Interfraternity Council Constitution

ARTICLE I – ROLE OF THE IFC REPRESENTATIVE 

Section I. IFC Representative  

The duties and responsibilities of all IFC Representatives are as follows: 

1. The representative will be the chapter president, and if the chapter president is unavailable, they must send a replacement. 

2. Serve as a representative and voice for his member chapter’s concerns regarding the fraternity community. 

3. Represent the larger fraternity community’s interests. 

4. Inform his member chapter of the actions, discussions, and workings of the IFC General Body. 

5. Serve as a liaison between the IFC General Body and his respective member chapter.  

6. Serve as an initiated member of IFC Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees, as necessary. 

7. Represent the highest ideals of fraternity life to the greater campus community. 

ARTICLE II – ROLE OF THE IFC EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS 

Section I. IFC President 

The duties and responsibilities of the IFC President are as follows: 

1. Provide guidance and focus to the efforts of the General Body and Executive Board. 

2. Preside over all meetings of the General Body and Executive Board. 

3. Cast the final vote in the event of an Executive Board Meeting tie. 

4. Build rapport and establish positive working relationships between IFC and member chapter leaders. 

5. Serve as the official spokesperson for the fraternity community. 

6. Establish positive working relationships with campus and local law enforcement agencies. 

7. Regularly interact with the leaders of other governing councils and campus organizations. 

8. Establish a working relationship with key college administrators. 

9. Establish a working relationship with and communicate campus data, issues, and trends in a timely manner to the NIC. 

10. Maintain current information for accurate member chapter rosters. 

11. Other duties as assigned by the Interfraternity Council Advisor and/or SFL Staff. 

Section II.  IFC Vice President 

The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President are as follows: 

1. Serve as chair of the IFC Judicial Board and serve as the non-voting Chief Justice of all IFC Judicial Board hearings. 

2. Investigate and refer to the IFC Judicial Board alleged violations of IFC policy, including but not limited to: 
   1. The IFC Constitution, Bylaws, and policies;  
   2. Federal, state, and local laws;  
   3. The rules and regulations of Ohio University; and  
   4. The general values-based conduct of fraternity men. 

2. Will focus on fostering interest in joining fraternities and marketing the fraternity experience to incoming students and potential new members. 

3. Serve as chair of the IFC Recruitment Committee, as necessary. 

4. Utilize technology (social media, etc.) in recruitment and marketing efforts. 

5. Produce and distribute promotional materials to all eligible students. 

6. Maintain an interest list of Potential New Members and appropriately share this list with chapters. 

7. Uphold the Interfraternity Council Recruitment Policy and report any violations of the policy to the Interfraternity Council Vice President.  

8. Ensure all Member Fraternities and New Members are submitting appropriate documentation per the Interfraternity Council Recruitment Policy.  

9. Provide advice and support to member chapter recruitment officers.  

10. Other duties as assigned by the Interfraternity Council President, Interfraternity Council Advisor, and/or SFL Staff. 

Section IV.  IFC Vice President of Finance and Administration  

The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Finance and Administration are as follows: 

1. Serve as chair of the IFC Finance Committee, as necessary. 

2. Supervise the annual budget process. 

3. Distribute invoices and collect IFC member chapter dues or other assessments as needed. 

4. Maintain accurate records throughout the year through invoicing and receipts. 

5. Review and approve all IFC Expenditure Request Forms and IFC Reimbursement Request Forms. 

6. Make all disbursements with a cosigner. 

7. Prepare financial statements monthly and at the end of each term for distribution to all member chapters. 

8. Make bank deposits when necessary and in a timely manner. 

9. Provide advice and support to member chapter financial officers. 

10. Submit past-due invoices to the Interfraternity Council Vice President for review.  

11. Serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Interfraternity Council at Ohio University.  

12. Maintain regular communication with Interfraternity Council Representatives.  

13. Maintain the schedule of the Interfraternity Council at Ohio University, including scheduling meetings. 

14. Create a directory of important Interfraternity Council contacts from Member Fraternities, such as Presidents, Vice Presidents, Risk Managers, New Member Educators, Treasurers, Judicial Officers, and Interfraternity Council Delegates.  

15. Call roll at all Interfraternity Council events requiring attendance of Member Fraternities.  

16. Draft agendas for all Interfraternity Council General Body Meetings.  

17. Serve as the Parliamentarian over the Interfraternity Council General Body and Interfraternity Council Executive Board.  

18. Take meeting minutes during all Interfraternity Council General Body and Interfraternity Council Executive Board Meetings.  

19. Distribute minutes to all Member Fraternities after Interfraternity Council General Body Meetings.  

20. Distribute minutes to all Interfraternity Council Executive Board Members after Interfraternity Council Executive Board Meetings.  

21. Monitor the Interfraternity Council BobcatConnect and report any form submissions to the Interfraternity Council Executive Board for review.  

22. Other duties as assigned by the Interfraternity Council President and/or Interfraternity Council Advisor. 

Section V.  IFC Vice President of Member Development 

The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Member Development are as follows: 

1. Develop best practices for new member and member education programs for member chapters. 

2. Collect and report new member retention, academic, and involvement statistics. 

3. Organize, develop, and implement a new member orientation program. 

4. Develop opportunities for continuing member education by collaborating with alumni, Ohio University offices and departments, and student organizations to offer educational programming covering a variety of topics, such as academic achievement, alcohol consumption, career preparation, civic engagement, hazing, leadership development, sexual assault/abuse, and values and ethics. 

5. Coordinate diversity and inclusion programming for member chapters. 

6. Promote inclusion within member chapters in order to make the fraternity community more welcoming and inclusive to individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

7. Collect and distribute information about campus diversity and inclusion programming and resources. 

8. Collect and distribute information about campus academic services, such as tutors, the writing lab, math lab, learning assistance programs, interest tests, career counseling, placement workshops, and library resources. 

9. Work individually with member chapter scholarship chairs below the all-men’s grade point average to create a plan to address specific academic issues in their chapter. 

10. Publish important educational programming and academic dates and deadlines. 

11. Build and maintain relationships with faculty, academic offices, and/or departments that support diversity and inclusion and academic success.  

12. Provide advice and support to member chapter new member education officers, programming officers, and scholarship officers.  

13. Other duties as assigned by the Interfraternity Council President, Interfraternity Council Advisor, and/or SFL Staff. 

Section VI. IFC Vice President of Public Relations 

The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Public Relations are as follows: 

1. Establish a strategic communication plan for the IFC and its member chapters that addresses protocols for social media, marketing and media engagement. 

2. Develop service projects and philanthropic events for member chapters. 

3. Collect and report member chapter community service hours, philanthropic dollars, and activities. 

4. Collect and disseminate information on the fraternity community to all campus and community media sources. 

5. Keep the media informed on upcoming events or potential news. 

6. Establish a positive working relationship with external constituents. 

7. Assist in the development of various IFC publications and outreach programs. 

8. Provide advice and support to member chapter community service/philanthropy officers and social media officers. 

9. Other duties as assigned by the Interfraternity Council President, Interfraternity Council Advisor, and/or SFL Staff. 

ARTICLE III – ROLE OF THE IFC JUSTICE 

Section I. IFC Justice 

The duties and responsibilities of an IFC Justice are as follows: 

1. Serve as an impartial justice, as called, on IFC Judicial Board hearings. 

2. To uphold: 
   1. the IFC Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and policies; 
   2. the rules and regulations of Ohio University. 

3. Maintain confidentiality in all judicial hearings, matters, and deliberations. 

ARTICLE IV – ROLE OF IFC COMMITTEES 

Section I.  IFC Recruitment Committee 

The IFC Recruitment Committee shall assist the IFC Vice President of Recruitment in the development and implementation of activities, programs, and resources that foster its member chapters’ ability to implement a successful and quality recruitment effort while ensuring no restrictive policies are imposed on new member recruitment and will not restrict the ability of chapters to distribute bids outside of any designated recruitment period. The IFC Recruitment Committee shall work with the IFC Vice President of Recruitment and member chapters to establish a recruitment process that meets the needs of chapters and potential new members, as well as provides opportunities for interested men to learn about the fraternity experience. They will focus on fostering interest in joining fraternities and marketing the fraternity experience to incoming students and potential new members. 

Section II. IFC Finance Committee 

1. Advise the IFC and its member chapters. 

2. Advise and consult with the IFC Judicial Board on all conduct cases. 

3. Advise financial processes. 

4. Coordinate life safety, facility management, and risk management programs in conjunction with local agencies. 

5. Facilitate or provide resources, including potential presenters of campus or national renown to conduct workshops, programs, retreats, and seminars on relevant topics, including the following: 
   1. Multicultural Competence 
   2. Leadership Development 
   3. Recruitment and Intake 
   4. Risk Management 

6. Monitor membership and academic retention by member chapters and the entire community for purposes of improving academic support and recommending intervention strategies. 

7. Gather and disseminate information via meetings, websites, newsletters, social media venues, and/or information bulletins to the various entities in fraternity life. 

8. Provide assistance and advice in planning and assessing IFC and member chapter programs. 

9. Organize and facilitate leadership programs, retreats, and workshops. 

10. Connect the Members and New Members of member chapters to leadership opportunities across campus, in the local community, and within their inter/national organizations. 

11. Publish or share documents that focus on current events, leadership opportunities, trends, and other information regarding fraternity life. 

12. Provide for the recording and archiving of information about the fraternal community and encourage member chapter leaders to do the same within their organizations. 

Section II. Annual Data Reporting to the NIC 

In accordance with the NIC Standards, IFC Advisors shall assist the IFC in providing the following data to the NIC each term February 1 (Fall Term) and August 1 (Spring Term): 

1. The all-university, all-men’s, all-fraternity, and individual member chapter grade point averages, reported each term. 

2. The total number of men who pledged all member chapters during each academic year. 

3. The total number of men who were initiated in all member chapters during each academic year. 

4. The percentage of fraternity men compared to the total number of all men enrolled at Ohio University during each academic year. 

5. The total number of chapters and colonies opened and closed during each academic year. 

6. The total number of full-time professionals employed by Ohio University who work directly within sorority and fraternity life, during each academic year. 

ARTICLE VI – FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICY 

Section I.  Fiscal Year 

The IFC Fiscal Year shall be from July 1 to June 30. 

Section II.  IFC Semester Budget 

The Vice President of Finance and Administration shall propose a semester budget to the IFC Executive Board by the second week of classes each semester. Upon adoption by the IFC Executive Board, the budget shall be presented to the IFC General Body for ratification. 

Section III.  IFC Contingency Account 

The IFC Budget shall include a contingency account that equals 5-10% of the overall expenses. The contingency account shall be utilized for cost overruns in budgeted areas and/or unanticipated, unbudgeted items, such as new IFC programs developed after the budget was finalized. At the end of the fiscal year, any amount remaining in the IFC Contingency Account shall be carried over to the next fiscal year. 

Section IV.  Appropriate Use of IFC Funds 

Section I.  IFC Member Chapter Dues 

1. The semester dues for each member chapter shall be set at $35 per initiated and new member.  

2. The $35 due shall be set as the maximum amount owed and may be reduced, but not increased, based on the receipt of an IFC award 

Section II.  Establishment of IFC Member Chapter Dues 

Any proposed amendment to the established per initiated member dues in Section I of this Article shall be initiated utilizing the following protocol: 

1. If the IFC Executive Board determines a need to amend the established per initiated member dues amount, it shall charge the IFC Finance Committee with assessing the current dues amount and providing a recommendation for possible amendments. 

2. The IFC Executive Board shall consider any recommendations made by the IFC Finance Committee and propose an amendment to the dues amount to the IFC General Body. 

3. A 2/3 vote of the IFC General Body is required to amend the IFC member chapter dues amount. 

Section III.  IFC Member Chapter Dues Assessment 

The total of dues assessed shall be based upon each member chapter’s semester roster that is filed with the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life. The IFC Vice President of Finance and Administration shall invoice each member chapter by the fifth week of classes each semester. Invoices shall be paid within two weeks of receipt. Any dues payment by card will be assessed an $50 additional fee to cover the card fees charged to IFC.  

Section IV.   Delinquent Payments 

Any amount unpaid by the due date shall result in a $70 per week penalty and loss of representation in the IFC General Body until payment has been made. Any amount unpaid within one month of the due date shall result in the member chapter being referred to the IFC Vice President for possible judicial action. 

ARTICLE VIII – IFC CODE OF CONDUCT 

Section I. IFC Code of Conduct 

As members of the IFC, we, the Member Fraternities, hereby agree to and adopt the following code of conduct: 

1. We will know and understand the ideals expressed in our fraternity Rituals and will strive to incorporate them in our daily lives.  

2. We will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.  

3. We will respect the dignity of all persons; therefore, we will not physically, mentally, psychologically, or sexually abuse or harm any human being.  

4. We will protect the health and safety of all human beings.  

5. We will respect our property and the property of others; therefore, we will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of property.  

6. We will meet our financial obligations in a timely manner.  

7. We will neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs; we will neither misuse nor support the misuse of alcohol.  

8. We will challenge all fraternity members to abide by these fraternal expectations and will confront those who violate them.  

Section II. IFC Statement on Hazing 

1. The IFC at Ohio University will follow all regulations, policies, and definitions as designated in Ohio University Policy 23.010 regarding hazing. 

2. According to Ohio University Policy 23.010, hazing includes, but is not limited to: 

3. Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any student organization or group regardless of the person's consent to participate. 

4. Brutality of a physical nature including but not limited to paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, or exposure to the elements. 

5. Coerced consumption, including but not limited to any food, alcoholic beverage, liquid, drug, or any other substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm. 

6. Acts intended to cause mental stress, including but not limited to sleep deprivation, transportation or abandonment, confinement to a small space, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in embarrassment, any forced activity that is designed to shame or humiliate, or any action of harassment (as defined in the "Student Code of Conduct"). 

7. Coerced activities, including but not limited to violation of local, state, or federal laws, violation of university policies, rules, or regulations, and personal servitude. 

8. Acts of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, or stalking, as defined by Ohio University Policy 03.004. 

Section III. Hazing Prevention and Mandatory Training 

1. In Summer 2021, The Ohio Legislature passed Senate Bill 126, a bill intended to address the problem of hazing that is affecting college and university students across Ohio and put an end to this type of predatory behavior that may cause injury or death. 

2. A provision of the bill includes that all student organization members and advisors will complete hazing education training. 

3. In addition to abiding by the guidelines set forth in Ohio University's Hazing Prevention policy, Policy 23.010,  members of our organization will complete Ohio University's mandatory hazing prevention training, which can be found here.  

4. Any advisor, member, or potential member who has not completed training will be removed from the organization by Ohio University and prohibited from participating in organization events. 

ARTICLE IX – IFC JUDICIAL POLICY 

Section I. IFC Judicial Powers and Responsibilities 

Per Article VI, Section I of the IFC Constitution, the IFC shall be a peer-governing organization with an independent Judicial Board that shall have jurisdiction over cases involving alleged member chapter violations of IFC policy, including but not limited to: 

1. The IFC Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and policies;  

2. The rules and regulations of Ohio University; and  

3. The general values-based conduct of fraternity men. 

Section II. Due Process 

In appearing before the Judicial Board, each member chapter shall be granted certain rights termed “due process.” Those rights are: 

1. Right to be notified, in writing, of all charges, as outlined in the Bylaws; 

2. Right to present a defense, including the calling of witnesses; 

3. Right to question witnesses; 

4. Right to be accompanied by an advisor for advisory purposes only, but not for representation; 

5. Right to be notified, in writing, of all findings and sanctions imposed, as outlined in the Bylaws; 

6. Right to appeal the decision, as outlined in the Bylaws. 

7. Right to be free from double jeopardy, except in cases where new and compelling evidence arises which would have affected the outcome of the decision. 

Section III. Filing of Complaints 

Any individual or group may file a complaint against a member chapter, specifying in writing the particular alleged acts of the accused. This must be done by submitting an IFC Judicial Complaint Form to the IFC Vice President. The IFC Vice President shall promptly review and investigate the allegation. Upon determination that an allegation contains information sufficient to warrant further adjudication, the IFC Vice President may charge a member chapter with a violation. 

Section IV. Notification of Charges 

Once the IFC Vice President has determined the filed complaint has merit, the member chapter and its (inter)national organization is to be provided written notification of the charges at least two weeks in advance of the hearing. This written notification shall include the following: 

1. Date, time, and location of their Informal Resolution Hearing; 

2. Description of the alleged violation; and 

3. Due process rights. 

Section V. Investigatory Evidence 

All evidence related to a complaint shall be compiled and presented to all parties at least one week prior to any informal Resolution Hearing or formal Judicial Board hearing. All evidence shall be directly related to the complaint(s) alleged against the member chapter and shall be approved by the IFC Vice President prior to circulation. 

Section VI. Informal Resolution Hearing 

Upon a finding of the IFC Vice President that a filed complaint contains information sufficient to warrant further adjudication, he may offer the charged member fraternity the opportunity to participate in an Informal Resolution Hearing unless he feels that potential sanctions could include suspension or loss of IFC recognition. 

In cases in which the charged member chapter accepts an Informal Resolution Hearing, the IFC Vice President shall meet with a representative of the charged member chapter to discuss the allegations of the complaint. Within three (3) business days of the Informal Resolution Hearing, the IFC Vice President may dismiss the complaint with a finding of no violations, provide the charged member chapter with his finding of violations and recommendation for a resolution through disciplinary or corrective sanctions. The charged member chapter has three (3) business days to accept or reject the terms of resolution. If the charged member chapter accepts the resolution, the charged member chapter waives all rights of appeal and the outcome is final.   

For all IFC Judicial Board hearings, the following procedures shall be followed: 

1. Participants: Attendance at all IFC Judicial Board hearings shall be limited to the member chapters involved, any witnesses, the IFC Justices assigned to serve on the Judicial Board for the hearing, the IFC Vice President, and the IFC Advisor and/or SFL Staff Member. At the discretion of the IFC Vice President, witnesses must be excluded from the hearing room until it is their turn to testify. Additionally, the charged member chapter may be accompanied by its chapter advisor during any Judicial Board hearing. The chapter advisor must be registered as the official chapter advisor of the member chapter. The chapter advisor shall only act in an advisory capacity and is not allowed to conduct any portion of the chapter’s presentation.  

2. Confidentiality: All individuals involved in a hearing are required to agree to a statement of confidentiality. Individuals shall not disclose information regarding the following: 
   1. Any individuals, member chapters, or IFC Justices involved. 
   2. Details of the proceedings. 
   3. Witness testimony. 
   4. If a breach of confidentiality occurs and a complaint is submitted, there will be an IFC Judicial Board investigation into the complaint. 

3. Hearing Process: 
   1. Initiation of the Hearing: The IFC Vice President shall inform all individuals present that the hearing will be conducted in an orderly manner and any person causing disruption will be asked to leave. Additionally, he shall advise the charged member chapter of the formality of the hearing and the necessity of all parties to be truthful. 
   2. Overview of Judicial Hearing Process: The IFC Vice President shall outline the process for the remainder of the hearing as follows: 
      1. Presentation of alleged charges, violations, and investigatory evidence against the charged member chapter shall be presented by the IFC Vice President: 
         1. Charged member chapter may ask questions; 
         2. IFC Justices may ask questions; 
      2. Presentation of charged member chapter: 
         1. IFC Justices may ask questions; 
      3. Calling of Witnesses 
         1. Charged member chapter may ask questions; 
         2. IFC Justices may ask questions; 
      4. Charged member chapter may give final statement; 
      5. IFC Justices deliberate in closed session to determine findings of responsibility and if necessary, appropriate sanction(s). 

8. Loss of eligibility for IFC Awards 

9. Censure 

Section XIV. Status Sanctions 

In the event of an egregious violation, the following are sanctions that may be imposed by the IFC Judicial Board for a specified period of time: 

1. Suspension: Loss of IFC voting rights and removal from good standing status, and any additional Non-Status Sanctions. 

2. Loss of IFC Recognition: Loss of IFC recognition and its rights and privileges. 

When adjudicating a potential violation that may result in suspension/loss of recognition from the IFC for the member chapter, the Judicial Board shall work collaboratively with the (inter)national organization and campus. 

Section XV. Duration of Sanctions 

The Judicial Board shall specify the duration and deadlines of any sanctions imposed. After such specified time, if the member chapter has fulfilled the requirements of the sanctions imposed, the member chapter shall return to good standing. In the event the member chapter does not fulfill all of the requirements of the sanctions imposed, the IFC Vice President shall convene a formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing to determine future course of action. 

Section XVI. Notification of Findings 

Within three (3) business days of any informal Resolution Hearing or formal Judicial Hearing, the IFC Vice President shall communicate in writing to the charged member chapter, its (inter)national organization, and its chapter advisor as well as any relevant Ohio University administrators, the alleged violation, the findings of the hearing, and any sanction(s) imposed. 

The IFC Vice President shall notify the IFC General Body of any sanctions imposed upon a member chapter through any Informal or Formal Judicial Hearing. 

Section XVII. Appeals 

The IFC Judicial Board’s decision is subject to appeal by a member chapter within two weeks of receiving written notification of the decision. Appeals shall be made in writing to the IFC President and shall be made solely on the following grounds or be dismissed: 

1. Error in the charge and/or Judicial Board Hearing process that materially affected the outcome. 

2. The severity of the sanction did not match the severity of the violation.  

3. New information that could not have been discovered prior to the IFC Judicial Board Hearing through the exercise of reasonable diligence.  

Sanctions imposed through the Judicial Process shall stand until an appeal is heard. 

Section XVIII. Non-Status Sanctions Appeals 

The IFC Executive Board shall hear appeals for Non-Status Sanctions. The IFC Vice President shall first present the IFC Judicial Board’s decision and rationale for its actions. The appealing member chapter shall then be afforded the opportunity to present its reasoning for seeking a reconsideration of the IFC Judicial Board’s actions. The appealing chapter must be given at least one week’s notice of the time, place, and procedure of the appeal hearing.  Any individual from the appealing member chapter serving on the IFC Executive Board shall not participate in the appeal proceedings. The IFC Executive Board may either dismiss the charge(s) with no sanctions or alter the sanctions imposed by the Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing. Any alterations must be approved by at least two thirds (2/3) of the IFC Executive Board. The decision of the IFC Executive Board shall be final for Non-Status Sanctions. 

Section XIX. Status Sanctions Appeals 

The IFC General Body shall hear appeals for Status Sanctions. The IFC Vice President shall first present the IFC Judicial Board’s decision and rationale for its actions. The appealing member chapter shall then be afforded the opportunity to present its reasoning for seeking a reconsideration of the decision. The appealing chapter must be given at least one week’s notice of the time, place, and procedure of the appeal hearing. Upon completion of the member chapter appeal presentation, all representatives of the Member Fraternity shall be dismissed from the meeting, including the member chapter’s IFC Representative and Alternate Representative. 

The IFC General Body shall first vote on whether to discuss dismissal or alteration of the status sanction, which shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote. In the event the IFC General Body votes to discuss dismissal or alteration, the IFC General Body shall determine by a two-thirds (2/3) vote to either dismiss the charge(s) with no sanctions or to alter the sanctions imposed. If a two thirds (2/3) majority cannot be achieved for dismissal or alteration of the sanctions, the initial sanctions will remain in place. 

The decision of the IFC General Body shall be final with no further appeal rights. 

ARTICLE X – EXPANSION POLICY 

Section I. Responsible Growth Philosophy 

In accordance with the North American Interfraternity Conference’s Position on Responsible Growth, the IFC at Ohio University 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: 

1. Will not prohibit a NIC Member fraternity from selecting undergraduates for the purpose of establishing a chapter on the campus; and 

2. Will not deter expansion by withholding membership in the IFC for any NIC Member Fraternity.  

Section II. Responsible Growth Protocols 

The IFC and its member chapters will follow the following responsible growth protocols in its expansion process:  

1. All IFC member chapters will actively support the responsible growth of other NIC fraternities provided that the national organization follows these Responsible Growth Protocols: 
   1. Proactively communicates with the campus administration and IFC in good faith prior to any expansion activity. 
   2. Considers any available readiness assessment before formally requesting the opportunity to join the IFC. 
   3. The group does not have any outstanding, documented campus health and safety violations. 

2. If the inter/national organization follows the Responsible Growth Protocols: 
   1. Any NIC member fraternity, upon expressing interest to establish a chapter, will be given a time by the IFC for the expansion to occur. The IFC can determine the best academic term for the expansion, and no later than 4 years from when the national organization first contacted the IFC. 
   2. NIC member fraternities with an interest group already formed will be granted IFC recognition, pending approval through Ohio University’s Sorority and Fraternity Life Committee.  
   3. The IFC will never take a vote on recognition or expansion for an NIC member fraternity. 

3. IFC will not restrict any group from joining the IFC that meets the membership criteria and has been approved by Ohio University’s Sorority and Fraternity Life Committee. 

4. The IFC will honor all organizational return agreements negotiated as part of a campus or IFC conduct process. Any organization returning to campus based on a return agreement will not be required to participate in any IFC or campus expansion process. 

Section III. Granting of Provisional Member Status 

Provisional Membership grants the Member Fraternity all rights, privileges, and responsibilities under the IFC Constitution and By-Laws, except that it cannot hold the position of IFC President.  

Section IV. Granting of Full Member Status 

Upon chartering with their inter/national organization, the Provisional Member Fraternity shall become a full member of the IFC with all rights, privileges, and responsibilities under the IFC Constitution and Bylaws. 

ARTICLE XI – RECRUITMENT POLICY 

Section I. Recruitment Philosophy 

The IFC supports open recruitment and believes a man shall be free to join a Member Fraternity at a time that is mutually beneficial to both himself and the Member Fraternity. To this end, the IFC shall not establish policies that inhibit men from participating in recruitment activities and joining Member Fraternities. 

Section II. Membership GPA Requirements 

Any Potential New Member shall meet the following GPA requirement in order to be accepted as a New Member by any Member Fraternity: 

1. a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for first semester freshmen; or  

2. a minimum college GPA of 2.5 for continuing Ohio University students or transfer students.  

Section III. IFC Sponsored Recruitment 

Under the guidance of the IFC Vice President of Recruitment, the IFC shall designate periods of time during each semester when the IFC will assist Member Fraternities by advertising their recruitment events, hosting campus-wide recruitment events, and educating Potential New Members on the fraternity community.   

The IFC Vice President of Recruitment shall solicit and maintain a Potential New Member Roster, which shall be a roster of men interested in fraternity recruitment, and shall make that list available to each Member Fraternity. 

Section IV. Year-Round Recruitment 

Member fraternities are encouraged to participate in year-round recruitment and shall establish recruitment practices and timelines as determined to best serve that Member Fraternity.