The University of Tennessee - Martin

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INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE

In order to introduce into our fraternal organizations the principles of true manhood, to promote the moral welfare of all members, to foster friendly and democratic spirit between fraternity men and all others with whom they are associated and to inspire among our fraternities a true, loyal and lasting spirit of cooperation and friendship, the Greek –letter social fraternities of the University of Tennessee at Martin do hereby ordain and establish this constitution for the Interfraternity Council of the University of Tennessee at Martin.

FULL MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Alpha Gamma Rho
Alpha Tau Omega
Kappa Alpha Order
Phi Sigma Kappa
Pi Kappa Alpha
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sigma Chi

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section I: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Interfraternity Council of the University of Tennessee at Martin. Hereafter this council shall be referred to as IFC or Interfraternity Council.

Section II: Purpose
The purpose of the Interfraternity Council shall be:
1. To secure a close union of social fraternities and to fulfill all given responsibilities.
2. To provide a forum for discussion.
3. To enact regulations governing the social fraternities and the maintenance and improvement of the Interfraternity Council.
4. To foster loyalty to the University goals through conduct which is in keeping with the high standards and the good taste of the University.
5. To generate revenue and determine its distribution.
6. To promote and stimulate through meaningful activities the ideals and purposes of its individual members.
7. To promote and ensure unity within the Greek system.
8. To perpetuate the growth of the Interfraternity Council and its member fraternities.
9. To promote the academic excellence of every fraternity member.
10. To promote ethnic, cultural, and racial awareness.
11. To promote social interaction in a responsive atmosphere.
12. To promote community service and philanthropic endeavors.
13. To uphold the highest standards of personal conduct in all forms of competitive interaction.

ARTICLE II: AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Section I: Scope of Authority

1. The Interfraternity Council is the officially recognized student organization for communication on the fraternity affairs between University administrative officials and the North American Interfraternity Conference and/or Fraternity Leadership Association allied fraternities.
2. Only those fraternities that are members in good standing of the Interfraternity Council shall be allowed to participate in IFC sanctioned activities.
3. The Council had the authority to establish policy and to discipline fraternity groups for acts perpetrated by those groups (either part or all of one or more fraternities) through due process in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws of these articles and such guidelines as applicable from UTM.

Section II: Responsibility

The Interfraternity Council had the responsibility for establishing, promoting, and maintaining high standards of conduct and performance through its program of Interfraternity activities. Self-regulation and self-discipline are essential parts of this living experience and are to be exercised by all member fraternities to the end that the fullest possible individual and group development will result.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

A. Membership in the Interfraternity Council of the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) shall include all undergraduate chapters of national social Greek letter organizations as recognized now or in the past by the North American Interfraternity Conference and/or Fraternity Leadership Association. All members and officers of these chapters must be University of Tennessee at Martin undergraduate students. All voting members must be undergraduates.

B. All interest groups/candidates for membership into the Interfraternity Council of the University of Tennessee at Martin will required a five-seventh approval vote by the recognized member fraternities.

C. All interest groups desiring to be recognized by the IFC and UTM must complete and fulfill the following requirements:

1. All interest groups must be a registered student group of the University of Tennessee at Martin.
2. All interest groups that submit requested materials as dictated in Article III, Section 2, D, will be granted a colony status provided they obtain a 5/8 vote from the IFC legislative body.

D. The Colonization Review Board shall consist of one Chairman, selected by the IFC officers, and four members selected by the Chairman and approved by the IFC officers.

1. The duties and power of the Colonization Review Board:
a. To review all candidates for membership and ensure that they meet all requirements set forth in Article III, Section 5.
b. B. To evaluate the candidate in regard to all requirements set forth in Article III, Section 5, and request additional information for evaluation from the candidate if determined necessary by the Board members.
c. To present a final evaluation to the general body of the IFC and determine a time at which the candidate shall be presented before the general body for membership vote as set forth in Article III, Section B.
d. To advise and evaluate Colonies recognized by IFC during their probationary period and submit periodic reports to the chapter delegates of the IFC.

2. Requested Information: The following shall be submitted to the Colonization Review Board per their review and evaluation. These materials will be the basis for which evaluation and selection will take place:

a. Academics
1. Copy of National Scholarship Program.
2. National academic requirements to pledge/associated, to initiate, to hold office, and to remain a member in good standing.
3. Scholarship offered by the National fraternity.

b. Alumni
1. Total number of alumni residing in Martin, TN and in the immediate surrounding areas (2 hour radius).
2. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of local alumni who have expressed an interest in working with a new colony.
3. Location of nearest alumni club/association.

c. Colonization
1. Outline of new membership recruitment strategies.
2. Outline of new member retention strategies.
3. Outline of growth plan for the duration of the colony.
4. Outline national standards expected in order to charter a colony.

d. Copies of the following Policies and Educational Programs
1. Hazing Policy
2. Sexual harassment policy and programs
3. Alcohol and substance policies and programs
4. Scholastic policies and programs
5. Recruitment programs and national policies governing these programs
6. National Constitution
7. Quarterly magazine

e. Financial Stability:

The interest group must submit a one-time initiation fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) to IFC, to prove financial stability. This is to prove an existence of a chapter checking account and the ability to collect dues from members. This requirement can be completed upon the approval of the National fraternity for usage of their name.

f. Membership Education
1. Overall outline of a recommended new member/associate member program.
2. Position statement concerning the anti-hazing policies and compliance to state law.
3. National resources available for development of membership education program.

g. National Fraternity Information
1. Total number of chapters nationwide and geographical distribution.
2. Total number of chapters in the Tennessee area.
3. Total number of colonies established during the past five years, and location of each of each of those chapters.
4. Total number of colonies and chapters lost over the past five years (including reasons).
5. Total number of colonization’s anticipated this year and their locations.
6. Average size of chapters.

h. National Support and Assistance
1. Number of traveling consultants and total number of National support staff.
2. Average number of annual visits and average length/duration of each visit a colony would receive from national staff members.
3. Description of support to be received by the new colony.
4. Description of leadership development resources available to colonies/chapters (i.e. manuals, conventions, etc).

i. Philanthropic Projects
1. Copy of national philanthropy.
2. Suggested programming activities for community involvement.

j. Risk Management
1. Include a copy of National risk management program.
2. Description of National programming, which educated groups about risk reduction and legal liabilities.

E. Requirements and Responsibilities of a Colony:
1. Responsible to be in attendance at all IFC meetings, without a vote, and reporting regularly to the IFC Executive Board.
2. Colony’s grade point average must remain higher that the all-men’s average or they will loose consideration.
3. Responsible for all financial obligations to the IFC.
4. Responsible for following all regulations to the IFC.
5. Responsible for planning and coordinating a successful recruitment.
6. Responsible for maintaining an active Advisory Committee consisting of multiple alumni (more than 2) with one chapter advisor.
7. Colonies shall have a probationary period of a minimum of one year. Until the National fraternity has granted a charter, the colony shall not be approved for regular membership.

F. Rights of a Colony:
1. Shall be eligible for consideration of participation in all functions held by the IFC.
2. Representation in all IFC programs and events.
3. An active voice in the matters concerning the welfare of the Greek community, without an actual vote.
4. Dues for a colony shall be set at ten dollars ($10.00) per brother and new member.

ARTICLE IV: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

A. Executive Board – The Executive Council of the Interfraternity Council shall consist
of an Executive Board.
1. Executive Board
a. Composition:
The executive Board shall be comprised of all officers
whom have been voted into office by the chapter delegates of the
Interfraternity Council. These officers are the President, Vice President, Judicial Officer, Recruitment Officer, Service Officer, Secretary/Treasurer, and Public Relations Officer.

b. Duties and Powers of the Executive Board:

1. The Executive Board shall enforce all laws, rules, and
regulations governing the Interfraternity Council.

2. The Executive Board shall appoint committee chairmanships
subject to the approval of a majority vote of the voting members.

3. The Executive Board shall recommend to the Interfraternity
Council all policies in accordance with principles and objectives of
the organization as a whole.

4. The Executive Board is responsible for meeting four times each month.

5. The President will act as the presiding officer at all meetings of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

A. The elected officers of the Interfraternity Council must be undergraduates at UTM.
All candidates must be in good individual standing as described in Article V, Section 1. They shall be the President, Vice President, Judicial Officer, Recruitment Officer, Service Officer, Secretary/Treasurer, and Public Relations Officer.

B. Officer’s Duties
1. President:
a. Conduct all meetings of the IFC and Executive Board.
b. Call special meetings with at least twenty-four (24) hours notice, in case a judicial meeting is called.
c. Check all activities of the Council.
d. Shall serve as the major link between the IFC and the rest of the campus.
e. Shall have the authority to delegate his Executive power to his subordinates when deemed necessary.
f. Shall be responsible for enforcement of all governing bylaws and judicial.
g. The President is responsible for all that chapters do, or fail to do. To meet this responsibility, he must utilize delegation of responsibility and involvement of other officers and members to accomplish the mission of IFC.
h. Have a full understanding that he is the most visible Greek male and is a spokesman for the IFC at all times.
i. To keep current with the constitution, updating it when needed and to be an expert on its contents.
j. Must have served on the IFC or as a delegate for one year.

2. Vice President
a. Shall report directly to the President and assist him
whenever needed.
b. Shall act on behalf of or in place of the President in his
absence.
c. Shall assume the Presidency for the duration of the term in the event of a vacancy of the office (In this event, a new Vice President will be elected).
d. Shall be responsible to effectively coordinate the Executive Board and its meetings including, but not limited to:
I. Scheduling meetings
f. Shall appoint committee chairmanships upon the approval of the Executive Board.
g. Shall attend all regular meetings of the Interfraternity Council and Executive Board.
3. Secretary/Treasurer
a. Shall handle the finances, dues, and fines of the Interfraternity Council in a responsible manner.
b. Shall keep accurate and complete records of all Interfraternity Council
financial records and transactions.
c. Shall prepare and be required to submit a budget on a semester basis, to be approved by a 5/8 vote of the Council.
d. Shall disperse IFC funds promptly, subject to the direction of the Executive Board, the Council, and the Constitution bylaws.
e. Shall insure that each chapter and colony in the fraternity system fulfills its financial obligations to the Interfraternity Council and recommends actions consistent with this document for those that do not.
f. Shall assist the Greek advisor in collecting and compiling all fraternity eligibility rosters each semester.
g. Shall attend all regular meetings of the Interfraternity Council and Executive Board.
h. Take charge of all correspondence.
i. Update and record all membership records.
j. Record minutes of all meetings and keep one copy in the UTM Greek advisor’s office.
k. Distribute minutes of the previous week’s meeting to officers and delegates at the weekly meeting.
l. Responsible for keeping and updating phone lists for officers and delegates.

4. Recruitment Officer
a. Shall have the responsibility for the execution of recruitment events each
semester, plans which shall be submitted to the IFC for approval.
b. Shall maintain the responsibility in updating an accurate recruitment.
c. Shall plan, initiate, and coordinate all recruitment functions and activities.
d. Shall preside over all meetings of the Recruitment committee.
e. Shall attend all regular meetings of the Interfraternity Council and Executive Board.

5. Public Relations Officer
a. Report all happenings of the IFC to the proper mass media.
b. Be responsible for the IFC production of PR materials.
c. Prepare the IFC recruitment handout in conjunction with the Recruitment officer.
6. Judicial Officer
a. Responsible for abiding by all judiciary guidelines entailed in this constitution.
b. Shall attend all regular meetings of the Interfraternity Council and Executive Board.
c. Responsible for enforcing bylaws.
d. Monitor social events by fraternities.
e. Must be able to be impartial at all times.
f. In the event a judicial meeting is called the judicial officer is in charge.
7. Service Officer
a. Shall attend all regular meetings of the Interfraternity Council and Executive Board.
b. Shall be responsible for handling the IFC’s participation in philanthropic events, and shall record all fraternity events, one big philanthropy event in the spring.
c. Shall be responsible for the planning of one philanthropic event for either IFC or assist in the planning of one event for the Greek system.
d . All officers shall hold office for the term of one year or until their successors have been installed. Exception is upon impeachment.
e . SEIFC, SOARS, senior days, and freshmen welcome week will be attended by the officers and is mandatory.
f . To be eligible to hold and elected office, a candidate must meet certain requirements:
1. Must be in good academic standing.
a. To be elected President, the man elected must posses a cumulative 2.5 GPA.
2. Must be an active member of a fraternity recognized by the
Interfraternity Council.
3. Cannot be on disciplinary probation on chapter, IFC, or University level at the time of his election.
4. No member of the Executive Board may serve a concurrent term as President, Recruitment Chair, or Housing Manager of his fraternity.
5. Must be an undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

6. At the end of elections in a given year, the new Interfraternity Council officers will appoint, by majority vote, two (2) assistant officers
a. One (1) assistant officer will serve under the Judicial Chair of the Interfraternity Coucnil, and one (1) assistant officer will serve under the Recruitment chair of the Interfraternity Council.
b. In the event of a vacancy due to an Interfraternity Council officer unable to fulfill their duties of that office, one (1) assistant officer will be voted in, by majority vote by the Interfraternity Council delegates, to serve as interim officer until the next Interfraternity Council election.
c. The exception to this will be if the Interfraternity Council President did not return or could not fulfill their duties. In such case, the Vice President would assume the role of President as set in Article V Section F of the Interfraternity Council bylaws. The position of Vice President would then be open to one (1) of the assistant officers.
d. In the event an Executive vote is taken then any fraternity that is not represented, because of the vacancy. then the delegate of that fraternity would cast a vote.

IMPEACHMENT
An officer shall be impeached for the following:
A. The failure to perform the duties as prescribed in the Constitution and/or bylaws of the IFC shall constitute grounds for impeachment of an IFC officer.
B. Officers shall be removed from an office by a 5/8 vote of the members present at a meeting of the IFC, provided that a quorum is present.
C. Notice of a motion for impeachment shall be made a minimum of one (1) meeting before a vote is taken.
D. In the case of impeachment of an officer, the office shall be filled according to the procedures described in the constitution.

ARTICLE VI: REPRESENTATION

1. All full member and associate member fraternities must appoint two (2) representatives to IFC.
2. Both representatives must be present at each IFC meeting in order for that fraternity to be counted in quorum.
3. Failure of proper representation without just cause shall result in a fine specified by the Executive Committee and repeated absences may result in judicial sanction.
4. The IFC shall compile a roster of representatives at the beginning of each term and these people will be expected to serve throughout that term. If a fraternity finds it necessary to replace any of its representatives, they must inform the IFC Secretary within one (1) week of the effective date of change.
5. A representative on the IFC roster who is unable to attend a meeting may send an alternate from the respective fraternity. In order for the alternate to fulfill the requirement for quorum, and not be counted absent, the representative must notify the IFC Secretary prior to the meeting.
6. Two roll calls will be taken at meeting, one at the opening and one at the closing of the meeting.
7. If a group missed four (4) consecutive meetings, that fraternity is not eligible for IFC event s until that group shows active support in attending four consecutive meetings. IFC activities include social, sporting, and philanthropic events.
8. If a group misses a meeting, the chapter will be assesed a $50 fine.

ARTICLE VII: REGIONAL AFFILIATION

The IFC at UTM shall be a member of the Southeastern Interfraternity Conference.

ARTICLE VIII: DUES

Dues are ten dollars ($10.00) per semester per brother of each IFC fraternity. This includes both active members, members awaiting initiation, and alumni who participate in IFC events.

ARTICLE IX: ELECTIONS

Section 1: Nomination and Voting
A President, Vice President, Recruitment Officer, Secretary/Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, Service Officer, and Judiciary Officer shall be elected.
A. Officers will be nominated from the floor by representatives of full member and associate member fraternities.
B. Nominations shall be open to one meeting prior to the annual election meeting and shall remain open until the time of election.
C. For a member to be elected for an office, he must be present at the meeting in which he is nominated and elected.
D. The election will be called by the President every year in the month of November.
E. The officers shall be elected by secret ballot and by a simple majority vote of all full members present by eliminating the candidate with the least number of ballots until a majority is reached. Section 2: Length of Office

Section 2:Length of Office:
A. Each officer’s term of office shall last for a period of one year unless he is removed or resigns.
B. Any officer may be re-elected for the same position up to two (2) times,
unless provided for in the Constitution.
C. The President’s fraternity may not be able to hold the office of the President
until one calendar year has passed, or he takes office as Vice President,
replacing a resigned or impeached president.
E. New officers will begin their term at the meeting after elections. They will be officially sworn in at the Greek Banquet.

ARTICLE X: VOTING

Section 1:
Quorum is 5/8 of the fraternities on the Council.

Section 2:
A. Quorum will be required to pass a motion.
B. Each fraternity shall be entitled to one (1) vote.
C. The Greek Advisor shall not be entitled to a vote.
D. Elections are conducted by secret ballot. A simple majority is required for elections.

ARTICLE XI: AMEMDMENTS

A. A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall be adopted only after the Executive Council has reviewed it. The proposed amendment will then be tabled until the next Interfraternity Council meeting. Prior to the next week, each fraternity will review the proposed amendment.
B. At the Council meeting following the introduction of the proposed amendment, the Council will discuss and vote on whether or not to accept the amendment.
C. An amendment must be approved by a 5/8 vote of the Council.
D. Suspension of the Bylaws: From time to time, it becomes necessary for the Council to hasten new legislation into the Constitution. When this is the case, the necessary bylaws may be suspended by a majority vote of the Council.
E. The Constitution may be amended with the approval of 5/8 of the fraternities on the Council and the approval of the Coordinator of Student Activities and Greek Life.
F. Following Council and administrative approval, the amendment shall be in effect and shall supersede and replace all bylaws, rules, and regulations previously adopted by the Council.

ARTICLE XII: GREEK ADVISOR

The Advisor to IFC will serve in the consultative role to the organization with the right of participation at all meetings and functions, but does not posses the right to vote. The Advisor must be consulted when procedural and policy changes are considered by IFC.

ARTICLE XIII: PROCEDURE

Section 1:
Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the procedure of all meetings of the Council unless otherwise specified in the Constitution or Bylaws.

Section 2:
The following order of business will prevail in all general meetings of the Council:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Reading of the Minutes
4. Officer’s Reports
5. Committee Reports
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Delegates’ Reports
9. Advisor’s Reports
10. Closing Roll Call
11. Adjournment

ARTICLE XIV: BYLAWS

Proposed bylaws shall be read one (1) meeting prior to the vote. A bylaw shall be approved by a majority vote at a regularly scheduled meeting, provided that a quorum is present.

ARTICLE XV: RETREAT

A. An Executive Board retreat shall be held annually following officer elections.
B. The purpose of the retreat is to provide the new IFC officers an opportunity to learn about their positions and to set goals for the upcoming year.

ARTICLE XVI: RATIFICATION

This Constitution shall become effective when accepted by a 5/8 of the full members.

ARTICLE XVII: ACADEMICS

A. The Interfraternity Council will uphold the NIC standards of a 2.5 GPA for all IFC chapters.

B. Any chapter failing to obtain a 2.5 chapter GPA will lose social privileges until midterm.

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BYLAWS GOVERNING RECRUITMENT

Section 1:
It is contrary to the purposes, beliefs, and aims of the Interfraternity Council and UTM for a fraternity to select or deny its membership on the basis of creed, color, national or ethnic origin, age or handicap. Any fraternity whose procedures are not in accord with this principal will be subject to appropriate action by the Interfraternity Council and UTM.

Section 2:
Violations of he following rules will cause the violating fraternity to be liable for monetary fines and for other sanctions as specified or as handed down from the Interfraternity Judiciary Board or University Administrators. Fines will be payable to the IFC Treasurer within (30) thirty days of the decision. Alleged violations will be heard by the IFC and then upon review may be heard by the IFC Judicial Board.

Section 3:
A. Formal Recruitment is defined as the period between the start of formal house tours and the end of the bid signing ceremonies.
1. Formal Recruitment would start the Saturday beginning recruitment at 8 AM

B. Open Recruitment is a period after Formal Recruitment during which any fraternity may extend bids to an unaffiliated male UTM student.
1. Any fraternity may choose not to participate in Open Recruitment by submitting a letter stating so to the IFC Recruitment Officer.
2. Open Recruitment would begin the Monday following Formal Recruitment and end two weeks before the end of the semester.

C. A recruit is defined as any male student at UTM who is not a member of any fraternity.

D. A bid is a formal invitation given to a recruit by a fraternity, which asks him to join that fraternity.

Section 4:
Times and dates of Formal Recruitment will be set by the Recruitment Officer with the approval of the Executive Board.

Section 5:
A. No recruit shall be eligible to accept an invitation to join a fraternity until a specified date is set by the IFC.

B. An invitation to join of bid is valid for one (1) academic year.

C. IFC Recruitment Counselors and the Executive Board have the authority to observe any and all recruitment sessions where recruits are present, on or off campus until the close of the formal bidding procedure.

D. All fraternity events before and during Recruitment must be pre approved by IFC. Any infractions will be brought before the IFC J-Board. IFC Judicial Board shall have the authority to interpret all violations and fines.
1. All activities during the pref-night of Recruitment shall take place on the respective properties of the fraternities of the University. When a fraternity of the University of Tennessee at Martin does not have a house, they will be allowed to use the Student Life Center.
2. During all Recruitment events, at least three (3) members of the IFC, other than those of that house, will be allowed to supervise the Recruitment event.
3. All social events during Recruitment shall be alcohol and controlled substance free. Any infraction will result in penalties to be assessed by the Judicial Board on a case by case basis.

E. All materials distributed to recruits must have IFC approval (i.e. letters, buttons, brochures, hats, nametags, etc.). Violations will be received by the Judicial Board.
1. Material must be reviewed by at least two (2) Executive Board members that are not members of the organization presenting the material.

F. During Formal Recruitment, no alcohol shall be consumed distributed to or contributed to a recruit. Violations will be received by the Judicial Board.
1. Any recruit caught drinking alcohol, intoxicated, or using controlled substances by an IFC member, school official, or any member of the Greek system during Recruitment will be removed from the Recruitment process and will not be allowed to participate in Recruitment until that semester the following year.
2. In the event of social contact outside the university premises between a fraternity member and nonaffiliated males, there shall be no purchase of alcohol for recruits. Any infraction will be received by the Judicial Board.
3. Recruits will not be allowed to attend any parties or social function where a member/alumni of existing fraternity is present during formal recruitment week. Violations of this will result in the recruit being dropped from recruitment.

G. There will be no harassment of any recruit or IFC member. Violations will be received by the Judicial Board.

H. A fraternity that makes a derogatory reference of any kind about another fraternity or individual chapter member may be fined. The IFC Judicial Board will assess this fine on an individual basis.

I. No fraternity may make verbal or written invitations (i.e. extending a bid to recruit, room preference, etc) to membership except at the bid ceremony. IFC Judicial Board will asses the fine on an individual basis.

J. No non-affiliated freshmen shall be allowed to move into a fraternity house prior to the close of the formal bid procedure. Any chapter allowing recruits to move in before the close of Recruitment, then the IFC Judicial Board will asses this fine on an individual basis. The exception is for those fraternities with a housemother, mandatory study hours, and quiet hours.

K. A recruit must attend all house tours to receive a bid, thus making house tours mandatory. In the event that a recruit is not able to attend house tours, he is required to attend all houses before informal nights. In the event that this is not possible, (i.e. the recruit already missed one of the formal nights due to listed exceptions) the recruit may contact the president of the missed organization and must be present at that house during pref-night. If these guidelines are not met, the recruit will be asked to leave the recruitment process.

L. A fraternity will be allowed to have summer recruitment events.
1. Before the end of the spring semester all summer recruitment events will be presented to the IFC.

M. To be eligible for IFC recruitment, an eligible student must have a 2.3 cumulative high school GPA, or a college student must have a 2.25 cumulative GPA.

N. Recruits will not be charged a recruitment fee to go through recruitment. The fraternities are responsible for collecting and paying a $25 registration fee, for each guy they induct at the end of Formal Recruitment week. This will be paid to the Office of Greek Life by the end of the first week following Formal Recruitment Week. If a fraternity picks up a new member during Open Recruitment $25 will be due for each by the last day of Open Recruitment.

O. No buying or purchasing recruits anything during formal recruitment week.

BYLAWS GOVERNING SPORTS

Section 1:
Any student, undergraduate or graduate, will be eligible provided he has registered for at least twelve (12) hours and has not dropped below nine (9). He must be an active member of a Greek organization in active standing, as approved by the Office of Student Life.

Section 2:
Persons having lettered in any sport will not be eligible for that particular sport, if said sport occurs within one (1) year of the last game played in the sport in which he lettered.

Section 3:
Persons on the Varsity or freshmen squad of said sport will also be ineligible. Persons that have been red shirted in said sport are also ineligible.

Section 4:
Any person who had participated in a professional sport, according to NCAA rules for professional athletes, will not be eligible for that particular Greek sport.

Section 5:
All IFC members participating in Campus Recreation Sports at the University of Tennessee at Martin must have a 2.00 GPA the semester previous to that sport (this includes overall GPA of 2.00 and a 2.00 established the previous semester). I.e. If you wish to participate in a fall sport, such as flag football, your spring GPA and overall GPA must be higher than a 2.00. An exception to this would be taking summer school classes that brought your GPA above a 2.00. Each semester, all fraternities will receive a list from the IFC office that contains the fraternity members that are ineligible for that semester’s sports. Any player participating ineligibly in any Campus Recreation sports activity will be dealt with through the IFC Executive Council and may be punishable upon complete fraternity suspension from the Campus Recreation Sports Program for that academic year.

Section 6:
Good sportsmanship shall be maintained by players and spectators at all times.

Section 7:
Abusive language and unnecessary physical abuse (i.e. fighting) among players, as well as spectators, are primary examples of unsportsmanlike conduct.

Section 8:
Fines will be imposed by I.F.C., minimum fine to be $25.00.

Section 9:
Protest: Protests concerning player eligibility can be made at any time by contacting the I.F.C. Sports Chairman, who will then contact the Director if Intramural Sports.

Section 10:
Postponements: In the event that any postponement due to weather or otherwise valid reason, the rescheduling of said sport shall be posted within three (3) days by the Office of Campus Recreation.

Section 11:
Any and all articles regarding sports not in this I.F.C. Constitution shall fall under the regulations and guidelines of the Office of Campus Recreation and I.F.C. Advisor approval.

Section 12:
Any tie for placing will be deemed so necessary by the Office of Campus Recreation’s Coordinator of Intramural Sports.

Section 13:
If a team, as a whole, does not show for any sport under single or double elimination, that team shall forfeit that sport and receive zero (0) points.

Section 14:
At least one (1) week’s notice should be given to the Office of Campus Recreation of dropping out of a sport. Not doing so will result in a disqualification from the following sport. All fraternities must participate in all sports offered through the Fraternity Sports Program, administered by the Office of Campus Recreation, and any fraternities not doing so should submit a written letter of explanation to the I.F.C. two (2) weeks prior to that sport or be subject to penalty by a fine decided by the I.F.C. Executive Board.

RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

Preface:
This policy is in accordance with all local, state, and the University of Tennessee at Martin regulations governing the use or consumption of alcohol and the behavior of all its chartered members. UTM guidelines shall fall in line with and supplement the guidelines set forth by FIPG, FRMT or other similar fraternal risk management guidelines they will NOT supercede them in any way. All fraternities will be expected to abide by their respective guidelines as is set forth in each respective organizations’ policies.

Section 1:

Name
The Judicial Board will serve as the judicial body for Risk Management related incidents.

Purpose
It shall be the intention of the Judicial Board, through the enforcement of this policy, to encourage responsible alcohol use and behavior by all IFC members. It shall also be the intention to decrease the legal liabilities of the member chapters, yet to first and foremost increase the safety of the members of the individual fraternities.

Section 2:

Functions
A function shall be defined as any social gathering/event in or on Greek property or Greek trip (formal, dance, etc..) involving one or more chapters where alcohol is present wit h consent being given by all chapters involved for the activities.

Section 3:

Monitors
Functions shall have a minimum of three (3) non-drinking persons. These persons will be responsible for the following:
1. Door monitors shall be responsible for the following duties:
a. Monitoring guest list parties
b. Checking identification against a provided list of birth date for each person attending or appropriate ID’s.
c. Marking each person of legal drinking age.
d. Preventing individuals from driving who appear to be visibly intoxicated.

2. Persons acting as Sober Patrol shall be responsible for the following:
a. Assuring that the policy is followed.
b. Assuring that the distribution of alcohol is executed properly
according to the appropriate guidelines.
c. Taking proper actions should a negative situation arise.
The people that are in charge can have other people working for them but they are responsible for the duties getting done.

Section 4:

Alcohol and Drugs
A. Any event involving alcohol shall be monitored and handled according to FIPG/FRMT or other appropriate guidelines.
B. NO alcoholic beverages may be purchased through the chapter treasury not may the purchase of it for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of any chapter involved.
C. The purchase and/or use of bulk quantity alcoholic beverages (i.e. kegs, party balls, etc..) is prohibited.
D. No chapter members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to minors.
E. The possession, sale, and/or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES at any chapter house, sponsored event, or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.
F. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcoholic distributor, charitable organization or tavern where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present.
G. No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups, or organizations.
H. All recruitment activities associated with any chapter will be DRY functions.
I. Open parties where alcohol is present, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity, without their name being on a guest list at the door are prohibited.
J. No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games” at an official fraternity function.
K. No alcohol shall be presented at any pledge/associate member/novice program or activity of the chapter.

Section 5:

Members Under 21
Tennessee law states that the legal drinking age is 21 years of age. All initiated members and pledges/associates must abide by all state, local, and University regulations. To aid the host chapter in abiding by the law, it is required that the hosting chapter of any function indicates, by means of visible identification, each person present who is of legal drinking age.

Section 6:

Education
Each student member, associate member, and new member shall be instructed annually on the Risk Management Policy (Greek 101 Education on Risk Management, Alcohol, Hazing, etc..)

Section 7:

Hazing
No chapter shall permit hazing. Hazing is defined as:
“Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education. The term shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, or forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or any other substance, or any forced activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual, and shall include any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or any willful destruction or removal of public or private property. For the purposes of this definition, any activity described in this definition upon which the initiation or admission in to or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity not withstanding.”

Section 8:

Sexual Abuse
The chapter will not tolerate or condone any form of sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional. This is to include any actions that are demeaning to another human being including date rape, gang rape, or verbal harassment.

Section 9:

Fire, Health, and Safety
A. All chapter houses shall, prior to, during, and following occupancy, meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
B. All chapters must have posted by common phones emergency numbers for fire, police, and ambulance and must have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of each sleeping room.
C. All chapters shall comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company or such designated safety compliance officers.

IFC RISK MANAGEMENT - SOCIAL GUIDELINES

Fraternity social functions shall be defined as follows:
1. Open Party – an event held by a fraternity, which includes non-member guests and Greek guests who have been invited, and documented on an invite list.
2. Closed Party – an event held by a fraternity, which includes members and their dates.
3. Social – a special designated event, or formal social event held off campus, which includes members and their date.
4. Brotherhood – event in which only members of the fraternity participate.
- The IFC shall not regulate socials or brotherhood events; these events shall be subject to each chapter’s National Risk Management Policy.
- The guidelines established shall cover all open and closed parties, organized by the IFC fraternities, both in house and off campus.
- The members of the IFC, and the office of Greek Life shall enforce the following policies.
1. From Sunday through Thursday, all parties shall end by 1:00 A.M.
2. On Friday and Saturday, parties can remain in open status until 3:00 A.M.; following this time houses must go to closed status. Nobody else will be allowed in and nobody can leave and come back in except brothers.
3. All open parties must have a comprehensive invite list.
4. Invite lists must be limited to a number, per member, as stated in the respective chapter’s risk management policy.
5. In the event a guest becomes unruly Martin Police or Safety and Security will be notified.

Section 2: IFC Judiciary Board Regulations on Fraternities Violating Risk Management Policy
A. First Offense - $250 fine payable to the IFC, 6 school weeks of social probation (i.e. no parties or social functions of any kind.
    Second Offense - $500 fine payable to the IFC and 12 weeks of social probation.
    Third Offense - $500 fine payable to the IFC and 24 school weeks of social probation.
1. All fines must be paid within 30 days. If the fraternity fails to pay within the allotted time they must appear before the IFC judicial board. Additional penalties may be assessed to the fraternity. If the fraternity still fails to comply the fraternity that violated the rules will receive an extended period of social probation.
2. If, for example, an incident occurs during the last week of school, the sanction will begin once school is back in session. If the incident occurs the last week of the spring semester, the sanction will be enforced the following fall semester.
3. If a fraternity happens to get 3 offenses, then once the third offense sanction has been met the sancitions will start at first offense.

Once the sanction has been determined, it will begin to take effect the following week.

B. Definition of Social Probation: Social probation for a fraternity prohibits the fraternity from having any party or social function for the amount of time specified. This also includes members from the fraternity from having a joint party with another fraternity. If the fraternity breaks their probation, they will be brought back before the judicial board.

C. Party checks - The Greek advisor along with an IFC member will do periodic checks at parties. These checks will be done to make sure the fraternity is following the IFC Risk Management Policy and that the party closes and is cleared out on time. If a fraternity is in compliance with the regulations, a letter will be sent to their Nationals commending them on following the IFC Risk Management procedures. If the fraternity is in non-compliance, the above sacntions will be enforced.

BYLAWS GOVERNING JUDICIAL BOARD

Section 1: Purpose
A. The IFC Judicial Board shall enforce the Interfraternity Council (IFC) Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 2: Jurisdiction
A. The jurisdiction of the IFC Judicial Board shall encompass all violations of the above stated policies or documents and shall be held intact unless superseded by a higher governing body or university official.
B. The IFC Judicial Board reserves the right to hold a chapter accountable for the actions of an individual member of that chapter.
C. The IFC Judicial Board shall have the power to impose sanctions, as it deems necessary and appropriate.
D. The IFC reserves the right to bring any sanctions and hearing related information to the attention of the Coordinator of Student Activities and Greek Life and the Student Conduct Officer.

Section 3: Membership and Officers
A. Voting Members
1. The voting members of the IFC Judicial Board shall consist of the chief justice and one (1) IFC officer from each member chapter of the IFC. If a chapter is not holding an office, that chapter shall submit a member to serve on the board.
2. Each member chapter is allowed one (1)-voting member on the IFC Judicial Board.
3. Each voting member shall have one (1) vote during all hearing, except when the case being heard pertains to his chapter.
4. Attendance of either the President or Vice President of the chapter under the alleged violation is required at all hearings.
5. The IFC President will serve as the chief justice in the event that the chief justice is a member of the accused chapter.
B. Advisor
1. The advisor to the IFC shall also serve as an advisor to the IFC Judicial Board.
2. The advisor shall serve as an ex-officio member and shall have no vote during hearings, but shall have advisory authority.
3. The advisor shall oversee and assist the chief justice in the implementation of the notification of the hearings system and the completion of all hearing related documentation.
C. Participation in these hearings shall be only voting members and those officers described herein, along with any witnesses who are asking to be present. However, if an attendance question arises not addressed in this document, all hearings shall be compliant with open meetings laws.

Section 4: Filing of Complaint
A. Complaints must be filed through an official complaint form, which may be obtained
in the Office of Student Life.
B. Only students or employees of UTM may file official complaint forms.
C. Official complaints must be submitted to the IFC Advisor no later than ten (10) school days after the alleged violation took place.

Section 5: Notification of Hearing System
A. The president of an accused chapter shall be notified by the IFC Advisor that his chapter is under investigation as soon as an official written complaint has been filed.
B. After the official complaint has been filed and the president of the accused chapter has been notified, a maximum of ten (10) days during which school is in session shall be allowed for the investigation to take place. The hearing must be scheduled within ten (10) days during which school is in session after the president has been notified of the official complaint (not after the alleged violation took place).
C. The Chief Justice and the IFC Advisor shall present written notification of the scheduled hearing to all parties at least 72 hours prior to the time at which the hearing will be held.
D. The written notification of a hearing must include the following information:
1. The date, time, location, and type of alleged incident.
2. The specified policy and/or document allegedly violated,
3. The date, time, and location of the IFC Judicial Board hearing.
4. A review of the established IFC Judicial Board hearing procedure as outlined in

Section 6: Hearing Procedure
A. There must be 100% attendance of all officers and voting members for the IFC
Judicial Board to heat a complaint and render a decision.
1. If attendance is not possible, notification must be made to the Chief Justice
twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hearing.
B. The hearing shall proceed as follows:
1. Review of IFC Judicial Board purpose and jurisdiction by the chairman.
2. Reading of the official complaint by the chairman.
3. Admission or denial of alleged violation by president of accused chapter.
4. Review of results of investigation of complaint and presentation of evidence by advisor and witnesses/complainant if possible.
5. Presentation of testimony, statements, or documents by president of accused chapter and ant relevant witnesses.
6. Posing of questions to advisor and witnesses regarding evidence and/or result of investigation.
7. Posing of questions to president of accused chapter and witnesses regarding any testimony given or statement provided.
8. Final statement by president of accused chapter.
9. Dismissal of president of accused chapter by the Chief Justice.

Section 7: Deliberation Procedure
A. The IFC Judicial Board shall deliberate in closed session with only voting and ex-officio members present.
B. The deliberation shall proceed as follows:
1. Review the facts presented during the hearing by chairman
2. Vote to determine whether or not the accused chapter is guilty of a
violation.
a. The vote shall be by secret ballot
b. A simple majority vote shall be required to render a decision
c. Abstentions shall be prohibited
3. Review of established sanctions by chairman.
4. Discussion of possible sanctions by all members present.
6. Recommendation of specific sanctions by any voting member.
7. Vote to accept recommended sanctions by voting members.
a. The vote shall be cast be secret ballot.
b. A simple majority vote shall be required to render a decision.
c. Abstentions shall be prohibited.
8. Review and verification of established sanctions by chairman.
9. Reminder of expectation of confidentiality of proceedings by the chairman.

Section 8: Notification of Hearing Results
A. The president of the accused chapter shall be notified informally of the results of the hearing immediately following its conclusion.
B. Official written notification of heating results and sanctions shall be issued to the president of the accused chapter no later than twenty-four (24) hours following the conclusion of the hearing.
C. The official notification of heating results must include the following information:
1. The date and time of the IFC Judicial Board hearing.
2. The specific policy or document violated.
3. A detailed outline of all sanctions, including dates for completion.
4. An explanation of the grounds and process for appeal.
5. A request that questions regarding the IFC Judicial Board decision are
to be directed to the Judicial Officer.
6. Signatures of both the Judicial Officer as well as the IFC Judicial
Board advisor.
D. Copies of the official hearing results shall be distributed to the following:
1. Voting members of the IFC Judicial Board.
2. Coordinator of Student Activities and Greek Life.
3. Advisor of the accused chapter.
4. Student Conduct Officer.
5. President of the accused chapter.
E. Copies of the official hearing results shall be kept in the IFC Judicial Board file as well as in the accused chapter’s file in the Office of Student Life.

Section 9: Appeals
A. The only grounds for an appeal of the IFC Judicial Board decisions are as follows:
1. Lack of due process, as it is established in this document.
2. The discovery of new and substantive information pertaining to the
violation, as deemed to be so by the IFC Chief Justice.
B. All appeals of the decisions of the IFC Judicial Board shall be directed to the IFC President.
C. Appeals of official hearing results must be filed within five (5) days during which school is in session following the receipt of the official notification of hearing results.
D. Appeals must be submitted in writing.

Section 10: Failure to Comply
A. Sanction Contracts shall be prepared by the Chief Justice and shall include the following:
1. Description of the sanction.
2. Name of the person/people supervising the sanction.
3. Date when the sanction must be completed.
4. Statement regarding the consequences of an uncompleted sanction.
5. Signatures from the following people:
a. IFC Judicial Officer
b. The person/people supervising the sanction
c. The president of the chapter involved
d. The Judicial Board Advisor
B. If a sanction is not completed or is violated in any way, a complaint will be filed and the accused chapter will reappear in front of the IFC Judicial Board.
C. If multiple acts of non-compliance occur, the IFC Judicial Board may refer the matter to the Student Conduct Officer.
D. Appeals may be made to the Coordinator of Student Activities and Greek Life, AVCSA, or Appeals Committee.

IFC Judiciary Board Regulations on Conduct: Covers Greek on Greek Altercations

These rules of conduct have been formatted and will be enforced to ensure the safety of each member of the fraternities. In pursuing the guidelines of these rules, the members of all fraternities will improve relations with one another.

Responsible behavior must be maintained at all times both on and off campus. Any members violating the rule of conduct participating in some type of altercation will be held responsible for their actions. An altercation is defined as any physical harm done to a member of the other fraternity or destruction of property.

Altercations on and off campus will be dealt with as follows

Active membership penalties- for individuals involved

First offense – Members must appear before the Judicial Board
- 10 week* probation from the time of Judicial Board finding
- $100 fine given to the fraternity that had been violated (which is given to charity)

Second offense - Members must appear before Judicial Board
- 20 weeks of probation:
- $250 fine given to the fraternity that had been violated

Third offense - Members must appear before Judicial Board
- Year of probation, and a $350 fine

Pledge membership penalties
- If a pledge initiates an altercation he will be dismissed from his pledgeship
after meeting will Judicial Board. He may be able to pledge that fraternity if given the opportunity the following semester.
- If a pledge is involved but didn’t initiate the altercation he must meet with the Judicial Board. The Judicial Board will then come to an agreement of some type of penalty. Maximum penalty will be dismissal.

Alumni penalties
- Alumni violators will be dealt with by Law Enforcement officers.
(Active chapter member or the chapter will not be held responsible)
Inactive Penalties
- Same as active

*This does not exclude the University from taking action against the individual

Definition of Probation:
Suspended from all IFC activities such as Intramural sports, stepping, Greek Week, Homecoming week, etc. Also, these members will be suspended from any Greek party. If member breaks his probation he will be brought back in front of the Judiciary Board. If the altercation results in destruction of fraternity property the restitution must be used to replace the damages. $100 fine plus cost of repair against property. To correct overpaying, there must be estimates of the damage given to the Executive Council of the opposing fraternity. The estimates will be assessed by both fraternity councils, and the member will pay accordingly.

- All fines must be paid within 30 days. If the member fails to pay by that time he must appear in front of the IFC Judicial Board. Additional penalties may be assessed to the member. If the member still fails to comply the members fraternity that violated the rules must compensate for the member’s failure to pay the fine. Individual will still be responsible for the damage.

- For a member or members to receive punishment stated, he must have been involved in the altercation. This will be determined by the Judicial Board. No penalty will be imposed to people whose participation constitutes only an attempt to end the altercation. All evaluations determining matters will be held by the Judicial Board.

- The Judicial Board is an extension of the members of each fraternity. Minutes will be taken at each meeting so that the members of each fraternity will be aware of the happenings at the meeting.

Upon receiving a violation form from the Greek Coordinator, the fraternity will have 10 days to identify persons involved in the altercation. If the completed violation form is not submitted within 10 days, the entire fraternity will be subject to university disciplinary action. Fines go to philanthropies.

The Judicial Board will convene and make a ruling within 7 days of the violation form being submitted. Members involved in altercations must also appear in front of the Judiciary Board. The University could also take action against the individual or individuals involved.
Penalties will be imposed by the Judiciary Council. This will happen by a vote of 4/3.

Examples of incidents that are automatically referred over to the University
1. Hazing
2. Sexual Harassment
3. Racial issues or slurs