Multicultural Greek Council University of Houston Constitution & By-Laws

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Multicultural Greek Council University of Houston

Constitution & By-Laws

Summer 2012: Constitution Drafted by MGC Executive Board and MGC Advisor 2012-2013

University of Houston Multicultural Greek Council

PREAMBLE

In the years preceding 2003, culturally-based Greek-lettered organizations at the University of Houston recognized the need for a Greek council that would be able to unite all different fraternities and sororities without boundaries. In April 2003, the Multicultural Greek Council officially began as the fourth council to preside at the University of Houston. In April 2012, the council decided to split and form the new Multicultural Greek Council.

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).

ARTICLE II: MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1: The membership of MGC shall consist of culturally-based Greek-lettered organizations recognized by the University of Houston.

Section 2: The twelve Greek-lettered organizations of the MGC are as follows:

1. alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, Incorporated – Iota Chapter 2. Delta Epsilon Psi National South Asian Fraternity, Incorporated – Alpha Chapter 3. Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Incorporated – Alpha Chapter 4. Gamma Beta Fraternity, Incorporated – Zeta Chapter 5. Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Incorporated – Theta Chapter 6. Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Incorporated - Delta Chapter 7. Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Incorporated – Pi Chapter 8. Sigma Beta Rho National Multicultural Fraternity, Incorporated 9. Sigma Phi Omega Sorority, Incorporated – Epsilon Chapter 10. Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated – Omicron Chapter 11. Sigma Sigma Rho Sorority, Incorporated – UH Colony 12. Beta Chi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated – Xi Colony

ARTICLE III: PURPOSE

Section 1: The Multicultural Greek Council shall serve as a governing body for member organizations as outlined in the MGC constitution.

Section 2: The Multicultural Greek Council will do its duty to promote appreciation of diversity of culture and ethnic backgrounds and to act in the best interest of the University of Houston. Section 3: The Multicultural Greek Council’s purpose shall be:

1. To encourage scholastic achievement among its member organizations. 2. To provide a forum for discussion of general concerns, issues, and topics that affect member organizations. 3. To coordinate semester activities to ensure adequate cooperation and harmony among member organizations and other campus organizations. 2

4. To provide the university and the general communities with information on member organizations. 5. To mediate disputes between member organizations and other campus organizations.

ARTICLE IV: UNIVERSITY JURISDICTION

Section 1: The MGC is under the jurisdiction of the Center for Student Involvement and Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life; therefore, adheres to all rules and regulations of all registered social and/or service sororities and fraternities of the University of Houston.

ARTICLE V: DEFINITION OF MULTICULTURAL

Section 1: The definition of multicultural as it is used in this document refers to the following:

1. All racial and ethnic identities are inherently culturally rich and should be supported, maintained, valued and respected. 2. Difference is an asset not a hindrance.

ARTICLE VI – CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP (was Article XV)

Section 1: Membership is allowed to any undergraduate nationally chartered social fraternity/sorority oriented to community service and dually registered with The Center for Student Involvement and the University of Houston main campus.

Section 2: Membership is limited to all students who have paid fees and are enrolled at the University of Houston main campus.

Section 3: Each fraternity or sorority may not hold membership in any other existing Greek Council on the campus of University of Houston.

Section 4: There shall be two levels of membership recognized: 1. Associate Membership: Organizations that have not achieved full member status, but have met the requirements outlined in Article XVI, Section 1. 2. Full Membership: Member organizations that have achieved full member status as outlined in Article XVII, Section 1.

Section 5: Required to submit active and new member rosters each semester by the appropriate due date.

ARTICLE VII: STRUCTURE OF MGC

Section 1: Executive Board

1. The Executive Board of the MGC at University of Houston shall consist of: a. President b. Vice-President c. Secretary d. Treasurer e. Parliamentarian f. Historian g. Webmaster 3

h. Recruitment Liaison

2. No more than one Executive Board Officer can be from the same organization.

Section 2: General Body

The General Body shall consist of member organizations of the MGC at the University of Houston and shall have a minimum of one representative to attend:

1. General Meetings 2. Expansion Committee Meetings 3. Judicial Committee Meetings

ARTICLE VIII: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: Elected Officers and Provisions

1. The President shall serve as the chairperson of the executive board. 2. The executive board is responsible for setting up the agenda for the general body meetings. 3. The executive board shall have the power to represent the General Body in emergencies which necessitate action between meetings. The executive board has the authority to make decisions for the good of the body. A report of the actions must be made at the next general body meeting. 4. Executive board officers shall not miss more than two executive board meetings or general body meetings per semester. 5. The executive board shall meet prior to the general body meetings, as arranged by the board. 6. The executive board meetings must have at least 2/3 of the executive board officers present to constitute a meeting. 7. The MGC will have an advisor from the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Section 2: Selection of Officers

1. Must have a 2.2 GPA 2. Minimum of 1 semester membership in affiliate organization 3. Must be declared an active member by affiliate organization 4. Must be from an organization that has full membership 5. Must be in good standing with the university 6. No person serving as President of his/her organization may serve as the President of MGC. 7. All candidates for MGC President are limited to MGC members who have been active and have held an Executive Board position in their organization for at least one academic year. 8. All candidates for office must have attended MGC meetings in the semester in which he or she intends to run for office. 9. New officers shall be elected in the first General Body meeting in April. 10. The month of April will serve as a training period during which time the elected officers will become familiar with the duties of the office.

Section 3: Terms of Office

Each officer shall serve from the academic year, May 1 through April 30.

Section 4: Succession

In the event of the premature vacancy of the office of President, the current Internal Vice President will assume the office of President for the remainder of the term. In the event of the premature vacancy of any other office, the President may appoint the new officer and the appointee will be confirmed by a majority vote of the council.

Section 5: Duties of the Executive Board Offices

1. Duties of the President The duties of the President are but not limited to the following: a. Preside over all meetings and enforce the constitution of the MGC in accordance to Robert’s Rules of Order. b. Offer consideration of all motions consistent with Robert’s Rules of Order. c. Declare results of council voting d. Call special emergency meetings e. Appoint all committee chairpersons not otherwise provided for in the MGC Constitution f. Represent the MGC at civic and social functions or when the council is called upon in the member organizations for representatives. g. Co-sign for all withdrawals and any other transactions regarding the MGC bank account h. Serve as official representative of MGC to the Center for Leadership and Fraternity/Sorority Life and all Greek Councils. i. Serve as liaison to the MGC Advisor j. Vote on the occasion of a tie k. Reserve all meeting rooms l. Be responsible to disseminate favorable publicity about the MGC and its member fraternities and sororities. m. Serve as interpreter and be responsible in handling grievances, complaints of officers other than self of any procedural dispute.

2. Duties of the Vice President. It shall be the duty of the Vice President to: a. Ensure compliance with all MGC policies and procedures b. Oversee appointed committees and chairs c. Provide and make readily to all MGC organizations all policy and procedures. d. Serve as coordinator for any committee the council elects to form during that period of office. e. In the absence of the President, represent and preside over all regular and special meetings and assume the duties of the President. f. In the event that the President resigns or is impeached, the Internal Vice President shall assume the role of President. g. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include programming resources, reports of previous programs, programming and contact information for future programming, new media contacts and relevant press releases

4. Duties of the Secretary: The duties of the Secretary are but not limited to the following: 5

a. Maintain accurate minutes of all proceedings at general body meetings, emergency meetings, and executive board meetings by recording all details. b. Present the minutes of the previous meeting to the general body for approval at the beginning of the current meeting 1. Every motion with the name of the representative and organization who introduced the motion, as well as the name of the person who seconds it with his/her respective organization. 2. The action taken on the motion, including the tabulation of the votes. 3. Date, time and place of the next general meeting and/or executive board meeting. c. Call roll at all meetings. d. Have on hand all records and information committed to his/her care. e. Maintain a roster of all member organizations including their chapter presidents, voting representatives and alternatives and judicial board representatives. All rosters will be submitted by the third week of school each semester. f. Maintain a roster of the MGC executive officers. g. Each roster should contain current campus mailboxes, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses. h. Preside over general body meeting in the absence of the President, Vice President, and Treasurer. i. Communicate general body minutes to the MGC general body via MGC list serve within 48 hours of a general body meeting. h. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include resources, reports, minutes, rosters with contact information for future work, and any other relevant information related to the position.

5. Duties of the Treasurer: The duties of the Treasurer are but not limited to the following: a. Keep an accurate account of all monies received and imposed by the MGC b. Deposit all funds received into the Council’s bank account. c. Prepare a budget for the academic year by the second general body meeting of the MGC of such academic year. d. Present a financial report to the general body at each general body meeting. e. Preside over meetings in the absence of the President and Vice President. f. Signature of authority will include the Treasurer, President and the Advisor to the MGC. g. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include resources, reports, financial documents, treasurer reports, checkbook, debit card, and any other relevant information related to the position.

6. Duties of the Parliamentarian: The duties of the Parliamentarian are to: a. Be well versed in Robert’s Rules of Order. b. Be well versed in the constitution of the MGC. c. Serve as interpreter and be responsible in handling grievances, complaints and/or strikes of and by any member organization and the council President of any procedural dispute. d. Review annually the MGC Constitution and By-Laws with the Council. e. Recognize who has the floor. f. Excuse any members who have to leave early. g. Serve as chair to the Peer Judicial Board. 6

h. Provide strike updates to said organization within one week of accumulation or receiving a strike. i. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include resources, reports, judicial information/paperwork, and any other relevant information related to the position.

7. Duties of the Historian The duties of the Historian are as follows but not limited to: a. Be responsible to record via pictures or other means to track history of MGC events. b. Be responsible for marketing materials and coordinate creation of flyers and other marketing materials. c. Maintain and update the MGC tri-board. d. Maintain and update the MGC scrapbook.

8. Duties of the Recruitment Liaison a. Serve as the chair for the Expansion/Extension Committee. b. Oversee MGC sponsored service projects, activities and events open to other fraternities, sororities and universities. c. Work with all Greek Councils and the University of Houston Administration in planning major Greek events for the year and join in any recruitment efforts. d. Serve as liaison between the council and interested member organizations. e. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include programming resources, reports of previous programs, programming and contact information for future programming, new media contacts and relevant press releases. f. Coordinate an audit evaluation meeting approximately two months after the first day of the semester during with each Associate chapter to conduct a mid- semester review submitting the report to the Executive Board.

9. Duties of the Webmaster a. Be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the MGC website and assist with any correspondence using social media. b. Be responsible for the maintenance of the email account system. c. Maintain a complete updated binder, which will include electronic creations of any sort, reports of any information listed on the website, any future data to be added, new media or social media updates, changes, or how to documents.

10. Duties of the MGC Advisor The duties of the MGC Advisor are as follows but not limited to: a. Be well versed in the University of Houston rules and regulations, Center for Fraternity/Sorority Life & student organizations rules and regulations and the MGC constitution. b. Provide support, advice, guidance, and serve as a mediator to the MGC c. Shall work to help MGC adhere to all governing documents and achieve its goals. d. Facilitate in tabulating all votes generated by the council for insurance of objectivity and fairness. e. Provide counsel to each MGC officer as to what his/her duties are before they officially take office. f. Confer with the President and the Executive Board before general body and special meetings. 7

g. Must meet with all new members a minimum of two weeks prior to the presentation to the university community. If this meeting does not happen then said organization will receive fines and potential judicial hearing. h. Collaborate with the MGC on setting goals for the upcoming academic year and assist in insuring implementation. i. Keep the MGC informed of current university, local, regional and national policies as it relates to the MGC. j. Be present at all MGC meetings and events. k. Oversee and sign-off on expenditures and monetary transactions, and any other paperwork of the MGC. l. Represent the MGC at the request of Director of Center for Fraternity/Sorority Life or the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs-Student Life.

Section 6: Nominations 1. The duties and responsibilities of each office must be ready by the presiding officer at the time of nominations. 2. Nominations for the Executive Board positions shall take place on a scheduled meeting of the General Body in the month of March. 3. Nominees must accept or decline nominations at that time. 4. Nominees must complete an Executive Board application prior to elections and submit it to the current Advisor for review. 5. Nominees for MGC President are limited to MGC members who have been active and have held an Executive Board position in their organization for at least one academic year. 6. The outgoing President will facilitate nominations/elections. In the event the President is running for a position, the outgoing Internal Vice President would facilitate the nominations/elections.

Section 7: Presentation/Speeches 1. Speeches will be held in a scheduled General Body meeting in April. 2. The Advisor shall review each nominee’s application prior to each individual nominee’s speech. 3. Nominees must present a speech not exceeding five minutes to the General Body detailing their goals, ideas, and qualifications for the position they are running for at the time of elections. 4. Nominees will entertain questions relevant to the office and their ability to carry out the responsibilities of the office immediately following the presentation mediated by the presiding officer.

Section 8: Elections 1. Elections shall take place on a scheduled meeting following the presentations themselves in the month of April. 2. Nominees shall not be present in the meeting room for the duration of another nominee’s speech for the position being voted on. 3. Prior to voting on each Executive Board position, all nominees must leave the meeting room, whereby the General Body will discuss any concerns about each nominee. 4. Executive Board shall be elected in the following order a. President b. Vice President c. Treasurer d. Parliamentarian e. Secretary 8

f. Recruitment Liaison g. Historian h. Webmaster

5. Each candidate must receive a majority vote to be elected. Re-voting can take place with the top two nominees for each category for a majority vote to be reached.

Section 9: Oath of Office and Confidentiality 1. Each Executive Board Officer will be sworn in by the past President at Formal Presentations at the end of each academic year. 2. Each new Executive Board Officer shall swear to an oath of office and secrecy which will be recited as follows:

“I, (state your name), do solemnly swear to uphold my elected Executive Board Office as (state your position) to the best of my ability. I will honor my duties as outlined in the MGC Constitution and By-Laws. I will follow all rules and obligations stated in the Constitution. As an elected Executive Board Officer, I understand that this is a privileged position in which I will have knowledge of confidential information; therefore, I will adhere to the secrecy of such privileged information.

3. In addition, each Executive Board Officer will sign an oath of office and confidentiality with the past President and current MGC Advisor to bear witness with his/her own signature. 4. Failure to uphold the oath of office and confidentiality, an Executive Board Officer may be asked to resign by the Executive Board Officer and/or will be removed through the removal and impeachment process outline in Article VIII, Section 11.

Section 10: Vacancies 1. In the event of the premature vacancy of the Office of President, the current Vice President will assume the Office of the President for the remainder of the term. If vacancies reoccur for the Office of President, the order of Executive Board officers will follow as stated in Article VIII, Section 8.3- Executive Board Order 2. In the event of the premature vacancy of any other office, the General Body may nominate a representative, and the nominee will be confirmed by a majority vote of the General Body.

Section 11: Removal and Impeachment a. Any full member of the General Body shall be able to initiate removal of an officer of the Executive Board on the grounds of any of the following: a. Dereliction of duties as outlined in Article VII, Section 5 b. Mismanagement of funds c. Failing to meet the general requirements as specified in Article VIII: Section 2- Selection of Officers d. Failing to adhere to the oath of office and confidentiality upheld by each Executive Board Officer stated in Article VIII, Section 9.2. 2. The removal of an officer shall proceed as follows: a. Said full member shall contact in writing the MGC Advisor about the circumstances surrounding the grounds for the removal of the officer in question. The MGC Advisor shall contact in writing, the officer in question and inform them that impeachment proceedings are pending. b. Impeachment proceeding shall take place no later than the second week from 9

the time written charges are presented to the notified officer. c. At the Impeachment proceeding, which will consist of the General Body, the Parliamentarian shall read the written statement and the officer in question may answer questions in his or her defense. In the event that the Parliamentarian is the office in question, the Vice President shall read the written statement. d. A vote on removal shall take place no later than one week after the General Body has heard the formal written statement. e. A 2/3 majority vote of the General Body is needed to remove the officer. f. The officer removed shall be replaced according to Article VIII, Section 10.

ARTICLE IX: AUTHORITY OF GENERAL BODY

Section 1: The general body of the MGC shall be composed of the representatives of each member organization.

Section 2: The general body has voting powers on all matters pertaining to MGC general information.

Section 3: The general body has the power to elect and impeach executive board officers according to Article VIII section 11.

Section 4: The general body shall have the power to deliver mandates to member organizations and to the members of the executive board.

Section 5: The general body shall be provided with a copy of the agenda by the executive board prior to the start of each general meeting.

ARTICLE X: MEETINGS

Section 1: Meeting Attendance 1. Absences a. An excused absence is a minimum 24 hour prior notification by proper written/email to the Executive Board. There is no fine penalty for an excused absence. b. Unexcused absence is failure to attend a meeting without proper notification and/or being later than ten (10) minutes into any General or Committee meeting. Unexcused absences shall be penalized with a fine and half a strike. (Refer to MGC By-Laws VII, Section 1.2- Unexcused fine amount) c. Two unexcused will constitute a strike. 2. Meeting Tardiness a. Excused tardiness is a minimum 24 hour prior notification by proper written/email to the Executive Board. There is no fine penalty for an excused tardy. b. Unexcused tardiness is being late/tardy to any General or Committee meeting. Unexcused tardiness shall be penalized with a fine and half of a strike. (Refer to MGC By-Laws VII, Section 1.3-Later Fine amount) c. Unexcused tardiness of ten (10) minutes after the meeting has been called to order shall be considered an unexcused absence with the appropriate penalties stated in Article IX, Section 1.2.b.

Section 2: Executive Board Meetings Executive Board meetings will be held weekly and prior to the weekly general body meetings.

Section 3: General Body Meetings 1. The general body meetings will consist of the general body, the executive board officers, and the advisor, and will be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order. 2. Three-fourths of the general body members and at least ½ of the executive board officers must be present for it to be an official general body meeting. 3. A maximum of three members (two representatives and the alternate) from the organization may attend general body meetings. Only the official representatives of each member organization have a vote. 4. All voting will be a house vote across the board. One vote per organization.

Section 4: Organizational Representatives 1. Each active full member organization shall have one vote in the general body meeting to be voted by an official representative of the organization. 2. Each member organization must declare their two official representatives and an alternate in writing to the president of the executive board no later than the first general body meeting of the current semester. 3. In the event that neither the elected representatives nor the alternate is present, an unspecified alternate may vote with written proxy signed by the President of that respective organization. 4. Representatives speak for and make decisions for their respective organizations and should be able to do so without adjournment or consultation with other chapter officers. 5. Organizations are responsible for the actions, conduct, and fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities of their representatives. 6. Executive Board officers cannot function as representatives or vote for their respective organization unless done so through proxy. 7. Each representative is to adhere to confidentiality upon privileged information. All organizational representatives must sign a waiver of confidentiality, which if not adhered to; judicial charges will be brought upon the respective organization not just the representative.

ARTICLE XI: VOTING PRIVILEGES AND RULES

Section 1: Voting Privileges 1. All full member organizations in good standing with MGC and the University of Houston shall have voting rights, which equates to one vote per organization. 2. Associate member organizations do not have the privilege to vote during any MGC meeting or issue; however, the organization may voice their concerns and offer feedback. 3. Any organization that receives three (3) strikes will be denied any voting privileges until the strikes are lifted. (refer to Article XIX) 4. Any organization on probation with MGC, the University of Houston, and/or the national organization will be denied any voting privileges. Section 2: Voting 1. Voting can only take place with 2/3 quorum. 2. Abstention will count in favor of the majority. 3. A motion is passed with a majority vote from the General Body. 4. Any voting taking place within these Judicial Committee meetings must pass with a 2/3 majority vote from the Judicial Committee. 11

5. Any voting taking place within these Expansion/ Extension Committee meetings must pass with a 2/3 majority vote from the Expansion Committee. 6. An Associate member organization shall receive a majority vote by the General Body for full membership status. 7. Each nominee must receive a majority vote to be elected into office. 8. An Executive Board Officer shall be impeached upon a 2/3 majority vote from the General Body. 9. Any amendment must be passed with a majority vote from the General Body. 10. Any other voting measures needed shall be passed with a majority vote from the General Body unless otherwise noted.

ARTICLE XII: PEER JUDICIAL REVIEW BOARD (JUDICIARY COMMITTEE)

Section 1: The Peer Judicial Review Board has the power to deliver decisions as described in Article XI to member organizations and officers of the MGC as to be enforced by the general body.

Section 2: Members of the Peer Judicial Review Board shall consist of:

1. Peer Judicial Board Chair 2. MGC President 3. Full Member Organization Representatives 4. Peer Judicial Advisor *Note: Associate Member Organizations are not permitted to attend these meetings on grounds that these meetings are privileged and Associate Members do not have voting rights.

Section 3: Peer Judicial Board Chair The Peer Judicial Board Chair is lead by the elected Parliamentarian and does not have a vote on the board.

Section 4: Full Member Organization Representative The Peer Judicial Review Board shall consist of one representative from each full member organization who does not reside on the Executive Board of the MGC.

Section 5: Peer Judicial Advisor The MGC Advisor shall serve as Ex-Officio member of the Judicial Board.

Section 6: The Peer Judicial Review Board may hear and decide all issues and allegations brought by any member organization, new member(s) or officer(s) of the MGC against any other member organization, new member(s) or officer(s) of the MGC.

Section 7: Voting 1. Each voting full member organization shall have one vote. 2. All decisions by the Peer Judicial Review Board must have a quorum of 2/3 excluding the Chair.

Section 8: Charges Charges that are brought shall be submitted in writing to the Peer Judicial Review Board and the President.

Section 9: Meetings The Peer Judicial Chair must call a meeting within 48 hours of receiving the charges. 12

ARTICLE XIII: JUDICIAL STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURE

Section 1: The hearing will be open to representatives of the presenting and defending organizations and any of their witnesses.

Section 2: Any information within these Judicial Committee meetings is considered privileged and may not be discussed outside of the designated meeting.

Section 3: Judicial Procedure

1. Pre-Hearing Procedure a. The organization/office/individual bringing an allegation against another organization must file charges with the Judicial Board Chair b. The Judicial Board sets the hearing date, location, and time. c. The Judicial Board informs the organizations’ presidents in writing of the hearing date, time, and location. d. Presidents of involved organizations will have two business days to appeal, in writing, the time and date of the hearing. 2. Hearing Procedure a. The Judicial Board will arrive half an hour early. All parties involved will wait outside the established location until the hearing is convened. b. Introductions of the Judicial Board and the parties involved are made. c. The Chair outlines the hearing and asks all witnesses to leave the room. Only the board and the representatives of the organizations remain. d. The board and the organizations review all the information if they have not done so already. e. The Judicial Chair reads the charges. The accused organization then has the opportunity to accept or deny responsibility. f. If they accept responsibility, the Judicial Board will deliberate and render a sanction. g. If they do not accept responsibility, the organization/office/individual bringing forth allegations presents its case including evidence and witnesses. Witnesses are brought in one at a time. h. The Judicial Board questions presenting organizations and witnesses only. i. The accused organization has the opportunity to present a defense including evidence and witnesses. Witnesses are brought in one at a time. j. The Judicial Board questions those presenting information in defense. k. The Judicial Board deliberates and makes a decision on the charged organization’s guilt or innocence and renders sanctions if applicable. Decisions must be made by 2/3 majority vote.

3. Post-Hearing Procedures a. The decisions will be put in writing, within 24 hours, by the Judicial Board Chair and be delivered to presenting and defending organizations. b. Any appeal must be made in writing within 72 hours following adjournment and hearing. c. A copy of the appeal should be submitted to the Council Advisor and the Judicial Board Chair.

4. Appeal Procedures a. All appeals must be made within 72 hours following the written notification of the decision. 13

b. Appeal consideration shall be limited to: 1. Unfair hearing (procedure of the hearing that affected the outcome). 2. New Evidence (which could not be presented at the time of the hearing). 3. Harsh judgment (the sanction is extraordinarily disproportionate to the violation). 4. The Peer Judicial Review Board and the MGC Advisor will meet to see if the appeal is justified. 5. If an appeal is found to be justified, another hearing will be held in accordance to all procedures.

Section 4: Sanctions of an Organization. For violation of any Article of the Constitution 1. Voting rights revoked for a specific period of time. 2. Suspension for a period of time 3. Suspension for an indefinite period of time, pending readmission by the body 4. A fine appropriate for the violation 5. Educational sanctions 6. Community Service 7. Any additional sanctions the Judicial Board deems necessary 8. Any combination of the above and/or up to the discretion of the Judicial Board

ARTICLE XIV: EXPANSION COMMITTEE

Section 1: The Committee will assess the growth of the Council as well as the existing University need for the individual organization seeking membership.

Section 2: The MGC Expansion Committee shall consist of: 1. Expansion Committee Chair- The head of the committee shall be the Recruitment Liaison with assistance from the President. 2. Executive Board 3. MGC Advisor

Section 3: The duties of this committee shall be to study the applications or requests of groups seeking membership status at the University of Houston.

Section 4: The Expansion Committee will assess the status of the need or lack thereof to extend offers to applying organizations.

Section 5: The General Body will hear the report and decision from the Expansion Committee to extend offers of expansion that particular semester.

Section 6: The committee shall keep active records of organizations who expressed interest in the University of Houston.

ARTICLE XV: EXPANSION COMMITTEE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS

Section 1: Names 1. The interested organizations shall be referred to as “Interests.” 2. The MGC member organizations shall be referred to as “Members.”

Section 2: MGC officers will hold a semesterly vote at the beginning of the fall and spring semester to decide if the council will hold expansion. At this time there must a majority 2/3 vote to continue with expansion, if this maximum is not met, the Recruitment Liaison can ask each officer for valid reasons. 14

Section 3: Expansion Application Requirements 1. The prospective organization must have met all requirements and requests made by the MGC Expansion Committee including a nonrefundable $50.00 application fee. This fee will count towards the dues for the organization that is selected. 2. The prospective organization must present the following materials to the committee. i. A letter to the University and the MGC from the fraternity’s/sorority’s national organization expressing interest and level of support in colonizing a chapter at the University of Houston. ii. Information pamphlets/brochures on the national organization. iii. Colonizing criteria and chartering strategy. iv. Alcohol and risk management plan/materials. v. A list of all campus chapters nationwide, stating the number of actives in each chapter. vi. Number of active alumni in the Houston area. vii. Written plan on how the organization plans to obtain the support of a chapter advisor and alumni, etc. viii. Provide proof of liability insurance. 3. The application due date is set for the third Friday in September and February by 5 pm to the Recruitment Liaison and MGC Advisor.

Section 4: Any information within these Expansion meetings is considered privileged and may not be discussed outside of the designated meeting. The only exception is to discuss with his/her perspective organization potential candidates for Associate Member Status prior to voting.

Section 5: Before the Interest applies to MGC they must maintain an active membership of a minimum of 5 University of Houston-main campus students enrolled in 12 hours or more. The 5 membership requirement shall be maintained for 2 consecutive semesters. They must be a registered student organization and present proof of registration with the Center for Student Involvement memorandum.

Section 6: MGC Expansion Committee Process 1. Review of Application: a. MGC Responsibility of the Application 1. The committee shall review the application semester to make any necessary changes and update the application prior to submitting it to all Interests by the designated date listed below in Article XIV, Section5. 2. Updated applications shall be available to Interests by the second Friday of June for the fall semester and the second Friday of November for the spring semester. 3. The Executive Board shall review each application upon Interest’s submission to ensure a complete application before the committee is allowed to review the application. 4. The Committee will review all materials requested in the above Article XIII, Section 2 and any additional material the committee requests. b. Interest’s Responsibility of the Application: 1. Any incomplete applications will not be accepted. 2. All applications and fees must be submitted by the due date noted on the application. 2. Interest’s Presentation: 15

a. Based on the above information, the Committee will vote to ask the prospective organization to make a formal presentation to the Council by the National Organization of its member chapters. b. The presentation date is set for the second Friday in October and the first Friday in March if location is available. c. The National Organization of its member chapter will meet with the professional staff members in the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life prior to the seeking membership in the council. d. Required materials during presentation: 1. A hard copy of the PowerPoint presentation, a copy on a flash drive, and email the PowerPoint to the Recruitment Liaison and MGC Advisor. 2. Informative sheets for each organization representative, each Executive Board Member, the MGC Advisor, and one for the committee records. 3. Any supplemental materials from the Interests.

3. Format of Presentation a. Introduction of organization and presenters b. PowerPoint Presentation c. Question and Answer Portion 1. Preliminary questions asked by the officers 2. Preliminary questions asked by the member representative 3. MGC Advisor Questions 4. Questions from the Interests

4. Voting Process a. Round I: Criteria 1. Each Interest will be evaluated on a criteria spreadsheet formulated by the committee, which is to be reviewed and revised annually. 2. The criteria points will be scored by the Recruitment Liaison for review by the committee. 3. Criteria categories shall include but are not limited to: i. UH Categories ii. Interest’s Members iii. Interest’s Chapters iv. Interest’s Support v. Interest’s Structure vi. Interest’s Academics vii. Interest’s Community Service viii. Interest’s Cultural Awareness ix. Interest’s Finances x. MGC/UH Regulations (penalties from the Interests) b. Round II: Selection 1. The MGC Advisor shall record each vote by the officers for the Interests. c. Final Round: Final vote 1. Each Full Member Organization will submit their recommendations to the MGC Advisor for the Committee for their recommended Interest Organization(s). 2. The fraternity/sorority must receive a 2/3 majority vote from the officers for approval. d. Bid Extension 1. The bid is extended to the interested organization no later than two weeks after the presentation, which denotes to the week preceding the fall break and following spring break. 16

2. Upon receiving approval, the interested organization will become an Associate Member of the MGC and will follow guidelines outlined in Article XVI.

ARTICLE XVI – ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP STATUS PROVISIONS

Section 1: Criteria for Associate Membership 1. The Associate Members shall be under review as associate members for two long semesters, summer not included. a. A preliminary review will take place at the end of the first semester. b. At the end of the second semester, the General Body will review each Associate Member Organization’s performance prior to voting for approval to Full Membership. 1. Approval for Full Membership The Associate Member Organization must receive a majority vote from the General Body in order to receive Full Membership Status. 2. Denial for Full Membership Status a. If an Associate Member Organization receives the three (3) strike penalty in either of the two (2) associate member review semesters, the full membership status is automatically denied. b. If the Associate Member Organization does not receive a majority vote, the organization will remain under Associate Membership for an additional third semester. At the end of the third semester, a vote for full membership will take place. c. If an Associate Member Organization is denied Full Membership Status two consecutive times, then the Organization will be removed from the council. d. If the Associate Member Organization was denied full membership two (2) consecutive terms the organization must wait one (1) full academic year before petitioning for membership. 2. All Associate Members must adhere to any University of Houston rules and regulations and any procedures sanctioned by the Center for Student Involvement and the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life and the Fraternal Excellence Program. a. The organization must also remain in good standing with the University of Houston as well as their National affiliation during this period of time. b. Associate Member Organizations shall be bound by all rules and decisions of the Council and the Judicial Board. c. Each organization must submit an updated roster to the MGC each semester complete with officer positions noted. d. Each organization must submit in writing the organization’s official representatives that will be attending all MGC meetings during this period. e. During this period, the organization must attend all general body meetings. f. Associate Member organizations must actively participate with 80% of membership of its chapter in all MGC mandatory sponsored events. g. The organization is responsible for one community project per semester. One of the events will be an MGC event with 80% of the membership of its chapter present. The second will be at their discretion. h. Associate Member Organizations shall have all rights and privileges of a Full Membership. Exceptions to the Full Membership privileges are: i. The right to vote in the council. ii. Attend committee meetings. 17

iii. To hold Executive Board Office. i. All Associate Members must pay dues of $25 each semester to the council to fulfill council plans, objectives, and sponsored events. j. Each member organization must maintain a combined cumulative grade point average of 2.34. In the event that the chapter G.P.A. falls below the 2.34 mark, the Judicial Board will put the organization’s membership under review.

Section 2: Completion 1. Upon successful completion of the aforementioned requirements, and completion of any other requirements of the Center for Student Involvement, the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life and the University of Houston, the General Body shall vote to admit the organization in question to Full Member status. 2. The vote for Full Membership for an Associate Membership shall take place during the second to last meeting in that semester, schedule permitting.

Section 3: Withdrawal 1. An organization must notify the Council in writing of intentions to withdraw membership a. No later than one month prior to the last general body meeting of a semester (which constitutes the first meeting of November and April respectively for the Fall and Spring semester). b. If the drop deadline is not met, the organization is held responsible for all financial and participation responsibilities for that semester 2. All outstanding dues and other debts must be paid to the Council in order for the organization to be in good standing with the University.

ARTICLE XVII – FULL MEMBERSHIP STATUS PROVISIONS

Section 1: Criteria for Full Membership 1. The member organization must be a social Greek-Lettered organization, non- academic or professional in scope, oriented to community service and dually registered with the Center for Student Involvement at the University of Houston-main campus. 2. Member organizations must adhere to the rules, regulations of the MGC. 3. All Full Member organizations must adhere to any University of Houston rules and regulations and any procedures sanctioned by the Center for Student Involvement and the Center for Fraternity& Sorority Life and the Fraternal Excellence Program. 4. The organization must also remain in good standing with the University of Houston as well as their National affiliation. 5. Full Member organizations shall be bound by all rules and decisions of the council and the judicial board. 6. Full Member organizations will not host programs, mixers, or social activities that are advertised to the broader community with any social Greek-Lettered organization classified as non-academic or professional in scope, that are not in any of the five (5) councils. To host this type of event the Full Member organization will be permitted to present reasons to the Executive Board for their approval. 7. Each organization must submit an updated roster to the MGC each semester complete with officer positions noted. The roster should be submitted 3 weeks after the first day of class. 8. Each organization must submit in writing the organization’s three official representatives that will be attending all 1) MGC meetings, 2) Expansion Committee Meetings, and 3) Judicial Committee Meetings. 18

9. Member organizations are required to attend all general body meetings and all committee meetings. If a meeting in missed it will be referred to the Judicial Board for review. 10. Member organizations must actively participate in all MGC mandatory sponsored events. 11. Member organizations are responsible for one community service project and one fundraiser event per semester. Both of the projects will be an event with 40 % of the active membership of each organization present. 12. Member organizations must pay dues of $100.00 per semester to the council. 13. Each organization must pay their dues of $100.00 each semester to remain in good standing with the council. 14. Each member organization must maintain a combined cumulative grade point average of 2.2. In the event that the chapter G.P.A. falls below the 2.2 mark, the Judicial Board will put the organization’s membership under review.

Section 2: Withdrawal 1. An organization must notify the council in writing of intentions to withdraw membership a. No later than one month prior to the last general body meeting of a semester (which constitutes the first meeting of November and April respectively for the Fall and Spring semester). b. If the drop deadline is not met, the organization is held responsible for all financial and participation responsibilities for that semester 2. All outstanding dues and other debts must be paid to the Council in order for the organization to be in good standing with the University.

ARTICLE XVIII – INTAKE/NEW MEMBER PROCESS

Section 1: No new member education program may last longer than 10 weeks.

Section 2: Each organization must submit a list of new members that have been initiated, no longer than five days before the ceremony of initiation, to the MGC Advisor.

Section 3: All intake or new member activities must be in accordance with the national organization and must adhere to university policies and procedures.

Section 4: All organizations must sign the university’s non-hazing compliance form.

Section 5: All new members are required to meet with the MGC Advisor to complete the required university paperwork a minimum of two weeks prior to the presentation of new members to the university community.

ARTICLE XIX - STRIKES

Section 1: Strike definition

1. A strike constitutes a measure to maintain the procedural following written in the Constitution and By-Laws. 2. An organization is reviewed by the judicial board upon accumulation of 3 strikes.

Section 2: What constitutes half of a strike?

1. ½ strike is for the first unexcused absence for a General Body or Committee Meeting. 2. First unexcused tardy 19

3. If dues are late and ½ strike will be given for each additional time they are late. 4. If a chapter does not submit calendar date to the Vice President in the appropriate time frame. 5. For all late payments to include but not limited to: fines, dues, etc.

Section 3: What constitutes a full strike?

1. Two unexcused absences from the General Body meeting and/or committee meetings 2. Second unexcused tardy 3. Unexcused tardiness of ten (10) minutes past the start of the meeting shall be considered an unexcused absence. 4. If a chapter host an event/mixer/social, etc. without approval. 5. Non-attendance/participation in MGC Week or general events. 6. Non-attendance/participation in MGC Leadership Academy (retreat). 7. Non-attendance/participation in the MGC community service event(s) 8. Non-attendance/participation in the MGC fundraising event(s) 9. Non-attendance/participation in the new member meeting with the MGC Advisor.

University of Houston Multicultural Greek Council By-Laws

BY-LAW I: COMMITTEES

Section 1: Appointment 1. Appointments for committee chairs shall take place on a regular General Body Meeting set forth by the Executive Board except those that the Executive Body oversees 2. Nominations shall be present to the General Body in writing and turned into the Internal Vice President. 3. Committee chairs shall be appointed by a simple majority vote of the General Body.

Section 2: Vacancies 1. In the event of a committee chair vacancy, all vacant chairs shall be announced at the next General Body Meeting. 2. The decision to fill the vacancy shall follow the same procedure outlined in the Constitution Article VIII, Section 10. 3. If there are no qualified or interested applicants, an Executive Officer will be appointed to fill in the vacancy until a replacement is found. 4. All committee chairs are subject to removal by the Executive Board.

Section 3: Requirements 1. Chairs must be in good standing with the respective Full Member Organization. 2. Chairs must have served on the said committee for at least one (1) semester prior to semester of appointment unless no active members in the MGC have such experience. 3. Committee members can be any individual members from the General Body. 20

4. A committee must consist of a committee chair and a minimum of two additional committee members.

BY-LAW II: STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1: Judicial Committee 1. It shall be the responsibility of the Judicial Committee to oversee the guidelines set forth in Article XII and XIII. 2. The Judicial Committee shall be chaired by the Parliamentarian.

Section 2: Expansion Committee 1. It shall be the responsibility of the Expansion Committee to oversee the guidelines set forth in Article XIV and XV.. 2. The expansion committee shall be chaired by the Recruitment Liaison. 3. The maximum number of qualifying interested organizations to be accepted for Associate Member status in any given academic year shall depend on the number of Interests that submit the appropriate expansion application information.

Section 3: Fundraising Committee 1. It shall be the responsibility of the Fundraising Committee to: a. Plan and implement all fundraising activities. b. Keep the Treasurer aware of fundraising activities. 2. The fundraising committee shall be chaired by the Vice President-Finance.

BY-LAW III: AD-HOC COMMITTEES

Section 1: Constitution and By-Laws 1. It shall be the duty of the constitution and bylaws committee to annually review and offer revisions to be presented by to the General Body. 2. The committee shall be chaired by the Vice President.

Section 2: Special Committees 1. Any committees can be formed if the General Body or Executive Board deems it necessary to have any special committee. 2. The committees shall be chaired by an appointed member from the General Body.

BY-LAW IV: EVENT SCHEDULING

Section 1: The MGC shall keep an official calendar of events highlighting all MGC Full Member organization events. The calendar shall be updated by the Vice President.

Section 2: Full and Associate Members can designate five (5) days per year to officially celebrate their national founding date or their founding at the University of Houston.

Section 3: Two weeks prior to the event, organizations must submit their calendar to the Internal and External Vice-Presidents. In the event of overlapping social events (club parties, presentation of new members, fundraisers, etc.), the first organization to turn in their calendar will receive priority for the date. Two weeks prior to the event the club party contract and flier should be submitted to the Vice President.

Section 4: Two (2) sororities and/or two (2) fraternities can have their individual general events on the same day with the exception that they are at least 2 hours apart from each other and that they do not exceed more than 2 hours. This excludes club/house parties.

Section 5: Two (2) sororities and/or two (2) fraternities can have their individual rush/recruitment events on the same day. This excludes club/house parties.

Section 6: Organizations may propose changes to the MGC calendar to the Vice-President, subject to time-date availability.

Section 7: MGC organizations are only allotted two club parties per semester.

BY-LAW V: MANDATORY MGC EVENTS

Section 1: MGC Meetings Day and Time: 1. All General Body and Committee Meetings shall be scheduled at a day and time during the regular work week to be determined by the availability of the officers and Full Member Organizations. 2. There shall be a five (5) minute buffer for beginning meeting to allow for organization attendance.

Section 2: MGC Week and General Events/Programs 1. There shall be one week in the month of September to celebrate the founding of MGC. 2. Every MGC Full Member and Associate Member shall sponsor or co-sponsor one event during the MGC Week. 3. No Full or Associate Member Organization’s founding weeks or days, recruitment weeks or days, or general events can take place during MGC Week unless approved by the Executive Board. 4. All Full Member and Associate Member organizations must actively participate in each MGC Week event. 5. Associate Member organizations must actively participate with 80% of chapter membership in each MGC Week or general event. Full Member organizations must actively participate with 40% of the chapter membership. 6. Non-attendance/participation in the required MGC Week events or general events will constitute a strike for the organization. 7. Full or Associate member recruitment/rush events, general events, etc. cannot be held during a MGC general program/event/activity or week event.

Section 3: Community Service 1. There shall be at least one MGC community service each semester. 2. All Full Member Organizations must actively participate with 40% of chapter membership in one MGC sponsored community service event each semester. 3. Associate Member Organizations must actively participate with 80% of chapter membership in one MGC sponsored community service event each semester. 4. Non-attendance/participation in the required community service event will constitute a strike for the organization.

Section 4: Fundraising Event 1. There shall be at least one MGC fundraising event each semester. 2. All Full Member Organizations must actively participate with 40% of chapter membership in one MGC sponsored fundraising event each semester. 22

3. Associate Member Organizations must actively participate with 80% of chapter membership in one MGC sponsored fundraising event each semester. 4. Non-attendance/participation in the required fundraising event will constitute a strike for the organization.

BY-LAW VI: DUES

Section 1: Payment Amount of Dues 1. Full membership dues are $100 each semester. 2. Associate membership dues are $50 each semester.

Section 2: Dates of Payments Dues must be paid by the second General Body Meeting in September for the fall semester and the second General Body Meeting in February for the spring semester.

BY-LAW VII: FINES

Section 1: Fines for meetings 1. Excused absence with proper notification shall not receive a fine. 2. Unexcused absence fines are $10 and must be paid the following General Body Meeting 3. Tardiness: Being late to a meeting will have the fines of: a. A $5 fine per five (5) minute increments after the buffer time frame stated in By- Law V, Section 1.2 b. The maximum limit for being late is fifteen (10) minutes past the buffer; thereafter, it shall be considered an unexcused absence with the appropriate fine.

Section 2: Fine Amounts for late payment of dues 1. Any late payment of dues will accrue a $25 late fee each General Body Meeting. 2. Late payments may not exceed $50 over the original dues. 3. Non-adherence to payment of fines If payment of dues is not paid in accordance to the time set, then the prospective organization shall receive a warning and shall be put under judicial review for suspension until dues are paid in full.

Section 3: Fine Amounts for late submission of any MGC and/or University of Houston documents 1. Failure to submit the appropriate paperwork to the MGC and/or University of Houston will accrue a fine of a $5 per business day until the documents have been filed with the appropriate authorities. 2. There will be a maximum of a $20 fine for the above stated. Continued delinquency shall have the organization under review by the Judicial Committee.

Section 4: Fine Amounts for Mandatory MGC Events 1. Failure to attend any of the Mandatory MGC Events included in By-Law V section 2, 3, and 4 will result in a fine of $50 per event or activity. 2. Failure to attend the MGC Leadership Academy or related retreats with an unexcused absence will result in a fine of $75.

BY-LAW VIII: AMENDMENTS

Section 1: The Preamble, Articles 1 through XIX, and the By-Laws I through VII of the MGC Constitution and By-Laws may not be amended by individual organizations.

Section 2: Any article, section, or paragraph may be amended by majority vote from the General Body, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given by the voting date of such amendment. 24