South Alabama IFC Greek Board of Magistrates

Bylaws

The mission of the Greek Board of Magistrates (henceforth referred to as GBM) is to promote a sense of Fraternal standards, values, civility, accountability, responsible behavior, and the maintenance of good character among all fraternities at the University of South Alabama as is consistent with the mission of the University.

The primary responsibility of the board will be to resolve organizational violations of the bylaws, rules and policies of the Fraternity Council, the University, and other applicable risk management policies.

In conformance with applicable State and Federal laws and University policy, the Greek Board of Magistrates does not discriminate in any of its policies, selection procedures or practices on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status or citizenship.

鈻� ARTICLE II: JURISDICTION

The GBM will adjudicate violations involving fraternity chapter activities (see Article IV, Section B). Individual violations will be adjudicated through the University conduct process. This is to include academic and behavior violations worthy of probation via the IFC bylaws. Said violations will still be punished via the standards of the IFC bylaws and their suggested punishments. There will be no appeal for academic-based sanctions.
Chapters and members who commit offenses against federal, state, and local laws, are subject to prosecution by those authorities and may be subject to disciplinary action under University rules when their conduct violates institutional standards.
Specifically, the jurisdiction of the GBM shall be to hear the following cases:
1. Violations of the Interfraternity Council Constitution and bylaws
2. Violations of the Interfraternity Council Recruitment Rules
3. Violations of Risk Management Policies
4. Violations of University Alcohol, Drug and Hazing Policies by a chapter
When applicable, mediation may be available to resolve disputes between two or more organizations.
Individual cases are to be heard by the University. However, if a chapter demonstrates a pattern of similar individual violations, then a University official or GBM advisor may recommend that the Chapter be heard by the GBM. At some point, the summation of similar individual violations should be considered representative of the culture of the chapter as a whole.
1. A University official or GBM advisor may suggest that a chapter be brought before the GBM in response to numerous individual violations, but it is left up to the discretion of the Vice President Judicial whether or not the chapter shall be heard.
2. The conditions by which a chapter may be heard based on individual violations are intentionally broad. It is up to the VP-JD to decide whether or not the case can be considered organizational given the relevant circumstances.
If it becomes clear to the VP-JD that a chapter is violating University policies and other risk management policies, but there is not enough evidence to charge the chapter with a violation, the VP-JD may contact the chapter to discuss the chapter鈥檚 behavior without levying sanctions.
1. The VP-JD may ask the chapter President to attend a formal meeting but may not levy sanctions.
2. Any actions taken by the VP should be done with the GBM advisor鈥檚 knowledge. However, since the aim of such a meeting is to establish accountability within the Greek community and since no formal charges are being submitted, the VP may choose to hold the meeting without the GBM advisor present in order to promote a more honest dialogue.

鈻� ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section A. Composition of the GBM

The GBM shall be composed of the IFC Vice President Judicial, two members from each IFC represented fraternity with one being a delegate, and a Greek Conduct Board advisor. Other Office of Fraternity officials may advise the board in conjunction with the Greek Board of Magistrate advisor.
The Magistrate Board standing pool is defined as the group of members that has already completed training and may be selected by the VP-JD to hear cases.
The currently elected President of IFC as well as the former VP-JD may be requested to advise the GBM.
The current President of IFC may also attend any and all meetings if he chooses to do so with the consent of the VP-JD.

Section B. Selection of GBM Members

The process for selecting new members of the GBM should be started within a week following the installment of new council officers in November and should be completed in no longer than two weeks. Members of the GBM will serve for the duration of the fiscal year as long as they continue to meet the qualifications of GBM members.
Members must apply for the position and go through a subsequent interview process in order to be selected for the GBM.
The incoming and outgoing VP-JD and the GBM advisor will conduct the application and interview process and will also select the new members of the GBM.
Newly selected members will not be a part of the hearing board until they have undergone proper training and have been selected for the hearing board by the VP.
A selection to training does not guarantee the newly appointed member selection to the standing pool.

Section C. Qualifications of GBM members:

Have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
Be in good standing, in terms of both conduct and academics, with the University of South Alabama.
Each member of the GBM must be in good standing with his fraternity. The respective chapter president must sign the application to verify this.
Affiliated with their fraternity for at least two semesters
Will not be graduating before the one year term expires
Is not a member of their fraternity鈥檚 executive council

Section D. Training of GBM Members

All members must attend all training sessions and maintain their commitment to the board throughout their term. This commitment will include obligations beyond simply hearing cases.
A newly selected member must complete training before he or she is able to enter the standing pool and later serve on a hearing board.
It is the responsibility of the incoming GBM VP-JD and advisor to train the members of the board.

Section E. Terms of Service

Members of the GBM will serve for the duration of the fiscal year as long as they continue to meet the qualifications of GBM and their conduct and standing with the University remains in good standing.
Those members wishing to serve another term will not need to apply, but do need to be reviewed and approved by the new VP-JD.

鈻� ARTICLE IV. REMOVAL OF BOARD MEMBERS

Board members found in violation of the University's Code of Student Conduct or the GBM member requirements as stated in these bylaws will be asked to resign by the VP-JD.
A GBM member鈥檚 absence from more than two mandatory GBM meetings or training sessions without previous approval of a VP-JD will be considered grounds for termination at the discretion of the VP-JD.

鈻� ARTICLE V. VACANCIES

Vacancies created by dismissal or withdrawal will be filled through an application process as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to select a replacement from the same chapter as the vacating member.

Standards

鈻� ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITIES

Section A. The responsibilities of the VP-JD

Promptly assist with selection of new members to the GBM upon taking office.
Initiate and lead in the training of the incoming VP-JD and new members at the end of the year of service. This may be accomplished in many different ways, but must include a face to face meeting between incoming and outgoing chairs to explicitly explain the function and purpose of the GBM and to pass along tips and pointers.
Select, via the same application and interview process, a new member when a vacancy arises due to dismissal or withdrawal.
Train the new members of the hearing board.
Determine if enough evidence exists to warrant hearings.
Determine whether mediation should be used in the case of a dispute between organizations.
Schedule hearings.
Select the GBM hearing board for each case.
Ensure proper procedure is observed during the hearings.
Notify chapter presidents, through email, about any hearings pertaining to their chapters
Notify the chapter president of any sanctions that result from a hearing.
In order to maintain transparency, Council should be notified of any sanctions levied. The purpose is to be educational and confidentiality should be maintained.
Maintain a violation hotline, in the form of an e-mail account or drop box to take anonymous complaints and concerns from members of the community.
Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with values and standards of the South Alabama Community and strive to set an example as the VP Judicial.
Attend regular meetings with the GBM advisor and IFC President.

Section B. Responsibilities of the GBM Advisor

The advisor shall serve in an advisory capacity concerning the rights and responsibilities of both parties, i.e. the hearing board and the accused organization. This shall include the ability to clarify University and relevant governing policies.
Hold regular meetings with the VP-JD.
Act as an intermediary between the VP-JD and the Office of Greek Life.

Section C. Confidentiality

The VP-JD, board members and advisor must sign a statement of confidentiality.
Greek Conduct Board members and VP-JD will maintain confidentiality regarding all proceedings.
Violation of confidentiality may result in immediate dismissal and may result in a conduct hearing through the University.

鈻� ARTICLE II. PROCEDURES

Section A: Complaints

Complaints can be filed through IFC the hotline maintained by the VP-JD, or the University.
Complaints must be filed and an investigation begun within ten business days of the alleged infraction, but should begin as soon as possible.
Once the VP-JD is notified of a complaint, he must make every attempt to determine whether or not the infraction represents a case of organizational misconduct (see Article IV, Section B), and if enough evidence exists to proceed with the hearing, within forty-eight hours.
If the GBM VP-JD determines that the case should be heard, the VP-JD should make every effort to schedule a hearing and notify the chapter president of the charges within 24 hours of receiving the complaint.
Mediation may be selected by the VP-JD where the complaint involves a dispute between two or more organizations.

Section B: Individual vs. Organizational Actions

The first item to be determined by the VP, as well as by the hearing board during a hearing, is whether an infraction was committed by an organization or by individuals within that organization. The criteria for determining whether an action is an individual or organizational activity are as follows:
1. The chapter pays for any part of the event through the chapter account or collection of funds from individual members
2. The event is advertised by or associated with the chapter in any way.
3. The chapter advisor or any of the executive officers of the chapter were aware of the event before or during and did not prohibit it from taking place. In addition, they did not take steps to ensure that the activity in question was in compliance with the applicable University policies, federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, Greek Community Standards, or IFC bylaws.
4. The incident involves or is actively or passively endorsed by other members of the chapter.
5. The event is commonly known on campus to be a chapter sponsored activity.
6. The infraction, though individual, occurs so often and is so widespread that it represents a culture of condoned or accepted misconduct within the organization. In the event that the culture within the organization has deteriorated to such a point, it becomes the responsibility of the Greek Conduct Board to promote community standards in that organization. See Article II.

Section C: Standard of Proof

The standard of proof for a hearing is preponderance of the evidence. As such, the evidence as a whole must show that the violation more likely than not occurred.

Section D. Investigations

All complaints will be investigated by the Greek Board of Magistrates VP and members of the Office of Greek Life staff.
1. Cases that stem directly from an official incident report can be considered fully investigated by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff members and can be heard immediately without any further investigation by the VP.
2. If a case of organizational misconduct comes to the attention of the VP, it is their responsibility to investigate and hear the case if sufficient evidence should exist.
  1. This includes but is not limited to credible rumors or reports filed through the hotline maintained by the VP.
  2. All steps of the investigation should be done in conjunction with the Office of Greek Life so as to keep them aware of what is happening.
In the event that a Greek Board of Magistrates VP has a conflict of interest precluding his/her involvement or investigation of a particular case, the GBM advisor may appoint a member of the GBM to act as VP of the GBM.

Section E. Evidence

All evidence must be properly documented (i.e. dates, times, names, and other information).
1. Written and/or Interview Evidence: Written or interview evidence must be presented in its entirety, including verbatim documentation, if such documentation exists, of all questions and answers. In the event that multiple interviews are conducted, questions need not be identical, but rather may be altered according to the circumstances and disposition of the interviewed party as seen fit by the investigator, so long as they remain properly and thoroughly documented.
2. Hazing Hotline Reports: Any interviews, evidence, or reports carried out or submitted via the Hazing Hotline should be documented to the same standard of integrity as written or interview evidence.
3. Physical Evidence: If any should exist, physical evidence should be kept in the possession of the GBM advisor to ensure its integrity.
The chapter may request a pre-hearing meeting with the VP and the Office of Greek Life advisor to discuss the charges and procedure of the hearing. Evidence or information about the infraction may not be discussed. Such a pre-hearing meeting is not a right given to the chapter and, especially in cases when time is an issue, the request may be denied by the VP.

Section F: Hearing Board Composition

A hearing board is composed of 5 GBM members, selected by the VP. VP will make appropriate attempts to select a balanced hearing board representative of the Greek community.
A GBM member whose chapter is involved in the hearing is not eligible to serve on that hearing board.

Section G: Mediation

The purpose of mediation is to find a satisfactory solution regarding disputes which involve two or more organizations.
The goal of mediation does not involve determining issues of policy.
Mediation occurs at the request of the VP. An organization may request that the VP call for mediation, but this action is not binding on the VP.
The mediation team will consist of the VP and three members of the GBM. Members may be from the organizations in the mediated dispute if the VP allow it.
The mediation team will assist the organizations in achieving a solution to the dispute.
Mediation shall be closed to the public.
All organizations involved must have representation and may not have more than two members present.
The mediation will continue until an agreeable solution is met or until all parties involved agree to terminate the mediation. If a deadlock occurs or if facilities are no longer available, the mediation can be put on hold. The group will determine the next meeting time prior to adjourning. The final schedule will be determined by the VP.
Agreement reached during mediation will be binding on the organizations involved. The outcome of the mediation will be emailed to the organization鈥檚 president. Any inaccuracies in the outcome must be contested within five days business days. Changes to the results of the mediation will be determined by the VP. VP can call another mediation hearing to resolve the contested inaccuracies if needed.
Any case of an organization violating a mediation agreement will be forwarded to a hearing board for failure to comply.

Section H: Conduct Board Members Scope

Conduct Board members do not have the authority to stop chapter events in relation to a case once they are in progress. Conduct Board members shall not initiate the investigative process. They are however able to file complaints.
Members must not participate in behavior that is in violation of the standing rules.

鈻� ARTICLE III: HEARINGS

Section A. Notification of Charges

If it is determined that a case will be brought against a chapter, the VP-JD will email the chapter president of the charges brought against the chapter. All attempts should be made to complete this within 48 hours of the incident, or within 24 hours of the next business day if incident occurs during a holiday, extended weekend, etc.
The email shall specify a hearing date at least four business days after the date the email is sent. The group may request an earlier hearing date, but the date shall be decided by the VP-JD. The VP-JD shall direct the organization through its appointed representatives to appear at the hearing.
The email shall include:
1. Date of the hearing
2. General description of the procedure
3. Description of the alleged violation
4. Advising the organization of its rights:
  1. to a private hearing
  2. to appear at the hearing with an advisor
  3. to present testimony of witnesses, documentary, or other evidence
  4. to appeal

Section B. Who Attends Hearings

The president of the organization charged with misconduct (or their designee), and one additional member is allowed to be present at the hearing.
1. These individuals are allowed to question all witnesses.
2. These individuals are also allowed to examine evidence.
There must be a minimum of five GBM members present during a hearing, not including the VP-JD.
GBM advisor will be present.
The organization charged with misconduct has the right to have an advisor present during the hearing.
1. The advisor may not present any evidence, question witnesses, or address the GBM.
2. The role of this individual is only to advise the organization.
In a case in which an aggrieved party is present, the party shall have the same rights at the organization charged with misconduct.
Witnesses are permitted at the hearing only while presenting evidence or while being questioned in process of the trial.
The GBM has the right to call before it all witnesses and/or documentary evidence it considers to be essential to rendering a decision. Penalties may be assigned to the chapters which fail to appear or provide evidence before the GBM.
As the board is not a court of law, attorneys are not permitted for either party at the hearing.
If a chapter鈥檚 representative fails to appear at the hearing, the GBM may, by majority vote, select one of the following courses of action:
1. Reschedule the hearing
2. Render a decision based on the available information

Section C. During the Hearing

Hearings of the GBM are closed to all individuals not specified in these bylaws.
The board has the responsibility to consider impartially all relevant testimony and evidence, determine the facts and, if a violation is found, impose appropriate sanctions.
The board may ask questions of either party for clarification of context, complaint, response, etc., and may call witnesses as it sees fit.
The VP-JD shall oversee the hearing, ensuring that procedures are followed and a fair hearing is held.
The GBM supports a self-governed student community, and as such is a student centered conduct process. Advisors have no standing in the hearings, except to provide advice to their respective parties in a quiet manner. Advisors may not actively represent or speak for their respective parties.

Section D. Order of Proceedings

VP-JD will read the charges against the group.
Accused party will enter a plea of 鈥渞esponsible or not responsible鈥� to each charge.
1. If accused party pleads not responsible:
  1. Accused party will present testimony.
  2. Hearing board will direct clarification questions to accused party.
  3. Hearing board will call witnesses to present testimony.
  4. Accused party may rebuttal testimony.
  5. Accused party will be allowed to question all parties and call witnesses.
  6. Hearing board may further question the accused party.
  7. Accused party may make a closing statement.
  8. Hearing board will advise the accused party of the appeals process.
  9. Hearing board will recess in private session for deliberation.
  10. The outcome of the hearing will be emailed to the chapter president.
2. If accused party pleads responsible:
  1. Hearing board may question the accused party to ascertain the reasoning behind the accused party鈥檚 actions. The aim of determining the motive for the violations is to help in providing sanctions that are educational.
  2. Accused party will make a statement.
  3. Hearing board will recess in private session for deliberation.
  4. The outcome of the hearing will be emailed to the chapter president.

Section E. Deliberation:

After the closing statements everyone leaves the room except the VP-JD and the hearing board.
The hearing board will deliberate in a fair and consistent manner.
Decisions are made by majority vote.
If the board finds the chapter not responsible for the charges the hearing is ended.
If the chapter is found responsible the board will determine sanctions at that time. Under unusual circumstances when a deliberation cannot be completed immediately the sanction will be determined as soon as possible.
After deliberation has concluded, the GBM advisor will be told of the charges of which the chapter is found guilty and of the sanctions to be levied. If the advisor does not feel that the sanctions are fair, he/she may make an argument for changing them, but charges are to be changed at the discretion of the hearing board.

鈻� ARTICLE IV. SANCTIONS

Section A: Guiding Principles

In determining an appropriate sanctioning package, the hearing board shall have a broad range of sanctions available which may be imposed alone or in combination so as to do justice in the particular case. Relevant factors may include:
1. The nature and gravity of the violation(s)
2. The inherent risk of harm or harm caused
3. Any relevant recurrent patterns of misconduct
4. Any opportunity to deter the organization or other organizations from committing the same or other violations in the future
5. The importance of equitable treatment for similar violations and a perpetual awareness of precedent
6. The opportunity for organizational development and education, including fostering a sense of responsibility for actions
7. The academic status of the organization

Section B: Prior Record

In levying sanctions, and determining their appropriate severity and scope, the hearing board may consider the organization's prior record of offenses for the preceding 2 years.

Section C: Assignment of Sanctions

For the sake of fairness, sanctions will be levied on a per-incident basis and should be appropriate for the violations and should reflect the concerns of all organizations equally.
The outcome of GBM proceedings may be shared within the University with other faculty, staff, students or administrators or their agents or representatives, where such disclosures serve a legitimate educational purpose.

Section D: Possible Sanctions

*For clarification, the sanctions hereunder in no way limit the scope of sanctions accessible to the board, nor do they establish a regimented protocol for sanctioning. Sanctioning occurs on a case-by-case basis with due consideration of the relevant factors set forth above and the evidence of the case.

Probation - all chapters found responsible will be placed on a minimum of 1 semester probation for any further violations.
Chapter is to write a letter of apology to the offending group and/or campus.
Chapter is ineligible to receive campus recognition and awards.
Intramural suspension - can鈥檛 accrue points, can鈥檛 play in IFC league or can鈥檛 field a majority group team.
Revocation of social privileges for a specified amount of time. Social privileges are defined as events held in conjunction with other chapters or events hosted or sponsored by the organization where alcohol is present. Groups that have had their social privileges revoked must consult the GBM VP-JD in the beginning stages before planning any event including philanthropy events.
Other restrictions on group activities and privileges for a specified period of time
Chapter must host or attend educational programs (must specify when this is to be done and what % of the membership must be present).
Monetary fines
Financial restitution for damages caused
With the approval of the VP-JD, the Coordinator/ Director of Office of Greek Life can issue informal discipline in the form of a letter to the respective chapter president.
The GBM may also choose to write a letter to the chapter鈥檚 national organization.

Section E: Failure to Comply

Failure to comply with sanctions will automatically result in a second hearing with the GBM.
All communication regarding the hearing process, including questions about sanctions, must be handled through the GBM VP-JD.
Representatives of the organization who contact individual board members regarding the details, outcome/ruling, of the hearing or the charges passed may be further sanctioned.

鈻� ARTICLE V. APPEALS

All appeals must be submitted in writing or via e-mail within two business days of notification of the outcome of the hearing.
Appeals will be granted at the discretion VP-JD and may only be made on the grounds of unfair or disproportionate sanctions as relate to both the severity and scope of the violation(s).
The Director UDC will hear the appeal.

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