Authorities & Governance
At the very top of Zeta’s hierarchy, this delegation is the highest governing authority within the organization.
What is the Grand Boulé?
(via International Bylaws, Article I)
This type of motion introduces business before the chapter/body.
What is a Main/Primary Motion?
(via RRNR 12th Ed, 6:1)
This officer serves as the procedural advisor, ensuring adherence to all governing documents.
Who is the Phylacter?
(via OTZ Bylaws, Article VI, Section 4h)
This policy warns against using this platform inappropriately, and is quoted here: "Use Discretion, Keep Zeta Business Private".
What is the Social Media Policy?
This standard meeting component includes "Unfinished Business" and "New Business."
What is the Agenda?
This resource serves as the parliamentary authority only for issues not addressed in Zeta's governing documents.
What is Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RRNR)?
(via International Constitution, Article V, Section 2)
This action must happen immediately after a motion is made for it to proceed to the body, unless the motion comes from a committee.
What is a Second?
(via RRNR 12th Ed, 7:2, #4)
This officer acts as the presiding officer to maintain order and ensure rules are followed.
Who is the Basileus (or her designee)?
(via OTZ Bylaws, Article VI, Section 4a)
This policy outlines conduct relating to the Membership Intake Process (MIP); outlining prohibited behaviors/actions during MIP and the repercussions of policy violations.
What is the Policy Against Pledging and Hazing?
What is the first item on a standard meeting agenda?
(hint: how do you officially start a business meeting?)
What is the Call to Order?
(via RRNR 12th Ed, 3:15)
This manual guides the proper conduct when engaging in the business of Zeta, extending courtesies to Zeta Dignitaries, and event planning.
What is the Official Protocol Manual?
Common examples of these include "Voice", "Rising/Standing", "Show of hands" and "Secret Ballot."
What are Voting Methods?
(via RRNR 12th Ed, 45:11)
Defined in the bylaws, this is the minimum number of members required to be present to conduct business.
What is a Quorum?
(via OTZ Bylaws, Article X, Section 6)
Common meeting pitfalls include debating without a motion or making these types of attacks.
What are Personal Attacks?
(via RRNR 12th Ed, 4:30)
This agenda item typically follows the Review of Minutes & Correspondence.
What are [Executive Board/Committee] Reports?
This manual is intended to reduce the Sorority’s exposures to losses by educating members and increasing awareness of activities that increase the Sorority’s exposure to liability.
What is the Risk Management Manual?
The OTZ Bylaws mandate this specific voting method be used for electing officers.
What is Secret Ballot?
(via OTZ Bylaws, Article VIII, Section 2b
Principles of fair debate include addressing the chair and respecting these limits.
What are Time Limits?
(via RRNR 12th Ed, 4:28-29)
*Bonus: What are the time limits for debate in OTZ?
This policy outlines the commitment and expected behaviors for members of Zeta; it also outlines the repercussion of violating this policy.
What is the Member Code of Conduct?
This agenda item, listed after Reports, addresses matters that were not completed at the previous meeting.
What is Unfinished Business?
This body has the power and authority to carry out the objectives and manage the business and affairs of the Sorority.
No action of this body can alter or conflict with any decision made by the Grand Boulé.
What is the Board of Directors?
(via International Bylaws, Article IX, Section 2)
This motion is used to immediately end debate and bring the body to vote on the pending motion.
(hint: Dr. Herbin's favorite motion)
What is the Previous Question?
or
What is "I call for the question"?
(via RRNR 12th Ed, 16:1)
While many motions might pass with a simple majority, amendments are noted as requiring this voting threshold.
What is a 2/3rds vote?
(via RRNR 12th Ed, 56:50)
Parliamentary etiquette and professional demeanor align with this Zeta principal.
What is Finer Womanhood?
Often following 'unfinished business', this is the time allotted for introducing new motions, topics, or discussions.
What is New Business?