IFC Constitution
CONSTITUTION
Interfraternity Council
University of South Alabama
February 2020
The purpose of the IFC is to enhance mutual respect, assistance, and cooperation among member groups. To create, perpetuate, and to maintain constructive fraternity relationships. USA IFC aims to foster understanding of the structure and methods of operation among organizations; and to address matters of mutual concern to the member groups. The IFC strives toward the enrichment of the campus community through community service and philanthropic activities. The University of South Alabama’s Interfraternity Council takes a zero tolerance policy on hazing. This policy is considered an extension of the University of South Alabama’s anti-hazing policies. Also, USA IFC is expected to recognize and to instill in member groups the highest regard for the traditions and institutions of South Alabama.
Gentleman’s Standard
IFC expects all member chapters to abide by the risk management standards set forth by the university and their respective headquarters. IFC also expects all member chapters to uphold the honorable values such that all members will present themselves as respectful gentlemen and leaders. Also, IFC expects that member chapters will take the responsibility of knowing that they represent themselves, their national fraternity, fellow South Alabama IFC fraternities, and University of South Alabama itself in all of their actions and will hold all in the same level of respect and honor.
Membership in USA IFC shall include the current list of Fraternal Organizations on the campus of the University of South Alabama. As of current, this list includes: Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon. Membership into USA IFC shall be extended to any fraternity member organization that follows the membership expansion policy outlined in the USA IFC Bylaws. A member organization, in order to remain in active status, shall be in good standing financially and judicially with the University of South Alabama, USA IFC and their respective inter/national organization.
The membership status of member chapters shall be as follows:
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Good Standing: A member chapter shall be deemed to be in Good Standing if the member chapter is not currently operating under Non-Status Sanctions or Status Sanctions, as defined within the IFC Bylaws, and is currently meeting the minimum expectations outlined in this Article.
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Good Standing on Probation: A member chapter shall be deemed to be in Good Standing on Probation if the member chapter is currently operating under Non-Status Sanctions and currently meets the minimum expectations outlined in Article.
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Poor Standing: A member chapter shall be deemed to be in Poor Standing if the member chapter has been placed under Suspension by the IFC or has currently failed to meet the minimum expectations outlined in this Article.
Each organization shall have and enforce a policy establishing a minimum annual cumulative GPA requirement for its undergraduate chapters by requiring a cumulative GPA maintained at least a 2.5 GPA each semester. Those organizations failing to do so shall be under academic probation and social probation until it is reported that the organization does meet the grade point average requirement. Each member organization shall strive to attain and maintain a chapter-average GPA at or above the respective campus’ All-Men’s Average.
The officers of USA IFC shall be President, Vice President Judicial, Vice President Recruitment, Secretary, Treasurer, Scholarship Officer, Risk Management Officer, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Philanthropy Officer, and Member-At-Large. The Executive Board shall consist of the USA IFC officers. The officers shall serve for one year, upon installation at the end of the fall semester. After election or selection the incoming officers shall attend the USA IFC general body meetings as ex-officio members.
The offices of USA IFC shall be popularly elected by one vote per active chapter. Candidates for the office of President must have served on the USA IFC Executive Board for a semester prior to election. Candidates must maintain at least an overall 2.7 grade point average. Candidates must be a member in good standing, academically, financially, and judicially with their respective member organization which must be in good standing with USA IFC and the University. Officers facing removal from office will be sent to the Greek Board of Magistrates unless removal is based upon failure to continue to meet the academic standards of the council and/or failure to remain in good standing (academically, financially and judicially) with their inter/national organization.
Each organization shall adhere to the principle delegate strength of two (2) representatives of their respective chapter at all general body meetings of USA IFC.
The IFC General Body shall conduct its meetings according to the following requirements:
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The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used to run all meetings.
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A majority of member chapters present shall constitute a quorum in order to conduct IFC General Body business.
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The IFC General Body shall conduct regularly scheduled business meetings at least twice a month during the academic year.
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Special meetings may be called by the IFC President at any time or at the request of two member chapters, with notice of the time, location, and purpose of the special meeting provided to all member chapters at least 72 hours in advance.
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Each member chapter’s IFC Representative or Alternate Representative is required to attend all meetings of the IFC. More than one absence per academic year shall result in the member chapter being referred to the IFC Vice President of Judicial Affairs for potential judicial review.
The IFC Advisor of the University of South Alabama Interfraternity Council shall be appointed by the Greek Life Office. The IFC advisor shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Interfraternity Council.
USA IFC and its member organizations recognize they continue to exist at the invitation
of the University of South Alabama and hereby affirm their shared commitment to adhere
to all University policies including those listed in the Lowdown and the Greek Life
Operational Policy for Fraternities and Sororities at the University of South Alabama.
USA IFC recognizes its relationship with the North-American Interfraternity Conference
and acknowledges NIC resolutions, policies, procedures, and best practices. USA IFC
binds itself not only to this Constitution and its Bylaws but also to all current
and future policies passed by the USA IFC.
The constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the council by two thirds (2/3) vote of the active member organizations, provided that:
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Proposed amendment is submitted in proper written form.
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Vote will take place one meeting after the amendment is submitted.
The Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the council by simple majority vote of the active member organizations provided that:
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Proposed amendment is submitted in proper written form.
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Vote will take place one meeting after the amendment is submitted.