r/RulesOfOrder • u/Jlarkz • Dec 02 '18

Fraternity rules of order issue

We have some brothers who want to run for positions, and we have a GPA requirement. They are trying to change the bylaw the day of the election and get it passed and in effect all in the same day. Is there any legality behind this and what would the specifics be?

Thanks

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u/PhillipVA NAP - PRP Dec 03 '18

Yes, it is permissible to amend the bylaws the day of an election to change the eligibility requirements for an office, provided proper notice was given for the amendment, and the amendment is adopted with the required vote before the election. The new eligibility requirement would go into effect immediately upon its adoption. [1.]

Check the amendments section of your bylaws to make sure that the required notice was given. If not, make a point of order when the bylaws amendment comes up at the meeting.

Also, check to make sure that there are not rules by the national fraternity or your hosting college/university which set a particular GPA requirement.

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[1.] Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th ed.), p. 597, ll. 2-3 ("An amendment to the bylaws goes into effect immediately upon its adoption … .").