IFC Bylaws

By-Laws

Of the Inter Fraternity Council of

The University of the South

Article I:  Strategic Requirements

            Section I:  As part of the Statement of Relations between the University of the South and its Recognized Social Greek Organizations, the following are essential requirements that correspond to the ten mutual goals and expectations that constitute the majority of the statement. Compliance with these requirements will be evaluated at the conclusion of each semester.
            Section II:  If a chapter violates any one of these standards they will be placed on probation. If two or more are violated, their status and continued operation as a chapter will be evaluated by the Judicial Council and the Office of the Dean of Students.
            Section III:  Non-compliance with a requirement will likely result in the suspension of the chapter, following an adequate time period for addressing the relevant requirement.
1.  Scholarship:  Attain minimum chapter cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the end of the Fall semester. The chapter's goal, however, should be to achieve a cumulative chapter GPA that is equal or greater to the all-student average.

2. Service to Community: Each chapter must participate in at least one community service project per semester that involves 100% of the chapter’s membership throughout the course of the term. At the beginning of each academic year, the chapter will identify a cause or organization to partner with in its community service project. These projects should be separate from all-Greek or all-campus projects, and should benefit the particular organization chosen by the chapter. Each member is expected to contribute at least two hours of service to the project. In situations where members cannot meet the two hour requirement, a donation of $10 per hour to the organization or cause will be accepted. A summary of involvement, including intentions, outcomes, and extent of chapter participation, should be reported to the IFC/ISC Vice President for Community Service by the December 1 (Advent term) or May 1 (Easter term).

If a chapter fails to complete its community service requirement by the last day of the term, it will have the choice of paying fine of $25 for each member who did not participate in the service project, or of being on social probation until delinquent members have fulfilled the service expectation.

3.  Respect for Human Worth and Dignity:  Sign a statement of commitment and adhere to a pledge program and Greek experience that excludes hazing as defined by the IFC and ISC By-laws; sponsor at least one campus-wide educational or awareness program centered on a current critical issue (for example, alcohol and other drug use, human sexuality, diversity [racial, socio-economic, religious, etc.], and political issues). The content may be connected with the organization’s community service project. Collaboration with other campus organizations is strongly encouraged. “Sponsorship” is intended to include financial support, event organization and management, publicity, attendance, and assistance with any follow up. The IFC/ISC will determine a semester-by-semester schedule in consultation with Greek presidents in August. Events are to be approved by the IFC/ISC within four weeks of the start of each term. Failure to comply will result in being penalized with two social host strikes.

4.  Leadership:  Plan and execute an annual chapter retreat; participate in IFC and ISC meetings and judicial processes (attendance will be recorded at each meeting, and more than three unexcused absences a year is punishable by the Judicial Council); send representative to the national organization's regional or national conference (if applicable); conduct chapter elections according to the schedule published annually by the IFC and ISC to ensure a smooth transition of officers.
5.  Development of Individual and Group Responsibility:  Maintain liability insurance policy; maintain membership of at least ten undergraduates as of May each year; establish and enforce procedures for holding individuals responsible for inappropriate behavior including vandalism, financial delinquency to the organization, alcohol abuse, and destruction of property;  violations are punishable by the Judicial Council.
6.  Fiscal Responsibility:  Maintain good financial records and meet financial obligations with regard to the University, House Corporation, Franklin County and the National Organization (if applicable). 
7.  Responsible Membership Selection and Pledge Education:  Participate in formal Rush in a manner that adheres to Rush rules; develop and submit a pledge program that offers a balance of activities including the full participation in the University's pledge programs; deadline for pledge programs will be the end of the first week in the Easter semester; failure of an organization to submit a pledge education program will result in suspension of social privileges. Chapter Presidents, Pledge Educators, and a representative from each pledge class will sign a statement of affirmation that all pledges have been initiated within the 8 week parameter.
8.  Development of Alumni Support:  Maintain an active House Corporation that meets at least once a year; maintain an active Alumni Advisory Council that meets at least twice annually; host at least one alumni/ae event each year; communicate annually with all chapter alumni/ae (newsletter, letter, etc.).
9:  Maintenance of Property:  (The designated House Manager of each chapter will work directly with the Associate Dean of Students to ensure that the following requirements are met):   Maintain a working fire detection system that includes fire extinguishers; maintain a cleaning routine and trash disposal system; conduct periodic facility and property walk-through and assessment; maintain a property insurance policy; ensure the facility is secured at each break (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) and submit a checkout procedures by the end of class each semester;
10.  Social Life:  Adhere to the Social Host Guidelines published by the Office of the Dean of Students. Violation of these guidelines will be dealt with according to the published schedule of sanctions and/or adjudicated by the IFC/ISC Judicial Board. Excessive violations will result in suspension or expulsion of the chapter; host at least one social event each semester.
            Section IV:  All organizations are required to attend both of the two Greek Retreats to be held in August and January.  If a president is unable to attend, then a delegate, namely the vice president, will represent the organization at that specific retreat.  Schedules for the semester and major projects will be discussed at length during these retreats.  All information presented should be relayed by the representative to the chapters at large. 
            Section V: Each organization must submit an annual report evaluating the chapter's performance in each of the ten areas noted above.  These reports will be reviewed, and outstanding organizations recognized for their achievements.  Annual awards to be presented at the Greek Banquet are as follows:

Dean’s Cup Award for Excellence:  this award recognizes the fraternity and sorority that have done an outstanding job in implementing each component of the Strategic Requirement Plan, and have shown initiative beyond these requirements by actively contributing to the University and community.

Most Improved Chapter Award: this award recognizes the fraternity and sorority that have worked diligently to correct deficiencies within their organization, and have continuously improved their relationship with the University, the community and its fellow Greek organizations.

Outstanding Service Award:  this award recognizes the fraternity and sorority whose independent service efforts have shown both creativity and dedication to the betterment of the local community. 

Article II:  Hazing

            Section I:  Hazing of anyone by any Greek chapter or member is prohibited.  “Hazing” is defined as “recklessly or intentionally doing any act or causing any situation which endangers or is likely to endanger or is likely to endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which tends to humiliate, degrade, intimidate, or cause serious physical or emotional discomfort to a student.” Hazing includes, but is not limited to, such acts as requiring a student to submit to any of the following:

•     Calisthenics;

•     Nudity;

•     Consumption of any substance, especially alcohol or other drugs;

•     Wearing or carrying any obscene, offensive, or physically burdensome article;

•     Physical assault or offensive physical contact;

•     Contests of strength, bravery or endurance;

•     Transportation to abandonment in a remote, unfamiliar, or unsafe area;

•     Confinement to an unreasonably small, noisy, unventilated, unsanitary, or unlighted area;

•     Performing pranks or criminal offenses;

•     Personal servitude;

•     Sexual acts or indecent ordeal;

•     Branding or tattooing;

•     Infliction of pain, fear, or mental anguish;

•     Deprivation of sleep, food, water, medication, or sanitary facilities;

•     Solitary confinement;

•     Automotive contests of speed or daring;

•     Blindfolding for an unreasonable time;

•     Verbal abuse or insults;

•     Public ridicule;

•     Paddling;

•     Exposure to the elements or to extreme temperatures;

•     Bright lights,

•     “Hell” sessions;

•     Treasure or scavenger hunting;

•     Unreasonable interrogation; or

•     Unnecessary work duties.

            Section II:  Violations of these policies shall be adjudicated by the Judicial Council.

Article III:  Recruitment and Pledgeship

            Section I:  The Council, with the approval of the Associate Dean of Students and in accordance with relevant Faculty legislation, shall determine the dates for all Rush periods to be advertised in the semester calendar.

            Section II:  The rules for formal rush are as follows:

1. All rush events are mandatory to receive a bid.
2. Rushees must have a 2.0 GPA in the previous semester to participate.
3. Formal rush is alcohol free.  Alcohol is strictly forbidden in recruiting new members.
4. Only dormitory staff on official business may enter a rushee's room during formal rush.
5. Rushees may not leave the Domain with fraternity/sorority members during formal rush.
6. No closed parties (on or off the Domain) at which rushees are present.
7. Rushees may only enter fraternity/sorority houses during official rush functions.
8. Female rushees must return house to 4 sororities in order to receive a bid.
9. Passing hello period only applies between Return House visits and Shake Day.  During this time members of organizations authorized to issue bids are allowed to extend only a passing "hello" to rushees.

            Section III:  The Council shall determine and organize any rush matter or function not mentioned above.

            Section IV:  All fraternities are required to follow the procedures for extending bids as specified by the IFC Executive Council and the Associate Dean of Students.   Violations of the bid process will be adjudicated by the Judicial Council. 

            Section V:  The Council and the Associate Dean of Students shall be responsible for setting the time frame for the eight-week pledgeship and ensuring that the end date of the pledge period is recognized and respected by all fraternities.   The Judicial Council reserves the right to try fraternities that extend pledgeship beyond the recognized time frame. 

Section VI:  Upperclassman men interested in joining a University fraternity may participate in Advent semester rush as specified by the IFC calendar. 

Section VII:  Violations of these policies and rules shall be adjudicated by the Judicial Council.

 
Article IV: Social Host Responsibility

Social Host policies are set by the Dean of Students and are updated as needed. The Office of the Dean of Students will make copies of the policy available to all Greek organizations, both in print and on the Sewanee website.

Violations of the University Social Host Policy may be adjudicated by the Judicial Council. 

Article V:  Amendment

            Section I:  These By-Laws may be amended by a 3/4 vote of the representatives of the fraternities in the IFC, provided that the proposed amendment is submitted in writing and notice of such intended action is given to the Associate Dean of Students, the IFC Executive Committee, and each Council member at least two weeks before the vote is taken.

(amended May 2010)