A delegate is the official representative of his chapter at the annual General Convention, the supreme legislative authority in Beta Theta Pi. Therefore each delegate carries a large responsiblilty for the governance and future of the Fraternity. Delegates attend legislative sessions, serve on committees and vote on official Fraternity business. The accomplishments of the Convention depend upon the wisdom and judgment of those attending.

Each chapter is required to send a delegate to the Convention and must select and register said delegate by April 1st of each year. It is also advisable to select one or more alternates should circumstances prevent the primary delegate from attending.

Article IV of The Constitution and Chapter I of The Laws detail the authority, responsibilities and procedures for delegates in full. Here are a few important items:

Voting Privileges
All chapters are entitled to representation except those which are suspended, have not paid by June 30 all fees and assessments, or have failed to submit a timely scholarship report for three years. Please see Article IV, Section 5 of The Constitution for additional conditions or circumstances for chapter representation.

Delegate Attendance Responsibilities
Any delegate who fails to attend each and every session of the Convention shall be held up for censure by the General Convention before adjourning. Further, his travel allowance may be revoked, his chapter's initiation privileges could be limited or his chapter's voting privilegs could be suspended.

Legislative Proposals
Any member may propose a change to The Constitution or The Laws if the proposal is submitted in writing by March 31 to the Administrative Secretary (for distribution to chapters by April 15) and it follows the form requirements as detailed in Chapter I, Section 20 of The Laws.

Delegate Travel Allowance
According to Chapter I, Section 5 of The Laws, at least two weeks before the Convention, the Administrative Office will send each registered delegate a check of nine cents per mile for travel expenses (from his home address to the Convention and back) provided his chapter has paid all fees and assessments. Please note that checks will not be sent if the chapter has a balance or there is no registered delegate at that time. Further, the travel allowance may be revoked if the delegate fails to attend all sessions.