Clarion University’s
Interfraternity Council
Policy and Procedures
Handbook
Table of Contents

Constitution………………………………………..3
Expansion Policy…………………………………12
Recruitment Policy……………………………….15
FIPG Risk Mangement…………………………...17

CLARION UNIVERSITY INTERFRATERNITY
COUNCIL
2

CONSTITUTION
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 Interfraternity Council such powers and
responsibilities as outlined herein.

ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Clarion University Interfraternity 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.
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
3

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 associate membership.
A. Full membership 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, one regular
(senior delegate) and one alternate (junior delegate), 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
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 classification,
shall have one vote to be cast by the chapter’s senior delegate. In the event of his absence, the
junior delegate shall cast the chapter’s vote.
Section 5.
The Vice-President for Risk Management & Member Education, Vice-President
for Recruitment & Public Relations, Secretary, and Treasurer each have voting privileges within
the IFC.
Section 6.

The President shall only vote in the case of a tie.

Section 7.

Quorum and Voting.
4

1. Quorum is defined as 50% of all active member fraternities senior and junior
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 for Risk
Management & Member Education, Vice-President for Recruitment & Public Relations,
Secretary, and Treasurer. 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 the IFC or stated elsewhere in the
Constitution and Bylaws.
Additionally, each officer shall:
A. The President shall:
1. Preside over all regular, special, and executive committee meetings of the IFC and
therefore, is duly authorized to convene special meetings at his discretion.
2. Prepare an agenda for each meeting in collaboration with the executive committee
and the IFC advisor.
3. Serve as the official spokesman of the IFC.
4. Represent the IFC on any University or student committee that his presence is
deemed necessary.
5. Work closely with the IFC advisor, the Panhellenic Council President, faculty,
administrative personnel, students, and/or other constituent groups to
continuously improve the quality and image of Greek life on the Clarion
University campus.
6. Develop both short and long term goals for the IFC.
7. Appoint chairmen for all standing committees not otherwise named in the
Constitution and Bylaws.
B. The Vice-President for Risk Management & Member Education shall:
1. Perform the duties of the President in his absence, inability to serve, or at his
request.
5

2. Chair the Risk Management committee. In this capacity, he is responsible for
reviewing/revising the IFC’s Risk Management policies on an annual basis.
3. Chair the Member Education committee. In this capacity, he is responsible for
coordinating all IFC sponsored educational programming for its membership.
C. The Vice-President for Recruitment and Public Relations shall:
1. Chair the Recruitment committee. In this capacity, he is responsible for the
development, revision, and enforcement of the recruitment policies established by
his committee.
2. Chair the Public Relations committee. In this capacity, he is responsible for the
positive promotion and marketing of all IFC sponsored events, as well as Greek
life in general.
D. The Secretary shall:
1. Record, type, and distribute minutes for regular and special IFC meetings, as well
as executive committee meetings.
2. Maintain a complete and up-to-date file that includes minutes of all IFC related
meetings, officer reports, and other pertinent correspondence.
3. 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.
4. Chair the Constitution and Bylaw review committee. In this capacity, he is
responsible for the annual review of the IFC’s Constitution and Bylaws.
5. Update and maintain the official copies of the IFC’s Constitution and Bylaws, as
well as the official policy manual.
E. The Treasurer 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.
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.

6

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 ninth week of the fall semester.
A. Nominations will be made from the floor.
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
eleventh week of the fall 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 for Risk
Management & Member Education, Vice-President for Recruitment & Public Relations,
Secretary, and Treasurer.
C. No more than two members of the executive committee can be from the same fraternity.
In the event that two 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 two 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.
Section 6.
Each officer’s term of office will begin at the last meeting of the fall semester and
will continue for a period of one year.
Section 7.
Any officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the full
membership of the IFC for any of the following reasons:
1. Non-performance of duties including unexcused absence from more than two IFC
meetings.
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.
7

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: 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, no action of the IFC or executive committees
shall be considered official unless the Advisor, or an approved substitute, is present.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS
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.
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 VII: 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.

8

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.

ARTICLE VIII: STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1.

All standing committees shall serve for a period of one election year. 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 Interfraternity Council.
B. Greek Week: It shall be the duty of this committee to organize and conduct Greek Week
each year in cooperation with the Panhellenic 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.

ARTICLE IX: JUDICIAL BOARD

9

Section 1.

The membership of the Judicial Board shall consist of the following:

A. The IFC President as the presiding officer and a non-voting member.
B. Either the Vice-President of Risk Management and Member Education (VPRMME) or
Vice-President of Public Relations and Recruitment (VPPRR) will, depending on the
nature of the offense:
1. If the alleged offense is a violation of IFC’s Risk Management Policy the
VPRMME will present the information.
2. If the alleged offense is a violation of IFC’s Recruitment Policy the VPPRR will
present the information.
C. All senior delegates will be trained to serve as a member of the Judicial Board.
1. When the need arises for a Judicial Hearing, the names of (3) senior delegates
shall be drawn at random to serve as the voting members of the Judicial Board.
2. No senior delegate may hear a case about his own chapter.
D. The IFC Advisor must be present at the hearing and serves as an ex-officio member of
the board.
E. The IFC Secretary shall be present to take minutes at the hearing.
Section 2.
Any member of the University community may file a complaint against an IFC
member organization for violating an IFC policy.
A. Complaints are filed using an incident report form, which is available in the IFC office in
the Gemmell Student Complex.
B. When a complaint is received, the accused chapter will be notified in writing of the
alleged violation, and must respond as required by the notice.
Section 3.
Judicial Board hearing shall not be bound by formal rules of evidence. However,
all information presented must be inherently reliable.
A. Hearsay shall not be used as the sole information to establish any fact necessary to
establish a violation has occurred or not.
B. Each side will have the opportunity to present written, physical, and testimonial
information, as well as question witnesses.
C. A chapter’s previous disciplinary record shall not be used to establish whether or not a
violation has occurred in the current case. However, it shall be taken into account when
determining appropriate sanctions or penalties if the chapter is found in violation.
Section 4.
The decision of the voting members of the Judicial Board must be based upon
presented information, sufficient to make a reasonable person believe beyond a reasonable doubt
that the events and violations did occur. Written notification of the board’s decision will be
provided to the chapter within ten (10) working days after the close of the proceedings.

10

Section 5.
Appeals of Judicial Board decisions shall be made to the University Conduct
Board as stated in the Student Rights, Regulations, and Procedures Handbook and will follow the
process outlined therein.

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.
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.

11

Clarion University

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 expanision 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.
f. A letter from a current university faculty/staff member indicating that they are
willing to serve as the group’s campus advisor.
12

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 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. Details 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.
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.
13

Associate Membership Requirements
1. In order to be considered for Full Membership 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.

14

Clarion University

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 third week of school and end the following
Sunday at 10:00 pm.
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
a. Students must have a cumulative Clarion University GPA of at least 2.4, have at
least 12 credit hours completed, and be in good academic standing with the
University to join a fraternity.

15

3.

4.

5.

6.

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 2.4 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.
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 Interfraternity 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
Adopted:
Revised:

January 23, 2003

April 29, 2004

April 29, 2002
August 31, 2005

16

FIPG RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY (revised by FIPG July 2008)
Effective Spring 2002
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.
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 in conjunction
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
17

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 sisterlittle 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
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.
18

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.
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.

19