Constitution of the Inter-Greek Letter
Council
Article I
- Name
1.1 The name
of the Council representing individual members and members of
men�s and women�s fraternities at McGill university shall be
known as the Inter-Greek Letter Council, referred to by the acronym IGLC.
Article II
- Purpose
2.1 The
purpose of the IGLC is to unify and represent all of its members and
to protect and promote their welfare and interests.
In so doing, the association shall provide activities and
services to enhance the educational, cultural, environmental and
social conditions of its members.
2.2 The IGLC
shall also organize and support philanthropic activities and
programs that are devoted to the well-being of groups disadvantaged
in society.
2.3 All IGLC
endeavors and activities shall be undertaken with full respect for
human dignity and without discrimination on the basis of inter alia,
gender, age, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, physical disability, language or social class.
Article
III - Membership and Fees
3.1 The
membership fee schedule shall be presented by the Executive
committee and approved by the IGLC Council.
3.2 All
members of the Students Society of McGill University are eligible to
become members of the IGLC.
3.2.1 A member house may be recognized by the IGLC upon
meeting requirements for eligibility outlined in sections 3.3 and
3.4.
3.3 Each member
house in good standing, as determined by the IGLC council, is
entitled to voting rights.
3.3.1
A member house is defined as a recognized Greek Letter
Society whose members are members of the IGLC as well.
3.3.2
for a member house to be considered in �good standing� it must:
(a)
Sign a contract indicating that they have read, understood, and
agree to adhere to the constitution of the IGLC
(b)
Sign a contract indicating that they have read, understood, and
agree to adhere to the IGLC Anti-Hazing Policy
(c)
Sign a contract indicating that they have read, understood, and
agree to adhere to the IGLC Alcohol Policy
(d)
Provide proof of philanthropic events completed for the past
semester as well as those planned for the upcoming semester
(e)
Have a copy of their own by-laws on file with IGLC
(f)
Follow the attendance requirements outlined in article 3.6
3.3.3
At the beginning of every semester each member house will be
reminded of these requirements and undergo a review to rate their
standing.
3.4 Only
those member houses that have paid dues in full by the fourth weekly
meeting of each semester will be allowed voting rights for that
semester. This may be waived following a majority vote of Council.
3.5 The IGLC
shall have a policy which will allow member houses who are unable to
pay regular membership fees that ability to enter a payment plan.
3.6 The
following attendance requirements will be imposed on member houses:
(a)
A representative for each member house must be present at each
meeting. If the elected representative cannot be present, a proxy
must be present.
(b) In the event that there is
no representation of a member house with voting rights a fine will
be charged.
3.7
Women�s and men�s fraternities who wish to apply for membership
to the IGLC must comply with articles 3.2 et seq
3.7.1
These fraternities (applying member house) shall be granted a
probationary membership of two semesters, equivalent to one academic
school year. During
this probationary period the applying member house must demonstrate:
a)
stability in numbers and participation
b)
philanthropy
c)
promotion for the well being of the Greek Community as a whole
d)
adherence to the Constitution and Policies of the IGLC and SSMU
3.7.1.1
At the end of the first of the two semesters of probation a review
of progress shall be held by the IGLC Executive body for the
applying member house.
3.7.1.2
Participation in Greek Week is encouraged but the applying member
house is not eligible to place in Greek Week.
3.7.1.3
At the end of the probationary period a review shall be held by the
IGLC Executive to determine if the applying fraternity has met the
requirements from article 3.7.1.
This shall be presented to the Inter-Greek Letter Council and
a vote for full membership will be taken by the elected
representatives to the Council:
a)
a quorum of all active member houses must be present
b)
Full membership shall be approved upon a vote of no more than
one vote by a representative of a member house against approval
c)
When full membership is denied, an appeal to the Executive
body for extension of the probationary period may be granted.
3.7.2 These fraternities must
provide the following in order to be eligible for new member house
status:
a)
a complete list of all SSMU members with a copy of McGill student
identification cards
b)
a complete copy of existing by-laws
c)
a complete list of founding chapter members with signatures of
participation from each member
3.7.3
If any infractions of non-compliance are committed during this
probationary period, the probationary period will be revoked and
re-application will be necessary
Article IV
- Council
4.1 The
governing body of the IGLC shall be known as the IGLC Council
(hereinafter �the Council�) and shall be empowered, pursuant to
the provisions of this constitution, to make all decisions and take
all actions of the IGLC.
4.2 Without
limiting the generality of article 4.1, the Council shall be
empowered to adopt-bylaws for the sound administration of the IGLC,
the conduct of the election of representatives and any other matter
which falls within its purview as set out in this constitution.
4.2.1
The adoption, amendment or repeal of by-laws shall require the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Council members present at a
meeting properly called pursuant to Article 4.7. Notice of the
specific contents of a proposed by-law shall be presented to each
member of the council at least two weeks prior to the meeting
at which it will be considered.
4.3 The
Council shall be empowered to adopt policy.
4.4 The
Council shall be composed of the following people:
(a) The
members of the IGLC Executive Committee
(b) One
representative appointed by and from each member house pursuant to
articles 3.3 and 3.4. This representative may be replaced by said
member house at any time.
4.5 Each
member defined in article 4.4 shall be entitled to one vote in all
Council deliberations with and shall hold office for on year from
the date of his or her election. Voting during the election of a new
Executive Committee follows its own guidelines.
4.6 Meetings
of the Council shall be held weekly.
4.7 Quorum
for meetings of the council during which a vote is taken shall
consist of a simple majority of those members defined in Article
4.4.
4.8 If a
decision regarding operations of the IGLC requires a vote, the
affirmative vote of the majority of those present at meeting is
required for a project to be undertaken.
4.9 Meetings
of Council shall be governed by Robert�s Rules of Order except in
cases where the rules contained therein contradict the constitution,
by-laws, policies or resolutions of the IGLC or the SSMU
constitution.
Article V
- The Executive Committee
5.1 There
shall be and Executive Committee of the IGLC whose membership shall
be elected pursuant to the provisions of Articles 6.1 et seq of the
this constitution.
5.2 The
Executive Committee shall be responsible for the daily management of
the affairs of the IGLC and, between Council meetings, shall have
the powers of the council except with respect to the following
matters:
(a)
The adoption, repeal or amendment of the constitution, by-laws and
policies of the IGLC.
5.3 The
executive Committee shall be responsible to the council and at each
regular meeting of the latter, it shall submit a report of its
activities since the preceding meeting.
5.4 The
duties of the President shall be as follows:
(a)
To be the ex-officio, non-voting Spokesperson of the IGLC in a
manner not inconsistent with the constitution, by-laws and policies
of the association;
(b)
To chair and co-ordinate all meetings of the Executive Committee and
the Council;
(c)
To set the agenda for all meetings referred to in (b), supra,
subject to approval by vote of the committee concerned.
(d)
To settle a tied vote by council.
5.5 The
duties of the Vice President (Internal) are as follows:
(a)
To perform the duties and responsibilities of the President should
the incumbent be, for any reason, unable or prevented from doing so;
(b)
To maintain authentic copies of the constitution, by-laws;
(c)
To assist the President;
(d)
To conduct elections
(e)
To be responsible for overseeing the activities internal to the IGLC.
5.6 The
duties of the Vice-President (External) shall be as follows:
(a)
With the President, to represent the IGLC to the University and
wider community;
(b)
To plan and organize all events not properly considered as internal
to the association; and
(c)
To assist the President.
5.7 The
duties of the Vice-President Finance shall be as follows:
(a)
To be the Chief Financial Officer of the association;
(b)
To ensure that the financial affairs of the association are properly
managed;
(c)
Within two weeks of assuming office, to present a budget for the
approval of the Council;
(d)
To present a financial statement to the Council and the Executive
Committee each month; and
(e)
To assist the President.
5.8 The
duties of the Vice-President Administration shall be as follows:
(a)
To maintain and distribute an accurate contact-list of the members
of the Council;
(b)
To keep minutes of the Council and the Executive Committee and to
distribute same;
(c)
To maintain accurate records of the IGLC and transmit same to his or
her successor; and
(d)
To assist the President.
5.9 A member
of the Executive Committee may be impeached, on a motion properly
moved and seconded, in the manner prescribed as follows:
(a)
The President is informed of the issue concerning the executive
member. If the President is the subject of the impeachment, the Vice
President Internal is then informed.
(b)
The President or Vice President Internal informs the Judicial Board,
as defined in article 8, as well as the member being impeached of
the situation
(c)
The matter is reviewed between the accused and the President or Vice
President Internal before the Judicial Board
(d)
In any event, the Council must proceed in a manner that is
consistent with the principles of fairness.
5.10 With the
exception of the President, in which case the Vice-President
(Internal) assumes the responsibilities of the office pursuant to
Article 5.5(a), in the event of the resignation or removal of any
member of the Executive Committee, the Council shall immediately
elect a replacement from among its members to serve the remainder of
the unexpired term.
5.11 Should
the office of the President become vacant, a by-election shall be
held as soon as possible.
Article VI
- Elections
6.1 Elections
shall be conducted in accordance with this constitution and any
by-laws, duly enacted, concerning the same.
6.2 Elections
shall be held annually in March during a meeting duly convened
pursuant to the provisions of Articles 4.6 and 4.7, on a date set by
a vote of the Council.
6.3 A
candidate wins an election by receiving the vote of a plurality of
those eligible to vote with respect to the office in question. If
there is a tie, another election shall take place as soon as
possible with only the names of those candidates who were tied
appearing on the ballot. If this is not feasible, the Executive
Committee shall vote to decide on the matter.
6.4 Election
to the executive committee is conducted by secret ballot, and each
member of the Council, excluding the Executive Committee, shall have
the right to cast one vote.
6.5 The
Vice-President (Internal) shall act as the Chief Returning Officer (CRO)
and be responsible for the conduct of the election. If he or she is
unable to act as the CRO then the Executive Committee may choose,
subject to the ratification of the Council, another member of the
IGLC to assume the office.
6.6 Elections
to the Executive Committee shall be conducted as follows:
(a) The Council shall establish, at least 3 weeks beforehand,
the date of the election.
(b)
Nominations shall close at 20:00 hours one week prior to the
election date;
(c)
Candidates shall be required to submit, in writing, their candidacy
to the Vice President Internal, supported by 25 members of the IGLC.
These members must be from at least four different originations
under the IGLC with a maximum of 5 candidates from own member house
organization.
(d)
Candidates shall be afforded the opportunity to speak publicly to
their own candidacy and to campaign in a manner determined by the
CRO, and, where such is the case, as provided in the constitution of
the IGLC.
(e)
The votes shall be tabulated by three impartial members of the IGLC,
preferably members of the outgoing Executive Committee; and
(f)
The numerical results of the vote shall not be disclosed.
Article
VII - Policy
7.1 The IGLC
shall not participate in, encourage, condone, or organize hazing or
pre-initiation practices that do not commensurate with the positive
development, welfare and human dignity of future and current
members.
7.2 For the
purposes of Article 7.1, hazing is defined as any action take, or
any situation deliberately created, which produces mental or
physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule or
opportunity for harm.
Article
VIII - The Judicial Board
8.1 Through
the decision of the Executive Council, an IGLC Judicial Board can be
established as follows:
(a) As issues regarding
impeachment arise, five IGLC member house representatives as chosen
to sit on the board by randomly drawing five member house letters
during the meeting immediately following the procedure undertaken in
article 5.9(a). Formation is completed by the chair of the board as
described in article 8.1(c).
(b)
No executive members sit on the board.
(c)
The board is chaired by the President. If he or she is under
impeachment, the Vice President Internal chairs the board.
(d)
The first meeting of the board will be a review of the case. The
second meeting of the board will determine the outcome through a majority
vote.
(d)
Votes regarding the impeachment of an executive member must be
unanimous in order for dismissal.
Article IX
- Amendments
10.1 This
constitution may be amended by the following procedures:
10.1.1
Two Thirds (67%) of the active voting membership shall constitute
quorum for the purpose of amending the constitution.
10.1.2
An affirmative vote of two-thirds of members present is required.
10.1.3
All proposed amendments must be submitted to the Vice-President
(Internal), as acting Constitutional Officer, at least two weeks
prior to the meeting scheduled for the vote.
10.1.4
Upon amendment of this constitution, the Constitutional Officer must
submit all amendments to the Vice-President (Clubs and Services) of
the SSMU for ratification by the SSMU council.
Article X
11.1 Any area
not covered by this constitution, or if there are any
inconsistencies between this constitution and the constitution of
the SSMU, the SSMU�s shall have precedence and take effect.
Acknowledgement
of the Constitution of the McGill Inter-Greek Letter Council
We have read
and understood the Constitution of the McGill Inter-Greek Letter
Council approved on ______________(fill
in with date we ratify it). We
agree to abide by the regulations outlined in this Constitution.
Date
signed _______________________
President
________________________ of the
________________________ Chapter
Member
House ____________________________________________
Alcohol
Policy of the McGill Inter-Greek Letter Council
The
Inter-Greek Letter Council (IGLC) holds regular events throughout
each year. At these events the IGLC reserves the right to supply and
have alcohol present. We
understand, in accordance with the Students Society of McGill
University and IGLC Anti-Hazing policy, that participation in IGLC
events is not dependent on the consumption of alcohol.
We understand that each individual chapter of each member
house is required to abide to their own regulations applicable to
alcohol should such regulations be present and that the Inter-Greek
Letter Council shall not be held accountable for any violations of
these regulations.
Date
signed ______________________
President
________________________ of the
________________________ Chapter
Member
House ____________________________________________
McGill
Inter-Greek Letter Council Anti-Hazing Contract
Hazing (in
accordance to article VII of the McGill IGLC constitution
definition) any action taken or situation deliberately created which
produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment,
ridicule or opportunity for harm.
IGLC Constitution Article VII,
7.1
The IGLC
shall not participate in, encourage, condone, or organize hazing or
pre-initiation practices that do not commensurate with the positive
development, welfare and human dignity of future and current
members.
SSMU Constitution
All Student�s Society endeavors shall be undertaken with
full respect for human dignity.
Under this
McGill IGLC Anti-Hazing Policy, sanctions for hazing include:
-
persons, not less than one disciplinary
probation for one academic year to be decided upon by a judical
board
-
organizations, not less than one year of
suspension of privileges and participation in events with IGLC
associations
In accordance
with the policies of Canadian Law, McGill University, the
Student�s Society of McGill University, the Canadian
Inter-Fraternity Council, and the McGill Inter-Greek Letter Council
harassment of any kind is not permitted.
Proceedure
All complaints, requests, or
reports regarding hazing are to be filed with the IGLC Executive
officers.
We have read
and understood this Anti-Hazing agreement.
Each alumna, active member, and new member will behave in
accordance to the above noted policies and agree to support a
zero-tolerance for hazing both on and off campus at McGill
University.
Date
signed ______________________
President
________________________ of the
________________________ Chapter
Member
House ____________________________________________
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