IFC Constitution
CONSTITUTION OF THE INTERFRATERNITYCOUNCIL OF JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
Updated
December 2007
ARTICLE I Name
This organization shall be called the Interfraternity Council of James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
ARTICLE II Purpose
Preamble: We, the Interfraternity Council of James Madison University set forth this constitution to insure friendship in coordination among social fraternities and to promote fraternity life in general at James Madison University.
We accept the following specific purposes:
1. To maintain a high standard of fraternity life and inter-fraternity relationships at James Madison University.
2. To promote intellectual achievement and sound scholarship among fraternity members.
3. To coordinate those fraternal activities that may have a direct effect on the member fraternities.
4. To act as a mediating body in conflicts occurring among member fraternities in the case of complaints that are directed toward member fraternities.
ARTICLE III Amendments
Any amendment(s) to this constitution will be presented to the delegates at a scheduled IFC general meeting. The delegates then bring the proposed amendment(s) to their chapter for discussion. (If a chapter is not represented when the amendment is distributed, that chapter looses its right to vote on that amendment) The chapter will decide whether to vote to accept the amendment or reject it. At the next scheduled general IFC meeting, the IFC President will present the amendment(s) again, and ask the delegates if there is any discussion on the proposed amendment(s). If there is, the discussion will be heard, and any appropriate changes can be made. If there is no discussion, the IFC President will call a vote. A ¾ majority of the representatives present is required for an amendment to pass. Amended constitution will be submitted within 10 days to Student Organization Services for approval
ARTICLE IV Membership
Section 1 Interest Group Status
- To become an interest group for recognition by the Inter-Fraternity Council, the following criteria must be met:
1. A list of the names of all members, their addresses, and their phone numbers must be submitted to the office of Student Organization Services (SOS) and the President of the Interfraternity Council
2. A letter of intent for future colonization by the group must also be submitted to the above people.
3. There must be proof of support from the respective National Organization and their intent to colonize at James Madison University.
4. An agreement must be signed by the National Organization stating that it will comply by all James Madison University IFC policies including, but not limited to:
a. JMU IFC Constitution
b. JMU Alcohol Policy
5. Names and phone numbers for three contact people must also be submitted for approval. These people should be as follows:
a. An undergraduate contact person
b. A local alumnus
c. A national representative
- The Executive Council of the IFC has the jurisdiction to approve Interest Group status upon the submission and adherence to the above criteria.
- Interest Group status allows the group to reserve rooms through Events and Conferences and to attend all regular meetings and workshops offered by the IFC.
- An Interest Group shall have no vote in any IFC matter, nor run any man for an IFC Office or committee position.
- Interest Group status does not allow for the applying for or winning of IFC/Panhellenic sponsored events or awards.
- Interest Group status allows for application for colony status when the criteria for such has been met and submitted for approval of the IFC Executive Council.
Section 2 Colony Status
A. A. To apply for recognition as a Colony General Fraternity group, the following criteria must be met and submitted to the Executive Council of the IFC, and the SOS office.
1. Interest Group status must have already been approved by the IFC.
2. Membership must meet or exceed the chapter’s national standards for colony membership
3. The names of all members and New Members must be submitted to the SOS office and the IFC President.
4. A working Constitution must be submitted to the above people.
5. The group must have a regularly scheduled meeting time and place.
6. The group must have approval and support from their National Organization. This includes at least two scheduled visits per year during the colony period.
7. The group must submit the names and phone numbers of at least one active alumnus in the area.
8. The group must schedule a meeting with the IFC, and AGC, and the Coordinator of Fraternity/Sorority Life for group orientation/introduction to Fraternity/Sorority Life at James Madison University.
9. The group must submit a letter of intent for chartering here at James Madison University. This letter should be endorsed by the National Organization and should include some time-line for colony progress towards characterization. The group must be a recognized colony by the National Organization.
10. The colony must participate in at least two service projects per semester. These events can be co-sponsored with another group on campus or in the community. Documentation must be provided to the appropriate AGC officer and to the Coordinator of Fraternity/Sorority Life.
11. The cumulative grade point average of the entire group must be greater than or equal to a 2.4 to be considered for colony status.
- Colony status does not allow for any voting privileges on any IFC matter, nor can any colony member run for an IFC Office. A member of a colony may be a member of a committee.
- A colony is responsible for IFC dues or any other financial requirements imposed in IFC recognized chapters (The IFC can waive these fees if or when they see fit).
- Colonies have the right to participate in all IFC sponsored events and activities, including Greek Week, Greek Sing, etc.
- A colony must participate in IFC sponsored Recruitment.
- Colony status with IFC will be granted upon meeting the necessary criteria.
Section 3 Chapter Status
- Colony will be considered for Chapter Status when the following criteria have been met:
1. The Colony has completed and demonstrates a continued practice of all Interest Group and Colony criteria.
2. The Colony has existed as an IFC recognized colony for at least six months or has received charter.
3. The grade point average of the entire group must be greater than or equal to a 2.4 to be considered for chapter status.
4. A list of short and long-range goals has been submitted with the petition for Chapter Status.
5. A set of By-laws has been adopted and submitted with the petition for Chapter Status as well as a copy of the National Constitution.
6. The National Fraternity has granted a charter.
7. The representative body of the IFC has given its approval for the chapter status by a majority vote, by chapter delegates, once the above criteria has been met. This vote releases the IFC executive board, especially the president, of any responsibility from this decision.
Section 4 Loss of Recognition
The IFC will, upon a unanimous decision by the other member fraternities, recommend to the SOS office that official recognition of a member fraternity be withdrawn. Such action will be taken only after all possible means for improving the situation have been exhausted. Such action can be taken in those cases where a member fraternity is bringing discredit to the IFC and to James Madison University.
Section 5 IFC Chapter grade requirements
1. Each chapter is required to have a minimum cumulative chapter GPA of at least a 2.4.
2. If a chapter’s semester cumulative GPA falls below the required 2.4, then that chapter will be considered on academic probation the following semester.
3. If a chapter’s semester cumulative GPA is below the required 2.4 for 2 consecutive semesters the chapter is asked to have mandatory study hours for those brothers whose GPA was below a 2.4.
If a chapter’s semester cumulative GPA is below the required 2.4 for 3 consecutive semesters, the chapter automatically loses all IFC privileges, and a vote by the IFC chapters in good standing will be taken on further action, i.e. expulsion from IFC.
ARTICLE V Organization
Membership in this organization is open to all JMU recognized fraternity members and will not be restricted on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The officers of the Interfraternity Council shall be: President, President Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Education Chairman, Judicial Officer, and Recruitment Chairman, Community Service Chairman, and Public Relations Chairman. Each officer shall be a full-time student at James Madison University carrying at least 12 credit hours.. Executive officers of the Interfraternity Council shall receive a leadership scholarship payable at the beginning of each semester for their service and leadership of JMU’s fraternities. The President shall receive $270 per semester. All other executive officers shall receive $180 per IFC budget. The duties of the officers shall be:
- President:
- To conduct all meetings of the IFC.
- To maintain order at all IFC meetings.
- To act as the official spokesperson of the IFC.
- To schedule and run Presidents meetings.
- To have ongoing, regular contact with University Administration.
-
In
general, to do everything possible to promote the welfare of
the fraternities at James Madison University.
- Vice President:
1. To perform all duties of the President in his absence.
2. To insure the enactment of the Constitution and the By-laws.
3. To perform those duties assigned by the President.
4. To interview and appoint Committee Heads with the approval and consent of the executive council.
5. To coordinate the workings of the IFC committees.
6. To act as Parliamentarian.
7. To act as Chair of the Fraternity/Sorority Life Excellence Awards and its committee.
- Secretary:
- To keep a permanent record of all proceedings of the IFC and its committees and to distribute copies of regular meeting minutes to representatives from member fraternities and Assistant Greek Coordinators.
- To attend all correspondence and retain copies of all correspondence of a business or official nature.
- To maintain an up-to-date list of members and pledges of each member fraternity.
- Treasurer:
1. To act as the official banker for the Inter-Fraternity Council.
2. To receive all dues and other monies as may be appropriate by the IFC and to
act as an agent for all debts incurred by the organization.
3. To keep the official accounting records of the IFC.
4. To give an accurate account of the finances of the IFC as requested by the
President.
5. To attend all training for front-end budgeted treasurers with the administration.
6. To distribute to each Fraternity a copy of the chapter's roster and an invoice with
the amount of dues owed by each chapter, respectively. This distribution will
occur two weeks prior to the deadline for dues set by the IFC Treasurer.
- Membership Education Chairman
1. To hold at least two mandatory educational seminars for all new members.
2. To maintain an up to date list of all new members.
- Recruitment Chairman:
- To coordinate all Recruitment activities governed by the IFC.
- To maintain an up-to-date calendar of the IFC and fraternity Recruitment events.
- To conduct Recruitment sign-ups and keep for the Office of Student Affairs a running list of all persons interested in the Greek system.
- To perform other duties assigned by the President.
-
To use
statistics and feedback to evaluate recruitment and share
results with all fraternities.
- Judicial Officer:
1. To coordinate all judicial proceedings.
2. To work with the Panhellenic VP of Standards as the coordinators of the JMU Judicial Policy.
3. To coordinate weekend duty of the IFC executive board and notify the AGC of all scheduled events.
- Public Relations Chairman:
1. To establish a contact person within each IFC recognized chapter and to have on going contact with that person in regards to the chapters news worthy activities
2. To have on going contact with The Breeze and when ever fitting inform them of chapter activities.
3. To coordinate all advertising, i.e. Breeze ads, for all IFC sponsored activities where advertising is appropriate. In particular, for men’s recruitment and IFC/Panhellenic sponsored speakers.
4. To work with the IFC Recruitment Chair in creating the men’s recruitment information booklet.
- Community Service Chairman
1. Work with, and train, the community service chairman from each chapter in order to foster Greek wide community service.
2. Distribute a list of community service opportunities to each chapter on a regular basis.
3. Maintain open and on going communication between each chapter, the IFC, and Panhellenic with regards to community service efforts.
4. Regularly inform the IFC Public Relations Chairman of chapter service events.
5. To do whatever possible to aid the IFC recognized chapters in meeting their own personal service goals.
J. IFC Officer Elect
1. To shadow and work with the current chair once elected until one’s office begins.
2. Has no voting privileges on IFC executive board or as an IFC delegate.
ARTICLE VI Nominations and Elections
Section 1
-
New
officers shall be nominated from the floor at a regularly
scheduled meeting during the spring semester determined by the
IFC Executive Officers. Officers shall be elected during a
regularly scheduled meeting one-week after the second
nominations. The meeting must be before the end of the spring
semester so as to leave adequate time for the training of new
officers.
- The procedures for determining the nominees shall be left up to each fraternity
New officers will be elected from the list of nominees by written ballot. A simple majority of those representatives present will be required for the election. If there are more than two nominees running for an office, and no one candidate receives a majority on the first ballot, a run-off between the two nominees with the highest number of votes will be held, again by written ballot.
D. The new officers will perform their routine duties for the fall semester with the old officers. This will serve as a training period for the new officers. The new officers will take full office by the first academic week of January.
E. In the event that a tie occurs after a run-off between the final two nominees, the current IFC executive board shall vote by secret ballot to cast the final decision.
F. A student may not be elected to or hold office as an IFC executive member if he already holds a position on his own chapter’s executive board.
Section 2
An officer may be removed from office, for just cause, by a unanimous vote of the IFC executive board.
Section 3
Vacancies will be filled by a specially called election. The guidelines prescribed for the regular election of officers will be followed.
Article VII Committees
Committee formation will be at the discretion of the present IFC Executive Council. Any current member of the council may form a committee, however, the approval of the entire council is necessary before the committee is formed. Delegates are strongly encouraged to recommend committee ideas whenever they see fit. Any IFC member can interview for and be appointed committee head. This person will head each individual committee and work closely with the IFC Executive Council member, namely the Vice President. Any IFC member is eligible to sit on any committee. Number of seats on specific committees will be at the discretion of the committee head on an as needed project specific basis.
ARTICLE VIII Powers of the IFC
Section 1
IFC recognizes the importance of each fraternity maintaining their individuality in regard to fraternity activities. However, IFC will take the position of enforcing the following conditions set forth and passed by each fraternity at James Madison University. The IFC shall observe and support the rules and regulations of James Madison University and the National Fraternities. The IFC Judicial Board will hear and try violations of current IFC constitution, Alcohol Policy, Recruitment infractions, and grievances between member bodies.
ARTICLE IX Qualifications for Fraternity Membership
Section 1
The requirements for membership are spelled out in the individual Constitutions of the member fraternities.
Section 2
Only members and new members of recognized member fraternities and colonies may participate in IFC competitions and events. Each member fraternity will maintain an up-to-date list of members and New Members with the Secretary of IFC.
ARTICLE X Recruitment
Section 1
IFC Formal Recruitment dates will be set by the IFC Recruitment Chairman with the consent of the IFC body. Furthermore, the Recruitment Chairman with the consent of the IFC body shall determine the official Recruitment calendar.
Section 2
In order to promote the spirit of “dry recruitment” and to ensure the recruitment of quality members, all chapter’s functions are to be alcohol-free during the period set forth as IFC Recruitment.
Section 3
The IFC Recruitment Chairman is responsible for communicating all Recruitment dates and rules to each individual fraternity.
Section 4
Prior to IFC Recruitment, an IFC Recruitment Forum will be held to explain the mechanics of recruitment and to allow fraternities to meet potential new members.
Section 5
The IFC may hold a Recruitment Function during the first week of Recruitment at a place mutually agreed upon by the IFC and the office of Student Organization Services. This event would not count as a chapter recruitment event.
Section 6
Each chapter may have a maximum of 6 recruitment events during IFC recruitment. Both a chapter open house and a formal smoker would each count as one such event. Chapters must also keep an accurate record of all potential members attending each event and turn in on the form provided by IFC by designated due date. A Calendar must be submitted to the Rush Chair.
Section 7
Bids can only be extended between 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm on the date designated by the official Recruitment calendar. Only 2 chapter members may enter any hall at one time, properly escorted by a Resident Advisor or Hall Director. There is to be no alcohol and gross, demeaning, and offensive language is not permitted during bid distribution. The IFC and Panhellenic Executive Councils are required to monitor bid distribution, as to protect the rights of the Fraternities here at JMU.
Section 8
After the extension of a bid, the potential new member may not participate with that fraternity in any activity including bid distribution that evening in an effort to ensure that all fraternities have an equal opportunity to extend bids.
Section 9
From the time the bid is extended until 5:00 pm the following day there will be a formal silence period during which no fraternity matters may be discussed with a potential member unless that individual approaches an active member with a specific question or until the potential new member accepts the bid.
Section 10
Bids must be returned no later than 5:00 pm on the day after they were extended. At that time, Dry Recruitment will officially end.
Section 11
A 2.0 cumulative GPA or 2.25 the semester prior to pledging will be required before a chapter may extend a bid to a potential new member. The Student Organization Services must verify all potential new member’s grades. A 2.0 cumulative GPA will be required for initiation.
Section 12
New Member Education Day
All registered new members of all JMU fraternities and sororities are required to attend New Member Education Day in the semester which they join. If any new members fail to attend their chapters will be fined $50 for every new member that is absent. New Members must attend and sign in at all sessions throughout the day to be considered present.
In order to make-up the event, new members must attend New Member Education Day the following semester. Alternative educational programs will not be permitted. If any new members do not make up New Member Education Day in the following semester than the chapter will again be fined $50 for every member who is absent. Failure to pay the fine will lead to the chapter’s social probation.
Excused absences can only be granted by the New Member Education Chairs prior to the event. People seeking an excused absence must still make up the event.
ARTICLE XI Representatives, Quorum, and Voting
Section 1
Each member fraternity shall have two representatives to the IFC. At least one of the representatives must be from the Chapter’s Executive Council. Both representatives are to be initiated brothers and shall be elected or appointed by the chapter by the first general IFC meeting of the semester, or at a time decided by the IFC. Attendance at IFC general meetings will be taken on a name basis that is names will be called along with the chapter name. If one delegate cannot attend a general meeting, a member of that chapter’s executive council may sit in his place. This option can only be exercised 2 times per semester. Once a chapter uses its two alternate options, any further use of this option will count as an absence. As is stated in Article VII, each delegate is required to serve on an IFC created committee.
Section 2 Meeting Accountability
The responsibility of the IFC delegate is to act as a liaison between IFC and their individual chapters, attend all required meetings, and fulfill their responsibilities to that committee.
An unexcused absence occurs when both chapter delegates, or a delegate and the alternate (a member of that chapter’s executive council) are not in attendance at IFC general meetings. All absences are considered unexcused. If the delegate cannot fulfill his obligation, it is the chapter’s responsibility to replace him.
Warning:
A warning letter will be issued to the delegates and chapter president of the respective chapter, by the IFC secretary, explaining the absences if any of the following occur:
· Unexcused absence from one general IFC meeting per semester
Loss of Fraternity voting privileges:
The respective chapter will lose their voting privileges in the next IFC vote and a letter will be sent to the respective chapter president indicating the loss of voting privileges and the reasons for the loss of the vote if any of the following occur:
· Unexcused absence from two general IFC meetings per semester
Loss of Social Privileges:
The respective chapter will lose their social privileges for the remaining part of the semester and a formal letter will also be sent to the president of the respective chapter indicating the reason for the sanction in the following occurs:
· Unexcused absence from three or more general IFC meetings
Section 3
A quorum must be present for the IFC to take action on motions. A quorum will be more than half the total number of representatives.
Section 4
All IFC voting shall be done by secret ballot or by roll call vote. In the case of secret ballot, paper ballots will be collected in secret by a member of the IFC Executive Council and then counted once by the IFC President and once by another member of the IFC Executive Council. After confirmation of the two, the decision only shall be announced. Voting for the IFC executive board must be done by secret ballot only.
Section 5
For the election of the IFC officers, each representative shall cast one vote. In all other ballots, each member fraternity shall cast one vote.
Section 6
All motions must pass by a 75% majority.
ARTICLE XII Dues and Finance
Section 1
It is required that each fraternity pay dues to the IFC for active brothers and pledges. The Executive Council Treasurer will set them, not to exceed $10 per active brother and $10 per new member per semester.
Section 2
IFC dues from fraternities are to be turned in at a deadline set by the treasurer. Failure to do so will result in automatic suspension of the fraternity from all IFC functions until the balance due is paid. This includes automatic social suspension. No social functions (including Melrose, semi-formals, and formals) will be permitted unless the balance is paid by 12pm Wednesday of that week, or if prior arrangements have been made.
Section 3
Student Organization Services must approve all funding.
Section 4
The office of Student Organization Services prior to any agreements must approve any contracts made with outside companies.
Section 5
Each year IFC may approach the Finance committee of the SGA to ask for necessary funds for the following year. Budget hearings are held in March and April. The IFC President and IFC Treasurer are required to attend and defend the IFC budget at the SGA budget hearings. The IFC Treasurer should have contact with the SGA senator responsible for the IFC budget.
ARTICLE XIII Communications and Public Relations
Section 1
It is the responsibility of the secretary to see that each fraternity receives either an agenda of the IFC meeting or post meeting minutes.
Section 2
Any motion, including constitutional and BYOB policy amendments, brought up at the IFC meeting involving the IFC, Office of Greek Life, or a fraternity’s members will be taken back to the fraternity meetings and then decided upon at the next IFC meeting.
Section 3
It is required that an informal meeting be held at the beginning of the year for the IFC representatives and the IFC officers to familiarize themselves with their duties and IFC procedure. Each outgoing IFC executive council member is required to prepare a notebook containing information pertinent to his position and is to be given to the incoming Executive Council member in order to ease the transition from year to year.
Section 4
A roster will be compiled each year with all active members of each fraternity listed. A copy of each fraternity’s roster shall be given to the secretary and kept on file. These rosters should be updated with any significant change in membership after the second general meeting of the IFC once rush is completed each semester.
Section 5
A separate directory of the officers and chairman of the IFC will be compiled. Also, a directory of the names of the Executive Councils and IFC representatives of each member fraternity shall be on file with the IFC Secretary.
ARTICLE XIV Projects and Awards
Section 1
Each semester, every fraternity will turn in a list of projects they have completed.
Section 2
An awards ceremony will be held where fraternities receive recognition for community service, scholarship, chapter development, housing, risk management, new member education, chapter administration and external relations based on the CDP (Community Development Plan) guidelines, to be chaired by the IFC Vice President.
Section 3
IFC and Panhellenic will work together to establish special traditional for the year.
ARTICLE XV Special Events
Section 1
Any other Greek social functions will be subject to the approval of Panhellenic and the Interfraternity Council.
ARTICLE XVI Housing
Section 1
IFC will serve as a liaison between James Madison University Administration and the individual fraternities in the capacity of a coordinator in regard to policy regulations and activities dealing with fraternity housing.
ARTICLE XVII Non-Alcohol Mixers
Section 1
A non-alcoholic mixer is defined as a mixer between a fraternity and sorority on a fraternity or sorority’s grounds where no alcoholic beverages are present and the sponsoring groups provide the non-alcoholic beverages.
Section 2
A non-alcoholic mixer is to be registered in the same manner as a BYOB party, with the exception that the sponsored organizations make clear that it is a sober party on the registration form.
Section 3
These events must be held within the hours of 5:00pm and 1:00am during the school week and 8:00am and 3:00am during the weekend. If these times are in conflict with a desired time for the event then the sponsoring organization must submit a letter of request of change of time to Student Organization Services at least three days before the event.
Section 4
A. During this party only members of the sponsoring groups and registered guests shall be allowed to enter. Registered guests must be on the guest list as they arrive in order to promote accurate attendance but may not exceed fire code occupation. The registered guest list must be kept clean and dry at the door. As guests and members arrive, their names are to be highlighted on the list. At the end of the night, if the AGC does not collect the guest list it must be turned into the SOS/FSL Office by 5:00pm the following Monday.
- No one is to enter or exit the party through the back door.
Section 5
During this party there will be one (1) member from each sponsoring group working at both the front and the back doors to check people into the party, to keep unregistered people out, and to make sure no one enters or exits the back door (i.e.: Section D Part A). In total there should be four (4) people working the party, two (2) will come from each sponsoring group. One of the workers from each organization will be required to be a member of the organization’s executive council.
Section 6
In the event of a violation, the hearing board will treat chapters on a case by case decision process, deciding if even though a chapter may be on social probation they can still have non-alcoholic mixers. If not further informed, a chapter who is on social probation cannot participate in any registered social function, alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Section 7
If at any point the party monitors or Fraternity and Sorority Life Staff see or have reason to believe there is alcohol present, the party will be closed down immediately and a write up will be completed.
Article XVIII - Hazing
Interfraternity Council, in keeping with JMU’s expectations for a positive academic and social environment, unconditionally opposes hazing. No individual member of our group or the group itself may engage in or plan any activity that may be defined as hazing.
Interfraternity Council opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule to its members or potential members. In addition, no individual or recognized organization may by physical or mental stress or by subtle or covert technique, impair, make captive, or destroy an individuals’ freedom of thought and choice.
Hazing, under Virginia law, is defined as activities for the initiation or induction into an organization which include calisthenics or other strenuous physical activity; exposure to inclement weather; consumption of food, liquid, beverage, drug or other substance; confinement in any room or compartment; spraying, painting or pelting with any substance; burying in any substance; burning, branding or tattooing or another activity which may result in physical injury or endanger the health or life of the individual being hazed.
J17-101 Section 18.2-56 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, which declares hazing illegal, establishes conditions for civil and criminal liability and outlines the duties of the university when a student has been found guilty of hazing.
It is hereby incorporated as part of this constitution and will serve as a guide for action by the university and Interfraternity Council if there is an instance of hazing by this organization or any of the members of this organization. It will be the duty of the officers of Interfraternity Council to educate the membership of this policy.
Article XIX Fraternity and Sorority Life Hearing Board
Section 1
The Fraternity and Sorority Life Hearing Board shall be comprised from a pool of fraternity men, sorority women, Student Organization Services (S.O.S.) staff, and fraternity/sorority advisors. The pool of fraternity men and sorority women will be chosen every spring semester and shall consist of the following: at least one member from each chapter not to exceed 30 members total on an application and interview basis. A staff member of Student Organization Services, which is also applicable to graduate students, shall be present, along with a fraternity or sorority chapter adviser not of the respective chapter coming before the board; these members will not serve as voting members of the board. The Panhellenic VP of Standards and the IFC Judicial Chairman shall sit in on all hearings and deliberations as impartial, non-voting members. From this pool, the following Fraternity/Sorority Life Hearing Board will be enacted.
Section 2
The Fraternity/Sorority Life Hearing Board shall consist of one faculty advisor, one S.O.S. staff member, and five undergraduate Fraternity/Sorority members. This Fraternity/Sorority Life Hearing Board shall consist of a total of seven members. If one board member does not show up, the accused chapter may make the decision whether or not to continue with the hearing. If two or more board members are not present, the hearing will be rescheduled.
Section 3
All undergraduate Fraternity/Sorority Life Hearing Board members must attend all required training sessions before becoming eligible to sit in on any hearing. Training Sessions consist of a half day workshop on campus and occurring in April with a makeup session to be held in September.
Section 4
Responsibility and sanctions shall be determined by a majority vote of the Fraternity and Sorority Life Hearing Board. If a tie occurs, the IFC Judicial Chair and Panhellenic VP of Standards will break the tie based on which council the accused chapter is a member. For example, if the accused chapter is an IFC chapter, then the IFC Judicial Chair will break the tie.
Section 5
Chapters may be brought up to the Fraternity/Sorority Life Hearing Board by an accuser, for activities including, but not limited to: FIPG policy violations, JMU Alcohol Policy violations, alleged misconduct, violation of the dry recruitment policy, hazing, and violation of the National Panhellenic Conference Mixer Resolution.
The accused chapter has 48 hours from the time they are notified of the violation to let the Fraternity/Sorority Life Office know which hearing route they choose: Administrative or Judicial Board.
No incidents will be pending over the summer months. All incidents that happen after April 15 are subject to go directly to an administrative hearing if a judicial board cannot be formed due to time constraints. All cases will be heard by the end of the semester.
Article XX Adviser
The IFC Advisor shall be a member of the Student Organization Services Staff. S/he will serve in an advisory capacity to the JMU Interfraternity Council.
Article XXI Ratification
This constitution shall become effective upon approval by a ¾ vote of the membership. Ratified constitutions must be submitted to Student Organization Services with in 10 days for final approval.
