Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
National Scholarship and Standards Committee
and the Leadership Academy
2013
1
Delta Internal Development Workshop
AGENDA
Code of Conduct
•
•
•
•
•
Meditation
Goals and Objectives
Why a Mandatory Code of Conduct Workshop?
Elements of the Code of Conduct
Code of Ethics
• Activity Game 1
• Definition of Terms
• 10 Areas of the Disciplinary Action Code
• Activity Game 2
2
Delta Internal Development Workshop
AGENDA (continued)
Code of Conduct
• Disciplinary Action Guidelines
• Disciplinary Action Checklist
• Rehabilitation Plan
• Activity 3 - CASE STUDIES
• Your responsibility to Delta Sigma Theta!
• Wrap-up & Evaluations
3
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Meditation
4
Delta Internal Development Workshop
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Code of Conduct
GOAL
•
The goal of this session is to help participants familiarize and gain a better
understanding of the Sorority’s Code of Conduct.
OBJECTIVES:
•
•
•
Increase understanding of our Code of Conduct
– Examine the Code of Ethics
– Examine the 10 Disciplinary Action Codes
Understand the ramifications of not following the policy of the Sorority
– Understand specific terms
– Review Disciplinary Action Guidelines
– Review Rehabilitation Plan Procedures
Resolve sample case studies involving the Code of Conduct
5
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Why a mandatory
Code of Conduct D.I.D.?
6
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
What is the
Code of Conduct?
7
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Purpose of the
Code of Conduct D.I.D.
8
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a national
service sorority, requires that its members
exemplify and encourage high cultural,
intellectual, and moral standards and that their
actions exemplify the public and personal
behaviors that reflect the ideals and principles
espoused by the Sisterhood.
9
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
What are the elements of the
Code of Conduct?
Code of Ethics
Disciplinary Action Code
10
Delta Internal Development Workshop
CODE OF ETHICS
Code of Conduct
Sorors, believing in the worth and dignity
of each human being, recognize the
supreme importance of the pursuit of
truth, devotion of excellence, and
commitment to social responsibility. You
are expected to live up to these ideals by
embracing and adhering to these ethical
principles.
•
Become familiar with the 17 ethical principles of the
Code of Ethics (page 2 & 3)
11
Delta Internal Development Workshop
CODE OF ETHICS
Code of Conduct
• Each Soror shall regard as primary the bond of
Sisterhood and the giving of public service.
• Each Soror shall uphold the Constitution and Bylaws
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Each Soror shall maintain high standards of
personal conduct.
• Each Soror shall support and promote the goals,
objectives, and programs approved by Grand Chapter.
• Each Soror shall treat all persons with dignity and
respect;
• Each Soror shall exhibit compassionate and courteous
behavior toward sorors at all times;
12
Delta Internal Development Workshop
CODE OF ETHICS
Code of Conduct
• Each Soror shall refrain from making false or
misleading statements about the Sorority to anyone;
• Each Soror shall recognize her personal responsibility
to assist with and promote the development ,
improvement, and execution of programs to strengthen
the Sisterhood;
• Each Soror shall uphold and support all sorors
impartially without regard to race, color, age, religion,
national origin, political belief, educational status, and
mental or physical challenge;
• Each Soror shall neither engage in nor countenance
any exploitation or disparaging of the Sorority
• Each Soror shall refrain from using her membership in
any manner that is improper or illegal;
13
Delta Internal Development Workshop
CODE OF ETHICS
Code of Conduct
•
Each Soror shall maintain the confidentiality of all
information provided to her during membership intake and as
member;
•
Each Soror shall refrain from using the Sorority’s property,
including its name, symbols, and other trademarks and
service marks, for personal use;
•
Each Soror shall exercise sound business principles in
conducting the Sorority’s affairs;
•
Each Soror shall refrain from engaging in illegal and
unsisterly conduct; shall use her best efforts to protect the
Sorority from any such conduct by anyone; and shall report
any such conduct to the appropriate local, regional or
national officer;
14
Delta Internal Development Workshop
CODE OF ETHICS
Code of Conduct
•
Each soror shall give support to the Sorority’s programs
through the payment of all dues and fees approved by Grand
Chapter; and
•
Each Soror shall demonstrate her commitment to public
service by participating with her local chapter or nationally.
15
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct Activity 1
Review the list of seventeen (17) statements
included in the Code of Ethics,
list the words or combination of words
that are repeated more than twice,
not including “sorority.”
16
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DEFINITION OF TERMS
• Suspension…
Sanction that terminates the
individual’s membership in Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for a
specified period of time. Satisfactory
completion of specified stipulations
payment of fines, and a
rehabilitation plan is required for full
reinstatement.
• Probation…
Probationary condition is in effect
for a specified period of time and
may involve the loss of specified
privileges.
Code of Conduct
• Barred…
Shall not attempt to submit an application
for membership during the indicated time
period; or membership process is ceased,
due to the violation of the membership
intake program, for an indicated period of
time.
• Expulsion…
Permanent removal from membership in
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
17
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Disciplinary Action Code
(www.deltasigmatheta.com- Members Only)
It sets forth the type of improper conduct, on the part of
the Sorors, members, pyramids, candidates, applicants,
and chapters, that are unacceptable and thus prohibited.
Such improper and unacceptable conduct is subject to
sanctions and financial penalties.
Currently there are 10 areas of the DAC!
•
Code of Conduct, page 4
18
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Improper
or Unacceptable
Conduct
Code
of Conduct
DISCIPLINARY
ACTION
CODE
Section 1: Violation of Sorority Governing Documents
Failure of chapter and/or individual member to adhere to
the stated policies and procedures detailed in any of the
governing documents of the Sorority shall be result in
sanctions for these unacceptable actions.
Section 2: Intellectual Properties
Intellectual Properties, sorority assets, including word
marks, logos, symbols, crest/seal, are made available for
use by the general membership and shall be utilized in the
best way possible. Improper or illegal use of the Sorority’s
intellectual properties is not acceptable.
19
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Improper or Unacceptable
Conduct
Code
of Conduct
DISCIPLINARY ACTION CODE
Section 3: Information and Communications
Involves the sharing of any information related to the chapter,
chapter members and any member of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. via any form of media such as but not limited to
chapter website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, email,
etc.
All forms of communication must adhere
to the official Delta Internet Guidelines.
20
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION CODE
Code of Conduct
Section 4: Ethical Responsibility
Failure to uphold the ethical standards of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc. through one’s behavior and/or
language including, but not limited to, committing acts that
lead to or result in the disrespect, dishonesty, and/or distain
of sorors, and/or the Code of Conduct of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc.
A soror should strive to do her very best to respond
ethically and with the highest sense of values in
any situation.
21
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION CODE
Code of Conduct
Section 5: Fiduciary Responsibility
Fiduciary responsibility is the legal or ethical relationship of
confidence and trust that each fiscal officer has to the local
chapter and to Grand Chapter.
The fiscal officers must operate under fiscal policy that
ensures appropriate internal controls are in place to safeguard
and account for the chapter’s assets.
Failure to have and follow good internal control procedures is
a violation of the sorority’s code of conduct.
22
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Improper or Unacceptable
CodeConduct
of Conduct
DISCIPLINARY ACTION CODE
Section 6: Dereliction of Duties
Willful or negligent failure to perform assigned duties and
responsibilities or performing them in a culpably inefficient
manner.
Section 7: Inappropriate Behavior
Public and personal behavior or actions not representative
of the ideals, principles and ethics of the Sorority that
present an unfavorable reflection within the community or
toward another person to include but not limited to.
23
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Improper or Unacceptable
CodeConduct
of Conduct
DISCIPLINARY ACTION CODE
Section 8: Membership Intake Violations
Violations of the Membership Intake process include improper and
unacceptable conduct such as but not limited to physical or
psychological abuses associated with hazing activities by individual
members or chapters of the Sorority before, during, and after the
Membership Intake Process; and violations of processes and
procedures established in the Sorority governing documents.
Such violations are subject to the sanctions, fines, or both; including
expulsion as listed in the Sorority’s Code of Conduct. If an
applicant/candidate/pyramid displays any improper or unacceptable
conduct during the Membership Intake process or allows herself and/or
participates with any physical or mental abuses associated with hazing
activities, including the observation of same, and/or fails to report such
abuses to appropriate Sorority officials (Chapter Officers, Regional
Officers, National Officers, or National Headquarters), she will be
barred from admission to membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc according to the Sorority’s Code of Conduct.
24
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Improper or Unacceptable
CodeConduct
of Conduct
DISCIPLINARY ACTION CODE
Section 9: Hazing
An abusive and humiliating action which recklessly or
intentionally endangers the psychological or physical health
of a member or an applicant, candidate or pyramid to include
but not limited to.
25
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Improper or Unacceptable
CodeConduct
of Conduct
DISCIPLINARY ACTION CODE
Section 10: Frivolous and Capricious Lawsuits
A frivolous suit is one without any legal merit. In some cases, such
an action might be brought in bad faith” by either the Soror,
applicant, candidate, or Pyramid for the purpose of harassing the
Grand Chapter, or one of its chapters, or any of its National
Officers.
A capricious suit is one that a Soror, applicant, candidate, or
Pyramid pursues “without regard for the facts and circumstances
presented, and it connotes a disregard of the evidence. Frivolous
and capricious suits harm the reputation of the Grand Chapter, or
its chapters, or its National Officers.
In addition, frivolous and capricious suits cost the Grand Chapter,
or its chapters, or its National Officers unnecessary financial
hardship that is then borne by the entire sorority.
26
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct Activity 2
You Should Know
the Code of Conduct !
27
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT
Incident Description - Potential Violation
Is this a
violation?
Yes/No
Code(s)
Fines
& Sanction
1. Having a meeting with Pyramids without
an advisor. Meeting topic: Explain the
necessary attire for Membership Intake
YES
8C
8D
Suspension
3 yrs $1500
Barred 3 yrs
2. Having a Pyramid call or text you every
morning
YES
8A
Suspension’
5 yrs $2500
YES
1F
Probation
6 mths
Req. DIDs
YES
1E
Probation
6 mths
Req. DIDs
3. Forgetting to turn in the required forms
(Demographics Report Form and Internal
Audit) as a part of compliance documents
4. This was a busy year and all of the chapter
members are Seniors, they implemented only
one program (Annual Blood Drive) due to
class schedules and other conflicts but they
paid their dues, attended Regional
Conference and State Cluster.
28
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT
Incident Description - Potential Violation
5. Having Pyramid Circle greet and present a
gift to the men of Omega Psi Phi during the
noon day break on campus
6. Soror Delta witnessed Soror Sigma
harassing a pyramid (all up in her face, using
profanity). When the advisor found out, she
called the Soror Delta to come in for
questioning during the investigation, but since
Soror Delta was not involved in membership
intake, she did not return the advisor’s call.
7. Slapping a pyramid; wiping a “SMILE” off
Is this a
violation?
Yes/No
Code(s)
Fines
& Sanction
YES
9D
YES
4A
Suspension
3 yrs $1500
YES
9A
Charter
revocation
Expulsion
Barred - Life
Suspension
3 yrs $1500
Barred 3 yrs
29
Delta Internal Development Workshop
CODE OF CONDUCT
Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT
Incident Description - Potential Violation
8. Sorors Delta, Sigma and Theta were
leaving a party, while going to their car,
another student (Sigma Gamma Rho
member) confronted Soror Theta and began
to harass her; this continued; and Sorors
Delta and Sigma got pulled in; needless to
say, an altercation began. Campus Police
intervened and all students were
reprimanded,
9. Pyramids are asked to participate in an
investigation prompted by a letter to a college
official. They repeatedly state that no
incidents of hazing have occurred. But the
letter specifically states who was present and
details the incident.
Is this a
violation?
Yes/No
Code(s)
Fines
& Sanction
YES
7A
Suspension
3 yrs $1500
8H
Barred 1 yr
9E
Barred 1 yr
YES
30
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT
Incident Description - Potential Violation.
10. The chapter submitted all documents via
the RED Zone for compliance and awaited
receipt of the Compliance letter from the RD.
As the desired start date of the Membership
Intake activities quickly approached they
proceeded and anticipated receiving the letter
soon.
11. The chapter website was just completed
and will be launched today. The webmaster
is very proud of securing all the information
from previous lines to be included on the site;
a special graphic with the Sorority’s crest is
also prominent on the page,
Is this a
violation?
Yes/No
YES
Code(s)
1F
8E
YES
3A
2C
Fines
& Sanction
Probation
6 mths
Req. DIDs
Suspension
1 yr $500
Probation
1 yr $500
Suspension
6 mths
$250
31
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT
Incident Description - Potential Violation
12. Soror Delta received a call from a friend
who just opened a new salon; it specializes
in natural hair; to show her support and to
increase visibility of the salon; Soror Delta
transmitted the chapter roster to her friend to
be part of her email distribution list.
13. The chapter Treasurer has attended two
meetings this year, it is now February, and
the chapter has not received a financial
report since December (emailed to Chapter
President). The Financial Secretary and
Assistant Financial Secretary have receipted
and made the last two chapter deposits.
Is this a
violation?
Yes/No
YES
Code(s)
3C
5A
YES
6B
Fines
& Sanction
Probation
1 yr $500
Suspension
3 yrs $1500
Barred from
Serving
1 term $500
Suspension
Removal
from office
$1500
32
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Discussion Questions
1. Why is it IMPORTANT to know and UNDERSTAND
this document?
2. When do you think the majority of sanctions occur?
3. What can you do to change this?
33
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
In fiscal year 2011-2012 there were a total
of 161 sanctions given to individual Sorors
There were 2 Expulsions and
159 Suspensions
The 161 sanctions in that year totaled
$107,000.00 in fines.
34
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
35
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Description of Sanctions
Improper or Unacceptable Conduct
Number of Sanctions
Membership Intake Violations
139 [86%]
Disorderly Conduct/Verbal Abuse &
Fighting
11
[7%]
8
[5%]
3
[2%]
Social Media Violations
Theft/Conviction
36
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Message from a sanctioned
collegiate member
• Audio message, collegiate soror who is currently
sanctioned; membership intake violation, three (3) years
suspension and $500 fine.
• Listen to her thoughts now!
• How did she get here?
37
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
Membership in the Sorority may be suspended by the
National Executive Board for an extended period when
the circumstances warrant such action. (ARTICLE XIIDiscipline, Section 2.E)
Any duly initiated member that has been found to violate
the Code of Conduct before, during, or after her initiation
into the Sorority will be sanctioned as a Soror under the
applicable section of her violation.
38
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Disciplinary Action Steps
• Report of alleged violation
• Cease and Desist Issued by Regional Director
• Investigation conducted (45 days)
– Interviews and statements
• Allegations substantiated or not substantiated
• Chapter and/or Individual notified of sanction
• Disciplinary Action issued by Regional Director
• Approval by National President
• Due process of appeal, if requested
39
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
 Sorors and chapters may be placed on probation
and/or fined by the:
 Regional Director
 Scholarship & Standards Committee
 Or the National President
 Soror and chapters on probation shall not participate
in any activity of the Sorority except those specified,
monitored activities approved by the Regional Director
and S&S (Constitution and Bylaws, Article XII –
Discipline, Section 3)
40
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
• As a condition of reinstatement, Sorors or
Chapters MUST:
– Satisfy all financial obligations
– Successfully complete a specified program of
rehabilitation over a period of time as prescribed by
the Regional Director or the Scholarship and
Standards Committee.
41
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
• According to Constitution and Bylaws:
Sorors, Members & Chapters :
– May be SUSPENDED by:
• National President
• Scholarship & Standards Committee
• Regional Director (with approval of the National
President)
– May be subjected to:
• Fines and repayment of expenses
– May NOT participate in any activities of the Sorority
until obligations and fines have been fully satisfied;
42
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
• Probation, suspension, fine or reimbursement
– Chapters or individuals shall be
• given written notice of the charges
– Chapters or individual may:
• Appeal according to procedure set forth in the
Chapter Management Handbook
– Level 1: Scholarship & Standards
– Level 2: National Executive Board
– Level 3: Executive Session of the National Convention
(Chapter Management Handbook, Section 1700 pages
353-355)
43
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
• Chapter Probation
Specified period of closely monitoring a chapter.
(CMH-Section 1700-pg. 319)
•
Probation may be for one or more of the following
reasons:
– failure to submit to S&S, for approval, a copy of the chapter
Rules of Order or Policies and Procedures;
– failure to observe the rules and regulations of
Grand Chapter
– failure to adhere to the approved national Membership
Intake Program
– failure to pay dues and fees as required by the
Grand Chapter
44
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
• Individual Probation
Specified period of closely monitoring a chapter.
(CMH-Section 1700-pg. 321)
Potential reasons:
• Violation of the Constitution and Bylaws
• Violation of the Sorority’s rules or regulations
• Repeated infractions of the rules and regulations of the college
or university housing the chapter
Members on probation shall NOT participate
in any activity of the Sorority.
45
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
• Chapter Suspension
•
All activities of the chapter, with the exception of those
mandated by the Regional Director, National president or the
Scholarship & Standards Committee are suspended for a
specified period. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 322)
Reasons:
– Unexcused absences from two consecutive National
Conventions OR Regional Conferences
– Failure to comply with the rulings of the Regional Director,
the Scholarship & Standards Committee, the National
President or the Grand Chapter
– Holding Membership Intake not in conformity with the rules
and regulations of the Grand Chapter
– Holding any activity during Membership Intake which
involves hazing
46
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
• Individual Suspension
Denial of participation in the local, regional and national
activities of  for a specified period of time. (CMH-Section
1700-pg. 325)
Reasons:
• Violation of the Constitution and Bylaws; or
• Violation of the Sorority’s rules and regulations; or
• Repeated infractions of the rules and regulations of the
college or university housing the chapter
Member under suspension shall not participate in any
activity of the Sorority, unless otherwise prescribed by the
Regional Director, Scholarship & Standards Committee, or
the National President
47
Delta Internal Development Workshop
DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES
Code of Conduct
• Individual Expulsion
Permanent removal of membership and of all rights and
privileges thereof. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 327)
The Regional Director, with the approval of the National
President, may expel an soror as stated in Code of Conduct
• Applicant/Candidate/Pyramid Barred from Membership
Specified period of exclusion from consideration for membership
of an applicant/candidate. (CMH-Section 1700-pg. 328)
The Regional Director may bar an
applicant/candidate/pyramid from membership
48
Delta Internal Development Workshop
REHABILITATION PLAN
Code of Conduct
During the period of suspension or probation, a program of
Rehabilitation shall be conducted. The Regional Director
prescribes this plan, includes the following phases:
•
•
•
•
Phase I: Introspective (focus on chapter and the individuals
in the chapter)
Phase II: Restoration (focus on re-building the foundation
for quality chapter management)
Phase III: Renewal (focus on individual growth and the
development of skills for sisterhood, scholarship and service)
Phase IV: Reinstatement (final stage of rehabilitation,
chapters are engaged in intensive self-study)
49
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct Activity 3
CASE STUDIES
50
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
51
Delta Internal Development Workshop
Code of Conduct
Sorors, thank you for
the opportunity to share
information about our
Code of Conduct.
52