Button, Standard Recognition Button, Flag, or the Greek letters of Phi Kappa Sigma only in a nature consistent with the Objects and Values of this Fraternity; or in all other cases only the Executive Committee may authorize commercial reproduction of the Fraternity’s insignia, including the words “Phi Kappa Sigma” or “Phi Kap”; any design or representation of the Badge, Coat-of-Arms, Seal, Pledge Button, Standard Recognition Button, Flag, or the Greek letters of Phi Kappa Sigma, which power to authorize may be delegated by the Executive Committee to the Executive Director. Anyone wishing to acquire merchandise bearing any insignia of the Fraternity shall obtain those items only from vendors which are currently authorized to produce or market official Phi Kappa Sigma merchandise. Active chapters may utilize local commercial firms to produce material for their own chapter needs from time to time so long as such material is pre-approved. Prior to ordering such material, the chapter shall obtain

approval from the Executive Committee, the Executive Director, Headquarters staff , person, or any duly

appointed Chapter Advisor assigned to supervise the quality of the Fraternity’s merchandise, which approval or disapproval is to be determined promptly upon submission by the chapter of the name and address of the proposed vendor and submission of the description of the merchandise to be ordered, including a complete sample of the text or art to be utilized. The Executive Committee, the Executive Director and the Headquarters staff person assigned to monitor the quality of Phi Kappa Sigma merchandise.

ACT 14 INSIGNIA

This amendment limits the type of badge that could be given to a non-Phi Kap and inserts a new designated person that could receive a badge.

PROS:

This creates a clearer separation between a genuine member’s badge and a presented badge.

CONS:

Some members may feel that the presentation of a badge to a husband is not acceptable, either because it would be difficult to designate if he were an initiated member or if he already belongs to another fraternity. The former could be addressed by amending our process for special initiation.

CHANGES:

The manufacture and sale of articles containing reproductions of the official badge is prohibited, with the following exceptions: 1. Accurate facsimiles may be used in official fraternity and college publications and in such other publications as the Executive Committee may approve. 2. Watch charms, rings, trophies, and plaques containing the badge or reproductions thereof may be manufactured and sold under the regulations of the Executive Committee.

3. The Executive Committee may authorize the manufacture and sale, through its official jewelers only, of special badges according to the Committee's specifications. Such badges may be purchased and awarded by Chapters to house mothers, officers of mothers' clubs, and others, as may be appropriate, as symbolic of the Chapter's esteem and appreciation. A bona fide member may also purchase and present a Number Three badge to his mother, sister, wife, husband, daughter, or fiancé.

ACT 8 CHAPTER ADVISING

This amendment creates an additional level for Chapter Advisor recommendations for appointment by permitting the Grand Thetas to make a recommendation in the event that a Grand Delta is unable to do so.

PROS:

Increased efficiency

CONS:

This could be perceived as diminishing the role of the Grand Delta in some capacity.

CHANGES:

Chapter Advisor. Be it enacted that, FIRST, the Executive Committee upon recommendation of the appropriate Grand Delta or Grand Theta shall appoint annually an alumnus member to serve as Chapter Advisor to each undergraduate Chapter.

…

Assistant Chapter Advisors. SIXTH, the Executive Committee upon recommendation of the Grand Delta or Grand Theta may appoint one or more Assistant Advisors to each Chapter, to serve under the general direction of the Chapter Advisor and to assist him in the fulfillment of his responsibilities.

Appointment and Termination. SEVENTH, candidates for appointment as Chapter Advisor and Assistant Advisor may be nominated by the Chapter or by any member of the Fraternity, student or alumnus, such nominations to be forwarded to the appropriate Grand Delta or Grand Theta for presentation to the Executive Committee; Chapter Advisors who find it necessary to resign shall be expected to nominate one or more candidates for consideration in appointing their successors; Advisors and Assistant Advisors for the ensuing year shall be appointed by the Executive Committee at its first meeting in each calendar year. The Executive Committee shall have the power to terminate the appointment of any Chapter Advisor during his term, and to fill all vacancies arising from this or any other cause.

These amendments seek to update the process for recording member information which has not been followed for quite some time.

PROS:

Streamlining the process by allowing for a suitable means which allows for flexibility as technology advances.

CONS:

Some may feel that we should record the information that has been struck out.

CHANGES:

ACT 10 MEMBERSHIP RECORDS

Catalog Card Form. Recording Information. Be it enacted, that, FIRST, cards shall be issued in duplicate to the active Chapter by the International Headquarters providing spaces provide a suitable means for recording and storing member information for the following data: Name of member in full; Chapter; date of pledging and initiation; class; candidate for what collegiate degree; Social Security Number (Optional); email address at time of pledging; phone number at time of pledging; home address in full at time of pledging; date and place of birth; father's name in full; college previously attended; college degree taken, if any; relatives in the Fraternity; names and addresses of two adult persons other than parents most likely to know of future whereabouts; date and place of death.

Enrolling the Members. SECOND, prior to pledging, the New Members shall fill out cards as described and the Iota shall forward the originals provide their information to the International Headquarters, retaining copies the information for the archives of his Chapter, as provided for in Section 10, Article VIII. Out Transfers. THIRD, after favorably endorsing the application of a member of his Chapter for affiliation with another Chapter, the Upsilon shall indicate one said member's catalog card the date and Chapter with which he is becoming affiliated and retain the card information in his own Chapter's file.

In Transfers. FOURTH, upon receiving from the Grand Sigma or International Headquarters a copy of the card the information of a member who has applied for affiliation, the Upsilon shall file said card information with those of other members of his Chapter.

ARTICLE VIII ACTIVE CHAPTER ADMINISTRATION Section 10. Upsilon's Duties. The Upsilon, as editor, shall be in charge of all Chapter publications and shall, on behalf of his Chapter, contribute to the publication of The Maltese Cross and other Fraternity publications. He shall provide information and give leadership in other activities intended to strengthen and improve his Chapter's relations with its alumni members and with the general and campus community.

It shall be his special responsibility to secure and record on the prescribed forms biographical data concerning each member at the time of his initiation, immediately to furnish copies of these completed forms to the Grand Beta at the International Office Headquarters, and to maintain and safeguard the Chapter's own file of these data. Immediately after the installation of the officers-elect, the new Upsilon shall forward their names and addresses to the Grand Beta at the International Office Headquarters. All members shall notify the International Office Headquarters with their correct addresses or other membership information changes.

ACT 6 ESTABLISHMENT OF CHAPTERS This amendment removes previous language regarding a volunteer director and standing committee, as well as cleans up a process for initiating colony members. It also revises the voting requirements for approving expansion to new campuses. PROS: This process becomes less confusing and fits more in line with what is done today. It also removes an antiquated voting structure that gives more weight to specific chapters based on geography. This is not necessarily needed with today’s ease of sharing information. CONS: Some may want to keep the committee and/or voting structure in place. CHANGES: Institutional Approval. Be it enacted that, FIRST, in order to effectuate the provisions of Article VII of the Constitution and the policies of the Grand Chapter, the Grand Thetas shall be especially charged with matters pertaining to extension. Consulting with the Fraternity's academic advisors, they shall prepare and continually revise a list of institutions tentatively approved as meeting the high academic standards expected by Phi Kappa Sigma. Names may be added to this list from recommendations received by the Grand Thetas or upon their own initiative. Each active Chapter shall report annually to the Grand Thetas an evaluation of the institutions in its vicinity as potential Chapter locations. In order to facilitate and expedite the conduct of matters pertaining to extension of the Fraternity, the Executive Board may authorize appointment of a Director of Extension as an assistant to the Grand Thetas. By majority vote of the members of the Executive Committee, authority may be granted for defraying all proper expenses of the Director of Extension incurred in connection with extension activities, including attendance at Executive Committee meetings, Executive Board meetings, and Grand Chapters whenever the Executive Committee deems this advisable. Survey Committees. SECOND, a thorough investigation of the feasibility of establishing a new active Chapter at such an academically approved institution shall be undertaken upon proposal by the Executive Board, by an active or Alumni Chapter or upon the request of undergraduate students of the institution. The Executive Committee shall appoint a standing committee, to be known as the Expansion Committee and chaired by the Director of Expansion, to conduct all investigations. This committee shall be composed of both alumni and undergraduate members of the Fraternity and shall report to the Grand Thetae.

When an institution has been approved by the Expansion Committee, the Executive Committee may proceed in accordance with the provisions of Article VII of the Constitution.

Colonies. THIRD, the Executive Committee may establish a colony of the Fraternity at such an institution. The colony shall be designated as the Phi Kappa Sigma colony of the (name of institution). The Expansion Committee International Headquarters shall supervise the organization of a colony in conformity with the rules and regulations of the administration of the institution. The Expansion Committee International Headquarters shall secure the cooperation of an Active Chapter located near the institution in which the Colony is to be situated to assist in the organization and development of the Colony. Members of the Colony may be initiated into the Fraternity as members of the cooperating Chapter from time to time as they are approved by the appropriate Grand Delta and the cooperating administration of the institution at which the cooperating Chapter is located. The members of the Colony who are initiated shall pay the regular pledge and initiation fees to the cooperating Chapter prior to their initiation. These fees and payments, together with the biographical information required of each initiate, which shall be forwarded to the National Office International Headquarters by the cooperating Chapter. The members of the Colony who are initiated shall pay the pledge fee, and the regular initiation fee to the cooperating Chapter prior to their initiation.

ARTICLE VII ACTIVE CHAPTER CHARTERS Section 2. Approvals Required. Chapters may only be established in such institutions as have been approved by a three-fourths vote of the Executive Committee, by each active chapter in the state or province where the institution is located, by the appropriate Grand Delta and by each of the three active chapters geographically located nearest to the proposed institutions and also by a three-fourths vote of all other active chapters.

The voting by chapters may be made by their delegates in Grand Chapter assembled or by mail or by a suitable electronic means determined by the Executive Committee; provided, however, that in the event of a mail or electronic vote the action to be taken shall be determined within thirty days of the request for the vote was mailed issued.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP This amendment is intended to clear up the confusion that could be created by understanding what the “bona fide” concept is. It could be bona fide male, which would be counter to the Fraternity’s view of gender, or it could be bona fide student, meaning it is actually a student or the institution. The amendment also reinforces that we will seek male members for special initiation. PRO: This amendment provides clarity that we are looking for genuine students of the institution which also reinforces our stance on accepting students who are male at the time or pledging and initiation. CON: Some may feel that this is an unnecessary clarification or do not agree with the various aspects of gender. CHANGES:

Section 1. Eligibility. Membership in the Fraternity shall be open to bona fide, male students of an

institution of learning in which an active chapter exists at the time of the candidate's election. Provided, however, that no student shall be eligible for membership who is a member of another national or international social fraternity. Provided further, that the Grand Chapter or the Executive Committee may in a specific case and upon written application authorize the initiation by any active chapter of a member of the male faculty or an administrative officer of the institution in which the chapter is located, or a former bona fide male student of an institution which grants bachelors' degrees and is accredited by its appropriated regional association as a four-year, degree-granting institution. Provided further, that in order to facilitate the establishment of a new Active chapter, the Grand Chapter by a two-thirds vote of the chapters, voting as chapters, or the Executive Committee by unanimous action

may, in a specific case, authorize a nearby active chapter to initiate bona fide, male students, former

bona fide, male students, male administrative officers, and male members of the faculty of the institution

in which the new chapter is being established. Alternatively, when the Grand Alpha and appropriate Grand Delta deem it necessary, in a specific case, the Grand Alpha, with the concurrence of the Grand Delta, may appoint a special committee of members to conduct such initiation.

No prospective candidate shall be denied membership in the Fraternity on the basis of his race, creed, color, physical ability, sexual orientation, age or national origin.

National Housing Corporation

of

Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity

www.nhcpks.org

Informational Packet98th Grand Chapter.

Motions and Proposed Funding Legislation for the benefit of Undergraduates and Alumni

Three total Motions. Motions Proposed are special amendments (addition) to Act 2,

“FRATERNITY REVENUES”, Constitution and Acts of Phi KappaSigma International Fraternity, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 3 MOTION #1, OPERATIONS.

PAGE 4 MOTION #2, EMERGENCY FUNDS

PAGE 5 MOTION #3, GENERAL FUND.

NHC MOTION #1MOTION FOR A NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION

OPERATIONS ASSESSMENT

Proposed Addition:

NHC Operations Assessment. TENTH, For the purposes of maintaining a National Housing Corporation, every chapter of the fraternity shall pay to theInternational Headquarters a biannual fee of two dollars fifty cents ($2.50) [may be increased up to five percent (5%) per year as decided by the NHC Board] for each undergraduate initiated member of the chapter. This shall be due January 15th and June 15th upon notice from the International Headquarters. The total sum of this assessment will be forwarded to “National Housing of Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity, LLC” (“NHC”) and managed in accordance with the NHC’s Bylaws”

Pros:

1) Perpetually fund the base of the National Housing Corporation

2) Generate and operatinal savings for the NHC.

3) It shows the NHC and the National Fraternity that the NHC has value.

Cons:

1) It costs the undergraduates more than they are paying now.

2) It generates more work for the headquarters staff.

NHC MOTION #2MOTION FOR A NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION

CHAPTER HOUSING EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT

Proposed Addition:

Chapter Housing Emergency Assessment. ELEVENTH, to better assistin chapter emergencies and to support rapid response to desperate housing needs, every member shall pay to the International Headquarters five dollars ($5.00) at their initiation [may be increased up to five percent (5%) per year as decided by the NHC Board]. The total sum of this assessment will be forwarded to “National Housing of Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity,LLC” (“NHC”) and managed in accordance with the NHC’s Bylaws”

Pros:

1) Adds a much needed safety net for chapters that already are having troublewith housing. This could be the difference between keeping and losing a house.

2) Could prevent an undergraduate from sleeping on the streets and having somewhere safe to sleep in the event of an emergency.

Cons:

1) Increases the initiation fee nominally.

2) It generates more work for the headquarters staff.

NHC MOTION #3MOTION FOR A NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION

CHAPTER HOUSING INVESTMENT ASSESMENT

Proposed Addition:

Chapter Housing Investment Fund. TWELTH, every chapter is to paya biannual fee of five dollars ($5.00) per member into a fund that will be usedto pay for future housing needs. This fee will increase five percent (5%) per year until it reaches a sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per semester. (Chapters that have greater future needs may wish to pay in a greater amount). These funds will be invested and held for the sole benefit of the chapter for future housing needs. When a chapter has a need for funds for housing or other specific needs, it may submit a formal request. This request will be evaluated by a disbursement committee which, upon approval, will disburse the funds for the specified needs.

Pros:

1) This gives chapters a means to save for housing, furniture, improvements, and other housing expenses in a safe and relatively risk-free way.

2) Funds with this can not be turned around and utilized for something else.

3) Within some time, we will be similar in value to other fraternities who started this years ago. We must begin somewhere or we will never develop acorpus.

Cons:

1) It costs the undergraduates more than they are paying now.

Respectively Submitted this 21st day of March 2016.

WALTER HANS JAEGERPRESIDENTBOARD OF DIRECTORSNATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION

Proposal to the Create a Committee to Explore Gender-Neutral Phi Kappa Sigma

Proposed by Henry Willshire, Delta Rho Chapter, Class of 2016

I hereby propose that Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity create an exploratory

committee to investigate the feasibility, practicality, and ramifications of becoming a gender-

neutral organization. As it stands, membership in Phi Kappa Sigma is open to any “bona fide

male students,” as laid out in the Constitution in Article III, Section 1. The committee would

investigate the legal, social, cultural, and economic consequences of changing that language and

the rest of the Constitution so that any person might be inducted as a member of the Phi Kappa

Sigma International Fraternity, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

Such a change would be a major one, and thus the need for a committee to investigate it. I

propose the committee be similar in nature to those that laid the groundwork for alterations to

Phi Kappa Sigma’s alcohol policy. Ideally, the committee would be made up of both alumni and

undergrads, with the support of the International Headquarters so as to direct their attention at all

relevant areas, such as insurance and legal paperwork, as well as the fraternity’s history and

traditions. The exact membership, duration, and efforts of the committee are left to be decided by

reasoned discussion and debate.

The remainder of this proposal is dedicated to a list of Pros and Cons for the movement

of Phi Kappa Sigma towards gender-neutral membership, as the duty of the committee is to

weigh, investigate, and balance these Pros and Cons.

Pros:

First and foremost is that Phi Kappa Sigma is a values-based organization, and my

reading of its values, objectives, and ritual are that they are in no way unique to men or

those who identify as male. The Seven Core Values of Trust, Honor, Respect,

Knowledge, Wisdom, Responsibility, and Integrity are accessible to all people, and the

pursuit of these values to become a better human being is a journey that any individual

can take.

Additionally, our fraternity prides itself on its mottos, such as “Brotherhood is More than

Skin Deep” and “Men of Honor Since 1850,” which speak to a history of progressive and

anti-discriminatory practices. If we truly believe that our values, morals, and brotherhood

are not limited by physical characteristics or socially constructed categories, than we are

honor-bound to remove gender as a factor. To do otherwise would be inconsistent with

our legacy.

Furthermore, the fraternity is constantly looking to expand its membership. The

International Headquarters is leading a push to recruit more members of this fraternity.

Yet we are only looking at a limited pool of potential Phi Kaps when we restrict

ourselves based on gender. There are plenty of women and non-males who exemplify the

values of the fraternity and would flourish in the letters. Given the chance, they could

expand our fraternity, its reach, and its positive reputation.

Phi Kappa Sigma is a Greek organization in an age when such organizations are coming

under scrutiny, and a number of different Greek organizations, especially fraternities,

have displayed prejudicial and harmful attitudes and behaviors. This is often the result of

long-developing attitudes and behaviors, because despite the best intentions in the world,

a Greek organization can become an echo chamber and a place for group-think.

Expanding the membership of Phi Kappa Sigma would bring in new perspectives at a

time when fraternities must evolve if they are to survive and prove their relevance as

places for moral, academic, social, and communal development.

Cons:

Phi Kappa Sigma has historically been an all-male fraternity, while our values are not

explicitly only accessible or relevant to men, the traditions and culture that the fraternity

has developed may lean towards certain types of traditional masculinity. Each chapter

exists in a different space on its campus, and what it means to be a “Man of Honor” there

may be very tied to a specific notion of manhood. A shift towards gender-neutral

membership would be a break from longstanding tradition, and tradition is one of the

things that keeps Phi Kappa Sigma strong.

There would be legal and economic consequences to such a shift. Phi Kappa Sigma

would have to leave the NIC, and become subject to numerous Title IX oversights and

conditions. There could be changes in insurance and dues, as well as other bureaucratic

processes. Phi Kappa Sigma would be subject to a variety of new oversights and

restrictions, which could significantly alter or even hamper the way the fraternity does

business.

As an all-male organization, the fraternity is in many ways a space where Brothers are

comfortable among their fellow men. An all-male organization has certain shared

experiences that other gender and sexual identities may not share, and opening

membership could compromise the security Brothers feel. Brothers trust one another, and

an influx of new identities could lead to a change in the nature of this trust. Brothers who

have looked to the organization for male mentorship, camaraderie, and leadership may no

longer be guaranteed to find these in Phi Kappa Sigma.

The internal relations of Phi Kappa Sigma chapters would be heavily affected. First, there

is no guarantee that Phi Kappa Sigma becoming a gender-neutral organization would lead

to a significant number of women and non-male individuals attempting to join the

organization. Thus, the practice may not actually lead to an improvement in recruitment.

Alternatively, even if non-male members attempt to join, there is no guarantee that every

chapter would be willing or comfortable accommodating them. In fact, there is always

the risk of male Brothers being hostile against hypothetically non-male Phi Kaps. Or,

inversely, if all identities are offered membership, there is a greater chance of

entanglements between Phi Kaps which in turn could cause and promote internal strife in

chapters.

This proposal comes coupled with the suggestion that regardless of the results of the

committee’s findings, all chapters of Phi Kappa Sigma, with the aid of fellow chapters and of the

International Headquarters and fraternal leadership, develop and put into practice rigorous

programs to discuss how to advance the fraternity’s efforts to fight behaviors like hazing, combat

sexual harassment and assault on our campuses, and overall become Men of Honor for the 21st

century.