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The College of New Jersey INTER-GREEK COUNCIL CONSTITUTION
I. PREAMBLE
The name of this organization shall be the Inter-Greek Council (IGC) of The College of New Jersey. The purpose is to unite the members of the Greek System in the spirit of mutual interest, organize and govern all activities related to the Greek System, and to keep open lines of communication between the membership and the campus community.
II. MISSION STATEMENT
The Inter Greek Council, at The College of New Jersey, is dedicated to ensuring and enhancing the quality of the Greek System and the collegiate community. We are committed to meeting the needs of all Chapters through providing strong leadership, education, and service. We strive to exude and abide by the values of fairness, integrity, and loyalty so as to enable growth and for the betterment of the community. To this end, we provide chapters with the opportunity to maintain a partnership with the scholastic institution so as to enable it to reach our highest potential.
III. LEGISLATIVE POWERS
A. Authority
1. To grant recognition to interest groups and withdraw recognition from the IGC member organizations in accordance with the IGC Constitution and college policies. 2. To initiate and approve relevant policies for the governance of the Greek Life program in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development.
B. IGC Membership
1. Limited to those fraternities and sororities which are recognized by The College of New Jersey through the IGC and the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development. 2. Entitles each organization all rights and privileges as recognized by the college. 3. Obligates compliance with the IGC’s Constitution, By-Laws, and policies; and all applicable college policies and procedures. 4. Includes three categories of recognition status; active, pre-active, and probation (inactive status).
a. Active Status i. The organization is recognized officially by the IGC and the college. ii. The organization must attend all mandatory IGC functions per semester, including but not limited to:
a. Greek Leadership Conference b. IGC representative training c. President Round Tables and Presidents Retreat d. All IGC meetings and IGC committee meetings are required. Absences will incur MONETARY PENALTIES and/or loss of certain privileges determined thereafter by the Standards Board. These penalties will increase if similar offenses continue to occur. e. Organizations must participate in all mandatory IGC fund-raisers. f. Participation in at least one community service project or philanthropy event per semester (this counts as one event per co-sponsor where applicable). g. All organizations must submit a Greek Standards Board Application. h. Monthly reports are to be submitted to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor by the due date specified by the Advisor. i. Any other IGC required activities as determined by the Executive Board or voted by council and announced at the IGC. j. Maintains an approved constitution and complies with recognition requirements established by the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development. k. Remains recognized by their National Organization (if applicable). l. Must have a full-time TCNJ faculty/staff advisor. m. Failure to meet these standards will be reported and sent directly to the Standards Board for review.
iii. Minimum Standards
1) Proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance (section VIII B 1-C) 2) Run one Program per Academic semester. a) a program is defined as something of educational value to benefit others b) it is to be non-fundraising c) it is to be non-community service 3)
Run one Community Service Project per Academic 4) Academic Standards: Male and female organizations should be expected to have Chapter GPAs equal to or better than 2.5 as stipulated in the Chapter Assessment Packet. 5) Failure to meet these standards will be reported and sent directly to the Standards Board for further review.
b. Pre-active Status
i. Have completed the Expansion Packet. ii. Received a 2/3 vote of the IGC in favor of pre-active status recognition. iii. Completes a probationary period of no more than two years where a 1-year review/report is given at Council meeting and again at the conclusion of the second year. Failure to complete all tasks and paperwork associated with gaining campus and IGC recognition within this two year period will result in loss of recognition. iv. Attend all Council meetings; however voting privileges are not granted until the organization receives full recognition status.
e. Probation (Inactive) Status
i. Upon receiving two consecutive years of one-star status as stipulated in the Chapter Assessment Packet (Article IV), the organization will be placed on probation status for the following fall semester. ii. Organizations considered active on probation have all rights and privileges of active organizations. iii. If an organization considered active on probation remains on one-star status for a full year (three consecutive years total), the organization faces lose of recognition from IGC and the college as determined by the Greek Standards Board. iv. An organization may not be placed on active-on-probation status more than once in two academic years. The two-year time frame begins from the expiration date of the probation period. An organization which is unable to meet the minimum standards for an active organization a second time within a two-year period will automatically lose recognition from the IGC and the college. v. If at the conclusion of the probationary period, an organization provides sufficient evidence of improvement to the Greek Standards Board, it is restored to active status. vi. Could be imposed as a result of Standards Board Review.
i. The IGC may automatically impose this status under the following conditions:
a. If a group loses their faculty/staff advisor, they have 60 days in which to select a new advisor. During this period they are placed on probation status. Active status can only be restored by submitting a letter to the IGC Executive Board, with the new advisor’s name, prior to the conclusion of the 60-day period. Failure to restore active status within 60 days will result in loss of IGC and college recognition.
b. If a group is suspended by their national organization or by the Greek Judicial Board, they are automatically placed on probation status. If the suspension is related to violations of IGC or college policy, the organization will be referred to the Greek Life and Student Organizations Director for judicial action. If the national suspension does not involve IGC or college policy (i.e. financial obligations), the organization may not regain active status until the suspension is lifted. Failure to restore active status within one calendar year will result in loss of recognition from the IGC and the college.
ii. While considered on probation, the group retains official recognition from IGC and the college, but is restricted from participating in IGC and college activities. Restricted activities include: Voting at IGC meetings; Rushing; New Member Orientation Season; and loss of ALL privileges granted to recognized student organizations including, but not limited to scheduling privileges on campus. No penalties will be enforced for lack of attendance from Council Meetings.
5. Loss of Recognition
a. An organization which has lost recognition from IGC and the college is restricted from functioning as a group on campus, and loses all rights and privileges accorded to recognized student organizations. b. An organization which has lost recognition as a result of failure to meet the standards established in this constitution (Section III, B. 4-e-iii) is eligible to re-apply for recognition after one calendar year from the date of loss of recognition. c. Any organization which has lost recognition due to a judicial sanction by the Greek Standards Board, is ineligible for re-recognition until the following terms have been met:
i. All members have graduated. ii. Any sanction from National Organization is completed. iii. Any sanctions by Greek Standards Board have been completed.
IV. CHAPTER ASSESSMENT PROCESS
V. EXECUTIVE POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Executive Board General Responsibilities
1. Mandatory functions include, but are not limited attendance or completion of the following: monthly reports, representative training, joint leadership retreat, bi-weekly committee reports, weekly council meetings, Greek Leadership Conference, and weekly executive board meetings. 2. Mandatory events include 1 on 1 meetings with advisors and attending scheduled office hours. 3. Three Mandatory Events equal 1 Mandatory Function. Three missed Functions are grounds for dismissal from the Executive Board. The IGC Advisors will decide whether or not an Executive member is responsible or not responsible for missing an event/function. The Executive Board will determine whether the Board Member is removed from Executive Council with a vote of 2/3 majority. 4. Events and responsibilities can be added as either functions or events with a 2/3 vote of the executive board. 5. Executive Board members are responsible for completing all obligations stipulated in Sections V, B, respectively. If a member fails to meet their obligation, the Executive Board may charge the member with Breach of Obligation and remove this member with a 2/3 vote. 6. Executive Board Members shall not vote on open council topics. 7. The President has 10 Office Hours (excluding council meetings, committee meetings, and other mandatory meetings) and all other Executive Board Members have 3 office hours. 8. Executive Board members must be initiated into a Greek letter organization to sit on the Executive Board. 9. The Executive Board shall keep up-to-date documentation of all IGC functions, policies, and business. These records will be kept on file for a minimum of three years. 10. Each Executive Board Member must be prepared to implement philanthropy and community service into their position when the board sees necessary.
B. Position Specific Responsibilities
1. President
a. In charge of calling and presiding over weekly Executive Board and Inter-Greek Council meetings.
i. Provide a written agenda to the Executive Board. ii. Be prepared to answer questions during discussions.
b. Submit, in writing, goals and directives for the upcoming year to the Council during the first meeting in September. c. Appoint committees and chairpersons of committees. d. Serve on and/or chair campus wide committees (Community Service Committee). e. Meet weekly with the Inter-Greek Council Advisor. f. Attend IGC Executive Board committee meetings once per month. g. Must submit monthly, mid-year and end-year reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor. h. Hold a President’s Round-Table at least three times per semester and annual Presidents Retreat. i. Represent the IGC on the Campus Life Board. Attend all CLB meetings. j. Responsible for 10 office hours per week, not including council, committee, and other meetings.
2. Vice President of Standards and Conduct
a. Assist the Inter-Greek Council Advisor in the investigation of reported violations of College and Inter-Greek Council policies and procedures. b. Present results of the investigation(s) to the Executive Board for consideration. c. In charge of judicial and constitution interpretation and review. d. Monitor the status of IGC member organizations. Keep accurate records and provide written correspondence to organizations regarding their status in accordance with established policies and procedures. e. Responsible for three office hours per week. f. Must submit monthly, mid-year and year-end reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor. g. Serve on the Greek Standards Board. Enforce IGC risk management policies when necessary. h. Serve as the Parliamentarian. i. Educate the council on parliamentary procedures with written handouts and explanations. j. Supervise committee of council representatives as needed. k. Serve as the chairman and provide training for the Expansion Committee and/or Committee on Greek Affairs (if needed).
3. Vice President of Programming
a. Coordinates all activities and programs sponsored by the Inter-Greek Council. (i.e. New Member Education Series, Greek Lecture Series, IGC Representative training, Greek Leadership Conference, etc.) b. Provide educational programming in the areas of leadership, risk management, and programming. c. Chair and/or sit on all committees developed to create IGC programs. d. Create and evaluate all programs. e. Responsible for three office hours per week. f. Must submit mid-year and end-year reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor. g. Supervise committee of council representatives as needed.
4. Vice President of Recruitment and Membership Development
a. Coordinate all rush and new member orientation season dates. b. Plan and schedule Calendar for Rush & NMOS dates and times. Work in conjunction with the Vice President of Programming to develop the New Member Education Series. c. Chair and/or sit on all committees developed for rush. d. Coordinate and attend informational orientation sessions for prospective new members. e. Assist Public Relations with publicity for all Rush Events. f. Revise and enforce Recruitment Guidelines. g. Train New Member Educators. h. Compile New Member lists. i. Evaluate rush and new member orientation seasons and make recommendations. j. Responsible for three office hours per week. k. Must submit mid-year and year-end reports to the Inter Greek Council Advisor. l. Supervise committee of council representatives as needed.
5. Vice President of Multicultural Affairs
a. Coordinate multicultural programs and activities. b. Solicit and resolve concerns of minority Greek organizations. c. Serve on and/or chair the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). d. Responsible for three office hours per week. e. Supervise committee of council representatives as needed. f. Must submit monthly, mid-year and year-end reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor. g. Serve as the liaison for all cultural and special interest organizations. (i.e. Prism, SGA, Women’s Center.)
6. Vice President of Inter-Fraternity Council Affairs
a. Coordinate inter-fraternity programs and activities. b. Solicit and resolve concerns of members of the Inter-Fraternity Council. c. Serve as chairman of the Inter-Fraternity Council d. Responsible for three office hours per week e. Supervise committee of council representatives as needed. f. Must submit monthly, mid-year and year-end reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor.
6. Vice President of Public Relations
a. Promote the Positive Image of the Greek Community. b. Serve as the Public Relations Committee Chair. c. Create and distribute all Advertising for any Inter Greek Council events. d. Create and Maintain Relations with Administrative Advisors. e. Maintain the IGC website and update the events calendar. f. Maintain a weekly column in the Signal (once approved). g. Responsible for three office hours per week. h. Must submit monthly, mid-year and year-end reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor.
7. Vice President of Academic Affairs
a. Assist chapters in utilizing TCNJ resources such as career development and academic support services. b. Recognizes academic achievement among chapters, members, and new members. c. Conducts scholarship roundtable involving chapter scholarship chairman. Ideas and suggestions should be generated and distributed for enhancing new member scholarship programs. d. Collect New Member grade release forms and perform New Member grade checks. e. Supervise committee of council representatives as needed. f. Responsible for three office hours per week. g. Must submit mid-year and end-year reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor.
8. Treasurer
a. Maintain and prepare all financial records and reports. b. Develop and submit budget requests to the Inter-Greek Council and the Student Finance Board (SFB). c. Adhere to the SFB and The College of New Jersey regulations governing financial officers. d. Chair and/or serve on committees developed for financial or fund-raising purposes. e. Attend required treasurer’s training sessions scheduled by the SFB. f. Responsible for three office hours per week. g. Must submit mid-year and year-end reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor. h. Supervise committee of council representatives as needed. i. Present the IGC budget to the council once a month.
9. Secretary
a. Keep accurate minutes of the proceedings at Executive Board and IGC meetings; distribute copies weekly to the IGC member organizations, Executive Board members, Order of Omega president, and administrators. b. Inform membership of weekly and special meetings. c. Take roll call at meetings and refer attendance violations to the Vice President for Standards and Conduct. d. Responsible for three office hours per week. e. Serve as Editor in Chief of the Scrivener and Chair of the Scrivener Committee. f. Must submit mid-year and end-year reports to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor.
C. Executive Board Eligibility
1. Eligibility Constitutes: a. All nominees for President and V.P. Standards and Conduct are required to have at least two full semesters of active membership in an IGC recognized organization, and nominees for V.P. of Multicultural Affairs and V.P. of Recruitment and Membership Development are required to have 1 full semester of active membership in an IGC recognized organization, or have served on the Executive Board in any other position for at least one semester. b. All other positions have no participational requirement. c. Nominees who do not meet the above requirements (a & b) may become eligible with a 2/3 vote of the IGC. 2. Must meet the requirements established in the college’s Student Leadership Criteria as outlined in the Student Handbook. 3. There may not be any more than two members of an IGC member organization serving as elected officers during the same term. 4. The President of a member Greek letter organization cannot concurrently hold the position of president of the IGC. This can NOT be changed by any vote or amendment to the Constitution. 5. Must be a member of a Greek letter organization
D. Election Procedures
1. Nominees must submit an application to the President of the IGC by the last week in November or by a predetermined deadline. 2. The first meeting in December will constitute written disbursement of the nomination with a personal statement to all recognized organizations. Copies of applications will be distributed to the IGC representatives in preparation for the second meeting where speeches and official voting take place. The third meeting is when the new executive board is sworn in and serves in their positions. Newly elected officers will assume their position on the third meeting in December and remain in office until 1 year from the date that they are sworn in. 3. All officers are elected by a majority vote. 4. Reference Robert’s Rules of Order for all parliamentary procedures. i.e. a tie vote in a meeting.
E. Vacancies and Successions
1. If a mid-term vacancy occurs for any position other than President, applications will be accepted for the position from members of the Greek organizations. The executive board will then meet to discuss the applications and vote for a nominee prior to the next council meeting. The executive board has the privilege to appoint a member of the executive board to fulfill the vacancy. 2. The nominee replacement, along with the other applicants, will present speeches to the council at a date to be determined by the IGC President. The new officer is elected to the Executive Board by a majority vote.
3. If the Office of President becomes vacant mid-term, the position is first offered to the Vice President of Standards and Conduct. Upon acceptance, the individual is approved by the council with a 2/3 vote of acceptance. If the individual declines the position, order of succession proceeds for the remainder of the executive Board.
a. Vice President for Recruitment and Membership Development. b. Vice President for Programming. c. Vice President for Multicultural Affairs. d. Vice President of Academic Affairs. e. Vice President of Public Relations. f. Treasurer g. Secretary
4. If the President is unable to fulfill duties temporarily, the same succession will prevail. 5. Anyone wishing to fulfill the vacant position must be an initiated member of their organization for 1 semester after their new member education season.
F. Inter-Greek Council Representative Responsibilities
1. Each recognized organization must elect one representative to attend all regular and special meetings of IGC. 2. The Chapter President shall serve as a second representative and is to attend every other Council meeting. 3. The IGC Representatives serve as liaisons between the IGC and his/her organization. Responsibilities include:
a. Voting in all elections (one vote permitted per chapter). b. Voting on all IGC motions (one vote permitted per chapter). c. Introducing any pertinent matters at IGC meetings and communicating information about IGC meetings to their chapter in a timely and concise manner. d. Provide an alternate representative if planning to be absent.
i. If President is unable to attend a meeting in which their presence is mandated and specified by the Inter-Greek Council Executive Board, they must provide an alternate that serves on the Chapter Executive Board. ii. If the routine Inter-Greek Council Representative is unable to attend, they must provide an alternate other than the President on those days specified for the Presidents to attend. iii. If either representative is unable to attend, an alternate representative must attend and notify the Secretary of the Inter-Greek Council during roll call proceedings. iv. Attend IGC Representative training and the Greek Leadership Conference. 4. If an IGC Representative is elected to the Executive Board of the IGC, he/she is no longer eligible to serve in that position. The organization must select a new IGC Representative. 1. Organizations numbering ten (10) members or less would be required to have one representative attend meetings. G. Student Government Association Liaison
1. Must be a Non-Greek member of the TCNJ undergraduate community. 2. Must have at least 12 TCNJ standing credits and currently taking 12 credits. 3. Must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA 4. Year long position 5. The President of the Inter-Greek Council along with the President of the Student Government Association will appoint a member of the Student Government Association to serve as an executive liaison to the Inter-Greek Council 6. The Student Government Association liaison is a representative of the Non-Greek community and will provide the Greek organizations with ideas and perspectives of outside sources. The liaison will provide the non-Greek community with knowledge of the current topics and programs being discussed and put on by Greek organizations. Their responsibilities include:
a. Attend all weekly meetings b. Introducing any pertinent matters at IGC meetings and communicating any information about IGC meetings to the non-Greek community in a timely and concise manner c. Attend IGC Representative training
* See attached document at end of Constitution. *
H. Panhellenic Liaison
1. Must be a member of a Greek letter organization recognized by both the Inter-Greek Council and the Panhellenic Council. 2. Must have at least 12 TCNJ standing credits and currently taking 12 credits. 3. Must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA 4. Year long position 5. The President of the Inter-Greek Council along with the President of the Panhellenic Council will appoint a member of the Panhellenic Council to serve as an executive liaison to the Inter-Greek Council. 6. The Panhellenic Council liaison is a representative of the Greek community and will provide the Greek organizations with ideas and perspectives of outside sources. The liaison will provide the non-Greek community with knowledge of the current topics and programs being discussed and put on by Greek organizations. Their responsibilities include:
a. Attend all weekly meetings b. Introducing any pertinent matters at IGC meetings and communicating any information about IGC meetings to the non-Greek community in a timely and concise manner c. Attend IGC Representative training
I. IGC Greek Standards Board Representatives
1. Each organization must submit a Standards Board Application. 2. The Greek Standards Board will be comprised of 12 representatives who are placed to four Judicial Panels. Every Standards Board Representative must attend a training session and serve as needed on Greek Standards Board hearings. 3. Standards Board members must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be in good disciplinary standing with the college.
J. Meetings
1. The IGC shall meet weekly. 2. A simple majority (one half, plus one) of the active member groups of the IGC is necessary to sustain quorum for official business. 3. Members of the Greek system, advisors, media, and the public are welcome to attend IGC meetings. 4. Meetings can be closed by a motion from the IGC or executive board and the approval of the IGC by simple majority vote. 5. Executive Board Members shall not vote on open council topics. VI. ADVISORS
A. Fraternities and Sororities Programs Director
1. Provide advisement to the IGC and its officers. 2. Attend all IGC meetings and retreats. 3. Provide opportunities for training in leadership and community development for the Inter-Greek Council including retreats, group building exercises, and topical information programs.
B. Individual Organizations
1. Each active and pre-active organization shall have an advisor who is a full time employee of the college as well as an Alumni Advisor. 2. Each fraternity and sorority shall choose its own advisors. 3. Advisors are expected to attend workshops sponsored by the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development as mandated.
VII. GREEK JUDICIAL PROCESS
All violations of college policies by Greek organizations shall be adjudicated in accordance with the Greek Judicial Process through the IGC and the Office of Campus Life. Refer to Student Handbook and Guide to Residence Living for further policies and explanations.
VIII. EXPANSION
A. Development of New Greek Organizations
As the Inter-Greek Council strives to expand the fraternity and sorority community at The College in an organized manner that allows for the development of new organizations and does not stunt the growth of established organizations, the Inter-Greek Council has become more demanding of interest groups and increasingly more selective in authorizing groups for expansion.
In anticipation of a return to rapid growth and the expansion of the Greek community at TCNJ, the Inter-Greek and/or Panhellenic Council may initiate expansion with a 2/3rds vote of approval by the general membership. At the beginning of every semester, the Inter-Greek Council Expansion Committee will review expansion petitions. If no petitions are pending, the committee will meet to explore the potential of possible expansion, and, if approved, contact the appropriate national governing bodies to alert national organization headquarters about the possibility of expansion.
B. Expansion Procedures
The intent of the expansion procedures is to facilitate the installation of New Greek Organizations. 1. Individuals interested in starting a Greek Letter-Fraternal Organization must contact the appropriate Greek Governing Body as well as the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director, in writing, expressing their interest in forming a Greek Letter Fraternal Organization. This letter of petition will be presented to the Student Government Association in preparation to grant the interest group recognition pending approval of the IGC. The Expansion Committee will determine the appropriate Greek governing body (Inter-Greek or Panhellenic Council) to be responsible for the expansion vote. 2. Once the group has submitted a letter of interest, and been approved, it is eligible to host three informational meetings per semester on campus in order to determine interest in the proposed organization, not to exceed four consecutive semesters. Interest groups must reserve college facilities through the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director. Each event may be reserved on campus; however, publicity must be pre-approved through the Fraternity and Sorority programs Director and must adhere to College Posting Policy Guidelines. Recruitment Event Sign-In Sheets must be submitted to the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director within 72 hours of each informational event. No other events may be run by the interest groups, or on behalf of the interest groups, either on or off-campus. The three informational sessions cannot be run in conjunction with any event sponsored by The College or any student organizations active at The College. 3. If 5 or more students are interested in forming a Greek organization the following must be submitted to the Inter-Greek Council Advisor to initiate the recognition process. a. A letter of petition explaining the purpose and intent of the organization and interest in affiliation with the IGC, a mission statement outlining the groups goals, outstanding characteristics, and potential benefits to the campus community. b. A list, in alphabetical order, of each individual’s name, phone number, student identification number, year in school, major, and any leadership positions held at The College of New Jersey. All members must have a minimum of a 2.2 GPA, and 12 earned TCNJ Credits, or 30 Transfer Credits. Any interested student that is a member of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program must also be approved by the EOF Office. Additionally, the overall cumulative Grade Point Average of the interest group must be equal to or above a 2.5 GPA from the prior semester. c. New members must be in “good standing” with the College as well as the Inter-Greek Council. Any new member that has been previously initiated into any Greek organization at the College, whether currently affiliated or disaffiliated, shall be deemed ineligible to participate in the expansion process of any Greek organization. d. Verification that all of the petitioning students must have attended one recruitment event each of two of the recognized Greek Letter Organizations on campus. e. Proof of $ 1,000,000 liability insurance. f. An Official Letter of intent on letterhead from the National Headquarters stating that the National Headquarters has knowledge of the interest group and outlining the support the National Headquarters will give the group, along with the National Headquarters’ requirements for chartering. g. Verification that the National Headquarters is affiliated with any of the following:
i. National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) ii. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) iii. North-American Inter-Fraternity Conference (NIC) iv. National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) If the organization is not a member of one of these four organizations, documentation must be given as to the reasoning for this. i. The name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of a faculty/staff advisor from the TCNJ campus must be provided, as well as a signed, written statement from the person of a willingness to serve. ii. Copies of the following National policies, procedures, and programs: i. New Member Program ii. Hazing Policy iii. Membership Development Program iv. Rush/Recruitment Program v. Financial Policies vi. Public Relations vii. Leadership Development viii. Scholarship ix. Judicial x. Community Service and Philanthropy xi. Code of Conduct xii. Career Counseling/Networking xiii. Other Programming Resources
4. The Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director, in conjunction with the Inter-Greek and/or Panhellenic Council Vice-President of Standards and Conduct will set up a meeting to review the application utilizing the “Criteria to Evaluate Applications to Form a Greek letter Fraternal Organizations.” Should a negative review be rendered, the decision will outline the reasons for the negative review and provide an opportunity for the organizer of the petitioning group to meet with the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director and the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council Vice-President of Standards and Conduct to discuss ways to improve the application.
5. After meeting all of these requirements, the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director transfers the completed application to the Expansion Committee for approval
a. The petitioning group, as well as representative from the National organization, will meet with the Expansion Committee to review the expansion application and address any outlying questions the Expansion Committee may have. b. The petitioning group, the Expansion Committee and any interested Greek Organization will conduct an open forum, moderated by the V.P. of Standards and Conduct, in which the interested Organizations can ask any questions. c. The Expansion Committee will meet to write their final recommendation, which will be presented to the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting. d. The petitioning group will present at the IGC/Panhellenic Council Meeting the week following the Expansion Committee recommendation. e. The organization may add qualified founding members to their original petitioning roster up until one week before the IGC meeting at which voting on full recognition is scheduled. f. The IGC/Panhellenic will vote, with a 2/3 majority granting the petitioning group pre- active status. g. This new organization has a maximum of two years to complete their national requirements and to become recognized as a Chapter of that New Organization. This time period can be extended by a 2/3 majority vote by the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council, if the National Organization requires a longer colonization period. h. If pre-active status is granted by the Panhellenic Council, the petitioning group will also become a member of the Inter-Greek Council.
C. Change in Recognition/Expansion
Revision of membership requirements for the individual organizations is permissible under the following circumstances:
1. Changing from single-sex to co-ed. 2. Changing from only accepting one major to accepting all majors. 3. Merging is permissible between organizations with approval form both National Organizations and a two-thirds Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council vote. 4. If a local organization already recognized by the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council decides to affiliate with a national organization, or if a national organization already recognized by the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council wishes to affiliate with a different national organization, they can do so with approval from the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council and the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development.
a. The organization must petition the Inter-Greek Council Advisor and the Recognition Committee in writing for approval. b. Receive a majority vote of the IGC in favor of affiliation. c. Once a local organization has chosen a national organization with which to seek affiliation, the organization must petition the Director of Campus Life and the IGC in writing for approval of that national organization. d. Receive a 2/3 vote of the IGC in favor of affiliation with the selected national organization.
D. The Expansion Committee
a. Consists of one representative from a male organization (national and local ), a female organization ( national or local), a minority male organization, a minority female organization, a co-ed organization, the VP of Standards and Conduct, who will serve as chair and cast the tie-breaking vote, and a Chapter Advisor, picked by the IGC executive board. The Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director shall also be a non-voting member of the Committee.
i. The VP of Standards and Conduct will choose the Committee after receiving one application from every Greek organization. The application will consist of questions to determine each applicant’s qualifications to be a part of the Committee. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher to be eligible to be selected for the Expansion Board.
b. Will be convened on a semester basis. c. Will be provided will all pertinent information to make an intelligent informed decision (i.e. numbers within the Greek community, campus demographics, etc.) d. Reviews all petitioning group’s materials using the expansion application, as well the criteria, outlined in the section entitled “Expansion Criteria” e. After voting, the Expansion Committee presents a written recommendation to the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council, including valid reasons for recommending or not recommending the petitioning group for pre-active status. This recommendation will be announced by the IGC/Panhellenic Vice-President of Standards and Conduct at the next regularly scheduled council meeting following the expansion presentation.
i. A representative of the new organization must be present at the meeting at which the recommendation made by the Expansion Committee is presented. ii. The written materials from each petitioning group must be available for review by all Inter-Greek/Panhellenic chapters until the next regularly scheduled council meeting.
f. The Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council will vote on the recommendation at the next regularly scheduled council meeting. A 2/3 vote of all attending council representatives is required to grant pre-active status to any petitioning organization.
E. Pre-Active Status
1. A group of individuals which has met all the requirements and which has received endorsement from the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council will be granted Pre-Active Status. This group will be afforded the ability to reserve facilities under the auspices of the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director. Pre-Active status will enable the group to be colonized by their national office and affords the group privileges defined below. 2. Use of College Facilities (under the auspices of the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director) 3. Use of the College Name 4. The group may call itself a “Fraternity Colony” and not a fraternity or sorority 5. Members may wear apparel as allowed by their national headquarters. 6. Members may participate in programs and activities sponsored by the college for fraternities and sororities, as well as all other student organizations and College departments. 7. The group may recruit and pledge new members only according to the policies set up regarding colony new member education by the group’s national headquarters in consultation with the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director. 8. Until chartering, the group may not participate as elected officials of Greek Governing Councils. 9. Groups must meet with their faculty advisor(s) on a regular basis. 10. Groups must present a progress report at least once a semester to the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council. 11. Groups must attend all mandated IGC/Panhellenic events and follow all IGC/Panhellenic and TCNJ policies. 12. The members of the group must attend an orientation workshop developed by the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director. This workshop will include, but is not limited to the following topics: overview of the TCNJ Greek Community, NJ State and TCNJ hazing statues, TCNJ Alcohol Policy, etc. 13. Failure to comply with any of the above stated stipulations may result in the revocation of Pre-Active Status. Groups with revoked Pre-Active Status are ineligible to reapply for two full years from the date of revocation.
i. A charge must be filed in writing to the Vice President of Standards and Conduct ii. An investigation will be conducted by the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director and the Vice President of Standards and Conduct. iii. All evidence shall be presented to the IGC Executive Board and/or Greek Standards Board to render a decision. iv. If the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council Executive Board and/or the Greek Standards Board finds the colony responsible for policy violations, they may have their pre-active status revoked by a 2/3 vote by the respective Executive Board.
14. The pre-active organization must complete all requirements established for active groups as established in this document. 15. The organization will not have full voting rights at IGC meetings until active recognition is granted. 16. The organization must submit a constitution with by-laws within one year of the acceptance vote.
F. Petitioning groups not granted pre-active status
a. Must cease all activities, including:
i. On-campus recruitment (including interest sessions, rush or new member orientation activities). ii. Social functions
b. Are eligible to re-apply for pre-active status after one academic year in accordance with the procedures established in this document. c. Encouraged to meet with the Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director to discuss future plans/options. d. Any violation(s) of college policy by an unrecognized group will jeopardize the opportunity for recognition from the IGC in the future.
G. Granting of Active Status
a. A completed application for active status must be submitted by the pre-active status organization to the VP of Standards and Conduct immediately following the completion of the pre-active probationary period. b. The organization must have completed its national requirements for a charter before it can petition IGC for Full Recognition. c. The VP of Standards and Conduct will review the application and make a recommendation to the IGC within 14 days of receiving the application. d. The IGC will consider the recommendation and vote on the granting of active status at the next regularly scheduled IGC meeting. A 2/3 vote of all active organizations in favor of recognition is required to grant active status. e. Upon granting of active status, the IGC president will confer full recognition with this statement:
i. WE, the members of the IGC in regular session do hereby confer upon (name of organization) the status of active membership in the IGC of The College of New Jersey with all the rights and privileges associated therewith effective on (date of meeting). H. Pre-active groups not granted active status
1. If the vote for active status fails to pass, VP of Standards and Conduct can call another vote to question (active status vote) after a minimum of four scheduled meetings or a maximum of one calendar year. 2. If vote fails three times total, including original vote, then pre-active group must wait one calendar year before another vote can be called. 3. If vote fails again after one calendar year then pre-active group automatically loses recognition from IGC and College.
I. Re-Recognition
1. Organizations must wait one full year following removal from campus before they can apply. 2. The national organization seeking re-recognition has to have been recognized by the College of New Jersey within the past two (2) years from the date of loss of recognition. 3. The organization has a minimum of five members. 4. If five or more members are interested in re-recognition they must submit the following to the Inter-Greek Council:
a. A letter of petition explaining the purpose of the organization and interest in re-recognition from the Inter-Greek Council and a mission statement outlining the group’s goals, outstanding characteristics, and benefits to the College of New Jersey b. A list, in alphabetical order, of each individual’s name, phone number, college ID number, year in school, major and any leadership positions held at the College of New Jersey. c. Submit a constitution and/or by-laws for review by the Inter-Greek Council Advisor.
5. The organization must receive a 2/3 vote of all active Inter-Greek Council organizations. 6. If approved, the organization will be placed on probationary active status for two (2) years, as outlined in the IGC Constitution. 7. If not approved, the organization must go though the expansion process outlined in Section B. “Expansion Procedures.”
J. CRITERIA USED TO EVALUATE APPLICATIONS TO FORM GREEK-LETTER FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
1. The Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director and the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Council Vice-President of Standards and Conduct will only approve one fraternity and one sorority application per semester. In addition, only one fraternity or/and sorority may be granted pre-active status per semester. The Fraternity and Sorority Programs Director and the Inter-Greek/Panhellenic Vice-President of Programming reserve the right to modify this number if in their judgment, it should be deemed appropriate. 2. The average membership, the average number of potential members, and the average new member class size of existing fraternal Greek latter organizations will be a major criterion in assessing the need for a new fraternal social organization. 3. Full-time freshman and transfer enrollment trends of the college will be taken into consideration when reviewing applications. 4. The following list outlines those areas that will be evaluated in assessing a group. Evaluation of the group is not limited to he following: a. Philosophy of new member education program. i. Outline the new member education program ii. Does the new member education program address the issue of human dignity? iii. Can the new member education program conform to guidelines established at TCNJ?
b. Academic Performance i. Are the majority of the chapters on other campuses above the all male or female average for their campuses? ii. Nationally, what percent of all chapters rank above the all-male or all-female average for TCNJ? iii. How is scholarship and academic performance promoted? Are scholarships for academic performance available? If so, what is the number given out annually? What is the average amount per award? c. Active Chapters i. How many active chapters are there? ii. How many inactive chapters are there? iii. Will the petitioning group exhibit the elements outlined in the Chapter Assessment Packet? iv. Describe the process by which the organization works with chapters that are struggling. v. List the campuses in New Jersey, Southeastern PA, Delaware and Southern New York State where the organization has chapters and/or colonies. d. National Staff &nb |
