Tau Beta Sigma  
Colonization  

THE COLONIZATION PERIOD is a probationary time during which dedicated band students work together to obtain active chapter status. The colonization process must be completed within two (2) semesters from the date of application. The colonization period serves the purpose of allowing colony members to operate as a chapter, enabling the National Organization to assess the ability of the new group to sustain a continuing effort to support its band program and to maintain contact with the National Organization. 

GETTING STARTED 

INFORMATION--Upon request, the National Headquarters staff will provide colonization information to interested groups. You may request this information by writing to: 

          Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma 
          P.O. Box 849 
          Stillwater, OK 74076-0849 

LETTERS--The initial step in the process of establishing a colony is for the interested group of students to notify The National Headquarters, by letter, of their interest in establishing a colony. In addition, letters of support and approval must be received from the Director of Bands and the administration of the college or university. Upon receipt of these letters the National Headquarters will provide the interested group with a Preliminary Information Form. 

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION FORM--To be officially recognized as a colony of Kappa Kappa Psi or Tau Beta Sigma, a completed Preliminary Information Form must be submitted to the National Headquarters. This form must be accompanied by the current Charter Fee, a typed list of colony members and a current initiate fee for each colony member. Upon receipt of the completed form and the required fees the members of the colony will be issued membership cards and prospective member pins. Membership at this point, as a group and individually, is probationary. 
 

OUTLINE FOR SUCCESS  

ELECTION OF OFFICERS--As soon as possible, colony officers must be elected to serve as the executive team and guiding force in obtaining active chapter status. 

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION--When the preliminary forms and filing fee have been received and reviewed in the National Headquarters, official notification of colony status is sent to Fraternity and Sorority National and District Officers. 

ADVISORS--Each colony will be assigned to an advising chapter and an advising person. These persons are your first line of communications. Colonies are encouraged to maintain close contact with these sources of information and assistance. 

OPERATION--The colony group is provided operational materials and receives all mailings from the National Headquarters. The colony group is expected to function as a chapter in developing a program of service to the band department. 

KNOWING WHAT TO DO -The National Headquarters staff is prepared to serve as a constant source of information and support. However, the best possible assistance to the colony group will come from contact with active chapters. Active chapters may assist colony groups by sharing ideas for projects and activities, as well as by assisting with chapter operation. 

TIMETABLE FOR COLONIZATION--Your colony will be provided with a Timetable for Colonization. This schedule should be followed as closely as possible. 

DISTRICT CONVENTION--Each colony is required to have at least one (1) member attend the District Convention. This will give the colony an opportunity to better understand the scope of the organization. The colony will have voting rights at certain times during the colonization period. 

PETITIONING DOCUMENT--The petitioning document serves as the official request for active chapter status, as well as providing a written and pictorial record of the band program, the sheltering institution, and the colony. Guidelines for preparing the petitioning document are provided to the colony. 

COMMUNICATION--All active colonies of the Fraternity and Sorority are required to submit monthly reports to the National Headquarters, advising National Officers or representatives and advising chapter. Lack of communication is the greatest contributing factor to failure of a colonization effort. If a positive working relationship between the colony and National Organization cannot be developed during the period of colonization, there is little hope that an active chapter would survive. 

PRE-INSTALLATION VISITATION--Prior to the installation of a chapter, a representative of the National Organization will visit the campus to meet with college/university officials, sponsor, and colony members. 

INSTALLATION--When National Council approval has been granted, official plans for the installation of the chapter may be made. This event is closely coordinated between National, district, and local officers. 

Failure to complete the colonization requirements within the specified period of time will result in the colony being dropped from consideration as a chapter. Any and all fees paid will be forfeited.