69th Grand Chapter
*Update* May 8, 2020
See below for an important video message from Regent John Hearn (Georgia) concerning the postponement of the 69th Grand Chapter. Beneath the embedded video, you will find frequently asked questions and accompanying answers. If you have any questions not answered in the below FAQ, please do not hesitate to contact us at headquarters@sigmanu.org. - Brad Beacham (Texas Christian), Executive Director
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 69th Grand Chapter postponed?
In accordance with The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., the High Council of Sigma Nu Fraternity unanimously determined the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) constitutes a national emergency, making it unsafe and imprudent for the Grand Chapter to occur as scheduled in July 2020. With the health and safety of all Grand Chapter participants the highest priority, the High Council unanimously approved a postponement of the 69th Grand Chapter until summer 2021.
When and where will the 69th Grand Chapter be held?
In accordance with The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., the 69th Grand Chapter will be rescheduled to occur between the dates of June 15 and August 15, 2021. The exact dates and location will be announced as soon as possible. Denver will continue to be the preferred location; however, the final selection of location will depend upon the availability of facilities meeting the requirements of the Grand Chapter.
How does the postponement of the 69th Grand Chapter affect the governance of the Fraternity?
The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. (Article 13, Section 5.1) contains a specific protocol to ensure the continued proper governance of the Fraternity when a national emergency makes it necessary to postpone a Grand Chapter. The elected members of the High Council will continue to serve until the 69th Grand Chapter occurs. During the period of postponement, the High Council will maintain all its regular governance responsibilities and will also be responsible for adopting a budget for the Fraternity’s operations during the postponement. At the 69th Grand Chapter, a full report of the 2018-2020 biennium and the postponement period will be made to the Grand Chapter, as it would at the end of a regular biennium.
Why not conduct the business of the 69th Grand Chapter virtually?
While The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. contains a specific protocol for the postponement of a Grand Chapter during a national emergency it does not contain a protocol for, nor does it contemplate, the business of a Grand Chapter being conducted virtually. Further study of this possibility is needed and allowing for it may or may not require amendments to The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. The Regent will be requesting the Fraternity’s Jurisprudence Committee review this matter and provide a report to the High Council in advance of the rescheduled 69th Grand Chapter.
With the postponement of the 69th until 2021, when will the 70th Grand Chapter occur?
In accordance with The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., the 70th Grand Chapter will occur between the dates of June 15 and August 15, 2023, approximately two years following the intended rescheduled date of the 69th Grand Chapter.
What happens to the Conclave Fee paid by collegiate chapters for the 69th Grand Chapter?
The Conclave Fee paid by collegiate chapters funds certain costs for the participation of collegiate chapter representatives in the annual College of Chapters and the biennial Grand Chapter. The amount of the fee is adjusted periodically depending upon the cost of these conclaves. The portion of the Conclave Fee allocated to the 69th Grand Chapter will be held and then applied to the rescheduled 69th Grand Chapter upon its occurrence.
Has Grand Chapter been postponed before?
Yes, the 32nd Grand Chapter was postponed from 1945 to 1946 due to the continuation of World War II.
What does this mean for the Fraternity’s annual and biennial awards?
Sigma Nu’s annual individual and chapter award recipients will still be announced during the 2020 summer. Rock Chapter recipients will be announced during the 2020 summer and presented at the rescheduled 69th Grand Chapter. Hall of Honor and Hall of Fame inductees may or may not be announced prior to the rescheduled 69th Grand Chapter – as determined by the applicable committee – but will be presented at the rescheduled 69th Grand Chapter.
How will proposed legislation for the 69th Grand Chapter be handled?
Once the 69th Grand Chapter has been rescheduled, information regarding the submission of proposed legislation will be published in advance of the Grand Chapter and in accordance with The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.