1 delta internal development workshop code of conduct national scholarship and standards committee...

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Delta Internal Development Workshop

Code of ConductNational Scholarship and Standards Committee

and the Leadership Academy

2013

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Code of Conduct

AGENDA

•Meditation

•Goals and Objectives

•Why a Mandatory Code of Conduct Workshop?

•Elements of the Code of Conduct

•Code of Ethics

•Activity Game 1

•Definition of Terms

•10 Areas of the Disciplinary Action Code

•Activity Game 2

• Disciplinary Action Guidelines• Disciplinary Action Checklist

• Rehabilitation Plan• Activity 3 - CASE STUDIES

• Your responsibility to Delta Sigma Theta!Your responsibility to Delta Sigma Theta!• Wrap-up & Evaluations

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Code of Conduct

AGENDA (continued)

MeditationMeditation

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Code of Conduct

GOAL• The goal of this session is to help participants familiarize and gain a better

understanding of the Sorority’s Code of Conduct.

OBJECTIVES: • Increase understanding of our Code of Conduct

– Examine the Code of Ethics – Examine the 10 Disciplinary Action Codes

• Understand the ramifications of not following the policy of the Sorority– Understand specific terms– Review Disciplinary Action Guidelines– Review Rehabilitation Plan Procedures

• Resolve sample case studies involving the Code of Conduct

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Code of Conduct

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Why a mandatory Why a mandatory Code of Conduct D.I.D.?Code of Conduct D.I.D.?

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Code of Conduct

What is the What is the

Code of Conduct?Code of Conduct?

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Code of Conduct

Purpose of the Purpose of the Code of Conduct D.I.D.Code of Conduct D.I.D.

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Code of Conduct

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a national

service sorority, requires that its members

exemplify and encourage high cultural,

intellectual, and moral standards and that their

actions exemplify the public and personal

behaviors that reflect the ideals and principles

espoused by the Sisterhood.

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Code of Conduct

What are the elements of the What are the elements of the Code of Conduct?Code of Conduct?

Code of Ethics

Disciplinary Action Code

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Code of Conduct

Sorors, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognize the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, devotion of excellence, and commitment to social responsibility. You are expected to live up to these ideals by embracing and adhering to these ethical principles.

•Become familiar with the 1717 ethical principles of the Code of Ethics (page 2 & 3)

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF ETHICS

• Each Soror shall regard as primary the bond of Sisterhood and the giving of public service.

• Each Soror shall uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• Each Soror shall maintain high standards of personal conduct.

• Each Soror shall support and promote the goals, objectives, and programs approved by Grand Chapter.

• Each Soror shall treat all persons with dignity and respect;

• Each Soror shall exhibit compassionate and courteous behavior toward sorors at all times;

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF ETHICS

• Each Soror shall refrain from making false or misleading statements about the Sorority to anyone;

• Each Soror shall recognize her personal responsibility to assist with and promote the development , improvement, and execution of programs to strengthen the Sisterhood;

• Each Soror shall uphold and support all sorors impartially without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, political belief, educational status, and mental or physical challenge;

• Each Soror shall neither engage in nor countenance any exploitation or disparaging of the Sorority

• Each Soror shall refrain from using her membership in any manner that is improper or illegal;

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF ETHICS

• Each Soror shall maintain the confidentiality of all information provided to her during membership intake and as member;

• Each Soror shall refrain from using the Sorority’s property, including its name, symbols, and other trademarks and service marks, for personal use;

• Each Soror shall exercise sound business principles in conducting the Sorority’s affairs;

• Each Soror shall refrain from engaging in illegal and unsisterly conduct; shall use her best efforts to protect the Sorority from any such conduct by anyone; and shall report any such conduct to the appropriate local, regional or national officer;

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF ETHICS

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• Each soror shall give support to the Sorority’s programs through the payment of all dues and fees approved by Grand Chapter; and

• Each Soror shall demonstrate her commitment to public service by participating with her local chapter or nationally.

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF ETHICS

Code of Conduct Code of Conduct Activity 1Activity 1Review the list of seventeen (17) statements

included in the Code of Ethics,

list the words or combination of words

that are repeated more than twice,

not including “sorority.”

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Code of Conduct

• Suspension… Sanction that terminates the individual’s

membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for a specified period of time. Satisfactory completion of specified stipulations payment of fines, and a rehabilitation plan is required for full reinstatement.

• Probation… Probationary condition is in effect for a

specified period of time and may involve the loss of specified privileges.

• Barred… Shall not attempt to submit an application for

membership during the indicated time period; or membership process is ceased, due to the violation of the membership intake program, for an indicated period of

time.

• Expulsion… Permanent removal from membership in Delta

Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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Code of Conduct

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Disciplinary Action CodeDisciplinary Action Code(www.deltasigmatheta.com- Members Only)

It sets forth the type of improper conduct, on the part of the Sorors, members, pyramids, candidates, applicants, and chapters, that are unacceptable and thus prohibited. Such improper and unacceptable conduct is subject to sanctions and financial penalties.

Currently there are 10 areas of the DAC!

•Code of Conduct, page 4

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Code of Conduct

Improper or Unacceptable Conduct

Section 1: Violation of Sorority Governing Documents

Failure of chapter and/or individual member to adhere to the stated policies and procedures detailed in any of the governing documents of the Sorority shall be result in sanctions for these unacceptable actions.

Section 2: Intellectual Properties

Intellectual Properties, sorority assets, including word marks, logos, symbols, crest/seal, are made available for use by the general membership and shall be utilized in the best way possible. Improper or illegal use of the Sorority’s intellectual properties is not acceptable.

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Code of Conduct

DISCIPLINARY ACTION CODE


Section 3: Information and Communications

Involves the sharing of any information related to the chapter, chapter members and any member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. via any form of media such as but not limited to chapter website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, email, etc.

All forms of communication must adhere

to the official Delta Internet Guidelines.

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Code of Conduct


Section 4: Ethical Responsibility

Failure to uphold the ethical standards of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through one’s behavior and/or language including, but not limited to, committing acts that lead to or result in the disrespect, dishonesty, and/or distain of sorors, and/or the Code of Conduct of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

A soror should strive to do her very best to respond ethically and with the highest sense of values in any situation.

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Code of Conduct


Section 5: Fiduciary Responsibility

Fiduciary responsibility is the legal or ethical relationship of confidence and trust that each fiscal officer has to the local chapter and to Grand Chapter.

The fiscal officers must operate under fiscal policy that ensures appropriate internal controls are in place to safeguard and account for the chapter’s assets.

Failure to have and follow good internal control procedures is a violation of the sorority’s code of conduct.

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Code of Conduct



Section 6: Dereliction of Duties

Willful or negligent failure to perform assigned duties and responsibilities or performing them in a culpably inefficient manner.

Section 7: Inappropriate Behavior

Public and personal behavior or actions not representative of the ideals, principles and ethics of the Sorority that present an unfavorable reflection within the community or toward another person to include but not limited to.

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Code of Conduct


Improper or Unacceptable ConductSection 8: Membership Intake Violations

Violations of the Membership Intake process include improper and unacceptable conduct such as but not limited to physical or psychological abuses associated with hazing activities by individual members or chapters of the Sorority before, during, and after the Membership Intake Process; and violations of processes and procedures established in the Sorority governing documents.

Such violations are subject to the sanctions, fines, or both; including expulsion as listed in the Sorority’s Code of Conduct. If an applicant/candidate/pyramid displays any improper or unacceptable conduct during the Membership Intake process or allows herself and/or participates with any physical or mental abuses associated with hazing activities, including the observation of same, and/or fails to report such abuses to appropriate Sorority officials (Chapter Officers, Regional Officers, National Officers, or National Headquarters), she will be barred from admission to membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc according to the Sorority’s Code of Conduct.

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Code of Conduct



Section 9: Hazing

An abusive and humiliating action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the psychological or physical health of a member or an applicant, candidate or pyramid to include but not limited to.

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Code of Conduct


Improper or Unacceptable ConductSection 10: Frivolous and Capricious Lawsuits

A frivolous suit is one without any legal merit. In some cases, such an action might be brought in bad faith” by either the Soror, applicant, candidate, or Pyramid for the purpose of harassing the Grand Chapter, or one of its chapters, or any of its National Officers.

A capricious suit is one that a Soror, applicant, candidate, or Pyramid pursues “without regard for the facts and circumstances presented, and it connotes a disregard of the evidence. Frivolous and capricious suits harm the reputation of the Grand Chapter, or its chapters, or its National Officers.

In addition, frivolous and capricious suits cost the Grand Chapter, or its chapters, or its National Officers unnecessary financial hardship that is then borne by the entire sorority.

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Code of Conduct


Code of Conduct Activity 2 Code of Conduct Activity 2

You Should Know

the Code of Conduct !

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Code of Conduct

Incident Description - Potential ViolationIs this a

violation?Yes/No

Code(s)Fines

& Sanction

1. Having a meeting with Pyramids without an advisor. Meeting topic: Explain the necessary attire for Membership Intake

2. Having a Pyramid call or text you every morning

3. Forgetting to turn in the required forms (Demographics Report Form and Internal Audit) as a part of compliance documents

4. This was a busy year and all of the chapter members are Seniors, they implemented only one program (Annual Blood Drive) due to class schedules and other conflicts but they paid their dues, attended Regional Conference and State Cluster.

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

YES

YES

YES

YES

8C8D

8A

1F

1E

Suspension3 yrs $1500Barred 3 yrs

Suspension’5 yrs $2500

Probation6 mthsReq. DIDs

Probation6 mthsReq. DIDs


violation?Yes/No

Code(s)Fines

& Sanction

5. Having Pyramid Circle greet and present a gift to the men of Omega Psi Phi during the noon day break on campus

6. Soror Delta witnessed Soror Sigma harassing a pyramid (all up in her face, using profanity). When the advisor found out, she called the Soror Delta to come in for questioning during the investigation, but since Soror Delta was not involved in membership intake, she did not return the advisor’s call.

7. Slapping a pyramid; wiping a “SMILE” off

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

YES

YES

YES 9A

4A

9DSuspension3 yrs $1500Barred 3 yrs

Suspension3 yrs $1500

Charter revocationExpulsionBarred - Life

CODE OF CONDUCT


violation?Yes/No

Code(s)Fines

& Sanction

8. Sorors Delta, Sigma and Theta were leaving a party, while going to their car, another student (Sigma Gamma Rho member) confronted Soror Theta and began to harass her; this continued; and Sorors Delta and Sigma got pulled in; needless to say, an altercation began. Campus Police intervened and all students were reprimanded,

9. Pyramids are asked to participate in an investigation prompted by a letter to a college official. They repeatedly state that no incidents of hazing have occurred. But the letter specifically states who was present and details the incident.

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

YES

YES

7A

8H

9E

Barred 1 yr

Barred 1 yr

Suspension3 yrs $1500

Incident Description - Potential Violation. Is this a

violation?Yes/No

Code(s)Fines

& Sanction

10. The chapter submitted all documents via the RED Zone for compliance and awaited receipt of the Compliance letter from the RD. As the desired start date of the Membership Intake activities quickly approached they proceeded and anticipated receiving the letter soon.

11. The chapter website was just completed and will be launched today. The webmaster is very proud of securing all the information from previous lines to be included on the site; a special graphic with the Sorority’s crest is also prominent on the page,

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

YES

YES

1F

8E

3A

2C

Probation6 mthsReq. DIDsSuspension1 yr $500

Probation1 yr $500Suspension6 mths $250


violation?Yes/No

Code(s)Fines

& Sanction

12. Soror Delta received a call from a friend who just opened a new salon; it specializes in natural hair; to show her support and to increase visibility of the salon; Soror Delta transmitted the chapter roster to her friend to be part of her email distribution list.

13. The chapter Treasurer has attended two meetings this year, it is now February, and the chapter has not received a financial report since December (emailed to Chapter President). The Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary have receipted and made the last two chapter deposits.

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Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

YES

YES 3C

5A

6B

Suspension3 yrs $1500Barred fromServing 1 term $500SuspensionRemoval from office$1500

Probation1 yr $500

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

1. Why is it IMPORTANT to know and UNDERSTAND this document?

2. When do you think the majority of sanctions occur?

3. What can you do to change this?

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Code of Conduct

In fiscal year 2011-2012 there were a total of 161 sanctions given to individual Sorors

There were 2 Expulsions and 159 Suspensions

The 161 sanctions in that year totaled $107,000.00 in fines.

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Code of Conduct

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Code of Conduct

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Code of Conduct

Improper or Unacceptable Conduct Number of Sanctions

Membership Intake Violations 139 [86%]

Disorderly Conduct/Verbal Abuse & Fighting

11 [7%]

Social Media Violations 8 [5%]

Theft/Conviction 3 [2%]

Description of SanctionsDescription of Sanctions

Message from a sanctioned Message from a sanctioned collegiate membercollegiate member

• Audio message, collegiate soror who is currently sanctioned; membership intake violation, three (3) years suspension and $500 fine.

• Listen to her thoughts now!

• How did she get here?

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Code of Conduct

Membership in the Sorority may be suspended by the National Executive Board for an extended period when the circumstances warrant such action. (ARTICLE XII- Discipline, Section 2.E)

Any duly initiated member that has been found to violate the Code of Conduct before, during, or after her initiation into the Sorority will be sanctioned as a Soror under the applicable section of her violation.

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Code of Conduct

DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES

Disciplinary Action StepsDisciplinary Action Steps• Report of alleged violation• Cease and Desist Issued by Regional Director• Investigation conducted (45 days)

– Interviews and statements• Allegations substantiated or not substantiated• Chapter and/or Individual notified of sanction• Disciplinary Action issued by Regional Director• Approval by National President• Due process of appeal, if requested

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Code of Conduct

Sorors and chapters may be placed on probation and/or fined by the: Regional Director Scholarship & Standards Committee Or the National President

Soror and chapters on probation shall not participate in any activity of the Sorority except those specified, monitored activities approved by the Regional Director and S&S (Constitution and Bylaws, Article XII – Discipline, Section 3)

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Code of Conduct


• As a condition of reinstatement, Sorors or Chapters MUST:– Satisfy all financial obligations – Successfully complete a specified program of

rehabilitation over a period of time as prescribed by the Regional Director or the Scholarship and Standards Committee.

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Code of Conduct


• According to Constitution and Bylaws:

Sorors, Members & Chapters :–May be SUSPENDED by:

• National President• Scholarship & Standards Committee • Regional Director (with approval of the National

President)–May be subjected to:

• Fines and repayment of expenses

–May NOT participate in any activities of the Sorority

until obligations and fines have been fully satisfied;

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Code of Conduct


• Probation, suspension, fine or reimbursement– Chapters or individuals shall be

• given written notice of the charges

– Chapters or individual may:

• Appeal according to procedure set forth in the Chapter Management Handbook

– Level 1: Scholarship & Standards

– Level 2: National Executive Board

– Level 3: Executive Session of the National Convention (Chapter Management Handbook, Section 1700 pages 353-355)

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Code of Conduct


• Chapter ProbationSpecified period of closely monitoring a chapter. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 319)

• Probation may be for one or more of the following reasons:– failure to submit to S&S, for approval, a copy of the chapter

Rules of Order or Policies and Procedures;– failure to observe the rules and regulations of

Grand Chapter– failure to adhere to the approved national Membership

Intake Program– failure to pay dues and fees as required by the

Grand Chapter

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Code of Conduct


• Individual ProbationSpecified period of closely monitoring a chapter. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 321)

Potential reasons:• Violation of the Constitution and Bylaws• Violation of the Sorority’s rules or regulations• Repeated infractions of the rules and regulations of the college

or university housing the chapter

Members on probation shall NOT participate in any activity of the Sorority.

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Code of Conduct


• Chapter SuspensionAll activities of the chapter, with the exception of those mandated by the Regional Director, National president or the Scholarship & Standards Committee are suspended for a specified period. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 322)

• Reasons:– Unexcused absences from two consecutive National

Conventions OR Regional Conferences– Failure to comply with the rulings of the Regional Director,

the Scholarship & Standards Committee, the National President or the Grand Chapter

– Holding Membership Intake not in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Grand Chapter

– Holding any activity during Membership Intake which involves hazing

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Code of Conduct


• Individual SuspensionDenial of participation in the local, regional and national activities of for a specified period of time. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 325)

Reasons:• Violation of the Constitution and Bylaws; or• Violation of the Sorority’s rules and regulations; or• Repeated infractions of the rules and regulations of the college or

university housing the chapter

Member under suspension shall not participate in any activity of the Sorority, unless otherwise prescribed by the Regional Director, Scholarship & Standards Committee, or the National President

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Code of Conduct


• Individual ExpulsionPermanent removal of membership and of all rights and privileges thereof. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 327)

The Regional Director, with the approval of the National President, may expel an soror as stated in Code of Conduct

• Applicant/Candidate/Pyramid Barred from MembershipSpecified period of exclusion from consideration for membership of an applicant/candidate. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 328)

The Regional Director may bar an applicant/candidate/pyramid from membership

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Code of Conduct


During the period of suspension or probation, a program of Rehabilitation shall be conducted. The Regional Director prescribes this plan, includes the following phases:

•Phase I: Introspective (focus on chapter and the individuals in the chapter)

•Phase II: Restoration (focus on re-building the foundation for quality chapter management)

•Phase III: Renewal (focus on individual growth and the development of skills for sisterhood, scholarship and service)

•Phase IV: Reinstatement (final stage of rehabilitation, chapters are engaged in intensive self-study)

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Code of Conduct

REHABILITATION PLAN

Code of Conduct Activity 3 Code of Conduct Activity 3

CASE STUDIESCASE STUDIES

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Code of Conduct

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Code of Conduct

Sorors, thank you for the opportunity to share

information about our

Code of Conduct.

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Code of Conduct

1 delta internal development workshop code of conduct national scholarship and standards committee...

Documents

sororitys code of conduct

code of ethics page

disciplinary action

national service sorority

ethical principles

standards committee

moral standards

social responsibility