Constitution And Bylaws

Bradley Marsh, IFC President - Revised 4/96 Nathaniel R. Stiles, Chief Justice- Revised 11102 Joseph Yomtoubian, IFC President- Revised 11/16/07 Jeremy Spurley, IFC President- Revised and Approved 6/11 Troy Scott, IFC President-Revised and Approved 11/16/2012

Bryan Cox, Director of Public Relations- Revised and Edited 2/10/13

Constitution of the Interfraternity Council California State University, Northridge

Preamble

We the supporting fraternity members of California State University, Northridge (CSUN), as

integral members of the university, in accordance with the regulations and policies of the

university, in order to promote and perpetuate the best interests of the fraternity system,

the university, and the university community, and to continue to make a significant, positive contribution to the CSUN experience of present and future generations of students at the

University, do hereby establish this Constitution for the Interfraternity Council of California

State University, Northridge.

Article I. Name

The name of this organization shall be the Interfraternity Council of California

State University, Northridge. Hereinafter, it may be referred to as “the IFC”. This organization is a recognized student organization at California State University, Northridge

and adheres to all campus policies as set forth in the Clubs and Organizations Manual.

Article II. Vision Statement

Accountability through Service

Article III. Mission Statement

The Interfraternity Council is the representative government for all currently

recognized member fraternities. The IFC's mission is to enhance the fraternity experience

through preservation of fraternal values as well as providing its members with a safe and enjoyable college experience.

Article IV. Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be:

Section A: To assist and strengthen fraternities individually and collectively.

Section B: To further intellectual accomplishment and scholarship of fraternities and their

members. Section C: To ensure cooperation with the university unit sponsoring the IFC.

Section D: To cooperate with the university administrations in the maintenance of high

standards.

Section E: To ensure compliance with the IFC Constitution, its Bylaws and the rules and regulations, and the regulations of the university.

Section F: To serve as the official IFC voice for the member fraternities in matters

pertinent to this council.

Section G: To harmonize the various activities of, and to hear and resolve complaints involving the member fraternities, and to promote congenial relations between all CSUN

Greek organizations, the university and the surrounding university community.

Article V. Membership

Section A: The active membership of the CSUN IFC shall consist of all duly chartered

fraternity chapters, which are currently recognized as members of the IFC and who continue

to meet eligibility standards as stated in the Bylaws.

Section B: Those recognized student organizations with structures and goals similar to

and/or compatible with the IFC member organizations are eligible to be granted Associate Membership. Such organizations may be granted the courtesy of the floor, but may not

make motions, vote on council business; receive funding from IFC or hold IFC office.

Section C: Any chapter petitioning for membership may do so in accordance with the IFC

Bylaws.

Section D: Any person currently enrolled as a student at CSUN and fulfilling the membership requirements of the organization may be a member.

Section E: All chapters of IFC must maintain a minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average per

semester in order to be considered as members in “good standing” as defined by the IFC

By-Laws . Section F: Any person currently enrolled as a student at CSUN and fulfilling the

membership requirements of the organization may be a member Membership in the

organization shall be open to all those regularly-enrolled at California State University,

Northridge students who are interested in membership.

Section G: Non-Discrimination Statement: In accordance with state law and the regulations

of the California State University, no organization shall discriminate on the basis of race,

religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability.

Section H: Eligibility for membership or appointed or elected student officer positions shall

not be limited on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender,

gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization shall have no rules or policies that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin,

ethnicity, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation,

or disability.

Alternate Section 3 (only to be used by social fraternities or sororities or other university living groups, which may permit gender membership limitations).

Article VI. Powers

Section A: The scope of authority for the IFC shall be legislative, administrative, and

judicial. Additionally, this Constitution shall grant the IFC Executive Council the authority to regulate all matters of Interfraternity interest.

Section B: Any state or local laws, and/or any CSU Northridge University regulations that

conflict with any article of this Constitution shall take precedence.

Section C: The actions and decisions of the IFC, as the representative body of the fraternity system, shall be binding on all member chapters in the IFC.

Article VII. Organization

The IFC shall consist of three entities: The IFC Assembly, the IFC Executive Board, and the

IFC Judicial Board

Article VIII. IFC Assembly

Section A: Voting Membership

1. The voting membership of the IFC shall be made up of two IFC Representatives from each member chapter.

2. The non-voting membership shall be made up of all executive officers not including the

IFC President and all Associate Members of the IFC.

Section B: Powers 1. The IFC Assembly shall have the power to enact and enforce the Constitution, Bylaws,

and Rules and Regulations of the IFC.

2. The IFC Assembly shall have the power to adopt and amend the Constitution, Bylaws,

and Rules and Regulations of the IFC. 3. The IFC Assembly shall have the power to elect officers of the Executive Board of the IFC.

4. The IFC Assembly, upon the recommendations of the Judicial Board, shall have the power

to suspend or revoke the privilege of membership in the IFC by a 2/3 vote of the total

voting membership. 5. The IFC Assembly shall have the power to reverse or modify a decision of the Judicial

Board by a 2/3 vote of the total voting membership.

6. The IFC Assembly shall have the power to reverse or modify any decision of the IFC

President by a 2/3 vote of the total voting membership.

Section C: Meetings

1. The President of the IFC shall be the chairman of the IFC Assembly and as such shall act

as the chairman of its meetings.

2. Regular meetings of the IFC Assembly shall be scheduled at least twice a month during the regular school terms of the Fall and Spring semesters and at least once during the

summer months.

3. Special meetings can be called at the discretion of the President upon three days written

notice to the membership of the IFC Assembly. 4. Special meeting will be called upon the request of a majority of the Assembly or at the

request of 1/4 presidents of the member fraternities, within three days written notice of the

membership of the IFC Assembly.

5. The rules and definitions contained in Robert's Rule of Order, Newly Revised, or its latest edition shall be the basis for proceedings at the meetings of the IFC Assembly in all cases

which are not covered by the IFC Constitution or its Bylaws.

Section D: Quorum The presence of a simple majority of the eligible, voting membership of the IFC

(consisting of representatives of one-half of the eligible, voting member chapters plus one)

shall constitute a quorum for the conducting of business of the Assembly.

Section E: Attendance

1. Assembly

A. One representative from each member fraternity is required to attend all IFC Assembly

meetings and special meetings of the IFC. B. Each member fraternity is allowed one unexcused absence per semester, with the

following unexcused absence(s) resulting in a fine. If a house has more than three

unexcused absences in a semester, they will go up on judicial and possibly lose their voice

and vote for the rest of the semester.

2. Executive Board

A. Each elected IFC Executive Officer is required to attend all IFC Assembly, special

meetings, and Executive Board meetings of the IFC.

B. Executive Board members do not count in IFC member chapter attendance. If an executive board member has more than three unexcused absences in a semester from

any afore mentioned meeting, then he will be removed from his office.

C. Each Executive Officer is allowed three unexcused absences without penalty.

D. An IFC Officer that has had a concern raised about his job performance by a member chapter of the IFC Assembly, a member of the IFC Executive Board, or the IFC Advisor,

must be present at a mediation meeting at the time and location specified by the IFC

President.

I. The IFC mediation meeting must include:

A. The IFC President

B. The IFC Vice-President

C. The IFC Chief Justice C. The IFC Advisor

E. A chapter advisor from the Fraternity of which the Officer in question belongs (if

available)

II. A minimum of seven (7) days written notice must be provided to the Officer in question and the IFC Advisor concerning the mediation meeting. Email qualifies as written notice.

F. If the performance of an Executive Board Officer is still unsatisfactory following the IFC

mediation meeting or the Officer in question was not in attendance, the Officer may be

removed from his office utilizing the following process: I. A member of the Assembly moves for the Officer’s removal and obtains a second from a

member of a different IFC chapter in the Assembly meeting.

II. The motion for removal is automatically tabled until the next IFC Assembly meeting,

dependent upon a recommendation reached by the IFC Judicial Board. III. The appropriate evidence and reasoning is gathered and presented to the Judicial Board

at the first available IFC Judicial meeting that meets quorum, for voting purposes.

A. Recommended sentencing may include but is not limited to: 1. Retain the Officer with no penalty.

2. To remove the Officer in question from his position.

B. The IFC Judicial Board may pass any judgment that they deem appropriate as a recommendation to the IFC Assembly.

IV. The Judicial recommendation is then presented to the IFC Assembly, at the very next

IFC Assembly meeting, for a quorum vote.

V. After hearing the IFC Judicial recommendation, the IFC Assembly may vote down the

recommended sentence, then move and elect a sentencing of their own out of the two (2) possible outcomes as dictated by this Constitution.

VI. The final decision of the IFC Assembly shall be final with no appeal.

Section F: Voting 1. Voting shall be done in person.

2. Voting shall be decided by quorum unless otherwise stated herein or in the Bylaws.

3. The President of the Interfraternity Council shall vote only to break a tie

4. There shall be two votes per active member fraternity, in good standing, present at a meeting.

5. Good standing shall be defined as being current in financial obligations to the IFC, as

determined by the Treasurer.

6. Good standing shall further be defined as having a chapter GPA of 2.5 or higher.

7. Good Standing shall also be defined as having a current active and new member roster.

Article IX. Executive Board

Section A: Membership

1. The voting membership of the Executive Board shall consist of all elected officers of the IFC.

2. The Executive Board shall include all additional non-voting, appointed personnel as

deemed necessary by the President with the expressed approval of the majority of the

present voting Executive Board members. 3. The length of each term is one year, Spring to Fall.

Section B: Eligibility of Officers

1. Per Section 3 of the CSU Northridge Clubs & Organizations Greek Constitution Requirements & Guidelines--The President, Vice President, and Treasurer must be

matriculated and enrolled at California State University, Northridge with a minimum

overall 2.0 grade point average each term (term is defined as Fall and Spring

semester). The student must be in good standing and must not be on probation of

any kind. 2. President, Vice President, Chief Justice, Secretary, Director of Programming, Director of

Recruitment, Director of Public Relations, Director of Scholarship, and Director of Athletics:

A. Must have active status in his fraternity chapter at the time of election and running

service.

B. Must be registered with the University in each semester of service excluding the summer period.

C. Undergraduate students in the role of President, Vice President and Treasurer are

required to earn six (6) semester units per term while holding office. Graduate and

credential students in the role of President and Treasurer must earn three (3) semester units per term while holding office.

D. Undergraduate students in the role of President, Vice President and Treasurer are

allowed to earn a maximum of 150 semester units or 125 percent of the units required for a

specific baccalaureate degree, whichever is greater. Graduate and credential students in the role of president and treasurer are allowed to earn a maximum of 50 semester units or 167

percent of the units required for the graduate or credential objective, whichever is greater.

Students holding more than this number of units, including students pursuing a double

major, will no longer be eligible. E. Must have a minimum of 2.50 semester grade point average the semester prior to the

election and maintain a 2.50 semester GPA during his term in office according to IFC

requirements.

F. Must have, at the time of his assuming office, minimally completed one academic year in

college and one year as an active member of his member chapter, the most recent semester having been at CSUN as a fully matriculated student.

2. A current chapter member president is not eligible to be elected to the position of IFC

President.

3. A current chapter member recruitment chair is not eligible to be elected to the position of Director of Recruitment.

Section C. Elections/Selections

1. Officers of the IFC shall be elected by a simple majority of those member chapter representatives present at the annual elections meeting, which shall be held the third week

before fall semester finals, a quorum having been established. Elected officers shall be

installed two weeks later.

2. Any alternate personnel (excluding elected officers) as deemed necessary shall be

selected or approved by the President. 3. If an elective office is vacated by resignation, recall, or other means, the regular election

process will proceed in order to fill the unexpired term of the vacated office in at least two

weeks after the vacancy.

Section D: Duties and Powers

1. Officers

A. President

I. By virtue of his position, the President is ultimately responsible for all matters dealing with the Interfraternity Council.

II. He shall maintain close contact with the work of the Vice President and Chief Justice of

the IFC in order to coordinate and expedite business in the IFC and the judicial process.

III. He shall be chairman of the IFC Assembly and Executive Board and as such shall act as chairman at all meetings of those entities and shall vote only to break a tie.

IV. He shall have the power to appoint such special committees and their chairman, other

than those on Executive Board, as he deems necessary for the efficient conduct of the

business of the IFC, all subject to the approval of the Legislative Assembly.

V. He shall have the power to call special meetings of the IFC when he deems it necessary. VI. He shall represent the IFC on any campus-wide committee having a seat for a

representative of the IFC or he shall select a delegate.

VII. The outgoing Interfraternity Council President shall administer the Oath of Office.

VIII. He shall coordinate and co-chair the Presidents Round Table meetings.

IX. Shall be a signature for outgoing funds.

X. He shall be responsible for developing, presenting, and maintaining the goals and vision of the IFC.

B. Vice President

I. The Vice President shall assume all duties and responsibilities as well as, preside at the meetings of the Assembly and the Executive Board in the event of the absence of the

President.

II. Under the direction of the President, the Vice President shall promote continuity and

further stability for the fraternity system with regard to council affairs. III. He shall maintain close contact with the work of both elected and appointed officers and

committee chairmen of the IFC in order to coordinate and expedite projects and business in

the IFC.

IV. Coordinate the IFC annual training retreat. V. Plan and organize IFC sponsored community service/philanthropy events.

VI. The Vice-President may appoint a committee to assist the Vice-President in carrying out

his duties as it pertains to the well-being of the IFC.

V. Director of Programming I. Under the direction of the President, he shall promote continuity and further stability for

the fraternity system with regard to internal affairs.

II. He shall be responsible for the efficient operation of all special internal committees under

the discretion of the President, including overseeing the Social Chairmen meetings, Greek Week, Greek 101, IFC Awards Banquet, etc.

III. Collaborate with other organizations i.e. SPACE, UPC, Unified We Serve, Panhellenic

Council, AS, etc. for joint programming.

IV. Communicate with counterpart on other committees. V. The director of programming may appoint a programming committee to assist the

director in carrying out all programming responsibilities

V. Director of Recruitment

I. Under the direction of the President, he shall promote continuity and further stability for the fraternity system with regard to external affairs.

II. Serve as the IFC Rush Chairman and Chairman of the IFC Rush Committee.

IIIi. Be responsible for all administrative and clerical matters concerning Rush, including,

but not exclusively, the Rush brochure and other literature, and correspondence. IV. He, with the IFC Rush Committee, shall be responsible for the formulation and

enforcement of Rush guidelines and the presentation of the guidelines to the IFC Assembly.

V. Responsible for the efficient operation of all special external committees and programs

under the direction of the Executive Board and shall act as the liaison for community relations.

VI. Represent CSUN to the national G.A.M.M.A organization.

VII. Represent IFC on all campus-wide committees concerning alcohol use, policy, and

education (including the USU Alcohol Policy Board, the Health Education FIPSE Grant Committee, the CSUN Alcohol Policy Board, etc.).

VIII. Review and suggest policy to the IFC concerning alcohol and other substance use.

IX. Co-chair G.A.M.M.A. committee.

X. Coordinate chapter inspections during rush events.

XI . The director of recruitment may appoint a recruitment committee who will assist the director in carrying out his responsibilities pertaining to recruitment and to GAMMA

responsibilities.

E. Chief Justice

The duties and power of the Chief Justice are specified in Article X, Section B and C.

F. Secretary

I. Responsible for all correspondence concerning the IFC and for the maintenance of a file of

all official records, reports, and minutes of the IFC.

II. Serve as the secretary at all meetings of the Assembly, Executive Board, and Judicial Board.

III. Make all arrangements for all meetings of the IFC Assembly and Executive Board, and

shall be responsible for giving advance written notice of those meetings to the appropriate

member of the IFC at least three days prior to the event. IV. Represent IFC on all issues of diversity, multiculturalism, and tolerance.

V. Responsible for the upkeep of all documents pertaining to IFC.

VI. Take minutes of all meetings and shall keep and official record of all IFC business.

VII. Serve as custodian of the Interfraternity Council's funds and any special funds affiliated with the IFC

VIII. Prepare and maintain an annual budget and records of all IFC monies.

IX. Responsible for the assessment and collection of all fees and fines as stated herein and

in the Bylaws.

X. Responsible for determining which member fraternities are eligible to vote and notifying those fraternities which are not eligible to vote based on outstanding dues or fees.

XI. Responsible for submitting an annual budget to the Associated Students (AS).

XII. The secretary may appoint a committee to assist the secretary in carrying out his

responsibilities as it pertains to communication and financial efforts.

G. Director of Athletics

I. The Director of Athletics will serve under the direct supervision of the IFC Vice President

and Director of Programming for assurance of the integration of athletics into specific IFC events, as deemed necessary, to promoted both unity and healthy competition between

member and associate chapters.

II. Shall be responsible for organizing at least one sports tournament for the IFC chapters

per semester.

III. Shall be responsible for creating and revising, as necessary, the official IFC athletic manual which will contain all of the rules, formats, eligibility standards, etc. for each IFC

sporting event. Revisions and approval of the athletic manual must be approved by a

majority of the delegates in good standing at an IFC legislative assembly meeting, provided

quorum is present. IV. The director of athletics will be responsible for settling any disagreements between

member chapters of official rulings made during the sport tournaments by officials and any

policies or directives of the IFC athletic manual. The director of athletics shall make the

ultimate decision regarding any disputes. If the director of athletics is not present, he shall appoint a designee to rule on all such matters.

V. The director of athletics may appoint an athletic committee to assist the director in

carrying out his responsibilities as it pertains to athletics.

I. Director of Public Relations (PR)

I. Construct, revise and maintain the IFC website, including monitoring that proper payment

to upkeep the website is made in a timely manner.

II. Ensure that all IFC documentation, CSUN regulations as it pertains to IFC, and State

Laws as it pertains to IFC are available for public view on the IFC website. III. Keep a current IFC calendar with all IFC events, submitted member and associate

chapter events, Panhellanic events, and All-Greek events.

IV. Coordinate, edit, and maintain the IFC newsletter.

V. Serve as the liaison between IFC and the campus and community media.

VI. Disseminate positive information on the fraternity system to all campus and community

media. VII. Responsible for contributing to various fraternity publications. Those fraternity

publications are Rush, Greek Newsletters, and outreach programs to new and/or unaffiliated

students.

VIII. Establish a sounds working relationship with the Daily Sundial.

J. Director of Scholarship

I. Responsible for being the Chair of the Scholastic committee consisting of the scholarship

chairs from each member and associate chapter. II. Shall hold a minimum of one Scholastic committee meeting per month that classes are

regularly in session.

III. Responsible for, along with the Scholastic committee, the development, revision, and

implementation of a motivational scholastic plan and/or incentives program for all member and associate chapters, pending the approval of the legislative assembly.

IV. Shall serve under the direct supervision of the IFC Vice President and assist the Vice

President as needed.

Section E. Executive Jurisdiction 1. The Interfraternity Council Executive Board and Judicial Board has jurisdiction over

all member fraternities to enforce IFC policies and University rules and regulations.

Instances of alleged misconduct may result in referral of the fraternity or individual

fraternity members to the appropriate IFC or University body for disciplinary action. 2. Fines shall be enforced by the Executive Board and Judicial members. These fine

amounts will be predetermined with approval of the IFC Assembly.

Article X. Judicial Branch

Section A. Membership

1. The membership of the Judicial Board shall consist of: A. An elected Chief Justice.

B. There will be one justice from each member chapter with the approval of the

Interfraternity Council for the term of one calendar year.

C. The Advisor is an ex-officio, non-voting member.

Section B. Duties

1. Officers and members of the IFC and member Greek organizations are expected to

understand University, local, state, and federal policies and laws; and enforce IFC policies

and regulations. When a complaint is raised, the Judicial Branch will contact the President of the fraternity involved to seek resolution. The Judicial Board shall have the duty to ensure

adherence to the IFC Constitution and CSUN Rules and Regulations; to investigate all

alleged violations thereof; and to determine penalties and sanctions when appropriate.

A. Chief Justice

I. Preside as chairman at all meetings and hearing of the Judicial Board.

II. The Chief Justice, with the Advisor of the IFC, shall review cases prior to hearings to

confirm jurisdiction. III. The Chief Justice shall have the responsibility to call meetings and hearings of the

Judicial Board and notify, in writing, all parties concerned at least five (5) business days

prior to the meeting.

IV. Announce in writing all final rulings of the Judicial Board within ten (10) business days

after the hearing, and shall announce same at the following meeting of the IFC Assembly.

V. Serve as Parliamentarian for all official IFC meetings. VI. Under the direction of the President, the Chief Justice shall promote continuity and

further stability for the fraternity system with regard to judicial affairs.

VII. Shall conduct IFC Judicial trainings each semester.

B. Justices

I. Justices shall hear and decide all cases brought before the Judicial

Board after jurisdiction and validity has been ascertained.

II. Justices shall keep confidential all matters relating to Judicial Board proceedings. III. Justices cannot act as IFC legislative assembly members for their respective chapters.

Section C. Powers

1. The IFC Judicial Board shall have the power to arbitrate and mediate cases and impose penalties and sanctions in cases involving IFC member chapter versus member chapter; and

shall have the power to hear any other such cases ascertained to fall under the jurisdiction

of the IFC Judicial Board by the Chief Justice in consultation with the Advisor of the IFC.

2. The Judicial Board, in discharge of its duties and responsibilities, shall have the power to

impose any one or combination of the penalties and sanctions as outlined in the IFC Bylaws.

Section D. Procedure

1. Meetings of the Judicial Board shall be held at a place and time announced in writing by

the Chief Justice. 2. The Judicial Board shall impose no penalty or sanction without giving all parties in the

case an opportunity to be heard.

3. If a justice of the Judicial Board is a member of the fraternity involved in the case being

heard he shall be excluded completely from participation in the disposition of the matter for purposes of impartiality. The same applies to the Chief Justice. The IFC Advisor shall

determine whether or not a conflict of interest exists for a member.

4. The IFC Executive Board shall have the power to reverse or modify a decision of the

Judicial Board through appeal process.

5. The Vice President of Student Affairs, or his/her designee, shall have the power to reverse of modify a decision of the Judicial Board, provided such decision has been

considered by the IFC Executive Board, and shall serve as the court of last resort for

members of the IFC on matters relating to university policy only.

6. All other appeals shall be conducted following the procedures in Article V. of the IFC Bylaws.

7. Any Judicial Board procedures not otherwise stated herein shall be included in the IFC

bylaws.

Section E. Vacancies

Whenever the Chief Justice is unable to preside at meetings or hearing of the Judicial Board,

the President shall perform the duties of the Chief Justice in his absence.

Section F. Removal from Office

1. Any Justice may be removed from office for any of the following reasons:

A. Non-performance of the duties of his office, including unexcused absence for more than

two meetings or hearings of the Judicial Board during his term of office.

B. Failure to meet the eligibility requirements of a Justice as prescribed by Article VII., Section B.

C. Failure to meet the Ethical Standards, as outlined in the IFC Bylaws.

Article XI. Finances

Section A. Revenue

1. The Interfraternity Council shall be financed through revenue collected from semester

dues, fundraising, judiciary assessment, donations, Associated Student allocations and any

other agreed upon source.

2. The Executive Board, with the approval of the Secretary and the Advisor of the IFC, may engage in the expenditure of said funds. The Executive Board may also enter into

contractual agreements to lend their name to generate funds, upon approval of the IFC and

campus regulations.

3. Account: This organization, pursuant to its charter obligation, shall maintain an agency

account with the Associated Students for the official conducting of University business 4. Usage: All monies of this organization, reimbursed by the Associated Students, shall be

deposited in, and disbursed from, this account following procedures outlined by the

Associated Students, Inc.

5. Dispersal of Funds: Should this organization become inactive, including the failure to apply for university recognition annually, the agency account will be handled in accuracy

with the procedures of the Associated Students.

Article XII. Advisor

Section A. Name and Appointment

1. The name of the advisor of the IFC at California State University, Northridge shall be the

Advisor of the Interfraternity Council.

2. The advisor of the IFC shall be appointed by the University's Vice President of Student Affairs, or his/her designee.

3. Pursuant to Executive Order 1006, a CSUN faculty or staff advisor will be chosen at the

first meeting of each new semester per academic year. The university advisor will be

required to sign all campus documents.

Section B. Powers

1. As an official of the University, the Advisor of the IFC shall be permitted to be present at

any and all functions of the IFC.

2. Act as the financial advisor of the IFC. 3. Maintain close contact with the IFC, lend counsel and advise the IFC to help insure the

success of the fraternity system, and act as liaison with the University.

4. Act as Judicial Advisor in any matters concerning the IFC Judicial Board.

Article XIII. Hazing

This organization shall prohibit all members and officers from engaging in hazing or

committing any act that injures, degrades or disgraces any fellow student.

Article XIV. Code of Conduct

This organization shall comply with Title 5, Section 41301, Standards for Student Conduct

and this organization shall comply with the California State University, Northridge Code of

Ethics for University Recognized Student Clubs and Organizations.

Article XV. Oath of Office

I, (name) as (name of office) of the Interfraternity Council reaffirm my loyalty to CSUN and

my desire to serve its best interest. I will strive to create the spirit of close cooperation and good will between member fraternities and to work for their mutual benefit. I promise to

uphold the provisions of the Interfraternity Council Constitution, and its Bylaws and Rules

and Regulations in the execution of my office and to be fair and impartial in my dealing with

any member organization.

Article IX. Amendments and Bylaws

Section A. This Constitution may be amended by two-thirds of those in attendance at a

meeting, a quorum having been established.

Section B. Upon ratification by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership, and approval from the Matador Involvement Center and the Associated Students, Inc., this constitution

shall become the official governing document of the organization.

Section C. Pursuant to Executive Order 1006, any substantive change or amendment must

be submitted to the Matador Involvement Center within 90 days. Section D. Any amendment to the IFC Constitution or Bylaws shall be made in writing

(hand- written or electronically) and be submitted to the IFC Secretary no later than

seventy-two (72) hours prior to any vote being made.

Article XV. Enactment

This Constitution shall become effective immediately upon approval of the IFC Assembly by

a simple majority vote at a quorum meeting called for the announced purpose of

considering this Constitution.

Interfraternity Council Bylaws California State University, Northridge

Article I. Entry into IFC

Section A. Procedure

1. Any CSUN general/social fraternity seeking membership in the IFC must submit a

completed expansion packet to the Executive Board to establish its eligibility. 2. Upon careful review of the expansion packet, the fraternity will be invited to make a

formal presentation during a regularly scheduled IFC Assembly meeting. The presentation

shall include national organization structure, support, philanthropy, values, recruitment

procedures, education, history, and benefits the organization will provide the campus and the IFC community.

3. Once the fraternity has achieved full charter status through the university and the

Associated Students Constitutional Affairs Board, it will be granted Associate Membership in

the IFC. 4. Fraternities that are considered a colony by their local or (inter)national organization

upon gaining Associate Member status shall maintain that status and will not be eligible for

Full Membership status until it achieves its local or (inter)national charter and gains a 2/3

vote of the IFC Assembly. 5. Fraternities that are considered a chapter by its local or (inter)national organization upon

gaining Associate Member status shall serve a probation period to be determined by the IFC

Executive Board. At the conclusion of this probationary period, the fraternity must achieve a

2/3 vote of the IFC Assembly to obtain Full Membership status.

Section B. Eligibility Standards for Full Membership

1. Must have a minimum of 20 paid members.

2. Must have an advisor working regularly with the organization.

3. Must conduct meetings at least twice a month during fall and spring semesters, holiday periods excepted.

4. Must have established a regular dues payment schedule.

5. Must meet minimum IFC grade point standards.

6. Must have established an effective membership fraternity education program, free from any and all hazing.

7. Must be current on all dues, fees and fines owed to IFC as well as have submitted an

accurate online roster through the ICS roster management program.

8. Minimum Academic Qualifications—The president, vice president and treasurer must be matriculated and enrolled at California State University, Northridge with a minimum

cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA) each term (term is defined as a Fall or Spring

semester) along with a 2.5 GPA from the previous semester. The student must be in good

standing and must not be on probation of any kind.

9. Incumbent Unit Load—Undergraduate students in the role of President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer are required to earn six (6) semester units per term

while holding office. Graduate and credential students in the role of President and

Secretary/Treasurer must earn four (4) semester units per term while holding office.

10. Incumbent Maximum Allowable Units—Undergraduate students in the role of President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer are allowed to earn a maximum of 150

semester units or 125 percent of the units required for a specific baccalaureate degree,

whichever is greater. Graduate and credential students in the role of President and

Secretary/Treasurer are allowed to earn a maximum of 50 semester units or 167 percent of the units required for the graduate or credential objective, whichever is greater. Student

holding more than this number of units, including students pursuing a double major, will no

longer be eligible.

Article II. Finances

Section A. Dues

1. Active Member Dues

A. The IFC Secretary shall collect semi-annual dues from each Associate and Full Member

fraternity. B. Dues shall be due and payable the second IFC Assembly meeting of each semester

excluding summer.

C. Dues shall be assessed based on the online ICS roster management program on the date

that dues are due and payable for each reported active chapter member. ICS rosters must

be updated by the due date each semester. I. Any member fraternity which fails to submit a roster thirty days from the date due will be

financially expelled from the Assembly, as defined in Article 11, Section A, Clause f, i and ii.

II. The extension or suspension of a member fraternity's dues shall have no effect upon the

fraternity's obligation to submit a roster, as specified herein. D. Dues for active members shall be $20.00 per member per semester.

E. Any member fraternity, which fails to pay its dues thirty days (30) from the date due, will

be financially expelled from the assembly.

I. "Financially expelled" is defined as the loss of voice and vote from the assembly, and active member status in the IFC.

II. No person from a financially expelled chapter may function as a member of the IFC

Executive Board. III. Under special circumstances, if recommended by the Judicial Board, the Assembly may

extend or suspend dues by a 2/3 vote of the members present when a quorum is

established.

IV. Any financially expelled chapter from IFC shall be immediately reported to that chapter’s national headquarters.

F. Any member fraternity which fails to pay its fines thirty days (30) from the due date will

be financially expelled from the IFC.

I. "Financially Expelled" is defined as the loss of voice and vote from the Assembly, and active member status in the IFC.

II. A fine may be appealed before the Executive Board of IFC. If the amount of the original

fine is altered, then the appellant fraternity has thirty days (30) from the date of change to

pay the fine without penalty. However, if appellate proceedings does not result in a change of the amount of the fine, the

appellant fraternity must pay within thirty days (30) from the original assessment of the

fine.

2. Pledge/Associate Member Dues

A. The IFC Secretary shall collect a one-time fee from each pledge associate member from each Associate and Full Member fraternity.

B. The pledge/associate member fee shall be due one week after they have accepted their

bid and are verified through the ICS roster management program.

C. The ICS management roster must be updated by the second Monday following Rush Week.

D. The pledge/associate member fee shall be $10.00

E. Grade release forms are due at the MIC by the first Monday following Rush week or incur

a $10.00 fine per associate member without a submitted grade release form by the due date.

Section B. Fines

1. Dues & ICS Rosters

A. A fine of 10% of the amount owed will be assessed each week if the fraternity's dues and/or ICS roster are received later than the specified due date. The delinquent balance will

be compounded weekly including the 10% late charge.

B. Any Associate or Full Member fraternity that fails to pay its dues, fees or fines thirty (30)

days from the date due will be financially expelled from the IFC Assembly. 2. Attendance

A. Assembly Meetings

I. A fine of $20.00 shall be assessed to any member fraternity not represented at a

regularly scheduled meeting of the IFC Assembly. This fine is due within two weeks of the missed meeting. Should the fine not be paid within those two weeks, the member fraternity

in question will be sent to the Judicial Board.

II. Additionally, the fine shall increase by $10.00 for every consecutive IFC Assembly

meeting missed. B. President's Round Table

A fine of $20.00 shall be assessed to any member fraternity not represented at a regularly

scheduled President's Round Table Meeting. This fine is due within two weeks of the missed

meeting. Should the fine not be paid within those two weeks, $10 additional will be owed for

each week the fine is due. C. Special Meetings

A fine of $20.00 shall be assessed to any member fraternity not represented at a Special

Meeting. This fine is due within two weeks of the missed meeting. Should the fine not be

paid within those two weeks, $10 additional will be owed for each week the fine is due. D. Judicial Board Meetings

I. A fine of $20.00 shall be assessed to any member fraternity not represented at a Judicial

Meeting, not including the fraternity in question during said meeting. This fine is due within

two weeks of the missed meeting. Should the fine not be paid within those two weeks, $10 additional will be owed for each week the fine is due.

II. Additionally, the fine shall increase by $10.00 for every consecutive IFC Judicial meeting

missed.

E. Retreat A fine of $20.00 shall be assessed to any member fraternity for each missing delegate in

additional to full reimbursement to IFC for the cost of retreat attendance.

F. New Member Conference

Unexcused New Member absences will be fined $20.00 in addition to the registration fee and any additional expense paid for by IFC.

Section C. Extra Assessments

1. No extra assessments, beyond dues and fines herein, may be levied unless passed by a

majority vote of the IFC Assembly, except for fines imposed by the Judicial Board and for clause two (2) following.

2. If the IFC operates in a deficit in areas approved by member chapters, IFC then shallhave

the right to equally assess member chapters to cover the deficit.

Section D. Budget

1. A budget committee shall be appointed by the President to assist the Secretary/Treasurer

in preparation of an annual budget proposal.

2. The annual budget proposal shall be submitted to the assembly by the first meeting of the assembly in March.

3. The annual budget must be approved by a majority vote of the voting Assembly

members with quorum present.

4. The IFC's mission is to enhance the fraternity experience through preservation of

fraternal values as well as providing its members with an enjoyable college experience. Therefore, in accordance with the IFC BYOB Policy (1991), the IFC shall be allowed to fund

and promote events of which the consumption of alcohol is expressed or implied with a

strict limit of (2) per semester. Also, said event(s) shall be promoted and carried out solely

for the benefit of IFC Fraternities and their invited guests.

Section E. Stewardship

1. Agency Funds of the IFC shall be administered through an account in the Associated

Students, CSUN, Inc. account service and within A.S. policies and procedures. 2. Only the IFC President and/or IFC Advisor, with the IFC Secretary, shall have the right to

write checks or use the check card, against the IFC checking account.

Article III: Rushing and Pledging/ Recruitment

Section A. Policy

1. IFC respects the basic rights of each fraternity to select its own pledges, according to its own standards and qualifications from among those who are eligible. It demands that

member fraternities conduct rushing and pledging activities in an ethical manner, meaning

that rushes shall be given a fair opportunity to experience each house and no fraternity man

shall in any way influence a pledge or specific rushee of another fraternity to illegally break

up his pledgeship or wrongfully influence or slander against a house while a rushee is

involved in any house specific formal rush activities. It opposes any form of a quota system.

A. Illegal influence would include illegal rush propaganda i.e. flyers, alcohol, girls (esp. sweethearts), or slandering of any kind within the confines of another house's

rush activities.

2. All fraternities, as members of the IFC, shall follow reasonable and ethical codes of

conduct during formal Rush. No fraternity member or person claiming to represent another fraternity (i.e. sweethearts, sororities, advisors, etc.) shall harass or bribe any rushee who

has established commitments of pledgeship or is clearly actively participating in a particular

fraternity's formal rush activities. Disparagement of other houses by anybody to anybody is

not permitted. Alcohol consumption or any other illegal substance during formal rush is not allowed at "open" or "closed" locations.

3. Any deviations from policies (1) and (2) above shall warrant immediate investigation by

the Executive Board, and specifically the IFC Director of Recruitment and the Chief Justice.

Interpretations of Rush Policy shall be literal and fair. A. Deviations from subsections 1 and 2 involving other persons representing a fraternity

shall include charges brought up against the fraternity under claimed representation with

the minimum charge being a fine and maximum charge being up to the discretion of the IFC

including the possibility of full social suspension: which is defined as no fraternity functions

at the fraternity address for the semester on suspension, including intramurals, no campus advertisement, excluding that put out by the IFC, as well as the possibility of being removed

from IFC. The deviant person in question either, a fraternity member or otherwise, shall be

brought before the IFC judicial board. The house violated has permission to take penalizing

action against the representative deviant house and/or deviant person to their own discretion as long as punishment does not go against any IFC or other government

institutions’ laws (i.e. blacklisting, etc.)

4. Pursuant of its efforts to promote alcohol-free recruitment and in compliance with the

intentions of Fraternal Information and Programming Group's (FIPG) Risk Management Policy, all recruitment activities planned in such way that promote "drinking games" and any

other such activity that promotes the consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited. Cases in

violation of this statement shall be subject to the current and active disciplinary procedures.

However, the council will recognize the possibility of these events to serve an educational

purpose. In the event that such a program is desired, the IFC legislative assembly shall have the authority to review a program presentation from a respected chapter and

authorize its approval with a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the total voting membership of the

IFC.

A. IFC Rush Week, on the appropriate week determined by the Assembly each semester, shall begin at 6:00 am on Monday and end at 6:00 am on the following Saturday.

B. All member and associate chapters will be dry 24 hours prior to the beginning of rush

week and will remain dry for 12 hours after the official end of Rush Week.

C. All member and associate chapters authorized by the IFC Executive Board to offer bids outside of Rush Week must do the following:

I. Provide accurate location and time information of the bid event to the IFC Director of

Recruitment.

II. Become dry 24 hours prior and remain dry till 12 hours after the scheduled bid event. 5. Interfraternity Council Defines Recruitment Violations as Follows

A. Alcohol in the immediate range of a fraternity member, potential new member, or guest,

on or the property which is serving as the designated location of the fraternity's recruitment

function.

B. Presence of any alcoholic containers, or other illegal paraphernalia, in or near plain view of a fraternity member, potential new member or guest.

C. Taking a potential new member to an alternate property to consume alcohol, or where

alcohol is easily accessible.

D. Anyone who is intoxicated, by alcohol or other, who is in or near the plain view of a

rushee or guest.

E. Any fraternity member who attends another fraternity recruitment location with the intention of drawing other potential new members to said fraternity member's respective

rush function.

F. Any fraternity that downgrades or directs derogatory remarks about any other fraternity.

6. Each violation will constitute one violation, and each violation will be accompanied by a fine determined by the Interfraternity Council Executive Board.

A. All violations will be determined by IFC officers and those people that have received the

IFC jurisdiction.

Section B. Restriction on Pledging

1. Fraternities shall respect the California State Law (School Code, Division I, Part I,

Chapter I, Article IV, Sections I, 34), which prohibits any pupil enrolled in an elementary or

secondary school from affiliating or taking part in any secret fraternity or club. 2. Pledging shall be limited to bona fide regular students enrolled in the University. This

specifically excludes from pledgeship/associate membership, non-matriculated students in

the University Extension or Summer Sessions.

3. IFC member fraternities shall not extend an invitation (bid) in any form, make promises

to invite (bid), or extend 'courtesy bids' at any time during the school semester or summer months except for house dates voted on and approved by the General Assembly of the IFC

membership. Said date shall be collectively denoted as "Rush". At any time during the Rush

period a fraternity may, at their own discretion, extend an invitation (bid).

A. Rush defined- "To Rush"- Entertainment and attention given by a fraternity to prospective members.

B. Bids defined- "To bid"- To present a prospective member with Pledge or Associate

membership or New membership materials signifying pledgeship, associate membership, or

New member status, or giving of any physical article to an individual making him a pledge, associate member, or new member.

4. A fraternity may extend their Rush at the discretion of the Interfraternity Council

Executive Board as long as the Rush period that is opened up remains dry in accordance

with Article III, Section A.4.c.ii of the IFC Bylaws.

Section C. Meaning of Pledging/ Associate Membership/ New Membership

Pledging is interpreted to mean bidding or inviting a man to become a pledge, associate

member, or new member, or giving definite assurance of a future invitation or presenting a

man with a pledge pin to wear or hold, or acting in a manner that would lead a reasonable man to believe that an invitation is assured.

Section D. Severed Pledges

1. If a man breaks his pledgeship to a fraternity, he shall continue to be ineligible to pledge

any new fraternity so long as he is financially indebted to the former fraternity.

2. If a fraternity releases a man from his pledgeship, such a released pledge shall

immediately be eligible for pledging by another fraternity.

Article lV. Hazing

Section A. Fraternities shall adhere to California State Law (California Educational Code) in

regards to:

1. SEC 10851. "Hazing" Defined. As used in this article, "hazing" includes any method of initiation into a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect

to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm

to any -student or other person attending any school college, university or other educational

institution in this State; by the term "hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.

2. SEC 10852. Hazing Prohibited. No student, or other person in attendance at any public,

private, parochial, or military school, college, or other educational institution, shall conspire

to engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that injures, degrades, or disgraces, or tends to injure, degrade, or disgrace any fellow student or person attending

the institution.

(l.)The violation of this section is a felony, punishable by a fine of no less than five hundred

dollars ($500), or more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment in the county jail for no more than one year, or both.

3. Sec 10852. Hazing Prohibited. Any person who participates in the hazing of another, or

any corporation or association which knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its

members or by others subject to its discretion or control, shall forfeit any entitlement to public funds, scholarship or awards which are enjoyed by him or by it and shall be deprived

of any sanction or approval granted by any public educational institution or agency.

(1.)The governing board of any public school, public college, public university or other public

educational institution or agency may adopt rules and regulations to implement this section.

(2.) If he has reason to believe that forfeiture should be declared under this section, the Attorney General of the district attorney of any county or city may institute a special

proceeding in the superior court to establish such forfeiture. Any funds so forfeited shall be

deposited in the State Treasury and credited to the State School Fund. (Operative April 30,

1977).

Article V. Judicial Procedures

Section A. Introduction

1. The following procedures have been developed to ensure that common sense and fair

play shall rule the proceedings and that all cases of IFC discipline are handled in a fair and

orderly manner, protecting the rights of all parties to procedural due process.

Section B. Due Process

1. Due Process rights include the following:

A. Right to a timely hearing before an impartial tribunal.

B. Right to reasonable and complete notice regarding all charges and scheduled hearings. C. Right to examine all evidence and hear all testimony presented.

D. Right to have an advisor present.

E. Right to present a defense.

F. Right to cross-examine witnesses. G. Right to a decision based solely on the facts presented and supported by substantial

evidence.

H. Right to an appellate review.

2. There is a fundamental difference between the nature of IFC judicial Board proceedings and the proceedings in a court of law. Discipline within the University community is

primarily a part of the educational process. The exact processes of criminal and civil law do

not apply because they are designated for circumstances unrelated to the academic

community.

Section C. Goals

The goals of the IFC judicial process are to compel adherence to both University and IFC

policies, to resolve conflicts within the Greek community, and to improve the public image

of the Greek community by promoting high standards of conduct.

Section D. Jurisdiction

1. The Interfraternity Council has jurisdiction over all member fraternities to enforce IFC

policies, rules, and regulations. Instances of alleged misconduct may result in referral of the fraternity or individual fraternity members to the appropriate IFC or University body for

disciplinary action.

2. Charges of misconduct by individuals normally are referred to the University Coordinator

of Discipline. Charges of misconduct by fraternity chapters are normally referred to the IFC Judicial Board. Action by the University Coordinator of Discipline may run concurrently with

action by the IFC Judicial Board. One type of judicial action does not necessarily affect the

other.

3. A chapter may be held accountable for the actions of any of its members if the behavior is any way related to the fraternity. Fraternity misconduct need not be officially sanctioned

by the entire membership in order to be considered grounds for possible disciplinary action

against the chapter. There is no minimum number of fraternity members who must be

involved in an incident before disciplinary actions may be taken against a chapter.

4. The determination of whether a case should be referred to the IFC Judicial Board for possible action against the chapter is made on a case by case basis in consultation between

the Advisor to fraternities and the IFC Chief Justice.

5. Actions taken or pending by a chapter's internal judicial body, the national/international

office of the fraternity or by the State of California court system will not necessarily affect the determination of whether or not a case is referred to the IFC Judicial Board or the

University Coordinator of Discipline.

6. The IFC Chief Justice, under advisement from the Advisor to IFC, and with authorization

by the IFC President, may pass on any case that is deemed to be outside the scope of IFC and, instead, refer such a case to the appropriate University and/or legal higher authority.

Section E. Role of the IFC Secretary

The IFC Secretary shall attend and take minutes at all hearings and appeals.

Section F. Role of the Advisor to Fraternities

The responsibilities of the Advisor to Fraternities, as they pertain to the judicial process are:

1. Ensure that all fraternities are informed of relevant policies, University regulations and

expectations, and applicable local, State, and Federal laws. 2. Assist in investigating complaints regarding fraternities.

3. Facilitate the resolution of disciplinary problems.

4. Advise all chapters regarding the judicial process.

5. Coordinate arrangements for informal Judicial Conferences, for the IFC Judicial Board hearings, and appeals before IFC.

Section G. Role of the IFC Judicial Board Chief Justice

The responsibilities of the IFC Judicial Board Chief Justice are: 1. Serve as moderator at Judicial Board hearings, including making procedural rulings.

2. Serve as spokesman for the Board.

3. Write Judicial Board decisions.

4. Approve Judicial Board minutes.

5. Represent the Board at judicial appeals before the Interfraternity Council.

Section H. Role of the IFC Judicial Board

The IFC Judicial Board shall conduct hearings on cases referred to the Board by the IFC

Advisor and/or the IFC Chief Justice. At such hearings, the Board shall review all evidence

and question witnesses in order to determine the facts, and if necessary, impose sanctions.

Section I. Role of the Vice President of Student Affairs, or his/her designee

The decision on matters of University policies, rules, and regulations by the IFC Judicial

Board is a recommendation to the Vice President of Student Affairs, or his/her designee. The Vice

President of Student Affairs, or his/her designee serves as the final avenue of appeal on

matter of University policies, rules, and regulations, after an appeal before the entire

IFC Assembly, for a fraternity found guilty by the IFC Judicial Board. On appeal, the Vice President of Student Affairs, or his/her designee may reverse, modify, or sustain the Board’s

actions or remand a case back to the Board with instructions for reconsideration.

Section J. Ethical Standards for Board Members 1. Because they are identified not only as members of their own chapter, but also as

representatives of the IFC judicial system, it is especially important that Board members

uphold and obey all regulations of the University and the Interfraternity Council. Board

members must exercise care to protect the confidentiality of Judicial Board proceedings.

Board members may divulge the charges pending against a chapter, the decision of the Board, and the sanctions; all other information should be held in confidence. Specifically,

the referral report, the testimony of witnesses, or the deliberations of the Board should not

be discussed outside of the hearing room.

2. Decisions of the Board should be upheld by all members, even though there may be dissenting opinions.

3. If a Board member fails to fulfill his responsibilities, violates these ethical standards, or

otherwise engage in activities that would affect his effectiveness or credibility as a Board

member, the IFC President may recommend to the IFC Legislative Assembly that the member be dismissed. A simple majority vote of the voting membership of the Legislative

Assembly, with quorum present, is required for dismissal.

Section K. Investigation of Reports of Alleged Misconduct

1. All reports of alleged misconduct involving IFC member fraternities shall be referred to the Advisor to Fraternities and/or the IFC President.

2. When a report is received, the president of the accused fraternity will meet with the

Advisor to Fraternities to assess the possibility for immediate solutions and the need for

Judicial Board action. The Advisor to Fraternities may arrange an Informal Judicial Conference in which the aggrieved party and the president of the accused fraternity can

meet together to agree upon a mutually acceptable resolution.

Section L. Administrative Sanction Option 1. Following the Informal Judicial Conference, the Advisor to Fraternities, may choose to

offer the fraternity an appropriate "administrative sanction" in lieu of referral to the IFC

Judicial Board for a hearing. This option may only be exercised for minor infractions. The

Advisor to Fraternities shall determine whether a case qualifies for an administrative sanction. Examples of offenses for which this option is not applicable include, but are not

limited to, intentional property damage exceeding $200, incidents resulting in bodily injury,

hazing violations, and any offenses that could result in full suspension, dismissal, or

expulsion from the Interfraternity Council.

2. An "Administrative Sanction Letter" from will be sent to the chapter president stating the findings of the Informal Judicial Conference and stating the proposed administrative

sanction. The form must be returned by the date specified (normally within ten days)

indicating whether the chapter president accepts the administrative sanction. If the chapter

president accepts the sanction, he waives his chapter's right to a hearing before the IFC

Judicial Board and an appeal to the Interfraternity Council or the Vice President of Student

Affairs, or his/her designee. A chapter president can accept an administrative sanction letter without admitting guilt. Failure to complete the terms of the administrative sanction by the

specified date may result in the matter being referred to the IFC Judicial Board for a

hearing, where a new sanction may be imposed. If the chapter president rejects the

administrative sanction or fails to return the Administrative Sanction Letter form by the specified date, the case will be referred to the IFC Judicial Board, which will issue its own

findings and impose appropriate sanctions. Copies of the Administrative Sanction Letter

signed by the chapter president will be distributed to the IFC President, the Advisor to

Fraternities, The IFC Judicial Board, the Vice President of Student Affairs, the chapter president, the chapter advisor, and other appropriate parties.

Section M. Referral to the IFC Judicial Board

1. Notice of Judicial Board hearings should normally be given to all parties involved at least five (5) days prior to the hearing. This notice period may be shortened to (24) hours if it

becomes necessary to conduct a hearing before the end of the semester. The notice to the

president of the fraternity charged with misconduct should include a brief but clear

description of the alleged offense, the time and location of the hearing, an indication of the

sanctions that may be imposed, and notice of his procedural rights. 2. Normally, matters preliminary to hearings shall be decided and notices of hearings given

within ten (10) days of the time a report is received by the Advisor to Fraternities and/or

the IFC President. Hearings will normally be held within ten (10) days of the day the notice

is sent. 3. A case normally must be referred to the Board within sixty (60) days, excluding school

vacations, after the alleged misconduct occurred. This time limitation may be waived by a

simple majority vote of the Legislative Assembly.

Section N. Hearing Process

1. No Judicial Board member may serve on a panel hearing a case in which his own

fraternity is either the aggrieved party or the chapter charged with misconduct, or in which

there is an apparent conflict of interest, as determined by the IFC President and the Advisor

to Fraternities. Whenever a regular member is unable or ineligible to serve on a panel hearing a case, an alternate member should be selected to serve on the panel for that

hearing. No hearing may be conducted unless at least twothirds (2/3) of the eligible, voting

members are present. All Judicial Board actions require a majority vote of the voting

members present. 2. A fraternity charged with misconduct is presumed to be not guilty, and this presumption

follows the fraternity until guilt is proved by "clear and convincing" evidence.

3. The agenda for a typical hearing includes: (the agenda may be modified at the discretion

of the Chief Justice with a quorum vote of the Judicial Board.) A. Pre-hearing discussion in executive session.

B. Introductions

C. Clarification of judicial process.

D. Explanation of charges. E. Presentation of evidence and testimony of witnesses on behalf of the aggrieved party.

F. Presentation of evidence and testimony of witnesses on behalf of the chapter.

G. Concluding statements by the spokespersons for the parties involved.

H. Preliminary deliberations in executive session.

I. Final deliberations in executive session with only voting members present. J. Announcement of decision.

4. During the questioning of witnesses a person must be recognized by the Chief

Justice before a question may be asked. Normally, the Chief Justice will permit Board

Members to ask their questions first.

5. The president of the chapter charged with misconduct, or another active member who has been designated as spokesman for the chapter, has the right to present and hear and

question all witnesses and to examine all evidence, including all written documentation

presented to the Judicial Board. (Note: the right to be present during the questioning of all

witnesses applies to Judicial Board hearings; it is not a right in the preliminary investigation process conducted by the Advisor to Fraternities.)

6. Each chapter is entitled to one spokesman, who must be active. If the spokesman is

other than the chapter president, the chapter president may still attend as an observer.

7. The fraternity charged with misconduct has the right to call its own witnesses. 8. The fraternity charged with misconduct has the right to have an advisor present during

the hearings. An advisor, even if he is an attorney, may not present evidence or make

motions; his role is simply to advise the fraternity.

9. If the aggrieved party is a fraternity or sorority, the fraternity/sorority shall have the same rights as the fraternity charged with misconduct, i.e., the right to have the

Fraternity/Sorority president or spokesman present during hearings, the right to call

witnesses, and the right to have an advisor present.

10. IFC Judicial Board hearings shall be closed to everyone other than the Judicial Board,

the Advisor to Fraternities, the president of the fraternity charged with misconduct or his designated representative, and an advisor to the fraternity. If the aggrieved party is a

fraternity or sorority, the president or designee of that fraternity or sorority may also be

present, along with and advisor. Witnesses normally are permitted to be present only while

they are presenting evidence. 11. If a fraternity fails to appear at a hearing, after being given proper notice, the evidence

in support of the charges shall be presented, considered, and adjudicated.

Section P. Witnesses 1. The IFC Judicial Board has the authority to require members of fraternities to appear as

witnesses. A fraternity member should normally be served with a notice to appear at least

five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. This notice, however, may be shortened if

circumstances warrant. If a fraternity member fails to appear without an adequate reason

and prior notice, the Judicial Board may levy a fine of up to $25.00 against the chapter. 2. If the IFC Judicial Board needs the testimony of a sorority member, the Advisor to

Fraternities shall notify the sorority advisor. If a notified member of a sorority fails to

appear without an adequate reason and prior notice, the sorority advisor may refer her

sorority to the appropriate body for possible judicial action. 3. Faculty/staff members, students who are not members of Greek-Letter organizations,

and others may be requested to appear as witnesses at hearings.

Section Q. Decisions 1. Guilt must be proved by "clear and convincing" evidence. The standard of proof, "clear

and convincing" does not mean that Judicial Board members may not have doubts about

guilt; that standard requires only that Judicial Board members be convinced of guilt to a

substantial level of centrality. 2. A decision of the Judicial Board must be a simple majority vote of those eligible, voting

members on the hearing panel with quorum present. The numerical vote is not announced.

3. Immediately after the final deliberations the Board will announce its decision. No

discussion, other than clarification is permitted. If a chapter wishes to debate the decision,

it must do so via the appeal process. A written decision will be prepared by the Chief Justice and will normally be given to the chapter president within ten (10) days after the hearing.

The written decision will contain a brief statement to the facts of the case, the sanctions

imposed, and the notice of the right to appeal the decision to the IFC Assembly.

4. A copy of the decision shall be given to the Vice President of Student Affairs, or his/her

designee, the Advisor to Fraternities, and the fraternity's chapter advisor. A copy should

also be retained in the Judicial Board file in the Campus activities office.

Section R. Sanctions

1. The IFC Judicial Board shall have the authority to issue any one or combination of the

following sanctions. A. A reprimand, indicating that a chapter’s actions were inappropriate and those subsequent

infractions should not occur.

B. Probation, defined as a period of time, not to exceed one year, during which a fraternity

is ordered to conform to all established policies and regulations, with the consequences of misconduct during the probationary period specified in advance (probation does not imply a

loss of privileges).

C. Monetary fines, not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per member (actives and pledges).

Fines may be paid to either IFC or a charity at the discretion of the Board. The guilty fraternity may choose its own charity.

D. A social service sanction, with the IFC Judicial Board determining the total man-hour

requirement and compliance period. The specific social service project is determined by the

fraternity, and must be approved in advance by the IFC Judicial Board.

E. Suspension of specific IFC privileges, such as, open parties, IFC intramural sports, IFC sponsored activities, etc., for a defined period of time, not to exceed one year.

F. Suspension from IFC, for a definite period, not to exceed one year. A suspended

fraternity loses all privileges of membership including, but not limited to, the right to vote,

the privilege of conducting post-rush open parties, Greek Week, the privilege in participating in IFC sports, IFC sponsored Rush events, and any IFC sponsored social

events. A suspended fraternity retains the privilege of participating in IFC sponsored

leadership workshops and community service projects. A suspended fraternity must

continue the obligations of membership, including paying dues and attending meetings. G. Expulsion involving final exclusion from the privileges of membership.

H. Financial or other restitution of property damage or physical injury, limited to the actual

costs, including fair value of labor.

I. Letter from the Board to the National or International office of the fraternity.

2. The Judicial Board may also recommend to the advisor that individual fraternity members be referred to the University Coordinator of Discipline

3. It is usual for the University to revoke on-campus status of any fraternity expelled from

IFC. If a fraternity is expelled from IFC, the University will request that the

National/Intemational officers revoke the chapter's charter. 4. If a fraternity chooses to appeal a decision of the board, the sanction shall not become

effective until after the appellate process is complete.

Section S. Judicial Records 1. The IFC Secretary will take minutes at all hearings, which shall include a copy of the

original complaint, a copy of all written documentation pertaining to the case, the date and

location of the hearing, a list of all persons in attendance at the hearing, a brief testimony of

each witness, a copy of all notice to appear letters sent, and a copy of the decision. Minutes of all Judicial Board hearings shall be kept in the Office of Campus Activities for five years.

2. At the discretion of the Advisor to Fraternities, the testimony presented at a hearing may

be tape recorded. Board deliberations shall not be tape recorded. The tape can be used for

preparation of the minutes, disputes about the accuracy of the minutes, for the board to

rehear testimony during deliberations, and for the appeal process. Only one tape may be made. All witnesses should be informed that their testimony is being taped, but witnesses

do not have the right to request that their testimony not be taped.

3. IFC judicial records, including tape recordings, are confidential. Access to the IFC judicial

records should be limited to the board, the chapters involved in the case, and Student

Affairs staff members who handle fraternity discipline. In the event of an appeal, all IFC executive officers and delegates are expected to keep all information, other than the nature

of the appeal and the decision of the Assembly, confidential.

Section T. Appeal Procedures 1. A fraternity found guilty by the IFC Judicial Board may appeal to the IFC Executive Board.

In cases where there is substantial new evidence that becomes available after the hearing,

either party may request a rehearing. If the Executive Board does not decide to rehear the

case, the chapter can appeal to the IFC assembly. The same appeal process applies to rehearing's that applies to other hearings. A fraternity desiring to appeal must give written

notice of its intent to do so to the Advisor to Fraternities within ten (10) days after receiving

the written decision. A Notice of Intent to Appeal must state one or more of the following

grounds and the rationale for appealing on those grounds: A. The sanction was unreasonable.

B. There is significant new evidence.

C. The findings were not supported by substantial evidence.

D. The proceedings were unfair, i.e., the established procedures were not correctly followed.

(Technical departures from these procedures and errors in their application shall not be grounds for an appeal unless the technical departures or errors were such as to have

prevented a fair and just determination of the issues.

2. "Notice of Intent to Appeal" forms are available from the Advisor to Fraternities.

3. When the Advisor to Fraternities receives a Notice of Intent to Appeal, he or she shall notify the IFC President, the IFC Judicial Board, and other parties involved in the case. The

IFC President shall place the appeal on the agenda for the next IFC meeting provided that

all parties involved are given proper notice of the appeal.

4. The same guidelines for chapter spokesman and advisors that apply in hearings also apply in appeal proceedings.

5. Appeals before the IFC Assembly are to be held in closed session with only the IFC

Executive Board members, IFC delegates, IFC Judicial Board members, the president (and

spokesman if other than the president) of the involved fraternities, the Advisor to

Fraternities present. To protect the confidentiality of the IFC judicial records, case reports and other documentation pertaining to the appeal shall not be distributed to IFC delegates

prior to the appeal and shall be collected at the conclusion of the appeal.

6. Any fraternity involved in the case shall not be eligible to vote on an appeal. A two- thirds

majority vote of the chapters eligible, present, and voting shall be required to reverse or modify a decision of the Judicial Board. All voting shall be done by secret ballot.

7. A fraternity may make a final appeal to the Vice President of Student Affairs, or his/her

designee, on matters pertaining to University Policy only, provided that notice of the intent

to appeal is delivered in writing to the Advisor to Fraternities within five (5) days of the IFC meeting at which the first appeal was made.

Section U. Amendments to IFC Judicial Procedures

1. These procedures may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the IFC Assembly, provided that all member fraternities have been given written notice of the proposed change(s) at

least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote is held. Such changes must be

submitted to the Matador Involvement Center within 90 days.

Section V. Automatic Academic Sanctions: The following sanctions will be imposed if a member fraternity and its pledge class combined

grades fail to meet the minimum 2.5 grade requirement:

1. Defines academic probation as a chapter falling below a 2.5 Cumulative GPA.

A. Each chapter must submit a plan to the IFC Scholarship Committee, stating corrective

measures the fraternity is taking to improve grades.

B. Each chapter must summit a mid-semester grade progress to the IFC Scholarship Committee.

C. Each chapter must obtain and submit to the IFC Scholarship Committee their respective

national's scholarship programs and their chapter’s scholarship probation program.

D. Each chapter must place any pledge or active that fails to meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement on the individual fraternity's scholarship probation program.

2. Defines Academic Suspension as falling below a 2.5 GPA the next semester following

Academic probation the following sanctions will be imposed:

A. Fine of three dollars $5.00 per member and pledge/associate member. B. Full social suspension which as no fraternity functions at the fraternity address for the

semester on suspension.

C. Notification to respective National/International fraternity Headquarters.

D. Third semester below a 2.5 GPA the chapter will go before the IFC Judicial Board.

Article VI. Anti-Pranking Policy

Section A. Education

1. Chapters agree that all members of the Interfraternity Council community must be

educated about the issues related to image and pranking. Chapters agree to educate all of their members about

1. Risk management

2. The contents of this policy at least once a year

3. Consequences of breaking this agreement

Section B. Provisions

1. Chapters agree that each member of the Interfraternity Council community must agree

to the guidelines and provisions in order for them to be effective. Pranks include, but are

not limited to: 1. Stealing personal property or chapter property

2. Breaking into property

3. Vandalism of any kind

4. Profanity 5. Obstructing exits and/or personal endangerment

6. Involving food products of any kind

7. Toilet papering

Section C. Accountability Individual actions will reflect on the entire chapter. Chapters agree that accountability for

actions is to the success of this agreement.

1. Chapters agree to address problems straightforwardly and with maturity.

2. Chapter Presidents (or next officer in line) agree to contact each other immediately when

problems arise between chapters. Open communication will be encouraged and valued. 3. Chapters agree to take responsibility for their own actions.

4. If chapters cannot reach a solution amongst themselves, then investigations by a

committee will take place with the possibility of sanctions through the Interfraternity Council

judicial process. The committee will be formed by the Interfraternity Council Assembly and all decisions will be final.

Article VII: Alcohol/Drugs Policy

1. The possession, use and/or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on their

chapter premises, during an official fraternity event, or in any situation sponsored or

endorsed by the chapter, must be in all compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and university.

2. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through the chapter treasury nor may the

purchase of same for members of guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in

the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase and/or use of a bulk quantity of such alcoholic beverages, i.e., kegs, are prohibited.

3. No chapter members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell

alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under the legal "drinking age").

4. The possession, sale and/or use of any ILLEGAL DRUG OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE at any chapter house, sponsored event or at any event that an observer would

associate with the fraternity, is strictly prohibited.

5. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization

or tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those

present.

6. No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of

the host chapters or organizations.

7. All rush activities associated with any chapter will be a DRY function. 8. OPEN PARTIES where alcohol is present, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-

members of the fraternity, without specific invitation, shall be prohibited.

No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in the "drinking games" in any

organized event, registered by the school or any formal activity. 10. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/novice program or activity

of the chapter.

Article VIII: BYOB Policy

Section A. Pre-Event Planning

1. All events must be registered with the office of Student Development and Matador

Involvement Center through the "Off-campus Event Registration" form.

2. Members of the community in the vicinity of the event should be notified in advance of

the event, indicating time and place. A fraternity contact person's name and phone number should be given to each person who is notified in order to immediately address issues and

concerns.

3. The primary focus of the event should be on the congenial socialization of the guests at

the event. All planning, activities, and factors should ensure that the fraternity has taken measures to act as responsible event hosts and in providing a safe and healthy social

environment.

4. The event MAY NOT BE OPEN to other guests, male or female, who are not on a

previously determined guest list.

Section B. Events Involving Alcoholic Beverages

1. Chapter members shall be informed of all relevant university and organizational policies

as well as federal and state laws involving events where alcoholic beverages are present. All

proceedings of these functions must comply with these university, organizational, federal, and state laws.

2. Fraternities are prohibited from providing alcoholic beverages. This shall be defined as

purchasing alcohol with organizational funds or credits or allowing any collection of funds for

the purchase of alcohol.

3. Any fraternity function at which alcoholic beverages are present must be "bring your own

beverage" (BYOB) function with the following procedures in place:

A. All guests must surrender their alcohol to the Fraternity for serving upon entrance to the event. It is recommended that each Fraternity determine an appropriate means to register

the alcohol that is brought to the event by each guest. The use of tags, tickets, or a

registration list is highly encouraged.

B. No guest shall be permitted in common areas of the event with cans or bottles. The fraternity must supply plastic cups to be used by all guests.

C. All guests must show proper identification upon entrance to the event and receive a

visible identification as being of legal drinking age. Wristbands are encouraged for this

purpose. D. No guest who arrives intoxicated shall be permitted entrance to the event. An attempt to

secure proper transportation for the guest should be made.

E. Any guest who becomes intoxicated at the event will forfeit his or her right to be served

any additional alcohol. The fraternity reserves the right to take that person's alcohol into "safekeeping" until the person returns at a later time, to be reasonably determined by the

fraternity, in a condition appropriate to reclaim the alcohol.

F. The fraternity is responsible for providing servers (1 for each 75 guests expected) who

will be held responsible for appropriately serving each guest his or her alcohol upon request.

These servers will be at least 21 years of age and be knowledgeable of all alcohol policies and methods of dealing with intoxicated guests. It is the responsibility of the servers to

ensure that individuals only access their own alcohol and that guests are utilizing alcohol in

a responsible manner.

G. The fraternity is responsible for providing sober party monitors (1 for each 50 guests expected). These monitors are responsible for providing for the health and safety of the

guests and should be knowledgeable of all alcohol policies, and methods of dealing with

intoxicated persons.

H. No guest may leave an event with an unconsumed beverage. I. The fraternity will provide a variety of non-alcoholic beverages to use as choices for

guests who are not drinking alcoholic beverages. These should be readily available and

easily accessible at the serving area.

J. The fraternity should provide food in substantial quantity and quality so as to be an

attractive part of the social event. K. The fraternity will make appropriate arrangements for the safe and swift removal of all

trash for the event.

Section C. Other Issues 1. Each fraternity will annually submit to IFC a written plan describing the measure that the

chapter will take to comply with all measures of this policy, including a detailed description

of the means that the fraternity has determined to appropriately manage the registration

and serving of alcohol. 2. Each organization will annually present to its members (90% participation) an

educational on the effects of alcohol and the consequences involved with inappropriate and

irresponsible use.

3. No alcohol will be served at any all-Greek function, banquet, or workshop.