-1Interfraternity Council at The University of Montana
Constitution – Bylaws – Standing Rules
Revised October 20th, 2011
I. Preface
This publication is presented to the member fraternities of the University of Montana's Interfraternity Council
with the hope that it will serve as a permanent guide for present and future chapter precedence concerning the
relationship with and responsibility to their Interfraternity Council.
II. NATIONAL INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL
Principles of Action
IN ORDER THAT
The members of the National Interfraternity Conference may better serve the educational
institutions of which they are an integral part; and
IN ORDER THAT
The Conference, and college, and university administrators may develop and maintain a closer
relationship; to their mutual advantage; and
IN ORDER THAT
The public may be better informed of the role that fraternities play in the constructive
development of the young men of this nation.
THESE PRINCIPLES ARE DECLARED:
1.
Loyalty of the Institution will be achieved by:
a.
Indoctrinating members in the history, traditions and importance of their college or university; and
b.
Planning participation by undergraduates and alumni alike in those events which build pride in their
institution.
2.
Constructive Training will be fostered by:
a.
Directing formal training dedicated to development and improvement of members as citizens and
fraternity men; and
b.
Stimulating full opportunity for the development of positive leadership abilities.
3.
Intellectual Achievement will be encouraged by:
a.
Providing an environment in the fraternity chapter which will stimulate intellectual and cultural progress;
and
b.
Establishing respect for scholarship as the primary purpose of a college education.
4.
Commendable Conduct will be sought by:
a.
Teaching and exemplifying the standards for good taste and sound morals; and
b.
Disciplining promptly and effectively any members who deviate from these standards.
5.
Management Responsibility will be prompted by:
a.
Emphasizing the imperative nature of responsibility in the role of good citizenship; and
b.
Developing progressive experience in management as the members gain maturity.
6.
Democratic Principles will be inculcated by:
a.
Encouraging freedom of thought and action within the democratic processes and procedures of the
member organizations; and
b.
Lending active support to those who protect our constitutional rights as citizens and as Americans.
In the implementation of these principles, we see the guidance and cooperation of college and university administrators.
In turn, we pledge ourselves to sincere effort in the achievement of these objectives as evidence that college fraternities
continue to be a powerful force in the constructive development of young men in the transition from youth to manhood.
Revised October 20th, 2011
-2CONSTITUTION
INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL (IFC)
THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
MISSOULA, MT 59812
PREAMBLE:
We, The Interfraternity Council of The University of Montana, being the supreme body of jurisdiction over the
member fraternities, set forth this constitution and By-Laws in order to promote a closer friendship and
coordination among the member fraternities, our fellow students and the University.
ARTICLE I:
NAME
Section I - Name
The name of this organization shall be the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at The University of Montana.
ARTICLE II:
OBJECTIVE
Section I - The objective of IFC shall be:
A.
To assist with membership recruitment;
B.
To promote and coordinate the interests of UM and its member fraternities;
C.
To promote positive relations among its member fraternities;
D.
To serve as a public relations medium for the fraternity community in its relations with the community
and the University;
E.
To be a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among its member fraternities;
F.
To encourage academic excellence;
G.
To discuss topics of mutual interest and to present to the fraternities such recommendations and policies
as it sees fit.
ARTICLE III:
MEMBERSHIP
Section I - Membership
A.
Membership of IFC shall be comprised of all men's active social fraternities recognized by The University
of Montana, regardless of the fraternity’s national status with NIC pending that they are in good status
with The University of Montana.
Section II - Representation
A.
Each chapter shall be represented by two members and any IFC elected officers, understanding that the
decisions made during IFC meetings have financial, legal and social implications.
B.
No member of IFC may relinquish his vote to any other person or chapter.
C.
No fraternity may have more than 2 representatives and 2 officers elected to the IFC.
D.
The president of IFC has the authority to vote only in the case of a tie, or if he relinquishes his chair to the
vice president prior to the motion.
Section III - Loss Of Membership
A.
A fraternity may forfeit its active membership in this council through disciplinary action by IFC or
Judicial Board as provided for by the By-Laws or non-recognition by the University.
ARTICLE IV:
OFFICERS AND ADVISORS
Section I - Officers
A.
The officers of this council shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Recruitment
Chairman, Social Programs Chairman, Community Involvement Chairman, Public Relations Chairman,
Revised October 20th, 2011
-3and Scholarship Chairman, all of which have to be elected.
Section II – President:
A.
To preside at meetings of the Interfraternity Council and the Executive Council of IFC;
B.
To call special meetings and to cancel meetings as desired;
C.
To select committees and committee chairmen as needed;
D.
To be a spokesman in dealing with public relations for IFC;
E.
To maintain a close working relationship with the Office for Student Affairs, the Associated Students
of the University of Montana (ASUM) and the University in general;
F.
To promote and contribute to an effective public relations program promoting the Greek community;
G.
To assume general responsibility for the functioning of IFC, its agencies and committees, including the
enforcement of the provisions of the constitution, By-Laws, Standing Rules and other IFC policies and
regulations.
Section III - Vice President:
A.
To discharge the duties of the President in the event of the President's absence, resignation or forfeiture of
Office;
B.
To serve as an ex-officio member of, and to supervise the activities of all standing committees except
the Recruitment committee, unless prior arrangements have been made through the actions of IFC;
C.
To organize officer retreats;
D.
To co-chair the Greek Life Judicial board pending approval (majority vote by the Judicial Board);
E.
To perform such other duties as assigned by the President.
Section IV - Secretary:
A.
To record the minutes of the IFC and the Executive Council meetings and to distribute them to each
chapter presidents, IFC delegates, and the Greek Life Advisor within one week of the IFC meeting.
B.
To maintain a file of IFC proceedings and correspondence.
C.
To prepare and be responsible for such correspondence as may be directed by the President.
D.
Be responsible for all historical record keeping.
Section V - Treasurer:
A.
To handle and be responsible for all financial matters of IFC including preparing annual budget,
collecting dues from each fraternity, and presenting a financial report at IFC meetings.
B.
Prepare a general operating budget and travel allocation.
C.
Lobby for funding from ASUM each Spring Semester.
Section VI - Recruitment Chairman:
A.
To help organize/coordinate Greek Week and activities in conjunction with summer orientation visitation
programs.
B.
To organize and coordinate all formal Recruitment events including summer recruitment
C.
To preside as chairman of the IFC Recruitment Committee, which comprises Recruitment chairmen from
each fraternity and other people with experience with Recruitment.
D.
To meet with Recruitment chairmen of every chapter at least once a semester.
E.
To prepare an annual recruitment resources in conjunction with the Public Relations Chair.
F.
Assist the President in the positive promotion of IFC and the individual Fraternities.
G.
To notify all recruitment chairs and presidents of formal recruitment events and deadlines by the last IFC
meeting of the semester.
Section VII – Social Programs Chairman:
A.
To organize programming information, this will act as a guide concerning programming available to
individual chapters.
B.
To act as a chief executive to individual chapter programs' chairmen.
C.
To organize a social calendar in association with Panhellenic.
Revised October 20th, 2011
-4D.
E.
F.
To coordinate new member orientation with Panhellenic following each formal Recruitment.
To create or organize Educational Programming relevant to men’s issues.
To organize Greek week and Homecoming
Section VIII - Scholarship Chairman:
A.
Work with individual Scholarship Chairmen from individual Fraternities to further promote academics.
B.
Work or coordinate efforts with Panhellenic Scholarship Chair.
C.
To handle any other duties that may arise dealing with scholarship or The University of Montana grading
policies, including signed grade release forms.
D.
To ensure that all new officers have fulfilled the requirements to hold office.
Section IX - Public Relations Chairman:
A.
To develop all publications / Internet / and other medium for IFC.
B.
To gather from individual houses and publicize positive information on the Greek community.
C.
Utilize UM Communications as well as Printing and Graphic Services to create publications for IFC.
D.
Shall be responsible for all advertising for IFC events.
E.
To develop contacts in the media to better promote Fraternities.
F.
To prepare an annual Recruitment booklet in conjunction with the Recruitment chair.
G.
Develop neighborhood relations program book.
Section X – Community Involvement Chairman
A. To coordinate and implement any IFC service projects.
B. To organize and execute at least 1 major community service event semester with men of each member
fraternity participating.
C. To organize and execute 1 major philanthropic event each semester with men from each member fraternity
participating. The Philanthropy receiving benefit shall rotate each semester among the national philanthropies
of IFC’s member fraternities in order of the chapters’ founding date on campus.
Section XI - Interfraternity Advisor:
The Fraternity Advisor shall be a member of the UM staff unless other arrangements have been made by IFC.
Responsibilities:
Work with and advise Interfraternity Council and all fraternities; coordinate leadership training activities for
chapter officers and IFC officers; provide guidance and resources to assist house cooperation officers, financial
advisors and alumni advisors; review, improve and coordinate Recruitment activities for fraternities; advise or
chair appropriate committees which involve the fraternity area; work with IFC to establish expectations and
guidelines for chapter behavior/activities; be a liaison between the fraternities, the University and other
community agencies; assist local police, fire, and health officers in maintaining adequate safety and health
standards for chapter houses; help to enhance academic achievement and develop a mutually supportive
relationship between chapters, advisors, the University and the community.
Requirements:
A.
Bachelor's degree required.
B.
Successful experienced in implementing a student affairs program in a fraternity setting.
C.
Knowledge of fraternity programs, and the ability to assist fraternity leaders with the implementation
of Recruitment programs and cultural, educational and development programs in their living groups.
D.
Ability to relate to and work well with persons of diverse backgrounds.
ARTICLE V:
MEETINGS
Section I - When Held
Meetings shall be held at least twice a month throughout the academic year. Special meetings may be called by
the President or on the written request of two member fraternities. Times and dates of meetings may be
scheduled to fit the schedules of the members.
Revised October 20th, 2011
-5Section II - How Postponed
Meetings may be postponed by an affirmative vote of the Executive Council or by the President.
Section III - Rules of Order
Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.
ARTICLE VI:
FINANCES
Section I - Financial Support
Financial support of IFC shall be provided for by dues assessed to the member fraternities in accordance with the
provisions of the By- Laws, by other funds that are procured from time to time through action of IFC in
accordance with the By-Laws by fines assessed by IFC and by allocations from the Associated Students of The
University of Montana (ASUM.)
Section II - Expenses
Expenditures shall be approved by IFC with a simple majority of all members present at the meeting.
ARTICLE VII:
DISCIPLINE
Section I - Disciplinary Authority
Disciplinary action may be taken by this IFC against any of its member fraternities by any means in accordance
with the provisions in the By-Laws. Any violations of the Greek Relationship Statement on Alcohol Policy or
University of Montana policies will be adjudicated by the Judicial Board.
ARTICLE VIII:
AMENDMENTS
Section I - How Amended
This constitution may be amended by a majority vote of two-thirds of the voting IFC members.
Section II - How Proposed
Amendments may be proposed by the Executive Council or by any representative of a member fraternity.
Section III - When Presented
Proposed amendments to this constitution shall be presented in writing at least one meeting before the meeting at
which the vote is to be taken.
Revised October 20th, 2011
-6BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I:
ELECTIONS AND RECALL
Section I - Elections
Officers shall be elected any point during the second half of the fall semester as determined by IFC. Transition
will occur within a two-week period after elections. Date of elections will be announced at least 2 weeks prior to
IFC
Section II - Eligibility for Office
No student shall be eligible to hold office in IFC unless he meets or exceeds the following requirements at the
time of election:
A.
Must be in good standing with the University of Montana.
B.
Any member holding an elected office on IFC must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.3. If an officer falls
below the requirement, they will be placed on academic probation for one semester. If after one semester
of academic probation they do not meet the requirement, they will be released from their office.
C.
Any candidate running for the office of President must have held a position on IFC as an officer or
representative.
D.
Be an active (as defined by each members fraternity), initiated member, in good standing, of a member
fraternity of IFC.
Section III - Time of Nomination
Candidates will be nominated at a regular meeting two weeks preceding the elections. Nominations will be open
two weeks before elections and remain open until elections.
Section IV - Closing of the Nominations
Nomination shall be accepted until IFC declares them closed on election night.
Section V - Election Procedures
A.
Each candidate will be introduced in order of nomination and shall be permitted to speak for three
minutes.
B.
Each candidate may present to the IFC Secretary 20 copies of a report before speaking. The reports shall
contain his name, the office for which he has been nominated and such qualifications as the candidate
feels necessary and any comments he has regarding the office for which he is running. The report shall
not exceed one typewritten page. The reports will be distributed before each election of office.
C.
The use of Secret Ballot shall be used for the elections.
D.
Voting shall continue until the candidate has received a simple majority of the ballots cast. At this time,
the candidate shall be considered elected.
E.
If no candidate is elected on the first ballot, the candidate with the lowest number of votes shall be
dropped from the balloting for that office. If there is a tie for the lowest number of votes, they shall be
retained on the next ballot. If there is a deadlock, then the chair may ask the Council to drop the
candidates if the sum of their votes is less than one-third of the total of the members voting.
F.
Newly elected officers shall refrain from endorsing any running candidate.
Section VI - Recall of Officers
A.
Any officer may be recalled at any regular meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of the Council,
providing
the recall motion is given at least one meeting in advance. Any officer who is recalled shall lose such
office and responsibilities.
B.
If an officer position is vacated for any reason, nominations to fill that office shall take place the first
meeting after the office is vacated. The election to fill the office will take place the week following the
nominations.
Section VII - Voting Members
A.
Each member fraternity shall have two votes in general Council matters as stated in ARTICLE III of the
Constitution.
B.
All IFC officers, except the president, shall have a vote. The IFC president may only vote in the event
of a tie.
Revised October 20th, 2011
-7ARTICLE II:
COMMITTEES
Section I - Standing Committees
The standing committees of the Council:
A.
The Executive Council:
1.
The Executive Council shall consist of the elected officers of the Council and the Fraternity
Advisor.
2.
The duties of the Executive Council shall be:
a. To act in behalf of the Council between meetings and in emergencies.
b. To serve as a steering committee in planning council and screening requests for council
participation.
c. To act as a coordinating committee with Panhellenic Council.
B.
The Judicial board Committee:
1. The J-board Committee is constituted solely for the purpose of protecting the fraternity and sorority
community through the maintenance of high standards of group conduct. It has the authority to issue
whatever sanctions it deems appropriate, regardless of spelled out sanctions elsewhere.
2. The J-board shall adhere to the Judicial Board Process including:
a. The J-board Committee shall have soul jurisdiction over the IFC Constitution, whether it
involves an entire chapter or individuals of the chapter. The J-board will have jurisdiction
over by-laws and standing rules except where specified by IFC
3. Membership of the J-board Committee
a. The J-board Committee membership will be set forth in the Judicial Board Process, and each
chapter is responsible for meeting minimum attendance requirements.
b. The vice president of IFC will serve as a co-chairman
i. The IFC vice president must be confirmed as chairmen by a majority vote from the
Judicial Board.
ii. If the Vice President does not achieve majority vote, the VP will be a member of
Judicial Board and Judicial Board will elect another member to serve as co-chairman.
C.
The Recruitment Committee
1. The Recruitment Committee may consist of at least one Recruitment chairman from each member
fraternity and as many other members as deemed necessary by the IFC Recruitment Chair.
2. The duties of the committee shall be:
a. To plan and administer a year round Recruitment Program
b. To recommend changes to the Recruitment Rules when needed
c. To be responsible to the IFC Recruitment Chairman
d. To compile and produce a Recruitment booklet in conjunction with the Recruitment and Public
Relations chairs
3. Functions of the Recruitment Committee for Formal Recruitment:
a. To determine and announce the dates and program of the formal Recruitment.
period before the end of the semester preceding the Formal Recruitment.
b. To administer the formal Recruitment Program as governed by IFC Recruitment Regulations.
ARTICLE III:
FINANCES
Section I - General Account
The amount charged to each chapter is an equal money amount per pledge and active in order to maintain
the IFC budget needs as deemed fit by IFC per semester. Each chapter will be assessed $8 per member for
dues. This financial charge is based on overall fraternal membership at the time of billing. A late payment
will be charged $10 for each business day it is late.
Section II - Budget
The IFC semester budget must be approved by two-thirds majority vote of IFC. The budget must be
submitted two weeks after the Recruitment period for that semester.
Revised October 20th, 2011
-8Section III - Fines
1. Failure of a chapter to have full representation (2 representatives from each chapter with the previous
meeting’s minutes signed by their respective chapter president)( as designated in Article III Section II
of this organizations constitution) at each inter-fraternity meeting will result in:
- $50 fine per person not in attendance
- $50 fine for failing to provide signed previous meeting minutes
- $15 fine per person for each representative tardy, defined as five or more minutes after the start of
the meeting.
- This is capped at a $100 per meeting per chapter.
2. Chapters failing to send their agreed and voted upon number of representatives to IFC sponsored
events (any event IFC spends funds on) will result in a fine, per member, proportionate to the cost of
the total event.
- Example: An event costs IFC $400. Prior to the event, the IFC decided 8 members from each
chapter is required to attend. 8 members from each of the 5 chapters results in 40 men required to
be present. The total cost $400 divided by the number of men required to attend, 40, results in the
event costing $10 per member. Chapters failing to send full representation will be fined, per
member, proportionate to the total cost as outlined above. So if three men from one chapter don’t
attend they will be fined $30. This is only an example.
- Chapters will be fined, not individual members.
ARTICLE IV
STANDING RULES
Section I - Function
The General Council may at any time adopt Standing Rules to guide the fraternities in their activities.
Section II- Reaffirmation
These Standing Rules must be reaffirmed once every year, preferably soon after the election of officers.
Section III - Approval
Standing Rules must be approved by a three-fourths vote of the General Council. They may be repealed
at any time by a simple majority vote.
ARTICLE V
ARTICLE VI
RAIDING
Represents childish behavior and will not be tolerated.
HAZING
Section I-Definition
A.
Any action taken or situation created which, regardless of location, intent or consent of the participants.
B.
Produces or is reasonably likely to produce bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort,
embarrassment, harassment, fright, humiliation or ridicule,
C.
Compels an individual to participate in any activity which is unlawful, perverse, publicly indecent,
contrary to rules, policies and regulations of the University or which is known by the compelling person
to be contrary to the individual's genuine moral or religious beliefs, or
D.
Will unreasonably or unusually, impair an individual's academic efforts.
Section II-Enforcement
A.
It shall be the specific responsibility of the chapter president to see that this policy is communicated each
semester to all members (actives/pledges,) and to see that his chapter strictly adheres to the policy.
B.
Fraternities should understand that not only is the chapter responsible for preventing hazing in any form,
but any and all members involved in a hazing violation will be held personally accountable for their
actions.
C.
Chapters are responsible for controlling the actions of their alumni members during initiation or
pre-initiation activities.
Revised October 20th, 2011
-9D.
E.
F.
The Vice President of Student Affairs and the Greek life Advisor will be notified promptly of all alleged
hazing incidents; the handling of such cases are subject to the University of Montana policies.
If the Judicial board finds that a chapter has violated this policy a second time within twenty-four (24)
months of a previous violation, the University will ask the national/international office of the fraternity to
take corrective action; will be in addition to the sanctions posed.
Any proven hazing case involving serious bodily injury will result in revocation of University recognition
and a recommendation to the national/international office of the fraternity of revocation of its charter.
ARTICLE VII:
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHAPTER OFFICERS
Section I
Chapter officers shall be responsible for ensuring that chapter members adhere to all governing principles
of the Interfraternity or Panhellenic Councils; all policies, procedures and directives promulgated by the
University; and all local, state and federal laws regarding the duty to inform chapter members of these
regulations.
Section II
Chapter officers shall be held accountable for organized chapter activities. Examples of such activities
include, sports competitions social events, philanthropy activities, and alumni functions.
Section III
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
While all members are personally responsible for their behavior, a specific chapter officer may be held
accountable for the misconduct of chapter members during organized chapter activities. Circumstances
that might warrant this personal accountability include but are not limited to:
Inappropriate and/or unacceptable activities that are sanctioned by the means of discussion and/or
planning at a chapter meeting, officers meeting committee meeting.
An officer's personal participation in such an activity.
An officer's failure to act appropriately on witnessing such an activity.
An officer's failure to appropriately to take corrective action after learning of such an activity.
An officer's negligence in his responsibility to educate the group about established laws, regulations,
policies, directives and procedures.
Section IV
All Recruitment activities shall be Alcohol Free.
ARTICLE VIII:
AWARDS
Section I - Academic Achievement
This rotating award is awarded each semester to the chapter with the highest GPA for the current term.
The recipient is responsible for the safety and maintenance of the award plaque.
Section II - Greek Man of the Year
This rotating plaque is awarded each spring semester. It is based on the guidelines to the University
(scholarship,) Greek System and community. The recipient is responsible for the safety and maintenance
of the award plaque.
See appendix C.
Section III - The Mu Deutron Association of Phi Sigma Kappa Scholarships
Awarded annually by the University of Montana Foundation. The selection criteria is 50% Greek service,
25% community service, 20% grades, and 5 % financial need. Contact the University of Montana
Financial Aid Office for more details.
Section IV - Fraternity Scholar of the Year
This rotating plaque is awarded each spring semester. It is based on the accumulative GPA of an active in
the fraternity community at the end of fall semester. If there is a tie then the student with the most credits
is the winner. The recipient is responsible for the safety and maintenance of the award plaque. The office
of Greek Affairs will make the determination of the award winner.
Section V - Community Service Award
This rotating plaque is awarded each spring semester. It is based set rules that are in the Awards Packet
Revised October 20th, 2011
-10given to each chapter.
Section VI - IFC Officer of the Semester
This rotating plaque is given each semester. This is up to the president of IFC.
Section VII - Most Improved Grades
This rotating plague is awarded each spring semester. This is awarded by mathematically figuring the
difference between the chapters fall and winter semester grades. The chapter most improved, the greater
difference between fall and winter semester grades, is awarded the plaque.
Section VIII - Campus Involvement
This rotating plaque is given each spring semester. The requirements to receive this award can be found
in the Award Packets.
ARTICLE IX:
Section I
DUTIES OF IFC MEMBERS
It shall be the duty of the member fraternities to uphold and abide by the Constitution, By-laws, Standing
Rules and regulations and policies of IFC.
.
Section II
To have two representatives present at every regular and every special meeting of IFC.
Section III
To strive to further and aid in the work of IFC and the UM Greek community.
ARTICLE X
PLEDGING AND DEPLEDGING
Section I - Snap Bidding
Fraternities are allowed to extend a bid at anytime during the semester unless prohibited by the
recruitment
rules.
Section II - Pledging
On pledging a student, official notice must be given to IFC in writing and a signed grade release form.
ARTICLE XI:
AMENDMENTS
Section I
Amendments to these By-laws will become effective after approval by two-thirds majority of the IFC
representatives.
Section II
Proposed amendments will be presented in writing, read at a regular meeting of IFC, then tabled until the next
regular meeting where a vote will be taken.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
Forwards.......................................................................................1
II.
National Interfraternity Conference...............................................1
III.
Constitution..................................................................................2
IV.
By-laws..........................................................................................6
Revised October 20th, 2011
-11-
Revised October 20th, 2011