IFC Constitution

Mansfield University Inter-Fraternity Council Constitution

Preamble

We the members of the social fraternities of Mansfield University institute and confirm this constitution and its by-laws in order to establish greater cooperation among the fraternities and their members.

Article I – Name

This organization shall be known as the Inter-Fraternity Council of Mansfield University and shall hereby be referred to as the IFC.

Article II – Purpose

Section 1. It shall be the purpose of this council to:

A. Promote harmonious relations among the social fraternities of Mansfield University

B. Provide support and act as the representative central government of the separate men’s social fraternities.

C. Promote inter-fraternity competition in academics, athletics, community service, and other areas of operation.

D. Standardize, oversee, and regulate recruitment and new member activities of the men’s social fraternities.

E. Sponsor fiscal affairs through donations rose through fundraising.

F. Cooperate with the university, campus and local communities and other organizations in matters of common interest.

G. Act as the judicial body for fraternity violations of:

a. Campus policy

b. Council policy/regulations

c. Other violations that impair the Greek system, but are not initiated by the Authorities or the Inter/National Headquarters

Article III – Membership/Definitions

Section 1. Any social fraternity of Mansfield University, which is recognized by the Office of Student Affairs and has been chartered is required to be a member of the council.

A. Social Fraternity – A Greek Letter Organization promoting ideals of brotherhood, fellowship, philanthropy, and social maturity; tradition and formal ritual emphasize certain ideas unique to each organization.

B. Recognized by the Office of Student Affairs – The group has been recognized by IFC, the Greek Advisor, and the AVP for Student Affairs, by process of a review of the group’s constitution and/or charter, receipt of the proper recognition forms, and verifying the recognition by endorsing it in writing.

C. Chartered – Officially defined as a fraternity of the University with affiliation to an Inter/National organization.

D. Provisional Period – One-year time span during which a “colony” (not yet chartered interest group) must demonstrate that it upholds the traditional values and integrity of general fraternity ideals.

E. Maintaining Membership – After the probationary period, the fraternity (as a collective organization) must maintain at least a 2.25 (or national standard, whichever is higher) cumulative average each semester. Failure to do so will result in the loss of privileges, determined by the IFC Judicial Board.

Section 2.

The character of a fraternity is ultimately regulated by the administrative action of the University President and the IFC Judicial Board.

Section 3.

Two elected delegates (chosen by the fraternity) and one elected officer (chosen by the IFC) shall represent each fraternity. (Total of 3 council representatives) However, if an organization has below seven active members they will only need to be represented by 1 (one) elected officer and/or delegate at each weekly meeting. (However if they wish the maximum number will be allowed)

Section 4.

Each fraternity shall be entitled to 2 (two) votes, 1 (one) per delegate (officers do not vote).

Section 5.

Newly appointed delegates shall be presented to the council immediately following his election within the representing fraternity.

Section 6.

It is the policy of Mansfield University and the IFC to ensure an equal opportunity for all men to associate in any of the representative fraternities, in compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations, and in accordance with the Mansfield University Affirmative Action Plan.

Section 7.

Each voting member of IFC must be a current, enrolled student of Mansfield University, and must be an active member of his representative fraternity.

Article IV – Officers and Elections

Section 1. Officers/Executive Council

The officers of the IFC shall consist of: President, Vice-President, Treasurer/Fundraising Chair, Corresponding Secretary, Special Events Chair, and Community Service. The elected officers of the IFC shall hereafter be referred to as the Executive Council.

Section 2. Officer Requirements

A. Individual must maintain a 2.25 cumulative GPA

B. Individual must be on active status with a representative fraternity of the IFC

C. Must have had at least one semester of active status

D. Must have been a member of IFC at least one semester (either delegate or officer)

E. President-elect must have held an IFC office prior to elections

F. All elected officers must be able to fulfill the term for which he has been elected (1 year)

G. No individual shall be permitted to hold more than one office simultaneously

H. The fraternity representing the elected President may not hold any other IFC office during the president’s term.

Section 3. Nominations/Elections

A. Representative fraternities will nominate active members for each office.

B. The Greek Advisor shall approve all nominations, based on officer eligibility requirements.

C. Elections of the Executive Council positions shall be by ballot vote, one vote per delegate.

D. Representative fraternities may not vote for their own candidate.

E. Winners shall be determined by a majority vote.

F. A representative fraternity (not individual) may be appointed to more than one office, with the exception of the President.

Section 4. Duties of the President

A. Facilitate all meetings and oversee all operations of the IFC

B. Make sure all member fraternities uphold the Mansfield University IFC Constitution and national policies.

C. Oversee all operations of the Executive Council and the Judicial Board

D. Attend Greek Council meetings

E. Other duties as assigned by the Greek Advisor (attending special functions on campus, conferences, etc. to act as a representative of all fraternities at Mansfield University)

Section 5. Duties of the Treasurer/Fundraising Chair

A. Handle all receipt and expenditures of funds as authorized by the Council and/or Greek Advisor (this includes issuing and collecting fines and dues, etc.)

B. Prepare a fiscal statement to the Council at each business meeting

C. Submit a budget to the Council for approval at the beginning of each semester

D. Brainstorm and implement (with the support of the entire Council) fundraising project ideas to benefit both the Council and/or charitable organizations.

Section 6. DUTIES OF THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Accurately record the proceedings of all meetings of the Council
Keep, in permanent form, a record of all meetings of the Executive Council, Full Council and Judicial Board
Publish and distribute the minutes of all meetings
Maintain permanent files (a notebook and/or disc) with the Greek Advisor, to be passed down from officer to officer
Assist officers and committees in the preparation of reports, as needed, including by-law revision
Assist the Council with matters of Public Relations/Advertising
Assist the Council with mailings, as needed
Handle all matters concerning internal correspondence (such as special sanctions, contracts, etc.)
Keep an accurate attendance record for all Council meetings/events

Section 7. DUTIES OF THE SPECIAL EVENTS CHAIRMAN

Work closely with the Greek Affairs staff to facilitate all Greek special events
Be the liaison for all Special Events that include the IFC, including acting as co-chair of the Greek Alumni Homecoming Picnic committee, the Greek Week Committee, and other special events as assigned.
Represent the views of the IFC on campus-wide committees as needed (i.e., Student Center Committee, MAC, etc.)

Section 8. DUTIES OF THE V.P. OF RUSH/RECRUITMENT

Regulate all IFC and individual organization recruitment activities, including the approval of individual rush event calendars, and working closely with the Greek Affairs staff and the Council in the planning of IFC rush events
Work closely with the Corresponding Secretary to adequately advertise for all IFC recruitment events
Supervise all recruitment programs by bringing rush policy infractions to the attention of the Council
Supervise all new member programs by bringing association infractions to the attention of the Council

Section 9. COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIRMAN

Brainstorm and implement (with the support of the entire Council) IFC community service project ideas to benefit both the campus and surrounding communities
Work closely with the Corresponding Secretary to adequately advertise for all IFC service projects, as needed

Section 10. ADVISORS

All fraternities are required to have an active advisor, suitable to the Inter/National Fraternity and to the Greek Advisor
These advisors are welcome to attend all IFC functions, but cannot be voting members of the Council.
The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs will assign the official Mansfield University Inter-fraternity Council advisor.

ARTICLE V - RUSH/RECRUITMENT

Section 1. The social fraternities at Mansfield University will utilize the open recruitment system, with the following restrictions:

The IFC, in conjunction with the Office of Greek Affairs, shall decide all recruitment regulations and shall establish dates and times for the collaborative, IFC "rush" week.
After this collaborative week is over, chapters may openly recruit (following eligibility checks with the Office of Greek Affairs), until the 'activity-cease' date set by the Greek Advisor (2 weeks prior to the start of finals).
Any potential new member must be officially approved for eligibility (at least a 2.0 GPA and 12 completed credits or a GPA of 2.5 with no earned college credits) by the Greek Advisor prior to extending a bid.
Bids may be extended at any time after the official rush period ends, except during the summer sessions, and must be reported to the Mansfield University Greek Advisor within 72 hours of bid acceptance.
All summer sessions will remain closed, with no bids extended during this time.
All recruitment event advertisements (posters, flyers, etc.) must be approved by the IFC prior to their posting.
Each fraternity is responsible for informing the Vice President of the IFC about additional recruitment events, at the meeting prior to any those activities.
The Vice President, with the help of the Treasurer, will issue a fine to any fraternity in violation of the aforementioned rules ($10 per incident). The Judicial Board will hear any appeals.
Each fraternity is responsible for maintaining an alcohol-free recruitment process, or risk disciplinary action by the Judicial Board.
If there is to be a second recruitment week within a semester, it must be approved by the IFC, and must follow the alcohol-free policy for recruitment activities.

ARTICLE VI - ASSOCIATION AND INITIATION

Section 1. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSOCIATION

In order to be eligible for association, and individual must:
1. Have a minimum of 12 completed credit hours or have a GPA of 2.5 with no earned college credits.
2. Have a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
3. Be a matriculating student of Mansfield University (currently enrolled)
4. Not have associated with another representative fraternity of the IFC during that semester
The Mansfield University IFC will work in cooperation with all IFC representative fraternity Inter/National Headquarters in regards to association qualifications
All new associates are required to participate in Greek Affairs sponsored education programs
Any representative fraternity that violates the aforementioned eligibility requirements will face a fine and possible disciplinary action (TBD by the Judicial Board).

Section 2. INITIATION PRACTICES POLICY

(In the interest of space, please visit our Anti-Hazing Policy)

Section 3. IMPLEMENTATION/CLARIFICATION

Each organization is responsible for informing members (associate members, affiliates, guests, alumni) of the above policy.
Individuals and/or organizations will be responsible for their group's behavior in the event that the above policy is violated.
The University Hearing Board, the Inter/National office and/or the U.S. Legal System will handle all violations.
In addition to the preceding University regulations, current Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Law specifically states that: "Any person that causes or participates in hazing commits a misdemeanor of the third degree." Any penalties imposed under state law will be in addition to those imposed under University rules/regulations.
New member/associate activities must not interfere with scholastic/academic obligations, including class attendance.
Any recruitment or new member/associate violations will be brought before the Judicial Board.
All IFC representative organizations must submit the names of potential members to the Greek Advisor for eligibility check prior to bid extension.
Organizations may not extend a bid without prior approval from the Greek Advisor.
A $10 fine will be assessed to the violating organization per incident of bid extension without prior approval.

ARTICLE VII - JUDICIAL BOARD

Section 1. The representative members of the Judicial Board will be composed of IFC representatives minus the accused parties, and shall follow judicial procedures as outlined in The Mountie Manual .

Section 2. Any individual or group may bring charges against a member fraternity of the Council, specifying the particular acts of complaint, which must be in writing and signed by the individual or group filing the charges.

Section 3. When charges are presented against a member fraternity, it shall be served with written notice by the Corresponding Secretary, directing the fraternity in question to appear before the Judicial Board at the next regularly scheduled Council meeting, and to present their case.

Section 4. The Judicial Board of the IFC shall be the first to investigate the member fraternity in question.

Section 5. No member fraternity may be punished by the IFC Judicial Board without first being given an opportunity to appear before the board.

Section 6. After a hearing, which allows the accused party to defend themselves, the Judicial Board shall impose punishment and submit it to the Greek Advisor.

Section 7. In the event that the fraternity in question does not appear before the Judicial Board on the determined date/time for their hearing, a sanction will be determined in their absence.