Constitution and Bylaws

Interfraternity Council of Oregon State University

 

Last Revised Wednesday, April 6, 2011

 

Friendly formal amendments added by:

The 2011 Interfraternity Council Executive Committee Members:

Sean Belding – President

Timothy Diestelkamp – Judicial Vice – President

Michael Stohr – VP of Standards and Regulations

Nick Hart – VP of Recruitment Marketing

Evan Hallock – VP of Recruitment Programming

Jorge Michel – VP of Public Relations and Diversity Affairs

Tyler Birdsey – Executive Treasurer

Ryan Kutter – Executive Secretary

Alex Schiedler – VP of Community Service and Scholarship

Ricky Egger – VP of Education

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

PREAMBLE....................................................................................................................... 4

CONSTITUTION............................................................................................................... 4

Article I - Name............................................................................................................... 4

Article II - Scope of Authority........................................................................................ 4

Article III - Membership................................................................................................. 4

Article IV - Officers........................................................................................................ 6

Article V - Vacancies...................................................................................................... 8

Article VI – Meetings. 8

Article VII - Amendments.............................................................................................. 9

Amendment I - Dues....................................................................................................... 9

Amendment II - Chapter Membership Process............................................................. 10

Amendment III – Committees. 13

Amendment IV – Offenses. 22

Amendment V - General Policies.................................................................................. 20

APPENDIX A: HAZING GUIDELINES. 26

APPENDIX B: EXPANSION GUIDELINES. 30

APPENDIX C: FORMAL RECRUITMENT WEEK REGULATIONS. 34

APPENDIX D: ALCOHOL POLICY & REGULATIONS. 39

APPENDIX E: GUIDELINES FOR ABDUCTION OF CHAPTER COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPHS  39

APPENDIX F:  ABDUCTION OF CHAPTER CHARTER AND OTHER PROPERTY………………………………………………………………………… …47

APPENDIX G: CONDUCT UNBECOMING OF A  CHAPTER…………………………………...   47

    APPENDIX H:

Constitution and Bylaws

Interfraternity Council of Oregon State University

Last Revised May 2007

 

PREAMBLE

 

            We, the fraternities of Oregon State University, recognizing our obligation to the University, have primary responsibility to the fraternity community and its overall welfare.  In addition, we also, as an Interfraternity Council, have a service obligation to member fraternities.  With the following as guidelines, the Interfraternity Council of Oregon State University does hereby adopt the following Constitution and Bylaws.

 

CONSTITUTION

Article I – Name

            The name of the association of fraternities under this constitution shall be the Interfraternity Council of Oregon State University.  The organization can alternately be officially referred to as I.F.C.

Article II – Scope of Authority

            The scope of authority for the Interfraternity Council shall be legislative, judicial, administrative, educational and advisory.  By virtue of authority vested in it by this Constitution, the Council shall have the power to regulate all matters of interfraternity interest, except those that are of institutional policy; wherein the Interfraternity Council is free to make recommendations to the University, public officials, or judiciary bodies.  Authority for the Interfraternity Council is derived, first, through the acceptance of its member chapters to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Interfraternity Council, and, second, through recognition by the Student Activities Committee, which is responsible to the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Dr. Larry Roper.

Article III – Membership

Section 1.Interest Groups.  The initial stage of fraternity development at Oregon State University may be the formation of an interest group, which will be governed by the following standards:

1. Rights.  Interest groups are entitled to the following interfraternity rights and privileges: See Appendix B: Expansion Guidelines. 

1. Responsibilities.  In order to establish eligibility for the above rights, interest groups must satisfy arguments as outlined in Appendix B: Expansion Guidelines. 

1. Establishment Procedures.  The steps required to establish an interest group are outlined in Appendix B: Expansion Guidelines.

 

Section 2.Colonies.  The second stage of fraternity development at Oregon State University may involve the creation of a colony, which will be governed by the following standards:

 

1. Rights.  Colonies are entitled to colony rights and privileges provided by the Interfraternity Council as detailed in Appendix B: Expansion Guidelines.

 

1. Responsibilities.  Colonies are obligated to colonial responsibilities required by the Interfraternity Council detailed in Appendix B: Expansion Guidelines.

 

1. Establishment Procedures.  In order to establish eligibility for the above rights, colonies must fulfill the requirements detailed in Appendix B: Expansion Guidelines. 

 

Section 3.Recognized Membership.  The third stage of fraternity development at Oregon State University is recognized membership.  Recognized Interfraternity Council members shall be governed by the following standards:

 

1. Rights.  Recognized members are entitled to all rights and privileges provided by the Interfraternity Council.  These include all programs, activities, services, the power to vote and be recognized in Interfraternity Council meetings, and the opportunity to have initiated members serve on IFC committees and as IFC executive officers.

 

1. Responsibilities.  Recognized members are obligated to membership responsibilities required by the Interfraternity Council detailed in Appendix B: Expansion Guidelines.

 

1. Establishment Procedures.  In order to establish eligibility for IFC rights, recognized members must fulfill the requirements detailed in Appendix B: Expansion Guidelines.

 

1. IFC recognized unhoused chapters shall have the same rights and responsibilities as those chapters that are housed.  In addition, unhoused chapters will be held to the same standards as all IFC recognized chapters.

 

Section 4.  Non-IFC Recognized Fraternities.  A non-IFC recognized fraternity is a welcome asset to the IFC.  Attendance at meetings is welcomed but not mandatory.  The title of non-IFC recognized fraternities does not apply to honorary fraternities.  Non-IFC recognized fraternities will be considered with the following:

 

1. Rights.  Non-IFC recognized fraternities may participate in IFC programs, activities, and attend meetings, at the discretion of the IFC executive committee, or the council delegation, but they do not have a vote or a right to be recognized at meetings.

 

1. Responsibilities.  Non-IFC recognized fraternities are not obligated to the bylaws and constitution of IFC and are not subject to judicial review.

 

1. Per man assessments and pledge fees do not apply to these fraternities.

 

1. Non-IFC recognized fraternities may join IFC if invited and are approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the Council.  Once officially recognized by the IFC, these chapters will be required to follow the bylaws and constitution of the IFC.

 

Article IV – Officers

 

Section 1.Composition.  The executive committee shall be made up of 9 executive officers that are elected by the IFC.The President has no voting privileges except for in the case of a tie. 

 

1. The voting officers of the IFC Executive Committee are:

 

1. Judicial Vice-President
2. Standards and Regulations Vice-President
3. Education Vice-President
4. VP of Recruitment Marketing
5. VP of Recruitment Programming
6. Executive Secretary
7. Community Service/Scholarship Vice-President
8. Treasurer
9. Public Relations/Diversity Affairs Vice-President

 

1. The non-voting officer of the IFC Executive Committee is:
   1. President

 

Section 2.Eligibility. The eligibility requirements for pursuing an executive officer are as follows:

 

1. Pursuit Requirements.  In order to be eligible to pursue  any IFC Office, either elected or appointed, an individual must meet the following criteria:

 

1. Have earned at least 6 hours credit in his most recently completed term at OSU.
2. Be currently registered for at least 6 hours at OSU.
3. Not be on disciplinary probation at the University.
4. Not be on academic warning or probation from the University.
5. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
6. Meet the following additional criteria if pursuing an elected position:

 

1. There will be allowed a maximum of two members that serve on the IFC Executive Board who are from the same Fraternity Chapter; with the exception that both of them can not hold the V.P. of Regulations and V.P. of Judicial at the same time in order to counter bias.
2. If for any reason an executive office is vacated, the IFC President, at his discretion, is responsible for filling the office, either by holding a special election or by appointing a new officer.
3. An appointed officer may be a member of the same fraternity as an elected officer.

 

1. Be an initiated member in good standing of a member fraternity of the Interfraternity Council of Oregon State University, which also must be in good standing with the Council.

 

1. Maintenance Requirements.  It is expected that an executive officer continue to meet the eligibility requirements described above until his term is completed.  However, said officer may not be removed from office unless the IFC passes a motion of removal by a 2/3 vote.

 

Section 3.Elections Procedures.  The procedures for the election of IFC officers shall be composed of two different types: procedures for elected offices and procedures for appointed offices.

 

1. Elections.  The nine elected IFC offices shall be filled in the following manner:

 

1. Elections will take place during the fifth IFC meeting of fall quarter.
2. Anyone who wishes to run for an elected position has to have turned in an application and must be nominated by a member of the council before he is eligible to run.
3. The deadline for turning in applications and the date which nominations must take place will be determined by the IFC President.
4. To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast by way of ballot with abstentions counting toward the total vote.
5. If a candidate is not elected to the position that he was nominated, he may run for another position if he so desires, provided that he is nominated again.

 

 

Section 4.Term of Office.  The term of office for each voting IFC Officer shall be one calendar year, beginning winter term and ending at the end of fall term. The past President shall sit for an additional, unpaid, term as a non-voting member in an advising roll to the president.

 

 

 

Article V – Vacancies

 

Section 1.Types.  Two types of vacancies can be created in the IFC Executive Committee.  These are:

 

1. Resignations.  All officer resignations must be submitted in writing to the IFC President.

 

1. Recalls.  All officer recalls will be governed by the following rules:

 

1. Elected officers shall not be subject to recall until eight (8) weeks after their election.
2. Recall procedures may be initiated by petition of not less than twenty (20) percent of the members of the Council.
3. A recall hearing will be held in those cases where the required 20% is met.  A representative from those chapters who petitioned for recall will address the IFC and the officer being recalled will rebuttal.  A vote of 2/3 from the IFC to recall is required to remove the officer.

 

Section 2.Succession.  Upon vacancy of an IFC Executive office, the following progression will occur with respect to each of the offices:

 

1. President.  Should the position of the IFC President become vacant for any reason, the Judicial Vice-President shall assume the vacated position on an interim basis until a special election can be held.  The Council would then vote to approve an appropriate replacement, but only someone who is currently an IFC executive officer, or has been at some point, is eligible to run.

 

1. Other Positions.  Any current IFC representative is eligible to run for other vacated elected positions.  The vacated office should be filled as soon as an adequate replacement can be found, and that replacement will be selected at the discretion of the IFC President.

 

Section 3.Term of Office.  The term of office for those elected or appointed to fill vacancies of the Executive Council shall be until the next scheduled election or appointment of the vacated position.

 

Article VI – Meetings

 

Section 1.Scheduling.  Meetings shall be scheduled on a regular bi-weekly basis, with a minimum of four meetings per term. With the exception of fall term, which must have 5 meetings to meet the requirements for holding elections.  Additional meetings may be scheduled at the discretion of the IFC President.

 

Section 2.Requirements.  In order for regular business to proceed, IFC meetings must meet the following criteria:

 

1. A quorum must be present, which shall consist of at least one representative from sixty six percent (66%) of the member fraternities of the Council.  If sixty six percent of the member fraternities are not represented, the officers may still elect to give officer reports.

 

1. The IFC Executive Secretary, or his designated replacement, must be on hand to officially record the business of the meeting, and take roll of which chapters are present.

 

1. Only one vote shall be accorded to each member fraternity.

 

Section 3.Attendance.  Each chapter must have one (1) delegate present at all IFC meetings.  The delegate must be either the chapter president, or the designated representative.The designated representative must have been associated with the chapter he is representing for a minimum period of no less than three academic terms (summer terms are not to be used to meet the three term requirement). The designated representative may forego the term requirement if joined by his President at each meeting.  In addition, all members of the fraternity community are welcome to attend unless the IFC President has specifically designated the meeting as a closed session.

1. Failure to attend a regular IFC delegation meeting will result in a $50.00 fine to the chapter, for each absence.
2. Failure to attend two meetings in the same academic term will result in a loss of the right to vote at IFC delegation meetings for the remainder of the academic term or 3 weeks in which class is in session, whichever is longer. The chapter will also receive all fines required by Section 3A above.
3. Failure to attend 4 regular IFC meetings within 2 academic terms will result in a loss of voting privileges at IFC delegation meetings for no less than 2 academic terms, (22 academic weeks), starting on the day of the 4^th absence. The chapter will also receive all fines required by Section 3A above.
4. Failure to attend 6 regular IFC delegation meetings within 1 academic year (3 academic terms), will result in a loss of voting privileges for no less than 365 days, a loss of rights to participate on IFC committees, a loss of rights to have a member on the IFC executive committee, an automatic Judiciary hearing, and the chapter will also receive all fines required by Section 3A above.

 

Section 4.Procedural Authority.  All official procedure of IFC meetings shall follow Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revised.

 

Section 5.  The IFC is a deliberative assembly.  Members of the Executive Committee shall have no voting power during meetings of the Council, and cannot serve as representatives of their chapter in the case of absence of the regular IFC representative from their chapter.

 

Article VII – Amendments

 

Amendments to this constitution may be proposed in writing at any IFC meeting by any fraternity member.  The vote will be held at the same meeting that the amendment is proposed, unless otherwise requested by anybody on the Council.  A vote which constitutes two-thirds (2/3) of the eligible chapters of the IFC who are present and voting shall be necessary for adoption.

 

Amendment I – Finances

 

Section 1.Charges.  Dues will be collected each term for men affiliated with the chapter.  The charges shall be:

 

1. Pledges or Associate Members at $9.00 per man per term.

 

1. Members at $9.00 per man per term.

 

1. Dues will be based on the number of members the Office of Greek Life has on record for that chapter at the time the dues are assessed.

 

Section 2.Controls.  All dues are payable within thirty (30) days of billing.  Results of failure to pay, unless arrangements are made with the IFC Treasurer, within:

 

1. Thirty (30) days shall result in Operational Probation of the delinquent member fraternity, and will include the closing of the chapter box in the Greek Life Office.

 

1. Sixty (60) days shall result in Operational Suspension of the delinquent member fraternity, and will include loss of IFC privileges, including, but not limited to, voting rights, Greek Week participation, IFC Sing participation, and inclusion in scholarship listings. The chapter’s general fraternity headquarters will also be notified of this status and delinquency.

 

1. Ninety (90) days shall result in IFC expulsion of the delinquent member fraternity, and subsequently loss of all IFC recognition and privileges. The chapter’s general fraternity will be notified of this expulsion.

 

1. The IFC Judicial Vice-President and the IFC Judicial committee reserves the right to call a judicial hearing for the delinquent chapter if they choose for conduct unbecoming (Article VII, Amendment 3, Section 3B, #5).

 

Section 3.Spending. The IFC Treasurer will submit a budget to the IFC delegates no later than the end of the Winter Term that he takes office. This budget, pending approval from the delegates, shall serve as an outline of income and expenditures for the year.

 

1.  The Treasurer of the Inter Fraternity Council, being charged with the financial well being of the organization, shall have the authority to spend up to $500 dollars on individual expenditures, as needed, for the day to day functioning of the council. The treasurer will also be authorized to spend any amounts that were previously approved in the annual budget. Additionally, the treasurer should aim to provide monthly fiscal reports.

 

1. The Executive Officer team will have the power to approve expenditures of up to $2,000 dollars for any projects that they see fit. Any projects approved by the executive council must then be reported to the entire IFC Delegation at the next scheduled meeting.

 

1. Projects or events having a budget of more than $2000 dollars (including IFC Sing) must be approved by a majority vote of any regular IFC meeting, prior to any funds being dispersed.
2.  

 

Amendment II – Chapter Membership Process

 

Section 1.Pledging.  All recognized new members and associate members of IFC member fraternities must meet all IFC requirements and be pledged or associated according to the following standards:

 

1. Requirements: All potential new members must:

 

1. Be an admitted or enrolled degree-seeking student at Oregon State University or Linn-Benton Community College.
2. Not have any existing ties with any other fraternity, including but not limited to:
   1. A previous, unsevered pledge agreement.
   2. Previous unfulfilled financial obligations.
   3. A pledge agreement severed within the previous academic term.  (This requirement may be waived in writing by an official representative of the previously pledged fraternity).
   4. Fraternity affiliation in a differing undergraduate chapter at another college or university not to include honorary or professional fraternities.

 

1. Process.  All officially recognized IFC new members shall, within 14 days of pledging or associating an individual chapter, complete the online IFC new member profile which includes:

 

1. The online signature of the new member
2. The date of the pledging/associating, assumed to be the date of signing.
3. The new member’s student ID #

 

Section 2.Disaffiliation – (Depledging/Disassociating).

 

1. Depledging or Disassociating shall be known as “Disaffiliation”, which shall be defined as the removed, or severance of an uninitiated member from his fraternity.

 

1. Process.  When a fraternity severs affiliation with a pledge/associate, or a pledge/associate with a fraternity, the fraternity must file a disaffiliation card with the Greek Life Office within seven (7) days from the date of the severance of the affiliation.

 

1. Intent.Disaffiliation shall be considered to be the last day of the term the uninitiated member attended if:

 

1. The student does not return for one or more terms, but returns later and does not continue his affiliation with the fraternity.
2. The student withdraws from the University during the term and on his return does not continue his affiliation with the fraternity.
3. The uninitiated member severs his ties with his fraternity, or the fraternity chooses to sever its ties with the uninitiated member.
4. Rights of a Disaffiliated Member
   1. The disaffiliated member may re-affiliate with his fraternity at any time, with the permission of the chapter.
   2. The disaffiliated member may choose to affiliate with a different IFC chapter after an initial waiting period of 90 days. This requirement may be waived with the written permission of the previous fraternity.
   3. The disaffiliated member can have the waiting period waived if he was subject to hazing, some form of abuse, or severe conduct unbecoming of a chapter. This waiver will be decided by the IFC Judicial committee.

 

Section 3.Initiation.  All recognized members must meet the requirements of and not violate the restrictions for initiation-related activities.

 

1. Requirements.  All potential initiates must:

 

1. Be currently enrolled at Oregon State University or Linn-Benton Community College

 

1. Restrictions.  No initiation process shall expose or force their potential members to ignore the following standards:

 

1. No missed class for initiation-related activities.
2. No hazing (as defined in Appendix A: Hazing Guidelines)
3. No alcohol usage.
4. No use of illegal or illicit drugs.

 

1. Intent.  A fraternity member is considered for the IFC to be an official initiated member as long as he is registered as an undergraduate.  This policy remains in effect unless one of the following occur:

 

1. The fraternity expels the affiliate.  IFC must be notified by the member fraternity within seven (7) days of expulsion.
2. The affiliate severs his affiliation with the fraternity.  This must be reported by the member fraternity to the IFC within seven (7) days of severance.

 

Amendment III – Committees

 

Section 1.  Composition:  Interfraternity Council committees shall consist of two types.  They shall be:

 

1. Standing Committees.  IFC standing committees consist of Judicial, Regulations, IFC Sing, Scholarship, Greek Week, public relations, Apollo publications and the Recruitment committee.
2. Other Committees.  When deemed necessary, other ad hoc committees may be created by the Council or the IFC Executive Committee.

 

Section 2.  Method of selection:

 

1. Judicial and Regulations.  The Judicial and Regulations committees shall consist of at least seven (7) affiliates of IFC member fraternities.  The committee members shall be appointed by the Judicial and Regulations Vice-Presidents, respectively.  The member of each shall be selected according to the following guidelines:

 

1. Judicial committee membership shall consist of:
   1. The Interfraternity Council Judicial Vice-President
   2. Six (6) members appointed from separate fraternities in good standing. Six (6) alternates to act in case a quorum of the regular members is not achieved
   3. Not more than one individual from each member fraternity or IFC may serve on the Judicial Committee
   4. A representative from the Office of Greek Life is to act in an advisory capacity at the discretion of the office of Greek Life.
   5. IFC Executive officers may participate as ex-officio members.
   6. Regulations Committee membership shall consist of:
      1. The Interfraternity Council Regulations Vice-President
      2. Six (6) members appointed from separate chapters in good standing.
      3. At least (3) alternates to serve in absence of regular committee meetings.
      4. Additional members may be appointed at the discretion of the IFC VP of Regulations.
      5. IFC Executive Officers may participate as ex-officio members.

 

 

1. Recruitment Committee.  The committee shall be chaired by the Vice-Presidents of Recruitment.

 

1. Membership shall consist of the recruitment chairmen of all IFC member fraternities.
2. Membership is limited to 2 affiliates per chapter.

 

1. Other Standing Committees.  The standing committee chairmen shall be selected by the overseeing Vice-President with the Council approval.  Individual committee members shall be selected as follows:

 

1. Greek Week committee members shall be chosen by the committee chair and the IFC of Marketing and Public Relations.
2. Scholarship committee members shall be chosen by the committee chair and the IFC Education Vice-President.
3. IFC Sing committee members shall be chosen by the committee chairs.
   1. Sing chairs shall be appointed by the members of the Executive Committee during fall term.

 

1. Ad-Hoc Committees:  Non-standing committees may be created at any time upon declaration by the Executive Committee.

 

Section 3.  Judicial Committee:  the Judicial Committee, chaired by the IFC Judicial Vice-President, shall be governed by the following standards:

 

1. Purpose and Responsibility.  The Judicial Committee shall have the responsibility to determine whether or not there have been violations of University regulations, the IFC Constitution, the IFC Bylaws, or Recruitment Regulations by member fraternities of the Interfraternity Council.  The purpose of the committee is to serve as a structured, unbiased organization that offers Interfraternity Council member fraternities a forum for the audience and rectification of complaints and grievances against them pertaining to the above regulations.

 

1. Scope of Authority.  The Judicial Committee shall have the authority to rule on the following:

 

1. Incident reports that cite fraternal violations of the IFC bylaws, the IFC Constitution, or University Regulations.
2. Reported violations of the Student Conduct Code.
3. Violations of Recruitment Week regulations.
4. Petitions for the Waiver of any IFC Regulation or Bylaw.
   1. Petitions must be in writing.
   2. The vote favoring waiver must be by unanimous vote of quorum of the Judicial Committee.
   3. A decision to deny suspension of IFC regulations or Bylaws by the Judicial Committee within seven (7) days, and must be submitted in writing to the IFC President.
   4. Conduct unbecoming of a chapter

 

C. Procedure: The following procedure outlines the process by which the Judicial committee initiates and conducts a hearing.

1. Prior to any Judicial hearing, a complaint against an IFC chapter must be filed with the Vice President of Judicial through one of the following manners:
   1.                                                                                      a.      In the following manners, it becomes the discretion of the Vice President of Judicial to see that action is carried out on the complaint.
      1. The Vice President of Regulations files a complaint.
      2. Any member of the IFC Executive Council files a complaint.
      3. A member chapter delegate or president files a complaint.
      4. A UGC or Panhellenic Chapter files a complaint.
      5. Any outside individual or agency files a complaint.
      6.                                                                                     b.      In the following manners, The Vice President of Judicial shall not exercise discretionary privileges if a complaint meets any of the following criteria:
         1. The complaint is filed by multiple delegates/presidents.
         2. The complaint is carried out as mentioned in C: 1:a above and is sponsored by any of the following.
            1. An IFC Executive Council member
            2. An IFC chapter delegate or president
            3. The complaint is filed by the IFC Executive Council. The Vice President of Judicial may not propose these complaints, assist in their construction, or vote as a part of the Executive Committee in this manner
            4. The complaint is filed by the Panhellenic Executive Council.

2.  A letter will be sent from the Judicial Committee to the accused fraternity, and shall state or include the following:

The time and date of the hearing, which shall be at least (5) days after the postmarked date on the letter to the accused, with the exception of Rush week, during which the hearing will be held at the soonest possible time after delivery of the letter.

1)      The specific article and section of the Interfraternity Council Constitution, Bylaws, Recruitment Regulations, University Regulations, or Student Conduct Code that have been potentially violated.

2)      The detailed act or acts of the accused responsible for the charges, including copies of any incident reports or other documents pertaining to the challenges.

3)      The names and chapters of the members of the Judicial Committee.

1. The statute of limitations on various violations may not be exceeded to conduct a hearing.  The deadlines for initiating charges against the Interfraternity Council member fraternity shall be:
   1.  
   2. Within six (6) calendar months after the date of the potential violation if pertaining to pledging or initiation regulations.
   3. Within three (3) calendar months after the date of the potential violation for other matters if the potential violation occurs during the fall or winter terms of the school year.  For spring or summer term, charges shall be filed within six (6) calendar months after the date of the potential violation.
   4. In the event of a stolen property, this timeframe begins upon the return of the stolen property, and not on the date stolen.
      1. Any challenges against members of the Judicial Committee must be filed with and given fair consideration by the Judicial Vice-President.  Challenges must conform to the following requirements:
      2. Challenges must be filed against no more than two (2) members of the Committee.
      3. The challenge must be filed with the Judicial Vice-President in written form at least two (2) days prior to the day of the hearing.
      4. The Judicial Vice-President shall select alternate members of the Judicial Committee to fill any vacancies created by the challenge.
      5. If challenges are found to be frivolous or false, the Chairman of the Judicial Committee is to notify the “challenger” prior to the hearing, as well as provide written reasoning. If the challenger wishes to pusue the manner further, he file the challenges with the IFC President and request a hearing delay.

 

1. All hearings of the Judicial Committee must meet the following criteria:
   1. At least five (5) members of the Judicial Committee, not including the Judicial Vice-President, must be present. .
   2. The Office of Greek Life may have a representative present at their own discretion.
   3. No member of the accused member fraternity shall deliberate as a Judicial member for a hearing in which his own chapter is accused.
   4. The Judicial Vice-President shall serve as the hearing officer unless he is precluded by item b. or 1:d. above.  If the Judicial Vice-President is not eligible to preside, he shall appoint one member of the Judicial Committee to fill the position for the hearing. If he feels necessary, he may have the IFC President, or preside, unless also precluded by item b. or 1:d above.
   5. The hearing officer will reserve the authority to regulate the attendance of and participation in Judicial hearings beyond the required minimum by members of the IFC Judicial and Regulations Committees, representatives of the Office of Greek Life, representatives of the accused member fraternity(ies), and observers.
   6. The procedure for the hearing shall progress according to the following guidelines:
      1. Any designated representative(s) of the accused fraternity may represent the defendant fraternity.
      2. A member of the IFC Regulations Committee shall serve as the plaintiff, or shall represent the plaintiff. The plaintiff may choose to waive this representation with the permission of the IFC Vice-president of Judicial.
      3. The presiding officer shall introduce the members of the Judicial Committee and the Regulations representative to the representatives of the defendant chapter and to the plaintiff, if the plaintiff is someone other than the regulations representative.
      4. The presiding officer shall read the following statement of policy: 
         “The procedure for this hearing is not intended to be conducted like a court of law.  The Judicial Committee is to serve as the investigative body to determine the degree of innocence or guilt and to levy a sanction consistent with the violation.”
         He will then ask for the charges to be presented.
      5. The Regulations representative shall present the evidence in the following order:

1)      Cite the specific article and section of the IFC Constitution, Bylaws, Recruitment Regulations, or University Regulations, which have allegedly been violated.

2)      Quote the section which has allegedly been violated.

3)      State the acts of the defendant chapter that constitute the alleged violation(s) and relate them to the regulation(s) stated above.

4)      Introduce any witnesses, or submit any written statements, that pertain to the charges.

f.    The defendant chapter’s representatives, who are to remain in the room during the course of the hearing, will then present evidence, explanations, and witnesses.  All material should relate directly to the charges.

g.   There shall be a question and answer period which will conform to the following standards:

1)      Any member of the Judicial Committee may address the questions of the defendants, to the Regulations representative, or to any witnesses, who have been testified.

2)      The defendants may present questions to the Regulations representative concerning the methodology of the investigation.

3)      The Regulations representative may present questions to the defendants and their witnesses.

4)      Questions to representatives of the defendant chapter shall pertain to the alleged violations only.  Defendants reserve the right not to answer any question pertaining to potential violations beyond those detailed in their letter of subpoena.

5)      The Judicial Committee has the right to ask questions of either the defendant, or the plaintiff.

6)      The chairman of the Judicial Committee has the right to recognize guests, if they have anything to say. However guests may not ask questions directed at anyone other than the chair of the Judicial Committee.   

h.   Following the question and answer period, the presiding officer of the Judicial Committee shall dismiss the plaintiff, the defendant chapter, their representatives, and all observers.  The Judicial Committee shall then determine, in closed session, the guilt or innocence of the defendant chapter.  Guilt must be determined by at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those deliberating the case.  In the event the defendant chapter is found guilty, the Judicial Committee members hearing the case shall determine the sanction or sanctions.

i.    When the decision has been reached, the presiding officer shall notify the defendant chapter’s representatives and the Regulations representative of the Committee’s decision.  A copy of the action may be sent to the fraternity headquarters of the defendant chapter.

ii.   The Judicial Committee has the option to defer issues to be seen by the Interfraternity Council delegation. This is to be used on only in situations where president is not already outlined by the IFC bylaws, regulations, or code of conduct. The delegation will then follow through and vote on appropriate action.

 

4. An appeal of the Judicial Committee’s decision may be conducted by the defendant chapter as followed:

1. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the IFC President within thirty (30) days from the date of the presiding officer’s notification to the defendant chapter.

 

1. The request for an appeal of the Judicial Committee’s decision must include specific justification, including: errors, failure to consider all of the evidence presented, or any other action, including any new evidence not known at the time of the original hearing, which denied the IFC chapter a fair hearing.

 

1. The request for an appeal of the Judicial Committee’s decision must include specific justification, including: errors, failure to consider all of the evidence presented, or any other action, including any new evidence not known at the time of the original hearing, which denied the IFC chapter a fair hearing.

 

1. Upon notification from the IFC President, the presiding officer of the hearing shall submit a record of the hearing, which will include the following:

1)      The circumstances that initiated the hearing.

2)      The findings of the Committee

3)      Comments of the Committee pertinent to the case

4)      Reasoning for the decision reached.

1. The IFC President will submit the appeal to the IFC at the next scheduled meeting. The Council will review the records involved with the appeal and recommend one of the following:

1)      The case will stand as originally heard.

2)      The IFC will be given the power to deliberate an open hearing.

1. An appeal of the IFC’s decision by the defendant chapter will be made through the Student Involvement Office.

1)      Any appeals made through the Student Involvement Office are out of the jurisdiction the IFC delegation and Judicial Committee.

2)      Student Involvement Office’s decision is final.

 

 

Section 4: Regulations Committee: The Regulations Committee, chaired by the IFC Regulations Vice-President shall be governed by the following guidelines:

 

1. Purpose and Responsibility: The Regulations Committee shall maintain as its purpose, and have responsibility for monitoring member fraternity compliance with the OARS (Oregon Administrative Rules), University Regulations, IFC Constitution, IFC Bylaws, and IFC Rush Regulations.

 

1. Scope of Authority: The Regulations Committee shall have the authority to gather evidence, file incident reports, submit charges, request judicial proceedings, and present evidence in relation to an alleged violation that is cited by one of the following:

 

1. Written or verbal incident reports submitted by sources outside of the University
2. Written or verbal incident reports submitted from sources within the University (i.e. Members of the Greek Community, Greek Life, IFC, Panhellenic, etc…).
3. Documented violations of Recruitment Regulations.
4. Documented cases of conduct unbecoming of a chapter.
5. Documented cases of potential conduct unbecoming of a chapter that are not yet defined as conduct unbecoming of a chapter by the IFC bylaws.

 

1. Procedures: The Regulations Committee shall be governed by two different     sets of procedures. One set is in effect only during formalRecruitment Week. The other set is applicable for the remainder of the academic year.  General Procedures shall relate to investigative procedures and to request for hearings.  Rush Week procedure shall entail greater authority and scope as more immediate action is necessary during this time. Authority and license of the Regulations Committee and its members during Recruitment Week is to be determined annually by the Regulations Committee.

 

1. Investigative procedures

a.   The Committee shall investigate all referrals regarding violations of University and or IFC Regulations.

1. No Investigation can be undertaken by committee members affiliated with the Fraternity under investigation.
2. The Regulations VP, unless precluded due to affiliation, shall determine the applicable regulations to cite when filing charges against a member fraternity. If the Regulations VP is not eligible, the IFC President shall appoint one member of the Committee to temporarily act as chairman, or may choose to do so himself if not precluded by section b above.
3. The Committee shall organize all evidence to be submitted in support of the charges.
4. The Committee will prepare a summary of the methodology of the investigation.
   1. Request for Hearings:
   2. The Regulations Committee Chairman will inform the Judicial Vice-President that an alleged violation has potentially occurred and will specify what regulations have potentially been violated.
   3. A member of the Committee shall attend the Judicial Committee    Hearing to serve as plaintiff and present the following:

1)      The specific article and section of the applicable regulations which have been potentially violated.

2)      A quotation of the regulation which has been potentially violated.

3)      A summary of the acts that constitute the alleged violation.

4)      Any witnesses or written statements applicable to the case.

 

Amendment IV – Offenses

 

Section 1. Forms: Fraternity offenses can take a number of forms, including but not limited to the following:

 

1. Any violation of the University Student Conduct Regulations as outlined in the Student Life Policies and Guidelines and Oregon Administrative Rules.

 

1. Any violation of the Interfraternity Council Constitution and Bylaws.

 

1. Any violation of the annually-updated IFC Rush Regulations.

 

1. Any violation of group or individual rights referred to the Interfraternity Council for appropriate action.

 

Section 2. Liability: The offenses listed in Section 1 must be attributable to a member fraternity in order for the Judicial Committee to levy any sanction. The differentiation between fraternal and individual responsibility may be determined by the following guidelines:

 

1. Fraternity responsibility may result if any of the following occur:

 

1. Prior knowledge of events causing the incident exists with the Chapter President or Executive Council.
2. The chapter membership discusses the event at chapter meetings.
3. The incident occurs on fraternity premises, or property controlled by two(2) or more fraternity members.
4. Any chapter officer had prior knowledge or was, at any time, in a position to prevent or lessen the impact of the violation but failed to do so.
5. The action is executed by two or more members of the fraternity.

 

1. Individual responsibility may be determined by examination of the following criteria:

 

1.   The action involved is clearly initiated spontaneously by the chapter members.

2.   The incident involves a majority of people who are not member of the chapter.

3.   The chapter has no prior knowledge of the incident,

4.   The event occurs on property not owned or controlled by the chapter. This does not include “live outs” defined as property controlled by two(2) or more members of the fraternity, or property with one or more fraternity member residents. 

 

Section 3. Enforcement: Responsibility for enforcing IFC and University Regulations shall lie with the Standards and Regulations Committee of the IFC.

1. All offenses cited by the Regulations Committee or referred to it by outside individuals or agencies will be directed to the Judicial Committee.
2. The Judicial Committee has the responsibility to determine guilt or innocence and levy appropriate sanctions.
3. Chapters may be sentenced to the following:

1.  
   1. Educational requirements: the Judicial committee may require a percentage or specific body of a chapter to complete educational requirements, pertaining to the violation.
   2. Community Service: The Judicial committee may require a percentage or specific body of a chapter to complete a designated amount of community service hours. This may be determined per man, or total for the chapter at the Judicial committee’s discretion.
   3. Monetary fine: The Judicial committee may administer a monatry fine against a chapter if they feel necessary. Fine must be paid within 30 days of issue, after 60 days, that fine is considered delinquent and the Judicial committee may decide to suspend the chapter from IFC.
   4. Suspension: The Judicial Committee may suspend a Chapter. This suspension may include the following but is not limited to: loss of right to vote at IFC meetings, loss of right to participate in IFC and IFC sponsored events, loss of IFC committee membership and loss of rights IFC greek interest list. It does permit the loss of the right to attend IFC delegation meetings.
   5. Expulsion: Expulsion from IFC forbids the participation of the chapter from IFC delegation meetings or participation. This removal of any IFC executive member from the chapter, the removal of any committee participation. The chapter will lose the right to vote, the lose of right to the greek interest list, the lose of the right to participate in all IFC events. The chapter will have no affiliation with IFC in any mannor.
   6. Social Probation: Chapters may be sentenced to social probation. Social probation is intended to be used as a disciplinary action for intermediate offenses and offenses related to social events not following the guidelines of these IFC Bylaws, the IFC Constitution, the Oregon State University Student Conduct Code, or any law, code, or rule that presides over the city of Corvallis, including but not limited to failure in registering social events with the Corvallis Fire Department. Social probation includes but is not limited to social events both registered and unregistered, hosting one hundred or more people, which includes alcohol being consumed, and / or an event that occurs past 9:00 p . m . Philanthropies and community service may be permitted by rule of the Judicial Committee. Social Probation may be appealed to the Judicial Committee once the stipulations of the disciplinary actions have been fulfilled.

 

 

 

Amendment VI – General Policies

 

Section 1.Established Programs.  In response to the interfraternity desire, the IFC has established the following annual programs and awards:

 

1. Annual Awards Banquet: A formal awards banquet will be held each Spring quarter where all of the highest Greek awards will be announced.  This banquet is usually attended by many distinguished Oregon State faculty, Corvallis officials, and undergraduates.

 

1. Greek Man of the Year: This award, selected by the IFC Executive Committee from one candidate from each chapter, is awarded during the Annual Awards Banquet.

 

1. Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award (Brennan Cup): This award is selected by a committee organized by the IFC President, and is awarded at the Annual Awards Banquet.

 

1. Recruitment Week: Recruitment Week occurs at a time designated by the IFC Recruitment Committee. It is intended to add to the membership of the member fraternities of the IFC.

 

1. IFC Sing: This annual variety show is deeply rooted in the Greek tradition of OSU and is held during Mom’s weekend.

 

1. Greek Week: A week of celebration is determined by the IFC executive committee and is designed to increase awareness of the Greek community on the OSU campus.

 

 

Section 2.General Restrictions.  The following restrictions apply to all IFC member fraternities and their individual chapter affiliates.  Interpretations regarding violations of these restrictions shall be made by the IFC Judicial Committee.

 

1. Hazing.  No form of hazing is acceptable at any time, on or off University of IFC member fraternity property.  Hazing is defined in detail in Appendix A: Hazing Guidelines.

 

1. IFC Absence. All chapters shall be restricted from unexcused absences at regularly-scheduled IFC meetings.  Failure to attend two IFC meetings in an academic quarter without prior approval from the IFC President will result in loss of IFC voting privileges and officer candidacy rights.  Lost privileges shall be applicable to the term in which the violations occur. If the chapter is found in violation for two (2) consecutive terms, then the chapter will lose privileges for an additional term. If the chapter is found in violation for three (3) consecutive terms, they will be brought before the IFC Judicial Committee for an expulsion hearing. Every absence regardless of the loss of privileges will result in a $50.00 fine.

 

Amendment VII – Grade Requirements

 

Section 1.Grade Standards.  In response to the Interfraternity desire, the IFC has established the following minimum grade requirements for individual chapters:

 

1. All chapters shall have a minimum average GPA of 2.7 or the all men’s average, whichever is lower, on a 4.0 scale.

 

1. Chapters average GPA shall be assessed from one term before

 

1. Chapters GPA average will include all active members and associate members of the Fraternity

 

Section 2.Infraction.  Failure to meet or accurately report an average GPA exceeding the minimum will result in the following action.

 

1. In the case of a first offense the chapter in question will be placed on academic suspension.  Academic suspension will require the fraternity to draft and implement an academic success program that will be submitted to the IFC Judicial committee for review and acceptance.

 

1. If this is the second successive infraction the fraternity will be referred to the IFC VP of Scholarship and the IFC VP of Judicial to determine an effective and reasonable course of action.

 

1. In the case of further infractions the Fraternities national headquarters will be contacted by the IFC President in search of a solution and assistance in ensuring no further infractions.

 

1. In all cases of infraction the University will be involved to facilitate the education process. 

 

Section 3. Enforcement: Responsibility for enforcing IFC & University Regulations shall lie with the Judicial Committee of the Interfraternity Council. It shall be the responsibility of the Judicial Committee to determine guilt or innocence and levy an appropriate sanction. 

 

APPENDIX A: HAZING GUIDELINES

 

The Oregon State University Interfraternity Council requires that all persons associated with the fraternities on the Oregon State University campus observe and comply with the OSU student conduct regulations, concerning hazing as stated in the Student Life Policy and Regulations (Article IV-5, OSU Schedule of classes):

 

“Hazing, Harassing, Threatening or Intimidating Actions, or and practice by a student or group of students which abuses, endangers, jeopardize personal safety, or interferes with official duties, class attendance, or educational pursuits of any person.”

 

In addition, all members, inactive members and alumni shall adhere to regulations set forth by their respective national fraternities in the Interfraternity council concerning practices commonly referred to as hazing.  The Interfraternity council charges all officers with the responsibility of being informed and of educating their members and their pledges/ associates regarding hazing, which is described as the following:

 

“Hazing shall be defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off the fraternity premises, to produce a mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue: physical for psychological stock; quest, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside the confines of the house; wearing publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; moral degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activity which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy, or the regulations and policies of the Oregon state university.”

 

Also, it must be made clear to each pledge/ associate member or new or potential member that if he is involved in hazing activities, i.e. been his by others, or participates in the hazing of others, then as free individuals participating in the activity, he shares the responsibility for violating this policy and the university regulations and could be held accountable along with a chapter in other individuals.

 

Students who feel that they have been hazed should make contact with the office of Greek life located at 16 memorial union, telephone 541-737-5432; student involvement located at 149 Memorial Union East telephone 541-737-2101; and the Interfraternity council office located at 16 memorial union telephone 541-737-5646.  Any easing activity is to be reported to these offices within two academic terms of it’s occurrence.

 

Any fraternity reporting to have subjected to any person to an activity defined as hazing will be brought to the Interfraternity Council Judicial Committee for a hearing in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Interfraternity Council Constitution and Bylaws. The maximum penalty for being found guilty of hazing will be a loss of university recognition for an indefinite period. Persons involved in hazing activities are also subject to university discipline as described in the student life policy and regulations and all terms schedule of classes.

 

This statement cannot possibly cover all areas of activities which might be considered hazing. Any aspect of your program which remains in doubt should be discussed with the executive council of the IFC. In addition, we recommend that you read the statement of  position on hazing and per-initiation activities by the fraternity executive association. The resolution against hazing passed by the national Interfraternity conference

 

 

The OSU Interfraternity council education contract

 

The purpose of this contract is to ensure and maintain a standard of excellence and consistency in fraternity pledge/associate member education at OSU, and to protect the rights and privileges of all individuals concerned.

 

As members of Oregon State University and the Oregon State University Greek community, we recognize the importance of constructive pledge/ associate members education practices to a wholesome fraternity environment and we have put them into practice.

 

Your online registration, and yourfraternity’s membership as apart of IFC signifies that you will abide by the prohibition of hazing in any form, as found in the Interfraternity Council policy adopted by the Oregon State University Interfraternity Council February, 1983; that you are where of the university regulations regarding hazing (article IV-5, fall term schedule of classes) and you have read the materials preceding this contract and you are in full agreement with it and that you, the undersigned, have read carefully the above statement and the documents referred to, and comply with their provisions.

 

The executives association

StATEMENT OF position

On Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities

 

The Fraternity Executives Association has stated its position, periodically, in support of constructive educational and inspirational programs and has asserted unequivocally its opposition to hazing and pre-initiation activities which do not contribute to the positive development and welfare of pledge or associate members.

 

Because hazing and other destructive pre-initiation practices have not been rejected and eradicated completely in undergraduate activities and, therefore, remain a menace to the well-being of the College Fraternity Community, the Fraternity Executive Association reaffirms and reassess its position on this question.

 

• The Association believes that true fraternalism is nurtured in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, respect for duly constituted authority, and loyalty to the principles of higher education.

 

•  The Association further believes that while social behavior cannot be
  legislated, a fraternity without morally sound precepts and practices is not
  a constructive influence upon college men.

 

• The Association further believes that a fraternity has a solemn obligation in the development of its pledges and members and that this responsibility extends alike to the institutions where it is represented; to parents and others who make possible the education of pledges and members; to the communities where chapters are accountable for good citizenship; and to the college fraternity system of which it is a part.

 

• The Association further believes, despite the fact that much progress has been made, that one of the most damaging instruments to the fraternity community is the employment of a program of education which includes hazing, and that this unproductive, ridiculous and hazardous custom has no right place in the fraternity community.

 

• The Association defines hazing as any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include but are not limited to: paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside the confines of the house; wearing, publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational system.

 

NATIONAL INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL

RESOLUTION AGAINST HAZING  

BE IT RESOLVED THATthe National Interfraternity Conference hereby unequivocally repeats its historic repudiation of any pre-initiation or initiation practices antithetical to the laws and underlying principles for which each member fraternity stands;

FURTHER, that this body expects each fraternity to take appropriate action to implement the intent of this resolution;

FURTHER, that the Conference not only records its continuing disapproval of hazing in the strongest possible terms, but declares its intention to monitor closely the incidence of this activity through the establishment of a special ad hoc committee for such purpose, and

FURTHER, that the fraternities whose names appear below endorse this resolution:

      Acacia                                     Delta Sigma Phi                   Phi Sigma Kappa
Alpha Chi Rho                        Delta Tau Delta                    Pi Lambda Phi
Alpha Delta Gamma               Delta Upsilon                       Psi Upsilon
Alpha Epsilon Pi                     FarmHouse                           Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Alpha Gamma Rho                 Kappa Alpha Order             Sigma Alpha Mu
Alpha Gamma Sigma              Kappa Alpha Society           Sigma Chi
Alpha Kappa Lambda             Kappa Sigma                        Sigma Nu
Alpha Phi Delta                      Lambda Chi Alpha              Sigma Phi Epsilon
Alpha Tau Omega                   Phi Gamma Delta                 Sigma Pi
Beta Sigma Psi                        Phi Kappa Phi                      Sigma Tau Gamma
Beta Theta Pi                          Phi Kappa Psi                       Tau Kappa Epsilon
Chi Phi                                    Phi Kappa Sigma                 Theta Chi
Chi Psi                                     Phi Kappa Tau                     Theta Delta Chi
Delta Chi                                 Phi Lambda Chi                   Theta XI
Delta Kappa Epsilon               Phi Mu Delta                        Triangle
Delta Psi                                  Phi Sigma Epsilon                Zeta Psi

APPENDIX B: EXPANSION GUIDELINES

STEP 1.           Establishing an interest group.

 

A.        Before a local or national fraternity attempts to establish a group at Oregon State University, it must do the following:

 

1.         Contact the IFC President at least one week prior to the next IFC meeting requesting expansion consideration.

2.         Await a decision by the Interfraternity Council as to their desire to see a presentation by the group.

3.         Following affirmative vote, the representative from the national organization shall make a presentation before the Council. The presentation should include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

a.         A document of support by the national fraternity.

b.         A list of alumni in the area and on campus who are affiliated with the national fraternity which is supporting the petitioning group and who have agreed to assist the interest group in its development.

c.         Locations of other chapters in the region.

d.         Copies of the national fraternity’s policies and objectives, and the establishment procedures which
would include a time table for establishment.

e.         An opportunity for questions and discussions.

4.         Not be seeking charter within one academic year of another IFC recognized fraternity.

 

B.        The Council, in a closed session by a majority vote, will approve or deny the request to proceed with expansion. The discussion should include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

1.         Welfare of chapters now established and effect that new chapters may have on them.

2.         Number of male students matriculating.

3.         The number of men participating in rush, and the number of men pledging fraternities.

4.         The number of other fraternities currently below capacity and the number below the financial break-even point.

5.         Whether a chapter previously existed on the Oregon State campus, and if so, the circumstances surrounding its previous failure.

6.         The fraternity’s previous attempts at establishing groups on other campuses.

 

C.        Rights and responsibilities of interest groups.

 

1.         Upon formation, the group should contact the Interfraternity Council President, who will invite their representative to an Executive Committee meeting in order to outline the group’s rights and responsibilities.

a.         Responsibilities include attendance at IFC meetings without a vote and reporting regularly to the IFC
Executive Committee as to the progress of the group.

b. Rights include:

1)         Inclusion in the IFC workshops and social activities.

STEP 2. Establishing a colony

 

A.        Within ninety (90) days, the interest group should make a written request to the Interfraternity Council President for membership in the IFC as a colony. Requests for extension of the ninety (90) day period may be granted by a majority vote of the council. Requests for extensions should be submitted prior to the expiration of the ninety (90) day period. The request for colony status will include:

 

1.         Document of support of a national fraternity.

2.         Name and address of the chapter adviser and alumni board president.

3.         A copy of the Constitution and Bylaws of the national fraternity.

4.         A written plan for the development of the colony through chartering as a national fraternity including:

 

a.         A timetable for chartering.

b.         Support services to be provided by the national fraternity and alumni.

c.         Plans for the acquisition of housing.

 

5.         Evidence of being recognized by the University Student Activities Committee as a recognized student organization.

 

B.        After discussion, the Council will, in a closed session, approve or deny the group’s request for colony status (approval takes a majority vote). The chapter representative will be informed verbally after the meeting of the decision of the Council, and the national fraternity will be informed in writing.

 

C.        Rights and responsibilities of colony members:

1. Responsibilities include:

a.         All financial responsibilities of regular membership including pledge/associate member fees (for any new pledges/associate member fees from this point on) and assessments.

 

b.         All rules and regulations of the Interfraternity Council.

 

c.         If, after two years, the colony has not become a chartered member of the Interfraternity Council, its membership will be reviewed by the Council using the criteria for colony status. To maintain these privileges within two years, the colony must seek national fraternity recognition and regular membership in IFC.

 

2.         Rights include all privileges accorded to regular members in IFC, including all its programs, activities and services, including a vote.

 

STEP 3.Becoming a chartered member.

 

A.        Procedures for becoming a chartered member of the national fraternity and regular member of IFC.

 

1.         Representatives of the colony will contact the Interfraternity Council President in writing at least one (1) week prior to the next IFC meeting.

 

2.         The group will then be invited to present a written report at the next Executive Council meeting. The report should include the following:

 

a.         A document of support by the national fraternity.

b.         A list of membership and officers. The minimum membership must meet the minimum standards of the national fraternity.

c.         A list of corporation officers including president, chairman, and the treasurer of the alumni board and name and address of the chapter adviser.

d.         A description of the housing, if housing is to be provided for the membership. Such housing must meet the requirements for University-Recognized Student Housing.

 

1. The Executive Council, and the petitioning group, will present this information to the Interfraternity Council. After discussion, the Council will, by a majority vote in closed session, approve or deny the groups request for national fraternity status and regular membership of IFC (approval takes a majority vote). A representative of the colony will be informed verbally after the meeting and the national fraternity will be informed in writing.

APPENDIX C: FORMAL RECRUITMENT WEEK REGULATIONS

 

General Policy Definition

 

            The purpose of the Recruitment Regulations and Policies governing fraternity recruitment at Oregon State University is to provide maximum opportunity for potential members to obtain an objective view of all the fraternities.  It shall be the duty of the IFC Judicial and Regulations Committees and the IFC Recruitment Chairman to insure a respect for this purpose.  Recruitment Week regulations are in effect from the time that the first potential member arrives or the date and time set by the IFC Recruitment Committee, whichever comes first.

 

Definitions

 

• Recruitment Week refers to the fraternity formal recruitment period designated by the recruitment committee.
• Resident Recruit (R&R) refers to any student participating in Recruitment Week and residing in the chapter house of an IFC member fraternity who is not yet signed with a chapter.
• Potential Member or Recruit refers to any student participating in any form of fraternity recruitment.
• Summer Pledge/Associate Member refers to any student who has accepted an invitation to join an IFC member fraternity prior to Recruitment Week.  Summer pledges/associate members must follow all recruitment policies governing the affiliates of IFC member fraternities.
• Recruitment Central refers to the location designated by the IFC Recruitment Chairman for Recruitment Week registration.

 

1. Eligibility
   1. Any male student admitted to Oregon State University or Linn-Benton Community College shall be eligible to participate in Recruitment Week.
   2. In the event two or more resident recruit (R&R) cards are received for the same potential member, each rush chair shall be notified and the last card signed and dated shall be considered official.  Appeals can be made to the IFC Judicial Committee through the IFC Recruitment Chairman.
   3. In order to be eligible to pledge or associate on Jump Day, potential members must register for Recruitment Week and pay any fee approved by the Interfraternity Council.  The IFC Judicial Committee and the IFC Recruitment Chairman must approve any exception in advance.

 

1. Assignment of Resident Recruits
   1. All potential members who have not signed an R&R card will be assumed to not be residing with a chapter.
   2. Fraternities wishing to be included in this process must notify the IFC Recruitment Chairman prior to Recruitment Week.
   3. Resident recruits must notify the IFC Recruitment Chairman if they decide to reside with a different host chapter at any point during Recruitment Week.
   4. A list of all resident recruits and their host chapter will be provided to the recruitment chairmen of IFC member fraternities prior to Recruitment Week.

 

1. Structure of Recruitment Week

The IFC Recruitment Committee is responsible for drafting and submitting a proposal for the Recruitment Week schedule to the Interfraternity Council at least one month prior, and during standard IFC operating terms. 

D.                Rules Governing Alcohol and Recruitment-Related Activities

1. All functions and activities involving alcoholic beverages sponsored by fraternities for the purpose of entertaining recruits, whether on or off the fraternity premises, are strictly prohibited.
   1.                                                               i.      No alcohol is permitted on fraternity premises during Recruitment Week, even for those of legal age.
   2.                                                             ii.      No alcohol will be permitted at any location where recruits may be present.
   3. If a recruit is found in violation of the IFC Recruitment Regulations governing the use of alcohol, he will be prohibited from pledging any fraternity until the end of Fall Term.
   4. Entertainment at all recruitment-related activities shall be provided from within the male fraternity membership only.  Alumni and pledges/associates are included in this definition of “membership”.
   5. No women, other that resident advisors, cooks, and recruit relatives, shall be allowed in or on any fraternity premises during Recruitment Week.
   6. A list of all planned recruitment events, including times and places will be submitted to the IFC Recruitment Chairman by the date and time determined by the IFC Recruitment Committee.  Any event taking place more than 15 miles from the OSU campus must be denoted in the proposal.  Failure to provide this list will result in a review by the IFC Judicial Committee.
   7. The IFC Recruitment Chairman must approve the planned recruitment events.  The IFC Judicial Committee will hear appeals.
   8. Recruitment Week events organized by IFC member fraternities cannot prevent recruits from attending other IFC scheduled Recruitment Week events.

 

E.                 Dirty Recruitment

1. It is strictly prohibited for any affiliate of an IFC member fraternity to make negative and/or derogatory unsubstantiated statements about another IFC member fraternity or affiliate of that fraternity.
2. Violations of the recruitment regulations shall be reported in writing to the IFC Regulations Chairman and shall include the following:
   1.                                                               i.      The name of the complainant
   2.                                                             ii.      The nature of the violation
   3.                                                           iii.      Name(s) of the individual(s) responsible for the violation and their fraternity affiliation, a statement of which regulation was violated, and a detailed outline of the circumstances surrounding the violation.
   4.                                                           iv.      Signatures of any witnesses as well as the individual reporting the violations.
   5. After an evaluation by the IFC Regulations Chairman of the submitted report, a hearing will be scheduled before the Judicial Committee.  A hearing for violations during Recruitment Week may be scheduled with less than 24 hours notice.  Appeals to the Judicial Committee decision during Recruitment Week shall be brought before the Executive Committee of the Interfraternity Council.  Executive Committee members that are affiliates of any of the fraternities involved in the case shall be excused from deliberations.

 

F.                  General Rules and Information

1. Summer pledging/association begins on the 2^nd Monday of July and ends at 5:00 pm on the Friday before Recruitment Week begins.
2. Entering freshmen or new transfer students residing at fraternities during Recruitment Week must be pledges/associates or registered for Recruitment Week.  To be registered for Recruitment Week, a recruit must register at IFC Central on the date(s) determined by the IFC Recruitment Chairman and pay any fee approved by the Interfraternity Council.  The IFC Judicial Committee or the IFC Recruitment Chairman must approve any exceptions.
3. All recruits shall attend all IFC Recruitment Week events.
4. Host fraternities will be responsible for picking up and returning all recruits to and from their respective living groups promptly before and after all events.
5. All University Student Life Policies and Regulations and Interfraternity Council regulations will apply during Recruitment Week.
6. Invitations to pledge/associate become binding to the fraternities upon submission to the Interfraternity Council Office or IFC Central.  Bids are binding to the recruit upon receipt of his signature on the official pledge/association card at pledging/association date determined by the IFC Recruitment Chairman.
7. Resident recruits must be informed 24 hours prior to Jump if they will not be receiving a bid from their host fraternity.
8. Fraternity members are expected to stay clear of the main steps of the Memorial Union during Jump in order to avoid possible injury and to minimize pressure on recruits.
9. Recruitment rules and regulations are subject to the interpretation of the IFC Judicial Committee and the IFC Recruitment Chairman. Appeals may be made to the Judicial committee or IFC delegation through the IFC President.
10. There will be no Formal, Informal, or Mock pledging ceremonies during Recruitment Week.
11. Public hazing of the Recruitment Chairmen during Recruitment Week or any day that follows shall be considered a violation of the recruitment regulations, the Interfraternity Council Constitution and By-laws, Appendix A, and University Student Life Policies and Regulations.
12. Any violations of recruitment policies and regulations reported to any member of the Interfraternity Council Executive Committee will be investigated by the IFC Regulations Committee and submitted to the IFC Judicial Committee for hearing.

 

 

1.  
2.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX D: ALCOHOL POLICY & REGULATIONS 

 

Article 1: Purpose

 

Whereas the goal of the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellinic Council is to promote responsible social activities, and whereas the goal of the organizations is to promote growth, strength, and longevity of their respective organizations, and whereas these goals are promoted by reducing chapter liability, particularly in the areas of alcohol use by members and guests, the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellinic Council propose the following alcohol policy which is designed to ensure member chapters:

 

1. Follow all applicable state and federal laws.
2. Follow all university policies regarding the use of alcohol by student organizations and on property controlled by those organizations.
3. It is the chapter’s responsibility to follow their national requirements for alcohol usage, and comply with their insurance guidelines.
4.  Reduce chapter liability by eliminating slush funds, or pooling of money designed to provide alcohol for general distribution at chapter events, and eliminating or managing points of distribution.
5. Further reduce chapter liability by promoting a system wide alcohol policy in which individual accountability replaces the chapter’s assumption of liability for acts which are not in accordance with state and federal law.
6. Provide a uniform policy endorsed by both the Interfraternity Council and Panhellinic Council which encourages a responsible drinking environment for those of legal age.

 

Article 2: Description of policy:

 

 

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4.        

 

 

C.       

 

 

 

APPENDIX H: GUIDELINES FOR ABDUCTION OF CHAPTER COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPHS

ARTICLE 1: PURPOSE

Whereas the goal of the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council is to promote responsible social activities, and

whereas the goal of the member organizations of said Councils is to promote growth, strength, and longevity of their respective organizations, and

whereas these goals are promoted by reducing chapter liability and promoting responsible relations between member organizations of each Council, and

whereas the abduction of composite photographs is a long-standing tradition among the member organizations of each Council,

The Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council propose the following guidelines which are designed to encourage member organizations to:

1. Follow all applicable state and federal laws.
2. Follow all University Policies regarding property of student organizations.
3. Reduce confusion and unnecessary involvement of University and Community authorities by adhering to standard procedures.
4. Participate in an enjoyable and traditional social activity in an acceptable and respectful manner.

ARTICLE 2: GUIDELINES

I.          The Tradition of Abduction of Composite Photographs:

The practice of abducting composite photographs from fraternity and sorority chapters of Oregon State University is a time-honored tradition dating back to the very establishment of these organizations. In the Greek Community, the composite photograph represents the spiritual essence of a chapter. The abduction of the composite symbolizes the capture of one heart by another in the traditional courting relationship between men and women of the OSU Greek Community. Recapturing the composite entails a traditional sharing of chapter heritage between the houses, celebrating the trust and community of Greeks at Oregon State.

II.        Guidelines for Abduction of Composite Photographs

A. NOTIFICATION

1.         The abducting chapter should receive consent from the President, an Executive Council member, or an official of the abductee chapter.

B. REMOVAL OF COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPHS

1.         A representative of the abductee chapter should be present during abduction to provide entry to and supervision of the members of the abducting chapter.

2.         The abducting chapter’s members shall not remove any additional property of the abductee chapter or its individual members.

3.         The abducting chapter’s members shall not “explore” the abductee chapter, but should make the most expedient entry and exit available.

C. ABDUCTION PERIOD

1.         The abducting chapter should assume full responsibility of any damage to the abductee chapter’s composite incurred
during their period of possession.

2.         The abductee chapter should contact the abducting chapter within one week of discovery to negotiate the terms of
retrieval.

3.         The abduction period should be no longer than two weeks in length in order to maintain the energy of the tradition.

D. DECORATION OF COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPHS

1.         The abducting chapter should decorate the composite photograph in a humorous, yet tasteful, manner. Indecent and/or profane decorations should be avoided.

2.         No permanent markers, paint, or other indelible decorations should be used. However, the back of the composite photograph may be signed and dated by the abducting chapter.

E. RETRIEVAL OF COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPHS

1.         Procedures for retrieval should be negotiated and settled between officialsof the chapters involved. Serenades or similar performances of chapter heritage by the abductee chapter are traditionally acceptable.

2.         If an abductee chapter has not fulfilled the terms of retrieval within two weeks of abduction, the abducting chapter should return the abductee chapter’s composite undecorated.

 

APPENDIX F: ABDUCTION OF CHAPTER CHARTER AND OTHER PROPERTY

 

1. Under no circumstances is a chapter allowed to abduct the charter of another chapter, whether an IFC or Panhellenic Chapter, and will be subject to any legal consequences brought by the victim chapter.
2. Theft of any additional property of another chapter is not tolerated and will be subject to any legal consequences brought on by the victim chapter.
3. Chapters that violate the above stipulations will be reported to the IFC Judicial committee, and subject to a hearing.

 

APPENDIX G: Conduct Unbecoming of a Chapter

Article I: Purpose

 

Whereas every IFC Chapter has chosen to affiliate themselves with the other IFC Chapters in a joint organization and

 

Whereas it is the goal and mission to promote Greek Life in a positive manner, and

 

Whereas chapters who fail to live up to the standards of conduct of the Interfraternity Council are a detriment to the fellow chapters in the council and

 

Whereas the duty of the Interfraternity Council delegation is to determine what the standards of conduct for the Interfraternity Council is

 

The Interfraternity Council adopts these guidelines for conduct unbecoming of a chapter.

 

Article II: Standards

1. Due to the nature of the offense of conduct unbecoming of a chapter, the Judicial Committee has the authority to define additional offenses of “Conduct Unbecoming of a Chapter” as they see fit. Decisions made by the Judicial committee may be appealed to the President of IFC, who will then present it to the delegation. The IFC Delegation will be the ultimate authority on whether or not something is “unbecoming of a chapter”.
2. The following offenses qualify as conduct unbecoming of a chapter:
   1. Distasteful use of Greek Letters.

1.                                                               i.      This includes but is not limited to the following letters:
   1. Letters belonging to IFC Greek Chapters
   2. Letters belonging to Panhellenic Chapters
   3. Letters belonging to UGC Chapters
   4. Letters belonging to NIC Chapters
   5. Letters belonging to NPC Chapters
   6. Greek letters with implications toward greek life.
   7.                                                             ii.      The distasteful use of these greek letters, includes but is not limited to:
      1. The use of profanity.
      2. The use of nudity.
      3. Insulting remarks.
      4. Implications toward the use of illegal drugs or alcohol.
      5. The degradation of any group, including but not limited to women, minorities, and other organizations on campus.
      6.                                                               i.      Greek Houses
      7.                                                             ii.      Resident houses
      8.                                                           iii.      Campus buildings
      9.                                                               i.       Performances in which the performers are intoxicated.
      10.                                                             ii.      Performances that include vulgar behavior
      11.                                                           iii.      Sexual performancers
      12.                                                           iv.      Use of alcohol or illegal drugs
      13.                                                             v.      The use of drinking or drug paraphernalia
      14.                                                           vi.      Overall offensive behavior.

1.  
   1. Vandalism. This includes but is not limited to:

1.  
   1. Theft. As prescribed in Appendix F, theft and the abduction of property not belonging to the chapter will not be tolorated
   2. Dirty Rushing. Each IFC Chapter must obey all IFC Rush regulations.
   3. Crude Performances: Crude performances shall include, but is not limited to the following:

1.  
   1. Violation of the Law, misdemeanor or greater. 
   2. Drinking in Letters, drinking in letters while in public.  
   3. Intoxicated in Letters, Do not be found in public, intoxicated.  
   4. Sexual Assault or Harassment.
   5. Flagrantly Disrespectful remarks. No chapter may openly taunt or disrespect other organizations in a disrespectful fashion.  
   6. Facebook Invitations. The creations of events, groups, and other pages the demeans greeklife, or is found to qualify as conduct unbecoming of a chapter

 

Appendix H: Kitchen Requirements

Article 1. Purpose

The Interfraternity Council of Oregon State recognizes its duty to aid in the welfare of its member chapters and the gentlemen that make up the organization. Thus, the requirement of passing a kitchen inspection would aid in the safety of all Greek men. This requirement should be completed yearly and shall help to enforce a standard that will help to keep the men more safe, and hence the community stronger as a whole.

Article II. Standards

The standards of a clean cooking and serving facility shall be determined by the agency conducting the inspection. Approved organizations to perform the inspections include, but are not limited to, Benton County Health Department and the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. Documentation of the inspection must show that the inspection was performed. Failure to produce this documentation by the third IFC meeting of Fall term of each school year may result in a Judicial hearing.