Pi Kappa Delta is a National Forensics and Communication Honorary Organization, and, established in 1930, is one of the oldest and most honored student organizations at Bowling Green State University. The student organization works in conjunction with the Forensics & Debate Program and Office of Campus Activities to provide a social/service forum, advocating communication involvement. Membership is open to any undergraduate student demonstrating interest and commitment to forensics, debate or communication activities. On a bi-yearly basis, the Pi Kappa Delta National Organization attends a National Convention and Tournament, bringing together members from across the nation for competition, discussion, networking and fellowship. On “non-national years”, Pi Kappa Delta offers a provincial tournament and participates in the National Honorary Comprehensive Tournament. Recently, BGSU chartered an alumni chapter to include the thousands of BGSU alumni who have been a part of the organization since it’s founding. For more information, contact BGSU4N6@yahoo.com

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE OHIO ETA CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA DELTA 
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
Adopted 1, September 2008

ARTICLE I - NAME
100-Organizational Name
The name of this Forensic Honorary Organization shall be “Pi Kappa Delta”, the initial letters of the Greek phrase Peitho Kale Dikia, signifying “the art of persuasion, beautiful and just”. The name shall be written thus: PKD on all insignia of the fraternity. This chapter is established as the Ohio, Eta Chapter. The greek insignia shall be as follows: ΠΚΔ.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
200-Purpose Statement
Pi Kappa Delta is a national honorary organization consisting of educators, students and alumni committed to encouraging the education of articulate citizens through a three part focus: the commitment to and promotion of ethical, humane and inclusive communication and educational practices; the commitment to and promotion of professional development of forensics educators; and the commitment to and promotion of comprehensive forensics programs.
[top]

ARTICLE III-ORGANIZATION
300-Divisions
Pi Kappa Delta shall be composed of three divisions: the Local Chapter, the Province Organization, and the National Organization.
(This constitution applies only to the Local Chapter.)

301-Local Chapter
This chapter is considered to be an active chapter if the annual dues are paid each academic year and new members are enrolled. If this chapter does not meet the criteria for three consecutive years, it will be listed as an inactive chapter with the national organization. Inactive chapters may not participate in Pi Kappa Delta sponsored events. To become active again, the chapter must pay the current years dues, initiate new members, and pay a reactivation fee. Local Chapters consist of two kinds: Undergraduate and Alumni. This chapter is established as an “Undergraduate Chapter”.
[top]

301.1-Local Undergraduate Chapter
This Local Undergraduate Chapter is established in a recognized and regionally accredited college, which offers course work beyond the associate of arts degree. This chapter is sponsored through the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Media & Communication, Department of Communication at Bowling Green State University. This organization was chartered and recognized by Bowling Green State University and the National Office of Pi Kappa Delta on 23, May, 1930, making it one of the oldest student organizations at Bowling Green State University.

301.2-Constitutional Regulation
This Local Chapter shall have full charge of all its activities within the limits of the Pi Kappa Delta National Constitution. A copy of this constitution shall be regularly submitted to the Bowling Green State University Office of Student Involvement along with the official student organization recognition and report paperwork.
[top]

302.1-New Membership
New membership will be enlisted by January 1 of each academic year. Membership is open to all Bowling Green State University students. New membership will be reported to the National Secretary-Treasurer. Failure to do so may subject the Local Chapter to probation or on an inactive status.

302.2-Inactive Status
If the Local Chapter membership falls below 5 active members for two consecutive years, it will be classified as an inactive chapter and therefore, have none of the rights specified of the active chapters specified in the National Constitution. The chapter may be returned to active status by bringing the membership up to the constitutional requirements and by paying current chapter dues. Procedures are subject to the National Council.
[top]

302.3-National Vote
The Local Chapter has one vote in the affairs of the Providence Organization and the National Organization. This vote may be delegated to a representative in case of conventions and shall be a majority vote of a chapter’s active members in case of referendum.

302.4-Initiation Fee
The National Council sets the mandatory initiation fee for members of all divisions of membership, payable upon application, with majority approval by the National Convention.

302.5-Chapter Member Fees
This chapter has established an annual membership fee of $10, payable to the chapter Treasurer during the fall academic term. Membership fees are deposited within the chapter’s budget account for use as deemed appropriate by a vote of the membership.
[top]

303-Election of Officers
The Local Chapter will elect officers at least once each year. The following offices must be filled: President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer. In the event of insufficient candidates, the chapter may vote to merge the office of Vice-President with that of Secretary-Treasurer until suitable candidates are available. The optional "at large" officer positions may be enacted by the membership, those being the chapter historian and engagement officer. This will be decided on a two-thirds vote. The Local Chapter will follow Robert’s Rules of Order in the election process.

303.1-Duties of Officers
The duties of the officers will be as follows:

303.1.1-President
The duties of President will include, but not limited to, organizing and presiding over all meetings and other Pi Kappa Delta matters. The President will keep open communication with the sponsor and/or the Director of Forensics. The President will also follow all rules and guidelines set for organizations by Bowling Green state University. The President further serves as liaison and representative on behalf of the organization.
[top]

303.1.2-Vice-President
The duties of Vice-President will include, but not limited to, filling in for the President in presiding over the Pi Kappa Delta meetings if the President is not available. The Vice-President will also replace the President due to the position being revoked or if the President leaves the school for any reason.

303.1.3-Secretary-Treasurer
The duties of Secretary-Treasurer will include, but not limited to, keeping accurate minutes at all meetings of the Local Chapter and making the minutes available in a timely fashion. The Secretary-Treasurer will also be responsible in taking care of all correspondence of Pi Kappa Delta members and the Director of Forensics as needed. The Secretary-Treasurer will take the responsibilities of a Historian position as needed by the Local Chapter. The Secretary-Treasurer will also have the responsibility to keep an accurate and available record of all moneys related to the Local Chapter and be responsible for the maintenance of said funds.
[top]

303.1.4 Chapter Historian
The duties of the chapter historian will include, but not be limited to, maintaining yearly team records such as scrapbook, photographs, and statistics.

303.1.5 Engagement Officer
The duties of the engagement officer will include, but are not limited to, publicity and motivational activities. Examples include: news releases, recruitment, outreach activities, and community relations.

304-Sponsorship
This Local Chapter shall have a faculty sponsor who shall be recognized by the college and the Pi Kappa Delta national office. If at any time, the chapter does not have a sponsor, it shall be grounds for possible action resulting in the chapter being placed on probation or having its charter revoked.

304.1-Sponsor to keep chapter in Regulation to National Standards
The faculty sponsor of the Chapter shall be the responsible head of the undergraduate organization as far as its relation with the National Organization is concerned and he or she shall be responsible for the fulfillment of the requirements of the constitution and the regulation of the National Organization.

305-Meeting Dates
The Local Chapter shall meet a minimum of once per month or as deemed appropriate in order to meet organizational needs. The meeting schedule will be established the spring term prior to the active academic year.
[top]

ARTICLE IV-ADMISSION AND RETENTION OF MEMBERS
400-Eligibility
Membership in Local Chapter will be open to individuals in good academic standing at Bowling Green State University and who participate and show proficiency in competitive or non-competitive communication events. Individual chapters under the National Charter may define the appropriate level of participation and grade point for initial membership. This chapter defines participation according to the National Charter and requires an average 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for membership (the same average established by BGSU establishing good academic standing).

401-Application for Membership
Each candidate for membership in this fraternity shall make application in writing using the official Pi Kappa Delta application form. The Chapter shall then make an investigation of the eligibility of the candidate, and after two-thirds affirmative vote of the active members, shall recommend the applicant for membership. The application shall then be forwarded to the National Secretary-Treasurer with a statement of its acceptance by the Chapter together with the initiation fee as provided by the National Council as noted in 302.4. The National Secretary-Treasurer shall issue the membership card and pin. After completing the initiation ritual, the applicant shall be given the standing for which he or she is eligible as a regular member. A membership certificate will be issued upon request at cost.
[top]

402-Induction
The qualified members for induction will be notified at the minimum of two weeks before the induction. All those involved in the ceremony will be required to wear tournament dress. The inductees will be required to go through no pledging, however, they will be required to memorize the Greek Alphabet, in order to help foster an understanding of the importance of an honorary fraternity. This chapter will follow the induction ceremony that can be found in the National Pi Kappa Delta Ritual Guidelines. The ceremony that will be followed can be found in the Bi-laws. The organization fully supports BGSU and national anti-hazing policies.

403-Non-Payment Delinquency
The Local Chapter shall have the power to levy such assessments on its active members as it may choose. Nonpayment of assessment shall render the delinquent liable to transfer to inactive membership by a three-fourths affirmative vote of the active members of the chapter. Due notice must be given to the National Secretary-Treasurer as deemed appropriate.

403.1-Readmission of Inactive Members
An inactive member may regain active status upon payment of all past dues and assessments that were unpaid during the period of inactive status. Then with the payment of the designated national reinstatement fee and completion of the reinstatement ceremony, the inactive member can regain active status with a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Local Chapter's active members is required. A two-thirds affirmative vote of the Local Chapter’s active members is required. Notice of the reinstatement shall be sent to the National Secretary-Treasurer.
[top]

404-Honor Policy
Members are to respect other members within this chapter, other forensic teams, chapters, and the National Constitution. Members will have respect for all materials used. Members are encouraged and expected to conduct themselves in conformance with the highest of standards in regard to academic honesty. Included in this policy are infractions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and fabrication/falsification of records. Pi Kappa Delta members are subject to the Bowling Green State University Academic Integrity Policy as documented in the faculty and student handbooks.

405-Inclusiveness Policy
Committed to the goals of Title IX of the 1972 National Education Amendments, the members prohibit internally, and do not condone externally, any act of discrimination against any individual. This chapter affirms and supports the following policy statement endorsed by the National Council of Pi Kappa Delta:

“Pi Kappa Delta is dedicated to the principle of free expression and exploration of ideas in an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect. Related to this principle is the belief that all members of this community will have access to Pi Kappa Delta, and participation in its sponsored activities without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disabling condition, or sexual orientation.”
[top]

406-Substance Abuse Policy
This Local Chapter will follow and be supportive of the Bowling Green State University Substance Abuse Policies of alcohol and illegal drugs. If necessary, this chapter will support any recriminations if a member of the chapter breaks these policies. By two-thirds vote the organizational body may enact additional disciplinary action. The sponsor and/or Director of Forensics will take additional actions if necessary.

ARTICLE V-DIVISIONS OF MEMBERSHIP
500-Lifetime Membership
Membership of this fraternity shall be considered and promoted as lifetime. It shall be of three classes, three orders, and three degrees.

501-Classes
The classes shall be: Active, Inactive, and Honorary.
[top]

501.1-Descriptions of Classes
The descriptions and eligibility of all classes are as follows:

501.1.1-Active Classification
Only college students, and faculty members actively engaged in the instruction of one or more of the activities coming under the Order of Undergraduate or the Order of Communication, or a coach of one or more forensic activities shall be eligible for admission as Active members or an Undergraduate Chapter. All those who have been Active members of an Undergraduate Chapter, but have transferred, graduated, retires or for some other legitimate reason have disassociated themselves with the chapter shall be eligible for Active membership in an Alumni Chapter provided they support its ideals and work.
[top]

501.1.2-Inactive Classification
The inactive class of this fraternity shall be composed of those Active members who are no longer attending the institution in which their Undergraduate Chapter is located, or who have been placed in the inactive class by action of the Undergraduate Chapter as provided in Paragraph 403, or, in the case of those who, though eligible for Alumni Chapter membership, are not interested in maintaining their Active status.

501.1.3-Honorary Classification
Persons who have interest in forensic activities and who have been nominated and elected by an Undergraduate chapter and approved by the National Council will be admitted as honorary members.

502-Transfer Recognition of Credits
All students and instructors who transfer from recognized institutions may receive full credit for their previous forensic work toward eligibility for membership or advancement in orders and degrees.
[top]

503-Multiple Honorary Membership
Members of other forensic organizations may become members of Pi Kappa Delta and members of Pi Kappa Delta are free to join other forensic organizations.

504-Orders
The orders shall be: Undergraduate, Instruction, and Active Alumni.

504.1-Description of Orders
The description and qualifications of each order is as follows:

504.1.1-Order of Undergraduate
Membership in the Order of Undergraduate will be for students participating in competitive speech and debate in recognized college competition.

504.1.2-Order of Instruction
The Order of Instruction is open to all communication educators and follow the same degree structure as listed in 505. An instructor is eligible to obtain degrees as stated in the National Constitution when they have had 5 students, or more obtain a degree level.
[top]

504.1.3-Order of Active Alumni
Membership in the Order of Active Alumni will be for alumni continuing to contribute to the betterment of their program and the forensic activity. Furthermore, one must have been an active member of an undergraduate chapter.

505-Degrees
The degrees shall be: Proficiency, Special Distinction, and Highest Distinction.

505.1-Description of Degrees
The description and qualifications of each degree are as follows:

505.1.1-Degree of Proficiency
The degree of proficiency is for the individual members. This constitutes the initial degree of membership.

505.1.2-Degree of Special Distinction
The degree of special distinction is for those members who have at least a 3.0 gpa, participated in communication events for at least two academic years and have demonstrated excellence in communication skills in either competitive and community service or achieved a superior rating at the national tournament.
[top]

505.1.3-Degree of Highest Distinction
The degree of highest distinction is for those members who have at least a 3.5 gpa, participated in communication events for at least two academic years and have demonstrated a superior command of communication skills in either competitive or community service projects.

ARTICLE VI-OFFICIAL INSIGNIA
600-Badge
The official badge of Pi Kappa Delta shall be a gold key. And shall make use of the symbol of the triangle as well as parameters established by the National Council.

601-Symbol
The key shall denote degree, class and distinction through a series of gems set in the eye of the key. The National Council Ritual Guidelines establish the gems and use of this symbol.

601.1-Misuse of Badge
The Pi Kappa Delta gold key shall not be used as any form of jewelry. Misuse of the badge is disrespect to the Honorary Fraternity. Doing so shall be grounds for expulsion from membership.
[top]

602-Honors Chords
Pi Kappa Delta members of an active status at the time of graduation will receive silver and red honors chords recognizing their involvement in the national honorary.

ARTICLE VII- PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
700-Parliamentary Procedure Requirement
The latest edition of the Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the authority in parliamentary procedure not covered by specific provisions of this or the National Constitution.

701-Voting Procedures
Two-thirds of the Pi Kappa Delta members must be present, to constitute a quorum and hold a vote on any issue except the case of amendments. In case of a tie, the sponsor and/or the Director of Forensics will serve as the deciding vote. The sponsor does have the right to revoke any vote made by this Local Chapter in the case of its breaking Bowling Green State University policies and/or the National Pi Kappa Delta Chapter policies.
[top]

701.1-Disagreement of Vote
If the Local Chapter does not agree to the revoking of a decision by the sponsor of the fraternity, this chapter by a unanimous vote may override the sponsor’s decision.

ARTICLE VIII-AMENDMENTS
800-Amendments
This Local Chapter will vote on amendments following the procedures of Robert’s Rules of Order.

801-Voting With Regard To Constitutional Amendments
Active members of the chapter may enact amendments to this constitution with an affirmative vote of two-thirds. In case of a tie, the sponsor and/or the Director of Forensics will be able to break the tie. If the sponsor does not approve the amendment, the sponsor has the power to table the amendment until further discussion may occur.
[top]

ARTICLE IX-PURPOSE AND DISSOLUTION STATEMENT
900-Educational Purpose
Pi Kappa Delta is organized exclusively for educational purposes including such purposes as making of distribution to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. The Ohio Eta Chapter qualifies under these purposes and is also under the Bowling Green State University exempt policy.

901-Embezzlement Policy
No part of the net earnings of Pi Kappa Delta shall inhere to benefit or be distributed to its members, officers, or other private persons. Pi Kappa Delta shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in the furtherance of the purposes of the Local Chapter.
[top]

902-Neutrality Policy
No substantial part of the activities of the chapter shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and Pi Kappa Delta shall not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Not withstanding any other provisions of these sections, Pi Kappa Delta shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an association exempt from federal income tax under section 501-(c) (3) of the International Revenue Code, or any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE X-AUTHORIZATION
1000-Statement Of Constitutional Adoption
We ascribe this constitution on this the 1st day of the month of September in the year 2001. This constitution hereby replaces all previous constitutions and does not reflect an amended constitution in any way. This document serves as the governing philosophy for this organization in both letter and spirit. By the following signatures we hereby establish and endorse this constitutional document.

Signed copy in official organizational archives.
[top]