Facility

KAPPA ALPHA THETA
BETA ZETA CHAPTER
FACILITY RULES
 

 

Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws, Article IV, Section 7.C.1., CHAPTER FACILITIES states:

“The Fraternity Vice-President College shall furnish each Chapter with a list of Facility Rules and regulations which, when so furnished, shall be the minimum regulations for the Facility.”

To ensure and encourage the smooth functioning of the Chapter house, the following rules have been formulated.  We must, above all, respect the rights and comfort of the other members, for group living requires the cooperation of each member in order to ensure harmony.

A.                 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
 

The purpose of Chapter Facility Rules is to encourage:

a.       Productive and harmonious living.

b.      Regulation of conduct while avoiding unnecessary restrictions.

c.       Consideration of the interest of both the individual and the group.

 

B.                 OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY RULES
 

All University rules are to be observed in Chapter housing.  Where Fraternity laws or policies are more restrictive than university rules, the Fraternity’s laws and policies shall prevail.

C.                 KAPPA ALPHA THETA REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO FACILITY USE
 

1.   OCCUPANCY OF THE CHAPTER FACILITY.  Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws, Article IV, Section 7.A. states:        

 

“Where Facility conditions permit, an active member, unless she is living at home,

shall live in the Chapter Facility as an obligation of membership assumed with      initiation.”  A member should understand when she pledges or affiliates that, as long as she is an active member of the Chapter Facility she is expected to live in the Facility unless she is living at home with her parent(s) or guardian(s).

a.       Preference for Chapter housing is outlined in Kappa Alpha Theta Beta Zeta Chapter Bylaws, Article VII, Section 3 and in the Addendum to the Facility Contract and Policy for Housing Assignment for Beta Zeta Chapter Facility.

b.      An initiated or affiliated member of the Chapter must live in the Facility a total of six semesters or through her fourth year at the university if the Facility is not full.  Seniors may choose to live out their second semester of their senior year if a replacement is secured.  Preference for Chapter housing will be given to college Chapter members over unaffiliated members.

c.       Assignment of roommates, selection of rooms and parking lot spaces will be according to the policy established by the Chapter and approved by the Advisory Board.  The policy shall be binding on all members.
 

2.      FIRE PREVENTION
 

a.       All Kappa Alpha Theta facilities are to be a smoke-free environment.

b.      Candles are prohibited unless such candles are electric in nature or are used for ceremonial purposes in the public areas of the Facility, provided that a fire extinguisher is located in the same room or within 25 feet of the candles.  Use of electric candles for Chapter meetings, initiation and other ritual shall be as specified in the Kappa Alpha Theta Ritual Book.  Candles, including unlit decorative candles, are specifically prohibited in all sleeping rooms and member rooms in the Facility.

c.       Torchiere lamps are prohibited.

d.      Extension cords are prohibited.  All computers must be plugged into a power strip.

e.       Annual fire inspection should be coordinated with the Beta Zeta Faciity Corporation Board.

f.        Fire drills are to be held within the first two weeks of each semester and within two weeks following every room change.

g.       Tornado procedures are to be reviewed during March of each year.

h.       The Facility will be inspected each term by the Facility Corporation Board President or her designee, Facility Advisor, Facility Manager and Facility Director.

i.         A list of fire prevention practices and evacuation procedures will be included in the Facility Manager’s Risk Management Officer’s and President’s notebooks.  The list shall be presented once a year.

 

3.      SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
 

Policy on Safety of Chapter Facilities – “Chapters shall be required to keep Chapter Facilities locked at all times.”

a.       Locking systems shall be regularly checked.

b.      East and west doors will be locked 24 hours a day and the alarm will be on from 7 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. every day.

c.       The rules governing the security access system on the front door will be determined by the Chapter and approved by the Advisory Board.  The rules will be presented at the beginning of each term by the Facility Manager.

 

4.      WEAPONS
 

Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws, Article IV, Section 10 states:  Members may not possess or use weapons or firearms at Fraternity-sponsored events.”

 

5.  DRUGS
 

Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws, Article IV, Section 9 states:  The possession, consumption, purchase, sale or other distribution of any narcotics, drugs or other controlled substances by members of Kappa Alpha Theta in violation of any law, ordinance or university regulation shall be forbidden.”

6.      ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
 

Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws, Article IV, Section 8.B states:  “No alcoholic beverages shall be stored, served or consumed on Kappa Alpha Theta property, either owned, rented or otherwise designated for regular use by members of the Fraternity.”

7.      VISITING HOURS
 

A.     Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws, Article IV, Section 10 states:  “Guests of the opposite sex shall be restricted to the public areas of Chapter facilities; provided, however, that college Chapters may establish visitation policies in accordance with guidelines established by Grand Council and further provided that the following requirements are met:

 

1.      The Chapter policy shall conform to all applicable state and local laws as well as University policies and regulations.

2.      The Chapter policy shall be approved by a unanimous vote of the college Chapter members present and voting, a quorum being present.  The vote shall be by ballot.

3.      A majority of the members of the Advisory Board must approve the policy.

4.      A majority of the members of the Facility Corporation Board must approve the policy.

5.      The College District President must approve the policy and set the expiration date.

6.      Chapter visitation policies shall be effective for a period of time equal to the lesser of one (1) calendar year from the date of written approval, or the end of the academic year.

 

B.     Visiting hours are from 11:00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekends.

C.     The College District President or the Fraternity Vice-President College may cancel the Chapter visitation policy by written notice to the Chapter.

 

D.  ROOM CONTRACTS AND ROOM DEPOSITS
 

Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws, Article IV, Section 7.B. states: “Where the Chapter Facility is owned or leased by the Chapter Facility corporation, each member who will live in the Facility during the following school year shall sign a room contract and deposit not less than one (1) month’s rent with the Chapter.  Such contracts shall be signed and the deposits made prior to the end of the spring term”.  Room contracts shall be signed for a full academic year.

1.      The Facility Manager and Facility Advisor will distribute room contracts at a required member meeting in the Spring.

2.      All contracts will be turned into the Facility Manager by assigned deadline.

3.      Facility Manager will turn over all deposit monies to the Vice-President of Finance.

4.      Any residential use of the Chapter Facility during the summer session shall be approved by the Facility Corporation.

 

E.   QUIET HOURS                                                                                                                                      

In order that Chapter facilities may satisfy the basic requirements of maintaining an atmosphere conducive to academic achievement, quiet hours shall be strictly enforced.

1.      Quiet hours are from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. except for open house days, dead week and finals week which will be determined by Chapter vote.

2.      Please be courteous of your sisters.

3.      The basement study hall is under 24 hour quiet hours.

 

F.      USE AND CARE OF THE SOCIAL AREAS
 

1.      As your University home, the Chapter Facility and its furnishings should be treated with care.

2.      There is a NO SMOKING policy in the Chapter Facility.

3.      ALL members should be appropriately dressed while in rooms accessible to the public.

a.  No curlers, robes or sleeping attire should be worn in these rooms during visiting hours.  Socks or shoes MUST be worn on the first floor at all times.

b.  No food or drink in the living rooms except on special occasions such as Rush, Initiation Reception, etc.

c.  Leave rooms in good order and turn off lights when leaving.

d.  The piano may be played from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. except for Chapter sponsored functions (i.e. Spring Sing, Freshman Follies, Varsity Revue).

e.  No large group practicing involving dancing may be conducted in the living room.

 

G.    USE OF THE DINING ROOM
 

1.      Meal hours are as follows: 

 

 

 

Weekdays:

            Breakfast          7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

            Lunch               11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

            Dinner              5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Monday – Thursday only)

 

                         Weekends:

            Saturday           8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – OPEN Kitchen

            Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  – OPEN Kitchen

Please sign OUT for all weekday meals by 1:30 p.m. of that day;

You may sign up for late plates for any weekday dinner meals.

 

2.      All meals are informal except Monday night.  On Monday night, the Facility Director’s table will be filled first, then the President’s table.  At all other meals, the Facility Director’s table will be filled first.  Late arrivals and early dismissals require the Facility Director’s permission.

3.      Dress attire for Monday night formal dinner is church attire.

4.      Do not take glasses, silverware out of the dining room. (Remember that the Chapter must replenish all missing pieces at the end of each school year.)

5.      No painting, gluing or sewing on the dining room tables.  All crafts must be done in the basement or outside under the carport with protection given to floors, walls and concrete.

6.      The TV in the dining room may be used anytime except during dinner hours on Monday evening and Chapter voted quiet hours.

 

H.    RESIDENCE AREA
 

1.      Bedrooms
 

a.       Furnishings will not be transferred between rooms.  This includes mattresses, box springs and bureau drawers.  Bunk beds are not to be dismantled without prior approval from the Corporation Board. (Unattached beds and rearranged furniture are subject to damage charges ((damage charges attached)).)

b.      NOTHING may be attached to the walls, doors or ceilings. (Damage charges will apply.)

c.       Electric blankets and electric heaters are prohibited.

d.      Room checks will be held at the assigned time of the Facility Manager.  Beds are to be made, clothes put away, sweepers run and shelves and dressers dusted.

e.       Electric fans may be used in rooms.  Be careful that cords do not cross doorways or center of rooms.

f.        Candles are not to be used in bedrooms, even as decorations.

g.       Irons are not to be used in bedrooms.  Use only in the laundry area and other designated areas.
h.       Screens and mattress pads are not to be removed. (Damage charges will apply.)
i.         If windows are open, please make sure blinds are all the way up. (Broken or damaged blinds are subject to damage charges.)
j.        Do not use drawers on furniture as step stools.
 

2.      Bathrooms and Laundry Room
 

a.       Personal belongings should be kept in individuals’ designated space or room

b.      Washing machines and dryers – be sure to clean out lint filters before and after using dryers.  Please do not overload.

c.       The ironing boards should not be removed from the laundry area.  The irons should be turned off and unplugged when not in use.  If you use spray starch, please wipe the bottom of the iron with a damp cloth when finished.

d.      Do not leave personal belongings on the countertops in the bathrooms, on the bathroom and shower floors.

 

3.      Snack Kitchen
 

a.       Small appliances may ONLY be used in the snack kitchen.  Please label and do not use other sisters’ without permission.

b.      The refrigerators in the snack kitchen are for your use.  Please label, date and eat only your food.  Please follow all Snack Kitchen rules posted in snack area.

c.       Once a week the refrigerators will be cleaned out and any food that is not labeled and dated will be thrown out.  If the date on the food has expired, it will be thrown out.
d.      Only members are allowed to do their laundry at the Facility.
 

4.      Basement
 

a.        The Chapel is to be used for prayer, meditation, and Bible study only – NOT as a study hall.
b.      All typing, copying and computer printing is to be done in the computer room.
 

I.       FACILITY TELEPHONE
 

1.  Always be courteous when answering the Facility phone.  Answer, “Kappa Alpha

     Theta, may I help you?”

2.  Any phone messages should be labeled and put in the sister’s mailbox or on the

     bulletin board on their door.
3.  The intercom may be used after quiet hours begin for long distance phone calls

     ONLY.
4.  No personal long distance calls should be made on the Chapter telephone.
 

J.      FACILITY DIRECTOR
 

1.  The Facility Director is an official of the University and of Kappa Alpha Theta.

 

a.  Show her friendly, respectful and courteous attention.

b.  She has certain responsibilities and her authority in these areas must be

     recognized.
c.  The Facility Director’s apartment is her private living quarters.  That privacy

     should be observed and respected.
d.  She should be informed and invited to all Theta and University-wide activities.
 

K.    GUESTS
 

1.  All Facility Rules apply to guests and visitors of the Facility.

 

a.  All visitors, students, friends, parents, alumnae and guests should receive

     courteous attention from all members.

b.  Male visitors may be entertained in public area of the Facility during visiting

     hours Section 7.B.

c.  Overnight guests should be introduced to the Facility Director.  If they are

     arriving too late to meet her, please inform her where they will be sleeping.

d.  Guests may eat at the Facility but arrangements must be made in advance.  Please

     sign them in as your guest and a $2.50 charge will appear on your next bill.

e.  Arrangement for the use of the guest room must be made with the Facility

     Director at least 24 hours in advance.  The guest room is available for alumnae,

     parents/guardians and adult guests.  Priority will be given to alumnae.  The care

     for use of the guest room, other than alumnae, is $10 per night per person.

f.  When expecting a guest, please be downstairs to meet them.

g.  Guests in the Chapter Facility must conform to all Chapter, Facility, Fraternity

     and University rules.  Each member shall be responsible for the conduct of her

     guest(s).

 

L.   FACILITY GROUNDS

 

1.   Do not walk on the grass or in the flower beds.

2.   There is NO PARKING in the cook’s or housekeeper’s spaces.  If you are found there, you are subject to fines, ticketing or towed at owner’s expense.

3.   The front parking lot is for loading and unloading only.  There is a 15 minute limit.   Vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense.

4.   Public display of affection is prohibited on Theta property, whether owned or rented.

5.  Bicycles are to be kept in the bike rack or shed during the school term and must be taken home during summer vacation.

 

            M.  GENERAL CARE OF THE FACILITY

 

1.  Spills on the carpet – blot with towel or rag, do NOT rub.  If other than water, report

     to the Facility Manager or Facility Director so that appropriate action can be taken to     prevent staining.

2.  Report needed repairs to the Facility Director or Facility Manager.

3.  Do not leave anything in the hallways or lounges.

4.  Do not hang garments on the crown molding to dry.  You will be held responsible

     for any damages which occur on the molding outside your room including knocking

    off a sprinkler head.

5.  Do not attach ANYTHING, ANYWHERE without the prior approval of the Facility

     Corporation.

6.  ANY and ALL items left in the Facility at the close of the school term, no matter

     how large or small, will be disposed of.

7.  Do not pull thread on carpets – it will unravel.  Report them to the Facility

     Manager or Facility Director.

 

             N.  DISCIPLINE
 

                   1.  The Member Development Committee will be notified of any violations of  these

 rules and will review any violations of policy.  Recommendations for sanctions or

disciplinary measures according to the seriousness and frequency of the violations

will be in accordance with Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws.

 

              O.  DISTRIBUTION AND REVISION OF FACILITY RULES
 

                        1.  Facility Rules will be discussed and voted upon by the Chapter each Fall at the

                             second Chapter meeting and sent no later than October 15th  to the Advisory

                             Board Chairman and College District President for final approval.

2.  The Facility Manager is required to distribute a final copy of the Facility Rules

      to the following:

 

      a.  All members

      b.  Facility Director

      c.  Advisory Board Chairman

      d.  Facility Corporation Board President

      e.  College District President

       f.  Finance District Director

     

3.  These rules are separate from BUT IN ADDITION TO those rules established

      by the Facility Corporation Board and attached to the Chapter Corporation

      Agreement.