GREEK STANDARDS BOARD State University of New York College at Brockport

GREEK STANDARDS BOARD State University of New York College at Brockport INTRODUCTION The social/service fraternities and sororities at SUNY College a...
Author: Dale Roberts
23 downloads 1 Views 126KB Size
GREEK STANDARDS BOARD State University of New York College at Brockport

INTRODUCTION The social/service fraternities and sororities at SUNY College at Brockport can have a positive impact on the educational and social experience of their membership and the campus community. The governing bodies of the Greek systems are the Inter-Greek Council and the Pan-Hellenic Council, which were formed to promote cooperation and unity among Greek chapters, the College, and the Brockport community. The Greek Standards Board is an important part of these governing bodies. STATEMENT OF GREEK STANDARDS BOARD PHILOSOPHY • The relationships involved in the Greek community are as complex and diverse as each individual Greek. There are approximately 150 active Greek members enrolled in SUNY Brockport. •

Just as any community must have rules and agreements constructed for acceptable behavior, so must the Greek community adhere to certain standards. These standards must be accepted by all chapters and their members. They protect our rights as students, Greeks, and Individuals. We must respect the rights of other individuals, Greek or non-Greek, and accept our own responsibilities in order for the Greek community to be successful.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 1. The main purpose of the Greek Standards Board and its policies is to establish a level of acceptable behavior for the entire Greek community. As members of the Greek community, we are obligated to our community and its preservation. As citizens and students, we have a responsibility to SUNY Brockport and the community of Brockport, to know and obey local, state, and federal laws, and College policies. Student status does not exempt us from obeying the laws. 2. In addition to establishing a level of acceptable behavior, the Greek Standards Board will give general advice on policy matters pertaining to fraternities and sororities, the board will have specific duties, as described in the Relationship Statement, with regard to initial recognition, maintenance of recognition status, changes in recognition status, and sanctions. The Greek Standards Board will also establish the general parameters each year for fraternity/sorority new member intake process. 3. The Greek Standards Board serves as the primary College-wide body advising the chapters and the fraternity and sorority system and recommending disciplinary action against chapters when there are violations of the Relationship Statement. 4. All Greek members are responsible to know and follow the regulations of the Greek Standards Board.

THE JUDICIAL PROCESS • The Greek Standards Board is designed to protect the rights of each chapter and individual, to reinforce the values of community citizenship, and to help each chapter and individual to reevaluate their behavior and to modify it toward action as a responsible citizen, student, and Greek in the SUNY Brockport environment. •

The Greek Standards Board was created to protect the rights of each individual and chapter. The system follows the rules of due process and frequently goes far beyond the minimum requirements of due process, not only to protect the basic rights, but to be absolutely fair to the individuals and chapters involved.



If an individual or chapter is accused of failing to maintain the standards of a responsible community member or is accused of engaging in ‘Unacceptable Behavior’, as defined in these provisions, judicial procedures will be enacted. The goal of the procedure is to get the individual or chapter to realize the impact of their behavior, to learn how to accept responsibility as a member of the Greek community, and to modify their own behavior in the future. The Greek Standards Board shall recommend an appropriate course of action necessary to fulfill these goals. This action may include, but not be limited to, a letter of warning, fines, and suspension from Greek events, or social probation. A transcript of the hearing and action taken shall be sent to the chapter’s National only if advised by the Ex-Officio members and/or the College’s Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee.

NOTE: This decision is only a recommendation. The College’s Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee has final say.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR STANDARDS • The following are actions which would be grounds for Greek Standards Board Hearing: 1. Any violation of the Codes of Student Conduct as found in YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW & ACADEMIC POLICIES HANDBOOK 2. Any violation as found in the GREEK RELATIONSHIP STATEMENT 3. Any violation as found in the Inter-Greek Council Constitution and By-Laws 4. Ex-Officio members in consultation with the College’s Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee will advise the Greek Standards Board of any case which may be too extreme to be handled due to its severity.

NOTE: The Greek Standards Board has no authority over the membership process of any organization.

2



The basic goal of the judicial process is education. The system must allow the individual or chapter to learn how to live as a responsible community member. An education-based judicial system will be effective only if it is well understood and adhered to by members of the Greek community.



Past violations, having occurred one year from any new violations, will be regarded, taking individuals, chapters, time, and specific circumstances into consideration.

ORGANIZATION A. The Greek Standards Board Selection Process: •

The Greek Standards Board shall be composed of ten (10) to twelve (12) justices, three (3) Representative Justices, and three (3) Ex-Officio members. Two (2) justices shall be selected from each recognized Greek organization. The Representative Justices shall be the Inter-Greek Council (IGC) Vice-President, a board member of Pan-Hellenic Council and a member of the Brockport Student Government (BSG). The three (3) Ex-Officio members shall be members of the SUNY College at Brockport Administration/Faculty/ Staff.



The 10 to 12 Justices shall be selected through an application and interview process. The interview will be conducted by the Ex-Offcio members, the Representative Justices and the College’s Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee. Each Justice is appointed to serve a one year term with the option of reappointment. No more than two Justices from each chapter may serve on the board.



No member of the Greek Standards Board may preside at a hearing if:

1. His/Her chapter is the complainant or organization accused 2. He/She is in some way connected with the complaint 3. The organization accused can demonstrate to the Representative Justices and ExOfficio Justices that the justice might not be impartial 4. The justice feels, for any reason, that his/her impartiality is, or might be, compromised • Any hearing must be attended by five (5) Justices and at least two (2) Representative Justices. Representative Justices shall not vote unless there is a tie, in which case the Representative Justices will confer and cast one vote. •

Also present at hearings, aside from the Justices and Representative Justices, shall be at least 2 of the Ex-Officio members and a secretary to tape record the events and statements of the hearing. The Secretary, who will be in charge of electronically recording the hearing shall be one (1) of the Representative Justices.

B. Ethical standards the Greek Standards Board: •

Since the authority of the Greek Standards Board stems from the Inter-Greek Council, Pan-Hellenic Council and the Greek Relationship Statement certain guidelines regarding discipline must be observed by members of the Greek Standards Board. Violation of these standards may be cause for individual’s 3

removal from the board. A Justice’s term may be terminated with the mutual consent of the Greek Standards Board, Representative Justices, the Ex-Officio members. •

It is the responsibility of each member of the Greek Standards Board to observe the following ethical standards.

1. Discipline should reflect an educational process. 2. It is important to show respect, concern, and acceptance for an individual or house as a person or group. 3. All information is confidential. 4. When talking with an individual, or representative from a chapter, Greek Standards Board members must refrain from making accusations or statements of any kind which can not be substantiated. 5. In cases involving individual discipline, the vote of each board member is confidential. The vote of the entire Greek Standards Board; however is shared with the student or chapter when they are informed of the Board’s decision. Information regarding majority and minority opinions should be shared with the individual or chapter and are to be recorded in the minutes of the hearing. 6. All decisions of the majority of the Greek Standards Board must be upheld by all members of the Board even though there may be dissenting opinions. 7. It is particularly important to remember that Greek Standards Board members are role models for other members of the Greek community. Therefore, it is especially essential that members uphold the Unacceptable Behavior Standards (found on page 2) as defined in these provisions. EXPECTATIONS OF GREEK STANDARDS BOARD MEMBERS • Appointment to the Greek Standards Board carries with it expectations for each member’s successful participation in the Greek peer review judicial process. Violation of any of the expectations listed below may be cause for removal from the Greek Standards Board through the aforementioned process. Members shall: 1. Attend all meetings and hearings as assigned. Members must notify either a Representative Justice or an Ex-Officio member in advance of any anticipated absences. Two unexplained absences are grounds for removal. 2. Maintain an understanding of Greek policies. 3. Actively participate in consensus decision-making in the following manner; a) presenting positions clearly and logically b) listening carefully to other members c) working to understand differences of opinion d) looking for acceptable alternatives for all members 4. Excuse themselves from any hearing where knowledge about an individual or chapter or an incident could affect the ability to arrive at a fair and reasonable judgment. 5. Demonstrate sensitivity to individuals and at all times work to arrive at the least severe sanction that will result in a change in behavior.

4

6. Participate in the selection and training of new Greek Standards Board members. 7. Be willing to participate in the follow-up of sanctions as necessary. 8. Maintain strict confidentiality of all proceedings and cases. COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCES • A complaint/grievance must be made in writing to the Office of Campus Life or via email to [email protected] . A complaint/grievance must contain the following: 1. Must be made by an identifiable contact person 2. Must clearly state who the complaint is made against 3. Must clearly state what the complaint is •

All complaints/grievances shall be reviewed by the Representative Justices and the Ex-Officio Members. They shall present the complaint/grievance to the Greek Standards Board at the next meeting. The Greek Standards Board shall decide, upon reviewing the complaint/grievance, on a course of action. The Greek Standards Board will either choose to begin a judicial review or refer the complaint/grievance to the College’s Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee. The course of action shall be decided upon within 10 school days. No complaint/grievance may be dismissed without a review by the Greek Standards Board.



After hearing a case, the Greek Standards Board will make a decision by a majority vote. If the individual/organization is found not responsible, the case is dismissed. If the individual/organization is found responsible, the board must decide upon an appropriate sanction.

NOTE: The College’s Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee along with the Student Conduct Coordinator will be sent a copy of all complaints/grievances for review.

JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS 1. A complaint/grievance is received. Must be received within 10 school days following the incident. 2. The Representative Justices along with the Ex-Officio members decide whether judicial proceedings are required. 3. If proceedings are required, the Ex-Officio members check if the chapter or individual has a previous discipline file. If a file exists, it shall be referred to for background information. Any incident which has occurred within one year from the current complaint/grievance shall be considered. If a file does not exist, one shall be started at this time. 4. The Representative Justices will send a notification letter to the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against. This letter shall

5

include the charges, list of rights, copy of procedures, and hearing date and time. If the time or date is not acceptable, the individual(s) or organization(s) must respond within 5 school days in order to petition for another time or date. 5. Letters will be sent to witnesses and/or the individual(s) or organization(s) that filed the complaint/grievance to attend the hearing as necessary. 6. After the hearing, a decision letter shall be sent to the individual(s) or chapter(s) that the complaint/grievance was filed against notifying them of the Greek Standards Board recommendation. 7. A copy of the recommendation letter shall be sent to the IGC and Pan-Hellenic Presidents and the College’s Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee. The organization’s National Headquarters will be sent a letter if so determined by the Ex-Officio members, in consultation with the Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee. A copy will be kept on file in the Campus Life Office.

NOTE: All parties in which a complaint/grievance is filed against and the organization’s President in any action which results in a hearing will be notified in writing of the time and date of the hearing. All parties must attend upon request of the Greek Standards Board.

NOTE: All letters sent to the individual(s) or organization(s) will be signed for by the recipient(s). These individual(s) or organization(s) include witnesses, the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against and the individual(s) or organization(s) that filed the complaint/ grievance.

HEARING PROCEDURES •

The Greek Standards Board realizes that a disciplinary hearing is not a formal or legalistic court trial.



The individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against and the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance may select two representatives each to act as spokespersons.



The individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against and the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance may call only relevant witnesses. Written statements may be submitted.



If the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint does not appear for the hearing the charges will be dismissed.



If individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against does not appear for the hearing the Greek Standards Board will make a sanction recommendation based on the information available at the time.



Each case shall be tried in the following manner:

6

1. Pre-Discussion (Greek Standards Board Members only) • • • •

Review background information Reread report for nebulous areas of discrepancies Establish major areas of questioning Determine if other people should be called

2. Introduction (Greek Standards Board members, individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against, the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance (unless they make a request to testify separately) and witnesses) • The hearing shall be called to order by the Representative Justices • Introduce Justices and Ex-Officio members • Explain rights of the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against: - To remain silent - To hear all testimony - To object to any member of the Greek Standards Board - To call witnesses on their behalf - To appeal the Greek Standards Board decision • Explain Greek Standards Board procedures 3. Discussion and Questioning • Complaint/grievance shall be read •

The individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance shall make opening remarks



Individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against shall make opening remarks



The individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance may call witnesses. Only one witness shall be allowed in the hearing room at a time.



Cross-examination (of the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance witnesses by the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against)



Justices may question the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance (witnesses only)



The individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against may call witnesses. Only one witness shall be allowed in the hearing room at a time.

7



Cross-examination (of the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against witnesses by the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance)



Justices may question the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against (witnesses only)



Justices ask remaining questions of the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance and individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against



The individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance shall make a closing statement



Individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against shall make a closing statement

NOTE: All questions and cross examinations must be directed through the Greek Standards Board. 4. Post-Discussion (Greek Standards Board Members only) • Determine if more testimony is needed • Pause for individual deliberation • Open discussion • Vote on if the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against is responsible or not • The case shall be decided by the majority vote • Examine various sanctions • Reach a recommendation on a sanction 5. Presentation of Decision (Greek Standards Board Members, the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against and the individual(s) or organization(s) who filed the complaint/grievance) • • • • •

Present recommendation Present sanction if the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/ grievance is filed against is found responsible Specific vote of Greek Standards Board will be documented and on file for review by the parties involved State rationale for sanction Inform the individual(s) or organization(s) that the complaint/grievance is filed against defendant of appeal procedure and grounds for appeal

8

PENALTIES Sanctions shall include, but are not limited to; 1. A “Formal Warning”, to be put on record in the Greek Standards Board files. a. Warning shall be on record for one (1) year b. Two (2) formal warnings within one (1) year shall be grounds for more severe action. 2. Service to the community a. Community service shall be primarily rendered as compensation for damages done to the Brockport community. 3. Services to the SUNY Brockport 4. Service to the Greek community 5. Probation for a specified period of time. a. Probation shall not last more than one (1) full year. b. Probation shall be defined as cessation from certain aspects of Greek life, including, but not limited to, Greek Week, Inter-Greek Council/Pan-Hellenic voting privilege, social activities. c. Probation does not exclude a chapter from financial and/or other obligations to Inter-Greek Council/Pan-Hellenic. 6. Fines/Restitution

NOTE: The Greek Standards Board may consult with the Ex-Officio members, the College’s Fraternity and Sorority Advisor or his/her designee and the Student Conduct Coordinator for advice on appropriate sanctions.

APPEALS PROCESS 1. A decision or a sanction imposed by the Greek Standards Board, may be appealed by the individual(s) or organization(s) who the complaint/grievance is filed against to the vice president for enrollment management and student affairs or their designee. The individual(s) or organization(s) must make appeals in writing within five (5) business days after receipt of the written student conduct decision. 2. An appeal may be heard on the following grounds only: a. The Greek Standards Board failed to observe the procedural requirements established by the Codes of Student Social Conduct. b. The sanction is grossly inappropriate to the proven offense. c. New evidence has appeared subsequent to the initial hearing which could have substantially affected the original findings.

9

Appeals should be written to: Ms. Karen O’Tolle Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs Allen Administration Building – 7th Floor Off-campus listing Ms. Karen O’Tolle Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs 350 New Campus Drive Brockport, NY 14420 It is advised that you if you are on-campus, to hand deliver your letter, to expedite the process. Questions should be directed to Jeremy Babcock, Interim Student Conduct Coordinator by calling 395-2122 or emailing [email protected].

10

Suggest Documents