NPHC Constitution & Bylaws

OHIO UNIVERSITY NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS 

CONSTITUTION 

PREAMBLE 

We, the representatives of historically Black fraternities and sororities, similar in structure and background at the OHIO University, recognize the need for coordination and cooperation in activities of intercollegiate Greek letter fraternities and sororities.  Recognizing that there are certain areas of action and programming that can be best carried out by joint efforts of all such organizations and believing that these needs can be best realized by formal organization do hereby establish this entity and bind ourselves to abide by the provisions of the following constitution and bylaws. 

ARTICLE I – NAME 

The name of this organization shall be the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. of the OHIO University.  Hereafter referred to as the NPHC. 

ARTICLE II – GOALS 

The goals of the NPHC include: 

1. Promote superior standards of scholarship, service, and leadership.  

2. Create a harmonious working relationship amongst our member organizations 

3. Preserve the cultural heritage of the historically Black Greek organizations 

4. Provide programs designed to enhance the social, cultural, and educational life of the campus minority community 

5. Act in accordance with The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., and the OHIO University rules and policies 

6. Act upon matters of mutual concern to the member organizations 

7. Foster an understanding of the structure and method of operation among the member organizations 

8. Support Greek Unity in the effort to coordinate and plan all-Greek programs and to foster ongoing communication between the four governing councils in the OHIO sorority and fraternity community 

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1. Membership in NPHC shall be limited to the organizations that are members of the national body of National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. They include,   

1. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

2. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

3. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

4. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

5. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. 

6. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 

7. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 

8. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and  

9. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 

Section 2. All member organizations must be in good standing with Ohio University and maintain a signed Community Standards Agreement. 

Section 3. In keeping with Ohio’s policy of nondiscrimination, our organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, veteran status and physical or mental ability or disability 

Section 4. Ohio University Non-Hazing Statement - Hazing is a broad term that means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any other person it encompasses any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person who inflicts or intends to cause mental or bodily harm or anxieties; or which may demean, degrade, or disgrace any person. Hazing is against the law in the State of Ohio (Ohio Revised Code, Section 2903.31). 

The Ohio University Student Code of Conduct defines hazing as a Code A offense as stipulated under Section 3, Mental and Bodily Harm. 

The Office of Sorority and Fraternity life requires all chapters to sign a Non-Hazing agreement form each semester the chapter recruits new members. 

Mental and Bodily Harm: Intentionally inflicting mental or bodily harm upon any person. Taking any action for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm. Taking any reckless, but not accidental, action from which mental or bodily harm could result to any person.Causing a person to believe that the offender may cause mental or bodily harm. 

Hazing. Violations of Code A offenses may result in sanctions of suspension or expulsion of the individual or organization from the University. 

Hazing Prevention: Per Ohio University Guidelines (Section 23.010), the National Pan-Hellenic Council recognizes all hazing prevention efforts and requires all student organization members to complete learning modules that educate members of the Ohio University community on what hazing is, how to recognize hazing, and how to address and prevent it. Per the guideline, all students must complete this training to participate in any student organization, and if training is not complete, the student may not partake in any activities within their respective organization and may be referred to the community standards process. Additional information on Ohio University’s hazing policies can be found at https://www.ohio.edu/policy/23-010. 

ARTICLE IV – STRUCTURE 

Section 1. There shall be an Executive Board for the NPHC, unless there is a total number of 15 or less active members on campus, the Council of Presidents will serve as the programming board of the executive board of NPHC. 

Section 1. President 

1. Serve as chairperson of the Executive Board. 

2. Preside at all meetings of the Executive Board and the Council of Presidents 

3. Serve as ex-officio member of all committees 

4. Review all requisitions for budgeted funds 

5. Vote in case of a tie 

6. Serve as the official spokesperson for NPHC 

7. Maintain a complete and up-to-date President’s file 

8. Serve as chairperson of the Judicial Board 

9. Serve on University committees as the official representative for NPHC, unless otherwise  

10. Shall coordinate and approve member organizations’ programming schedules to ensure compliance and fairness. 

11. Perform all additional duties to this office as deemed by the Executive Board 

Section 2. Vice President 

1. Assist the President in the performance of their duties 

2. Preside over Council of Presidents meetings and Executive Board meetings in the President’s absence  

3. Coordinate activities assigned by the President 

4. Responsible for the planning and oversight of the annual yard show and/or step show. 

5. Coordinate representatives from NPHC to attend Greek-related activities 

6. Coordinate preparation and activities for summer orientation/resource fairs 

7. Perform all additional duties pertaining to this office as deemed by the Executive Board 

Section 3. Vice President for External Affairs 

1. Assist the President in the performance of their duties 

2. Perform all additional duties pertaining to this office as deemed by the Executive Board 

3. Represent NPHC is all external Fraternity and Sorority Life Committees 

4. Serve as the NPHC liaison for Homecoming Week and Greek Week Planning 

5. Serve as the primary contact person for all collaborative programming and activities coordinated with other councils, student organizations, and/or other entities. 

Section 4. Vice President for Internal Affairs 

1. Assist the President in the performance of their duties 

2. Preside over meetings in the absence of the President and Vice President 

3. Coordinate all programs and service projects for NPHC 

4. Oversight of the NPHC programming calendar and preside over program planning meeting 

5. Perform all additional duties pertaining to this office as deemed by the Executive Board 

Section 5. Secretary 

1. Record and maintain the minutes of all meetings of the Executive Board and the Council of Presidents. 

2. Coordination of room reservations on behalf of NPHC Executive Board 

3. Distribute minutes to Advisors and NPHC members 

4. Keep an up-to-date roll of the members of NPHC and keep accurate records of attendance at meetings 

5. Distribute the constitution and bylaws to each member organization 

6. In concert with the treasurer, provide accurate records for fines. 

7. Responsible for the official correspondence of NPHC, which includes “thank you” letters, cards, and other correspondence deemed appropriate. 

8. Perform all additional duties pertaining to this office as deemed by the Executive Board 

Section 6. Treasurer 

1. Responsible for the oversight of NPHC’s finances 

2. Maintain and present the NPHC budget and distribute to the Council of Presidents 

3. Approve all budget requisitions 

4. Responsible for the prompt payment of all bills 

5. Responsible for countersigning checks and maintaining the online checking account 

6. Fill out year-end reports 

7. Planning and implementing fundraising efforts on behalf of NPHC 

8. Perform all additional duties pertaining to this office as deemed by the Executive Board 

Section 7. Vice President for Public Relations 

1. Collect and compile historical data pertaining the NPHC and member organizations 

2. Take photos at NPHC events 

3. Responsible for publicity for NPHC events 

4. Coordinates awards process for NPHC competition events 

5. Manage all social media accounts for NPHC 

6. Responsible for all creative marketing and branding efforts for the Council 

7. Perform all additional duties pertaining to this office as deemed by the Executive Board 

Section 8. Parliamentarian 

1. Assists the President to manage meetings and advises on parliamentary procedure. 

2. Responsible to review NPHC Constitution and Bylaws annually or updates or revisions. 

3. Responsible for coordinating and executing the election and appointment process for officers. 

4. Shall conduct a Roberts Rules of Order training and/or review during the first meeting of each semester to ensure proper protocol is followed. 

ARTICLE II – QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS 

Section 1. Candidates for an Executive Board position must be a member of a chapter in good-standing with NPHC, have a 2.5 GPA, and be in good-standing with their chapter of membership.  New members initiated within the same semester of elections are not eligible to run for President. 

ARTICLE III – EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTION PROCEDURE 

Section 1. Nominations for elections will be taken at the first Council of Presidents meeting in November and April.  Nominees must be present to be nominated. The April election is conditional on there being a vacancy in the president's position. If an April election is held, it is only to fill the spot of the president, and all other vacant positions are to be appointed by the newly elected president. 

1. Be president at all business meetings, including exec, general body, and special meetings 

2. Fulfill their job responsibilities according to the constitution and bylaws of NPHC 

3. Provide effective communication to their respective board members and the general body 

4. Meet expectations set forth by the NPHC President and their peers 

Section 2. Officers who do not meet these expectations can be considered for removal from their positions. Warnings shall be given prior to removal  

1. First offense, a verbal warning must be given and documented in meeting minutes 

2. Second offense, written warning must be given and documented in meeting minutes 

3. Third offense, a mediation meeting will be held with the Council President and the NPHC Advisor where a performance plan will be outlined to continue in their position. 

4. Fourth offense, removal from office. 

ARTICLE VII – PROGRAMMING 

Section 1. The NPHC executive board will discuss ideas for NPHC week and at general bodies, it will vote on through the council of presidents. 

Section 2. Each member organization shall be allotted one week per semester for educational programming during which no other member organization can program without prior written consent.  NPHC’s President, Secretary, and Advisor must receive a copy of the consent letter. Date selection of this week will be determined by chapter GPA from the last grade report issued by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life. 

Section 3. Additional Programming Days. A member organization may submit to the President if NPHC to add program dates to the Greek Life calendar on any open days available that do not fall under another organization’s week of events. If an organization chooses to not use their day of programming, they must submit written notification to open the day up for another organization to use within 7 calendar days of the event. 

Section 4. Parties: Parties hosted by member chapters do not count toward programs and will not be facilitated, governed, or monitored by NPHC. It’s highly recommended that Chapters do not schedule parties on the same date. All parties hosted by NPHC member organizations must follow the policies and procedures for socials under the Office Sorority and Fraternity Life policies.