Inter fraternity Council (IFC) Constitution Towson University

Transcription

1 Inter fraternity Council (IFC) Constitution Towson University Preamble In order to promote and uphold the common interest of Towson University and the Greek letter social fraternities therein, we, the Inter fraternity Council will ensure that, through appropriate governance, each chapter is given the opportunity to develop academically, physically, and socially, their rightfully initiated members and foster healthy relationships and good will between and among said fraternities and the community from which they come. We do ordain and establish this Constitution of the Inter fraternity Council at Towson University. Article I. Name and Purpose Section I. Name This organization shall be known as the Inter fraternity Council of Towson University and maybe referred to as the IFC hereafter in this document. Section II. Purpose 1. Act as the governing and advising body of all North-American Inter fraternity Conference (NIC) recognized men s social fraternities, the Fraternity Leadership Association (FLA), and other fraternities recognized by inter/national organizations. 2. Organize, standardize and regulate the recruitment and new member activities of said fraternities. 3. Promote positive Inter fraternity competition in scholarship, service, philanthropy, athletics, and any other events that may be deemed advisable for the betterment of the participants, fraternities, the University, and the community. 4. Encourage cooperation and harmony among member fraternities. 5. Provide educational programs and services for the member fraternities. 6. Serve as the liaison between University administration and member fraternities in matters of common interest. 7. Act as the judicial body for violations of the Inter fraternity Council policies. Article II. Membership Section I. Types of Membership Upon the University, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and IFC concurrence, all nationally recognized social fraternities shall hold membership in the IFC. The two types of membership in the IFC are the following: 1. Associate Membership: (pertaining to an inter/national affiliated organization that has not received the full charter from the inter/national organization but has University recognition). 2. Full Membership: (pertaining to chapters which have the charter from their inter/national headquarters and University recognition). Only recognized fraternities with Full Membership are eligible to vote and/or hold office in the IFC. Section II. Status of Membership

2 A. In order for chapters to remain in good standing on the Towson University campus with full membership in the IFC, they must meet all requirements set fourth in the most current version IFC bylaws. C. Chapters not meeting the requirements in Article I, Section I. Good Standing of the IFC Bylaws, will be informed of their failure to perform at an acceptable level. A meeting with representatives from the chapter, the IFC Advisor, and a representative of the IFC Executive Board will take place to determine an appropriate course of action from the chapter. D. Both Associate and Full Members must meet the requirements set forth in Article I, Section I. Good Standing of the IFC Bylaws. E. A chapter s good standing status may be reviewed at any time by the IFC and suspended or revoked for reasons of misconduct or failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the Towson University IFC Constitution, Article I, Section I. Good Standing of the IFC Bylaws. Section III. Recognition of Organizations The IFC reserves the right to recognize or suspend organizations as it sees fit in accordance with the IFC Constitution and Bylaws. (Ref. Article I, Section II. Recognition of Organizations of the IFC bylaws) Section IV. Expansion/Colonization Procedures The IFC reserves the right to approve or deny each chapter that requests colonization after the proper expansion policies have been followed. Section V. Non-discrimination clause The IFC shall hold principle that there will be no discrimination based on the age, color, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Article III. Organization and Vestment of Power The Organization and authorities of the IFC shall be divided as follows: Section I. All executive and administrative powers shall fall under the IFC Executive Board. A. Members of the Executive Board The Executive Board shall consist of the following voting members, listed hierarchically: President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Judicial Affairs, Vice President of Recruitment, Vice President of Programming, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President of Public Relations, Vice President of Academics. Section II. Qualifications All student members of the IFC Executive Board must meet the following qualifications: a. Be a full-time undergraduate student at Towson University. b. Be in good standing with his fraternity and the University. c. Must have and maintain a 2.5 semester and cumulative GPA while in office. d. Must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours for each semester in office. (This qualification may be waived for last semester seniors.

3 e. Any Officer not meeting these requirements will be immediately removed from office. f. Candidates for President shall not hold the position of President within their own chapter during the term they wish to serve as the IFC President. g. Candidates for President must have served at least one semester as a delegate, or executive board officer in order to serve as President of the IFC Executive Board. Section III. Election Procedure for Executive Officers: 1. Elections are to be held on a date designated by the incumbent Executive Board no later than the first regular meeting of December. 2. Ballot form voting shall be required during the election for each executive position proceeding in the following order: President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Recruitment, Vice President of Judicial Affairs, Vice President of Programming, Treasurer and Recording Secretary. 3. All persons running for a position on the Executive Board must submit an application and notify the Board of their intention to run no later than one week prior to the electoral meeting. 4. Election of officers shall be made by a simple majority vote, which is defined by fifty percent plus one. 5. In the case of a tie the Executive Board shall convene and decide on the most suitable applicant for the position. 6. The Executive Board will meet with all candidates for an interview and slate a recommendation for the delegates. Section IV. Duties: The duties of the Executive Board officers are as follows. This list includes but is not limited to the following: President: 1. Have overall responsibility for the operation of the Interfraternity Council. 2. Call and preside at all regular and special meetings of the IFC. 3. Utilize Roberts Rules of Order to conduct 4. Act as a liaison between university officials and IFC Chapters at Towson. 5. Call and preside at all IFC Executive Board 6. Review, approve, and get all IFC checks and contracts signed involving the IFC. 7. Serve as member ex-officio of all Interfraternity Council Committees. 8. Act accordingly as a representative of this Council in his scholastic, social, and fraternal endeavors and whenever he represents this Council in the eyes of the Administration and University community. 9. Maintain a complete up-to-date President s file, which will include a copy of the current IFC Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules; the current IFC budget; and other pertinent materials. 10. Attend all meetings of the IFC, including weekly Executive Board and Business 11. Perform all other duties usually pertaining to this office.

4 Executive Vice President: 1. Perform the duties of the President in his absence, inability to serve, or at his discretion. 2. Be in charge of the chairmen of the standing committees of IFC. 3. Call and preside at all regular and special Committee 4. Attend all meetings of the Interfraternity Council, including weekly Executive Board and Business 5. Perform all other duties usually pertaining to his office, or those delegated by the President. Vice President of Judicial Affairs Mission Statement: The Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall act as an impartial representative of all fraternities when dealing with infractions of any nature. He will also serve as Advocate General for all fraternities in regards to University Administration and Judicial Affairs. 1. Serve as Chairman of the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board and preside over judicial hearings as Chief Justice. 2. Coordinate the training of the Judicial Board members with the Interfraternity Advisor and/or a representative of the campus Judicial Affairs Office. 3. Determine if any Judicial Board member needs to be excused from serving due to conflict of interest. 4. Be responsible for maintaining order at all regular and special meetings of the Interfraternity Council. 5. Make arrangements for the Judicial Board hearings as indicated by the Interfraternity Council Judicial Process (i.e. location of hearing, room set-up, appointment of secretary, etc.). 6. Hold Monthly meetings with all chapter Judicial Boards and Risk Management Chair. 7. Attend all meetings of the IFC, including weekly Executive Board and Business 8. Determine sufficient fines or penalties for chapter misconduct or infractions after a judicial hearing has taken place. 9. Perform all other duties pertaining to his office, or those delegated by the President. 10. Train all Judicial Board members. Vice President of Recruitment: Mission Statement: Maintain an impartial and unbiased recruitment process as well as handle all issue and rules pertaining to IFC recruitment. 1. Serve as Chairman of Recruitment. 2. Attend all meetings of the IFC, including weekly Executive Board and Business 3. Be responsible for planning and coordinating recruitment events, programs, and policies.

5 4. Enforce and investigate recruitment infractions in accordance with Towson University and IFC Policy. As well as report any and all infractions to the Vice President of Judicial Affairs in order to perform a Judicial Hearing. 5. Be responsible for presenting the formal Rush dates for the upcoming semester to the Council of Delegates. The majority of the quorum at a regular IFC meeting must approve these dates. 6. Perform all other duties usually pertaining to this position, or those delegated by the President. 7. Keep all social media related to recruitment up-to-date. Vice President of Programming: Mission Statement: The goal of programming is to organize and develop events/programs that reach out to not only Towson University, but also its surrounding communities. 1. Serve as Greek Week Chairman for the IFC in accordance with Pan-Hellenic Activities chair. 2. In accordance with the Pan-Hellenic Activities chair, serve as the final judge in all Greek Week rulings and disputes. 3. Coordinate and develop programs that seek to improve inter-fraternal relations. 4. Develop programs to improve IFC Community Relations. 5. Plan and execute all IFC sponsored philanthropic events and activities. 6. Plan and Coordinate IFC Philanthropy Week. 7. Help coordinate participation of the IFC in Towson University Homecoming activities. 8. Attend all meetings of the IFC, including weekly Executive Board and Business 9. Perform all other duties usually pertaining to his office, or those delegated by the President. 10. Plan excellence/ Leadership ball/gala. Treasurer: Mission Statement: The treasurer is responsible for budgeting and evaluating the financial status of the IFC was well as maintaining and paying for any expenses the IFC may incur. 1. Be responsible for the general supervision of the finances of the Towson University Interfraternity Council. 2. Be responsible for the preparation of the budget for the semester and following its approval by the IFC providing a copy to each IFC Regular and Associate member. 3. Be responsible for ensuring that the IFC organizational accounts are managed in compliance with the Student Government Association s financial policies and procedures. 4. Receive all payments due to the IFC, collect dues, and give receipts. 5. Be responsible for prompt payment of all bills of the IFC. 6. Maintain up-to-date financial records; give a financial report at each regular IFC meeting and an annual report at the close of his term of office. 7. Have Inter fraternity Council contracts signed when needed.

6 8. Attend all meetings of the IFC, including weekly Executive Board and Business 9. Perform all other duties pertaining to office or those delegated by the President. The Secretary: Mission Statement: The secretary is responsible for informing all chapter Presidents of the matters, news and events involving Greek Life and the IFC at Towson University by recording all notes presented by the IFC executive board and announcements by Fraternities. 1. Keep an up-to-date roll of the Regular and Associate members of the Interfraternity Council and call roll at the Council 2. Record full minutes of all meetings of the IFC and record all action taken by the Executive Board. 3. Maintain a complete file, which will contain minutes of all IFC proceedings. 4. Be responsible for the official correspondence of the IFC unless otherwise provided. 5. Maintain current statistics concerning the number of initiated and new members of each Regular and Associate member. 6. Attend all meetings of the IFC, including weekly Executive and Business 7. Perform all other duties pertaining to office or those delegated by the President Vice President of Public Relations: Mission Statement: Establish and maintain the prestigious and honorable name of the IFC to Towson University as well as creating mutually beneficial relations between all member chapters and other Fraternity and Sorority Life Groups. 1. Establish, utilize and maintain media connections with the surrounding media outlets such as The Towerlight, 89.7FM, and other news stations and papers. 2. Create and execute at LEAST one event to further the good name of Towson s IFC. 3. Assist the Vice President of Programming and Vice President of Recruitment by publicizing their events as needed. 4. Work to create beneficial relations with all other Governing Councils. 5. Develop strong relations with the SGA and other student groups 6. Help chapters of the IFC with any promotional needs they may have. 7. Update and maintain the current IFC website as well as post any information any member fraternity may ask posted. 8. Publish IFC minutes to the website and send them to the chapter presidents and IFC Executives. 9. Assist other fraternities in developing a presence on the Internet. 10. Make and maintain Facebook groups with delegates and executive members. 11. Look for and maintain any relevant advertising opportunities. 12. Add any documents that are Fraternity related to website as an ongoing record and resource to the Member Fraternities.

7 The Vice President of Academics shall: Mission Statement: Work to ensure the academic success of all chapters and Fraternity men by developing programs. 1. Work with chapters to assist them in meeting NIC and Towson University academic standards. 2. Perform all duties described in Amendment I, the North-American Interfraternity Conference Academic Standards Mandate. 3. Create and execute 2 academic/ faculty programs for the year. Section V. Vacancy of Office: 1. In the case of Presidency vacancy, the Executive Vice President shall automatically take that position. Should the Vice President not be able to assume the position the order of succession will be as follows: Vice President of Judicial Affairs, Vice President of Recruitment, Vice President of Programming, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President of Public Relations, Vice President of Academics 2. In the case of all other Executive Office vacancies, the Council shall follow election procedures described in the previous Sections of Article III to fill vacancies. Article IV. Meetings Section I. Regular meetings shall be held once per week at a time and location designated by the President. Section II. The President may call special meetings of the IFC at any time Article V. Impeachment Section I. Threshold for removal Any officer of the IFC may be impeached by a 2/3 vote of the executive board. Section II. Charging of Members Executive Board Members may be brought up for judicial impeachment on the grounds of misconduct, insufficient completion of duties pertaining to the position, incidence of biased behavior, or for an insufficient cumulative GPA. Section III. Notice of Impeachment Notice of Impeachment must be given in writing within a minimum of one week before the Council votes for impeachment. Article VI. Fraternity Delegations Section I.

8 The Council shall be composed of one delegate from each member fraternity of the IFC. Each Member fraternity shall also select an alternate delegate to serve in absence of the delegate. Section II. Delegates shall be selected by their respective fraternity chapters to serve a term of one semester. Whenever possible, the alternate delegate of one semester shall be the delegate for the succeeding semester. Section III. Delegates must be a past or present executive board member of their chapter Section IV. Vote. The voting body of the IFC shall be the delegate for each individual chapter, and the IFC President serves as the deciding vote in the situation of a tie. Delegates will be the represented voting members of their respective chapter Article VII. Ratification and Amendments Section I. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the entire Executive Board before it is submitted to the delegates for Vote. Section II. This Constitution must be ratified by 2/3 of the recognized full member chapters of the IFC. Section III. This constitution may be amended at any time at the request of any Member Fraternity, or the Interfraternity Executive Board Member with the approval and assistance of the Vice President of Judicial Affairs. Section IV. Any amendment to the Constitution of the Interfraternity Council must be submitted to the Council of Delegates and approved by a simple majority. Section V. Before the start of each semester, the president and vice president of judicial affairs must review the constitution to ensure it is still valid in its entirety. All amendments proposed in the previous semester are included in the bylaws at this time for ratification.

9 Signatory page for the CONSITUTION OF THE INTER FRATERNITY COUNCIL TOWSON UNIVERSITY The document is certified to be a true copy of the Constitution of the Interfraternity Council of Towson University on,. Alpha Epsilon Pi Delta Sigma Phi Kappa Sigma Lambda Chi Alpha Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Pi Tau Kappa Epsilon Phi Sigma Kappa Pi Kappa Alpha Theta Chi (Colony)