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Clarion University’s
Inter-fraternity Council
Policy and Procedures
Handbook
Table of Contents
Constitution………………………………………..3
Expansion Policy…………………………………12
Recruitment Policy……………………………….15
FIPG Risk
Management……………………………………...17
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CLARION UNIVERSITY INTERFRATERNITY
COUNCIL
By-Laws
PREAMBLE
We, the representative members of the fraternity system at Clarion University of
Pennsylvania, believing that general fraternities are an integral part of the University community,
do hereby establish this Constitution, and delegate to the Inter-fraternity Council such powers
and responsibilities as outlined herein.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Clarion University Inter-fraternity Council,
herein referred to the IFC.
ARTICLE II: OBJECT
The purpose of this organization shall be:
A. To serve as the legislative body governing the member fraternities.
B. To insure cooperation between the member fraternities and University authorities and to
continually improve relations with appointed authorities.
C. To establish and enforce rules governing recruitment, member education programs, risk
management and other activities involving the member fraternities.
D. To insure cooperation among the member fraternities and the general sororities
recognized by the Clarion University Panhellenic Council.
E. To discuss issues of mutual concern and propose recommendations for action.
F. To grant recognition to new fraternities.
G. To encourage scholastic, athletic and community service activities.
H. To promote fraternity-community relations.
I. To act as a judicial body for fraternity violations of IFC policies or other actions of a
member fraternity that reflects unfavorably on the remaining member fraternities.
J. To promote high standards of gentlemanly conduct and encourage the member
fraternities to uphold the values upon which they were founded.
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K. To act in accordance with the rules and policies of all applicable laws, rules, regulations,
and ordinances of the state and its divisions as well as the University.
L. Work with administration on revision of policies relating to member organizations and
inform them of any policy changes.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP & VOTING
Section 1.
Individual membership in the IFC shall consist of those individuals listed on the
official rosters of the member fraternities, as maintained by the IFC advisor. In order to appear
on a member fraternity’s official roster, an individual must have affiliated with their respective
chapter in accordance with the IFC’s Recruitment Policy.
Section 2.
IFC member fraternities shall be divided into two classifications: full
membership and colony and associate membership.
A. Full membership and colony in the IFC shall consist of those national/international
fraternities that have successfully met eh criteria for such recognition, as outlined in
the IFC Expansion Policy, and have been granted University recognition by the
Student Senate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
B. Associate membership in the IFC shall consist of those national/international
fraternities that have successfully met the criteria for such recognition, as outlined in
the IFC Expansion Policy, and are in the process of gaining University recognition
from the Student Senate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Section 3.
Each member fraternity shall individually elect two representatives, to serve as
their chapter’s delegates to the IFC.
A. No member of the IFC’s Executive Committee may serve as a delegate for his chapter.
B. All delegates from member fraternities in good standing shall be afforded speaking
privileges at IFC meetings and shall have the privilege of serving on IFC committees.
However, only those member fraternities in good standing, with the full membership and
colony classification, are afforded voting privileges.
1. Good standing is defined as being current with all financial obligations to IFC,
having no more than two unexcused absences per semester, being current with
Student Senate RSO paperwork and not on probation with the IFC Judicial
Committee and/or the University Conduct Board.
C. Each member fraternity’s Chapter Advisor shall be allowed to attend IFC meetings.
Chapter Advisors are granted speaking privileges at IFC meetings, but do not have voting
privileges.
Section 4.
Each member fraternity in good standing, with the full membership and colony
classification, shall have two votes to be casted by the chapter’s two delegates.
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Section 5.
Vice-President of Judicial Affairs, Vice-President for Recruitment, Vice-President
of Finance, Vice President of Committees, Vice President of Scholarship, and the Vice President
of Community Relations shall each have voting privileges within IFC.
Section 6.
The President shall break ties
Section 7.
Quorum and Voting.
1. Quorum is defined as 50% of all active member fraternities’ two delegates and IFC
officers, plus one.
2. A simple majority of all votes cast, at a meeting where quorum is met, shall be
necessary to decide all issues, unless otherwise stated in this Constitution.
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS
Section 1.
The elected officers of the IFC shall be the President, Vice-President of Judicial
Affairs, Vice-President for Recruitment, Vice-President of Finance, Vice President of
Committees, Vice President of Scholarship, Vice President of Community Relations. These
officers, along with the IFC advisor as an ex-officio member, shall constitute the executive
committee.
Section 2.
following:
The duties of the elected officer of the IFC shall include, but not be limited to the
1. Fulfill all required IFC office hours of at least 3 hours a week.
2. Deliver an annual report, both orally and in writing, at the end of his term of office
detailing the current state of the IFC.
3. Plan and implement an officer transition at the end of his term of office.
4. Have overall responsibility for the operation of the IFC and perform all other duties
deemed necessary by the membership of
5. the IFC or stated elsewhere in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Additionally, each officer shall:
The President shall:
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC President are as follows:
A. Provide guidance and focus to the efforts of the General Body and Executive
Committee.
B. Preside over all meetings of the General Body and Executive Committee.
C. Cast the final vote in the event of a tie.
D. Build rapport and establish positive working relationships between IFC and Member
Fraternity leaders.
E. Serve as the official spokesperson for the fraternity community
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F. Establish positive working relationships with campus and local law enforcement
agencies.
G. Regularly interact with the leaders of other governing councils and campus
organizations.
H. Establish a working relationship with key college administrators.
I. Establish a working relationship with and communicate campus data, issues, and trends
in a timely manner to the NIC.
J. Maintain current information for accurate Member Fraternity rosters.
K. Meet with each Fraternity Presidents at the end of each month.
L. The succession of the president goes as follows: Vice President of Judicial Affairs,
Vice President of Recruitment, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Scholarship,
Vice President of Member Development, and Vice President of Community Relations
IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs are as
follows:
A. Serve as chair of the IFC Judicial Committee and serve as the nonvoting Chief Justice
of all IFC Judicial Board hearings, and serve as acting president in the absence of the
elected president.
B. Investigate and refer to the IFC Judicial Board alleged violations of IFC policy,
including but not limited to:
1. the IFC Constitution, Bylaws, and policies;
2. Federal, state, and local laws;
3. the rules and regulations of Clarion University of Pennsylvania;
4. the general values-based conduct of fraternity men.
C. Ensure proper filing and preparation for all judicial actions.
D. Ensure compliance with all IFC judicial action imposed upon a Member Fraternity.
E. Educate Member Fraternities on the IFC Constitution and Bylaws, judicial processes,
and risk management policies.
F. Conduct judicial policy and procedures training for new IFC Judicial Committee
justices.
G. Assist in conflict mediation between Member Fraternities.
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H. Review all IFC governance documents, at least annually compared to the national IFC
constitution and be distributed to the IFC Delegates once per year/delegate change or per
constitutional revision.
I. In the case of a tie the IFC Advisor will cast the final vote
IFC Vice President of Recruitment
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Recruitment are as follows:
A. Serve as chair of the IFC Recruitment Committee.
B. Utilize technology (social media, fraternityinfo.com, etc.) in recruitment and
marketing efforts.
C. Produce and distribute promotional materials to all incoming students and unaffiliated
students.
D. Develop recruitment workshops and programs for Member Fraternities. E. Uphold the
IFC Recruitment Policy and ensure no restrictive policies are placed on new member
recruitment.
F. Maintain an interest list of Potential New Members.
G. Collect and maintain accurate New Member Rosters for each Member Fraternity.
H. Provide advice and support to Member Fraternity recruitment officers.
I. Meet with each fraternity’s recruitment chairman at the end of each month.
The Vice President of Finance shall:
1. Chair the Finance Committee. In this capacity, he is responsible for the
development of the IFC’s budget and for establishing dues.
2. Prepare bills for each member organization.
3. Collect dues and fines from member organizations and issue receipts upon
payment.
4. Maintain records of all deposits received and expenses incurred by the IFC.
5. Prepare and distribute a monthly financial report to the membership of IFC.
6. Work with the Treasurer of the Panhellenic Council on the upkeep and
maintenance of the joint Clarion Student Association account.
7. Meet with treasurers of each fraternity at the end of the month.
Vice-President of Committees shall:
8. Directly oversee the standing committees of the Inter-fraternity council.
9. Compile the master calendar of Inter-fraternity Council activities.
10. Set due dates and standards for the committees. (When their events are due and
how many they must have)
11. Keep in direct contact with the fraternity president to improve communication.
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IFC Vice President of Scholarship
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Scholarship are as follows:
A. Coordinate a scholarship chair orientation program for Member Fraternities.
B. Collect and distribute academic performance rankings.
C. Publish important academic dates and deadlines.
D. Collect and distribute information about campus academic services, such as tutors, the
writing lab, math lab, learning assistance programs, interest tests, career counseling,
placement workshops, and library resources.
E. Work individually with member fraternity scholarship chairs below the all-men’s
grade point average.
F. Build and maintain relationships with faculty, academic offices, and academic
honorary societies.
G. Provide advice and support to Member Fraternity scholarship officers.
H. Meet with the scholarship chairmen of each fraternity at the end of each month.
IFC Vice President of Member Development
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Member Development are as
follows:
A. Develop best practices for new member and member education programs for Member
Fraternities.
B. Collect and report new member retention, academic, and involvement statistics.
C. Organize, develop, and implement a new member orientation program.
D. Develop opportunities for continuing member education by collaborating with
alumni, [college/university] offices and departments, and student organizations to offer
educational programming covering the following topics: academic achievement, alcohol
consumption, career preparation, civic engagement, hazing, leadership development,
sexual assault/abuse, and values and ethics.
E. Provide advice and support to Member Fraternity member development officers.
IFC Vice President of Community Relations
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Community Relations are as
follows:
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A. Acts as the official Secretary of IFC General Body
B. Develop and execute a public relations and social media strategy.
C. Develop service projects and philanthropic events for Member Fraternities.
D. Collect and report Member Fraternity community service hours, philanthropic
dollars, and activities.
E. Collect and disseminate information on the fraternity community to all campus and
community media sources.
F. Keep the media informed on upcoming events or potential news.
G. Establish a positive working relationship with external constituents.
H. Assist in the development of various IFC publications and outreach programs.
I. Provide advice and support to Member Fraternity community service/ philanthropy
officers.
j. Record, type, and distribute minutes for regular and special IFC meetings, as well
as executive committee meetings.
k. Maintain a complete and up-to-date file that includes minutes of all IFC related
meetings, officer reports, and other pertinent correspondence.
l. Keep accurate and up-to-date records of contact information for all IFC executive
committee officers, delegates, as well as the leadership and advisors of member
organizations.
o. All minutes must be distributed within 48 hours an IFC meeting
Section 3.
In order to be eligible for nomination, each candidate for office must meet the
following qualifications:
A. He must be affiliated with a member fraternity in good standing, with either full or
associate membership classification, and he must also be in good standing with his
chapter.
B. He must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average, and be in good academic
standing with the University, and he must maintain these scholastic requirements
throughout his term of office.
Section 4.
The nomination of candidates will be opened at the regular meeting held during
the third week of the spring semester.
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A. Nominations will be made from the floor in new business.
B. Nominees need not be present at the meeting at which they are nominated. In the event
that a nominee is not present at the meeting at which he is nominated, the President of the
IFC or the IFC Advisor will contact that individual to determine whether or not he
accepts the nomination prior to the election. If a candidate’s acceptance of his
nomination cannot be determined prior to the election, that individual will be removed
from the ballot.
Section 5.
The election of officers will take place at the regular meeting held during the fifth
week in the spring semester, or in a special session called by the executive committee.
A. The officers shall be elected by secret ballot.
B. Officers shall be elected in the following order: President, Vice-President of Judicial
Affairs, Vice-President of Recruitment, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of
Scholarship, Vice President of Member Development, and Vice President of Community
Relations
C. No more than three members of the executive committee can be from the same fraternity.
In the event that three officers are elected from the same fraternity, all remaining
nominees from the fraternity will be withdrawn from the ballot. A member organization
may exceed the three office limit in the event that an office is vacated and no other
eligible candidates run for the position.
D. In the event that an office is vacated, a special session will be call be the executive
committee, to hold an election to fill the vacancy.
E. During an emergency election nominations will begin during the vote for the elections
and proceed for one week. The next week will open with further nominations and the
motion to vote.
Section 6.
Each officer’s term will begin with two regular meetings remaining in the spring
semester, under which the previous officers will serve as a guide. The incoming officers will be
permitted into the Joint and executive meetings before starting their term. Incoming officers must
shadow the former officers from the time they are elected until they take office. Former
executives must attend the last two executive meetings to serve in an advisory capacity. The new
executive board should focus on planning Greek retreat and fall recruitment. If the new officers
have 2 absences from their shadow period without an excuse they must resign from their
position. If a class conflicts the new officers must have a weekly one on one with the current
office holder.
Section 7.
Any officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the full
membership and colony of the IFC for any of the following reasons:
1. Non-performance of duties including unexcused absence from more than two IFC
meetings.
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2. Conduct not becoming of a gentleman and a member of the IFC.
A. Any IFC member may initiate removal procedure.
1. Written notice of the motion to impeach must be presented to the IFC President at
a regular meeting.
2. The President shall notify the officer in question.
3. The officer in question shall have an opportunity to speak on his behalf to the IFC
before the impeachment vote is taken.
B. An officer shall be automatically dismissed from office if he is not in good academic
standing with the University, his cumulative grade point average drops below 2.75, or his
fraternity loses its University recognition.
ARTICLE V – ROLE OF THE IFC REPRESENTATIVE Section I.
IFC Representative
The duties and responsibilities of all IFC Representatives are as follows:
A. Serve as a representative and voice for his Member Fraternity’s concerns regarding the
fraternity community.
B. Represent the larger fraternity community’s interests.
C. Inform his Member Fraternity of the actions, discussions, and workings of the IFC
General Body.
D. Serve as a liaison between the IFC General Body and his respective Member Fraternity.
E. Serve as an active member of IFC Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees, as
necessary.
F. Represent the highest ideals of fraternity life to the greater campus community.
ARTICLE VI: ADVISOR
Section 1.
The IFC Advisor shall be a Clarion University staff member designated by the
Division of Student & University Affairs and shall serve until a successor is appointed.
Section 2.
The IFC Advisor is an ex-officio member of this body and all of its committees.
While the Advisor does not have voting privileges, except in the case of a judicial hearing in
order to break a tie, no action of the IFC or executive committees shall be considered official
unless the Advisor, or an approved substitute, is present.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
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Section 1.
Regular meetings of the IFC shall be held each week of the semester, provided
that classes are in session. At the end of each semester, the IFC shall set a date, time, and
location for the meetings of the upcoming semester. There shall be a minimum of 11 meetings
per semester. All procedures are to follow the basic Roberts Rules of Order as applicable as
possible
Section 2.
Special meetings shall be called by the President at the request of a delegate of
any member fraternity, the IFC Advisor, or the executive committee. The business of special
meetings shall be limited to discussion of the matters for which the meeting was called.
Notification of the special meeting shall be directed to chapter delegates at leas 24 hours prior to
the time of the meeting.
Section 3.
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly
Revised shall govern the IFC in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not
inconsistent with this Constitution and any special rules of order the IFC may adopt.
ARTICLE VIII: FINANCES
Section 1.
By the third week of each semester, each member organization shall submit to the
Treasurer a roster of members and the appropriate amount of dues, payable at $10.00 per
member appearing on said roster.
A. A fraternity delinquent in its dues shall not be entitled to vote in IFC proceedings and
may face other penalties as determined by the IFC.
Section 2.
All fines levied must be paid before the start of the next meeting following the
issuance of the fine, or the chapter will lose voting rights at that meeting.
Section 3.
The IFC will annually petition the Clarion Student Association for access to
additional funding for initiatives that will further the purpose of the organization and enhance the
quality of life on campus.
Section 4.
Attendance is defined as follows:
1. Any valid excused absence shall take away from the total number of members required to
attend an event.
2. An excuse shall not represent an attendance.
Section 5.
All events that have been voted upon to become mandatory shall carry the fine of$10 per member, under the required attendance relative to the individual chapter’s membership.
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ARTICLE IX: STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1.
All standing committees shall serve for a period of one election year(VP of
Committees will assign committees, and if necessary, eliminate committees as he sees fit) .
They are;
A. Recruitment: It shall be the duty of the Recruitment Committee to formulate, assist, and
evaluate the guidelines set for Rush by the Inter-fraternity Council.
B. Greek Week: It shall be the duty of this committee to organize and conduct Greek Week
each year in cooperation with the Pan-Hellenic Council.
C. Member Education: It shall be the duty of this committee to formulate, assist, and
evaluate the individual fraternities’ policies for new member education.
D. Scholarship: It shall be the duty of this committee to recommend and make available a
program for the improvement of scholarship for the fraternities represented in the Interfraternity Council; to collect and process the materials necessary to do this.
E. Community Service: It shall be the duty of this committee to plan and carry out one
community service project each year.
F. Constitution Review: One member of each fraternity serves in the constitutional review
committee, which meets twice a year in the early fall and early spring to review and
propose amendments (as needed) to the Constitution. They are responsible for ensuring
that there are no conflicts between this document and University/Student Senate Policy.
G. Expansion Committee: President appointed committee that will be responsible for
soliciting interest by fraternities not currently represented on campus, during an IFC
initiated expansion period. This committee may be periodically assembled to review the
IFC expansion Policy and will review all expansion requests and make a recommendation
to the IFC for vote.
Section 2.
The President of the IFC is authorized to establish all necessary ad-hoc
committees to serve at his pleasure with the approval of the General Body.
ARTICLE IX – IFC JUDICIAL POLICY
Section I. IFC Judicial Powers and Responsibilities
The IFC shall be a self governing organization with an independent Judicial Committee who
shall have jurisdiction over cases involving alleged member fraternity violations of IFC policy,
including but not limited to:
A. the IFC Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and policies;
B. the rules and regulations of [Clarion University of Pennsylvania]; and
C. the general values-based conduct of fraternity men.
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Section II. Due Process
In appearing before the Judicial Board, each Member Fraternity shall be
granted certain rights termed “due process.” Those rights are:
A. Right to be notified, in writing, of all charges, as outlined in the
Bylaws;
B. Right to present a defense, including the calling of witnesses;
C. Right to question witnesses;
D. Right to be accompanied by an advisor for advisory purposes only,
but not for representation;
E. Right to be notified, in writing, of all findings and sanctions imposed,
as outlined in the Bylaws;
F. Right to appeal the decision, as outlined in the Bylaws.
G. Right against double jeopardy.
Section III. Filing of Complaints
Any individual or group may file a complaint against a Member Fraternity, specifying in writing
the particular alleged acts of the accused. This must be done by submitting an IFC Judicial
Complaint Form to the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs. The IFC Vice President of Judicial
Affairs shall promptly review and investigate the allegation. Upon determination that an
allegation has merit, the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs may charge a Member Fraternity
with a violation.
Section IV. Notification of Charges
Once the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs has determined the filed complaint has merit, the
Member Fraternity is to be provided written notification of the charges at least one week in
advance of the hearing. This written notification shall include the following:
A. Date, time and location of their informal judicial hearing;
B. Description of the alleged violation; and
C. Due Process Rights.
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Section V. Investigatory Evidence
All evidence related to a complaint shall be compiled and presented to all parties prior to any
Informal Judicial Hearing or Formal Judicial Board Hearing. All evidence shall be directly
related to the complaint(s) alleged against the Member Fraternity and shall be approved by the
IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs prior to circulation.
Section VI. Informal Judicial Hearing
Upon a finding of the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs that a filed complaint has merit, he
shall offer the charged Member Fraternity the opportunity to participate in an Informal Judicial
Hearing. In cases in which the charged Member Fraternity accepts an Informal Judicial Hearing,
the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall meet with a representative of the charged
Member Fraternity to discuss the allegations of the complaint. Within three (3) business days of
the Informal Judicial Hearing, the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs may dismiss the
complaint with a finding of no violations or provide the charged Member Fraternity with his
finding of violations and recommendation for a resolution through disciplinary sanctions. The
charged Member Fraternity has three (3) business days to accept or reject the terms of resolution.
If the charged Member Fraternity accepts the resolution, the charged Member Fraternity waives
all rights of appeal and the outcome is final. If the charged Member Fraternity rejects the
resolution, a Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing will be convened to hear the case.
Section VII. Prohibited Sanctions for Informal Judicial Hearings
The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall not recommend suspension or loss of IFC
recognition through an Informal Judicial Hearing. Should the IFC Vice President of Judicial
Affairs believe suspension or loss of IFC recognition is warranted, the case shall automatically
be referred to a Formal IFC Judicial Board hearing.
Section VIII. Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing
If:
A. the charged Member Fraternity rejects having an Informal Judicial Hearing;
B. the charged Member Fraternity rejects the Informal Judicial Hearing recommendation for
resolution; or
C. the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs determines the allegationis egregious enough to
warrant potential suspension or loss of IFC recognition; the IFC Vice President of Judicial
Affairs shall convene a Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing. In accordance with Article VI,
Section VI, of the IFC Constitution, the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs will select five (5)
Judicial Committee justices, as predetermined by an alphabetical rotation of the Member
Fraternities, to hear the case. In the event the IFC Judicial Committee rotation for service on a
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Judicial Board hearing falls upon an IFC Justice whose Member Fraternity is involved in the
alleged violation, the rotation will skip to the next Member Fraternity in the alphabetical rotation.
The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall serve as a non-voting Chief Justice and the
procedural officer for all Judicial Board hearings.
Section IX. Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing Proceedings
For all IFC Judicial Board hearings, the following procedures shall be
followed:
A. Participants: Attendance at all IFC Judicial Board hearings shall be limited to the Member
Fraternities involved, any witnesses, the IFC Justices assigned to serve on the Judicial Board for
the hearing, and the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs. Additionally, the charged Member
Fraternity may be accompanied by its chapter advisor during any Judicial Board hearing. The
chapter advisor must be registered as the official chapter advisor of the Member Fraternity.
B. Confidentiality: All individuals involved in a hearing are required to agree to a statement of
confidentiality. Individuals shall not disclose information regarding the following:
1. Any individuals, Member Fraternities, or IFC Justices involved.
2. Details of the proceedings
3. Witness testimony.
C. Hearing Process:
1. Initiation of the Hearing: The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall inform all
individuals present that the hearing will be conducted in an orderly manner and any person
causing disruption will be asked to leave. Additionally, he shall advise the charged Member
Fraternity of the formality of the hearing and the necessity of all parties to be truthful.
2. Overview of Judicial Hearing Process: The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall outline
the process for the remainder of the hearing as follows:
a. Presentation of alleged charges, violations, and investigatory evidence against the charged
Member Fraternity shall be presented by the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs:
i. Charged Member Fraternity may ask questions;
ii. IFC Justices may ask questions;
b. Presentation of charged Member Fraternity:
i. IFC Justices may ask questions;
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c Calling of Witnesses
i. Charged Member Fraternity may ask questions;
ii. IFC Justices may ask questions;
d. Charged Member Fraternity may give final statement;
e. IFC Justices deliberate in closed session to determine findings of responsibility and if
necessary, appropriate sanction(s).
Section X. Conflicts of Interest
In the event the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs’ Member Fraternity is involved in the
alleged violation, the highest ranking IFC Executive Board officer, starting with the IFC
President, as listed in Article V, Section II of the IFC Constitution, shall serve in his stead.
Section XI. Prohibition on Recruitment Restrictions as a Sanction
The IFC Judicial Board may impose educational and punitive sanctions, as prescribed in the IFC
Bylaws, but under no circumstances may it prohibit a Member Fraternity’s ability to recruit.
Section XII. Non-Status Sanctions
The following are sanctions that may be imposed by the IFC Judicial Board and/or IFC Vice
President of Judicial Affairs (including, but not limited to):
A. Letter of apology
B. Fines
C. Restitution
D. Educational programming
E. Public service to the campus or community
F. Meetings with campus office/departments
G. Loss of social event and/or campus event privileges
H. Loss of eligibility for IFC Awards
I. Censure
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Section XIII. Status Sanctions
In the event of an egregious violation, the following are sanctions that may be imposed by the
IFC Judicial Board for a specified period of time:
A. Suspension: Loss of IFC voting rights, removal from Good Standing status, and any
additional sanctions listed in Non-Status Sanctions.
B. Loss of IFC Recognition: Loss of IFC recognition and its rights and privileges.
Section XIV. Duration of Sanctions
Judicial action shall specify the duration and deadlines of any sanctions imposed. After such
specified time, if the Member Fraternity has fulfilled the requirements of the sanctions imposed,
the Member Fraternity shall return to good standing. In the event the Member Fraternity does not
fulfill all of the requirements of the sanctions imposed, the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs
shall convene a Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing to determine future course of action.
Section XV. Notification of Findings
Within three (3) business days of any Informal or Formal Judicial Hearing, the IFC Vice
President of Judicial Affairs shall communicate in writing to the charged Member Fraternity, its
inter/national headquarters, and its chapter advisor, as well as any relevant [college/university]
administrators, the alleged violation, the findings of the hearing, and any sanction(s) imposed.
The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall notify the IFC General Body of any sanctions
imposed upon a Member Fraternity through any Informal or Formal Judicial Hearing.
Section XVI. Appeals
The IFC Judicial Board’s decision is subject to appeal by a Member Fraternity within two weeks
of receiving written notification of the decision. Appeals shall be made in writing to the IFC
President and shall be made solely on the following grounds:
A. Error in the charge and/or Judicial Board Hearing process that materially affected the
outcome.
B. The severity of the sanction did not match the severity of the violation.
C. New information that could not have been discovered prior to the IFC Judicial Board Hearing
through the exercise of reasonable diligence. Sanctions imposed through the Judicial Process
shall stand until an appeal is heard.
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Section XVII. Non-Status Sanctions Appeals
The IFC Executive Board shall hear appeals for Non-Status Sanctions.
The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall first present the IFC Judicial Board’s decision
and rationale for its actions. The appealing Member Fraternity shall then be afforded the
opportunity to present its reasoning for seeking a reconsideration of the IFC Judicial Board’s
actions. Any individual from the appealing Member Fraternity serving on the IFC Executive
Board shall not participate in the appeal proceedings. The IFC Executive Board may either
dismiss the charge(s) with no sanctions or to alter the sanctions imposed by a two-thirds (2/3)
vote. The decision of the IFC Executive Board shall be final for Non-Status Sanctions.
Section XIX. Status Sanctions Appeals
The IFC General Body shall hear appeals for Status Sanctions. The IFC Vice President of
Judicial Affairs shall first present the IFC Judicial Board’s decision and rationale for its actions.
The appealing Member Fraternity shall then be afforded the opportunity to present its reasoning
for seeking a reconsideration of the decision. Upon completion of the Member Fraternity appeal
presentation, all representatives of the Member Fraternity shall be dismissed from the meeting,
including the Member Fraternity’s IFC Representative and Alternate Representative.
The IFC General Body shall first vote on whether to uphold the status
sanction, which shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote. In the event the IFC
General Body fails to uphold the decision, the IFC General Body shall
determine by a two-thirds (2/3) vote to either dismiss the charge(s) with
no sanctions or to alter the sanctions imposed. The decision of the IFC General Body shall be
final with no further appeal rights.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
Amendments to this Constitution may be submitted, in writing, by any member of
the IFC at a regular or duly called special meeting.
Section 2.
The amendment will be tabled for a period of two weeks, in order to allow the
delegates to discuss the proposed changes with their chapters.
Section 3.
The approval of two-thirds vote of the voting members of the IFC shall be
necessary for the adoption of amendments to this Constitution.
ARTICLE XI: RATIFICATION
Section 1.
Approval of the IFC Constitution by a two-thirds vote of the voting members of
the IFC shall be required for the ratification of this Constitution.
Section 2.
This Constitution shall take precedence over any and/or all previous IFC
Constitutions, By-laws, and/or Rules and Regulations pertaining to the body.
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Section 3.
This Constitution, and its amendments, shall become effective upon ratification
by the members of IFC and following the approval of the Student Senate of Clarion University of
Pennsylvania, the Vice President for Student &University Affairs, and the President of Clarion
University.
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Clarion University Inter-Fraternity Council Constitution
IFC Expansion Policy
In accordance with Clarion University Student Senate’s Recognized Student
Organization Policy, general fraternity chapters are required to gain the approval of the Interfraternity Council before they can gain university recognition. In order to gain this approval,
potential Fraternity chapters are required to meet the stipulations outlined in the Expansion
Policy of the Council.
The IFC’s expansion process can be initiated in one of three ways:
1. When a Clarion University student expresses an interest in starting a new
fraternity.
2. When a member of a national/international fraternity headquarters staff expresses
an interest in establishing/re-establishing a chapter at Clarion University.
3. When the IFC feels it appropriate to actively seek out a national/international
fraternity interested in establishing/re-establishing a chapter at Clarion University.
Student Initiated
1. The student(s) interested in starting the new fraternity must first meet with the Assistant
Director of Campus Life to obtain Student Senate organizational paperwork.
2. The student(s) must petition the IFC to be granted Associate Membership standing in the
council, as defined in Article III of the IFC Constitution. This petition should be sent to
the attention of the IFC President and should include the following materials:
a. A letter formally requesting that the group be granted Associate Membership
standing in the council. This letter should also explain why the members want to
start a new fraternity and why they have selected the organization that they have.
b. A letter from the national/international headquarters of the fraternity the group
has selected stating that the fraternity officially sanctions and is supportive of the
group’s effort to establish/re-establish a chapter on the Clarion University
campus.
c. A copy of the fraternity’s requirements for establishing colonies and chartering
chapters.
d. A list of the present executive board members of the group, along with their
current contact information (mailing address, telephone number, and email
address).
e. A list of all present members and their Clarion University student identification
numbers.
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f. A letter from a current university faculty/staff member indicating that they are
willing to serve as the group’s campus advisor.
g. A copy of the Constitution and By-laws of the organization, both national and
local.
h. A copy of the organization’s new member education program that details the
length and day-to-day activities of the program.
i. Copies of the Pennsylvania Anti-Hazing Law and Clarion University Anti-Hazing
Policy signed by all members of the group.
3. A vote on the group’s request for Associate Membership standing will be taken at the
IFC meeting two weeks after the materials have been submitted. A two-thirds vote of the
IFC is required to grant the group Associate Membership standing for the period of one
calendar year. During that year, the group must meet the Associate Membership
requirements outlined in the policy, in order to be eligible for Full membership and
colony standing.
Headquarters Initiated
1. If a headquarters wishes to gauge student interest in joining their organization, they must
first send a letter to the IFC requesting approval. A simple majority vote is required to
allow the organization to proceed in establishing an interest group.
2. Once an interest group is established the “Student Initiated” process will be followed.
IFC Initiated
1. In the event that the IFC decides that the addition of a new fraternity is warranted, the
Expansion Committee will send an introduction packet to the headquarters of fraternities
not currently represented on campus inviting them to apply for an on campus
presentation. Their application packet should include:
a. A brief history of the organization.
b. A listing of all currently recognized chapters, along with the location of the last
three expansion attempts.
c. A copy of the organization’s expansion process.
2. The Expansion Committee will review the requests and invite up to three fraternities to
campus for the presentations. The presentation should cover the following:
a. How the addition of the fraternity would enhance the Clarion University Greek
community.
b. Details of the fraternity’s new member education program.
c. A detail of the fraternity’s continuing membership development programming.
d. Details of the fraternity’s policies relating to academic achievement, alcohol and
substance abuse, and hazing.
e. Regional alumni support.
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f. Resources and support available to the colony from the headquarters and/or
foundation.
3. Once the fraternity selected to proceed with the expansion process attracts undergraduate
members, the “Student Initiated” process will be followed.
Associate Membership Requirements
1. In order to be considered for Full membership and colony in the IFC, each Associated
member organization must meet the following criteria:
a. The President of the group must hold monthly meetings with the IFC Advisor to
update him on the group’s progress.
b. The group must schedule a meeting at the beginning and end of each semester
with the IFC Executive Council to update them on the progress and future course
of action for the group.
c. The group must comply with all of the Rules and Regulations of the IFC, Clarion
University, and all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws.
d. The group must attend the weekly IFC meetings. The colony should not have
more than two unexcused absences in any one semester.
e. The group will be expected to participate in all Greek Activities. This includes,
but is not limited to: Community Service projects, formal recruitment activities,
IFC sponsored events, Greek Week, etc.
f. The group must complete a minimum of 500 hours of Community Service per
semester and log those hours with the Community Service Learning Office.
g. The group must hold a minimum of four non-alcoholic social events on campus
with IFC/PHC organizations.
h. 100% of the group’s membership must attend the Office of Campus Life’s new
member orientation program.
i. The group must have an alumni advisor and a functioning Board of Advisors in
place.
j. The group’s overall GPA must be above the University’s all men’s average or 2.4,
whichever is higher.
k. The group must show proof that it has met all of the national/international
fraternity’s requirements for chartering.
2. One regular meeting prior to the end of the one-year probationary period, the IFC will
vote on the group’s status.
a. If all criteria have been met, a vote for Full recognition will be taken.
b. Should the group fail to meet any two of these requirements, or have repeated
violation of the same requirement, the council shall have the option to either drop
the group from the IFC or extend the probationary period for an additional year.
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IFC Recruitment Policy
Recruitment Process
1. The Recruitment chairman from each chapter shall submit a detailed Recruitment
Calendar to the IFC office at least 2 school days prior to their first recruitment event.
a. All events are subject to approval.
b. All events must be approved before they can be held.
2. A council sponsored Public Relations event will be held during the second week of class
each semester. PR for chapter events posted prior to the council sponsored event, the
second week of class, must include the council’s event.
3. Recruitment will begin on the Sunday of the second week of school and will end on the
last day of the 13th week.
a. Only IFC sponsored events may be held before this time.
4. A Recruitment event is any event meeting the following criteria.
a. Held during the Recruitment period.
b. Male attendance by non-members.
c. All events meeting these criteria must be on your Recruitment Calendar and
follow all Recruitment rules.
5. Eligibility Verification Forms must be filled out by students attending your Recruitment
events.
a. Bids may not be extended until Eligibility Verification Forms are approved.
b. Any student who is not approved can’t receive a bid.
6. After bids are extended the chapter must submit a Bid Acceptance Form before new
member activities can begin.
Recruitment Rules
1. Advertising
a. Fliers must follow the University’s posting policy and must be approved by the
IFC VP of Recruitment & Public Relations or the IFC Advisor.
b. Chalking is also permitted as long as it is only used on flat, horizontal surfaces
that are exposed to rain. (Not under a roof or overhang).
c. PR for chapter events posted prior to the council sponsored event, the second
week of class, must include the council’s event.
2. Eligibility
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3.
4.
5.
6.
a. Students must have a cumulative Clarion University GPA of at least 2.5, have at
least 12 credit hours completed, and be in good academic standing with the
University to join a fraternity.
b. First semester freshmen and students with less than 12 credit hours earned will be
declared ineligible.
c. Transfer students will be declared eligible provided that they transfer in at least 12
credit hours and had at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA at their previous institution.
The IFC Advisor will verify this information through the Admissions and/or
Registrar’s Office.
Recruitment Events
a. The use of alcoholic beverages in membership recruitment is prohibited.
b. Women shall be prohibited from participating in fraternity membership
recruitment activities. Unless said female is an officially elected sweetheart or
female representative or deemed so by their Constitution/By-law
c. First semester freshmen, and transfer students with less than 12 credit hours, are
prohibited from attending chapter functions that occur off campus.
d. All events must follow Federal, State, and Local laws, in addition to fraternity,
University, and Inter-fraternity Council Regulations and policies.
Recruitment Activities in Residence Halls
a. To display posters in the Residence Halls, chapters must drop them off to the
Residence Life Services Office (230 Egbert) for approval and distribution. Each
chapter will be limited to 1 poster per male floor and 1 poster per hall lobby.
b. Chapters may also distribute mailbox stuffers. There is a limit of one per resident
mailbox, all materials must be pre-counted and dropped off to the Residence Life
Services Office (230 Egbert) for approval and distribution.
c. Fraternity members are not to interrupt or in any way encourage students to skip
hall meetings, class, or other orientation events.
d. Fraternity members are subject to the rules of the residence halls; this includes,
but is not limited to, quiet hours, escort and the solicitation policy.
Additional New Member Classes
a. Chapters wishing to have a second recruitment period must follow the same
procedure as stated above.
b. All new member class activities must be over before the beginning of the last
week of class.
Violations
a. Any violations of the IFC Recruitment Policy are subject to disciplinary action
and will be brought before the IFC Judicial Committee and appropriate judicial
action will be taken.
b. In the event of a discrepancy between the IFC Recruitment Policy and your
chapter’s National Guidelines always follow the stricter rule
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Adopted:
Revised:
January 23, 2003
April 29, 2004
April 29, 2002
August 31, 2005
FIPG RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY (2013)
January, 2013
The Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. includes the provisions, which follow and shall
apply to all fraternity entities and all levels of fraternity membership.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
1. The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on chapter
premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at
any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and
all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and
must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.
2. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the purchase
of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or
on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of
alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.
3. OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity,
without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited.
4. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic
beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
5. The possession, sale or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would
associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.
6. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern defined as an
establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is
given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on
the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may
rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the
provisions of this policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list. An event at
which alcohol is present may be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the
event is held within the provisions of this policy.
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7. No chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at which alcohol
is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
8. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be non-alcoholic. No
recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or inconjunction with a
tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.
9. No member or pledge, associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or
participate in “drinking games.” The definition of drinking games includes but is not limited to
the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor or alcoholic beverages, the practice of consuming
shots equating to one’s age, “beer pong,” “century club,” “dares” or any other activity involving
the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption
of alcohol.
10. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice program,
activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with “bid
night,” “big brother – little brother” events or activities, / “big sister – little sister” events or
activities, “family” events or activities and initiation.
HAZING
No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Permission
or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as:
“Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to
produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities
may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol, paddling in any form, creation
of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts,
road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter
house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging
in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, and any
other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or
policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law.”
SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT
The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the
part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions,
activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to
women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or
members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether
professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is prohibited.
FIRE, HEALTH AND SAFETY
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1. All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
2. All chapters should post by common phones and in other locations emergency numbers for
fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of
each sleeping room.
3. All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance
company or municipal authorities.
4. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind within
the confines and premises of the chapter house is prohibited.
5. Candles should not be used in chapter houses or individual rooms except under controlled
circumstances such as initiation. EDUCATION Each fraternity shall annually instruct its
students and alumni/alumnae in the Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. Additionally, all
students and key volunteers shall annually receive a copy of the Risk Management Policy and a
copy of the policy shall be available on the fraternity website.
EDUCATION
Each fraternity shall annually instruct its students and alumni/alumnae in the Risk Management
Policy of FIPG, Inc. Additionally, all students and key volunteers shall annually receive a copy
of the Risk Management Policy and a copy of the policy shall be available on the fraternity
website.
With the adoption of this policy as the official risk management policy of Clarion University’s
IFC, all member fraternities are required to adhere it, regardless of whether or not their
respective fraternity is an FIPG member organization on a national/international level.
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Inter-fraternity Council
Policy and Procedures
Handbook
Table of Contents
Constitution………………………………………..3
Expansion Policy…………………………………12
Recruitment Policy……………………………….15
FIPG Risk
Management……………………………………...17
2
CLARION UNIVERSITY INTERFRATERNITY
COUNCIL
By-Laws
PREAMBLE
We, the representative members of the fraternity system at Clarion University of
Pennsylvania, believing that general fraternities are an integral part of the University community,
do hereby establish this Constitution, and delegate to the Inter-fraternity Council such powers
and responsibilities as outlined herein.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Clarion University Inter-fraternity Council,
herein referred to the IFC.
ARTICLE II: OBJECT
The purpose of this organization shall be:
A. To serve as the legislative body governing the member fraternities.
B. To insure cooperation between the member fraternities and University authorities and to
continually improve relations with appointed authorities.
C. To establish and enforce rules governing recruitment, member education programs, risk
management and other activities involving the member fraternities.
D. To insure cooperation among the member fraternities and the general sororities
recognized by the Clarion University Panhellenic Council.
E. To discuss issues of mutual concern and propose recommendations for action.
F. To grant recognition to new fraternities.
G. To encourage scholastic, athletic and community service activities.
H. To promote fraternity-community relations.
I. To act as a judicial body for fraternity violations of IFC policies or other actions of a
member fraternity that reflects unfavorably on the remaining member fraternities.
J. To promote high standards of gentlemanly conduct and encourage the member
fraternities to uphold the values upon which they were founded.
3
K. To act in accordance with the rules and policies of all applicable laws, rules, regulations,
and ordinances of the state and its divisions as well as the University.
L. Work with administration on revision of policies relating to member organizations and
inform them of any policy changes.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP & VOTING
Section 1.
Individual membership in the IFC shall consist of those individuals listed on the
official rosters of the member fraternities, as maintained by the IFC advisor. In order to appear
on a member fraternity’s official roster, an individual must have affiliated with their respective
chapter in accordance with the IFC’s Recruitment Policy.
Section 2.
IFC member fraternities shall be divided into two classifications: full
membership and colony and associate membership.
A. Full membership and colony in the IFC shall consist of those national/international
fraternities that have successfully met eh criteria for such recognition, as outlined in
the IFC Expansion Policy, and have been granted University recognition by the
Student Senate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
B. Associate membership in the IFC shall consist of those national/international
fraternities that have successfully met the criteria for such recognition, as outlined in
the IFC Expansion Policy, and are in the process of gaining University recognition
from the Student Senate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Section 3.
Each member fraternity shall individually elect two representatives, to serve as
their chapter’s delegates to the IFC.
A. No member of the IFC’s Executive Committee may serve as a delegate for his chapter.
B. All delegates from member fraternities in good standing shall be afforded speaking
privileges at IFC meetings and shall have the privilege of serving on IFC committees.
However, only those member fraternities in good standing, with the full membership and
colony classification, are afforded voting privileges.
1. Good standing is defined as being current with all financial obligations to IFC,
having no more than two unexcused absences per semester, being current with
Student Senate RSO paperwork and not on probation with the IFC Judicial
Committee and/or the University Conduct Board.
C. Each member fraternity’s Chapter Advisor shall be allowed to attend IFC meetings.
Chapter Advisors are granted speaking privileges at IFC meetings, but do not have voting
privileges.
Section 4.
Each member fraternity in good standing, with the full membership and colony
classification, shall have two votes to be casted by the chapter’s two delegates.
4
Section 5.
Vice-President of Judicial Affairs, Vice-President for Recruitment, Vice-President
of Finance, Vice President of Committees, Vice President of Scholarship, and the Vice President
of Community Relations shall each have voting privileges within IFC.
Section 6.
The President shall break ties
Section 7.
Quorum and Voting.
1. Quorum is defined as 50% of all active member fraternities’ two delegates and IFC
officers, plus one.
2. A simple majority of all votes cast, at a meeting where quorum is met, shall be
necessary to decide all issues, unless otherwise stated in this Constitution.
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS
Section 1.
The elected officers of the IFC shall be the President, Vice-President of Judicial
Affairs, Vice-President for Recruitment, Vice-President of Finance, Vice President of
Committees, Vice President of Scholarship, Vice President of Community Relations. These
officers, along with the IFC advisor as an ex-officio member, shall constitute the executive
committee.
Section 2.
following:
The duties of the elected officer of the IFC shall include, but not be limited to the
1. Fulfill all required IFC office hours of at least 3 hours a week.
2. Deliver an annual report, both orally and in writing, at the end of his term of office
detailing the current state of the IFC.
3. Plan and implement an officer transition at the end of his term of office.
4. Have overall responsibility for the operation of the IFC and perform all other duties
deemed necessary by the membership of
5. the IFC or stated elsewhere in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Additionally, each officer shall:
The President shall:
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC President are as follows:
A. Provide guidance and focus to the efforts of the General Body and Executive
Committee.
B. Preside over all meetings of the General Body and Executive Committee.
C. Cast the final vote in the event of a tie.
D. Build rapport and establish positive working relationships between IFC and Member
Fraternity leaders.
E. Serve as the official spokesperson for the fraternity community
5
F. Establish positive working relationships with campus and local law enforcement
agencies.
G. Regularly interact with the leaders of other governing councils and campus
organizations.
H. Establish a working relationship with key college administrators.
I. Establish a working relationship with and communicate campus data, issues, and trends
in a timely manner to the NIC.
J. Maintain current information for accurate Member Fraternity rosters.
K. Meet with each Fraternity Presidents at the end of each month.
L. The succession of the president goes as follows: Vice President of Judicial Affairs,
Vice President of Recruitment, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Scholarship,
Vice President of Member Development, and Vice President of Community Relations
IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs are as
follows:
A. Serve as chair of the IFC Judicial Committee and serve as the nonvoting Chief Justice
of all IFC Judicial Board hearings, and serve as acting president in the absence of the
elected president.
B. Investigate and refer to the IFC Judicial Board alleged violations of IFC policy,
including but not limited to:
1. the IFC Constitution, Bylaws, and policies;
2. Federal, state, and local laws;
3. the rules and regulations of Clarion University of Pennsylvania;
4. the general values-based conduct of fraternity men.
C. Ensure proper filing and preparation for all judicial actions.
D. Ensure compliance with all IFC judicial action imposed upon a Member Fraternity.
E. Educate Member Fraternities on the IFC Constitution and Bylaws, judicial processes,
and risk management policies.
F. Conduct judicial policy and procedures training for new IFC Judicial Committee
justices.
G. Assist in conflict mediation between Member Fraternities.
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H. Review all IFC governance documents, at least annually compared to the national IFC
constitution and be distributed to the IFC Delegates once per year/delegate change or per
constitutional revision.
I. In the case of a tie the IFC Advisor will cast the final vote
IFC Vice President of Recruitment
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Recruitment are as follows:
A. Serve as chair of the IFC Recruitment Committee.
B. Utilize technology (social media, fraternityinfo.com, etc.) in recruitment and
marketing efforts.
C. Produce and distribute promotional materials to all incoming students and unaffiliated
students.
D. Develop recruitment workshops and programs for Member Fraternities. E. Uphold the
IFC Recruitment Policy and ensure no restrictive policies are placed on new member
recruitment.
F. Maintain an interest list of Potential New Members.
G. Collect and maintain accurate New Member Rosters for each Member Fraternity.
H. Provide advice and support to Member Fraternity recruitment officers.
I. Meet with each fraternity’s recruitment chairman at the end of each month.
The Vice President of Finance shall:
1. Chair the Finance Committee. In this capacity, he is responsible for the
development of the IFC’s budget and for establishing dues.
2. Prepare bills for each member organization.
3. Collect dues and fines from member organizations and issue receipts upon
payment.
4. Maintain records of all deposits received and expenses incurred by the IFC.
5. Prepare and distribute a monthly financial report to the membership of IFC.
6. Work with the Treasurer of the Panhellenic Council on the upkeep and
maintenance of the joint Clarion Student Association account.
7. Meet with treasurers of each fraternity at the end of the month.
Vice-President of Committees shall:
8. Directly oversee the standing committees of the Inter-fraternity council.
9. Compile the master calendar of Inter-fraternity Council activities.
10. Set due dates and standards for the committees. (When their events are due and
how many they must have)
11. Keep in direct contact with the fraternity president to improve communication.
7
IFC Vice President of Scholarship
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Scholarship are as follows:
A. Coordinate a scholarship chair orientation program for Member Fraternities.
B. Collect and distribute academic performance rankings.
C. Publish important academic dates and deadlines.
D. Collect and distribute information about campus academic services, such as tutors, the
writing lab, math lab, learning assistance programs, interest tests, career counseling,
placement workshops, and library resources.
E. Work individually with member fraternity scholarship chairs below the all-men’s
grade point average.
F. Build and maintain relationships with faculty, academic offices, and academic
honorary societies.
G. Provide advice and support to Member Fraternity scholarship officers.
H. Meet with the scholarship chairmen of each fraternity at the end of each month.
IFC Vice President of Member Development
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Member Development are as
follows:
A. Develop best practices for new member and member education programs for Member
Fraternities.
B. Collect and report new member retention, academic, and involvement statistics.
C. Organize, develop, and implement a new member orientation program.
D. Develop opportunities for continuing member education by collaborating with
alumni, [college/university] offices and departments, and student organizations to offer
educational programming covering the following topics: academic achievement, alcohol
consumption, career preparation, civic engagement, hazing, leadership development,
sexual assault/abuse, and values and ethics.
E. Provide advice and support to Member Fraternity member development officers.
IFC Vice President of Community Relations
The duties and responsibilities of the IFC Vice President of Community Relations are as
follows:
8
A. Acts as the official Secretary of IFC General Body
B. Develop and execute a public relations and social media strategy.
C. Develop service projects and philanthropic events for Member Fraternities.
D. Collect and report Member Fraternity community service hours, philanthropic
dollars, and activities.
E. Collect and disseminate information on the fraternity community to all campus and
community media sources.
F. Keep the media informed on upcoming events or potential news.
G. Establish a positive working relationship with external constituents.
H. Assist in the development of various IFC publications and outreach programs.
I. Provide advice and support to Member Fraternity community service/ philanthropy
officers.
j. Record, type, and distribute minutes for regular and special IFC meetings, as well
as executive committee meetings.
k. Maintain a complete and up-to-date file that includes minutes of all IFC related
meetings, officer reports, and other pertinent correspondence.
l. Keep accurate and up-to-date records of contact information for all IFC executive
committee officers, delegates, as well as the leadership and advisors of member
organizations.
o. All minutes must be distributed within 48 hours an IFC meeting
Section 3.
In order to be eligible for nomination, each candidate for office must meet the
following qualifications:
A. He must be affiliated with a member fraternity in good standing, with either full or
associate membership classification, and he must also be in good standing with his
chapter.
B. He must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average, and be in good academic
standing with the University, and he must maintain these scholastic requirements
throughout his term of office.
Section 4.
The nomination of candidates will be opened at the regular meeting held during
the third week of the spring semester.
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A. Nominations will be made from the floor in new business.
B. Nominees need not be present at the meeting at which they are nominated. In the event
that a nominee is not present at the meeting at which he is nominated, the President of the
IFC or the IFC Advisor will contact that individual to determine whether or not he
accepts the nomination prior to the election. If a candidate’s acceptance of his
nomination cannot be determined prior to the election, that individual will be removed
from the ballot.
Section 5.
The election of officers will take place at the regular meeting held during the fifth
week in the spring semester, or in a special session called by the executive committee.
A. The officers shall be elected by secret ballot.
B. Officers shall be elected in the following order: President, Vice-President of Judicial
Affairs, Vice-President of Recruitment, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of
Scholarship, Vice President of Member Development, and Vice President of Community
Relations
C. No more than three members of the executive committee can be from the same fraternity.
In the event that three officers are elected from the same fraternity, all remaining
nominees from the fraternity will be withdrawn from the ballot. A member organization
may exceed the three office limit in the event that an office is vacated and no other
eligible candidates run for the position.
D. In the event that an office is vacated, a special session will be call be the executive
committee, to hold an election to fill the vacancy.
E. During an emergency election nominations will begin during the vote for the elections
and proceed for one week. The next week will open with further nominations and the
motion to vote.
Section 6.
Each officer’s term will begin with two regular meetings remaining in the spring
semester, under which the previous officers will serve as a guide. The incoming officers will be
permitted into the Joint and executive meetings before starting their term. Incoming officers must
shadow the former officers from the time they are elected until they take office. Former
executives must attend the last two executive meetings to serve in an advisory capacity. The new
executive board should focus on planning Greek retreat and fall recruitment. If the new officers
have 2 absences from their shadow period without an excuse they must resign from their
position. If a class conflicts the new officers must have a weekly one on one with the current
office holder.
Section 7.
Any officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the full
membership and colony of the IFC for any of the following reasons:
1. Non-performance of duties including unexcused absence from more than two IFC
meetings.
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2. Conduct not becoming of a gentleman and a member of the IFC.
A. Any IFC member may initiate removal procedure.
1. Written notice of the motion to impeach must be presented to the IFC President at
a regular meeting.
2. The President shall notify the officer in question.
3. The officer in question shall have an opportunity to speak on his behalf to the IFC
before the impeachment vote is taken.
B. An officer shall be automatically dismissed from office if he is not in good academic
standing with the University, his cumulative grade point average drops below 2.75, or his
fraternity loses its University recognition.
ARTICLE V – ROLE OF THE IFC REPRESENTATIVE Section I.
IFC Representative
The duties and responsibilities of all IFC Representatives are as follows:
A. Serve as a representative and voice for his Member Fraternity’s concerns regarding the
fraternity community.
B. Represent the larger fraternity community’s interests.
C. Inform his Member Fraternity of the actions, discussions, and workings of the IFC
General Body.
D. Serve as a liaison between the IFC General Body and his respective Member Fraternity.
E. Serve as an active member of IFC Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees, as
necessary.
F. Represent the highest ideals of fraternity life to the greater campus community.
ARTICLE VI: ADVISOR
Section 1.
The IFC Advisor shall be a Clarion University staff member designated by the
Division of Student & University Affairs and shall serve until a successor is appointed.
Section 2.
The IFC Advisor is an ex-officio member of this body and all of its committees.
While the Advisor does not have voting privileges, except in the case of a judicial hearing in
order to break a tie, no action of the IFC or executive committees shall be considered official
unless the Advisor, or an approved substitute, is present.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
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Section 1.
Regular meetings of the IFC shall be held each week of the semester, provided
that classes are in session. At the end of each semester, the IFC shall set a date, time, and
location for the meetings of the upcoming semester. There shall be a minimum of 11 meetings
per semester. All procedures are to follow the basic Roberts Rules of Order as applicable as
possible
Section 2.
Special meetings shall be called by the President at the request of a delegate of
any member fraternity, the IFC Advisor, or the executive committee. The business of special
meetings shall be limited to discussion of the matters for which the meeting was called.
Notification of the special meeting shall be directed to chapter delegates at leas 24 hours prior to
the time of the meeting.
Section 3.
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly
Revised shall govern the IFC in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not
inconsistent with this Constitution and any special rules of order the IFC may adopt.
ARTICLE VIII: FINANCES
Section 1.
By the third week of each semester, each member organization shall submit to the
Treasurer a roster of members and the appropriate amount of dues, payable at $10.00 per
member appearing on said roster.
A. A fraternity delinquent in its dues shall not be entitled to vote in IFC proceedings and
may face other penalties as determined by the IFC.
Section 2.
All fines levied must be paid before the start of the next meeting following the
issuance of the fine, or the chapter will lose voting rights at that meeting.
Section 3.
The IFC will annually petition the Clarion Student Association for access to
additional funding for initiatives that will further the purpose of the organization and enhance the
quality of life on campus.
Section 4.
Attendance is defined as follows:
1. Any valid excused absence shall take away from the total number of members required to
attend an event.
2. An excuse shall not represent an attendance.
Section 5.
All events that have been voted upon to become mandatory shall carry the fine of$10 per member, under the required attendance relative to the individual chapter’s membership.
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ARTICLE IX: STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1.
All standing committees shall serve for a period of one election year(VP of
Committees will assign committees, and if necessary, eliminate committees as he sees fit) .
They are;
A. Recruitment: It shall be the duty of the Recruitment Committee to formulate, assist, and
evaluate the guidelines set for Rush by the Inter-fraternity Council.
B. Greek Week: It shall be the duty of this committee to organize and conduct Greek Week
each year in cooperation with the Pan-Hellenic Council.
C. Member Education: It shall be the duty of this committee to formulate, assist, and
evaluate the individual fraternities’ policies for new member education.
D. Scholarship: It shall be the duty of this committee to recommend and make available a
program for the improvement of scholarship for the fraternities represented in the Interfraternity Council; to collect and process the materials necessary to do this.
E. Community Service: It shall be the duty of this committee to plan and carry out one
community service project each year.
F. Constitution Review: One member of each fraternity serves in the constitutional review
committee, which meets twice a year in the early fall and early spring to review and
propose amendments (as needed) to the Constitution. They are responsible for ensuring
that there are no conflicts between this document and University/Student Senate Policy.
G. Expansion Committee: President appointed committee that will be responsible for
soliciting interest by fraternities not currently represented on campus, during an IFC
initiated expansion period. This committee may be periodically assembled to review the
IFC expansion Policy and will review all expansion requests and make a recommendation
to the IFC for vote.
Section 2.
The President of the IFC is authorized to establish all necessary ad-hoc
committees to serve at his pleasure with the approval of the General Body.
ARTICLE IX – IFC JUDICIAL POLICY
Section I. IFC Judicial Powers and Responsibilities
The IFC shall be a self governing organization with an independent Judicial Committee who
shall have jurisdiction over cases involving alleged member fraternity violations of IFC policy,
including but not limited to:
A. the IFC Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and policies;
B. the rules and regulations of [Clarion University of Pennsylvania]; and
C. the general values-based conduct of fraternity men.
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Section II. Due Process
In appearing before the Judicial Board, each Member Fraternity shall be
granted certain rights termed “due process.” Those rights are:
A. Right to be notified, in writing, of all charges, as outlined in the
Bylaws;
B. Right to present a defense, including the calling of witnesses;
C. Right to question witnesses;
D. Right to be accompanied by an advisor for advisory purposes only,
but not for representation;
E. Right to be notified, in writing, of all findings and sanctions imposed,
as outlined in the Bylaws;
F. Right to appeal the decision, as outlined in the Bylaws.
G. Right against double jeopardy.
Section III. Filing of Complaints
Any individual or group may file a complaint against a Member Fraternity, specifying in writing
the particular alleged acts of the accused. This must be done by submitting an IFC Judicial
Complaint Form to the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs. The IFC Vice President of Judicial
Affairs shall promptly review and investigate the allegation. Upon determination that an
allegation has merit, the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs may charge a Member Fraternity
with a violation.
Section IV. Notification of Charges
Once the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs has determined the filed complaint has merit, the
Member Fraternity is to be provided written notification of the charges at least one week in
advance of the hearing. This written notification shall include the following:
A. Date, time and location of their informal judicial hearing;
B. Description of the alleged violation; and
C. Due Process Rights.
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Section V. Investigatory Evidence
All evidence related to a complaint shall be compiled and presented to all parties prior to any
Informal Judicial Hearing or Formal Judicial Board Hearing. All evidence shall be directly
related to the complaint(s) alleged against the Member Fraternity and shall be approved by the
IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs prior to circulation.
Section VI. Informal Judicial Hearing
Upon a finding of the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs that a filed complaint has merit, he
shall offer the charged Member Fraternity the opportunity to participate in an Informal Judicial
Hearing. In cases in which the charged Member Fraternity accepts an Informal Judicial Hearing,
the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall meet with a representative of the charged
Member Fraternity to discuss the allegations of the complaint. Within three (3) business days of
the Informal Judicial Hearing, the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs may dismiss the
complaint with a finding of no violations or provide the charged Member Fraternity with his
finding of violations and recommendation for a resolution through disciplinary sanctions. The
charged Member Fraternity has three (3) business days to accept or reject the terms of resolution.
If the charged Member Fraternity accepts the resolution, the charged Member Fraternity waives
all rights of appeal and the outcome is final. If the charged Member Fraternity rejects the
resolution, a Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing will be convened to hear the case.
Section VII. Prohibited Sanctions for Informal Judicial Hearings
The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall not recommend suspension or loss of IFC
recognition through an Informal Judicial Hearing. Should the IFC Vice President of Judicial
Affairs believe suspension or loss of IFC recognition is warranted, the case shall automatically
be referred to a Formal IFC Judicial Board hearing.
Section VIII. Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing
If:
A. the charged Member Fraternity rejects having an Informal Judicial Hearing;
B. the charged Member Fraternity rejects the Informal Judicial Hearing recommendation for
resolution; or
C. the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs determines the allegationis egregious enough to
warrant potential suspension or loss of IFC recognition; the IFC Vice President of Judicial
Affairs shall convene a Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing. In accordance with Article VI,
Section VI, of the IFC Constitution, the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs will select five (5)
Judicial Committee justices, as predetermined by an alphabetical rotation of the Member
Fraternities, to hear the case. In the event the IFC Judicial Committee rotation for service on a
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Judicial Board hearing falls upon an IFC Justice whose Member Fraternity is involved in the
alleged violation, the rotation will skip to the next Member Fraternity in the alphabetical rotation.
The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall serve as a non-voting Chief Justice and the
procedural officer for all Judicial Board hearings.
Section IX. Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing Proceedings
For all IFC Judicial Board hearings, the following procedures shall be
followed:
A. Participants: Attendance at all IFC Judicial Board hearings shall be limited to the Member
Fraternities involved, any witnesses, the IFC Justices assigned to serve on the Judicial Board for
the hearing, and the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs. Additionally, the charged Member
Fraternity may be accompanied by its chapter advisor during any Judicial Board hearing. The
chapter advisor must be registered as the official chapter advisor of the Member Fraternity.
B. Confidentiality: All individuals involved in a hearing are required to agree to a statement of
confidentiality. Individuals shall not disclose information regarding the following:
1. Any individuals, Member Fraternities, or IFC Justices involved.
2. Details of the proceedings
3. Witness testimony.
C. Hearing Process:
1. Initiation of the Hearing: The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall inform all
individuals present that the hearing will be conducted in an orderly manner and any person
causing disruption will be asked to leave. Additionally, he shall advise the charged Member
Fraternity of the formality of the hearing and the necessity of all parties to be truthful.
2. Overview of Judicial Hearing Process: The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall outline
the process for the remainder of the hearing as follows:
a. Presentation of alleged charges, violations, and investigatory evidence against the charged
Member Fraternity shall be presented by the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs:
i. Charged Member Fraternity may ask questions;
ii. IFC Justices may ask questions;
b. Presentation of charged Member Fraternity:
i. IFC Justices may ask questions;
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c Calling of Witnesses
i. Charged Member Fraternity may ask questions;
ii. IFC Justices may ask questions;
d. Charged Member Fraternity may give final statement;
e. IFC Justices deliberate in closed session to determine findings of responsibility and if
necessary, appropriate sanction(s).
Section X. Conflicts of Interest
In the event the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs’ Member Fraternity is involved in the
alleged violation, the highest ranking IFC Executive Board officer, starting with the IFC
President, as listed in Article V, Section II of the IFC Constitution, shall serve in his stead.
Section XI. Prohibition on Recruitment Restrictions as a Sanction
The IFC Judicial Board may impose educational and punitive sanctions, as prescribed in the IFC
Bylaws, but under no circumstances may it prohibit a Member Fraternity’s ability to recruit.
Section XII. Non-Status Sanctions
The following are sanctions that may be imposed by the IFC Judicial Board and/or IFC Vice
President of Judicial Affairs (including, but not limited to):
A. Letter of apology
B. Fines
C. Restitution
D. Educational programming
E. Public service to the campus or community
F. Meetings with campus office/departments
G. Loss of social event and/or campus event privileges
H. Loss of eligibility for IFC Awards
I. Censure
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Section XIII. Status Sanctions
In the event of an egregious violation, the following are sanctions that may be imposed by the
IFC Judicial Board for a specified period of time:
A. Suspension: Loss of IFC voting rights, removal from Good Standing status, and any
additional sanctions listed in Non-Status Sanctions.
B. Loss of IFC Recognition: Loss of IFC recognition and its rights and privileges.
Section XIV. Duration of Sanctions
Judicial action shall specify the duration and deadlines of any sanctions imposed. After such
specified time, if the Member Fraternity has fulfilled the requirements of the sanctions imposed,
the Member Fraternity shall return to good standing. In the event the Member Fraternity does not
fulfill all of the requirements of the sanctions imposed, the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs
shall convene a Formal IFC Judicial Board Hearing to determine future course of action.
Section XV. Notification of Findings
Within three (3) business days of any Informal or Formal Judicial Hearing, the IFC Vice
President of Judicial Affairs shall communicate in writing to the charged Member Fraternity, its
inter/national headquarters, and its chapter advisor, as well as any relevant [college/university]
administrators, the alleged violation, the findings of the hearing, and any sanction(s) imposed.
The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall notify the IFC General Body of any sanctions
imposed upon a Member Fraternity through any Informal or Formal Judicial Hearing.
Section XVI. Appeals
The IFC Judicial Board’s decision is subject to appeal by a Member Fraternity within two weeks
of receiving written notification of the decision. Appeals shall be made in writing to the IFC
President and shall be made solely on the following grounds:
A. Error in the charge and/or Judicial Board Hearing process that materially affected the
outcome.
B. The severity of the sanction did not match the severity of the violation.
C. New information that could not have been discovered prior to the IFC Judicial Board Hearing
through the exercise of reasonable diligence. Sanctions imposed through the Judicial Process
shall stand until an appeal is heard.
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Section XVII. Non-Status Sanctions Appeals
The IFC Executive Board shall hear appeals for Non-Status Sanctions.
The IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs shall first present the IFC Judicial Board’s decision
and rationale for its actions. The appealing Member Fraternity shall then be afforded the
opportunity to present its reasoning for seeking a reconsideration of the IFC Judicial Board’s
actions. Any individual from the appealing Member Fraternity serving on the IFC Executive
Board shall not participate in the appeal proceedings. The IFC Executive Board may either
dismiss the charge(s) with no sanctions or to alter the sanctions imposed by a two-thirds (2/3)
vote. The decision of the IFC Executive Board shall be final for Non-Status Sanctions.
Section XIX. Status Sanctions Appeals
The IFC General Body shall hear appeals for Status Sanctions. The IFC Vice President of
Judicial Affairs shall first present the IFC Judicial Board’s decision and rationale for its actions.
The appealing Member Fraternity shall then be afforded the opportunity to present its reasoning
for seeking a reconsideration of the decision. Upon completion of the Member Fraternity appeal
presentation, all representatives of the Member Fraternity shall be dismissed from the meeting,
including the Member Fraternity’s IFC Representative and Alternate Representative.
The IFC General Body shall first vote on whether to uphold the status
sanction, which shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote. In the event the IFC
General Body fails to uphold the decision, the IFC General Body shall
determine by a two-thirds (2/3) vote to either dismiss the charge(s) with
no sanctions or to alter the sanctions imposed. The decision of the IFC General Body shall be
final with no further appeal rights.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
Amendments to this Constitution may be submitted, in writing, by any member of
the IFC at a regular or duly called special meeting.
Section 2.
The amendment will be tabled for a period of two weeks, in order to allow the
delegates to discuss the proposed changes with their chapters.
Section 3.
The approval of two-thirds vote of the voting members of the IFC shall be
necessary for the adoption of amendments to this Constitution.
ARTICLE XI: RATIFICATION
Section 1.
Approval of the IFC Constitution by a two-thirds vote of the voting members of
the IFC shall be required for the ratification of this Constitution.
Section 2.
This Constitution shall take precedence over any and/or all previous IFC
Constitutions, By-laws, and/or Rules and Regulations pertaining to the body.
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Section 3.
This Constitution, and its amendments, shall become effective upon ratification
by the members of IFC and following the approval of the Student Senate of Clarion University of
Pennsylvania, the Vice President for Student &University Affairs, and the President of Clarion
University.
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Clarion University Inter-Fraternity Council Constitution
IFC Expansion Policy
In accordance with Clarion University Student Senate’s Recognized Student
Organization Policy, general fraternity chapters are required to gain the approval of the Interfraternity Council before they can gain university recognition. In order to gain this approval,
potential Fraternity chapters are required to meet the stipulations outlined in the Expansion
Policy of the Council.
The IFC’s expansion process can be initiated in one of three ways:
1. When a Clarion University student expresses an interest in starting a new
fraternity.
2. When a member of a national/international fraternity headquarters staff expresses
an interest in establishing/re-establishing a chapter at Clarion University.
3. When the IFC feels it appropriate to actively seek out a national/international
fraternity interested in establishing/re-establishing a chapter at Clarion University.
Student Initiated
1. The student(s) interested in starting the new fraternity must first meet with the Assistant
Director of Campus Life to obtain Student Senate organizational paperwork.
2. The student(s) must petition the IFC to be granted Associate Membership standing in the
council, as defined in Article III of the IFC Constitution. This petition should be sent to
the attention of the IFC President and should include the following materials:
a. A letter formally requesting that the group be granted Associate Membership
standing in the council. This letter should also explain why the members want to
start a new fraternity and why they have selected the organization that they have.
b. A letter from the national/international headquarters of the fraternity the group
has selected stating that the fraternity officially sanctions and is supportive of the
group’s effort to establish/re-establish a chapter on the Clarion University
campus.
c. A copy of the fraternity’s requirements for establishing colonies and chartering
chapters.
d. A list of the present executive board members of the group, along with their
current contact information (mailing address, telephone number, and email
address).
e. A list of all present members and their Clarion University student identification
numbers.
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f. A letter from a current university faculty/staff member indicating that they are
willing to serve as the group’s campus advisor.
g. A copy of the Constitution and By-laws of the organization, both national and
local.
h. A copy of the organization’s new member education program that details the
length and day-to-day activities of the program.
i. Copies of the Pennsylvania Anti-Hazing Law and Clarion University Anti-Hazing
Policy signed by all members of the group.
3. A vote on the group’s request for Associate Membership standing will be taken at the
IFC meeting two weeks after the materials have been submitted. A two-thirds vote of the
IFC is required to grant the group Associate Membership standing for the period of one
calendar year. During that year, the group must meet the Associate Membership
requirements outlined in the policy, in order to be eligible for Full membership and
colony standing.
Headquarters Initiated
1. If a headquarters wishes to gauge student interest in joining their organization, they must
first send a letter to the IFC requesting approval. A simple majority vote is required to
allow the organization to proceed in establishing an interest group.
2. Once an interest group is established the “Student Initiated” process will be followed.
IFC Initiated
1. In the event that the IFC decides that the addition of a new fraternity is warranted, the
Expansion Committee will send an introduction packet to the headquarters of fraternities
not currently represented on campus inviting them to apply for an on campus
presentation. Their application packet should include:
a. A brief history of the organization.
b. A listing of all currently recognized chapters, along with the location of the last
three expansion attempts.
c. A copy of the organization’s expansion process.
2. The Expansion Committee will review the requests and invite up to three fraternities to
campus for the presentations. The presentation should cover the following:
a. How the addition of the fraternity would enhance the Clarion University Greek
community.
b. Details of the fraternity’s new member education program.
c. A detail of the fraternity’s continuing membership development programming.
d. Details of the fraternity’s policies relating to academic achievement, alcohol and
substance abuse, and hazing.
e. Regional alumni support.
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f. Resources and support available to the colony from the headquarters and/or
foundation.
3. Once the fraternity selected to proceed with the expansion process attracts undergraduate
members, the “Student Initiated” process will be followed.
Associate Membership Requirements
1. In order to be considered for Full membership and colony in the IFC, each Associated
member organization must meet the following criteria:
a. The President of the group must hold monthly meetings with the IFC Advisor to
update him on the group’s progress.
b. The group must schedule a meeting at the beginning and end of each semester
with the IFC Executive Council to update them on the progress and future course
of action for the group.
c. The group must comply with all of the Rules and Regulations of the IFC, Clarion
University, and all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws.
d. The group must attend the weekly IFC meetings. The colony should not have
more than two unexcused absences in any one semester.
e. The group will be expected to participate in all Greek Activities. This includes,
but is not limited to: Community Service projects, formal recruitment activities,
IFC sponsored events, Greek Week, etc.
f. The group must complete a minimum of 500 hours of Community Service per
semester and log those hours with the Community Service Learning Office.
g. The group must hold a minimum of four non-alcoholic social events on campus
with IFC/PHC organizations.
h. 100% of the group’s membership must attend the Office of Campus Life’s new
member orientation program.
i. The group must have an alumni advisor and a functioning Board of Advisors in
place.
j. The group’s overall GPA must be above the University’s all men’s average or 2.4,
whichever is higher.
k. The group must show proof that it has met all of the national/international
fraternity’s requirements for chartering.
2. One regular meeting prior to the end of the one-year probationary period, the IFC will
vote on the group’s status.
a. If all criteria have been met, a vote for Full recognition will be taken.
b. Should the group fail to meet any two of these requirements, or have repeated
violation of the same requirement, the council shall have the option to either drop
the group from the IFC or extend the probationary period for an additional year.
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IFC Recruitment Policy
Recruitment Process
1. The Recruitment chairman from each chapter shall submit a detailed Recruitment
Calendar to the IFC office at least 2 school days prior to their first recruitment event.
a. All events are subject to approval.
b. All events must be approved before they can be held.
2. A council sponsored Public Relations event will be held during the second week of class
each semester. PR for chapter events posted prior to the council sponsored event, the
second week of class, must include the council’s event.
3. Recruitment will begin on the Sunday of the second week of school and will end on the
last day of the 13th week.
a. Only IFC sponsored events may be held before this time.
4. A Recruitment event is any event meeting the following criteria.
a. Held during the Recruitment period.
b. Male attendance by non-members.
c. All events meeting these criteria must be on your Recruitment Calendar and
follow all Recruitment rules.
5. Eligibility Verification Forms must be filled out by students attending your Recruitment
events.
a. Bids may not be extended until Eligibility Verification Forms are approved.
b. Any student who is not approved can’t receive a bid.
6. After bids are extended the chapter must submit a Bid Acceptance Form before new
member activities can begin.
Recruitment Rules
1. Advertising
a. Fliers must follow the University’s posting policy and must be approved by the
IFC VP of Recruitment & Public Relations or the IFC Advisor.
b. Chalking is also permitted as long as it is only used on flat, horizontal surfaces
that are exposed to rain. (Not under a roof or overhang).
c. PR for chapter events posted prior to the council sponsored event, the second
week of class, must include the council’s event.
2. Eligibility
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3.
4.
5.
6.
a. Students must have a cumulative Clarion University GPA of at least 2.5, have at
least 12 credit hours completed, and be in good academic standing with the
University to join a fraternity.
b. First semester freshmen and students with less than 12 credit hours earned will be
declared ineligible.
c. Transfer students will be declared eligible provided that they transfer in at least 12
credit hours and had at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA at their previous institution.
The IFC Advisor will verify this information through the Admissions and/or
Registrar’s Office.
Recruitment Events
a. The use of alcoholic beverages in membership recruitment is prohibited.
b. Women shall be prohibited from participating in fraternity membership
recruitment activities. Unless said female is an officially elected sweetheart or
female representative or deemed so by their Constitution/By-law
c. First semester freshmen, and transfer students with less than 12 credit hours, are
prohibited from attending chapter functions that occur off campus.
d. All events must follow Federal, State, and Local laws, in addition to fraternity,
University, and Inter-fraternity Council Regulations and policies.
Recruitment Activities in Residence Halls
a. To display posters in the Residence Halls, chapters must drop them off to the
Residence Life Services Office (230 Egbert) for approval and distribution. Each
chapter will be limited to 1 poster per male floor and 1 poster per hall lobby.
b. Chapters may also distribute mailbox stuffers. There is a limit of one per resident
mailbox, all materials must be pre-counted and dropped off to the Residence Life
Services Office (230 Egbert) for approval and distribution.
c. Fraternity members are not to interrupt or in any way encourage students to skip
hall meetings, class, or other orientation events.
d. Fraternity members are subject to the rules of the residence halls; this includes,
but is not limited to, quiet hours, escort and the solicitation policy.
Additional New Member Classes
a. Chapters wishing to have a second recruitment period must follow the same
procedure as stated above.
b. All new member class activities must be over before the beginning of the last
week of class.
Violations
a. Any violations of the IFC Recruitment Policy are subject to disciplinary action
and will be brought before the IFC Judicial Committee and appropriate judicial
action will be taken.
b. In the event of a discrepancy between the IFC Recruitment Policy and your
chapter’s National Guidelines always follow the stricter rule
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Adopted:
Revised:
January 23, 2003
April 29, 2004
April 29, 2002
August 31, 2005
FIPG RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY (2013)
January, 2013
The Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. includes the provisions, which follow and shall
apply to all fraternity entities and all levels of fraternity membership.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
1. The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on chapter
premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at
any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and
all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and
must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.
2. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the purchase
of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or
on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of
alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.
3. OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity,
without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited.
4. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic
beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
5. The possession, sale or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would
associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.
6. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern defined as an
establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is
given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on
the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may
rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the
provisions of this policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list. An event at
which alcohol is present may be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the
event is held within the provisions of this policy.
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7. No chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at which alcohol
is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
8. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be non-alcoholic. No
recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or inconjunction with a
tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.
9. No member or pledge, associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or
participate in “drinking games.” The definition of drinking games includes but is not limited to
the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor or alcoholic beverages, the practice of consuming
shots equating to one’s age, “beer pong,” “century club,” “dares” or any other activity involving
the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption
of alcohol.
10. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice program,
activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with “bid
night,” “big brother – little brother” events or activities, / “big sister – little sister” events or
activities, “family” events or activities and initiation.
HAZING
No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Permission
or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as:
“Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to
produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities
may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol, paddling in any form, creation
of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts,
road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter
house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging
in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, and any
other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or
policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law.”
SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT
The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the
part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions,
activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to
women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or
members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether
professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is prohibited.
FIRE, HEALTH AND SAFETY
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1. All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
2. All chapters should post by common phones and in other locations emergency numbers for
fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of
each sleeping room.
3. All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance
company or municipal authorities.
4. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind within
the confines and premises of the chapter house is prohibited.
5. Candles should not be used in chapter houses or individual rooms except under controlled
circumstances such as initiation. EDUCATION Each fraternity shall annually instruct its
students and alumni/alumnae in the Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. Additionally, all
students and key volunteers shall annually receive a copy of the Risk Management Policy and a
copy of the policy shall be available on the fraternity website.
EDUCATION
Each fraternity shall annually instruct its students and alumni/alumnae in the Risk Management
Policy of FIPG, Inc. Additionally, all students and key volunteers shall annually receive a copy
of the Risk Management Policy and a copy of the policy shall be available on the fraternity
website.
With the adoption of this policy as the official risk management policy of Clarion University’s
IFC, all member fraternities are required to adhere it, regardless of whether or not their
respective fraternity is an FIPG member organization on a national/international level.
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