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University of Northern Iowa Chapter
North-American
Interfraternity Conference
Official Bylaws and Precedents of the
University of Northern Iowa Chapter of the
North American Interfraternity Conference
Article I
Qualifications of Officers
Section 1. Qualifications for Executive Officers.
Paragraph 1. He is an initiated member of a full member fraternity.
Paragraph 2. He and his fraternity are in good standing with Interfraternity Council and the University of Northern Iowa.
Paragraph 3. He must be enrolled as a full-time student (12 hours) at the University of Northern Iowa during the entire period of his service as an Interfraternity Council Officer.
Paragraph 4. A candidate for office shall have at least a 2.70 cumulative grade point or a 2.70 grade point for the previous semester. These requirements must be met throughout the end of his term.
Paragraph 5. A candidate may not be President of his respective fraternity in the Spring or Fall semester subsequent to his election as an Interfraternity Council Officer.
Paragraph 6. A candidate must have one year of experience in the University of Northern Iowa Greek community
Article II
Nominations of Candidates for Office
Section 1. Nominations
Paragraph 1. Nominations will occur in the Fall of each academic year. Nominations may be reopened prior to voting on Election Day.
Paragraph 2. The elections shall take place during the next regularly scheduled IFC meeting following nominations.
Article III
Elections, Length of Office, and Vacancies
Section 1. Elections.
Paragraph 1. Annual: The President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Director of Programming, Director of Academics and Education, and Director of Community Advancement shall be elected annually during the fall elections.
Paragraph 2. Presentation format: Each candidate must present the Interfraternity Council with his ideas and goals for the office. After his presentation, there will be a question and answer period, and discussion will follow.
Section 2. The officers shall be elected by a simple majority vote of the Interfraternity Council members present.
Paragraph 1. Voting shall be done by secret ballot. The current Interfraternity Council Officers shall not vote. If a majority vote is not reached on the first ballot, resulting in a three-way tie, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes will be dropped from consideration before the next ballot is taken.
Paragraph 2. This procedure will be followed on all subsequent ballots until one (1) candidate receives a majority of the votes, or there is a tie cast by the Council.
Paragraph 3. In the event of a two-way tie, the Interfraternity Council President casts the deciding vote.
Paragraph 4. After the election of each officer, nominations may be reopened for subsequent officers.
Paragraph 5. The order of election is President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Director of Community Advancement, Director of Academics and Education, and Director of Programming.
Section 3. An officer may be re-elected to IFC, but shall not hold the same office for more than two and one half (2½) semesters.
Section 4. Vacancies
Paragraph 1. An officer may be removed from office for failure to follow and support the aims and purposes of the Interfraternity Council, or the IFC code of conduct.
Paragraph 2. A ¾ vote of the total membership of the Interfraternity Council shall be necessary to remove an officer from office.
Paragraph 3. An officer will automatically be removed from office for a grade deficiency.
Paragraph 4. Any person becoming President of his respective fraternity while serving as and Interfraternity Council officer will forfeit his Interfraternity Council office.
Paragraph 5. In the event of two (2) consecutive absences of an officer, the office will be declared vacant. The President shall open first round nominations for this office immediately. In the event that the President was removed, the Vice President shall perform this duty. Elections to fill the vacant position shall be held at the meeting following first round nominations. The newly elected officer will serve the remainder of the vacated officer’s term.
Section 5. Term: Each elected officer’s term begins at officer instillation at the last regular meeting of the fall semester.
Article IV
Duties of the Officers
Section 1. President
Paragraph 1. Preside over all regular and special meetings of Interfraternity Council and shall call special meetings whenever he deems it necessary by giving member fraternities 24-hour notice.
Paragraph 2. Represent the Interfraternity Council on any University matters pertaining to the Interfraternity Council.
Paragraph 3. Work closely with the Greek Advisor, President of Panhellenic Council, and any other faculty or administrative personnel as an official representative of the Interfraternity Council.
Paragraph 4. Deliver an annual report, both written and oral, at the second to the last meeting each semester, and must submit, in writing, at the completion of his term of office, an evaluation of his term as President, to be given to his successor.
Paragraph 5. Have overall responsibility for the operation of the Interfraternity Council and perform any other duties deemed necessary by the Interfraternity Council or stated in the Constitution or Bylaws.
Paragraph 6. Be responsible for the planning, and preparation of a leadership conference once a year.
Paragraph 7. Assist the Secretary/Treasurer with the formulation of the budget.
Paragraph 8. Prepare and present budget requests to NISG
Section 2. Vice President
Paragraph 1. Be familiar with all of the Interfraternity Council President’s policies and actions.
Paragraph 2. Assume the duties of the President in the event of his absence for any reason.
Paragraph 3. Enforce all policies and procedures of the Interfraternity Council and revise these as deemed necessary.
Paragraph 4. Serve as an ex-officio representative of the Interfraternity Council Judiciary Board.
Paragraph 5. Coordinate, in conjunction with the Panhellenic Council Vice President, the Greek Awards Applications and the Spring Awards Banquet.
Paragraph 6. Preside as chairman at all meetings of the Executive Committee.
Paragraph 7. Advise all officers and committees.
Paragraph 8. Meet with the Panhellenic Executive Vice President and Greek Advisor weekly to review “social notification” forms.
Paragraph 9. Provide social calendars after each social roundtable
Section 3. Secretary/Treasurer
Paragraph 1. Assess member Fraternities for their Interfraternity Council semesterly dues.
Paragraph 2. Collect all assessments and fines of the Interfraternity Council.
Paragraph 3. Pay the bills approved by the members of the Interfraternity Council in a timely fashion.
Paragraph 4. Prepare a written budget of proposed expenditures for each semester prior to the second meeting of each semester.
Paragraph 5. Prepare written financial statements at the end of each semester and forward them to member fraternities.
Paragraph 6. Assess a fine on delinquent accounts as approved by the Interfraternity Council.
Paragraph 7. Serve as the secretary at all regular and special meetings of the Interfraternity Council, as well as the Interfraternity Council Executive Committee meetings, as well as all other pertinent material, before the next regular meeting.
Paragraph 8. Be responsible for the agenda and minutes of all Interfraternity Council meetings, make arrangements to distribute these minutes, as well as all other pertinent materials.
Line 1. Distribute a hard copy of the minutes to the Interfraternity Council Executive Committee and Greek Advisor.
Line 2. E-mail agenda and minutes, to the Interfraternity Council Executive Committee, Delegates, Greek Advisor, and interested Faculty, no later than 5 p.m. on the day following meeting.
Line 3. Distribute the Interfraternity Council minutes to the Greek Advisor’s office.
Paragraph 9. Maintain a complete up-to-date file that will include minutes of all Interfraternity Council meetings, officer reports, and all other pertinent materials.
Paragraph 10. Be responsible for all correspondence of the Interfraternity Council and the management of the Interfraternity Council office.
Paragraph 11. Be responsible for the distribution of any pertinent materials to the member fraternities.
Paragraph 12. Be responsible for the upkeep of the IFC web page.
Paragraph 13. Reserve office/storage space from student activities.
Paragraph 14. Register group each fall and spring semester with student activities.
Section 4. Director of Academics & Education
Paragraph 1. Attend one chapter meeting of each chapter at the beginning of each academic semester.
Paragraph 2. Work closely with chapters on academic probation to develop a suitable scholarship program to meet IFC requirements.
Paragraph 3. Hold and facilitate monthly scholarship round tables for chapter scholarship chairs.
Paragraph 4. Alert chapters of university scholarship resources available to them.
Line 1. Compile and file tutor information.
Line 2. Compile and file a Greek major list.
Line 3. Create and distribute academic advising contact list to all chapters.
Paragraph 5. Obtain academic preview/review statements from each chapter at the beginning and end of each semester respectively.
Section 5. Director of Community Advancement
Paragraph 1. Design, publish, and distribute such materials (e.g. Greek Life, Northern Iowan Ads, Speak Greek) as deemed by the body of the Interfraternity Council.
Paragraph 2. Set forth policies governing recruitment in a manner he deems necessary. These rules shall be approved by the Interfraternity Council.
Paragraph 3. Coordinate expansion efforts.
Paragraph 4. Live in Cedar Falls for the summer of his term.
Paragraph 5. Coordinate orientation and info-sessions.
Paragraph 6. Revise recruitment/expansion policy as needed.
Section 6. Director of Programming
Paragraph 1. Work in conjunction with the Panhellenic Council Vice President of Activities.
Paragraph 2. Coordinate events geared toward Greek unity.
Paragraph 3. Be responsible for one (1) philanthropy, and one (1) social event.
Paragraph 4. Direct any fundraising that may be needed.
Article V
The Executive Committee
Section 1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Director of Community Advancement, Director of Academics and Education, and Director of Programming. The Greek Advisor shall be an ex-officio member.
Section 2. The Interfraternity Council Executive Committee shall set the agenda for all Interfraternity Council meetings.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall act as an interim governing body while the Interfraternity Council is not in session. All subsidiary councils and committees created during this time by the Interfraternity Council and the Executive Committee shall be responsible to and the responsibility of the Executive Committee.
Section 4. All officers of the Interfraternity Council Executive Committee shall attend all weekly Interfraternity Council meetings, Interfraternity Council Executive Committee meetings, Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Council Joint meetings, retreats, leadership conferences, and other meetings necessary in carrying out the responsibilities of the office, or the aims and purposes of the Interfraternity Council.
Section 5. They must prepare a semesterly report, as well as keep their notebook and files up to date.
Section 6. The Executive Committee shall have the power to issue policy statements and to carry out all policies and regulations duly established by the Interfraternity Council; as well as the preparation of appropriate programs for presentation to the Interfraternity Council.
Section 7. The actions of the Executive Committee shall be subject to review by the Interfraternity Council, and the Interfraternity Judicial Board.
Section 8. Executive Committee meetings shall be chaired by the Interfraternity Council Vice President
Article VI
Greek Week
Section 1. Greek Week Co-Chairs:
Paragraph 1. Elections: Each member that is running for the Greek Week Co-Chair position shall complete the appropriate application. The applications will be collected by the Vice Presidents of Panhellenic and IFC. The application shall be completed by the due date. Late applications will not be accepted.
Paragraph 2. Interviews: Interviews of all applicants shall be held one week after applications are due. Interviews will be conducted by Panhellenic and IFC Executive Councils.
Paragraph 3. Presentation of Slate: The Panhellenic and IFC Executive Council will review all applications and appoint the appropriate positions. All appointments must be approved by a unanimous vote by the Panhellenic and IFC Councils.
Paragraph 2 4. Removal: If a Greek Week Committee member would like to remove one (1) or both of the Co-Chairs, or Co-Chair “A” would like to remove Co-Chair “B” because they are not fulfilling their duties, they can request that the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council Presidents and Vice-Presidents survey the situation and vote on the outcome. Voting must be done within one (1) week of the grievance. The Greek Advisor shall decide a tie.
Section 2. Greek Week Committee
Paragraph 1. Each chapter shall have two (2) representatives attend all Greek Week meetings. The Day Leader may not serve as the chapter’s representative. The Greek Week Committee shall plan and implement a week of activities that promotes Greek Life in a positive manner at the discretion of the Co-Chairs. The following duties might be assigned: Kick Off Day, Variety Show, Greek God/Goddess, Olympics, Philanthropy & Community Service Day, Banquet, Faculty Appreciation, Week Long Activities, Chapter Relations, Community Relations, Fundraising, and Historian
Paragraph 2. To serve, as a Day Leader the person must meet the requirements of office stated in Article I, Section 1.
Paragraph 3. General responsibilities of Day Leaders:
Line 1. Attend all meetings, retreats and events related to Greek Week.
Line 2. Submit Goal Statements and Budget requests to the Greek Week
Co- Chairs.
Line 3. Keep files of all activities and records.
Paragraph 4. Selection of Day Leaders:
Line 1. Applications will be available at the discretion of the Greek Week Co-Chairs and will be due by 5:00 pm two (2) weeks later.
Line 2. The Greek Week Co-Chairs, under the advisement of the IFC/ Panhellenic Activities Chairs will slate applicants in the positions they are most qualified to fill and taking into consideration even representation of all chapters.
Line 3. In the event that all positions are not filled or are declared vacant; the application process will be re-opened under the discretion of the Co- Chairs.
Paragraph 5. A Day Leader may be removed from office via a consensus decision of the Co-Chairs and the IFC/Panhellenic Activities Chairs. The Greek Advisor will serve as a mediator of this process.
Section 3. The Greek Week Chairs will remain independent positions with the responsibility of setting up all Greek Week activities.
Article VII
Financial Obligations
Section 1. Following the election of officers and committee heads:
Paragraph 1. Those requesting money from the Interfraternity Council must submit an itemized proposed budget to the Interfraternity Council Secretary/Treasurer, the week prior to the submission of the written budget.
Paragraph 2. Itemized proposals must consist of line items detailing what money will be used for, arriving at the total amount submitted by those requesting funds.
Paragraph 3. Each budget shall be submitted the semester before it goes into effect and requires two (2) readings before it can be passed by a simple majority.
Paragraph 4. The Interfraternity Council Secretary/Treasurer will then present a written budget based upon the proposal submitted by those requesting funds.
Paragraph 5. The time periods represented within each budget will be:
Line 1. Fall Semester: 1st day of classes until the day before spring semester classes begin.
Line 2. Spring Semester: 1st day of classes until the day before fall semester classes begin.
Section 2. Any chapter not having one (1) member present at any Interfraternity Council meeting will be fined $1 per member of chapter.
Section 3. A member Chapter has two (2) weeks to pay an Interfraternity Council bill after receipt during a regular Interfraternity Council meeting. A chapter will be placed on bad standing if the bill is not paid within two (2) weeks.
Section 4. When the Panhellenic or Interfraternity Council deems an event an All Greek event and a chapter does not participate the chapter will be fined $1 per member that does not participate. Examples include Greek Week, and Heart of Darkness.
Section 5. Dues for member Fraternities
Paragraph 1. The dues of each Interfraternity Council member fraternity shall be an assessment of $10.00 per member (active and pledge) for each semester.
Paragraph 2. Each Interfraternity Council Member fraternity shall receive the bill the first IFC meeting following the two week recruitment period and the bill shall be paid two calendar weeks from issue date. Chapters will be billed for additional new members until mid-term.
Paragraph 3. Dues will be increased by $.50 at the start of each fiscal year. The fiscal year will run from July 1 through June 30 each year.
Article VIII
Notification of Membership Changes
Section 1. The Greek Advisor and Student Involvement & Activities Center shall be notified in writing of the following changes in membership within seven (7) days of the change:
Paragraph 1. When a fraternity has a new member join.
Paragraph 2. When a fraternity affiliates transfer students.
Paragraph 3. When a change in officers, advisors, and/or corporation board members occurs.
Paragraph 4. When a fraternity suspends a member. A suspended member will not be allowed to represent the fraternity or the Interfraternity Council in any campus events or activities for the duration of the suspension.
Paragraph 5. When a fraternity depledges/disassociates a man or he depledges/disassociates.
Section 2. Each fraternity shall turn in a complete list of members and new members by the third Wednesday of classes each semester.
Article IX
Standing Recruitment Rules
Section 1. Eligibility for Rushing:
Paragraph 1. A rushee must be a full-time student at the University of Northern Iowa, Hawkeye Community College, Allen College or Hamilton College.
Paragraph 2. A rushee signing a bid card must have a 2.3 cumulative GPA. If the rushee is a freshmen with no college credit then his High School cumulative GPA will be used.
Section 2. Recruitment Procedures:
Paragraph 1. Recruitment begins on the first day of classes in the fall semester, and continues for two weeks.
Paragraph 2. A rushee is considered an associate member when he has registered his commitment with the Interfraternity Council by completing and signing a pledge card available from the Student Involvement & Activities Center. A rushee may sign his pledge card beginning the second Friday of classes in the fall. A list of first names, last names, and student ID numbers must be given to the Greek Advisor before a student may become an associate member.
Paragraph 3. A first time, first semester freshmen student may not become an associate member of any fraternity until the conclusion of the recruitment period.
Paragraph 4. Returning and transfer students of the University of Northern Iowa may become an associate member of a fraternity at any time during the year.
Paragraph 5. No formal pledging ceremonies may take place during those periods designated by the Interfraternity Council as recruitment periods.
Section 3. Recruitment Restrictions and Violations:
Paragraph 1. All recruitment events must be non-alcoholic during IFC Recruitment Periods.
Paragraph 2. Recruitment Schedules must be turned in by the date the IFC Community Advancement Chair deems necessary.
Paragraph 3. No individual recruitment tables will be allowed at university events where an IFC table is present.
Paragraph 4. No individual recruitment events will be allowed to conflict with the IFC recruitment events of the week.
Section 4. Revisions of the Recruitment Rules shall require two-thirds majority (2/3) of all IFC delegates present.
Article X
Scholarship Requirements for all Chapters
Section 1. Academic guidance is defined as a chapter falling below 2.50.
Section 2. Chapters on Academic Probation will:
Paragraph 1. Attend monthly meetings with the Interfraternity Council Director of Academics and Education to evaluate their program. The Chapter Presidents, the Scholarship Chairman, and the Social Chairman will be required to attend.
Paragraph 2. Chapters on Academic probation will only be allowed to have one social function a month. Social functions include but are not limited to: mixers with other chapters, formals, date nights, crush parties, semi-formals, and any other function approved by Vice President and Greek Advisor.
Paragraph 3. Chapters with consecutive semesters on academic probation will not be allowed any social event with alcohol.
Paragraph 4. Chapters with a third consecutive semester will fall into bad standing with IFC and their nationals will be informed.
Article XI
New Member Practices Regulations
Section 1. The following new member practices are not acceptable:
Paragraph 1. Any action or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities may include, but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of fatigue; physical or psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, or other activities carried on outside or inside the confines of the chapter house; wearing of apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts or buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; exclusion from social contact; forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the institution. Any activity upon which admission or initiation into 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 notwithstanding.
Section 2. Any violations of this article will be taken to the Greek Advisor and the Interfraternity Judicial Board Chief Prosecutor.
Article XII
Depledging/Disassociating
Section 1. When an man associate member is depledged/disassociated or he depledges/disassociating from his chapter, he shall not be eligible to join any fraternity again that academic semester.
Article XIII
Colonization
Section 1. Recognition as a Colony:
Paragraph 1. Must be a National Fraternity.
Paragraph 2. Must send a letter of interest to the Interfraternity Council, Northern Iowa Student Government, Greek Advisor, Office of Student Activities, and the Vice President of Student Services.
Paragraph 3. At the request of the Interfraternity Council, provide information and/or give a presentation to the Interfraternity Council.
Paragraph 4. Must pass a simple majority vote of all fraternities in good standing with the Interfraternity Council.
Section 2. Guidelines for Colonies:
Paragraph 1. The colony must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
Paragraph 2. The Interfraternity Council dues will be ½ of those levied on recognized chapters.
Paragraph 3. The colony must have one (1) primary representative present at each Interfraternity Council meeting, but are not entitled to vote.
Paragraph 4. The colony is bound to abide by the policies and procedures of the Interfraternity Council.
Paragraph 5. Violations of the terms of colonization or unsatisfactory progress towards chartering of the chapter can result in expulsion as outlined in the Constitution.
Section 3. Full Recognition:
Paragraph 1. After a National Charter has been received, the colony will receive full membership.
Article XIV
Bylaws
Section 1. A proposed change in or addition to the Bylaws shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee prior to the next meeting of the Interfraternity Council.
Section 2. Bylaws may be adopted, changed, or added to by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all members of the Interfraternity Council.
Section 3. All Bylaws, unless having gone through revision, shall remain as adopted for each successive term.
Section 4. The Vice President shall update the Bylaws on a yearly basis or as needed.
Updated October 30, 2000, by Brian Pederson - IFC President
Updated January 27, 2003, by John Good - IFC President
Updated March 7, 2005 by Chase Cheviron - IFC President
Updated September 11, 2007 by Josh Sparrgrove-IFC Vice President