constitution of the university of cincinnati ... constit… · xiii. compile an agenda prior to...

Approved December 2014

CONSTITUTION

of the

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL

Mission

We, the Interfraternity Council of the University of Cincinnati set forth this Constitution and

Bylaws in order to cause closer working relationships and coordination among the member

fraternities and with the University of Cincinnati.

Article I – Name

This organization shall be known as the Interfraternity Council of the University of Cincinnati,

hereafter referred to within this document as “the IFC” or “the Council.”

Article II – Purpose

1. The purpose of this organization shall be to:

a. Form a close union of general fraternities of the University;

b. Foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the fraternities and the

University administration and faculty;

c. Promote the interest and welfare common to both the fraternities and the

University.

2. IFC, as the representative body of the interfraternity community, shall be binding on all

member chapters unless specifically waived by formal action of the Council.

Article III – Membership

1. In order to be recognized by the IFC, all fraternities at the University of Cincinnati shall

be either members or eligible for membership in the North American Interfraternity

Conference (NIC), and they must also be a registered student organization at the

University of Cincinnati.

2. Every fraternity will belong to the IFC as a Full Member, Associate Member or Colony

as defined by Article II of the Bylaws.

3. Exclusions shall consist of all honorary, professional, service, and women’s fraternities.

Article IV – Meetings

1. Agenda

a. IFC Meeting Agenda’s will be publically available 24 hours prior to each

meeting.

2. Representation

a. One elected official representative from each chapter is required to attend

meetings and act as the chapter’s IFC Representative.


b. An alternate representative may be sent in the place of the IFC Representative.

An alternate may be used up to 3 times per semester.

c. Chapters may and are encouraged to bring additional members to participate in

community discussions. Additional members will not count for or against

chapter’s attendance.

d. Members of the IFC Executive Council may not count as their chapter’s

representative or alternate.

e. Each chapter must submit the name of their Representative to the Executive

Council at the beginning of the Fall and Spring Semester.

f. Any chapter with three (3) or more IFC Meeting absences may be subject to

Judicial Board review. It is considered an absence when neither a IFC

Representative or alternate is present. An alternate is better than absence even if

the 3 alternate attendees has already been used.

3. Voting

a. Each Chapter will have 1 vote for their IFC Representative or alternate

representative.

b. Executive Board members do not have a vote in Council matters, except for the

case of a tie, in which the President or presiding officer will cast the deciding

vote.

c. Quorum for the transaction of business shall be defined as a majority of voting

members.

4. Regular meetings shall be held at least biweekly during fall and spring semester.

5. The first meeting will be held on the first Monday of the academic term.

a. The time and place of regular meetings will be announced to member fraternities

prior to each term of the academic year.

6. Executive Board meetings shall be held at least biweekly at a time and place determined

by the IFC President.

7. Special meetings may be called by the President, or by a one-third (1/3) vote of the

member chapter Presidents. At least three (3) days written notice shall be provided to the

membership.

8. Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority governing

IFC meetings, unless otherwise specified.

9. Meeting attire shall be no less than business casual, unless another dress code is specified

by the IFC President and the council is notified at least 24 hours in advance to the

meeting time.

Article V – Officer Elections

1. The elected officers of the IFC shall be President, Vice President of Inter-Greek Affairs,

Vice President of Programming, Vice President of Risk Management, Vice President of

Recruitment, Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Communication.

a. The officers shall be elected in this order, unless otherwise altered by a majority

vote of the Council.


2. To be elected to and maintain an IFC office or appointed position, the following

requirements must be met:

a. Be a registered student of the University of Cincinnati;

b. Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with his college and the

University;

c. Be an initiated member in good standing with his fraternity;

d. Maintain a college cumulative GPA of 2.50;

e. If an elected officer holds an elected position in his own chapter which conflicts

with his elected office, he shall resign from his chapter position no later than two

(2) weeks after being elected.

3. Officer nominations shall open at least two (2) weeks prior to officer elections. Elections

shall occur no later than the last meeting before Exam Finals Week of the Fall Semester.

4. No more than two (2) members of the same fraternity shall serve on the Executive Board

simultaneously.

5. The term of office shall be twelve (12) months

Article VI – Officer Vacancies & Removal

1. If the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice President of Inter-Greek Affairs shall

assume the role of President. A vacancy in any other executive board office shall be

filled by a general election. The executive board shall appoint an interim officer until an

election can be held.

2. Any officer or Director may be removed from office for:

a. Non-performance of duties, including unexcused absence from more than two (2)

meetings of the IFC or Executive Board in his term of office;

b. Failure to meet IFC officer eligibility;

c. Conduct not befitting a gentleman and an officer of the Council.

3. Impeachment procedures shall be:

a. Written notice of the motion to impeach must be presented to the Executive

Board;

b. The Executive Board shall notify the officer in question within 72 hours upon

receiving written notice of impeachment;

c. The Executive Board shall notify the Council of the motion to impeach at least

one (1) week prior to the vote;

d. An officer can be removed by two-thirds (2/3) vote of members, provided there is

quorum present.

Article VII – Code of Conduct

1. Hazing. The Council will not tolerate or condone any form of hazing, pledge day and/or

pre-initiation activities, as defined by the University of Cincinnati Student Code of

Conduct (Rule 3361):


a. Participating in, allowing, or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act

that creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.

b. A forced or coerced activity is also considered hazing when the initiation or

admission into, or continued affiliation with, a University organization is directly

or indirectly conditional upon performing that activity.

c. In no event will the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity

serve as a defense in cases of hazing.

2. Membership and participation shall be free from discrimination based on race, religion,

ethnic group, national group, sexual orientation or handicap.

Article VIII – Committees

1. Committees shall be defined by Article IV of the Bylaws.

Article IX – Advisor

1. The Program Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor shall be appointed by

the Director of Student Activities & Leadership Development (SALD) in consultation

with the Council.

Article X – Amendment & Ratification

1. Following ratification by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council, this constitution may be

amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council, provided the proposed amendment has

been presented, distributed and tabled to the body for two (2) regular meetings.

2. Any member of the Council may propose amendments.

3. This Constitution shall be reviewed, amended and updated in their entirety each year

under the direction of the IFC Vice President of Risk Management and the Judicial

Board.


BYLAWS

of the

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL

Article I – Member Fraternity Duties & Policies

1. It shall be the duty of the member fraternities to uphold and abide by the Constitution,

By-Laws, rules and regulations of the Interfraternity Council.

2. Each member fraternity will support open expansion by NIC fraternities on to the

University of Cincinnati campus.

3. Community Service

a. Each member chapter is expected to commit its membership to service in the

surrounding community.

4. Academics

a. Each member chapter is expected to commit its membership to academic

excellence at the University of Cincinnati.

Article II – Membership

1. IFC shall recognize a member Fraternity in accordance given by that chapter’s national

office.

2. All member Fraternities must adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Interfraternity

Council.

3. All member Fraternities shall be granted voting rights regardless of their status being

defined as full Membership, Associate Membership, or Colony.

Article III – Officer Duties

1. General Duties

a. Each Interfraternity Council officer shall:

i. Submit a written statement of goals for term in office as well as goals for

each academic term to the Vice President of Communications and all

member chapters by the fourth full Council meeting of each academic

term;

ii. Provide his successor with a written summary of his term in office as well

as the specific duties of that office at the officer transition retreat.

iii. Keep updated officer manuals, files, and reports for their respective

positions.

2. Officer Descriptions

a. The President shall:

i. Serve as the chief spokesperson for the IFC;

ii. Conduct the meetings of the IFC and the Executive Board;

iii. Call special meetings of the IFC and the Executive Board;

iv. Be responsible for all internal and external affairs dealing with the IFC;

v. Meet with the Program Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life on a

regular basis;


vi. Meet with the Dean of Students once per Academic term;

vii. Meet with University Judicial Officers regularly;

viii. Keep a file of each academic term and the term specific goals of each

officer in the IFC office for future reference;

ix. Maintain close contact with the officers and committee chairmen of the

IFC in order to coordinate and expedite projects and business of the

Council;

x. Be responsible for all correspondence and any reports of the IFC to the

NIC;

xi. Have the power to appoint such special committees and their chairpersons

as he deems necessary for efficient conduct of IFC business;

xii. Attend regional meetings and other educational programming offered

nationally by the NIC and AFLV;

xiii. Compile an agenda prior to each IFC meeting.

b. The Vice President of Inter-Greek Affairs shall:

i. Serve as an Advisor to the Future Greek Leaders Council (FGLC) and

ensure that all responsibilities and obligations of the group are met;

ii. Oversee the Academic Director.

c. The Vice President of Programming shall:

i. Plan and coordinate the Greek Awards Ceremony, IFC Officer Transition

Retreat, , & Leadership Conference;

ii. Plan and coordinate networking events with University faculty and staff;

iii. Plan and coordinate social opportunities amongst community leadership;

iv. Plan and coordinate at least one exchange dinner among the Tri-councils

per academic term;

v. Work closely with CPH and NPHC counterparts on planning any Inter-

Greek events;

vi. Coordinate with the Student Government Cabinet Director of Fraternity

and Sorority Life;

vii. Coordinate all community service events with the Director of Community

Service.

d. The Vice President of Risk Management shall:

i. Serve as Council Parliamentarian;

ii. Along with the Vice President of Risk Management for the PanHellenic

Council, plan and coordinate the distribution of applications, interviews,

and selection of a Greek Judicial Board before the end of their first

academic term in office;

iii. Schedule and oversee a Judicial Board training session before the end of

their first academic term in office;

iv. Serve as Chief Justice of the Judicial Board;

v. Shall appoint a Head Justice from within his Judicial Board that will

assume the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Justice during times of

absence or a conflict of interest;

vi. Ensure that Judicial Board procedures are followed (chapter notifications,

meeting scheduling, hearing procedures, and sanctioning);

vii. Vote to break ties at Judicial Board hearings;


viii. Shall have the authority to administer penalties and sanctions to chapters

found in violation of any University or Interfraternity Council policy

through the Judicial Board;

ix. Promote risk management through semesterly educational programs for

the Greek community;

x. Perform an annual review of the Risk Management and Crisis

Management Policies for the Greek Community.

e. The Vice President of Recruitment shall:

i. Be responsible for formulating a semesterly calendar for IFC recruitment

to be submitted for IFC approval as dates arise;

ii. Develop and distribute lists of potential new members to all fraternities as

they become available;

iii. Be responsible for the production and dissemination of recruitment books

and materials;

iv. Serve as chairman of the Interfraternity Recruitment Team (IRT);

v. Coordinate IFC sponsored recruitment programs;

vi. Serve as Chairman of the IFC Expansion Committee.

f. The Vice President of Finance shall:

i. Be responsible for the maintenance of a checking account in the name of

the Council at a bank agreed upon by the Council;

ii. Follow the finance policies of the Council;

iii. Submit an annual budget projection for their term in office, as well as a

semesterly budget at the first meeting of each academic term;

iv. Submit a semesterly cost report at the first meeting of each academic term;

v. Bill and collect all bills and fines;

vi. Be responsible for prompt payment of all bills;

vii. Maintain a file of financial records for audit purposes;

viii. Give out discounts based on the criteria listed in Article V, Section 5

(Finance, Membership Dues).

g. The Vice President of Communications shall:

i. Be responsible for relaying communications to Chapters and to external

organizations;

ii. Record accurately the minutes of the IFC Executive Board and regular

meetings;

iii. Have said minutes duplicated and distributed to members within two (2)

days after the meetings;

iv. Maintain a membership roster of the IFC members in attendance at all IFC

meetings and the Executive Board members in attendance at all Executive

Board meetings;

v. Work with CPH and NPHC counterparts to update any related social

media accounts.

vi. Work with CPH and NPHC counterparts to produce a Greek Community

calendar per semester;

vii. Author, along with the President and Vice President of Inter-Greek

Relations, official documents to chapters for recognition of outstanding

achievements, important dates, and all events of the like;


viii. Serve as the official manager of the online community for the IFC, be it

Blackboard or any similar application;

ix. Create all documents with the respective officer that are of urgent status

to members, the University, and the community;

x. Create and update, as per necessary, and with the help of the Program

Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, documents that list all officers

of a Chapter, especially positions that each and every Chapter contains;

xi. Create and execute an aggressive public relations plan that includes

methods of communication through all channels;

xii. Meet monthly with Greek Advisor and CPH counterpart.

3. The IFC directors shall consist of the Director of Academic Affairs, the Community

Service Director, the Director of Diversity, and the Director of Expansion.

a. All directors must be approved by a majority vote of the Council.

b. Director Descriptions:

i. Director of Academic Affairs

1. Shall be responsible for the timely notice to chapters who have not

made grades from the previous academic term and to notify them

of their status within the Council regarding grades;

2. Keep a file for the year of which chapters have made grades and of

each chapter’s standing within the Council;

3. Keep file of each chapter’s submitted response to unsatisfactory

grade reports.

ii. Director of Community Service

1. Be responsible for choosing and organizing at least two all Greek

community service projects per each academic term, and be

responsible for collecting each chapter’s letters of recognition for

service;

2. Provide community service opportunity reports.

iii. Director of Expansion

1. Shall be responsible for working with the Expansion Committee

Chairman;

2. Shall organize all paper work that comes in from interest groups or

fraternity expansion groups.

iv. Director of Diversity

1. Shall read and understand first and foremost the University of

Cincinnati Diversity Plan and educate their chapter of it.

a. http://www.uc.edu/content/dam/uc/sas/docs/div_plan_7_5_11_final.pdf

2. Shall meet with the members of RAPP. As well attend the annual Diversity Conference.

a. Optional: be a part of the Student Diversity Council. 3. Shall coordinate with the Director of Community Service to

develop and implement committee activities and programs. 4. Shall develop and implement at least three activities per

semester, which speak toward the various issues of race, ethnicity, age, disability status, socioeconomic status, gender

http://www.uc.edu/content/dam/uc/sas/docs/div_plan_7_5_11_final.pdf

http://www.uc.edu/content/dam/uc/sas/docs/div_plan_7_5_11_final.pdf


identity, sexual orientation, religion, and/or regional or national origin.

5. Shall produce an official transitions report and the close of the term in office.

Article IV – Committees

1. The Council shall be vested with the power to create committees in order to execute the

objectives of the Council. These committees include, but are not limited to Judicial,

Membership, Greek Recruitment, Expansion, Future Greek Leadership Council and

Greek Week.

2. Descriptions:

a. Judicial Board

i. The Judicial Board shall consist of the Chief Justice (VP of Risk

Management), the Head Justice and nine (9) members chosen according to

the judicial policy.

1. Members shall be appointed by the VP of Risk Management and

must be approved by the Council with a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

a. The Judicial Board shall be responsible for addressing

violations of the constitution, bylaws and policies of the

University of Cincinnati Interfraternity Council.

ii. The Judicial Board members shall also be utilized in the following sub-

committees:

1. The Constitution & Bylaws Committee

a. This committee shall be responsible for reviewing and

updating the Constitution & Bylaws at least once per

academic term to ensure its compliance with University,

NIC, and Greek community policies and procedures.

2. The Greek Wellness Committee

a. This committee shall be responsible for promoting health

and wellness initiatives throughout the Greek community.

b. They shall be responsible for holding at least one (1)

relative programming or educational event per academic

term.

b. Interfraternal Recruitment Team (IRT)

i. The IRT shall be led by the Vice President of Recruitment

ii. Members shall be appointed by the Vice President of Recruitment with

approval from the President of the Council.

iii. The Vice President of Recruitment shall administer an application process

to assemble the IRT.

iv. Applications must be made available at least four (4) weeks before the

deadline.

v. There shall be no limit to the number of members of IRT.

vi. Members of IRT are expected to attend summer meetings as arranged by

the Vice President of Recruitment, as well as IFC-sponsored recruitment

events.


c. Expansion Committee

i. The expansion committee shall deal with all manners pertaining to the

expansion of the Council. All facets of the expansion process must be

reviewed and approved by this committee.

ii. Refer to Article X Section II of the Bylaws for the composition and duties

of the Expansion Committee.

d. Future Greek Leaders Council (FGLC)

i. The purpose of the FGLC is to bring new members of the Tri-Council

together in an effort to cultivate leadership potential and instill core values

of respect for the overall Greek Community.

ii. The FGLC committee shall reside under the direction of the Vice

President of Inter-Greek Affairs, who possesses the following roles:

1. Helping the FGLC executive board council run effective meetings

and programs for its constituents;

2. Ensuring that weekly meetings are held and attending all said

meetings;

3. Holding the members of the FGLC accountable for all obligations

set and participating in all FGLC events.

a. All issues regarding the FGLC will be resolved at the bi-

weekly Tri-Council Presidents meeting.

b. IFC, CPH, and NPHC shall be responsible for providing

funding for all FGLC-sponsored programming.

c. FGLC is responsible for providing assistance for all Tri-

Council programming initiatives.

d. FGLC shall undertake its own programming initiatives

under the approval and direction of the Tri-Council.

e. The FGLC may not become an autonomous student

organization. They must remain under the control of the

IFC, CPH and NPHC councils.

e. Greek Week Committee

i. Shall function as an autonomous committee under the Council.

ii. Committee chairpersons shall be selected by the previous year's Greek

Week committee, the delegates of the Tri-Council and the Executive

Presidents of the Tri-Council.

iii. Greek Week reports will be given periodically throughout the year at IFC

meetings.

3. Special Committees may be established by the Executive Board as needed for the benefit

of the Greek Community.

4. The Executive Board shall appoint, and may remove, committee members and chairmen

for each committee.

Article V – Finances

1. The fiscal year of the IFC shall be from January 1 to December 31, inclusive.


2. The signatures of the IFC President or the Vice President of Finance and the Program

Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life shall be required to bind the Council on all

contracts.

3. The IFC President or the Vice President of Finance and the Program Coordinator for

Fraternity and Sorority Life shall sign all checks issued on the behalf of the Council.

a. No IFC funds shall be spent on the purchase of alcoholic beverages for any

purpose.

4. All payments due to the Council shall be paid to the Vice President of Finance, who shall

record them.

a. Checks for payments shall be made payable to the University of Cincinnati

Interfraternity Council.

b. Payments of any fees from the Council shall be paid at the next Council meeting

following billing.

i. Failure to pay by the designated date will result in a late fee of $50.00 and

an interest rate of 5% per week of the total delinquent bell and referral to

the Judicial Board.

5. Membership Dues

a. The Council Executive Board shall assess dues on every member fraternity on a

per capita basis. The Vice President of Finance shall base this assessment on the

member fraternity’s roster on file with the Student Activities and Leadership

Development (SALD) office.

b. The amount of such dues shall be $12.50 for each member (initiated and new

member) utilizing the numbers per the roster management system, maintained by

the Program Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life.

c. A chapter may reduce its dues to the Interfraternity Council in the following

ways:

i. Community Service

1. Each chapter will have the opportunity to participate in 1 large

scale community service event per Fall and Spring Semester. This

event will be announced by the Director of Community Service.

a. Discounts will be determined by the percentage of chapter

in attendance at the event and will be applied to the

following semester’s bill.

i. 25% chapter attendance – 7.5% discount

2. Each chapter will have the opportunity to turn in chapter service

hours at the end of the semester. Hours can be recorded via

Campus Link.

a. Discounts will be determined by the average hours per

member. Discounts will be applied to the following

semester’s bill.

i. Average of 10 hours per member – 7.5% discount

ii. Academics

1. Each chapter maintaining an exemplary GPA per semester shall

receive a discount from their IFC dues according to the following

schedule:


a. If a chapter maintains a GPA between a 2.90 and a 3.00,

the chapter shall receive a 5% discount.

b. If a chapter maintains a GPA between a 3.01 and a 3.25,

the chapter shall receive a 10% discount.

c. If a chapter maintains a GPA above a 3.25, the chapter

shall receive a 15% discount.

iii. The Council Executive Board may update these amounts, with approval

from a majority vote of the Council.

6. Other financial obligations expected of the member fraternities by the Council Executive

Board must be brought before the Council to be voted upon.

7. Records

a. The Vice President of Finance shall be bonded at Council expense.

b. A financial audit must be performed and submitted for IFC approval at the

beginning of each Council Executive Board term.

Article VI – Academic Standards

1. The Council has the power to establish academic standards for all member chapters.

2. The Council has the power to enforce established sanctions against any chapter failing to

meet the minimum academic standards as set forth by the Council.

3. Academic disciplinary measures:

a. Every chapter at the University of Cincinnati is expected to strive for academic

excellence and failure to do so will result in the following disciplinary measures.

i. Note that the summer academic term is excluded from all disciplinary

measures whether having a positive or negative effect.

b. Academic Probation: If a chapter falls below a 2.70 GPA for one (1) semester,

then the chapter will be placed on academic probation:

i. The chapter must meet with the IFC Director of Academic Affairs.

1. During this meeting, the chapter will present a scholarship

proposal, along with the chapter’s academic standards explaining

how the chapter intends to raise its grades.

2. During this meeting, the chapter will be well informed and warned

of the disciplinary measures that will ensue if their grades do not

improve.

c. Academic Suspension: If a chapter falls below a 2.70 GPA for the second

consecutive semester, then the chapter will be placed on academic suspension:

i. The chapter must meet with the IFC Director of Academic Affairs, the

IFC Executive Board, and the Membership Committee;

1. During this meeting, the chapter will present a scholarship

proposal, along with the chapter’s academic standards explaining

how the chapter intends to raise its grades.

2. During this meeting, the chapter will be well informed and warned

of the disciplinary measures that will ensue if their grades do not

improve.

ii. The chapter will be placed on social suspension;

d. If a chapter falls below a 2.70 GPA for a third consecutive semesters then:


i. The chapter must meet with the IFC Director of Academic Affairs, the

IFC Executive Board, and the Membership Committee;

ii. The chapter will lose its vote on IFC

iii. The chapter’s status as a member of IFC will be reviewed by the Judicial

Board

iv. The Program Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor will

also contact the Fraternities National Headquarters informing them of the

situation and asking for assistance.

e. If a chapter rises above a 2.70 GPA for one (1) semester, the chapter will then

revert to next highest level of academic standing for the following academic term.

Ex. A chapter currently on Academic Suspension will revert to Academic

Probation upon receiving a 2.70 GPA for one (1) semester. However, the summer

term does not qualify as a resetting term to the GPA.

Article VII – Recruitment Policies

1. The Council has the power to establish recruitment policies, which must be approved by

a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council.

2. Regulations

a. IFC Showcase Week will take place during a seven (7) day period during each

academic term.

i. The Vice President of Recruitment will announce the dates of recruitment

during the previous academic term.

ii. The Council must then approve these dates by a majority vote.

b. During this determined recruitment period, all chapter houses and recruitment

events must remain alcohol free.

c. A recruitment event shall be defined as a gathering led by fraternity men,

convened for the sole purpose of recruiting new members.

i. Note that recruitment events are not limited to chapter houses and outside

venues are still governed by IFC recruitment policies.

d. The Chapter’s Recruitment Chairman or President must submit all recruitment

events for the recruitment period to the Vice President of Recruitment two weeks

prior to the beginning of the recruitment period.

i. Any changes must be announced to the Vice President of Recruitment 24

hours prior to the event.

e. Advertising of rush events shall not contain (either by explicit emphasis or by

implying):

i. Any connections with alcohol;

ii. Sexual content;

iii. Racial discrimination;

iv. Any negative connotation, slanderous description or depiction of other

fraternities.

f. Bids may be handed out at any time. However, no bids may be accepted until 1

week prior to the first day of class.

g. The Vice President of Recruitment will provide a list of all new members as they

are submitted to him by Chapter’s Recruitment Chairmen.


i. This list will be posted and be viewable by all chapters.

h. The beginning of fall recruitment will have several IFC sponsored events.

Chapters are expected to have knowledge of these events in advance and plan

accordingly.

3. Rights and Requirements of the Potential New Member

a. No potential new member shall be sought after by a fraternity in a manner that

isolates him from members of other fraternities or does not allow enough personal

time to perform his regular University activities.

b. Once a potential new member has accepted their bid to a chapter, other chapters

may not pursue or contact the potential new member with the intent of recruiting.

c. For potential new members, all functions on nights before classes must end by

10:00 PM and may not begin before 10:00 AM.

d. A potential new member must be a full time registered University of Cincinnati

male student who has a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or above from High School or

College.

Article VIII – Judicial Proceedings & Due Process

1. The Council has the power to establish judicial standards and procedures used when

chapters are in violation of the IFC Constitution and/or Bylaws. These policies must be

approved by a majority vote of the Council, per quorum.

2. The Council has the power to enforce established sanctions against any chapter that fails

to meet the judicial standards and procedures as set forth by the Council.

3. When University of Cincinnati policies and procedures supersede IFC policies and

procedures, the IFC President shall serve as an advocate to the administration on behalf

of the fraternity community.

Article IX – Legislative & Judicial Provisions

1. During all legislative and judicial issues and/or proceedings, the VP of Risk Management

shall be referred to by his title of “Chief Justice” and all Judicial Board Members shall be

referred to by their titles of “Justices.”

2. Pre-Hearing Procedures

a. Filing of a Complaint

i. A complaint alleging fraternity misconduct or violation of the

Interfraternity Council Constitution and Bylaws must be submitted in

writing within thirty (30) days of the date of the incident to the Chief

Justice.

ii. Any member of the Greek, University of Cincinnati or City of Cincinnati

community may file a complaint.

iii. Complaints filed during University holidays or during summer break will

be considered when classes begin and time limits will begin from the first

day of classes.

b. Holding of a Complaint Conference


i. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Chief Justice shall immediately notify all

named individuals of the complaint and the course of action that is being

taken.

ii. The Chief Justice will then schedule a conference with the complainant

and the IFC Advisor to occur within five (5) days.

iii. The conference will review the nature of the complaint, solicit relevant

facts and determine the charges.

1. The Chief Justice may appoint Justices to aid in the initial

investigation so long as there is no conflict of interest.

c. Formal Notification

i. Within three (3) days of the conference, the Chief Justice will review the

findings and notify all accused and involved parties in writing of one (1)

of the following courses of action:

1. Dismiss Complaint

a. Not enough evidence was found to bring formal charges

against the accused parties and the complaint will be

dismissed.

b. Both the complainant and IFC Advisor both must be

notified prior to dismissal.

2. Recommend Arbitration

a. Enough evidence was found to hold the accused parties

accountable, but the severity of the complaint was

determined to not be enough to warrant a hearing.

b. Each named fraternity must agree to arbitration.

i. If arbitration is not agreed upon, then the complaint

will move to a hearing.

c. The Chief Justice and the Judicial Board will review all

facts and findings again and then coordinate arbitration.

i. An arbitration decision must be made within five

(5) days of formal notification.

ii. The accused parties will be formally notified of any

sanctions and/or punishments.

3. Hearing

a. Enough evidence was found to hold the accused parties

accountable, and the severity of the complaint was

determined to be enough to warrant a hearing.

b. If a hearing is decided upon, the following steps shall be

taken and coincide simultaneously with formal notification:

i. The date, time, and location of the hearing must be

included within the formal notification, and must be

scheduled for no later than five (5) days after formal

notification.

c. Within at least three (3) days prior to the hearing, the Chief

Justice will also send a reminder notification both in

writing and by telephone, to the following of the date, time

and location of the hearing:


i. Complainants;

ii. Defendants;

iii. Judicial Board Members;

iv. Program Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority

Life;

v. President of the Council.

3. Hearing Procedures

a. General Rules

i. The hearing panel shall consist of the Chief Justice and all Justices from

non-named fraternities.

1. If the Chief Justice has a conflict of interest, he shall be replaced

by the Head Justice.

2. Any Justice with a conflict of interest will not be permitted to be a

member of the hearing panel.

3. The Program Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life shall

also be present for consultation on procedural matters.

ii. Quorum shall be declared when at least four (4) Justices are present.

1. Quorum must be maintained throughout the hearing.

iii. The hearing shall be closed to only parties involved.

1. Each party is permitted to have in attendance no more than three

(3) representatives provided they are an active collegiate member

of their organization and not an attorney.

iv. The Chief Justice will appoint a clerk for keeping a record and recording

an audio tape of the hearing.

v. The Chief Justice will be responsible for maintaining order and control of

all hearing procedures.

vi. The Chief Justice has the power to interpret and adapt any judicial

procedure allowing for additional time, witnesses, evidence, etc. provided

he deems it necessary to gain a better understanding of all relevant facts

involved within the hearing.

b. Opening Statements

i. Complainant(s) will make opening statement first; defendant(s) will

follow.

1. Any organizational representative will speak before an individual

representative.

ii. The complainant(s) and respondent(s) will each be limited to five (5)

minutes for opening statements.

c. Presentation of Evidence

i. Complainant(s) will present all evidence first; defendant(s) will follow.

ii. Physical and/or testimonial (witnesses) evidence are allowed.

1. Direct and cross-examination is permitted and shall follow the

initial examination of each witness.

2. The Judicial Board may also question any spokesmen or witnesses.

iii. The number of witnesses shall be limited to four (4) for each side.

iv. Objections are allowed during questioning.


1. The Chief Justice retains the right to overrule or sustain any or all

objections.

v. The complainant(s) and defendant(s) will each be limited to twenty (20)

minutes to present their evidence.

d. Closing Statements

i. Complainant(s) will make closing statement first, defendant(s) will follow.

ii. The complainant(s) and defendant(s) will each be limited to five (5)

minutes to present closing statements.

iii. No new evidence may be presented in closing statements.

e. Deliberation

i. Deliberation will take place immediately after closing statements and will

be held in a closed session.

ii. Majority vote is needed to decide the verdict and determine sanctions.

1. In the case of a tie, the Chief Justice will cast the deciding vote.

4. Post-Hearing Procedures

a. Formal Notification

i. Formal notification of the decision shall be rendered in writing, within

three (3) days of the hearing.

ii. Notification shall be sent to the named fraternity presidents, Alumnus

Advisors and/or general headquarters, IFC President and Interfraternity

Council Advisor.

iii. Notification will consist of a letter detailing the outcome of the hearing

and sanctions levied by the Judicial Board as well as a sanction contract.

iv. To accept the sanction, the sanction contract must be signed and returned

to the Chief Justice within five (5) days.

1. A Justice will be assigned to monitor progress toward sanction

completion.

2. To appeal the sanction, the chapter must follow the appeals process

as outlined in Section 6.

b. Sanctions may include (alone or in any combination), but are not limited to, the

following:

i. Restitution;

1. Complete reimbursement and/or replacement of damaged property

and/or a written apology to designated group(s).

ii. Fines;

1. With a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500), fines will be

determined on a case-by-case basis;

2. Fines are payable to the IFC and shall be used for future Council

activities.

iii. Community Service;

1. The specific beneficiary may or may not be defined by the Judicial

Board, but hours, percentage of fraternity participation and

completion date requirements shall be specified in the sanction.

iv. Educational Seminars;

1. Seminar requirements, beneficiaries, and topics may be set by the

Judicial Board;


2. The sanctioned fraternity shall be responsible for planning,

advertising, executing and attending the event.

v. Loss of Posting Privileges;

1. Loss of posting privileges for a determined time frame shall

include all banners, flyers and printed advertisement, which

include fraternity letters or identification.

vi. Judicial Probation;

1. Shall consist of a written reprimand from the Judicial Board which

outlines the reasons for, and duration of, probation;

2. The member fraternity's delegates shall be required to meet with

the Executive Board to outline a plan for corrective action;

3. Probation notification letters shall be sent to the fraternity

President, alumnus advisor and/or executive headquarters, IFC

President and IFC Advisor;

4. Probation shall be lifted at the end of the time period if the

fraternity corrects the cause for probation and pays any

accompanying fines;

vii. Judicial Suspension;

1. Shall consist of written reprimand from the Judicial Board which

outlines the reasons for, type and duration of, suspension.

2. Suspension notification letters shall be sent to the fraternity

President, alumnus advisor, executive headquarters, IFC President

and Interfraternity Council Advisor;

3. The member fraternity's delegates shall be required to meet with

the Executive Board to outline a plan for corrective action;

4. Suspension shall be lifted at the end of the time period if the

fraternity corrects the cause for suspension and pays any

accompanying fines.

5. Four (4) types of suspension may be levied.

a. Social Suspension (Max. 2 Semesters);

b. Intramural Suspension (Max. 2 Semesters);

c. Organizational Suspension (Max 2 Semesters).

i. No members may serve on any IFC committees

(including the Executive Board) and the fraternity

loses voting privileges, but not attendance or voice

rights during IFC meetings.

viii. Expulsion;

1. A fraternity may be expelled for serious, flagrant breech of IFC

rules or if it is on suspension and the situation is not corrected;

2. Expulsion notification letters shall be sent to the fraternity's

President, alumnus advisor, executive headquarters, IFC President

and Interfraternity Council Advisor;

3. The period of expulsion shall be at least two (2) years;

4. At the end of the expulsion period, the chapter must reapply for

membership in the Council according to the procedures in the most

current Bylaws.


5. Appellate Procedure

a. Judicial Board decisions may be appealed on the following grounds:

i. Insufficient evidence to support decision;

ii. Sanction imposed was too harsh;

iii. An error significantly prejudiced the rights of the accused;

iv. Significant new information discovered after the hearing.

b. Written notification of intent to appeal shall be filed with the Executive Board

within five (5) days of the Judicial Board decision.

c. The argument shall be formally scheduled and heard by the Executive Board

within five (5) days of the filed appeal.

d. The decision of the Executive Board shall be final and binding.

e. If the appeal fails, the original decision stands.

f. If the appeal is approved, the Executive Board will notify both the appellant and

Judicial Board and will schedule a hearing review to take place within ten (10)

days.

g. The Executive Board will review hearing records and take new evidence in

writing only.

h. Written notification of outcome shall be sent within five (5) days of the review.

6. Disciplinary Records

a. Records of Judicial Board proceedings, hearings and any appeal hearings shall be

held by the IFC Advisor.

b. Except as provided by law, all such records shall be confidential and available

only to the student(s)/fraternity to which they relate, to University and general

fraternity administrators who have an official need to know, and to the Judicial

Board for sanctioning purposes in later hearings.

c. No records shall be released to individuals outside the University without written

permission of the fraternity against whom the complaint was filed.

Article X – Expansion & Colonization Procedures

1. Expansion Philosophy: In accordance with the North-American Interfraternity

Conference’s Position on Open Expansion, the IFC at the University of Cincinnati

believes the best interests of higher education and of the fraternity movement are served

through the establishment of new chapters that provide a fraternal experience for an

increasing number of college men. Expansion gives men more choices; it brings new

influence and direction to a campus fraternal community; it provides new leadership and

renewed motivation. To that end, the Member Fraternities of the IFC:

a. Will not prohibit an inter/national organization from selecting undergraduates for

the purpose of establishing a chapter on the campus; and

b. Will not deter expansion by withholding membership in the IFC for any

inter/national member organization.

2. Expansion Processes: There are several routes for an expansion to occur, including:

a. Open Invitation to Colonize: In the event the IFC wishes to seek expansion

opportunities, a formal invitation shall be sent to inter/national organizations

requesting Letters of Intent. The IFC President shall contact the North-American

Interfraternity Conference (NIC) for assistance with communicating with


inter/national organizations. If multiple inter/national organizations submit

Letters of Intent, the IFC President will coordinate with the inter/national

organizations and the NIC to establish an agreeable timeline for expansion.

b. Inter/national Fraternity Colonization: If an inter/national fraternity petitions to

join the IFC, a Letter of Intent shall be sent to the IFC President.

c. Student Interest Group Colonization: A group of enrolled students at the

University of Cincinnati may choose to form a chapter that is affiliated with an

inter/national organization and may seek membership in the IFC as a result of that

affiliation. The group of interested students shall submit a Letter of Intent that

includes a Letter of Endorsement from the inter/national organization.

3. Letter of Intent: Letter of Intent shall consist of information pertinent to educating the

fraternity community on the inter/national organization, including:

a. Overview of the Fraternity’s History, Mission, and Values;

b. Summary of the Colonization Plan, including: outline of the colonization timeline,

inter/national and/or local support, and contact information; and

c. Statement of agreement with the Minimum Expectations as stated in Article III,

Section III and the NIC Standards as stated in Article III, Section VI of the IFC

Constitution.

d. Upon receipt of the Letter of Intent, the IFC President shall notify the IFC

General Body of the inter/national fraternity’s intent and the process by which the

inter/national organization intends to colonize. Following NIC Standards, the IFC

General Body shall grant the organization Associate Membership.

Article XI – Posting

1. All postings on campus must adhere to the regulations described in the Student Activities

Board's Posting Policy.

a. Copies of the policy are available through the Student Activities Board (SAB),

Interfraternity Council, and Student Activities and Leadership Development.

Article XII – Amendments of the Bylaws

1. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council, provided the

proposed amendment has been presented, distributed and tabled to the body for two (2)

regular meetings.

2. Any member of the Council may propose amendments.

3. These Bylaws shall be reviewed, amended and updated in their entirety each year under

the direction of the IFC Vice President of Risk Management.

Revision History

Initial ???

1 Fall 2011

2 11/18/2014

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