Constitution
Revised September 1999
Article I: Name
Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the Marshall University Interfraternity Council.
Article II: Objectives
Section 1: The objectives
of this Interfraternity Council shall be to develop and maintain Fraternity
life and Interfraternity relations at a high level of accomplishment and
in doing so to:
a. Promote the goals and ideas of member groups as continually applicable to campus and personal life.b. Promote superior scholarship as basic to intellectual achievement.
c. Cooperate with member fraternities and the University administration in concern for and maintenance of high social and moral standards.
d. Act in accordance with the National Interfraternity Council and Southeast Interfraternity Council rules and policies where applicable.
e. Act in accordance with all rules established by Interfraternity Council as to not violate the sovereignty, rights, and privileges of member fraternities.
f. Promote goodwill and harmonious relationship between fraternal organizations and the civic and university communities
Article III: Government
Section 1:
The Interfraternity Council, along with/and the Division of Student Affairs,
shall have the power to recognize member fraternities as such power is
granted and delegated to the Interfraternity Council by Marshall University.
All member fraternities in good standing therefore shall be vested rights
and privileges as granted to the Marshall University Interfraternity Council
by official recognition of the Interfraternity Council as the governing
body of Marshall University fraternities. Therefore, the Interfraternity
Council shall have the power to:
a. Identify and govern membership and adopt membership requirements.b. Levy dues, fines, and/or assessments on members for the purposes of administering to Council purposes.
c. Adopt rules and regulations governing all areas listed in the bylaws of the Interfraternity Council.
d. Administer judicial procedures for breach of rules and regulations as set forth in the bylaws of Interfraternity Council.
Section 2: It shall
be the duty of the Interfraternity Council to administer all business related
to the overall welfare of the Marshall University Interfraternity Council
member fraternities and to compile rules and regulations governing the
Interfraternity Council member fraternities, including, but not limited
to, rushing, pledgeship and general conduct which does not violate sovereignty,
rights, and privileges of member fraternities.
Section 3: Membership in the Marshall University Interfraternity Council shall be composed of one specified delegate and one specified alternate delegate from each National Social Greek Letter Chapter recognized by Marshall University and the Interfraternity Council, and from such National Social Greek Letter fraternity colonies. The name of the delegate is to be submitted by the second regular meeting of each semester. The President and other members are urged to attend, however, it is not mandatory.
Section 4: Delegates to the Interfraternity Council must be active-initiated members of the member fraternities with the exception of colonies.
Section 5: Delegates to the Interfraternity Council MUST be elected by their respective fraternity chapters to serve for a suggested term of one year. Whenever possible, the alternate delegate shall be the delegate for the succeeding year.
Section 6: Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote. The Interfraternity Council President shall vote only in the case of a tie.
Article IV: Membership
Section 1: The membership of the Marshall University Interfraternity Council shall be composed of all chapter and colony members in good standing of the National Social Greek Letter fraternities recognized by Marshall University and Interfraternity Council. Members shall abide by all rules and regulations as prescribed in the Marshall University Interfraternity Council Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 2: Fraternities wishing to become members of the Interfraternity Council must follow Article XVI of the Interfraternity By-Laws.
Section 3: All member fraternities must maintain status as a "Chapter in Good Standing" at all times. A chapter is in good standing with the Interfraternity Council when:
a. The semester GPA is a 2.2 for initiates, pre-initiates, and the entire chapter.Section 4: A Chapter in good standing may:b. It is not under a University/ Greek judicial probationary sanction, or under an Interfraternity Council sanction.
c. All administrative forms and financial obligations are current to the Interfraternity Council.
d. It is in good standing with it's respective National/International organization (i.e. membership, rush and new member rules, initiations, etc.)
a. Vote.Section 5: A Chapter not in good standing, it's President and Advisor, must appear before the Executive Council to present a plan of reestablishment of good standing. At this time, sanction will be determined and applied.b. Participate in the Greek Division of Intramurals, Greek Week, and other all Greek Activities.
c. Compete for awards.
d. Activate individuals without the consent of the Greek Advisor.
e. Have use of University facilities.
f. Hold office on the Interfraternity Council Executive Board.
Article V: Meetings
Section 1: Regular meetings shall be every week during the academic year at a site and time designated by the Executive Council.
Section 2: Special meetings may be called by the President or on a written petition to the President by 1/3 of the member fraternities in good standing. Notice of all special meetings must be given at least 48 hours prior to the meeting time.
Section 3: The delegate form each member fraternity shall be responsible for notifying his chapter of all regular and special meetings of the Marshall University Interfraternity Council.
Section 4: A quorum, consisting of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the member fraternities in good standing, shall be required to conduct the business of the council.
Article VI: Attendance
Section 1: It is the responsibility of each member fraternity to be represented at each council meeting. Any fraternity without representation in all regular and special meetings by their specified delegate or specified alternate will be subject to the following action:
b. Upon the second unexcused absence by a fraternity, a fine of $50.00 will be issued, and that fraternity's President and Delegate will be required to meet with the Interfraternity Council Executive Council.
c. Upon a third unexcused absence by a fraternity, it will be dismissed from all Interfraternity Council activities for eight (8) school weeks or the remainder of the semester, whichever is longest.
d. Upon the fourth unexcused absence by a fraternity, it will be suspended from all Interfraternity Council activities for the remainder of that academic year.
Section 3: The Executive Council reserves the right to allow a chapter to have a special alternated delegate with full voting privileges for one meeting if the regular delegate and alternate delegate are excused.
Article VII: Officers
Section 1: The Officers of the Marshall University Interfraternity Council shall be: President, Vice President of Programs, Vice President of Leadership, Vice President of Recruitment, Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Administration.
Section 2: The officers shall be active initiated members of fraternities holding membership in Marshall University the Interfraternity Council.
Section 3: The officers shall serve for a term of one year. The election of the officers shall be the first meeting of December. The nominations will be taken at the last meeting of November. Officers will take office one week after election.
Section 4: The candidate for the office of President must have been a representative of the Interfraternity Council for one previous complete semester.
Section 5: Candidates for the office of President who are currently chapter Presidents will be eligible only if their term of office expires by the end of the semester.
Section 6: To serve in any officer position on the Interfraternity Council you must have a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.2 and must be a full time student at Marshall University as defined by the student handbook.
Section 7: Any officer with two unexcused absences from the Interfraternity Council meetings, executive meetings, and activities will be automatically suspended from his office.
Article VIII: Election of Officers
Section 1: The Interfraternity Council Officers shall be elected at the first meeting of December, with nominations being taken at the first meeting of November.
Section 2: Each member fraternity in good standing shall be eligible to nominate its active, initiated members for any office.
Section 3: Each member fraternity shall offer only one nominee for each respective Interfraternity Council Office.
Section 4: Once a member fraternity is represented on the Executive Council, its nominations for the other offices are eliminated, unless the candidates from the member fraternity is the only nominee.
Article IX: Duties of the Officers
Section 1: The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
a. President - Shall have overall responsibility for the operation of
the Marshall University Interfraternity Council; shall call and preside
at all regular meetings, executive meetings, and special meetings of the
Interfraternity Council; shall serve as an Ex-Officio member of all Interfraternity
Council committees; attend SEIFC/MIFCA whenever financially possible; shall
be the official spokesman and representative of the Interfraternity Council
on administrative committees and events; maintain a complete and up-to-date
Interfraternity Council President's file which will include: the constitution,
By-Laws and standing rules, correspondence, materials received, and any
other pertinent materials; shall coordinate the following committees:
1. N.I.C. Interchange Program
2. Interfraternity Council Expansion
shall perform all other duties as prescribed by the Interfraternity
Council.
b. Vice-President of Programs - Shall perform the duties of the President
in his absence, inability to serve, or at his call; assume any duties which
the president so delegates; serve as parliamentarian; coordinate all Interfraternity
Council education programs and related events; shall coordinate the following
committees:
1. Community Service
2. Social
3. Programs
shall perform all other duties as prescribed by the Interfraternity
Council.
c. Vice-President of Leadership - Shall perform the duties of the President
in his absence and the absence of the Vice President of Programs; shall
promote and coordinate all leadership and scholarship development; coordinate
all award related programs and events; shall coordinate the following committees:
1. Scholarship
2. Chapter of Excellence
3. Commitment to Leadership Program
4. Awards
shall perform all other duties as prescribed by the Interfraternity
Council.
d. Vice-President of Recruitment - Shall serve as Chairman of the Rush
Committee, and shall present a schedule of formal rush by Nov. 1st and
April 1st for approval; shall promote a program of Fraternity Education;
shall serve as Interfraternity Council representative to the Panhellenic
Council; work with Public Relations chair in creating year round publicity
concerning Rush; Hold regular discussions with chapter rush chairmen, presidents,
chapter advisors, and the coordinator of Greek Affairs concerning the changing
trends in the rush process; work with the PHC Vice-President of recruitment
in joint Interfraternity Council-PHC recruitment efforts, (i.e. freshmen
move-in day, summer orientation); shall coordinate the following committees:
1. Rush
2. Freshman Record
3. Rush Booklet
shall perform all other duties as prescribed by the Interfraternity
Council.
e. Vice-President of Finance - Shall be responsible for general supervision
of the Interfraternity Council Finances; shall be responsible for presentation
of an annual budget; shall receive all dues, fines, and assessments due
to the Interfraternity Council; shall maintain accurate financial records
and present a report at all Interfraternity Council meetings; shall coordinate
the following committees:
1. Freshmen Record
2. Fundraising
shall perform all other duties as prescribed by the Interfraternity
Council.
f. Vice-President of Administration - Shall be responsible for minutes
of the Executive Council and Interfraternity Council meetings and their
distribution; shall be responsible for attendance records; shall maintain
and distribute current lists of Interfraternity Council Executives and
Representatives; shall distribute and collect Chapter Rosters; shall keep
statistics of initiated members and pledges; shall handle all Interfraternity
Council correspondence; shall be responsible for distribution of the following
to Interfraternity Council Member Chapters:
1. Interfraternity Council Constitution and By-Laws
2. Greek Standards and Expectations
3. Interfraternity Council Alcohol Policy
shall perform all other duties as prescribed by the Interfraternity
Council.
g. Chapter Delegates - Shall attend all regular meetings and special meetings; report back to their chapter on the Interfraternity Council meetings; represent his fraternity as a voting member; serve on committees within the Interfraternity Council; check mailbox in student activities office once a day; turn in all requested information by deadlines; shall perform all other duties as prescribed by the Interfraternity Council.
Article X: Executive Council
Section 1: The Executive Council shall consist of the President, Vice-President of Programs, Vice-President of Leadership, Vice-President of Recruitment, Vice-President of Finances, Vice-President of Administration, all chairmen, and the Interfraternity Council advisors. The Interfraternity Council Advisors shall serve as non-voting members.
Section 2: The Executive Council shall approve the appointment of all Committee Chairmen and members; and in doing so, recognize representation from all member fraternities.
Section 3: It shall administer routine business between meetings of the Interfraternity Council when advisable and of such other business as has been approved by the Interfraternity Council.
Section 4: All action taken by the Executive Board shall be reported at the next regular meeting of the Interfraternity Council by the President.
Section 5: It shall meet once a week at a regularly scheduled time and location. All Executive Council meetings are open to any member of the Interfraternity Council, but they reserve the right to call a closed session.
Section 6: Succession of Officers - In the event that the President is unable to hold office, the succession of officers shall be as follows: Until elections can be held, the Vice-President of Programs, in addition to current duties shall assume the position of President; or, in the event that he is also ineligible, the succession shall be the next highest officer.
Section 7: Replacement of Officers - In the event that an officer becomes ineligible for any reason, the manner of his replacement shall be as follows: Upon confirmation of the officer's ineligibility by the Interfraternity Council advisor, the Interfraternity Council President shall announce the vacancy and take nominations for the replacement at the next meeting of the Interfraternity Council. Elections shall take place immediately following the close of nominations. The officer-elect will immediately assume the duties of his office.
Article XI: Interfraternity Council Advisor
Section 1: The Interfraternity Council advisor shall be chosen by the Division of Student Affairs with the approval of the Marshall University Interfraternity Council.
Section 2: The Interfraternity
Council advisor is responsible for relaying all information to the Interfraternity
Council from the Administration of Marshall University; shall be responsible
for attending the Interfraternity Council Meetings and the Executive Council
Meetings; shall be responsible for providing input and
soliciting ideas and suggestions for the operation of the Interfraternity
Council.
Article XII: Committees
Section 1: The Executive Council shall appoint all chairmen and members of the Interfraternity Council standing Committees.
Section 2: The President shall appoint Special Short-term Committees as deemed necessary by himself and the Executive Council. When appointing such committees he must outline the duties and responsibilities of such committees and the time span in which they will be serving.
Section 3: Chairmen are required to maintain 2.0 G.P.A. and be a full-time student at Marshall University as defined in the student handbook. They must attend all Interfraternity Council Executive meetings and all other scheduled Interfraternity Council meetings. Any chairmen with three unexcused absences will be automatically suspended from his position.
Section 4: The Standing
Committees of the Interfraternity Council and their duties shall be as
follows:
a. Rush - This committee shall plan and coordinate the Rush Program and its activities. It shall work with the Panhellenic Council Rush Committee in scheduling Rush Events and Programs for the Greek System. This committee shall be chaired by the Vice-President of Recruitment.b. Greek Week - This committee shall plan and coordinate the Greek Week activities, which shall be held during the spring semester. It is responsible for all aspects of the program including, but not limited to Finances, games, speakers, awards, etc. The Chairman of this committee shall be appointed by the Executive Council during the Fall semester.
c. Constitution and Bylaws - This committee shall be responsible for reviewing the Constitution and Bylaws and making recommendation for its amendment.
d. Projects and Programs - This committee shall work closely with the Interfraternity Council and the Interfraternity Council advisor in setting up programs and projects to enhance the operations of the Interfraternity Council. Such projects/programs include, but not limited to, Community and Campus service projects, fund- raisers, educational seminars, etc.
e. Public Relations - This committee shall work at publicizing the Interfraternity Council and its programs; shall work with the local campus news media in promoting Marshall University Greek Community; work with each Vice-President in every area of the Interfraternity Council, rush, Greek Week, special programs, workshops, etc.; work with the Panhellenic Council to coordinate efforts to publish the "Greek Speak" newsletter.
f. Risk Management - This committee shall be responsible for working with the Interfraternity Council and planning and coordinating alcohol education programs; shall evaluate the Interfraternity Council alcohol policy; and attend GAMMA meetings.
Section 4: Committee
Chairmen are to give a report at all Interfraternity Council meetings of
any recent or upcoming plans.
Article XIII: Finances
Section 1: The Fiscal Year of the Interfraternity Council shall be from July 1 to June 30 inclusive.
Section 2: The signature
of two of the following:
President
Vice-President of Finance
Interfraternity Council Advisor
shall be required on all Interfraternity Council checks.
Section 3: The Treasurer shall receive all payments due to the Interfraternity Council and shall keep accurate records of them. Checks for payments shall be made payable to the Marshall University Interfraternity Council.
Section 4: The dues of each Interfraternity Council member fraternity shall be an assessment of $5.00 per active and $2.50 per pledges/associates per semester. A minimum of $100.00 is required.
Section 5: Failure to
pay Interfraternity Council dues within the deadlines specified by the
Interfraternity Council shall result in the following:
a. A ten percent (10%) fine will be levied on all fraternities up to 15 days delinquent.b. A twenty percent (20%) additional fine shall be levied on all fraternities 15-30 days delinquent.
c. All fraternities over 30 days delinquent shall be subject to dismissal from the Interfraternity Council for eight (8) weeks, or the remainder of the semester, whichever is longer.
Section 6: Any fraternities
failing to make payment, or late in payment of any financial obligation,
will lose their vote in Interfraternity Council until such matter is taken
care of.
Section 7: Special assessment must be by simple majority vote.
Article XIV: Extention
Section 1: Fraternities wishing to become members of the Interfraternity Council must submit a formal application of candidacy to the Interfraternity Council Executive Committee which will present its recommendation to the Interfraternity Council.
Section 2: New member fraternities shall be added to the Marshall University Interfraternity Council by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Interfraternity Council membership and approval of the Student Affairs Office.
Section 3: A chapter shall be organized through colonization by an National Interfraternity Conference fraternity.
Section 4: Consideration should be given to NIC Fraternities that have had a chapter at Marshall University before.
Section 5: Consideration shall be given to NIC Fraternities which have filed letters expressing an interest in the Marshall University campus.
Section 6: Colonies must attend Interfraternity Council meetings and other events deemed relevant by the Interfraternity Council. They are permitted to vote on all action of the Interfraternity Council.
Article XV: Pledgeship/Initiation
Section 1: No member Fraternity shall pledge or attempt to pledge any man who has not been admitted as a student at Marshall University.
Section 2: All men taking a bid from a member fraternity must be filed with the Greek Affairs Office.
Section 3: To be eligible for initiation, a student shall be enrolled at Marshall University and shall meet all requirements set down by his local chapter and his National Fraternity.
Section 4: All associate members belonging to any male Greek Organization, governed by the Interfraternity Council must attend a sexual abuse/harassment seminar, along with the Pledge Educator. The fraternity that has any associate member or Educator who does not attend (excluding exceptable excuses) is to be fined for each missing member. The seminar will be set up by the current ruling Interfraternity Council of each semester. The seminar is performed in conjunction with the Women’s Center.
Section 5: All new members/associates/pledges belonging to any all-male Greek Organization must attend "Fraternity 101," along with their Educator. For any new member/associate/pledge and Educator who does not attend (excluding acceptable excuses, determined by the IFC Executive Council) the fraternity will be fined for each missing person. Fraternity 101: will be set up by the current ruling IFC of each semester, within one month after all new members have attended their fraternity's Pledging Ceremony. The class will meet once and should last approximately sixty minutes. The curriculum will be established through guess speakers, each Fraternity's Chapter Advisor, the Executive Council of IFC and promote the full understanding of the Marshall University Policy of each fraternity will be encouraged to attend, but not required.
Article XVI: Hazing
Section 1: The Marshall University Interfraternity Council prohibits hazing in any form or fashion. Any member fraternity or individual member or pledge/associate thereof, who is involved in any way with a hazing incident will be charged and brought before the Greek Judicial Board for appropriate action.
Section 2: Hazing at Marshall University has been defined as follows:
"Any action taken or situation created intentionally whether on or off campus, to produce mental, emotional, or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations may include paddling in any form; creating of excessive fatigue, i.e., any activity which deprives a student of at least six (6) continuous hours of sleep, physical and psychological shocks; inappropriate quests; stealing of items; treasure hunts; scavenger hunts, road trips, or any other such inappropriate activities carried out either on or off campus, or in a Greek house; wearing publicly any apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, as defined by the proper hearing bodies; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; or any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual, or policies; regulations of national organizations or this education institution; any act which degrade or otherwise compromise the dignity of the individual, including forced use and abuse of alcohol or drugs."
Section 1: The Marshall University Interfraternity Council prohibits distribution and consumption of beverages during Interfraternity Council formal rush.
Section 2: Formal rush at Marshall University has been defined as follows: Any functions that the Interfraternity Council or any fraternity sponsors on or off campus (i.e. smokers, parties, etc.) which occur during the official dates listed for formal rush as voted by the Interfraternity Council.
Article XVIII: Judicial Process
Section 1: Violations of any regulation of the Interfraternity Council Constitution and Bylaws, Greek Code of Conduct or related rules concerning Greek events shall be the occasion for penalties established by the Marshall University Interfraternity Council, Greek Code of Conduct, and Division of Student Affairs.
Section 2: Any individual or Chapter may file charges against another individual or Chapter if they feel violations have occurred. A formal charge of violation must be filed with the Interfraternity Council Advisor. The Greek Advisor must notify the accused of such charges within 24 hours of filing.
Section 3: Any charges arising out of the violation of the Interfraternity Council rules and regulations shall be adjusted through a conference of delegates of the fraternities involved chaired by the Interfraternity Council Advisor and Interfraternity Council President.
Section 4: If the conference of delegates cannot reach an amicable solution, the matter shall be referred to the Executive Council for a decision.
Section 5: The accused has the right to appeal the decision of the Executive Council to the Greek Judicial Board for a hearing.
Article XIX: Rules of Order
Section 1: The Marshall University Interfraternity Council shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order (latest edition) except on matters specifically provided for in this Constitution and Bylaws, and Standing Rules.
Article XX: Amendments
Section 1: This Constitution and By-laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the voting members in good standing of Marshall University Interfraternity Council provided notice of such proposed amendments have been given in writing at the preceding regular meeting.