UNITED SORORITY & FRATERNITY COUNCIL

Transcription

1 UNITED SORORITY & FRATERNITY COUNCIL CONSTITUTION California State University, Sacramento Revised: May 5, 2016 Effective: August 5, 2016 PREAMBLE: We, the undersigned Greek organizations, have joined together to form this council known as the United Sorority and Fraternity Council (USFC) at California State University, Sacramento in order to better meet our individual and joint needs as well as to serve as a forum within which we may voice our concerns. We hereby establish this organization and bind ourselves to abide by the provisions of the following constitution. ARTICLE I: NAME The name of the organization shall be the United Sorority and Fraternity Council, founded at California State University, Sacramento. ARTICLE II: PURPOSE The purpose of the USFC shall be to assist culturally diverse sororities and fraternities in the achievement of their noble purposes, and to provide a forum for the regulation of organization interactions. The USFC shall act as liaison between our member organizations and the university administration by establishing a communicative network for all culturally diverse sororities and fraternities to promote unity amongst the organizations and the university community. ARTICLE III: SCOPE OF AUTHORITY Section 1: The scope of authority for the USFC shall be legislative, administrative, judicial and advisory. By virtue of the authority vested by this Constitution, the Council shall have power to regulate all matters of member interest, except those that are of institutional policy, about which the USFC is free to make recommendations to the University. Section 2: All policies and activities of the Council and its members shall be in compliance with University policies, including but not limited to USFC Constitution and all applicable local, state and federal laws. 1

2 Section 3: The Council shall manifest its judicial authority, as delegated by the Vice President for Student Affairs, through the Judicial Board, as specified in Article XII and in the United Sorority and Fraternity Council Judicial Procedures. ARTICLE IV: STRUCTURE Section 1: There shall be a General Council consisting of a delegate from each recognized USFC organization at California State University, Sacramento, which have final authority on all matters, related to this Council, in accordance with the university guidelines. Section 2: There shall be an Executive Board, and the Greek Advisor subject in all respects to the General Council of the USFC. Section 3: Undergraduate organizations of the USFC shall be comprised of California State University, Sacramento social and/or Greek fraternities and sororities. Section 4: No more than two (2) members of the same organization may serve on the Executive Board. In case of hardship, this requirement may be waived as deemed appropriate by the Greek Advisor. ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP Section 1: Organizations, rather than individuals, shall be considered members of the USFC. Section 2: In order to remain in active status, a member organization shall be in good standing financially with the University and with the USFC at California State University, Sacramento. Section 3: In order to remain on active status, a member organization must attend 2/3 of all USFC sponsored events and not accumulate more than $150 in fines each academic semester. i. Any organization that exceeds this limit shall be placed on a probationary period for two academic semesters ii. If the organization does not improve after two semesters, they shall be removed from the USFC council and lose recognition. They may still obtain recognition for the Student Organization & Leadership office but shall not be recognized by the council. Section 3.1: All organizations are required to obtain recognition from Student Organizations & Leadership (SOAL). If organization does not obtain recognition by SOAL organization will be placed on probational status for up to one semester until recognition with SOAL is gained. Section 4: EXPANSION The following procedures shall be followed to grant Council membership to a new organization: A. Eligibility for Membership 2

3 Membership in the USFC is open, but not limited to, California State University, Sacramento culturally based sororities and fraternities. B. Expansion Limitations The Council shall determine the number of sororities and fraternities granted provisional status per academic year. C. Expansion Committee The USFC shall appoint an Expansion Committee, chaired by the USFC Vice President, to include four members from separate chapters, and the Greek Advisor. The committee shall: 1) Review and recruit sororities and fraternities for the purpose of expansion, and make recommendations to the Council whether or not to expand. 2) Inform all sororities and fraternities of these policies and invite interested organizations to submit requests for consideration. 3) Develop an application packet to be completed by sororities and fraternities requesting consideration. 4) Collect application packet from interested organizations no later than two weeks from the date application packet was issued. 5) Application packets will only be accepted up until the second general meeting of each semester, after that no applications shall be accepted. 6) Evaluate request for consideration and recommend which organizations should be invited to make formal presentations. 7) Decide on presentations procedures, and assist when needed, with the expansion efforts of a new chapter. 8) Review progress reports submitted by the provisional chapter, with the USFC council at the first general meeting of every month. D. Expansion Criteria 1) In reviewing whether or not to expand, the Expansion Committee shall consider the following: a) Length of time on campus b) Ability to meet the criteria for member status c) The average size of current member organizations d) The success of recent expansion efforts e) The number of organizations expressing interest in the application process f) The aims and goals of the chapter g) Number of USFC member organizations of a particular focus, and h) Demographics of California State University, Sacramento undergraduate population and USFC member organizations 2) In developing the selection criteria, the Expansion Committee shall consider the following: a) Commitment to and compatibility with the goals of USFC b) Status on campus c) Financial stability of the organization 3

4 d) The national sorority/fraternity s cooperation with the administration and/or governing councils at other universities, and e) The history of the group if the sorority or fraternity previously had a chapter on campus E. USFC Commitment The USFC must approve by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire voting membership, the Expansion Committee s recommendations to expand before an application for consideration can be solicited. F. Application for Consideration Letters requesting consideration shall be signed by the President of the chapter and shall be sent, along with application, supporting materials, and completed questionnaire, to the USFC Vice President by the specified deadline. G. Expansion Committee Interview Upon receiving requests for consideration, completed questionnaire, and supporting materials from sororities and/or fraternities, the USFC Expansion Committee shall select from the sororities and/or fraternities for a personal interview. A representative(s) from the organization s national governing body shall be invited to California State University, Sacramento for an interview with the USFC Expansion Committee. H. Invitation to USFC Membership After each delegate has heard all presentations, those delegates shall indicate by secret ballot the sororities and/or fraternities that shall be invited to join USFC as a provisional organization. A two-thirds (2/3) passing vote is required to be invited to participate in Provisional Status. The representatives making presentations shall be informed verbally after the meeting of the Council s decision. After approving the Council s actions, the USFC Vice President shall send the chapter a written invitation to join according to the timetable established by the USFC. Section 5: GAINING MEMBERSHIP STATUS A. The application fee is a non-refundable $55 that is due to the Council at the time of application submission. Once fee is received, a formal presentation is given by the interested organization to the council. This presentation does not guarantee acceptance into the council. 1) The presentation should be no later than the 10 th week of the semester or second to last meeting. B. Minimum Requirements 1) Grades a) Each member of the interested organization must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 i. If the organizations national bylaws require the GPA to be of a greater amount, that amount will be imposed. ii. If one-third (1/3 rd ) of the active membership, as defined by their official roster, falls below the 2.0 GPA standard or the standard provided by their national bylaws during the provisional period, the interested organization will automatically be denied acceptance into USFC. iii. The Greek Advisor will provide the grades to the Scholarship Director. 4

5 2) Fundraiser a) The interested organization will be required to establish at least one fundraiser per semester with all proceeds going towards USFC. i. The fundraiser may not be during the first two weeks of the semester or the last two weeks of the semester. ii. Every organization in USFC, must receive a personal invitation (the interested organization must present at the meeting of every USFC organization) to the fundraiser with at least one week notice prior to the fundraiser. iii. The fundraiser shall be on behalf of the USFC and should not include the interested organization s name (for example flyers and social network sites). 3) Community service a) The interested organization will be required to establish one community service event event event and invite every member organization of USFC. i. The community service event may not be during the first two weeks of the semester or the last two weeks of the semester. ii. Every organization in USFC, must receive a personal invitation (the interested organization must present at the meeting of every USFC organization) to the community service event with at least one week notice prior to the community service event. iii. The community service event shall be on behalf of the USFC and should not include the interested organization s name (for example flyers and social network sites). 4) Attendance a) The interested organization must attend every meeting. b) The interested organization cannot vote but are encouraged to actively participate in discussions. c) The interested organization is required to actively participate in one committee as seen fit by the Vice President. d) The interested organization must attend every USFC sponsored event. e) All delegates for provisional organizations must adhere to the guidelines listed under Article VI, Section 1, with the exception of voting rights. C. Acceptance into USFC 1) The interested organization: a. Must fulfill all the minimum requirements b. Two-thirds (2/3rds) of members must vote the interested organization in at the last meeting of the academic year based on the completion of the minimum requirements. c. Only if accepted all rights and privileges of an active organization within USFC are granted D. Denial into USFC 1) The interested organization: a. Does not fulfill the minimum requirements b. Does not get two-thirds (2/3rds) vote from USFC members to gain entrance into USFC c. Can apply the next academic year 5

6 d. If the interested organization gets denied two times in a row, they must wait one full calendar year to re-apply into USFC Section 6: AFFILIATION A. Fraternities and sororities with on-campus status must affiliate with a recognized governing council at California State University, Sacramento. Affiliation does not equal membership, therefore USFC affiliates have no rights and privileges of membership in the council B. Affiliation 1) Before a group can attain affiliation with the United Sorority and Fraternity Council, it shall have met these conditions: a) Met all university requirements for on-campus status b) Affiliates must attain and maintain a membership of at least 10 active members, who are initiated members who have completed their associate membership process. If the affiliated chapter drops below 10 members, they must petition to the council in order to be allowed to continue their affiliation with the council at the next council meeting. c) Elected by democratic procedures, chapter officers d) Submitted a current roster of all chapter members e) Submitted a current copy of all constitutions and by-laws that govern the organization f) Submitted an updated calendar for the academic year g) Submitted a current chapter academic plan 2) An affiliate shall have the following rights and responsibilities: a) No dues will be assessed as an affiliate. However, if an affiliated chapter does not participate in a USFC sponsored event, the chapter will be assessed a fee to be determined by the USFC executive board. b) Submit monthly progress reports c) No participation in any USFC sponsored events including, but is not limited to: Greek Week, Recruitment, and other such events unless otherwise decided by the delegates. d) Recognized as USFC affiliate in all publications e) Comply with all USFC policies, University policies and CSUS Greek Guidelines. f) Attend all USFC meetings A. Voice only given on issues related to university policies B. If two council meetings are missed, affiliate will be under Judicial Review. g) Affiliates must abide by the USFC recruitment policies, which includes, but is not limited to, tabling location, pre-approved rush events, pre-approved rush flyers, and pre-approved rush event calendars. h) Maintain a semester group mean grade point average of at least 2.5 3) An affiliate shall retain their present position until the following criteria has been met: a) All fines and assessments are paid in full. b) Attend all USFC meetings 6

7 4) Upon completion of one year as affiliate, and in compliance with all the above conditions, the Expansion Committee will conduct an affiliate review process. 5) An organization can only retain affiliate status for a maximum of three years. If three years expire and an affiliate chapter has not demonstrated progress ( attained Provisional Status), the USFC reserves the right to forward the case to the appropriate authority or venue. 6) Affiliate chapters can only gain membership in the USFC through the regular expansion process, as specified in Article IX, Section 5. Section 7: INACTIVE STATUS A. When a member chapter no longer has six (6) active members, the chapter shall automatically be placed in inactive status. 1) When an inactive chapter has six (6) or more active members, it shall be placed on active status. B. If a chapter averages below a semester 2.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters, the chapter shall automatically be placed on inactive status. 1) When an inactive chapter has attained a chapter mean above a semester 2.0 GPA it shall automatically be placed on active status. C. Inactive status grants the chapter participation in USFC affairs and activities at the discretion of the council without the privilege of voting. All inactive status organizations are required to attend general meetings. Inactive status relieves the chapter from paying the USFC dues. To participate in an event, an inactive chapter must make a written request to the USFC Executive Board at its regular meetings prior to the event. The Executive Board will determine if the inactive chapter can participate. However, an inactive chapter is responsible for paying USFC fines and assessments as determined by the council. D. A member organization may be placed on inactive status for a maximum of two (2) semesters during any two-year period, after which time the council shall review and determine the continuing membership status of the chapter. E. If at the end of the two-semester period, said chapter is unable to maintain six (6) members or a 2.00 GPA, it may appeal to the council for a continuation of inactive status. The council by two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the entire voting membership may grant no more than one continuation of inactive status within a two-year period. The time period for this continuation shall not exceed the academic semester in which the continuation is granted. F. If said chapter is unable to maintain the active membership requirements or a 2.00 GPA, as stated above at the end of the granted continuation, is not granted a continuation of inactive status, or falls below the minimum membership requirement or a 2.00 GPA again within a two year period, the chapter shall be dismissed from the council. G. Once dismissed, a chapter must be absent from the USFC for one semeste r, after which said chapter may petition to reapply according to the provisions stated in Article IX, Section 5. 7

8 Section 8: SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS A. Each semester a grade point average shall be calculated for each member organization. The GPA is based only upon regularly enrolled classes for credit at California State University, Sacramento. The chapter GPA shall be the mean GPA of its members, as indicated on the chapter s official roster, the official roster due date shall be left up to the discretion of SOAL. If a chapter believes a reported composite GPA is inaccurate, it can submit through an appeal within two weeks after the distribution of the semester scholarship report. B. If a chapter s semester GPA is 0.15 or more above the California State University, Sacramento undergraduate average for that same semester, the chapter shall be placed on the USFC Academic Honor Roll and shall receive a plaque from USFC. C. If a chapter s semester GPA is less than the Honor Roll standard but equal to or higher than the University average, the chapter shall be considered to be in USFC Good Academic Standing and shall receive a certificate from USFC. D. If a chapter s semester GPA is below the University average but higher than or equal to the USFC semester goal of 2.50, the chapter shall be considered to be on USFC Academic Satisfactory. E. If a chapter s semester GPA is below 2.50 but higher than or equal to 2.00 for one semester, the chapter shall be placed on USFC Academic Warning Status. Such a chapter must submit a Scholarship Improvement Program to the USFC Scholarship Director for approval before the end of the third week of the semester. 1) The Scholarship Improvement Program shall be left to the discretion of the Scholarship Director. F. If a chapter is on USFC Academic Warning Status for a second consecutive semester, the chapter shall be placed on Academic Unsatisfactory Status. Such a chapter must complete all of the requirements of USFC as stipulated above. Additionally, none of the chapter s members who earned a GPA below a 2.00 the previous semesters shall be eligible to participate in USFC sponsored activities. Also, all of the chapter s active initiates must complete 25 hours of documented study hours per month to be documented and submitted monthly to the Scholarship Director. 1) If a chapter is on USFC Academic Unsatisfactory Status for more than one consecutive semesters, without any improvement of a 0.15 GPA or more, they shall face a hearing held by the Judicial Review Board, to determine the organization s status within USFC. G. If a chapter is on USFC Academic Unsatisfactory but increases their GPA by 0.15 or more, they shall be considered to be in USFC Academic Improvement Status. Such a chapter must complete all of the requirements of USFC Academic Unsatisfactory, as stipulated above with the exception submitting a Scholarship Improvement Program. H. If a chapter s semester GPA is below a 2.00, the chapter shall be placed on Academic Probation. Such a chapter must comply with all the requirements and restriction of Academic Warning Status and Academic Unsatisfactory Status. 8

9 I. If a chapter is on USFC Academic Probation and fails to attain a chapter GPA of 2.00 the following semester, the chapter shall be placed on Full USFC Suspension and shall lose all USFC privileges, as specified in Section 8 of this Article. J. A chapter placed on Academic Unsatisfactory Status, Probation, or Suspension may appeal the decision to the USFC Judicial Board. In the hearing, the chapter will be required to demonstrate that although it attempted to follow a strict adherence to its approved Scholarship Improvement Program, the chapter still failed to achieve the required standard. If the USFC Judicial Board decides to alter a chapter s academic status, it may also impose additional conditions or requirements. Section 9: PROBATION AND SUSPENSION Unless otherwise stipulated, a chapter on Academic Warning Status or Academic Unsatisfactory Status loses no rights or privileges. A chapter on probation loses all privileges of membership including, but is not limited to, the right to vote, and the privilege of participating in USFC sponsored activities. A chapter on probation may however, vote on the election of USFC executive officers, but members of a chapter on probation shall not be permitted to hold any USFC executive offices. A chapter on probation retains the privilege of participating in USFC sponsored workshops and community service events. A chapter on probation must continue to fulfill the obligations of membership, including paying dues, submitting rosters, attending meetings and complying with all USFC and University policies. A suspended chapter loses all USFC rights and privileges and is placed on Inactive Status. (Article IX, Section 6) A. If already elected to an executive board position, but chapter gets a status of Probation for the previous term, the officer is allowed to stay in the position elected if a G.P.A of a 2.5 or higher was earned the previous term. ARTICLE VI ORGANIZATION Section 1: DELEGATES Each member organization must have one (1) permanent delegate per semester, which must be decided on by the first USFC general meeting. A. A delegate must attend all USFC meetings. B. A delegate represents one vote per organization. C. A delegate must be active in his/her member organization. D. GPA Requirement of 2.5 cumulative E. Delegates are required to be part of one committee and be actively involved. (Fundraising, Community Service, Expansion, Greek Week, Fall Event/Retreat) 1) Failure to show active participation in your committee will result in a $20 fine for your organization. 2) Each committee is required to hold at least one committee meeting in between one USFC General Meeting, unless reasonably excused by President or VP with a 48-hour notice. 3) Each committee is required to keep up an updated binder of: 9

10 a. Updated Constitution b. Invoices (budget sheet) c. List of events and their agendas d. Any other information left to the discrepancy of the committee. 4) Delegates must serve as spokespersons, advertisers, promote events and activities for their committee. F. Delegates are required to use and send all correspondence regarding USFC through the standardized , following the template of Section 2: EXECUTIVE BOARD A. The elected officers of the Council shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, Scholarship Director, Director of Public Relations. The elected officers shall compromise the Executive Board. B. No USFC Executive Officer may serve as a chapter s delegate or representative. Executive officers do not have a vote in council meetings; with the exception of the President who is empowered to break ties. C. All Executive Officers must be active members of a fraternity or sorority within Active Status in USFC, and all executive officers must be in good academic standing with the University. All Executive Board members must have a cumulative GPA of 2.6 in order to hold their position. (i.e., not on probation). D. The Executive Board is empowered to take action on behalf of the council if action must be taken during a school recess, or when it is not possible to consult with the council. E. Candidates for Executive Board are required to have two consecutive semesters of leadership experience (as an elected chair) within their own chapter organization, Greek, or recognized student organizations at a university level. F. All Executive Board members are required to use the standardized following the format of sacstateusfc.position@gmail.com with the exception of Sergeant at Arms, which will follow usfcsacstate.position@gmail.com for any official USFC correspondence. G. The duties and responsibilities of the Executive Board shall be as follows: 1) PRESIDENT: To preside at all meetings, regular and special; appoint a parliamentarian in case of absence; to appoint all committee chairs in consultation with the Vice President and with the concurrence of the Council; and, to act as a representative of the USFC at conferences, meetings, and all other events. To serve as the USFC representative at University meetings, to act as a communication liaison between USFC and the IFC, NPHC, LGC, and PSC. The President has the authority to break a tie but not to create a tie in the council meeting. 2) VICE-PRESIDENT: To perform the duties of the President if the President is absent or unable to perform his or her duties; to be responsible for all committees and other duties delegated by the 10

11 President. The Vice President shall be in charge of communicating with Provisional Organizations, as well as organizations interested in joining the council. 3) SECRETARY: To keep an impartial record of all proceedings of the USFC in a minute book which shall be open to any member for inspection; distribute the minutes; carry on all correspondence of the USFC; obtain written reports of all Executive Officers and committees. Also to maintain the USFC OrgSync calendar, and the Executive Officer and delegate contact information. 4) TREASURER: To maintain, update, and be responsible for the collection and disbursement of all authorized funds acquired by the council. He/she must present a proposed yearly budget by the last meeting of the spring semester, which shall be approved by a majority vote of the council. The Treasurer can act as a co-signatory on check requests along with the President. The Treasurer shall also submit the book to the Greek Advisor for an audit at the conclusion of his/her term. 5) SERGEANT AT ARMS: Shall call roll, determine quorums at the direction of the President, act as parliamentarian, and run elections. The Sergeant at Arms must also maintain order in official meetings according to Robert s Rules of Order. The Sergeant at Arms must record attendance at council meetings including, but is not limited to, mandatory-motioned attendance (i.e. Greek Week, Fall Event, etc.). 6) SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTOR: To organize meetings of chapter scholarship chairs if deemed necessary; to monitor USFC scholarship requirements (as specified in Article V, Section 9); to explore new avenues and incentives to amplify academic performance throughout the fraternity and sorority system; to conduct one academic workshop per semester; and to recognize organizations and organization members who have made academic accomplishments. 7) DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS: Shall be responsible for marketing USFC, to maintain and update the OrgSync website, create flyers and pamphlets, and keep communication with relevant sources. Shall take pictures at all USFC events, as well as maintain records (i.e. scrapbook/photo album/video) of these events. Keep all social media network sites updated on a weekly basis. Section 3: The Council shall have a primary advisor as a representative from the Student Organizations & Leadership office at California State University, Sacramento. ARTICLE VII MEETINGS Section 1: Meetings of the USFC shall be called at the discretion of the Executive Board. The council shall hold bi-monthly meetings during the academic semester, the first general meeting shall be the second Thursday of each academic semester. The Executive Board shall meet bi-monthly during the academic semester and any other time deemed necessary by the USFC President. A. By the second meeting of every semester all members of USFC should have attended a Roberts Rules of Order Workshop. 11

12 Section 2: Special meetings of the Council may be called by petition of any 70% of the member chapters, or the Executive Board, provided only that 48 hours notice is give to each member organization. Section 3: No absentee votes shall be allowed at any meeting of the Council; however, the delegate may designate an executive member for his or her organization to vote in the place of the delegate with a 24 hour notice and determined by EBOARD. Section 4: A USFC Executive Officer may not represent or vote for his/her chapter. Section 5: Only Delegates and Executive Officers, excluding President shall be able to present motions. Section 6: QUORUM All matters not specifically mentioned in the Constitution shall be decided by a majority of a quorum. A quorum shall consist of at least two-thirds (2/3rds) of the member chapters with voting privileges. Section 7: Regular USFC meeting shall be open to all members of USFC chapters, the Greek Advisor, and guests approved by the President. Section 8: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY Meetings shall be conducted according to the parliamentary procedure, which is prescribed in Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised, subject to the limitations of the Constitution. ARTICLE VIII ELECTIONS Section 1: All executive officers shall be elected for one (1) year term (June 1 May 31). Elections shall be held during the second to last general meeting of the semester. Section 2: Nominations shall be opened at the regular meeting prior to the election date. Nominations for each office shall close separately immediately prior to the election for that office. Section 3: The order shall be as follows: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, Director of Public Relations, Scholarship Director and Judicial Director. Section 4: Officers shall be elected by a majority vote. There will be a runoff election between the top two candidates if no candidate receives a majority vote. The President has the power to break a tie with his/her vote. Section 5: Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot. Section 6: ELECTION PROCEDURES A. All candidates must submit a typed speech to the Secretary at the time of election. The Sergeant at Arms and President shall conduct elections. 12

13 B. Candidates will exit the room at the time of voting. ARTICLE IX VACANCIES AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE Section 1: An election for a vacancy on the Executive Board shall be held at the general USFC meeting following the meeting of the official announcement to the council of a vacancy. Nominations will be made at the time of the official announcement. Vacancies may be temporarily filled by presidential appointment until such election is held. Section 2: Should the President vacate their office for any reason, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President until the next general USFC meeting at which nominations for President will be accepted with an election at the following general USFC meeting. Section 3: The Executive Board may, at its discretion, remove any Executive Officer with two or more unexcused absences from council meetings or Executive Board meetings during the semester. The Executive Board shall decide whether an absence is excused. Section 4: Any Executive Officer who fails to maintain the eligibility requirements stated in Article V, Section 2C shall be removed from office. Section 5: RECALL OF OFFICERS The council may, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its total membership eligible to vote, may recall an Executive Officer after written charges, signed by one-third (1/3) of the voting delegates, have been presented before the council and the individual has heard the charges and has been given an opportunity to dispute them. The recall motion shall be tabled until the next general USFC meeting. ARTICLE X REGISTRATION Section 1: ROSTERS Each organization shall be required to submit an updated list of its active members to the Greek Advisor by the end of the fourth week of each academic semester. Failure to comply will result in suspension from this council until such time the lists are submitted. i. All organizations suspended from USFC due to an outdated roster are still subject to complying with all USFC requirements. (E.g. attend general meetings or USFC sponsored events.) Section 2: ACTIVE MEMBERS An active member is defined as a member regularly enrolled in six (6) or more units at California State University, Sacramento as a graduate or undergraduate student, paying active organization dues and fees. USFC officers and member organization officers must be active members. ARTICLE XI MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS 13

14 Section 1: Founding Member Organizations of USFC at California State University, Sacramento are: EPSILON SIGMA RHO, GAMMA ZETA ALPHA, LAMBDA SIGMA GAMMA, LAMBDA THETA NU, NU ALPHA KAPPA, OMEGA PHI ZETA, SIGMA DELTA ALPHA, SIGMA LAMBDA GAMMA, SIGMA OMEGA NU, and SIGMA OMICRON PI. Section 2: New member organizations are subject to an application process. Section 3: Active member organizations are allowed inactivity for two semesters without further reapplication process. Section 4: Inactive or Active Status must be established by the second meeting of any semester. ARTICLE XII USFC JUDICIAL PROCEDURES Section 1: The Council shall manifest its judicial authority over the member chapters through the Judicial Board. Section 2: The Judicial Board shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, one regular member from each organization, and two alternate members, all of whom are appointed by a committee consisting of the retiring USFC President, retiring Judicial Director, retiring Judicial Board Chairman, newly elected USFC President, and newly elected Judicial Director. Each of the board members must be from a different chapter. The Judicial Director is an ex-officio nonvoting member of the Board (See the USFC Judicial Procedures for eligibility criteria). The USFC Judicial Board shall consist of such sorority and fraternity chapters that are in good standing at the time these Constitution shall be adopted and of such other chapters as may thereafter be admitted to membership by the Council. Section 3: The responsibilities of the USFC Judicial Director, as they pertain to the judicial process, are: (1) to assist the Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life in investigating reports of alleged misconduct, (2) to assist the Coordinator in resolving complaints, (3) to determine, in consultation with the Coordinator, whether a case is to be referred to the USFC Judicial Board, (4) with the approval of the Coordinator, to offer an administrative sanction in lieu of referral to the USFC Judicial Board, (5) to serve as an ex-official, nonvoting member of the USFC Judicial Board, and (6) to be available for consultation at Appeals Board hearings. If the chapter, which the USFC Judicial Director is a member of, is involved in an incident, then another member of the USFC Executive Committee, selected by the USFC President, shall assume the USFC Judicial Director s judicial responsibilities. Section 4: Membership in the USFC is at all time s a privilege, which may be withdrawn only for good cause by the USFC in accordance with the Constitution and the USFC Judicial Procedures. Section 5: The USFC Judicial Procedures may be amended by two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the entire council, provided that all chapter members have been given written notice of the proposed change(s) at least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote is held. Such changes are subject to the approval of the Greek Advisor. 14

15 Section6: The United Sorority and Fraternity Council elects the USFC Judicial Director during USFC elections. Installation of new director shall be four weeks from the date of election. Candidates must be undergraduate dues-paying, members of their chapters who have been an active initiate for at least one full semester and must not be on academic probation. Members of chapters that are under disciplinary suspension from USFC are ineligible. The USFC Judicial Director may not concurrently serve as another USFC executive officer, chapter president, or USFC Judicial Board member. The USFC President, the retiring Judicial Director and the USFC Advisor prior to their election will interview all candidates. If the USFC Judicial Director no longer meets the eligibility requirements, or if the position otherwise becomes vacant, a new USFC Judicial Director will be elected. ARTICLE XIII DUES & FINES Section 1: DUES Member organizations shall be required to pay their membership dues by the second meeting of the fall and spring semesters. A. Annual membership fee is $ ($50 per semester) B. If a member organization is unable to pay dues, they must arrange a payment plan with the Treasurer prior to the due date. Section 2: FINES Unexcused absence at any USFC sponsored event is subject to a fine (USFC general meetings and any other special meetings or events). An absence is considered unexcused unless the USFC Sergeant at Arms is notified 24 hours prior to the meeting. Any other meetings not noted shall require prior notification in order to be subject to attendance fines. A. Tardiness on mandatory events and meetings will be a $5.00 fine to the member of the organization B. Unannounced absences will be a $20.00 fine to member of organizations. C. Late dues or fines will accumulate a $5.00 late fine each meeting there after the due date. D. Improper dress attire will be a $3.00 fine to member of organizations. Meetings are business casual. All primary delegates attending meetings should attend wearing the required USFC polo once it has been provided to them. If you are a secondary representative or a primary representative without a polo shirt, then the following is acceptable: No hats Collared shirts No denim No strapless or spaghetti strapped shirts No provocative clothing No offensive clothing or accessories No tennis shoes or flip-flops No midriffs No legging or jeggings Section 3: ABSENCES 15

16 USFC Delegates may be absent for one general meeting or mandatory event, due to an event their organization is hosting. A 24-hour notice is required by Sergeant at Arms to his or her standardized . A. Primary delegates can also cover their absence by having another member of their organization attend the USFC general meeting or mandatory event. B. Leaving early from the meetings or mandatory event will not be tolerated, unless communicated with the President or Sergeant at Arms. C. Absences can only be excused due to academics, family emergency, work or religion. Section 4: FINANCIAL DELINQUENCY If a chapter goes an entire semester without paying: A. USFC dues B. USFC fees C. Attendance Fines incurred by missing USFC meetings and or sponsored events. Meetings and sponsored events. Meetings and sponsored events include but not limited to: 1) USFC meetings 2) Academic workshops, Conferences, New Member Series, Orientations, Rush, etc. That chapter will lose all voting rights until said chapter is in good financial standing with the USFC treasury. Good standing requires that a zero (0) balance be shown prior to the next semester. The chapter will regain voting status once the financial delinquency is at zero (0) from the previous semester. ARTICLE XIV CONSTITUTION Section 1: The USFC Constitution shall be reviewed once per academic year. An emergency revision may be made if 2/3 (2/3rds) of council accepts. 16