Corporation Board

Sigma Kappa housing (house, lodge, room, or suite) is an outward expression of the Sorority on each campus where Sigma Kappa has a chapter. A chapter house corporation is established for each collegiate chapter when property is owned and/or there are employees. The corporation is formed in order to provide for continuity of decoration, planning, and maintenance for the future and to handle finances and legal matters with respect to the property.

Housing varies from campus but it is usually similar for all Panhellenic groups on a particular campus. The type of facility may be determined by long-standing traditions, college or university mandates, or Panhellenic agreements. If a change in the type of housing on a campus is being contemplated, the national corporation coordinator or corporation liaison must be informed immediately.

The corporation operates under a state charter and its adopted bylaws. Each initiated member of the chapter in good standing is a member of the corporation. The corporation's bylaws should provide for membership of alumnae from other Sigma Kappa chapters who desire to affiliate with the corporation. Each member of the corporation has a voice in the corporation's organization including the seletion of its board of directors. The alumnae members of the corporation board are elected at the annual meeting of the corporation. The corporation board then elects its own officials.

The corporation board is resonsible for making certain the corporation maintains its good standing by following state regulations governing non-profit corporations. Some states require no further action after the filing of articles of incorporation. Others require regular filings, sometimes annually or at other regular intervals such as every five years. Failure to maintain good standing as a corporation could affect the corporation's ability to own or lease real estate, enforce claims in court, or otherwise conduct corporation business.

The house corporation shall:
• Oversee the management of the chapter's housing facility.
• Hold an annual meeting for all members of the corporation which shall include a complete written financial report.
• Employ a house director and other employees necessary to operate the chapter house.
• Carry adequate insurance on real and personal corporation property.
• Notify the national corporation coordinator or corporation liaison in writing of any intention to build new or remodel chapter housing.
• Receive room and board payments, parlor fees, housing/furnishing fees and other corporation fees paid by each member of the collegiate chapter.

The bylaws of each corporation define its purpose and the duties of the board. Clarification, suggestions and, perhaps, changes to the bylaws may be needed to enable the board to fulfill its responsibilities to best serve the chapter. Maintaining property for the welfare and comfort of its members and preserving financial stability must be of primary importance.

Membership on a corporation board is an important and rewarding responsibility. A well-informed, practical, interested, and progressive board is essential to the continued success of the collegiate chapter.

Responsibilities of the Corporation Board:
• Maintain the physical plant and equipment.
• Purchase all new furnishings and fixtures or replacements. Chapter representatives must be consulted as the chapter will be responsible for the use and care of furniture, accessories and equipment. Approval from the national corporation coordinator or corporation liaison is required when purchases total $2,400 or more.
• Collect and deposit all monies due the corporation in the corporation account.
• Establish all house fees, including room and board, housing/furnishing fees, parlor fees, guest meal charges, and room/key/damage deposits.
• Establish rules concerning the use of the house and grounds.
• Solicit the opinion of the collegiate members as to management of the facility.

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