CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY Date Adopted: 4/18/11 Last Revised: 4/11/11 1

2 ARTICLE 1 - PURPOSE I. Statement of Purpose The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was established on May 10, 1930, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., with the purpose and mission of the organization being unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek-letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its affiliate organizations. Early in 1937, the organization was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois and became known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated. II. The objective of the National Pan-Hellenic Council in order to promote unity among member organizations shall be: a. To serve as the governing and coordinating body for all member organizations. b. To deal with matters of mutual concern as well as a focus on the black community c. To correlate programs and activities designed to meet the needs of member organizations. d. Support and encourage high academic accomplishments. e. To make every available effort to create Greek unity and harmony through the promotion of trust, respect, and teamwork between each member organization. III. Rules of Order a. The Council shall be governed by Robert s Rules of Order: revised latest edition, except for matters provided for in the Constitution and By-Laws. IV. Ratification a. The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by presenting to the President and Recording Secretary in writing at least two (2) weeks before the next scheduled meeting in which it is to be acted upon. Also; b. A copy of all proposed amendments shall be provided to each member chapter at least seven (7) days before the next scheduled meeting. c. This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by a ½ plus one vote of the membership at a regular meeting of the General Council, provided that a quorum is present. d. This Constitution shall come effective when ratified by a ½ plus one vote of the voting membership and all other constitutions shall be null and void. e. There shall be an existing constitution in place before an old constitution can be null and void. f. All Constitution and By-Laws must be reviewed and/or revised annually. ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP I. The following organizations may hold membership within the National Pan-Hellenic Council: a. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. 2

3 b. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. c. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. d. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. e. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. f. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. g. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. h. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. i. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. II. There shall be two (2) classes of membership: Active and Inactive Members. a. Active Members: Active members are organizations that have been approved for membership by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., being in good standing with the University and have met the General Council s financial responsibilities.. b. Inactive Members i. Inactive members are those organizations who are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. but do not currently have an active chapter on the campus. ii. To be reinstated into the FAU NPHC, an organization must following the university policies & procedures governing expansion, colonization, and/or recolonization. 1. All outstanding fines and/or violations against the Constitution and By- Laws must be corrected prior to approval. ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS In an effort to assist institutions of higher learning across the nation and abroad in understanding the beginning and function of the historically Black fraternities and sororities, and the standards governing these organizations, and in a further effort to continue to address issues of mutual concern, focusing on five essential and shared areas, to the NPHC and member organizations (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.) these standards have been drafted: I. Expectations for NPHC Undergraduate Councils and Affiliate Chapters a. Continued promotion of academic excellence i. Maintain grade point averages (GPAs) above the minimum GPA requirement to be an Active member of the chapter and organization as defined by the college or university, if standards are higher than said affiliate organization. ii. Maintain graduation rates equal to or which exceed the all men s or women s rates, respectively, on a given campus. 3

4 iii. Develop scholarship programs that challenge members and potential members to achieve academically, provide scholastic support, and recognize both improvement and excellence in academic performance. b. Demonstration of the values of NPHC, affiliate organizations, and host institutions. i. Integrate the stated values and mission of NPHC, affiliate organizations, and the institution into all aspects of the organization and membership. ii. Develop and implement a Standards Board to hold members accountable to the entire Greek-lettered community, as well as to the student code of conduct at the institution. iii. Sponsor monthly leadership programs which promote personal development and encourage implementation of best business practices. iv. Develop standards which discourage both the misuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs and which exact penalties. c. Development of leadership skills. i. Provide members with opportunities for leadership development workshops and programs, through NPHC, affiliate organizations, and other programs sponsored by outside organizations. ii. Encourage affiliate chapter members to seek leadership roles in other campus organizations. d. Development of positive supportive relationships. i. Comply with all hazing and mandated policies of the state, college/university, NPHC, and affiliate organizations. ii. Create programs that enhance the Greek-letter community and student body and thereby contribute to a positive relationship with the community at large. iii. Demonstrate a genuine concern for all mankind. iv. Seek an appropriately credentialed Graduate chapter and Faculty/Staff advisor(s) to serve as advisories to affiliate chapters and the local NPHC e. Develop citizenship through community service and outreach. i. Develop effective service projects and community outreach programs on an ongoing basis. ii. Establish and maintain community service initiatives, while encouraging the participation of all members. iii. Participate in campus Greek-lettered and non-greek governing General Councils, as well as non-greek organizations and events. iv. Establish a positive and productive campus presence. 4

5 ARTICLE IV CONSTITUION RATIFICATION I. Ratification Standards a. The Constitution may be amended by presenting to the President and Vice President of Administration in writing at least two (2) weeks before the next scheduled meeting in which it is to be acted upon. b. A copy of all proposed amendments shall be provided to each member chapter at least seven (7) days before the next scheduled meeting. c. This Constitution may be amended by a ½ plus one vote of the membership at a regular meeting of the General Council, provided that a quorum is present. d. This Constitution shall come effective when ratified by a ½ plus one vote of the voting membership and all other constitutions shall be null and void. e. There shall be an existing constitution in place before an old constitution can be null and void. f. The Constitution must be reviewed and/or revised annually. 5

6 BYLAWS OF THE NATION PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY Date Adopted: 4/18/11 Last Revised: 4/11/11 6

7 ARTICLE I NPHC GENERAL COUNCIL I. Membership a. The NPHC General Council shall consist of i. All officers of National Pan-Hellenic Council Executive Board. ii. One (1) NPHC Delegate from each member organization. b. Only enrolled students of FAU can be a part of the General Council. II. Responsibility a. To submit a budget for the Council s approval, and to oversee the progress of the committees and to periodically report their findings to the member organizations. b. To oversee and approve policies of all officers and committee chairman s. c. To study documents regarding Fraternity & Sorority Life and make recommendations through a referendum d. To coordinate programs that are designed to help meet the needs of the General Council and its representatives. e. To enforce the stipulations set forth in this constitution, and to ensure that member organizations comply with regulations established herein. f. To impeach council officers both elected and appointed. g. To make laws that pertains to its own government. h. To admit according to the criteria stated in this Constitution and By-laws, any Greek organization petitioning for membership in National Pan-Hellenic Council. III. Delegates a. NPHC Members Chapters must elect an official NPHC Delegate, who will attend all NPHC General Council meetings for, at least, the semester. It is suggested that this delegate be a member of the Chapter Executive Board, if not the actual Chapter President. b. Only NPHC Delegates can be the authorized voting member in all NPHC Formal business. c. NPHC Delegates must report back to their chapters on the business of the NPHC Council. d. NPHC Delegates may not be members of the NPHC Executive Board. ARTICLE II - GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS I. Delegate Meetings a. During the fall semester, the NPHC General Council shall conduct delegate meetings on a weekly basis, excluding finals week and any designated University holidays. b. During the spring semester, the NPHC General Council shall conduct delegate meetings during the first three weeks of the semester and the last three weeks of the semester, excluding finals week and any designated University holidays. II. Special Meetings a. Special meetings may be called at any time by the NPHC President. 7

8 b. The NPHC President must call a special meeting at the request of any three (3) member organizations. c. Notice of special meetings shall be given in two forms of communication (phone, , etc.) to the president of each organization at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. III. Rules of Order a. Robert s Rules of Order shall govern all proceedings upon the request of any two member chapters present. IV. Presiding Order a. The NPHC President shall be the presiding officer and in the case of tie be entitled to cast a vote. b. The presiding officer may call any meeting closed. V. Voting Privileges and Procedure a. Only the official NPHC Delegate shall have voting privileges. Each chapter shall have only one vote. b. Council Executive Board members are entitled to speak, but have no voting privileges. c. Voting shall be done through a chapter roll-call process, unless a motion is called for another form of voting. d. In the event a chapter is unable to attend, a written proxy vote may be used but must be submitted to the Vice President of Administration 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. VI. Quorum for Voting a. Quorum must be met to hold a vote during General Council meetings. b. A quorum will consist of the presence of at least ½ plus one of the member organizations. VII. Attendance a. Any Chapter who is not represented two or more General Council meetings, without an excused absence, in a semester will be automatically placed on NPHC Probation. b. Chapters must report any excused absence, no later than 48 hours after a General Council Meeting. Documentation detailing the reason of absence is needed as well (Fraternity/Sorority convention, retreat, etc.). ARTICLE III - OFFICERS I. Officers a. The elected officers and Executive Board of the Council shall be: i. President ii. Executive Vice-President iii. Vice-President of Programming iv. Vice-President of Administration v. Vice-President of Public Relations 8

9 b. A particular officer position can only be held 2 consecutive years by a member organization. c. Any officer position that is vacant, the President shall appoint a candidate subject to approval by a simple majority of the NPHC General Council. d. Each member organization may hold no more than two (2) offices during a term and no organization may hold both the office of the President and the office of the Executive Vice President during any term. II. Officer Elections a. Officers shall be elected at the final business meeting of the Spring semester for the subsequent year. b. Nominations of officers shall be held two (2) weeks prior to the final meeting of the spring semester and all nominees must have their organization s approval. c. No member organization shall have a representative nominated or elected for the Executive Board if the member organization has failed to attend more than half of scheduled meetings and events. d. The officers shall be elected by the vote of the NPHC General Council. e. Elected officers shall take office immediately following the close of the elections. f. The term of office shall run from the time of the delegate installation until their successors are elected the following year, unless the officer is impeached or resigns. In such case the President shall appoint a candidate, subject to approval by the NPHC General Council. g. An appointed officer is a person appointed by president and approved by NPHC General Council. h. The NPHC President cannot be the Chapter President of his/her organization during his/her term of office. III. Officer Standards a. Support the success of the NPHC community. b. Must be considered an undergraduate student, who meets University Student Leadership Eligibility Requirements, are able to serve in a Council Officer position. c. Must be an active member of an NPHC organization. d. Maintain a 2.5 (FAU 4.0) cumulative GPA and semester GPA 2.5 (FAU 4.0) e. Develop, maintain, an uphold goals for their particular office. f. Attend every meeting of the NPHC, expect in cases of excused absence. g. Uphold the Constitution and by-laws of the NPHC. h. Hold weekly, regular office hours in Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. IV. Duties of Officers a. President shall: i. Be the presiding officer and official spokesperson of the Council. ii. Lead and direct all NPHC General Council initiatives. iii. Oversee the NPHC Traditions Committee. iv. Appoint vacant positions on the NPHC Executive Board with the approval of the General Council. 9

10 v. Shall represent the NPHC in collaboration with the IFC/Panhellenic/MGC about Fraternity & Sorority Life at FAU. vi. Shall serve as a voting delegate of the Greek Council or provide a designee. vii. Shall approve all vouchers for expenditures of budgeted funds with the approval of the Council. viii. Be responsible for setting the agenda prior to the meetings. ix. Call special meetings, as needed. x. Conduct two (2) weekly officer hours. b. Executive Vice-President shall: i. Serve as a parliamentarian to the president. ii. Oversee and be an ex-officio member NPHC Standards Committee. iii. Maintain order in accordance to Robert s Rules of Order. iv. Carry the authority necessary for the execution of the President s duties in his or her absence. v. Coordinate all NPHC colonization/recolonization efforts, in conjunction with the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. vi. Coordinate the revision of the FAU-NPHC Bylaws and Constitution. vii. Perform all other duties as required by this office. viii. Conduct one (1) weekly office hour. c. Vice President of Programming i. Plan and coordinate all NPHC General Council events and programs. ii. Oversee the NPHC Fundraising Committee. iii. Serves as the NPHC representative, or appoint a designee, to serve on the Greek Week Planning Committee. iv. Serve as a liaison between the NPHC General Council and areas of campus programming (student leadership and involvement, campus activities, homecoming intramural sports, etc.). v. Perform all other duties as required by this office vi. Conduct two (2) weekly office hours. d. Vice President of Administration shall: i. Be responsible for all funds and trusts held by the NPHC General Council. ii. Keep a complete record of all disbursements, and shall make such disbursements as designated by the General Council, upon receipt of all vouchers properly executed. iii. Keep an accurate record of all bills received by the General Council. iv. Submit written reports with receipt of his/ her activities at each regular meeting of the General Council. v. Ensure proper deposit and withdrawal of General Council s funds. vi. Assist in the preparation annual and periodic budget request submittals to the Greek Council with the consultation of the General Council. vii. Be responsible for keeping all the minutes of the meetings and distribute to appropriate people. 10

11 viii. Shall keep a permanent record of all by-laws and acts passed by the General Council. ix. Submit a written report of the minutes to the General Council by the next scheduled meeting. x. Receive, respond, and present to the General Council all correspondence. xi. Shall maintain a current roster of all General Council member organizations and their members. e. Vice President of Public Relations shall: i. Be responsible for all public relations/marketing efforts for the NPHC General Council. ii. Shall keep a written and /or pictorial account of all activities of the NPHC General Council during the fiscal year. iii. Be responsible for communication and correspondence with the IFC/Panhellenic/MGC. iv. Maintain all Council technology/communication initiatives (website, social media, etc). V. Committees a. The following committees shall be in place: i. Traditions Committee: To create and implement programs, services, and amenities that contributes to building tradition within NPHC, and FAU as a whole. ii. Standards Committee: See Article VII iii. Fundraising Committee: To assist the council in raising funds to support programs, services, and amenities. iv. Public Relations Street Team: To promote NPHC events, programs, and initiatives. b. Each committee shall follow the leadership and goals set by the responsible Council officer c. Each committee must meet at least twice per semester (Fall and Spring). d. Each committee must report back to the General Council with updates, as requested. e. Every active, in good standing, member of the NPHC must serve on one committee. Committee signups will occur within the first two weeks of the Fall semester, and as needed. VI. Officer Dismissal/Impeachment a. Any officer failing to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA will be automatically dismissed. b. A formal written complaint must be filed by an individual or organization within the academic school year of which any alleged violation was committed. c. In the event of extraordinary and compelling circumstances any officer found in violation of the Constitution and by-laws of this organization shall be subject to the removal of office, pending an investigation by the General Council. d. It will take 1/2 plus one vote of the General Council to invoke an investigation that should last until the next meeting unless additional time is needed and decided on by the Council. 11

12 e. A member of the NPHC Executive Board may be removed from office for poor officer performance or conduct not becoming an NPHC member with a ½ plus one vote of the NPHC General Council. f. An Executive Board officer missing two (2) consecutive unexcused meetings or three (3) in a semester will be referred for impeachment by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. ARTICLE IV: FINANCES I. Budget a. The Vice President of Administration, in consultation with the NPHC Executive Board, must create an annual budget for approval of the NPHC General Council. b. The budget must be proposed by the 4th NPHC General Council meeting of the Fall semester. c. The fiscal year for the NPHC General Council runs from September 1 to August 31. II. Dues a. NPHC Member Dues will be: i. $10 per active member and $10 per new initiate per semester. ii. Chapter balances will be calculated based on the numbers listed within the ICS Roster Management program. iii. Chapters must pay their council balance by the deadline; the council will not accept money from individuals. b. Dues are due by the 4th meeting of the NPHC General Council each semester. III. Delinquency a. Any chapter delinquent in payments shall be subject to a $3 per active and new member fine. b. After dues are delinquent 30 days the chapter will be placed on NPHC probation and will lose the right to vote in official NPHC meetings. c. After dues are delinquent 60 days the chapter s national headquarters will be contacted d. If dues have not been paid by the end of the semester in which they were assessed the chapter will not be allowed to participate in ANY NPHC sponsored events or hold events until the full balance has paid. e. NPHC probation because of lack of dues will be lifted once dues are paid. ARTICLE V SCHOLARSHIP I. Grade Incentives a. Chapters must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 (FAU 4.0). If a chapter fails to maintain a 2.5, it will be placed on NPHC Probation for the following semester. (i.e. 2.1 overall in the Spring = NPHC Probation in the Fall). 12

13 b. Chapters must achieve a semester GPA of 2.0 (4.0). If a chapter fails to maintain a 2.0, it will be placed on NPHC Probation for the following semester. (i.e. 1.8 semester in the Spring = NPHC Probation in the Fall). c. Any Chapter with an overall GPA of a 3.0 (4.0) or higher will receive $50 off their NPHC dues. (i.e. If a chapter attains a 3.0 (4.0) in the Spring, then the chapter will receive $50 off their NPHC dues in the Fall.) ARTICLE VI PROGRAMMING I. Chapter Events a. All member organizations will be required to submit a calendar of all events for each semester a month prior to the beginning of each semester at a council Planning meeting. i. Calendar dates maybe changed or updated at any time during the semester, as long as there is no existing conflict. b. To avoid conflict there shall only be one (1) chapter sponsored event on a given day, at a given time, unless otherwise approved by the organization that initially reserved the date/time. c. The host of the social event reserves the right to permit other organizations to chant, step, hop, and or stroll. d. Events must be announced at meeting prior to event and must be noted in the secretary s minutes. i. Exceptions shall be informational meetings, interest meetings, etc. II. Chapter Weeks a. Each organization must submit the dates of their Founder s or chartering observances in writing to the NPHC President i. The observance must be limited to one week, (7 days). b. Discussion of Founder s or chartering observances will take place during the first meeting of the Fall semester. c. No other member organization will have any event during another organizations observance week, unless they are given permission by that organization. d. Chapter Weeks will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis, unless otherwise outlined in this document. III. Events: Chapter Expectations a. Each member organization is expected to: i. Participate in one NPHC social and community service event each semester. 1. This event is to be voted on by the members of the NPHC General Council and may take place at any time during the semester. 2. Chapters are encouraged to have full chapter representation. ii. Have each member wear their letters in a visible form every Wednesday of each academic semester. Line shirts and line jackets are heavily encouraged. iii. Have each active member, in good standing, serve on an NPHC Committee. iv. Be appropriately represented at every approved event, for each NPHC member organization. 13

14 v. Meet all of the expectations set forth by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. IV. Annual Programs a. The NPHC Executive Board will provide the following annual programs: i. NPHC Yard Show ii. National Hazing Prevention Week iii. Fraternity & Sorority Life Fall Speakers Series iv. NPHC Week v. Involvement in FAU Black History Month vi. National Ritual Week vii. Greek Week ARTICLE VII - NPHC STANDARDS COMMITTEE I. Purpose a. The purpose of the NPHC Standards Committee is to enforce and regulate the rules and by-laws of the Florida Atlantic University NPHC Constitution II. III. Authority of the Standards Committee a. The Standard Committee shall hear cases pertaining to: 1. Violation of the NPHC Constitution & Bylaws, unless otherwise outlined in the NPHC Constitution & Bylaws. 2. Conflicts between two or more NPHC Council Organizations 3. Actions which bring disruption or injury to the name and standing of any Organization, the Council, or Florida Atlantic University 4. Failure of an officer to perform his/her duty 5. Any complaint that the Executive Vice President decides should be brought to the attention of the Standards Committee, as a whole Composition of the Standards Committee a. Membership of the NPHC Standards Committee will consist of a variety of students to adequately represent the various chapters on campus. The Committee will consist of: 1. The Executive Vice- President elections will serve as the Chair of the Standards Committee. a. If for some reason the Chair is unable to chair the committee, the chair will then be the NPHC Vice-President of Administration 2. The Standards Committee shall consist of one (1) representative from every NPHC organization. 3. A member of the any organization involved will not have a vote during the process and/or deliberation. 4. Beyond members of the Standards Committee, any hearing will be open only to members of organizations involved. b. The delegates that will serve on the board will be selected within each organization. Also the delegates must have these minimum requirements: 1. Is in good standing at the Florida Atlantic University 14

15 2. Is in good standing with their individual organization 3. Has a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (FAU 4.0) and semester GPA of 2.5 FAU 4.0) 4. Not graduate before the term expires. IV. Pre-Hearing Procedures and Mediation a. When an initial complaint is filed and received by the Chair and the Chair will decide if the complaint shall go to mediation or straight to a Standards Committee hearing. If the chair decides on mediation, these are the steps that must be followed: 1. The Chairperson will review the complaint with the Standards Committee. 2. The Chairperson will call a special meeting involving the organizations involved and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. 3. The Chairperson, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, and the conflicting organizations Presidents will be present at this mediation. 4. If the problems are not resolved the case can be brought to a Standards Committee hearing. V. Standards Committee Hearing and Procedures a. The Chairperson will call a special meeting of the Standards Committee and review all complaints and supporting documentation. b. For a Standards Committee Hearing to take place, at least three (3) Standards Committee members must be present, excluding committee members whose organization is involved. c. Before the Committee can continue with any other procedures, they must first decide if the fault of the complaint is on the chapter or an individual: 1. Upon receipt of a complaint the investigative committee must first determine if the actions represent individuals of a sorority/fraternity, or the organization. 2. Evidence that an activity is organizational is, but is not limited to: a. The chapter pays for part of the event in any way b. The event is advertised by the chapter c. Members were present because of their affiliation with the organization d. Other chapter members were present/aware and did not prevent the incidence from occurring e. The activity was actively/passively endorsed by the chapter f. The incidence is publicized in written form or by word of mouth as a chapter event, or is commonly known as a chapter-sponsored activity g. The incident occurs in/on a location reserved for the chapter including private residences. d. On hearing day each organization may only have two representatives present. One of the representatives must be the Chapter President of the organization. e. The Chairperson will schedule a hearing date and time. f. Four phases will take place on during the hearing: 1. The Chairperson will read the official complaint to the body 15

16 2. The accused organization will present their case and accept or deny responsibility. 3. The Standards Committee will then have their chance to direct questions to the accused organizations 4. The Standards Committee will then deliberate on the verdict and appropriate sanction(s) a. In case of a tie, the chairperson will have the voting tie-breaker 5. The Chairperson will announce verdict and sanctions g. If a sanction is handed down the Chapter President of the sanctioned organization must sign a document recognizing that their organization was sanctioned and agree to the sanction set forth by the Standards Committee. h. Sanctions may only be levied if an organization has been found to have violated the FAU NPHC Constitution and/or Bylaws. VI. Sanctions a. The sanctions listed below may be imposed by the Standards Committee. b. If an organization if found to have violated the FAU NPHC Constitutional and/or Bylaws are as follows: 1. Voting rights revoked a. Organization loses their chapter vote for a certain time period as specified by the Standards Committee. 2. NPHC Probation a. An organization cannot conduct an event, participate in an event, or co-sponsor events that do not have either a service, informational, or educational purpose. b. The Standards Committee has the discretion to pick a starting date for the probation period. The length of time can range from a minimum of one(1) week to a maximum of one(1) semester 3. Fines a. Minimum of one ($1) dollar to a maximum of one-hundred and fifty ($150)dollars 4. Loss of a Organization Week a. An organization will lose their founders week or their organizations week, which means that organization may not conduct one week full of their organizations event, ranging from Sunday morning to Saturday night 5. Community Service a. An organization must go through the volunteer service department at FAU in order to secure a community service project. The participating organization must have a minimum of 80% attendance in community service project. The organization must have sign in sheets, documentation from the community service department and take pictures while at the project. Also hours achieved while completing a sanctioned community service project will not be accounted for in organizations overall community service hours. 16

17 6. Any combination of the sanctions above or the discretion of the board may be placed upon an organization VII. Appeals a. A sanctioned organization will have five (5) business days to appeal their sanction(s) to the NPHC Executive Board. The NPHC Executive Board may revise or lower the sanction(s), but the may not waive any sanction(s) in its entirety. ARTICLE VIII BYLAWS RATIFICATION I. Ratification Standards a. The Bylaws may be amended by presenting to the President and Vice President of Administration in writing at least two (2) weeks before the next scheduled meeting in which it is to be acted upon. b. A copy of all proposed amendments shall be provided to each member chapter at least seven (7) days before the next scheduled meeting. c. These Bylaws may be amended by a ½ plus one vote of the membership at a regular meeting of the General Council, provided that a quorum is present. d. These Bylaws shall come effective when ratified by a ½ plus one vote of the voting membership and all other bylaws shall be null and void. e. There shall be existing bylaws in place before old bylaws can be null and void. f. Bylaws must be reviewed and/or revised annually. ARTICLE IX: ADDITIONAL POLICY CLARIFICATION I. The NPHC Council of Florida Atlantic University, and its member chapters, will act in accordance with all policies and procedures set forth by our host institution, Florida Atlantic University and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. II. The NPHC Council of Florida Atlantic University, and its member chapters, will act in accordance with all the standards set forth by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc 17