Interfraternity Council Constitution

CONSTITUTION OF THE INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL

OHIO UNIVERSITY

MISSION

We, the Interfraternity Council at Ohio University, set forth this Constitution and Bylaws in order to cause closer working relationships and coordination among its member chapters and Ohio University, in accordance with the policies and standards established by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). We, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), exists to advance conditions conducive to the success of its member chapters and to promote the progress of the fraternity experience. With this aim, the IFC actively encourages interfraternal unity and collaboration with other fraternity and sorority governing councils and student governance bodies. Maintaining a positive working relationship and partnership with the campus administration, alumni, NIC and (inter)national headquarters of member chapters is critical toward elevating the role of the IFC.

ARTICLE I – NAME

This organization shall be known as the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Ohio University.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE OF THE IFC

Fraternities thrive when they embrace their responsibilities, while ardently advocating for their fundamental rights.

We, the Interfraternity Council at Ohio University believe in:

Fraternity men must be responsible, respectful and inclusive citizens of their community.
Fraternity men have the responsibility to hold each other accountable to their fraternal ideals and expectations.
Fraternities have the responsibility and right to select men who align with their ideals and expectations.
Every man has the right to seek membership in a fraternal experience on terms he determines best fit his needs.
For justice to effectively be administered, fraternity members and organizations must provide and be afforded fundamental due process rights.

The purpose of the IFC shall be to:

Provide a sovereign peer governance structure for its member chapters;
Enforce and hold member chapters accountable to the IFC Code of Conduct and other governing documents;
Develop policies and procedures to provide safe and healthy membership experiences;
Develop policies and procedures to provide safe and healthy social experiences;
Promote the interests of its member chapters;
Promote the interests of men’s fraternities in general;
Discuss questions of mutual interest and present to its member chapters such recommendations as the IFC deems appropriate;
Promote the interests of Ohio University;
Promote mutual cooperation between its member chapters;
Promote mutual cooperation between the IFC, fellow governing councils, and student organizations at Ohio University; and
Promote mutual cooperation between the IFC and Ohio University, its students, faculty, staff, and local community.

ARTICLE III – IFC MEMBERSHIP

Section I. Membership Eligibility

Membership in the IFC is open to chapters and provisional chapters of fraternities at Ohio University, as follows:
Any chapter or provisional chapter of a North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) member organization shall hold membership in the IFC.
Any chapter or provisional chapter of a local, state, regional, or (inter)national fraternity that follows NIC Standards, which is not a member of the NIC, may hold membership in the IFC.
Membership is excluded from the following:
1. All honorary, professional, service, and women’s fraternities shall be excluded from membership in the IFC.
The IFC will not recognize chapters that have been suspended or have had the charter revoked by the (inter)national organization.
The IFC will not recognize chapters that are not recognized by Ohio University.

Section II. Membership Classification for Member Chapters

The membership classification of member chapters shall be as follows

Full Member: Any fraternity chapter which has obtained its charter from its (inter)national organization, or any local fraternity chapter. Full membership in the IFC is limited to those fraternities (including non-NIC organizations), who have adopted all NIC Standards, are affiliated with an (inter)national organization, and are men’s fraternities.
Provisional Member: Any fraternity may be granted this membership status if the organization does not meet the above criteria.
Only members from Full IFC member organizations are permitted to serve as IFC President.

For the purpose of this Constitution and the IFC Bylaws, both Full Members and Provisional Members are referred to as member chapters.

Section III. Member Chapter Minimum Expectations

Each member chapter shall adhere to and abide by the following minimum expectations:

Each member chapter shall comply with all policies set forth by:
The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).
The IFC Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and other policies.
The general values-based conduct of fraternity men.
Each member chapter shall maintain a minimum chapter annual cumulative GPA of 2.70.
Each member chapter shall be current on all IFC dues owed.
Each member chapter shall comply with the attendance policies for the IFC General Body and the IFC Judicial Board, as outlined within this Constitution.
Each chapter will collect and submit accurate information for End of Semester Reporting purposes, including academic information, service hours completed, and philanthropy dollars raised.

A member chapter which has failed to meet any of the minimum expectations outlined in this Section shall be referred to the IFC Vice President for potential judicial review.

Section IV. Membership Status for Member Chapters

The membership status of member chapters shall be as follows:

Good Standing: A member chapter shall be deemed to be in Good Standing if the member chapter is not currently operating under Non-Status Sanctions or Status Sanctions, as defined within the IFC Bylaws, and is currently meeting the minimum expectations outlined in Section II of this Article.
Poor Standing: A member chapter shall be deemed to be in Poor Standing if the member chapter has been placed under Suspension by the IFC or has currently failed to meet the minimum expectations outlined in Section II of this Article.

Section V. Individual Member Definitions

For the purpose of this Constitution and Bylaws, and with an understanding that each member chapter may have its own terminology for internal use, individuals will be defined as follows:

Initiated Member: An Initiated Member shall be defined as any man who has been initiated into any fraternity at Ohio University.
New Member: A New Member shall be defined as any man who has accepted a bid to join a fraternity at Ohio University, but has not been initiated into that fraternity.
Potential New Member: A Potential New Member shall be defined as any man who has not accepted a bid from any fraternity at Ohio University.

Section VI. IFC Affirmation and Adoption of NIC Standards

The member fraternities of the NIC have passed minimum standards for all NIC member fraternities. These do not preclude the IFC or member chapters from adopting higher or additional standards. The IFC can amend its Constitution and Bylaws, adopt policies and pass resolutions, so long as those do not conflict with Ohio University policies and existing NIC Standards established to improve all facets of the fraternity experience.

The IFC will pay annual dues to the NIC and affirms and adopts the NIC Standards, and each member chapter shall be required to meet the following in order to maintain IFC membership:

Each member chapter and the IFC shall support student choice
1. Any male student should be free to join a fraternity when he determines it is in his best interest to do so.
2. All fraternities should be free to determine when they wish to extend an invitation to join to a male student.
3. Each member chapter shall only offer bids to join the fraternity to Potential New Members who meet the following academic requirement:
  1. For a Potential New Member who has yet to establish a collegiate grade point average, a minimum high school grade point average of 2.50 is required.
  2. For a Potential New Member who has an established collegiate grade point average, a minimum collegiate grade point average of 2.50 is required.
Each member chapter shall maintain a semester grade point average of a 2.70 or be at/or above the institution’s all-men’s grade point average if that grade point average is below a 2.70.
Each member chapter shall have New Member education programs lasting no longer than eight weeks.
Each member chapter shall prohibit women’s auxiliary groups, such as “little sisters.”
Each member chapter shall have and follow risk management policies covering the following areas:
1. Alcohol and Drugs
2. Hazing
3. Sexual Violence
4. Fire, Health and Safety
Each member chapter shall support responsible growth, which recognizes:
1. Recognition by the IFC and university are two distinct processes. The IFC cannot recognize any NIC member fraternity that has not received recognition from Ohio University via the Sorority and Fraternity Life Committee.
2. Accordingly, all IFC member chapters shall support the responsible growth of other NIC fraternities provided that each organization:
  1. Pro-actively communicates in good faith.
  2. Considers any available readiness assessment, utilizing metrics determined in conjunction with the NIC.
  3. Does not have any outstanding, documented health and safety violations.
Upon completion of these above mentioned responsible growth expectations:
1. Any NIC member fraternity, upon expressing interest to establish a chapter, must be given a time by the IFC for the expansion to occur. The IFC can determine the best academic term for the expansion, but the expansion must occur within a four-year period from when the IFC is first notified of interest by the NIC member fraternity.
2. NIC member fraternity with an interest group already formed will be granted IFC recognition as long as there has been approval granted from 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.
4. Full membership in the IFC is limited to those fraternities (including non-NIC organizations), who have adopted all NIC Standards, are affiliated with an (inter)national organization, and are men’s fraternities. Provisional membership may be granted to organizations that do not meet the above criteria.
Each member chapter shall support open recruitment, which is defined as the ability of each member chapter to recruit for membership any male who meets the minimum grade point average requirement for joining, while member chapters are in regular operations and operating in accordance with agreed upon IFC recruitment guidelines.
Each member chapter shall prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs by all Initiated Members, New Members, and Potential New Members during all recruitment activities including, but not limited to bid day events, big brother events and initiation-related activities.
Each member chapter shall prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs by all Initiated Members and New Members during all New Member educational programming/orientation activities.
Each member chapter shall adopt a statement in support of environments that are free of hazing and sexual misconduct, as defined by their (inter)national organization, within all aspects of formal and informal chapter operations.
The IFC and each of its member chapters must carry sufficient liability insurance coverage.

ARTICLE IV – IFC GENERAL BODY

Section I. IFC General Body

The powers of the IFC shall be vested in the IFC General Body. The IFC General Body shall be the governing legislative body responsible for the general policies of the IFC, for electing its Executive Board, and for instructing its Executive Board as to the activities and operations of the IFC. All such activities shall respect the individual sovereignty and chapter rights of each member chapter and shall not relinquish any governance authority to any other governing body.

Section II. IFC General Body Composition

The IFC General Body shall be composed of voting IFC Representatives, consisting of one delegate per member chapter.

Section III. IFC Representatives

Each member chapter shall have one IFC Representative, who serves on the IFC General Body.

Section IV. IFC Alternate Representatives

Each member chapter may also choose an IFC Alternate Representative who shall represent that member chapter in the IFC General Body in the absence of its IFC Representative.

Section V. IFC Representative and Alternate Representative Eligibility

In order to serve as the IFC Representative or Alternate Representative, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Be an Initiated Member or New Member in good standing of a member chapter.
Maintain good academic standing with Ohio University.
Be devoted to the general ideals and principles of fraternity life and conduct himself in a professional manner consistent with the Mission and Purpose of the IFC, as defined within this Constitution.
Have a working knowledge of the IFC Constitution and Bylaws, Ohio University policies, NIC Standards, and NIC Alcohol & Drug Guidelines.
Not be a current member of the IFC Executive Board or currently serve as his member chapter’s IFC Judicial Board Justice.

Section VI. Term of Office of IFC Representatives

The term of office for IFC Representatives shall be until their graduation, resignation, or replacement under the procedures determined by each member chapter; or upon his election to serve on the IFC Executive Board or as his member chapter’s IFC Justice for the IFC Judicial Board.

Section VII. IFC General Body Meeting Policies

The IFC General Body shall conduct its meetings according to the following requirements:

The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used to run all meetings.
A majority of member chapters present shall constitute a quorum in order to conduct IFC General Body business.
The IFC General Body shall conduct regularly scheduled business meetings at least twice a month during the academic year.
Special meetings may be called by the IFC President at any time or at the request of two member chapters, with notice of the time, location, and purpose of the special meeting provided to all member chapters at least 72 hours in advance.
Each member chapter’s IFC Representative or Alternate Representative is required to attend all meetings of the IFC. More than two absences per academic year shall result in the member chapter being referred to the IFC Vice President for potential judicial review.

Section VIII. IFC General Body Voting Policies

The IFC General Body shall operate utilizing the following voting policies:

Each member chapter, in good standing, shall have one vote.
Individuals holding IFC Executive Board positions are not entitled to a vote.
In the event of a tie, the IFC Vice President shall cast the deciding vote.
With the exception of the election of IFC Executive Board positions, there shall be no secret ballot votes.

ARTICLE V – IFC EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section I. IFC Executive Board

The IFC Executive Board shall be responsible for carrying out the purpose and policies of the IFC and for its day-to-day operations and activities, as directed by the IFC General Body.

Section II. IFC Executive Board Composition

The IFC Executive Board shall be composed of the following positions with duties and responsibilities outlined within the IFC Bylaws:

President
Vice President
Vice President of Recruitment
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Vice President of Member Development
Vice President of Public Relations

Section III. IFC Executive Board Eligibility

In order to be elected and serve as a member of the IFC Executive Board, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Be an Initiated Member or New Member in good standing of a member chapter.
Maintain good academic standing with Ohio University.
Be devoted to the general ideals and principles of fraternity life and conduct himself in a professional manner consistent with the Mission and Purpose of the IFC, as defined within this Constitution.
Have a working knowledge of the IFC Constitution and Bylaws, Ohio University policies, NIC Standards, and NIC Alcohol & Drug Guidelines.
Not be his member chapter’s IFC Representative, Alternate Representative, or IFC Judicial Board Justice.
In accordance with Ohio University’s Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, they shall plan to attend all appropriate IFC officer training, including but not limited to, PRIME, IFC Academy, AFLV Central, officer transition meetings, and officer retreats.

Section IV. IFC Executive Board Meeting Policies

The IFC Executive Board shall conduct its meetings according to the following requirements:

The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used to run all meetings.
A majority of IFC Executive Board members present shall constitute a quorum in order to conduct IFC Executive Board business.
The IFC Executive Board shall conduct regularly scheduled meetings on a weekly basis.
Special meetings may be called by the IFC President with notice of the time, location, and purpose of the special meeting provided to each IFC Executive Board member at least 48 hours in advance.
Each IFC Executive Board member is required to attend all meetings of the IFC Executive Board and all meetings of the IFC General Body. Absences without cause may result in removal from office.

Section V. IFC Executive Board Voting Policies

The IFC Executive Board shall operate utilizing the following voting policies during IFC Executive Board meetings:

Each IFC Executive Board member shall have one vote.
The IFC President should refrain from casting his vote except in the event of a tie. In such instances, the IFC President shall cast the deciding vote.
There shall be no secret ballot votes.

Section VI. IFC Executive Board Election Policies

The following policies and procedures shall be utilized for the election and removal of IFC Executive Board officers:

Applications for IFC Executive Board positions shall open three weeks prior to the election.
Elections of IFC Executive Board officers shall take place by the first full week of November.
Each IFC Executive Board officer shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the IFC General Body.
Any individual serving in an IFC Executive Board position may be removed from his position by a 2/3 affirmative vote of the IFC General Body.
Should a vacancy occur in the IFC Executive Board, a special election shall be held within two meetings after the vacancy was created.

Section VII. IFC Executive Board Installation

IFC Executive Board members-elect shall be installed at the last General Body meeting of the fall semester, following their election, or at the Council Leadership Retreat. Executive Board member terms of office will begin following their installation and conclude upon the election and installation of a new Executive Board at the conclusion of the following fall semester. Should a position remain vacant after elections or due to resignation or removal, that officer will be installed at the next General Body.

Section VIII. Report of IFC Officers

A report of any newly elected or appointed IFC Executive Board officers shall be submitted to the NIC within one week of the election or appointment.

ARTICLE VI – IFC JUDICIAL BOARD

Section I. IFC Judicial Board Jurisdiction

To address issues and solve problems before others must intervene, the IFC must have a robust peer governance process that addresses violations of IFC policies and NIC Standards. The IFC shall be a self-governing organization with an independent Judicial Board which shall have jurisdiction over cases involving alleged member chapter violations, including but not limited to:

The authority of the IFC to hold member chapters accountable to the IFC Constitution, Bylaws, IFC Code of Conduct, and other policies is separate and independent from any university expectations or process related to the Student Code of Conduct.
The IFC will adopt a Code of Conduct for IFC member chapters. This shall reflect the responsibilities and rights of fraternity membership, NIC Standards and recommended practices.
The IFC will establish a Judicial Board with representation from IFC member chapters. The IFC will work with entities on campus to provide annual training to the Judicial Board on due process, standard of proof, and educational sanctioning.
The IFC Judicial Board shall defer to the university to investigate and adjudicate hazing and sexual misconduct allegations, or any other allegation that is being investigated and/or adjudicated through the university’s conduct process.
In all other instances, the IFC Judicial Board has the autonomy and responsibility to adjudicate chapter-level violations of the IFC Constitution, bylaws, and other policies and establish educational sanctions, provided:
1. Basic due process protections have been provided for the accused chapter.
2. Sanctions are punitive and/or educational (but not solely punitive or financial), and do not restrict chapter rights or student choice.
3. An appeal process is available.
The Judicial Board shall inform the (inter)national organization of any charges in advance of a hearing and work collaboratively with the (inter)national organization and university only when adjudicating a potential violation that may result in suspension/loss of recognition from the IFC for the member chapter.
The IFC will not issue blanket sanctions for chapters that have not been found responsible for policy violations (i.e. system-wide ban on activities). An exception may be made for health and safety concerns with restrictions limited to events with alcohol, provided the exception is for a defined period of no more than 30 days. Within those 30 days a specific plan must be presented to lift the restriction in accordance with powers enumerated in the IFC Constitution and Bylaws.
The IFC will honor and follow all organizational return agreements negotiated as part of a university or IFC conduct process. As the return has already been negotiated and agreed to, any organization returning to campus based on such agreement shall not be required to participate in any IFC/campus expansion process.

Section II. IFC Judicial Board Composition

The IFC Judicial Board shall be composed of one IFC Justice from each member chapter, chosen by that member chapter, and shall be chaired by the IFC Vice President.

Section III. IFC Justice Eligibility

In order to serve as the IFC Justice for a member chapter on the IFC Judicial Board, an individual must meet the following requirements:

Be an Initiated Member or New Member, in good standing, of an IFC member chapter.
Maintain good academic standing with the institution.
Be devoted to the general ideals and principles of fraternity life and conduct himself in a professional manner consistent with the Mission and Purpose of the IFC, as defined within this Constitution.
Have a working knowledge of the IFC Constitution and Bylaws, Ohio University policies, NIC Standards, and NIC Alcohol & Drug Guidelines.
Not be a current member of the IFC Executive Board.
Not be his member chapter’s President, IFC Representative, or Alternate Representative for the IFC General Body.
Must complete formal judicial policies and procedures training prior to serving on an IFC Judicial Board hearing.

Section IV. Term of Office of IFC Justices

The term of office for IFC Justices shall follow that of IFC Executive Board members or until their graduation, resignation, or replacement under the procedures determined by each member chapter; or upon his election to serve on the IFC Executive Board or as his member chapter’s President, IFC Representative, or Alternate Representative for the IFC General Body.

Section V. IFC Judicial Policy

The Judicial Board shall perform all duties and be subject to all regulations contained within the IFC Judicial Policy in the Bylaws.

Section VI. IFC Judicial Board Hearing Justice Selection

The IFC Vice President will select five (5) Judicial Board justices, as predetermined by an alphabetical rotation of the member chapters and their availability, to hear a case. In the event the IFC Judicial Board rotation for service on a Judicial Board hearing falls upon an IFC Justice whose member chapter is involved in the alleged violation, the rotation will skip to the next member chapter in the alphabetical rotation.

Section VII. IFC Judicial Board Hearing Attendance

All IFC Judicial Board hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the following requirements:

All IFC Justices assigned to an IFC Judicial Board hearing shall be present in order to conduct business on behalf of the IFC Judicial Board.
Each IFC Justice assigned to an IFC Judicial Board hearing is required to attend the hearing. Failure of an IFC Justice to attend an IFC Judicial Board hearing for which he was assigned shall result in his member chapter being referred to the IFC Vice President for potential judicial review.

Section VIII. IFC Judicial Board Hearing Voting Policies

All IFC Judicial Board hearings shall operate utilizing the following voting policies:

Each IFC Justice serving on an IFC Judicial Board hearing shall have one vote.
A majority vote shall govern all actions of an IFC Judicial Board.

ARTICLE VII – IFC COMMITTEES

Section I. Standing Committees

The IFC shall have the following standing committees when necessary, which shall be chaired by an assigned member of the IFC Executive Board:

Recruitment Committee
Finance Committee
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Scholarship Committee
Member Development Committee
Community Relations Committee

Section II. Ad Hoc Committees

The IFC Executive Board or the IFC President may form ad hoc committees, as deemed necessary, to perform the work of the IFC. The IFC President shall appoint the ad hoc committee chairman and committee members with the concurrence of the IFC Executive Board.

Section III. IFC Committee Meeting Policies

All committees of the IFC shall conduct its meetings according to the following requirements:

The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used to run all meetings.
A majority of committee members present shall constitute a quorum in order to conduct committee business.
Each committee shall meet as called by its committee chair.

ARTICLE VIII – CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Section I. Constitutional Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the IFC General Body provided notice of the proposed amendment has been provided to member chapters at the preceding regularly scheduled business meeting of the IFC General Body.

Section II. Adoption

This Constitution shall become effective and shall supersede all previous Constitutions of the IFC when adopted by a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the IFC General Body.

BYLAWS OF THE INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL

OHIO UNIVERSITY

ARTICLE I – ROLE OF THE IFC REPRESENTATIVE

Section I. IFC Representative

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

Serve as a representative and voice for his member chapter’s concerns regarding the fraternity community.
Represent the larger fraternity community’s interests.
Inform his member chapter of the actions, discussions, and workings of the IFC General Body.
Serve as a liaison between the IFC General Body and his respective member chapter.
Serve as an initiated member of IFC Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees, as necessary.
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:

Provide guidance and focus to the efforts of the General Body and Executive Board.
Preside over all meetings of the General Body and Executive Board.
Cast the final vote in the event of an Executive Board Meeting tie.
Build rapport and establish positive working relationships between IFC and member chapter leaders.
Serve as the official spokesperson for the fraternity community.
Establish positive working relationships with campus and local law enforcement agencies.
Regularly interact with the leaders of other governing councils and campus organizations.
Establish a working relationship with key college administrators.
Establish a working relationship with and communicate campus data, issues, and trends in a timely manner to the NIC.
Maintain current information for accurate member chapter rosters.
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:

Serve as chair of the IFC Judicial Board and serve as the non-voting Chief Justice of all IFC Judicial Board hearings.
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.
Ensure proper filing and preparation for all judicial actions.
Conduct judicial policy and procedures training for new IFC Judicial Board justices.
Ensure compliance with all IFC judicial action imposed upon a member chapter.
Assist in conflict mediation between member chapters.
Educate member chapters on the NIC Health and Safety Guidelines, the IFC Constitution and Bylaws, judicial processes, and risk management policies annually.
Assist member chapters in the implementation of and compliance with the NIC Alcohol & Drug Guidelines.
Review all IFC governance documents, at least annually.
Establish a strategic communication plan for the IFC and its member chapters that addresses protocols for crisis response.
Coordinate Health and Safety efforts with other councils and stakeholders.
Provide support to chapter Risk Management and Health and Safety Officers.
Serve as the acting Interfraternity Council President in the absence of the Interfraternity Council President.
Shall only cast a vote in the IFC General Body Meetings in the event of a tie.
Other duties as assigned by the Interfraternity Council President, Interfraternity Council Advisor, and/or SFL Staff.

Section III. IFC Vice President of Recruitment

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

Work with member chapters to establish a recruitment process that meets the needs of chapters and potential new members, as well as provide opportunities for interested men to learn about the fraternity experience.
Will focus on fostering interest in joining fraternities and marketing the fraternity experience to incoming students and potential new members.
Serve as chair of the IFC Recruitment Committee, as necessary.
Utilize technology (social media, etc.) in recruitment and marketing efforts.
Produce and distribute promotional materials to all eligible students.
Maintain an interest list of Potential New Members and appropriately share this list with chapters.
Uphold the Interfraternity Council Recruitment Policy and report any violations of the policy to the Interfraternity Council Vice President.
Ensure all Member Fraternities and New Members are submitting appropriate documentation per the Interfraternity Council Recruitment Policy.
Provide advice and support to member chapter recruitment officers.
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:

Serve as chair of the IFC Finance Committee, as necessary.
Supervise the annual budget process.
Distribute invoices and collect IFC member chapter dues or other assessments as needed.
Maintain accurate records throughout the year through invoicing and receipts.
Review and approve all IFC Expenditure Request Forms and IFC Reimbursement Request Forms.
Make all disbursements with a cosigner.
Prepare financial statements monthly and at the end of each term for distribution to all member chapters.
Make bank deposits when necessary and in a timely manner.
Provide advice and support to member chapter financial officers.
Submit past-due invoices to the Interfraternity Council Vice President for review.
Serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Interfraternity Council at Ohio University.
Maintain regular communication with Interfraternity Council Delegates.
Maintain the schedule of the Interfraternity Council at Ohio University, including scheduling meetings.
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.
Call roll at all Interfraternity Council events requiring attendance of Member Fraternities.
Draft agendas for all Interfraternity Council General Body Meetings.
Serve as the Parliamentarian over the Interfraternity Council General Body and Interfraternity Council Executive Board.
Take meeting minutes during all Interfraternity Council General Body and Interfraternity Council Executive Board Meetings.
Distribute minutes to all Member Fraternities after Interfraternity Council General Body Meetings.
Distribute minutes to all Interfraternity Council Executive Board Members after Interfraternity Council Executive Board Meetings.
Monitor the Interfraternity Council BobcatConnect and report any form submissions to the Interfraternity Council Executive Board for review.
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:

Develop best practices for new member and member education programs for member chapters.
Collect and report new member retention, academic, and involvement statistics.
Organize, develop, and implement a new member orientation program.
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.
Coordinate diversity and inclusion programming for member chapters.
Promote inclusion within member chapters in order to make the fraternity community more welcoming and inclusive to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Collect and distribute information about campus diversity and inclusion programming and resources.
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.
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.
Publish important educational programming and academic dates and deadlines.
Build and maintain relationships with faculty, academic offices, and/or departments that support diversity and inclusion and academic success.
Provide advice and support to member chapter new member education officers, programming officers, and scholarship officers.
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:

Establish a strategic communication plan for the IFC and its member chapters that addresses protocols for social media, marketing and media engagement.
Develop service projects and philanthropic events for member chapters.
Collect and report member chapter community service hours, philanthropic dollars, and activities.
Collect and disseminate information on the fraternity community to all campus and community media sources.
Keep the media informed on upcoming events or potential news.
Establish a positive working relationship with external constituents.
Assist in the development of various IFC publications and outreach programs.
Provide advice and support to member chapter community service/philanthropy officers and social media officers.
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:

Serve as an impartial justice, as called, on IFC Judicial Board hearings.
To uphold:
1. the IFC Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and policies;
2. the rules and regulations of Ohio University.
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

The IFC Finance Committee shall assist the IFC Vice President of Finance and Administration in the development of IFC fiscal policies, annual budgets, and programs that assist member chapters’ financial officers. The Committee shall also review and/or propose changes to the IFC dues structure.

Section III. IFC Diversity and Inclusion Committee

The IFC Diversity and Inclusion Committee shall assist the IFC Vice President of Member Development in the development and proposal of recommended diversity and inclusion educational programming for the IFC and its member chapters.

Section IV. IFC Scholarship Committee

The IFC Scholarship Committee shall assist the IFC Vice President of Member Development in the development and implementation of activities, programs, and resources that promote academic achievement within its member chapters.

Section V. IFC Member Development Committee

The IFC Member Development Committee shall assist the IFC Vice President of Member Development in the development and implementation of activities, programs, and resources for continuing and new member development covering topics such as alcohol consumption, career preparation, civic engagement, hazing, leadership development, sexual assault/abuse, and values and ethics.

Section VI. IFC Community Relations Committee

The IFC Community Relations Committee shall assist the IFC Vice President of Public Relations in the development and implementation of activities, programs, and resources that promote the fraternity community and the encouragement of member chapter involvement in service and philanthropic endeavors that enhance the reputation of the fraternity community at Ohio University.

ARTICLE V – ROLE OF THE IFC ADVISOR

Section I. IFC Advisor

The IFC Advisor should work to support all NIC Standards, policies, and practices. In addition, in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for Fraternity and Sorority Advising Programs of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), the duties and responsibilities of the IFC Advisor are as follows:

Advise the IFC and its member chapters.
Advise and consult with the IFC Judicial Board on all conduct cases.
Advise financial processes.
Coordinate life safety, facility management, and risk management programs in conjunction with local agencies.
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
Monitor membership and academic retention by member chapters and the entire community for purposes of improving academic support and recommending intervention strategies.
Gather and disseminate information via meetings, websites, newsletters, social media venues, and/or information bulletins to the various entities in fraternity life.
Provide assistance and advice in planning and assessing IFC and member chapter programs.
Organize and facilitate leadership programs, retreats, and workshops.
Connect the Members and New Members of member chapters to leadership opportunities across campus, in the local community, and within their inter/national organizations.
Publish or share documents that focus on current events, leadership opportunities, trends, and other information regarding fraternity life.
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):

The all-university, all-men’s, all-fraternity, and individual member chapter grade point averages, reported each term.
The total number of men who pledged all member chapters during each academic year.
The total number of men who were initiated in all member chapters during each academic year.
The percentage of fraternity men compared to the total number of all men enrolled at Ohio University during each academic year.
The total number of chapters and colonies opened and closed during each academic year.
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

IFC funds are under the jurisdiction of the IFC member chapters and shall only be used in a manner that benefits the fraternity community and that is congruent with the values of fraternity life. IFC funds shall not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Section V. Expenditure Approval

The IFC President and the IFC Vice President of Finance and Administration shall approve all budgetary expenditures. Requests for budgetary expenditures shall be made via email. All expenditure requests shall be submitted at least one week prior to the date of the requested disbursement.

Section VI. Requests for Reimbursement

Individuals or member chapters conducting business on behalf of the IFC may request a reimbursement for their expenses via email. All reimbursement requests shall be submitted within two weeks of the purchase and are subject to the approval of the IFC President and IFC Vice President of Finance.

Section VII. Signature Requirements for Financial Accounts and Transactions

The signature of both the IFC President and IFC Vice President of Finance and Administration shall be required on all IFC financial accounts and transactions.

Section VIII. Financial Reporting

The IFC Vice President of Finance and Administration shall provide a financial report to the IFC General Body on a monthly basis including all income and expenses during the given period of time and in relation to the overall budget for each line item.

Section IX. Financial Record Keeping

The IFC Vice President of Finance and Administration shall maintain accurate and organized financial records consisting of all receipts and invoices, copies of all monetary disbursements and deposits, IFC financial forms and reports, actual dues levied, canceled checks, ledgers, and journals.

ARTICLE VII – MEMBER CHAPTER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Section I. IFC Member Chapter Dues

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

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:

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.
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.
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 fine ($25 for the first day its late + $10 each additional day its late) 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:

We will know and understand the ideals expressed in our fraternity Rituals and will strive to incorporate them in our daily lives.
We will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.
We will respect the dignity of all persons; therefore, we will not physically, mentally, psychologically, or sexually abuse or harm any human being.
We will protect the health and safety of all human beings.
We will respect our property and the property of others; therefore, we will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of property.
We will meet our financial obligations in a timely manner.
We will neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs; we will neither misuse nor support the misuse of alcohol.
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

The IFC at Ohio University will follow all regulations, policies, and definitions as designated in Ohio University Policy 23.010 regarding hazing.
According to Ohio University Policy 23.010, hazing includes, but is not limited to:
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.
Brutality of a physical nature including but not limited to paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, or exposure to the elements.
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.
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").
Coerced activities, including but not limited to violation of local, state, or federal laws, violation of university policies, rules, or regulations, and personal servitude.
Acts of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, or stalking, as defined by Ohio University Policy 03.004.

Section III. Hazing Prevention and Mandatory Training

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

The IFC Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and policies;
The rules and regulations of Ohio University; and
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:

Right to be notified, in writing, of all charges, as outlined in the Bylaws;
Right to present a defense, including the calling of witnesses;
Right to question witnesses;
Right to be accompanied by an advisor for advisory purposes only, but not for representation;
Right to be notified, in writing, of all findings and sanctions imposed, as outlined in the Bylaws;
Right to appeal the decision, as outlined in the Bylaws.
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:

Date, time, and location of their Informal Resolution Hearing;
Description of the alleged violation; and
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.

If the charged member chapter rejects the offer of an Informal Resolution Hearing or the resolution, a Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing will be convened to hear the case.

Section VII. Prohibited Sanctions for Informal Resolution Hearing

The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall not recommend suspension or loss of IFC recognition through an Informal Resolution Hearing. Should the IFC Vice President believe suspension or loss of IFC recognition is warranted, the case shall automatically be referred to a formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing.

Section VIII. Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing

If:

The charged member chapter rejects having an Informal Resolution Hearing;
The charged member chapter rejects the findings and/or sanctions of the Informal Resolution Hearing
The IFC Vice President determines the allegation is egregious enough to warrant potential suspension or loss of IFC recognition; or
The IFC Vice President chose not to offer an Informal Resolution Hearing;

The IFC Vice President shall convene a Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing.

The IFC Vice President will select five (5) Judicial Board justices, as predetermined by an alphabetical rotation of the member chapters and based upon their availability, to hear the case. In the event the IFC Judicial Board rotation for service in a hearing falls upon an IFC Justice whose member chapter is involved in the alleged violation, the rotation will skip to the next member chapter in the alphabetical rotation.

The IFC Vice President shall serve as a non-voting Chief Justice and preside over all formal Judicial Board hearings.

Section IX. Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing Proceedings

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

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.
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.
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:
Charged member chapter may ask questions;
IFC Justices may ask questions;
Presentation of charged member chapter:
IFC Justices may ask questions;
Calling of Witnesses
Charged member chapter may ask questions;
IFC Justices may ask questions;
Charged member chapter may give final statement;
IFC Justices deliberate in closed session to determine findings of responsibility and if necessary, appropriate sanction(s).

Section X. Conflicts of Interest

In the event the IFC Vice President’s member chapter is involved in the alleged violation, the highest ranking IFC Executive Board officer, starting with the IFC President, as listed in Article V, Section II of the IFC Constitution, shall serve in his stead.

Section XI. Prohibition on Recruitment Restrictions as a Sanction

The IFC Judicial Board may impose educational and punitive sanctions, as prescribed in the IFC Bylaws, but under no circumstances may it prohibit a Member Fraternity’s ability to recruit.

Section XII. System Wide Actions

The IFC will not issue blanket sanctions for chapters that have not been found responsible for policy violations (i.e. system-wide ban on activities). An exception may be made for health and safety concerns with restrictions limited to events with alcohol, provided the exception is for a defined period of no more than 30 days. Within those 30 days a specific plan must be presented to lift the restriction in accordance with powers enumerated in the IFC Constitution and Bylaws.

Section XIII. Non-Status Sanctions

The IFC Judicial Board may impose sanctions that are punitive and/or educational, but not solely financial and do not restrict recruitment. The following are sanctions that may be imposed by the IFC Judicial Board and/or IFC Vice President (including, but not limited to):

Letter of apology
Fines
Restitution
Educational programming
Public service to the campus or community
Meetings with campus office/departments
Loss of social event and/or campus event privileges
Loss of eligibility for IFC Awards
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:

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

Error in the charge and/or Judicial Board Hearing process that materially affected the outcome.
The severity of the sanction did not match the severity of the violation.
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:

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

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.
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.
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.
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:

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

Section V. Member Fraternity Recruitment

Each Member Fraternity shall develop recruitment events, materials, and activities that are:

Values-based;
Alcohol-free and illegal substance-free;
Generally in good taste;
Not derogatory, degrading, or slanderous; and
In support of the National Panhellenic Conference’s Unanimous Agreement X that supports each College Panhellenic denouncing the participation of undergraduate Panhellenic women in men’s recruitment.

Section VI. Bidding

Each Member Fraternity shall reserve the right to extend or retract a bid utilizing a process and timeline as determined by that Member Fraternity.

Each Potential New Member shall reserve the right to accept or decline any bid at any time without any penalty or pressure placed upon the Potential New Member.

Section VII. Report of New Members

Each Member Fraternity shall submit a New Member Roster to the IFC Vice President of Recruitment and the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life within one week of pledging any New Member.

Section VIII. New Member Disassociation / De-pledging

A New Member shall reserve the right to disassociate / de-pledge from the new member process of any Member Fraternity at any time and may accept a bid from another Member Fraternity at any time following that disassociation / de-pledging.

Each Member Fraternity shall submit an updated New Member Roster to the IFC Vice President of Recruitment within one week of any New Member disassociating / de-pledging.

Section IX. Comity

No Member Fraternity shall initiate communication with a New Member or Member of another Member Fraternity about disassociation / de-pledging in order to become a New Member or Member of their own Member Fraternity.

ARTICLE XII – PUBLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Section I. Publication and Distribution of Constitution and Bylaws

The IFC’s current Constitution and Bylaws shall be available published on the Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life web page and upon request via email.

An updated copy of the IFC Constitution and Bylaws will be electronically distributed to each Member Fraternity and the NIC after any amendment is adopted.

ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS

Section I. Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the IFC General Body provided notice of the proposed amendment has been provided to Member Fraternities at the preceding regularly scheduled business meeting.

Section II. Adoption

These Bylaws shall become effective and shall supersede all previous Bylaws of the IFC when adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the IFC General Body.