ARTICLE I
NAME
1.1 The name of the organization shall be the Interfraternity Council of Bucknell University, hereafter referred to as the IFC.
ARTICLE 2
PURPOSE
The purpose of the fraternity system is to serve as an important component in a well-rounded, educational experience in the university setting by:
2.1 Promoting the academic goals of the institution;
2.2 Encouraging cultural interchange with and through organizations such as Greeks Advocating Multicultural Education (GAME).
2.3 Providing a unique and complementary educational experience for the development of skills in leadership, scholarship, self-discipline, and social group interaction;
2.4 Providing beneficial programs for social and recreational activities;
2.5 The specific roles of the Interfraternity Council are:
2.5.1 To be the governing body of the fraternity system.
2.5.2 To promote unity within the fraternity system.
2.5.3 To better utilize university, national fraternity, and alumni organizational resources, support, and assistance.
2.5.4 To act as a liaison between the fraternity system and the university.
2.5.5 To assist all fraternities in reaching their potential.
2.5.6 To work cooperatively with Panhellenic Council.
ARTICLE 3
SCOPE OF POWER
3.1 By virtue of authority vested in it by this constitution the IFC shall have power to:
3.1.1 Represent fraternity interests in all matters involving the general welfare of Bucknell University;
3.1.2 Regulate all matters with respect to Interfraternity interests and relations between the IFC and its constituent members;
3.1.3 Act for the fraternity system in matters which involve fraternity interests and other agencies of the University or its constituency.
ARTICLE 4
MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Any social fraternity (local or national) maintaining a chapter at Bucknell University and recognized by the proper University authorities shall be eligible for membership in the IFC.
4.2 Application for membership in the IFC shall be made in writing, through the Council on Greek Life, and presented to the secretary of the IFC.
4.2.1 A statement signed by all active members of the applying fraternity subscribing to the Constitution and By-Laws of the IFC.
4.2.2 A copy of the applying fraternity's constitution
4.3 Fraternities applying for membership shall be elected by a nine-tenths (9/10) majority vote of the entire membership of the IFC.
4.4 A member fraternity may withdraw from the IFC after its application for withdrawal has been presented at a regular or special meeting of the IFC. A chapter that withdraws from the IFC will lose its University recognition.
4.5 Any member fraternity who loses either national or university recognition, automatically loses IFC recognition; unless a special vote is taken on behalf (not including) that member fraternity requiring a 9/10 majority for continued membership.
ARTICLE 5
COMPOSITION
5.1 The officers of the IFC shall be a President; Vice-President of Internal Affairs, Vice-President of External Affairs, Secretary, Treasurer, Community Service and Philanthropy Chair, Rush, Scholarship, Greek Editor and Orientation and Greek Week Chair. These positions shall comprise the Executive Committee of the IFC.
5.1.1 Associate member of the IFC shall consist of GAME and GAMMA presidents.
5.2 Each chapter will be represented in the IFC by its President and a representative of each fraternity.
5.3 The President; Vice-President of Internal Affairs, Vice-President of External Affairs shall be elected two meetings before Thanksgiving Break. The Secretary, Treasurer, Community Service and Philanthropy Chair, Rush, Scholarship, Greek Editor and Orientation and Greek Week Chair shall be elected at the last meeting before Thanksgiving Break, but shall not take office until the first week of the second semester. They shall use this time to become better acquainted with their positions, define their goals for their up-coming term and observe the officer in action so that the transition of office will be smooth and trouble free.
5.3.1 The Vice-President for Internal Affairs is in charge of elections.
5.3.2 The Vice-President for Internal Affairs is in charge of officer transition.
5.4 All candidates for positions of the Executive Committee shall be of at least sophomore standing in the University, and shall be an active member or associate member of a recognized local or national social fraternity as specified in Article 4.1. Candidates for the positions of President, Vice-President of Internal Affairs, Vice-President of External Affairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and Rush shall be of at least junior standing in the University. Candidates for the positions of President, Vice-President of Internal Affairs, Vice-President of External Affairs shall be active members of a recognized fraternity.
5.5 Any member who holds an executive committee office in his respective fraternity may not hold an Executive Committee office of the IFC. If an Executive Committee officer at any time decides to hold an office within his respective house, he must resign from his Executive office and that office must be re-elected as provided for in the Constitution.
5.5.1 No Executive Committee Officer shall hold the position of Secretary, Treasurer, Rush or Social Chair of respective Fraternity, regardless of whether it is an Executive Committee position within his fraternity.
5.6 No member of the IFC will hold more than one office on the Executive Committee at any one time.
ARTICLE 6
VOTING
6.1 Three-fourths (3/4) of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
6.2 Each member fraternity shall be entitled to one (1) vote. The voting member must be the President or official designate, to be reported to the secretary of the IFC orally by the president or in written fashion by the president before a vote.
6.3 In case of a tie the IFC President will cast the deciding vote.
6.4 A simple majority of members eligible to vote shall be necessary to pass a main motion unless otherwise specified in the Constitution.
6.5 Any action may be deferred to the next regular meeting by a simple majority vote of those present. Any further deferment shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present.
6.6 All other voting procedures shall follow Robert's Rules of Order's parliamentary procedures.
ARTICLE 7
ATTENDANCE
7.1 Representation of member fraternities shall be fulfilled by the specified IFC delegate and the Chapter President.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
7.2 It is mandatory that each IFC affiliated fraternity be represented at IFC meetings by the fraternity's president as well as by its IFC representative.
7.3 Attendance records will be maintained on the basis of an individual president's attendance regardless of the presence of a representative. In the event that the president is unable to attend, the Vice President for that specific fraternity must attend.
7.3.1 Failure to attend two or more meetings will result in a $25.00 fine.
7.3.2 Failure to attend four or more meetings will result in that member fraternity losing voting privileges for that semester including, but not limited to Executive Committee elections.
7.4 The chapter President is required to notify the IFC Secretary acknowledging the voting authority of his replacement when the President is not attending either through oral or written communication. Without this notification, the President's replacement will be unable to vote.
7.5 No punitive measures shall befall any member fraternity not represented by any of its members at one special or regular meeting of the IFC during an academic year unless:
7.5.1 Unless the above attendance policy has been violated and the member fraternity has missed three consecutive meetings.
ARTICLE 8
MEETINGS
8.1 The IFC shall meet on a weekly basis. The schedule of meeting times and places shall be established by the President at the first meeting of every semester.
8.2 At least one regular meeting of the IFC shall take place each academic week of the school year at such time and place as may be designated by the president.
8.3 Special meetings of the IFC will be called by the president:
8.3.1 If an emergency exists.
8.3.2 At the written request of one-third (1/3), a sizable constituency, of the member fraternities.
ARTICLE 9
ADVISORS
9.1 There shall be one official advisor to the IFC, which will be a representative of the Office of the Dean of Students.
ARTICLE 10
10.1 The Executive Committee of the IFC shall consist of the officers of the IFC.
10.2 The President of the IFC shall be the chairman of the Executive Committee.
10.3 This committee shall have the power to appoint committees or task forces to administer decisions.
10.4 The IFC Executive Committee meetings will be called by the president whenever necessary.
10.41 At least one regular meeting of the IFC Executive Committee shall take place each academic week of the school year at such time and place as may be designated by the President.
10.5 The IFC Executive Committee shall be the only body with the authority to waive IFC regulations when deemed necessary. Request for such a waiver must be made to the IFC President 48 hours in advance of its exercise. A two-thirds vote of the IFC Executive Committee will be required to waive any regulation.
ARTICLE 11
PLEDGING
11.1 A pledge's activities in preparation for his initiation shall take place when they do not interfere with his active participation in the curricular or extra curricular program supported by the University.
11.2 Hazing shall not be permitted by the IFC. The IFC defines hazing as any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort. Such activities and situations include creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shock; kidnapping which creates a potentially dangerous situation; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies under the Bucknell University Student Handbook, State of Pennsylvania, and the IFC Hazing Brochure.
11.3 Judgment of an infraction shall be the responsibility of the IFC Peer Review Board when the charge comes within the definition established in the above section and is not within the jurisdiction of the University Code of Conduct for Students. When the charge clearly comes under the University Code of Conduct judgment of the infraction shall be the responsibility of the University Committee on Student Conduct. In Cases where jurisdiction is unclear, the president of the IFC and the case officer for the Committee on Student Conduct shall determine which committee shall judge the case.
11.3.1 If a case is first judged by the IFC Peer Review Board , it can be appealed to the Committee on Student Conduct. The decision of the Committee on Student Conduct will be final.
11.3.2 The Peer Review Board shall have the power to assess a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to any fraternity found guilty of committing infractions under article 11.2.
11.4 Member fraternities should determine their own procedures in regards to selectivity of pledges and/or initiates. These procedures should comply with University regulations regarding minority group discrimination.
ARTICLE 12
Financial Responsibility
DUES
12.1 The semester dues of the IFC shall be decided by the Treasurer and approved by a 3/4 vote of the chapter Presidents. The Treasurer shall determine dues by establishing a budget and assessing this amount per active members and pledges where applicable. For each member fraternity, the paid dues shall be payable at the fifth meeting of each regular school semester.
12.2 The semester dues will be no lower than $3 per brother in each fraternity.
FINES
12.3 Fines are payable by the second regular meeting of the IFC following the violation unless excused by the President.
12.41 Then if the fine is not paid the fraternity will incur an additional penalty of $10.00 per week.
12.4 Failure to pay all fines and penalties will result in the suspension of voting privileges for that fraternity until payment of all fines and the original penalty is received by the IFC Treasurer.
12.5 Failure to have a representative of your chapter attend one committee meeting including, but not limited to GAME, GAMMA, Peer Review, and IFC general meetings will result in a $10.00 fine.
12.6 Failure to have a representative of your chapter attend two or more committee meetings including, but not limited to GAME, GAMMA, Peer Review, and IFC general meetings will result in a $25.00 fine.
12.7 $10.00 penalty per week for late dues.
ARTICLE 13
ELECTIONS
13.1 The elections of all officers shall be by secret ballot from nominations.
13.2 Nominations for all officers shall be made from the floor during the meeting two weeks preceding the elections and continue until election time, and these nominations will be placed on a ballot prepared by the Vice-President of Internal Affairs.
13.3 Speeches by candidates for each office will occur before the election of each officer on the night of elections.
13.31 Presidential speeches shall be five minutes.
13.32 All other speeches shall be two minutes.
13.4 Simple majority will win the election. In the case of more than two people running for a single position, the President and Vice-President of Internal Affairs will eliminate all but the top two candidates, and a revote will occur.
13.5 At the end of the election of the President, Vice-President of External Affairs, and Vice-President of Internal Affairs the winners of those elections will be immediately announced in case a person running wishes to run for another position. This same procedure will be used for the election of the rest of the Executive Committee the following week.
ARTICLE 14
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS, ADVISORS AND REPRESENTATIVES
14.1 The duties of the president of the IFC shall be:
14.1.1 To call all meetings
14.1.2 To preside over all meetings
14.1.3 To assist as a member of the Executive Committee in the selection of all standing committee members and to appoint the members of all special committees.
14.1.4 To maintain strong relations with the advisor.
14.1.5 To maintain relations with the university administrators, faculty, and trustees.
14.1.6 To maintain relations with the Alumni Greek Council.
14.1.7 To maintain relations with the NEIFC.
14.1.8 To maintain relations with and be responsible for the banquet chair.
14.1.9 To maintain strong relations with the Panhellenic Council.
14.2 The duties of the Vice-President of External Affairs shall be:
14.2.1 To officiate in the absence of the president. To assist President in and act as council parliamentarian.
14.2.2 Represent the IFC at University functions in the absence of the President.
14.2.3 To serve as the mediator in the Fraternal Relations Policy.
14.2.4 To maintain healthy relations with the University community.
14.2.5 To assist all members of council in advertising events.
14.2.6 To coordinate the publishing of a faculty newsletter.
14.3 The duties of the Vice-President of Internal Affairs shall be:
14.3.1 To officiate in the absence of the president and the Vice-President of External Affairs.
14.3.2 To serve as the Peer Review Board Chairman.
14.3.3 To serve as elections coordinator.
14.3.4 To be responsible for and serve as coordinator of the Greek Monitoring Team (GMT).
14.3.5 To remain fair and impartial at all times as chair of the Peer Review Board.
14.4 The duties of the Secretary shall be:
14.4.1 To keep a neat, concise record in permanent form of the proceedings of all meetings.
14.4.2 To preserve the Constitution, By-Laws and revisions thereof and revise the constitution each semester, as needed.
14.4.3 To preserve all other documents.
14.4.4 To keep an accurate attendance record of all meetings, and make a report of improper representation to the Treasurer during each meeting.
14.4.5 To give notice of all meetings.
14.4.6 To send correspondence as needed or determined by the executive committee.
14.4.7 To aid the president in maintaining relations with the Alumni Greek Council.
14.4.8 To aid the president in maintaining relations with the NEIFC.
14.5 The duties of the Treasurer shall be:
14.5.1 To maintain a record in ledger form of all financial transactions.
14.5.2 To collect and dispose of all funds.
14.421 Collect Dues.
14.422 Collect Fines
14.5.3 To deliver all funds, vouchers, bonds and ledger books to his successor.
14.5.4 To have present a statement of finances at each regular meeting.
14.5.5 To draw up an annual budget to be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval and to the Appropriations Committee for ratification.
14.5.6 To act on behalf of his successor until all necessary transactions involved in executing 14.43 have been completed.
14.6 The duties of the Orientation and Greek Week Chair shall be:
14.6.1 Coordinate Greek Week activities.
14.6.2 Coordinate Orientation Activities for incoming freshmen.
14.6.3 Assist Panhellenic representative in coordination.
14.7 The duties of the Community Service and Philanthropy chair shall be:
14.7.1 Arrange IFC Philanthropies each semester.
14.7.2 Coordinate yearly Philanthropies with Panhellenic Council.
14.7.3 Document all IFC and Fraternity Philanthropies two times a year.
14.8 The duties of the Rush Chair shall be:
14.8.1 Plan Rush Schedule and present to the Committee on Complementary Activities.
14.8.2 Assemble the Rush Booklet.
14.8.3 Monitor and Control all rush events.
14.9 The duties of the Greek Editor shall be:
14.9.1 Organize, Layout, and Facilitate the completion of the Olive Branch twice per semester.
14.9.2 Establish working relationship with the Panhellenic Representative.
14.9.3 Assist the VP external in writing and distributing the monthly faculty newsletter.
14.10 The duties of the Scholarship Chair shall be:
14.10.1 Organize and select the recipients of IFC scholarships.
14.10.2 Organize two Fire Side Chats per semester.
14.10.3 Organize and Advise the JIFC.
14.10.4 Organize and Advise the Adopt-A-School program.
14.11 The duties of the Advisor shall be to act in an advisory and consultative capacity to the Executive Committee and the IFC as a whole.
14.12 The duties of a fraternity president of the IFC shall be:
14.12.1 To cast the house vote at all IFC meetings which he attends.
14.13 The IFC representative shall be defined as a duly initiated member or pledge of the chapter who is elected or appointed. The duties of an IFC representative shall be:
14.13.1 To attend meetings, take part in debate, and serve as a chairman or a member on standing and special committees when appointed.
14.13.2 To serve on the Greek Monitoring Team under the supervision of the Vice-President Internal.
ARTICLE 15
COMMITTEES
15.1 The Peer Review Board of the IFC shall consist of the following:
15.1.1 A representative from each fraternity either appointed or voted on by that chapter, and should be consistent throughout the semester.
15.1.2 The chair of the Peer Review Board shall be the IFC Vice-President of Internal Affairs.
15.1.3 The Peer Review Board shall have the power to determine by majority vote of its members the guilt of any member fraternity or member of a member fraternity brought before it, and to impose suitable penalties for violations as prescribed elsewhere in the Constitution of the IFC.
15.1.4 All other rules should come from the Peer Review Board Constitution, also voted upon and amended by the fraternity presidents.
ARTICLE 16
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
16.1 A member fraternity is held responsible for the actions of its members and pledges.
16.2 Any member of the University community may charge that a fraternity has violated an Interfraternity Council regulation or a University policy.
16.2.1 Charges can be filed based on a violation of the University Policies concerning the consumption of Alcohol, the wristband policy, and the policy concerning Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities.
16.2.2 Charges can be filed based on a violation of IFC Policies and Statements concerning, but not limited to the Risk Management Policy, the Risk Management Enforcement Policy, and the Rush Rules.
16.3 The University may press charges on behalf of a member of the University community or, if it is the injured party, on behalf of the institution.
16.4 The charges are to be filed in writing with the Vice-President of Internal Affairs of the IFC, who serves as chairman of the Peer Review Board.
16.4.1 If the charge/s that are filed are against the IFC Vice- President of Internal Affair's fraternity, the President will chair the Committee.
16.5 Upon receipt of the charge(s), the IFC Vice-President of Internal Affairs of the IFC will notify the fraternity who has been charged. A copy of the notification of charges also will be sent to the accused. The notification will include a statement of the charge(s).
16.6 The IFC Vice-President of Internal Affairs will submit pertinent information gained as part of the his investigation to the Peer Review Board The accused fraternity shall be given an opportunity to present its case and to submit evidence on its behalf. Members of the Peer Review Board will have the opportunity to ask questions of the Vice-President of Internal Affairs and of the accused fraternity, and witnesses.
16.6.2 The vote of the Peer Review Board shall be taken immediately upon conclusion of the hearing and the subsequent deliberation.
16.7 The decision of the IFC Peer Review Board will be conveyed in writing by the IFC Vice-President to the Office of the Dean of Students within three days after the completion of the hearing, however if this an internal affair the Office of the Dean of Students will not be notified.
16.7.2 If the decision of the IFC Peer Review Board stands after its review by the Office of the Dean of Students, either the accused or the accuser may appeal to the Office of the Dean of Students within five days for a rehearing. A new hearing by the Committee on Student Conduct will be required provided the Office of the Dean of Students, following review of the case and the appeal request, is satisfied that one or more of the conditions in article 17.22 has been met.
16.7.3 If the decision of the IFC Peer Review Board involves an internal matter than the accused fraternity can appeal the decision at the next IFC meeting.
16.9 IFC Patrols or Greek Monitoring Team (GMT), shall be composed of one Executive Committee member and three IFC representatives.
16.9.1 The GMT will be treated with courtesy and respect. If this does not this occur, the accused party may be brought before the Peer Review Board for adjudication.
16.9.2 All IFC representatives that go on GMT must be brothers or pledges of the specified fraternity (never, two from same fraternity), and must be knowledgeable of the duties of the GMT.
16.9.3 The GMT shall submit all reports to the IFC Executive Committee.
16.10 The Vice-President of Internal Affairs will then present this evidence from the GMT report to the Executive Committee for a decision of whether or not to pass it along to the Peer Review Board for adjudication. If the Executive Committee decides that the evidence supports the charge then it will pass the case on to the IFC Peer Review for adjudication.
Article 17
Disciplinary Rights
17.1 An accused fraternity scheduled to appear before the Peer Review Board of the Interfraternity Council will be afforded the following procedural rights:
17.1.1 A written statement in advance of the hearing indicating the nature and basis of the charge(s) obtained by the Executive Committee.
17.1.2. Upon request of the accused fraternity, a delay of the formal hearing by the Peer Review Board of up to ten (10) days from the time of receipt of the Statement of Charges may occur. In addition, the Peer Review Board and the accused may agree to a delay of more than ten (10) days. However, if not agreed upon the hearing must take place within ten (10) days.
17.12.1 The fraternity shall not be on probation or suffer any sanctions while they wait for a committee hearing (including appeals) unless the fraternity agrees to the suggested sanction, the fraternity decides to plead guilty, or would like to have the option of time served.
17.1.3 To challenge for cause any member of the Peer Review Board. Such challenge(s) must be made in writing to the Vice-President Internal Affairs of the Interfraternity Council. The decision of the Vice-President of Internal Affairs with regard to the challenge will be final.
17.1.4 To be judged only on evidence relevant to the charge(s) presented at the hearing.
17.1.5 To be assisted by the faculty or alumni advisor during the hearing before the Peer Review Board.
17.1.6 To be advised of the evidence against the fraternity, to have an opportunity to rebut adverse testimony, and to question witnesses.
17.1.7 To present evidence and witnesses relevant to the charge.
17.1.8. To decline to appear at the hearing with the understanding that the case will be considered in the fraternity's absence
17.1.9 To decline to answer questions which might tend to be self- incriminating. (Refusal to do so shall not be considered evidence of guilt.)
17.2.0 To be given written notification of the decision.
17.2.1 To be advised of the reasons for the decision, if requested.
17.2.2 To request, within two (2) weeks of the decision of the Peer Review Board, a review of the case which will result in a re- hearing if one or more of the following conditions is established to the satisfaction of either of the reviewing authorities:
17.2.2.1 All relevant evidence has not been introduced.
17.2.2.2 New evidence or information has become available.
17.2.2 3 Procedural error - a guaranteed element of due process was abridged or omitted.
17.2.3 To have three levels of review:
17.2.3.1 The Committee on Student Conduct
17.2.3.2 The Office of the Dean of Students
17.2.3.3 Final recourse to the President of the University
17.2.4 A record of the offense and the sanction imposed against the fraternity will remain on file in the Office of the Dean of Students and with the Vice-President of Internal Affairs of the Interfraternity Council.
Article 18
Sanctions
18.4 The Peer Review Board shall be empowered to invoke one (1) or more of the following penalties:
18.4.1 Warning
18.4.2 A fine payable to the Treasurer of the IFC not to exceed four hundred dollars ($400) with the exception of rushing and pledging infractions which have a maximum fine of five hundred dollars ($500) and hazing which has a maximum fine of $1000.
18.4.3 Suspension from the IFC for a specified period.
18.4.4 Rescission of the right to rush, pledge, or initiate new men for a specified period.
18.4.5 Social probation for a specified period.
18.4.6 Lesser punishment as the Peer Review Board may deem advisable.
18.4.7 The Peer Review Board has the authority to institute the sanctions of "warning" and "probation" and to specify the restrictions, if any, that are to apply under the latter sanction. The sanctions of "suspension" and "loss of recognition" will take the form of a recommendation to the Committee on Student Conduct and ultimately to the President of the University. (A precise definition of the above terms can be found in the StudentHandbook under the subheading Disciplinary Censures.)
18.4.8 An educational, alcohol awareness, or risk management program.
18.5 There is a right of appeal from the IFC Peer Review Board. Appeal from the Peer Review Board is to the Committee on Student Conduct or the IFC. Decisions of the Appeals Board will rescind, revise, or modify the action of the Peer Review Board.
18.6 The Peer Review Board shall have the privilege and right to examine itself as to whether it is qualified to dispose of any case. Should it find itself unqualified it may refer the case to the Committee on Student Conduct.
18.7 All money collected from fines should be donated to charity, at the end of the year unless funds are deemed necessary in an unusual situation and then must be voted upon by the IFC.
ARTICLE 19
SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FRATERNITY INITIATION
19.1 Scholastic requirements for the initiation of a man into a member fraternity are left to the laws governing the individual fraternity, and the discretion and good judgment of the existing fraternity members. However the minimum grade point average for a pledging a fraternity is 2.0.
ARTICLE 20
ORDER OF BUSINESS
20.1 Roll Call
20.2 Officer Repoerts
20.3 Old Business
20.4 New Business
20.5 Announcements
20.6 Adjournment
ARTICLE 21
CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS
22.1 Any portion of this constitution may be eliminated, revised, or supplemented at a regular or special meeting upon a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the member fraternities, provided that the proposed change has been presented in writing at the previous meeting.
Last Revised by:
Stuart F. Sidlow
12./3/96