Regent's Role in Elections and Appointments

Before the election of student or honorary members, the Regent should carefully determine that each is eligible for membership according to Theta Tau and university rules. Similarly, each officer and Convention Delegate and Alternate must be eligible under Theta Tau laws.

Before pledging, and again before initiation, each prospective member must receive the required secret vote of the student chapter. This must be handled so that no one knows how anyone else voted, and so that only the presiding officer knows the count in detail. Announce only whether the candidate was approved (required favorable vote) or not approved (any other vote) for pledging or membership. In addition, in the case of candidates for honorary membership, the vote of alumni must be obtained, as required under our laws.

Election of Chapter Officers and of Delegates and Alternates should be by secret ballot (Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1) and in the latter case, in accord with the procedure outlined in Bylaws, Chapter III, Section 14. The Chapter should specify the times for electing Regent, Vice Regent, and Scribe. The Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary are elected at the middle of the college year and hold office for one calendar year (Constitution, Article VIII, Section 2).

The Chapter should specify certain appointed officers or standing committees and provide further for the appointment, when required, of special committees. Since much of the chapter's daily work must be carried on by committees, the Regent should carefully consider each member's capabilities in making appointments to committees, to such positions as Recruitment Chair, Pledge Instructor, Professional Development Chair, Service Chair, and to ritualistic offices (Marshal and Guards). The Regent should in a timely and prompt manner replace any appointee whose work proves inadequate if this becomes necessary. Before doing so, confer privately with the member to try to resolve the problem. A list of all current officers, committee chairs, other members, and pledges should be available to each student member. Each pledge should be provided this information along with their individual copy of the Membership Manual.

As chapter leader, the Regent's primary responsibility is to the Fraternity even if the effect may be detrimental to personal popularity with other members. Accordingly, pay particular attention to the Risk Management Policies that have been developed over the last two decades. These policies (in such areas as Pledging/Member Education, Property Management, Transportation, Website & Social Media, Alcohol, Signature/Contractual Authority, etc) are designed to reduce danger, injury, risk, and liability for your chapter, officers, individual members, and guests.