United Sorority & Fraternity Council

Transcription

1 United Sorority & Fraternity Council CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS September 24, 1997 PREAMBLE: Seeking a more diverse cooperative existence between sorority and fraternal orders while maintaining good relation with the University, we, the chapters of the United Sorority and Fraternity Council (USFC) of San Diego State University, do hereby establish the following Constitution and Bylaws as a basis for the respectful governance of our affairs within the student body. ARTICLE I: NAME The name of this organization shall be the United Sorority and Fraternity Council, founded at San Diego State University. ARTICLE II: PURPOSE The purpose of the USFC shall be to assist culturally diverse sororities and fraternities in the achievement of their noble purposes, to provide a forum for the government and the regulation of chapter affairs, to enrich chapter life on campus, to act as liaison between our member chapters and the University administration by establishing a communicative network for all culturally diverse sororities and fraternities, and to promote unity among our chapters and the college community. ARTICLE III: VALUES The values of the USFC shall be Unity, Diversity, Leadership, and Community Service ARTICLE IV: SCOPE OF AUTHORITY Section l: The scope of authority for the USFC shall be legislative, administrative, judicial, and advisory. By virtue of authority vested in it by these Constitution and Bylaws, the Council shall have power to regulate all matters of member interest, except those that are of institutional policy, to which the USFC is free to make recommendations to the University. Authority for the USFC is Last Modified: November 26,

2 derived through recognition by the University through Student Life and Leadership. Section 2: All policies and activities of the Council and its members shall be in compliance with University policies, including but not limited to the USFC Constitution and Bylaws, the Student Organization Handbook, and any applicable local, State and Federal laws. Section 3: The Council shall manifest its judicial authority, as delegated by the Vice President for Student Affairs, through the Judicial Board, as specified in Article XIV and in the "United Sorority and Fraternity Council Judicial Procedures." ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP Section l: Chapters rather than individuals shall be considered members of the USFC. Section 2: The regular membership of the USFC shall consist of such sorority and fraternity chapters that are in good standing with SDSU and, if applicable, with the National or Regional organization at the time this Constitution shall be adopted and of such other chapters as may thereafter be admitted to membership by the Council. Section 3: Membership in the USFC is at all times a privilege which may be withdrawn only for good cause by the USFC in accordance with these Constitution, Operating Codes and Policies, and/the "United Sorority and Fraternity Judicial Procedures." Section 4: Eligibility for appointed or elected student officer positions may not be limited on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The organization shall have no rules or policies that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Section 7: INACTIVE STATUS A. When a member chapter falls below six (6) active members, the chapter shall automatically be placed on Inactive status. i. When an Inactive chapter has six (06) active members, it shall be placed on Active status. B. If a chapter s mean GPA falls below a 2.5 for two consecutive semesters, the chapter shall automatically be placed on Inactive status. i. When an Inactive chapter has attained a chapter mean above 2.5, it shall automatically be placed on Active status. C. Inactive status grants the chapter participation in USFC affairs and activities at the discretion of the Council without the privilege of voting. Inactive status relieves the chapter from paying USFC dues. To participate in an event, an Inactive chapter must make a written request to the USFC Council Executive Board at its regular meeting prior to the event. The Executive Board will determine if the Inactive chapter can participate. However, an Inactive chapter is responsible for paying USFC fees and assessments as determined by the Council. D. A member chapter may be placed on Inactive status for a maximum of two (2) semesters during any two year period, after which time the Council shall review and determine the continuing membership status of the chapter. E. If at the end of the two semester period, said chapter is unable to maintain six (06) members and 2.5 GPA, it may appeal to the Council for a continuation of Inactive status. The Council, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire voting membership, may grant no Last Modified: November 26,

3 more than one continuation of Inactive status within a two year period. The time period for this continuation shall not exceed the academic semester in which the continuation is granted. F. If said chapter is unable to maintain the Active membership requirements and 2.5 GPA, as stated above at the end of the granted continuation the chapter shall be dismissed from the Council. G. Once dismissed, a chapter must be absent from the USFC for one (1) year, after which time said chapter may petition to reapply. Section 8: SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS A. Each semester a grade point average shall be calculated for each member chapter. The GPA is based only upon regularly enrolled classes for credit at San Diego State University (excluding Extended Studies and Open University classes). The chapter GPA shall be the mean GPA of its members, including initiates, pledges or associate members, and holdovers, as indicated on the chapter's official roster as of the third week prior to the last day of classes, excluding members with three or less units. If a chapter believes a reported composite GPA is inaccurate, it can submit an appeal within two weeks after the distribution of the semester scholarship report. Appropriate documentation from the Office of Admissions and Records must be submitted for any individual grade changes. B. If a chapter's semester GPA is 0.15 or more above the all SDSU undergraduate average (AUA) for that same semester, the chapter shall be named to the USFC Academic Honor Roll and shall receive recognition from USFC. C. If a chapter's semester GPA is less than the Honor Roll standard but equal to or higher than the AUA, the chapter shall be considered to be in USFC Good Academic Standing and shall receive recognition from USFC. D. If a chapter's semester GPA is below the AUA but higher than or equal to the USFC semester goal of 2.50, the chapter shall be considered to be on USFC Academic Satisfactory. E. If a chapter's semester GPA is below 2.50 but higher than or equal to 2.30 for one semester, the chapter shall be placed on USFC Academic Warning Probation status. Such a chapter must submit a Scholarship Improvement Program to the USFC Scholarship Director for approval before the end of the third week of the semester. F. If a chapter is on USFC Academic Warning Probation for a second consecutive semester, the chapter shall be placed on Academic Unsatisfactory status. Such a chapter must complete all of the requirements of USFC Academic Warning, as stipulated above. Additionally, none of the chapter's members who earned a GPA below a 2.30 the previous semester shall be eligible to participate in USFC sponsored activities. Also, all of the chapter's active initiates must complete 25 hours of documented study hours per month to be documented and submitted monthly to the Scholarship Director. G. If a chapter is on USFC Academic Unsatisfactory the third semester but increases their GPA by 0.15 or more, they shall be considered to be in USFC Academic Improvement. Such a chapter must complete all of the requirements of USFC Academic Unsatisfactory, as stipulated above with the exception of submitting a Scholarship Improvement Program. If a chapter is on USFC Academic Probation and fails to improve a chapter GPA above a 2.50 the chapter shall be placed on No Events/No Votes Academic Probation and shall not be allowed to host any social events for the semester. Such a Last Modified: November 26,

4 chapter must comply with all of the requirements and restrictions of Academic Unsatisfactory. H. If a chapter is on No Events/No Votes Academic Probation and fails to attain a chapter GPA above a 2.50 the following semester, the chapter shall be placed on Full USFC Suspension and shall lose all USFC privileges, as specified in Article 9 Section 9. Section 9: PROBATION AND SUSPENSION Unless otherwise stipulated, a chapter on warning or unsatisfactory loses no rights or privileges. A chapter on probation loses all privileges of membership including, but not limited to, the right to vote, the privilege of receiving noise permits, and the privilege of participating in USFC sponsored activities. A chapter on probation may, however, vote on the election of USFC executive officers, and members of a chapter on probation shall be permitted to hold any USFC executive office, except that of USFC President and USFC Judicial Director. A chapter on probation retains the privilege of participating in USFC sponsored workshops and community service projects. A chapter on probation must continue to fulfill the obligations of membership, including paying dues, submitting rosters, attending meetings and complying with all USFC and University policies. A suspended chapter loses all USFC rights and privileges and is placed on Inactive Status. (Article IV, section 7) ARTICLE VI: ORGANIZATION Section 1: DELEGATES Each member chapter of the USFC shall have two seats on the council. One seat will be a voting seat, the other a nonvoting seat. The President of the member chapter will hold the voting seat, the nonvoting USFC seat shall be held by a younger member within the chapter. In his or her absence, the President of the Member Chapter can appoint a member to vote for them. The voting chapters members are required to attend all council meetings. Section 2: EXECUTIVE BOARD A. The slated officers of the Council shall be the President, Vice President, Judicial Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Activities Director, Rush Activities Director, Public Relations Director, Scholarship Director, Associated Students Liaison, and Community Wellness Director. These elected officers shall comprise the Executive Board. B. No USFC executive officer may serve as a chapter s delegate or representative. Executive officers do not have a vote in Council meetings, except that the President is empowered to break (but not create) ties. C. All executive officers must be active members of a fraternity or sorority with Active USFC status, all executive officers must be in good academic standing with the University (i.e., not on probation), and have a 2.3 minimum GPA. D. The Executive Board shall meet weekly during the semester and at such other times deemed necessary by the USFC President. The Executive Board is empowered to take action on behalf of the Council if action must, by necessity, be taken during a school recess or when it is not possible to consult the Council. E. The Executive Board shall meet for retreat 2 times per year. F. No more than three members of a single chapter shall hold executive offices concurrently, with an exception made for the transition period. Last Modified: November 26,

5 G. No more than two unexcused absences to Council Weekly Meetings are to be allowed per semester. i. This applies to regular Executive Board Meetings. ii. President, Vice President, and Judicial Director will determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused. H. Any Executive Officer with two unexcused absences will no longer be able to hold their position. I. The duties and responsibilities of the executive officers shall be as follows: i. PRESIDENT shall: 1. Preside at all meetings, regular and special 2. Serve as head parliamentarian 3. Appoint all committee chairs in consultation with the Vice President and with the concurrence of the Council 4. Act as a representative from the USFC at conferences, meetings, and all other functions 5. Have the authority to break a tie but not create a tie in the Council meetings 6. Apply for AFLV awards and all other qualifying awards 7. Serve as a liaison between chapter presidents and the council 8. Report to the USFC Advisor and Greek Life Coordinator 9. PRESIDENTIAL STIPEND ASSESSMENT i. The USFC President shall receive a stipend equal to twentyfive dollars ($25.00) per member fraternity that is recognized by Student Life and Leadership at the start of each semester. The stipend shall be paid in full the last delegate meeting of each semester. ii. The President must maintain a minimum of ten (10) office hours per week during the academic year, during at least seven (7) weeks of the summer break, and during a minimum of two (2) weeks of the winter break. He/She will report to the Student Life & Leadership USFC Advisor for duties and assignments. ii. VICE-PRESIDENT shall: 1. Perform the duties of the President if the President is absent or unable to perform his or her duties 2. Serve as chair of the USFC Expansion Committee 3. Plan and coordinate all education programs (a new member series with IFC and Panhellenic) 4. Serve as the USFC Liaison to the Fraternal Values Society 5. Work with the advisor and Vice Presidents of IFC and Panhellenic to review potential philanthropy events. iii. JUDICIAL DIRECTOR shall: (See USFC Judicial Procedures for eligibility requirements and responsibilities). 1. Conduct informal judicial conferences 2. Act as ex-officio member of the Judicial Board 3. Assist the Director of SLL/Greek life in the fulfillment of judicial responsibilities 4. Assist the assistant with the judicial orientation/training at the beginning of the semester Last Modified: November 26,

6 5. Conducts once a semester chapter facility outside inspections per the CACC agreement 6. Have one risk management workshop per a year iv. SECRETARY shall: 1. Keep an impartial record of all proceedings of the United Sorority and Fraternity Council in an electronic file posting which shall be open to any member for inspection 2. Call roll, distribute the minutes, determine quorums at the direction of the President, determine absences, and carry on all correspondence of the USFC 3. Be responsible for obtaining written reports of all executive officers and committees 4. Take minutes at all council meetings 5. Keep up with the calendar 6. In charge of fixing any USFC documentation v. TREASURER shall: 1. Collect, take charge of and disburse when authorized, any funds or money acquired by the Council, and to be responsible for said money and funds 2. Present a proposed yearly budget by the first meeting of the semester which shall be approved by a majority vote of the Council 3. Coordinate a minimum of one major fundraising event per semester 4. Have checks cosigned by two of the following: the President, the Treasurer, or the Advisor 5. The Treasurer shall submit the books and audit to the USFC Advisor for an audit at the conclusion of his/her term vi. vii. viii. ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR shall: 1. Serve as co-chair of Greek LAB according to the Bylaws 2. Serve as liaison between USFC, GLAB and USFC Executive board RUSH ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR shall: 1. Plan, coordinate, and execute, all rush USFC activities 2. Preside at Rush Committee meetings throughout the semester (composed of Rush Chair from each member chapter) 3. Organize and submit, for approval to the Treasurer, a master plan and budget for the USFC Rush Process to be approved by the Council 4. Compile and publish a master rush calendar, USFC Rush Information Night and USFC Rush Process which will contain the following items: individual chapter information, USFC Rush kick off date, and individual chapter rush calendars 5. Serve as editor of the USFC Rush Process 6. Coordinate family pairings 7. Coordinate chapter showcases 8. Conduct and regulate all rush activities and perform all other duties pertaining to rush PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR shall: 1. Create and Edit the USFC newsletter 2. Work with the Activities Director or Rush Activities Director in publicizing USFC sponsored events Last Modified: November 26,

7 3. Disseminate information about USFC and chapter community service efforts to local and campus media 4. to maintain council website and all other social media networks pertaining to USFC 5. organize other public relations activities; ix. SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTOR shall: 1. Organize meetings of chapter scholarship chairs 2. Monitor USFC scholarship requirements (as specified in Article IV, section 6) 3. Explore new avenues and incentives to amplify academic performance throughout the fraternity and sorority system 4. Conduct one academic workshop per semester 5. Recognize chapters and chapter members who have made academic accomplishments 6. Serve as ACCREDITATION liaison 7. Work with IFC and Panhellenic Scholarship Directors on Order of Omega 8. Work with IFC and Panhellenic Scholarship Directors on cross council academic success and accreditation events and workshops x. ASSOCIATED STUDENTS LIAISON shall: 1. Serve as the USFC representative at weekly A.S. meetings 2. Act as a communication liaison between USFC and A.S. 3. Give documented weekly reports to the A.S. Council and USFC and other duties assigned by A.S. xi. COMMUNITY WELLNESS DIRECTOR shall: a. Provide information/ resources to health services and the ARC b. Serve as the liaison for sports at the ARC c. Serve as a sports liaison between councils d. Provide information/ resources for community service opportunities e. Plan a minimum of one community service event sponsored by the council f. Serve on GAMMA board Section 3: USFC ADVISOR An USFC Advisor is appointed by the Vice Presidents Office. The Advisor shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Council, the Executive Board, the Jr. USFC, and other USFC Committees. The USFC Executive Board shall participate in an annual evaluation, to be conducted every semester, of the USFC Advisor. ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS Section 1: Meetings of the USFC shall be called at the discretion of the Executive Board. The Council shall hold weekly meetings during the academic semester. The Executive Board shall meet once a week during the academic semester. Section 2: Special meetings of the Council may be called by petition of majority of the member chapters, or the Executive Board, provided only that 48 hours notice is given to each member chapter. Section 3: No absentee votes shall be allowed at any meeting of the Council; however, the chapter President may designate a member of the chapter to vote in the place of the delegate. Last Modified: November 26,

8 Section 4: A USFC executive officer may not represent or vote for his/her chapter. Section 5: Only delegates and executive officers can make motions. Section 6: QUORUM All matters not specifically mentioned in these Constitution and Bylaws shall be decided by a majority of a quorum. A quorum shall consist of at least 2/3 of the member chapters with voting privileges. Section 7: Regular USFC meetings shall be open to all members of USFC chapters, the USFC Advisor, and guests approved by the President. Section 8: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY Meetings shall be conducted according to the parliamentary procedure, which is prescribed in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised and subject to the limitations of these Constitution and Bylaws. ARTICLE VIII: ELECTIONS Section 1: All executive officers shall be elected for a one-year term. Elections shall be held through a slate beginning the first week of March. Installation of the new executive officers shall be 1-3 weeks from the date of approval of the slate. A. Officer elections shall be elected with a slate. The slating process is as follows: i. A slating committee shall be comprised of one (1) advisor from Student Life & Leadership, one (1) elected USFC Executive member, and one (1) elected USFC President. ii. After applications are turned in, the candidates for President make a speech to the current USFC presidents. At this meeting, the USFC presidents shall make a vote through secret ballot. The elected president representative member shall then endorse the candidate elected to the slating committee. iii. An interview process will occur between the candidates and the slating committee. This interview shall last no longer than twenty (20) minutes. iv. The committee may go back to their respective groups for feedback about each candidate to make the best selection for their said group. However, this must be done before the slating committee may create the slate. v. There will be a designated period (48 hours) for the slate to be reviewed and challenges to be made. In the case of challenges, only a candidate running may challenge the slate and shall do so by notifying the slating committee immediately after the slate has been read. vi. Once the slate has been challenged, a run-off shall occur where each candidate running may give his/her speech. vii. For a challenger to be elected, he/she must receive no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the possible votes. Anything less than two-thirds (2/3) and the slated candidate shall be elected. Section 2: Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot. Section 3: Each chapter has one (1) vote, and the USFC executive members are non-voting members. Section 4: Candidates for the following positions are required to have one calendar year of active involvement in their respective organization, preferably in the office, which they seek: 1. President (must have served on USFC for one full calendar year) 2. Vice President 3. Secretary Last Modified: November 26,

9 4. Judicial Director 5. Treasurer 6. Activities Director 7. Rush Activities Director 8. Public Relations Director 9. Scholarship Director 10. Associated Students Liaison 11. Community Wellness Director Section 5: The announcement of the slate shall be as follows: President, Vice President, Judicial Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Activities Director, Rush Activities Director, Public Relations Director, Scholarship Director, Community Wellness Director, Associated Students Liaison. Section 6: If the executive board is not full by the third meeting after the announcement of the slate or the second meeting once a position becomes vacant during the semester, the President may appoint members to the executive board after consultation with the executive council members and council advisor. ARTICLE IX: VACANCIES AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE Section l: An election for a vacancy on the Executive Board shall be held at the USFC meeting following the meeting of the official announcement to the Council of a vacancy. Nominations will be made at the time of the official announcement. Vacancies may be temporarily filled by presidential appointment until such election is held. Section 2: Should the President vacate his or her office for any reason, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President until the next regular USFC meeting, at which nominations for President will be accepted with an election at the following regular USFC meeting. Section 3: ABSENCES The Executive Board may, at its discretion, remove any executive officer with two or more unexcused absences from Council meetings or Executive Board meetings during the semester stated in Article VI, Section 2G. Section 4: Any executive officer who fails to maintain the eligibility requirements stated in Article VI, Section 2C shall be removed from office. Section 5: RECALL OF OFFICERS The Council may, by a two thirds (2/3) vote of its total membership eligible to vote, recall an executive officer after written charges, signed by one third (1/3) of the voting delegates or representatives are presented before the Council and the individual has heard the charges and been given an opportunity to answer them. The recall motion shall be tabled until the next regularly scheduled meeting at which time it shall be voted upon. ARTICLE X: COMMITTEES Section 1: The President and Vice President shall appoint, at their discretion, the chairmen of any committee necessary to perform the functions of USFC. Suggested special committees are: Finance, Publicity, Community Relations, Bylaws, Activities, and Awards. Section 2: The appointments of the chairmen are subject to the confirmation of a majority of this Council. Section 3: The chairman of each committee shall appoint, with the approval of the President, the members of his/her respective committee. Membership shall be limited to a maximum of one member per chapter. Last Modified: November 26,

10 Section 4: The Executive Board may remove any committee chairman or committee member, who, in their opinion, is not satisfactorily doing the duties for which he or she has been appointed. Section 5: The chairman of each committee shall submit a report to the Council at each meeting of USFC. ARTICLE XI: REGISTRATION Section 1: ROSTERS Each member chapter shall be required to submit a list of its active initiates, pledges or associate members, and active alumni by the time that USFC Advisor sees fit. Failure to comply shall result in suspension from this Council until USFC Advisor sees fit. Section 2: ACTIVE INITIATES An active initiate is defined as an initiated member regularly enrolled in six or more units at San Diego State University (does not include Extended Studies or Open University classes) as a graduate or undergraduate student, paying active chapter dues and fees. USFC officers and member chapter officers must be active initiates. Section 3: PLEDGES/ASSOCIATE MEMBERS A pledge or associate member shall be defined as a San Diego State University student regularly enrolled in three or more units for regular credit (does not include Extended Studies or Open University classes) who has been officially pledged or associated by the chapter but has not yet been initiated. Section 4: ACTIVE ALUMNI An active alumni shall be defined as an initiated member who has graduated from an institution and still participates actively (i.e. social events, pays dues, etc.) within a USFC chapter. Section 6: Auxiliary Organization USFC member chapters shall not have any auxiliary organizations. ARTICLE XII: ON CAMPUS HOUSING (NOTE: this section shall be ratified by the member chapters of the USFC when deemed necessary) Section 1: The Council and its member chapters shall adhere to the policies established for oncampus housing by San Diego State University Section 2: Any conditions relating to housing may not be factors in either determining or retaining membership in the Council. Section 3: Before a group may be considered for on-campus housing, it shall have met these conditions: (a) Be a member in good standing of the USFC, (b) Demonstrate financial ability to maintain a house according to the conditions of the lease and/or ownership documents ARTICLE XIII: INTRAMURAL SPORTS (NOTE: this section shall be ratified by the member chapters of the USFC when deemed necessary) Section 1: The Council and its member chapters shall adhere to the policies established for the Last Modified: November 26,

11 intramural sports program of the Associated Students Recreational Sports Office. Section 2: In addition to the eligibility rules established by the Associated Sports Recreational Sports Office, the following eligibility rules shall apply for the USFC sports league: A. Only undergraduate actives and pledges or associate members whose names appear on their official rosters as originally submitted to USFC each semester shall be eligible to compete (students added after the fourth week of the semester are not eligible until the following semester). B. Rosters for all major sports will be obtained by the Recreational Sports Office from the USFC Advisor. Rosters for all intermediate and minor sports must be turned in when Recreational Sports Office sees fit. No blanket entries will be accepted in intermediate and minor sports. The rosters can be changed up to the start of the event but are final after the event has begun. Unless Recreational Sports states otherwise. C. In all sports, ineligible players will cost their chapter automatic loss of that particular contest. (All protests concerning player eligibility must be made prior to the finish of the game). D. The Intramural staff, referees, and opposing players reserve the right to protest any participant. Anyone participating under an assumed name will be barred from that sport, and the team will forfeit any contest the player participated in under this assumed name. E. A member playing on a chapter team may not participate on any other open or residence hall team. Pledges or associate members who have already competed on an open or residence hall team must finish the season with their original team. Penalties: The second team the player participated for will forfeit all contests in which he/she played, and the player will be declared ineligible for the remainder of the season. F. All members of a chapter on USFC Academic Probation or Academic Suspension must submit a grade release card in order to be eligible to participate in USFC intramural sports. Members of chapters on USFC Academic Probation or Academic Suspension who earned a grade point average the previous semester less than a 2.3 are ineligible to participate in USFC intramural sports. Section 3: Any chapter under full suspension from this Council for any reason will not be allowed to compete in USFC Intramural Sports during that time which they are under suspension. ARTICLE XIV: JUDICIAL BOARD Section 1: The Council shall manifest its judicial authority over the member chapters through the Judicial Board. Section 2: The Judicial Board shall consist of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, two regular members, and two alternate members, all of whom are appointed by a committee consisting of the retiring USFC President, retiring Judicial Director, retiring Judicial Board Chairman, newly elected USFC President, and newly elected Judicial Director. Each of the board members must be from a different chapter. The Judicial Director is an ex officio nonvoting member of the Board. (See the "USFC Judicial Procedures" for eligibility criteria. USFC shall consist of such sorority and fraternity chapters that are in good standing at the time these Constitution and Bylaws shall be adopted and of such other chapters as may thereafter be admitted to membership by the Council. Section 3: Membership in the USFC is at all times a privilege which may be withdrawn only for good cause by the USFC in accordance with these Constitution and Bylaws and the "United Sorority and Fraternity Council Judicial Procedures." Last Modified: November 26,

12 Section 4: The "USFC Judicial Procedures" may be amended by two-thirds vote of the entire Council, provided that all member chapters 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 are subject to the approval of the Vice President of Student Affairs. ARTICLE XV: DUES, ASSESSMENTS, AND FINES Section 1: DUES Active and Provisional status Chapters shall pay semester dues of twelve dollars ($12) per member, active member or pledging member. This amount shall be due one week following roster updates for USFC chapters. A fine of twenty dollars ($20.00) will be assessed to chapters who have not paid their dues two weeks after the due date assigned by the Executive Board. Section 2: RUSH ASSESSMENTS Semester rush assessments shall be seventy five dollars ($75) for the Fall semester and thirty-five dollars ($35) for Spring semester. The use of these funds shall be for USFC Rush Information Night promotional materials as well as the publication of the USFC Rush Program and Go Greek activities. Chapters may choose to use community sponsorships to compensate for the expenditure of Rush Assessments. Section 3: NEW MEMBER ASSESSMENTS Each member chapter shall pay a new member assessment of twelve dollars ($12) per new initiate. This amount shall be due at the end of the fourth week of each semester, and the amount shall be determined by the official list of members turned in pursuant to Article XI, Section 1. Section 4: FINES FOR ABSENCES OR TARDY The Council has the authority, by majority vote, to levy assessments and fines for special purposes. 1. Five dollars ($5) will be fined to Chapters who are not present within 10 minutes of meeting being called to order 2. A chapter at any USFC sponsored meeting is subject to a twenty dollar ($20) fine for the third and each additional meeting the voting representative misses within a semester. (USFC council meeting, Jr. USFC meeting, Rush committee meeting, Scholarship committee meeting, and any other meeting Executive Board sees fit). Section 5: FINANCIAL DELINQUENCY If a chapter goes an entire semester without paying: 1. USFC dues 2. USFC Assessments (i.e. New Member Assessment) 3. Attendance Fines incurred by missing USFC meetings and or sponsored events. Meetings and sponsored events include but not limited to: 1. USFC council meetings 2. Jr. USFC meetings 3. Rush committee meetings 4. Scholarship committee meetings 5. Academic workshops 6. Conferences 7. New Member Series 8. Orientations 9. Rush That chapter will lose all voting rights until said chapter is in good financial standing with the USFC treasury. Good standing requires that a zero (0) balance be shown prior to the next semester. The chapter will regain voting status once the financial delinquency is at zero (0) from the previous semester. If certain chapter does not pay outstanding balance by second USFC meeting of the following semester it will go into review for Full USFC Suspension. Last Modified: November 26,

13 ARTICLE XVI: AMENDMENTS AND SUSPENSION OF THE BYLAWS Section 1: AMENDMENTS Amendments to these Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed in writing at any meeting, during which they shall be read for the first time. Proposed amendments shall be printed and circulated to the member chapters and then voted on at the next regular meeting. A two thirds (2/3) majority of the entire voting membership shall be required for the adoption of any amendment. Section 2: SUSPENSION OF THE BYLAWS Any provision of these Constitution and Bylaws may be temporarily suspended only by the unanimous consent of the member chapters present and eligible to vote at an USFC meeting, provided a quorum is present (see Article VII, Section 6) and provided that such suspension is not contrary to existing University policy. ARTICLE XVII: EXPANSION The following procedures shall be followed to grant Council membership to a new organization: A. Eligibility for Membership: Membership in the USFC is open, but not limited to; San Diego State University culturally based sororities and fraternities. B. Expansion Limitation: The council must vote if they would like to open for expansion and the number of sororities and fraternities they will be granting provisional status. This shall be determined within the second (2 nd ) council meeting for every semester. C. Expansion Committee Expansion Committee will be made up of the USFC Vice President, Student Life & Leadership Staff and 5 members from the general council as determined by the membership. i. Upon receiving a New Member Application, the USFC Vice President has 10 business days to open the floor for nominations to the Expansion Committee. Any member organization can nominate any individual from their membership who is in good standing with their chapter to serve on the Expansion Committee. ii. iii. After nominations are received, the following business meeting voting will take place to determine members of the committee. No more than two (2) members from each chapter can be a part of the Expansion Committee D. Applying for Provisional Status i. Prospective member organization must submit a completed New Member Application Packet to the USFC Vice President within thirty (30) days of the start of the semester. Upon receipt of all the supporting materials, the USFC Vice President will send a letter of acknowledgement to the prospective member organization within five (5) working days confirming receipt of the application. ii. The USFC Vice President and the Expansion Committee shall then review the new member application to ensure that it is complete and fulfills all new membership requirements. Should the USFC Vice President and the Expansion Committee deem the application complete and fulfills all new membership requirements, the USFC Last Modified: November 26,

14 Vice President shall send a follow-up letter to the prospective member organization within seven (7) days, informing them that their application shall be presented to the general membership and that their presence is required to formally present their request for membership. Additionally, the contents of the new member application packet must be shared with the member organizations within fourteen days (14) days prior to the organization s presentation to the general membership. iii. Two- thirds (2/3) majority of member organizations, in good standing and present at the council meeting when the presentation took place, must approve all applications for new membership. Within five (5) days after the vote, the USFC Vice President shall notify the prospective member organization of the decision (approval/rejection). Should the prospective member organization be approved, the USFC Vice President shall inform the organization that the organization has been afforded Member Status in USFC and is considered to be in a Provisional Membership Period. E. Prospective Membership Requirements & New Member Application Packet i. In order to qualify for membership in USFC, prospective member organizations must meet the following criteria, which shall be demonstrated in the submitted New Membership Application Packet: a. Shall be established as a fraternal organization; b. Shall complete the New Member Application Process; c. Shall have fulfilled all SDSU University requirements for recognized student organizations & Greek life d. Shall be governed by a regional/national governing body made up of alumni members whose executive officers shall include but not limited to the equivalent of a national president, the next senior ranking officer, and the national finance officer/treasurer. Additionally, the organization shall have alumni responsible for national new member intake and national expansion; e. Shall enforce and maintain an Anti- Hazing Policy; f. Shall maintain General and Liability Insurance with a minimum policy value of $1,000,000 as dictated by the California State University; g. Shall maintain a Risk Management Policy; h. Shall either have a physical headquarters or an established P.O. Box representing a headquarters address (this does not require a physical office space but it establishes a formal business mailing address); i. Shall, upon final admission to USFC as a provisional member, submit applicable dues, in full, within fourteen (14) working days of approval. j. Written interest statement addressing the following: - History of the organization on a national and/or regional level - Plans to ensure financial stability of the chapter - How the organization will contribute to the USFC Council and SDSU Community k. Letter from the national/regional governing board indicating their intentions/agreement to expand to San Diego State University and their agreement to support the chapter through the expansion process. l. Must attain a minimum of 6 members m. Must show academic progress F. Provisional Member Status i. Within 14 working days of admission to the USFC Council, the provisional member organization must provide the following to the USFC Vice President and the Student Life & Leadership Office: Last Modified: November 26,

15 a. Roster of members b. List of chapter officers c. Copies of constitution, bylaws and new member/pledge education process and national/regional governing body contact information (only to SLL Staff) d. Name and contact info of chapter faculty/staff advisor e. Calendar of events that includes all social and community service activities for the upcoming semester f. Pay all USFC dues (including Rush Assessments), in full g. Financial plan to ensure stability of the chapter to maintain membership and insurance requirements h. Certificate of Insurance as dictated by the California State University ii. Provisional membership may only occur for one (1) full calendar year following admission as a provisional member. Within the year the provisional organization must have completed the following to be eligible for Active status: a. Maintain a semester group mean grade point average of at least a 2.50 b. Compliance with all USFC and San Diego State University policies for recognized student organizations & Greek life c. The organization and its membership must be in good judicial standing with the University and must not be in probation (or above) status d. Must have maintained at least 6 eligible active members (judicially & academically) e. Written documentation from national/regional governing body of colony/chapter status with the organization f. Must have met with Student Life & Leadership Staff & USFC Vice President for a minimum of 5 meetings to discuss progress iii. iv. In order for a provisional member organization to be considered for active status, a packet with the above information must be received by the USFC Vice President within fourteen (14) working days prior to the last meeting of the general council for the semester. Upon receipt of the packet, the USFC Vice President must schedule a formal presentation of the organization with the general council before the end of the semester and a vote must take place. While on provisional status the organization may be a part of all Rush/Recruitment activities. v. While on provisional status the organization must pay USFC dues of eighteen dollars ($18) per member, six dollars ($6) more than active chapters members. Plus all other USFC dues, rush assessments, new member assessments, and/or fines. vi. The council may, if the above items are not completed, revoke an organization s provisional membership by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of entire voting membership present. G. Extending Provisional Membership Status i. If an organization would like to request additional time in provisional membership status, they must submit a formal request to the USFC Vice President indicating their inability to complete and reasons the provisional membership requirements were not met within fourteen (14) working days prior to the last meeting of the general council for the semester. Upon receipt of the packet, the USFC Vice President must schedule a formal presentation of the organization with the general council before the end of the semester and a vote must take place. Last Modified: November 26,

16 ii. iii. iv. The council may vote to extend provisional membership status by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the entire voting membership present. A member organization may only request to be a provisional member for a total of and not to exceed 2 consecutive semesters. If a provisional member organization cannot complete the requirements of provisional member status within 2 consecutive semesters, the provisional member status will be revoked by the Student Life & Leadership Office. An organization may not reapply for at least one (1) calendar year from the date of revocation. Last Modified: November 26,