United Greek Council. University of Houston. Constitution & By-Laws

Transcription

1 United Greek Council University of Houston Constitution & By-Laws Spring 2015: Constitution & By-Laws drafted by the Executive Board Summer 2015: Constitution & By-Laws updated by Executive Board

2 University of Houston United Greek Council PREAMBLE Since the University of Houston has one of the most culturally diverse campuses in the United States, United Greek lettered organizations at the University of Houston recognized the need for a Greek council that would be able to unite all different fraternities and sororities without boundaries. In April 2012, the Latin Greek Council was officially established at the University of Houston. In April 2015, the United Greek Council was officially established. ARTICLE I - NAME The name of this organization shall be the United Greek Council (UGC). ARTICLE II: MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS The membership of UGC shall consist of any Greek-lettered organization recognized by the University of Houston. The founding eight Greek-lettered organizations of the LGC were as follows: 1. Alpha Psi Lambda National Incorporated Texas Mu Chapter 2. Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated Beta Epsilon Chapter 3. Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Incorporated Lambda Chapter 4. Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated - Gamma Eta Chapter 5. Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Incorporated Gamma Alpha Chapter 6. Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated - University of Houston Colony 7. Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Incorporated Mu Chapter 8. Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated Chi Alpha Chapter As of April 2015, the founding five Greek-lettered organizations of UGC are as follows: 1. Alpha Psi Lambda National Incorporated Texas Mu Chapter 2. Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated - Gamma Eta Chapter 3. Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Incorporated Gamma Alpha Chapter 4. Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Incorporated Mu Chapter 5. Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated Chi Alpha Chapter ARTICLE III: MOTTO & PURPOSE Motto: Together for One Cause Purpose: The United Greek Council will do its duty to promote unity and appreciation of the fraternity/sorority community and to act in the best interest of the University of Houston. The United Greek Council will encourage scholastic achievement among its member organizations and provide a forum for discussion of general concerns, issues, and topics that affect member organizations. Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, familial status, orientation, disability, veteran status, Anti-Hazing: This organization will not initiate, participate in, or be witness to any act that inflicts or intends to inflict physical or mental harm or discomfort or which may demean, disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participant(s).

3 ARTICLE IV: UNIVERSITY JURISDICTION The UGC is under the jurisdiction of the Center for Student Involvement and Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life; therefore, adheres to all rules and regulations of all registered social and/or service sororities and fraternities of the University of Houston. ARTICLE V: STRUCTURE OF UGC Executive Board 1. The Executive Board of the UGC at University of Houston shall consist of: a. President b. Vice-President c. Secretary d. Treasurer e. Parliamentarian f. Public Relations Consultant 2. No more than one Executive Board Officer can be from the same organization unless there is a vote by the current Executive Board. General Body The General Body shall consist of member organizations of the UGC at the University of Houston and shall have a minimum of one representative to attend: 1. General Meetings 2. Expansion Committee Meetings 3. Judicial Committee Meetings ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE BOARD Elected Officers and Provisions 1. The President shall serve as the chairperson of the executive board. 2. The executive board is responsible for setting up the agenda for the general body meetings. 3. The executive board shall have the power to represent the general body in emergencies which necessitate action between meetings. The executive board has the authority to make decisions for the good of the body. A report of the actions must be made at the next general body meeting. 4. Executive board officers shall not miss more than one executive board meetings or general body meetings per semester. 5. The executive board shall meet prior to the general body meetings, as arranged by the board. 6. The executive board meetings must have at least 2/3 of the executive board officers present to constitute a meeting. 7. The UGC general body meetings will have an advisor from the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life. Selection of Officers 1. Must have a 2.20 GPA 2. Minimum of 1 semester membership in affiliate organization 3. Must be declared an active member by affiliate organization 4. Must be from an organization that has full membership 5. Must be in good standing with the university 6. No person serving as President of his/her organization may serve as the President of UGC unless extenuating circumstances occur. 7. All candidates for UGC President are limited to UGC members who have been active and have held an executive board position in their organization for at least one academic year.

4 8. All candidates for office must have attended at least three UGC meetings in the semester in which he or she intends to run for office. 9. New officers shall be elected in the first general body meeting in April. 10. The month of April will serve as a training period during which time the elected officers will become familiar with the duties of the office. Terms of Office 1. Each officer shall serve from the academic year, May 1 through April 30. Duties of the Executive Board Offices 1. Duties of the President: The duties of the President include but are not limited to the following: a. Preside over all meetings and enforce the constitution of the UGC in accordance to Robert s Rules of Order. b. Offer consideration of all motions consistent with Robert s Rules of Order. c. Declare results of council voting. d. Call special emergency meetings. e. Appoint all committee chairpersons not otherwise provided for in the UGC Constitution. f. Represent the UGC at civic and social functions or when the council is called upon in the member organizations for representatives. g. Co-sign for all withdrawals and any other transactions regarding the UGC bank account. h. Serve as official representative of UGC to the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life and all fraternity/sorority councils. i. Serve as liaison to the UGC Advisor. j. Vote on the occasion of a tie. k. Serve as liaison between the council and interested member organizations. l. Reserve all meeting rooms. m. Be responsible to disseminate favorable publicity about the UGC and its member fraternities and sororities. n. Serve as interpreter and be responsible in handling grievances, complaints of officers other than self of any procedural dispute. 2. Duties of the Vice-President: The duties of the Vice-President include but are not limited to the following: a. Ensure compliance with all UGC policies and procedures. b. Oversee appointed committees and chairs. c. Provide and make readily to all UGC organizations all policy and procedures. d. Serve as coordinator for any committee the council elects to form during that period of office. e. In the absence of the President, represent and preside over all regular and special meetings and assume the duties of the President. f. In the event that the President resigns or is impeached, the Vice President shall assume the role of President. g. Serve as the chair for the Expansion/Extension Committee. h. Responsible for coordinating the UGC calendar dates. i. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include programming resources, reports of previous programs, programming and contact information for future programming, new media contacts and relevant press releases. 3. Duties of the Treasurer: The duties of the Treasurer are but not limited to the following: a. Keep an accurate account of all monies received and imposed by the UGC b. Deposit all funds received into the council s bank account. c. Prepare a budget for the academic year by the second general body meeting of the UGC of such academic year. d. Present a financial report to the general body at each general body meeting. e. Preside over meetings in the absence of the President and Vice President.

5 f. Collect all dues and fines owed to UGC and issue receipts for payments by the 2 nd general body meeting of the semester. g. Signature of authority will include the Treasurer, President and/or the Advisor to the UGC. h. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include resources, reports, financial documents, treasurer reports, checkbook, debit card, and any other relevant information related to the position. 4. Duties of the Secretary: The duties of the Secretary include but are not limited to the following: a. Maintain accurate minutes of all proceedings at general body meetings, emergency meetings, and executive board meetings by recording all details. b. Present the minutes of the previous meeting to the general body for approval at the beginning of the current meeting 1. Every motion with the name of the representative and organization who introduced the motion, as well as the name of the person who seconds it with his/her respective organization. 2. The action taken on the motion, including the tabulation of the votes. 3. Date, time, and place of the next general meeting and/or executive board meeting. c. Call roll at all meetings. d. Have on hand all records and information committed to his/her care. e. Maintain a roster of all member organizations including their chapter presidents, voting representatives and alternatives and judicial board representatives. All rosters will be submitted by the third week of school each semester. f. Maintain a roster of the UGC executive officers. g. Each roster should contain current campus mailboxes, phone numbers, and addresses. h. Preside over general body meeting in the absence of the President, Vice President, and Treasurer. i. Communicate general body minutes to the UGC general body via UGC list serve within 48 hours of a general body meeting. j. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include resources, reports, minutes, rosters with contact information for future work, and any other relevant information related to the position. 5. Duties of the Parliamentarian: The duties of the Parliamentarian include but are not limited to the following: a. Be well versed in Robert s Rules of Order. b. Be well versed in the constitution of the UGC. c. Serve as interpreter and be responsible in handling grievances, complaints and/or strikes of and by any member organization and the council President of any procedural dispute. d. Review annually the UGC Constitution and By-Laws with the Council. e. Recognize who has the floor. f. Excuse any members who have to leave early. g. Serve as chair to the Judicial Board. h. Provide strike updates to said organization within one week of accumulation or receiving a strike. i. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include resources, reports, judicial information/paperwork, and any other relevant information related to the position. 6. Duties of the Public Relations Consultant: The duties of the Public Relations Consultant include but are not limited to the following: a. Oversee UGC sponsored service projects, activities and events open to other fraternities, sororities and universities. b. Work with all Greek Councils and the University of Houston Administration in planning major Greek events for the year and join in any recruitment efforts.

6 c. Be responsible for marketing materials and coordinate creation of flyers and other marketing materials. d. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include programming resources, reports of previous programs, programming and contact information for future programming, new media contacts and relevant press releases. e. Be responsible to record via pictures or other means to track history of UGC events. a. Be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the UGC website and assist with any correspondence using social media. b. Be responsible for the maintenance of the account system. c. Maintain and update the UGC tri-board. d. Maintain and update the UGC scrapbook. 7. Duties of the UGC Advisor: The duties of the UGC Advisor include but are not limited to the following: a. Be well versed in the University of Houston rules and regulations, Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life & student organizations rules and regulations and the UGC constitution. b. Provide support, advice, guidance, and serve as a mediator to the UGC c. Shall work to help UGC adhere to all governing documents and achieve its goals. d. Facilitate in tabulating all votes generated by the council for insurance of objectivity and fairness. e. Provide counsel to each UGC officer as to what his/her duties are before they officially take office. f. Confer with the President and the Executive Board before general body and special meetings. g. Collaborate with the UGC on setting goals for the upcoming academic year and assist in insuring implementation. h. Keep the UGC informed of current university, local, regional and national policies as it relates to the UGC. i. Be present at all UGC meetings and events. j. Oversee and sign-off on expenditures and monetary transactions, and any other paperwork of the UGC. k. Represent the UGC at the request of the UGC Advisor, Director of Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life or the Executive Director of the University Centers. Section 5: Section 6: Nominations 1. The duties and responsibilities of each office must be ready by the presiding officer at the time of nominations. 2. Nominations for the Executive Board positions shall take place on a scheduled meeting of the General Body in the month of March. 3. Nominees must accept or decline nominations at that time. 4. Nominees must complete an Executive Board application prior to elections and submit it to the current Advisor for review. 5. Nominees for UGC President are limited to UGC members who have been active and have held an Executive Board position in their organization for at least one academic year. 6. The outgoing President will facilitate nominations/elections. In the event the President is running for a position, the outgoing Vice-President would facilitate the nominations/elections. Presentation/Speeches 1. Speeches will be held in a scheduled General Body meeting in April. 2. Nominees must present a speech not exceeding three minutes to the General Body detailing their goals, ideas, and qualifications for the position they are running for at the time of elections. 3. Nominees will entertain questions relevant to the office and their ability to carry out the responsibilities of the office immediately following the presentation mediated by the presiding officer.

7 Section 7: Section 8: Section 9: Section 10: Elections 1. Elections shall take place on a scheduled meeting following the presentations themselves in the month of April. 2. Nominees shall not be present in the meeting room for the duration of another nominee s speech for the position being voted on. 3. Prior to voting on each Executive Board position, all nominees must leave the meeting room, whereby the General Body will discuss any concerns about each nominee. 4. Executive Board shall be elected in the following order: a. President Public Relations Consultant b. Parliamentarian c. Secretary d. Treasurer e. Vice-President f. President 5. Each candidate must receive a majority vote to be elected. Re-voting can take place with the top two nominees for each category for a majority vote to be reached. Vacancies 1. In the event of the premature vacancy of the Office of President, the current Vice-President will assume the Office of the President for the remainder of the term. If vacancies reoccur for the Office of President, the order of Executive Board officers will follow as stated in Article V, Section 1- Executive Board Order. 2. In the event of the premature vacancy of any other office, the General Body may nominate a representative, and the nominee will be confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Removal and Impeachment 1. Any full member of the General Body shall be able to initiate removal of an officer of the Executive Board on the grounds of any of the following: a. Dereliction of duties as outlined in Article V, Section 4. b. Mismanagement of funds. c. Failing to meet the general requirements as specified in Article V, Section 2- Selection of Officer. 2. The removal of an officer shall proceed as follows: a. Said full member shall contact in writing the UGC Advisor about the circumstances surrounding the grounds for the removal of the officer in question. b. The UGC Advisor shall contact, in writing, the officer in question and inform them that impeachment proceedings are pending. c. Impeachment proceeding shall take place no later than the second week from the time written charges are presented to the notified officer. d. At the impeachment proceeding, which will consist of the General Body, the Parliamentarian shall read the written statement and the officer in question may answer questions in his or her defense. e. In the event that the Parliamentarian is the office in question, the Vice-President shall read the written statement. f. A vote on removal shall take place no later than one week after the General Body has heard the formal written statement. g. A 2/3 majority vote of the General Body is needed to remove the officer. h. The officer removed shall be replaced according to Article VI, Section 9.2. Officer Accountability 1. An officer will receive half a strike if they are 10 minutes late to the officer or general body meeting. 2. Officers are allowed one unexcused absence. 3. After the first unexcused absence an officer will receive a full strike and a $10 fine to be paid at the next meeting. 4. An officer is allowed one excused absence from a general body meeting and an officer meeting.

8 5. The officer must inform the President and Advisor at least 24 hours prior to the general body meeting, officer meeting, and events. 6. If an officer receives 3 strikes they are subject to judicial review. 7. All officers must submit a current work and class schedule for the semester to the council Advisor 1 month prior to the start of the semester. 8. At least 3 executive board members must be present at all UGC events and community service. 9. An officer must be present at 50% of all UGC events and all UGC community service. If the officer misses an event they will receive a full strike. 10. It is mandatory for all officers to attend the summer planning retreat. If the officer misses the retreat, then they will have a $25 fine. ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS Meeting Attendance 1. Absences a. An excused absence is a minimum 24 hour prior notification by proper written/ to the Executive Board. There is no fine penalty for an excused absence. b. Unexcused absence is failure to attend a meeting without proper notification and/or being later than ten (10) minutes past the five (5) minute buffer into any General or Committee meeting. Unexcused absences shall be penalized with a fine and half a strike. (Refer to UGC By-Laws VII, Section 1.2-Unexcused fine amount) c. Two excused, unexcused, and/or a combination of both will constitute a strike. 2. Meeting Tardiness a. Excused tardiness is a minimum 24 hour prior notification by proper written/ to the Executive Board. There is no fine penalty for an excused tardy. b. Unexcused tardiness is being late/tardy to any General or Committee meeting. Unexcused tardiness shall be penalized with a fine and half of a strike. (Refer to UGC By-Laws VII, Section 1.3.-Later Fine amount) Executive Board Meetings Executive Board meetings will be held bi-weekly and prior to the bi-weekly general body meetings. General Body Meetings 1. The general body meetings will consist of the general body, the executive board officers, and the advisor, and will be governed by Robert s Rules of Order. 2. Three-fourths of the general body members and at least ½ of the executive board officers must be present for it to be an official general body meeting. 3. A maximum of two members from the organization may attend general body meetings. Only the official representatives of each member organization have a vote. 4. One vote per organization. Organization Representatives 1. Each active full member organization shall have one vote in the general body meeting to be voted by an official representative of the organization. 2. Each member organization must declare their one official representative and an alternate in writing to the president of the executive board no later than the first general body meeting of the current semester. 3. In the event that neither the elected representatives nor the alternate is present, an unspecified alternate may vote with written proxy signed by the President of that respective organization. 4. Representatives speak for and make decisions for their respective organizations and should be able to do so without adjournment or consultation with other chapter officers. 5. Organizations are responsible for the actions, conduct, and fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities of their representatives.

9 6. Executive Board officers cannot function as representatives or vote for their respective organization unless done so through proxy. ARTICLE VIII: VOTING PRIVILEGES AND RULES Voting Privileges 1. All full member organizations in good standing with UGC and the University of Houston shall have voting rights, which equates to one vote per organization. 2. Associate member organizations do not have the privilege to vote during any UGC meeting or issue; however, the organization may voice their concerns and offer feedback. 3. Any organization that receives three (3) strikes will be denied any voting privileges until the strikes are lifted. 4. Any organization on probation with UGC, the University of Houston, and/or the national organization will be denied any voting privileges. Voting 1. Voting can only take place with 2/3 quorum. 2. Abstention will count in favor of the majority. 3. A motion is passed with a majority vote from the General Body. 4. Any voting taking place within these Judicial Committee meetings must pass with a 2/3 majority vote from the Judicial Committee. 5. Any voting taking place within these Expansion/ Extension Committee meetings must pass with a 2/3 majority vote from the Expansion Committee. 6. An Associate Member organization shall receive a majority vote by the General Body for full membership status. 7. Each nominee must receive a majority vote to be elected into office. 8. An Executive Board Officer shall be impeached upon a 2/3 majority vote from the General Body. 9. Any amendment must be passed with a majority vote from the General Body. 10. Any other voting measures needed shall be passed with a majority vote from the General Body unless otherwise noted. ARTICLE IX: JUDICIAL BOARD The Judicial Board has the power to deliver decisions as described in Article IX to member organizations and officers of the UGC as to be enforced by the General Body. Members of the Judicial Board shall consist of: 1. Parliamentarian 2. Executive Board 3. Full Member Organization Representatives 4. Judicial Advisor *Note: Associate Member Organizations are not permitted to attend these meetings on grounds that these meetings are privileged and Associate Members do not have voting rights. Section 5: Section 6: Judicial Board Chair The Judicial Board Chair is lead by the elected Parliamentarian and does not have a vote on the board. Full Member Organization Representative The Judicial Board shall consist of one representative from each full member organization. Judicial Advisor The UGC Advisor shall serve as Ex-Officio member of the Judicial Board. The Judicial Board may hear and decide all issues and allegations brought by any member organization, new member(s) or officer(s) of the UGC against any other member organization,

10 new member(s) or officer(s) of the UGC. Excessive judicial situations such as fighting, hazing, etc will be handled by the Dean of Students Office. Section 7: Section 8: Section 9: Voting 1. Each voting full member organization shall have one vote. 2. All decisions by the Judicial Board must have a quorum of 2/3 excluding the Chair. Charges Charges that are brought shall be submitted in writing to the Judicial Review Board and the President. Meetings The Judicial Chair must call a meeting within 48 hours of receiving the charges. ARTICLE X: JUDICIAL STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURE While under UGC Judicial Review all social activities, including but not limited to club parties, mixers, presentation of new members, will cease for the organization in question. The hearing will be open to representatives of the presenting and defending organizations and any of their witnesses. Any information within these Judicial Committee meetings is considered privileged and may not be discussed outside of the designated meeting. Judicial Procedure 1. Pre-Hearing Procedure a. The organization/office/individual bringing an allegation against another organization must file charges with the Judicial Board Chair b. The Judicial Board informs the organizations president in writing of the hearing date and time. c. It is the responsibility of the organization in question to reserve a location for the hearing on campus and provide visual equipment if needed. d. Presidents of involved organizations will have two business days to appeal, in writing, the time and date of the hearing. 2. Hearing Procedure a. The Judicial Board will arrive half an hour early. All parties involved will wait outside the established location until the hearing is convened. b. Introductions of the Judicial Board and the parties involved are made. c. The Chair outlines the hearing and asks all witnesses to leave the room. Only the board and the representatives of the organizations remain. d. The board and the organizations review all the information if they have not done so already. e. The Judicial Chair reads the charges. The accused organization then has the opportunity to accept or deny responsibility. f. If they accept responsibility, the Judicial Board will deliberate and render a sanction. g. If they do not accept responsibility, the organization/office/individual bringing forth allegations presents its case including evidence and witnesses. Witnesses are brought in one at a time. h. The Judicial Board questions presenting organizations and witnesses only. i. The accused organization has the opportunity to present a defense including evidence and witnesses. Witnesses are brought in one at a time. j. The Judicial Board questions those presenting information in defense. k. The Judicial Board deliberates and makes a decision on the charged organization s guilt or innocence and renders sanctions if applicable. Decisions must be made by 2/3 majority vote. 3. Post-Hearing Procedures a. The decisions will be put in writing, within 48 hours, by the Judicial Board Chair and be delivered to presenting and defending organizations.

11 b. Any appeal must be made in writing within 48 hours following adjournment and hearing. c. A copy of the appeal should be submitted to the Council Advisor and the Judicial Board Chair. 4. Appeal Procedures a. All appeals must be made within 48 hours following the written notification of the decision. b. Appeal consideration shall be limited to: 1. Unfair hearing (procedure of the hearing that affected the outcome). 2. New Evidence (which could not be presented at the time of the hearing). 3. Harsh judgment (the sanction is extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation). 4. The Judicial Board and the UGC Advisor will meet to see if the appeal is justified. 5. If an appeal is found to be justified, another hearing will be held in accordance to all procedures. c. The organization has one opportunity to appeal. Section 5: Possible Sanctions of an Organization for violation of any Article of the Constitution 1. Voting rights revoked for a specific period of time. 2. Suspension for a period of time deemed necessary by the Judicial Board. 3. Suspension for an indefinite period of time, pending readmission by the body. 4. A fine appropriate for the violation. 5. Educational sanctions 6. Social probation 7. Community Service 8. Any combination of the above and/or up to the discretion of the Judicial Board. ARTICLE XI: EXPANSION COMMITTEE Section 5: Section 6: The Committee will assess the growth of the Council as well as the existing University need for the individual organization seeking membership. The UGC Expansion Committee shall consist of: 1. Expansion Committee Chair- The head of the committee shall be the Vice-President with assistance from the President. 2. Executive Board 3. UGC Advisor 4. One representative from each organization excluding the UGC Executive Board. The duties of this committee shall be to study the information of groups seeking membership status at the University of Houston. The Expansion Committee will assess the status of the need or lack thereof to extend offers to applying organizations. The General Body will hear the report and decision from The Expansion Committee to extend offers of expansion that particular semester. The committee shall keep active records of organizations who expressed interest in the University of Houston. ARTICLE XII: EXPANSION COMMITTEE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS Names 1. The interested organizations shall be referred to as Interests or Potentials. 2. The UGC member organizations shall be referred to as Members. 3. Interested organizations that are accepted shall be called Associate Members. UGC officers will hold a semesterly vote at the beginning of the fall and spring semester to decide if the council will hold expansion. At this time there must a majority 2/3 vote to continue

12 with expansion, if this maximum is not met, the Vice-President can ask each officer for valid reasons. Section 5: Section 6: Expansion Application Requirements 1. The prospective organization must have met all requirements and requests made by the UGC Expansion Committee. 2. The prospective organization must present the following materials to the committee. 3. A letter to the University and the UGC from the fraternity/sorority national organization expressing interest and level of support in colonizing a chapter at the University of Houston. a. Information pamphlets/brochures on the national organization. b. Colonizing criteria and chartering strategy. c. Alcohol, and risk management information. d. A list of all campus chapters nationwide, stating the number of actives in each chapter. e. Number of active alumni in the Houston area. f. Written plan on how the organization plans to obtain the support of a chapter advisor and alumni, etc. g. Provide proof of liability insurance. 4. The application due date is set for the third Friday in September and February by 5 pm to the UGC Advisor. Any information within these Expansion meetings is considered privileged and may not be discussed outside of the designated meeting. The only exception is to discuss with his/her perspective organization potential candidates for Associate Member Status prior to voting. The Interest must maintain a minimum active membership of 4 students at the University of Houston-main campus and are enrolled in 12 hours or more. The 4 membership requirement shall be maintained for 2 consecutive semesters, not including the first semester of council membership. UGC Expansion Committee Process 1. Review of Application: a. UGC Responsibility of the Application 1. Applications shall be available to Interests by the second Friday of June for the fall semester and the second Friday of November for the spring semester. 2. The Executive Board shall review each application upon Interest s submission to ensure a complete application before the committee is allowed to review the application. 3. The Committee will then review all materials requested in the above Article XII, Section 3.3 and any additional material the committee requests. b. Interest s Responsibility of the Application: 1. Any incomplete applications will not be accepted. 2. All applications must be submitted by the due date noted on the application. 2. Interest s Presentation: a. Based on the above information, the Committee will vote to ask the prospective organization to make a formal presentation to the Council by the interested organizations members. b. The presentation date is set for the second Friday in October and the first Friday in March if location is available. c. The interested organizations members will present the information to the professional staff members in the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life prior to the Council presentation. d. Required materials during presentation: 1. A hard copy of the Power-point presentation, a copy on a flash drive that the Council will keep, and the Power-Point to the UGC Advisor. 2. Informative sheets for each organization representative, each Executive Board Member, the UGC Advisor, and one for the committee records. 3. Any supplemental materials from the interests. e. Format of Presentation 1. Introduction of organization and presenters

13 2. Power-Point Presentation 3. Question and Answer Portion a. Preliminary questions asked by the officers b. Preliminary questions asked by the member representative c. UGC Advisor Questions d. Questions from the Interests 4. Closure 3. Voting Process a. Round I: Criteria 1. Each Interest will be evaluated on a criteria spreadsheet formulated by the committee, which is to be reviewed and revised annually. 2. The criteria points will be scored by the Vice-President for review by the committee. 3. Criteria categories shall include but are not limited to: a. UH Categories b. Interest s Members c. Interest s Chapters d. Interest s Support e. Interest s Structure f. Interest s Academics g. Interest s Community Service h. Interest s Cultural Awareness i. Interest s Finances j. UGC/UH Regulations (penalties from the Interests) b. Round II: Selection 1. The UGC Advisor shall record each vote by the committee for the Interests. c. Final Round: Final vote 1. Each Full Member Organization will submit their recommendations to the UGC Advisor for the Committee for their recommended Interest Organization(s). 2. The fraternity/sorority must receive a 2/3 majority vote from the officers for approval. d. Notification of Decision 1. The interested organization is notified no later than two weeks after the presentation. 2. Upon receiving approval, the interested organization will become an Associate Member of the UGC and will follow guidelines outlined in Article XIII and pay a $50 fee for Council dues. ARTICLE XIII CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP Membership is allowed to any undergraduate nationally chartered social fraternity/sorority oriented to community service and dually registered with The Center for Student Involvement, recognized through the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the University of Houston. Membership is limited to all students who have paid fees and are enrolled at the University of Houston. Each fraternity or sorority may not hold membership in any other existing Greek Council on the campus of University of Houston. There shall be two levels of membership recognized: 1. Full Membership: Member organizations that have achieved full member status as outlined in Article XIV, Section Associate Membership: Organizations that have not achieved full member status, but have met the requirements outlined in Article XV, Section 1. ARTICLE XIV FULL MEMBERSHIP STATUS PROVISIONS

14 Criteria for Full Membership 1. The member organization must be a social Greek-Lettered Organization oriented to community service and dually registered with the Center for Student Involvement and recognized with the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Houston. 2. Member organizations must adhere to the rules, regulations of the UGC. 3. All Full Member Organizations must adhere to any University of Houston rules and regulations and any procedures sanctioned by the Center for Student Involvement, the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Fraternal Excellence Program, and the New Membership Intake Process. 4. The organization must also remain in good standing with the University of Houston as well as their National affiliation. 5. Full Member Organizations shall be bound by all rules and decisions of the council and the judicial board. 6. Each organization must submit an updated roster to the UGC each semester complete with officer positions noted. 7. Each organization must submit in writing the organization s three official representatives that will be attending all 1) UGC meetings, 2) Expansion Committee Meetings, and 3) Judicial Committee Meetings. 8. Member organizations are required to attend all general body meetings and all committee meetings. If a meeting in missed it will be referred to the Judicial Board for review. 9. Member organizations must actively participate in all UGC mandatory sponsored events (refer to UGC By-Laws Article V). 10. Member organizations are responsible for one community service project and one fundraiser event per semester. Both of the projects will be an event with 40 % of the active membership of each organization present. 11. Member organizations must pay dues of $ per semester to the council. 12. Each organization must pay their dues of $ each semester to remain in good standing with the council. 13. Each member organization must maintain a combined cumulative grade point average of In the event that the chapter G.P.A. falls below the 2.34 mark, the Judicial Board will put the organization s membership under review. Withdrawal 1. An organization must notify the council in writing of intentions to withdraw membership a. No later than one month prior to the last general body meeting of a semester (which constitutes the first meeting of November and April respectively for the Fall and Spring semester). b. If the drop deadline is not met, the organization is held responsible for all financial and participation responsibilities for that semester 2. All outstanding dues and other debts must be paid to the Council in order for the organization to be in good standing with the University. ARTICLE XV ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP STATUS PROVISIONS Criteria for Associate Membership 1. Associate Member Organization(s) shall be those organizations invited to join the UGC at the University of Houston through the procedures outline in Article XII and are in the process of fulfilling their requirements to have Full Membership Status. 2. Associate Membership Status shall begin during the semester of approval from the council. 3. Associate Members shall be under review as associate members for two long semesters, summer not included. a. A preliminary review will take place at the end of the first semester (the spring semester after the Expansion Process in the Fall). b. At the end of the second semester (the following Fall semester), the General Body will review each Associate Member Organization s performance prior to voting for approval to Full Membership. 4. All Associate Members must adhere to any University of Houston rules and regulations and any procedures sanctioned by the Center for Student Involvement, the Center for Fraternity

15 and Sorority Life and the Fraternal Excellence Program, and New Membership Intake Process. 5. The organization must also remain in good standing with the University of Houston as well as their National affiliation during this period of time. 6. Associate Member Organizations shall be bound by all rules and decisions of the Council and the Judicial Board. 7. Each organization must submit an updated roster to the UGC each semester complete with officer positions noted. 8. Each organization must submit in writing the organization s official representatives that will be attending all UGC meetings during this period. 9. During this period, the organization must attend all general body meetings. 10. Associate Member organizations must actively participate with 80% of membership of its chapter in all UGC mandatory sponsored events (refer to UGC By-Laws Article V). 11. The organization is responsible for one community project per semester. One of the events will be an UGC event with 80% of the membership of its chapter present. The second will be at their discretion. No more than one fundraiser a year may be applied towards this requirement. 12. Associate Member Organizations shall have all rights and privileges of a Full Membership. Exceptions to the Full Membership privileges are: a. The right to vote in the council. b. Attend Committee meetings. c. To hold Executive Board Office. 13. All Associate Members must pay dues of $50 each semester to the council to fulfill council plans, objectives, and sponsored events. 14. Each member organization must maintain a combined cumulative grade point average of In the event that the chapter G.P.A. falls below the 2.34 mark, the Judicial Board will put the organization s membership under review. Completion 1. Upon successful completion of the aforementioned requirements, and completion of any other requirements of the Center for Student Involvement, the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life and the University of Houston, the General Body shall vote to admit the organization in question to Full Member status. 2. The vote for Full Membership for an Associate Membership shall take place during the second meeting in April. 3. Approval for Full Membership a. The Associate Member Organization must receive a majority vote from the General Body in order to receive Full Membership Status. 4. Denial for Full Membership Status a. If an Associate Member Organization receives the three (3) strike penalty in either of the two (2) associate member review semesters, the full membership status is automatically denied. b. If the Associate Member Organization does not receive a majority vote, the Organization will remain under Associate Membership for an additional third semester. c. At the end of the third semester, another review of the Associate Member Organization will take place with a vote for approval of full membership. d. If an Associate Member Organization is denied Full Membership Status two consecutive times, then the Organization will be removed from the Council and the University. Withdrawal 1. An organization must notify the Council in writing of intentions to withdraw membership. a. No later than one month prior to the last general body meeting of a semester (which constitutes the first meeting of November and April respectively for the Fall and Spring semester). b. If the drop deadline is not met, the organization is held responsible for all financial and participation responsibilities for that semester 2. All outstanding dues and other debts must be paid to the Council in order for the organization to be in good standing with the University.

16 ARTICLE XVI INTAKE/NEW MEMBER PROCESS Section 5: No new member education program may last longer than 10 weeks. Each organization must submit the New Member Intake Process paperwork on or before the appropriate due dates to the UGC Advisor or CFSL staff member that coordinates new membership. All intake or new member activities must be in accordance with the national organization and must adhere to university policies and procedures and UGC constitution. All organizations must sign the university s non-hazing compliance form. All new members are required to meet with the UGC Advisor and/or chapter coach to complete the required university paperwork a minimum of two weeks prior to the presentation of new members to the university community. ARTICLE XVII STRIKES Strike definition 1. A strike constitutes a measure to maintain the procedural following written in the Constitution and By-Laws. 2. An organization is reviewed by the judicial board upon accumulation of 3 strikes. What constitutes half of a strike? 1. ½ strike is for the first unexcused absence for a General Body or Committee Meeting. 2. First unexcused tardy 3. For exceeding deadlines for all documentation required by the council. 4. If dues are late, a ½ strike will be given for each additional General Body Meeting they are late. 5. For all late payments to include but not limited to: fines, dues, etc. What constitutes a full strike? 1. Any two subsequent absences (excused/unexcused) from the General Body Meeting and/or Committee Meetings and/or a combination of both. 2. Second and any subsequent unexcused tardies. 3. Unexcused tardiness of ten (10) minutes past the five minute buffer shall be considered an unexcused absence. 4. Full member/associate member hosts an event, whether it social, educational, fundraising, etc., without the approval of the Vice President. 5. Non-attendance/participation in UGC Week or general events. 6. Non-attendance/participation in UGC Leadership Academy. 7. Non-attendance/participation in the UGC community service event(s) 8. Non-attendance/participation in the UGC fundraising event(s) 9. Non-attendance/participation in the new member meeting with the UGC Advisor.

17 University of Houston Multicultural Greek Council By-Laws BY-LAW I: COMMITTEES Appointment 1. Appointments for committee chairs shall take place on a regular General Body Meeting set forth by the Executive Board except those that the Executive Body oversees 2. Nominations shall be present to the General Body in writing and turned into the Vice- President. 3. Committee chairs shall be appointed by a simple majority vote of the General Body. Vacancies 1. In the event of a committee chair vacancy, all vacant chairs shall be announced at the next General Body Meeting. 2. If there are no qualified or interested applicants, an Executive Officer will be appointed to fill in the vacancy until a replacement is found. 3. All committee chairs are subject to removal by the Executive Board. Requirements 1. Chairs must be in good standing with the respective Full Member Organization. 2. Chairs must have served on the said committee for at least one (1) semester prior to semester of appointment unless no active members in the UGC have such experience. 3. Committee members can be any individual members from the General Body. 4. A committee must consist of a committee chair and a minimum of two additional committee members. BY-LAW II: STANDING COMMITTEES Judicial Committee 1. It shall be the responsibility of the Judicial Committee to oversee the guidelines set forth in Article VIII and IX. 2. The Judicial Committee shall be chaired by the Parliamentarian. Expansion Committee 1. It shall be the responsibility of the Expansion Committee to oversee the guidelines set forth in Article XI. 2. The expansion committee shall be chaired by the Vice-President. 3. The maximum number of qualifying interested organizations to be accepted for Associate Member status in any given academic year shall depend on the number of Interests that submit the appropriate expansion application information.

18 Fundraising Committee 1. It shall be the responsibility of the Fundraising Committee to: a. Plan and implement all fundraising activities. b. Keep the Treasurer aware of fundraising activities. 2. The fundraising committee shall be chaired by the Treasurer. BY-LAW III: AD-HOC COMMITTEES Constitution and By-Laws 1. It shall be the duty of the constitution and bylaws committee to annually review and offer revisions to be presented by to the General Body. 2. The committee shall be chaired by the Vice-President. Special Committees 1. Any committees can be formed if the General Body or Executive Board deems it necessary to have any special committee. 2. The committees shall be chaired by an appointed member from the General Body. BY-LAW IV: EVENT SCHEDULING Section 5: Section 6: Section 7: Section 8: Section 9: The UGC shall keep an official calendar of events highlighting all UGC Full Member and Associate Member Organization events. The calendar shall be updated by the Vice-President. Full and Associate Members can designate five (5) days per year to officially celebrate their national founding date or their founding at the University of Houston. Each organization is allowed two full days for special programming/events. These days cannot be consecutive and are subject to approval by the executive board. Three weeks prior to the event, organizations must submit their calendar to the Vice-President for approval. Fundraising and recruitment events must be submitted two weeks prior to the event. In the event of overlapping social events (club parties, presentation of new members, etc.), the first organization to turn in their calendar will receive priority for the date. Two weeks prior to the event, the club party contract and flier should be submitted to the Vice-President. Two (2) sororities and/or two (2) fraternities can have their individual general events on the same day with the exception that they are at least 2 hours apart from each other and that they do not exceed more than 2 hours. This excludes club/house parties. Two (2) sororities and/or two (2) fraternities can have their individual rush/recruitment events on the same day. This excludes club/house parties. Organizations may propose changes to the UGC calendar with the Vice-President, subject to time-date availability. UGC organizations are only allotted two club parties per semester. Organizations are required to submit dates to the Vice President by the deadlines and receive final approval from the Vice President. If the organization does not submit the calendar dates and receive a final confirmation from the Vice President then fines and strikes will be implemented. BY-LAW V: MANDATORY UGC EVENTS UGC Meetings Day and Time: 1. All General Body and Committee Meetings shall be scheduled at a day and time during the regular work week to be determined by the availability of the officers and Full Member Organizations.