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Article VIII Committees
Section 1. Standing committees
A. The standing committees of the Alabama Panhellenic Association shall be the Judicial Board, Membership Recruitment Committee, Public Relations Committee, Health and Wellness Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Financial Committee, Scholarship Review Committee, and Bylaws Review Committee.
B. Term. The standing committees shall serve for a term of one year, which shall coincide with the term of the officers.
Section 2. Appointment of committee membership
The executive board shall appoint members and chairman of all standing and special committees, except as provided otherwise in these bylaws, and in making these appointments, recognize fair representation from all member women’s sororities as much as possible. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Judicial Board.
Section 3. Judicial Board
The judicial board shall consist of the Director of Judicial as chairman, Assistant Director of Judicial Affairs as Vice Chairman, and 9 members, one from each of the College Panhellenic member organizations appointed to serve their year. The Panhellenic advisor shall serve as a non-voting, ex-officio member. The judicial board members shall participate in training to be educated about the purpose of the board, the rules and regulations the judicial board will monitor, the procedures to be followed, proper questioning techniques, the rights of the charged organizations, evaluating evidence, and deliberations and sanctioning. The judicial board shall play an active role in the year-round education of member sororities about the Panhellenic judicial procedure
In accordance with NPC Unanimous Agreement VII College Panhellenic Association Judicial Procedure, it shall be the judicial board’s duty to hold a hearing to adjudicate all alleged violations of the NPC Unanimous Agreements and the bylaws, code of ethics, standing rules and membership recruitment regulations of the Alabama Panhellenic Association that are not settled informally or through mediation. The hearing shall be conducted by the entire judicial board unless Panhellenic Council adopts rules for the hearing to be conducted by a committee of the judicial board. The members of the judicial board shall maintain confidentiality throughout and upon completion of the judicial process.
A Representation on the Judicial Board will rotate chapters between even and odd years i. Even years (i.e. 2018): Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sigma Kappa, and Zeta Tau Alpha. ii Odd years (i e 2019): Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, Pi Beta Phi, and Sigma Delta Tau
Section 4. Membership Recruitment Committee
The Membership Recruitment Committee shall consist of the Director of Recruitment as chairman, the Assistant Director of Recruitment as vice chairman, and one representative from each regular, provisional and associate member, as determined by year. Alumnae advisors may attend meetings of the committee. The alumnae advisors shall have voice but no vote. This committee shall review and develop membership recruitment rules and submit them for discussion and approval to the Panhellenic Council before the end of the academic term preceding the primary membership recruitment period. After each membership recruitment period, the chairman of this committee shall present a full report, including recommendations, to the Panhellenic Council based on an analysis of the recruitment statistics and recruitment evaluations from new members, potential new members who withdrew, each member organization and chapter advisor i. Even years (i.e. 2018): Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha ii. Odd years (i.e. 2019): Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Phi Mu, Sigma Delta Tau, Sigma Kappa
A. Representation on the Membership Recruitment Committee will rotate chapters between even and odd years.
Section 5. Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee shall consist of the Director of Public Relations as chairman and members appointed by her. The Public Relations Committee shall be responsible for all forms of publicity dealing with the Alabama Panhellenic Association This committee shall work closely with the executive board and all committees to make certain that the media is kept informed of the positive events of the Panhellenic Association and its member women’s sororities
Section 6 Health and Wellness Committee
The Health and Wellness Committee shall consist of the Director of Community Development as chairman and one appointed representative from each regular, provisional and associate member. The committee shall serve as a resource for chapters regarding all things health-related, organize educational programming, and have a working knowledge of the location and services offered by on and off-campus resources regarding health, including but not limited to counseling centers, student health center, student recreation center, UAPD, and disability services.
A. Each representative on the Health and Wellness Committee will be required to see that at least one Safe Sister through the WGRC is installed in their chapter. Each chapter will select a Safe Sister to go through and complete the year long Safe Sister training and requirements, which include, but are not limited to: one and a half hour long meeting once a month, presentations made to the chapter, and special projects for different awareness events If the representative is unable to complete this requirement, the representative can meet with the Director of Community Development to discuss options.
Section 7. Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee shall consist of the Director of Community Development as chairman and one appointed representative from each regular, provisional and associate member. The committee shall serve as a resource for chapters regarding all things pertaining to diversity and inclusion. These things will include proper diversity and inclusion training, knowledge of and access to all campus and community resources, including but not limited to Crossroads Community Center, Intercultural Diversity Center, and Safe Zone.
Section 8. Finance Committee
The Finance Committee shall consist of the Director of Finance as chairman and the delegate from each chapter, according to their assigned year. The committee shall review external funding requests and will make recommendations back to the greater Panhellenic community.
A Representation on the Finance Committee will rotate chapters between even and odd years i. Even years (i.e. 2018): Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, Sigma Delta Tau, Zeta Tau Alpha. ii Odd years (i e 2019): Alpha Delta Chi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Zeta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sigma Kappa, Pi Beta Phi
Section 9. Scholarship Review Committee
The Scholarship Review Committee shall consist of the Director of Finance, Panhellenic Advisor, and the delegate from each chapter, according to their assigned year. The committee shall review need-based scholarship applications and determine necessary award amounts A chairman shall be chosen from the group of delegates i Even years (i e 2018): Alpha Delta Chi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Zeta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sigma Kappa, Pi Beta Phi. ii. Odd years (i.e. 2019): Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, Sigma Delta Tau, Zeta Tau Alpha.
A Representation on the Scholarship Review Committee will rotate chapters between even and odd years.
Section 10. Bylaws Review Committee
The Bylaws Review Committee shall consist of the Director of Judicial Affairs, the Assistant Director of Judicial Affairs, Alabama Panhellenic Association Advisor, and representation from each regular, provisional and associate member, as determined by year. The main chapter alumnae advisor may attend meetings of the committee, but if she is unable to attend she may send a proxy in her place in order of chapter succession. The alumnae advisors shall be there to provide council but may have no voice and no vote. This committee shall review bylaws and standing rules yearly and submit edits for discussion and approval to the Panhellenic Council.
A. Representation on the Bylaws Review Committee will rotate chapters between even and odd years.
i Even years (i e 2018): Alpha Delta Chi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Phi Mu, Sigma Delta Tau, Sigma Kappa iii. Odd years (i.e. 2019): Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha.
Section 10. Other committees
Other such committees, standing or special, shall be appointed as deemed necessary by the Panhellenic Council.
Article IX. Finances
Section 1. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Alabama Panhellenic Association shall be from January 1 to December 31 inclusive
Section 2 Contracts
Dual signatures of the President and Director of Finance shall be required to bind the Alabama Panhellenic Association on any contract
Panhellenic shall not enter into any sponsorship agreements or contracts that violate any NPC or college Panhellenic policies.
Section 3. Checks
All checks issued on behalf of the Alabama Panhellenic Association shall bear dual signatures. The following shall be authorized to be one of the two required signatures: President, Director of Finance, or Vice President of Administration.
Section 4. Payments
All payments due to the Alabama Panhellenic Association shall be received by the Director of Finance, who shall record them. Checks for payments shall be made payable to the Alabama Panhellenic Association.
Section 5. Dues
A. NPC College Panhellenic dues shall be paid yearly as invoiced by the NPC office.
B. Panhellenic Association membership dues shall be an assessment per member and new member.
• The dues of each Panhellenic Association member sorority shall be payable on an academic term basis The dues of each Alabama Panhellenic Association member chapter shall be payable on or before two weeks after the delivery of such dues to the chapter’s Panhellenic Delegate The amount of such dues for the next academic year shall be determined by the Panhellenic Council each year
• Fall dues shall be based off of Spring roster numbers and Spring dues shall be based off of Fall roster numbers.
Section 6. Fees and assessments
The Panhellenic Council shall have the authority to determine fees and assessments as may be considered necessary.
Section 7. Expenses
Any operating budget expense over $15,000 shall be approved by the delegates of the Panhellenic Council prior to purchase by the Executive Council.
No Alabama Panhellenic Association funds shall be used to purchase alcohol
Article X Extension
Section 1. Extension
Extension is the process of adding an NPC women’s sorority.
The Alabama Panhellenic Association shall follow all NPC Unanimous Agreements and NPC extension guidelines found on the NPC website and in the Manual of Information.
Section 2. Voting rights
Only regular members of the Panhellenic Council shall vote on extension matters.
Section 1. Violation
Article XI. Violation Resolution
Chapters shall be held accountable for the conduct of their individual collegiate and alumnae members Conduct contrary to the NPC Unanimous Agreements, these bylaws, the Panhellenic code of ethics, standing rules and/or membership recruitment regulations of the Alabama Panhellenic Association shall be considered a violation.
Section 2. Informal resolution
Members are encouraged to resolve alleged violations through informal discussion with the involved parties.
Section 3 Judicial process
If informal discussions are unsuccessful, the judicial process will be set in motion by filing a report of the alleged violation. The Alabama Panhellenic Association shall follow all judicial procedures found in NPC Unanimous Agreement VII.
A Mediation Mediation is the first step of the judicial process The Alabama Panhellenic Association shall follow all NPC Unanimous Agreements concerning the judicial process.
B. Judicial board hearing. When a violation is not settled informally or through mediation, the judicial board shall resolve the issue in a judicial board hearing. The Panhellenic Council shall adopt procedures in the standing rules for this purpose that are consistent with the NPC Unanimous Agreements
C. Appeal of judicial board decision. A decision of the judicial board may be appealed by any involved party to the NPC College Panhellenics Judicial Appeals Committee The Alabama Panhellenic Association shall follow all NPC Unanimous Agreements concerning the appeals process
Per the Unanimous Agreements, NPC supports all efforts to eliminate hazing. All forms of hazing shall be banned.
Section 1. Alabama Panhellenic Association Statement on Hazing
Hazing includes any act which inflicts extreme physical, emotional, or psychological pressure or injury on an individual or which purposely demeans, degrades, or disgraces an individual. Though most commonly associated with sororities and fraternities, hazing can occur in any academic, social, service, military, or athletic organization. All national sororities and fraternities have regulations strictly prohibiting hazing. Alabama is one of 31 states with anti-hazing legislation. In the State of Alabama, individuals committing acts of hazing can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and can be subject to both criminal and civil prosecution. Additionally, an individual or organization participating in a hazing or knowingly permitting hazing forfeits entitlement to public funds, scholarships, awards, and grants.
Section 2. University of Alabama Hazing Policy
The University of Alabama (“the University”) is committed to maintaining a supportive, educational environment that seeks to enhance the well-being of all members of its community This commitment reflects the institution’s adherence to its mission, to its various policies supporting its mission, and to relevant state and federal laws Consistent with that commitment, the University has implemented the following policy on hazing.
For purposes of this Policy, the University adopts and incorporates herein the detailed definitions of hazing set forth in the University’s Code of Student Conduct and Alabama Code § 16-1-23. Simply defined, hazing includes any act that threatens or inflicts physical, emotional, or psychological pressure or injury on an individual or that purposely demeans, degrades, or disgraces an individual. The University does not condone hazing, regardless of its form. Indeed, hazing is prohibited by the University’s Code of Student Conduct and considered a crime in the State of Alabama under Alabama Code § 16-1-23. No individual shall directly engage in hazing or indirectly encourage, aid, or assist any other person in hazing. All students and other University representatives, including employees, should immediately report known or suspected hazing violations as directed herein
Article XIII. Non-Discrimination Policy
Section 1 Alabama Panhellenic Association Statement on Non-Discrimination
The Alabama Panhellenic Association desires to build a community that reflects diversity and inclusion within our sorority chapters. We strive to make our campus stronger through our commitment to promoting diversity and creating positive change within the Greek community Women of all backgrounds make up the Alabama Panhellenic Association and each individual is celebrated for her perspectives, ideas and contributions to her organization and to our entire community
Section 2. The University of Alabama Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of Alabama complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination, which are outlined in the University’s nondiscrimination notice available at http://eop ua edu/law html and in its harassment policy at http://eop.ua.edu/harassment.html. Membership in registered student organizations shall be open to all students of The University of Alabama without regard to race, religion, sex*, ability status, national origin color, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual identity, or veteran status.
*Pursuant to 20 U.SC. 1681(a) (6) (A), social fraternities and sororities may limit membership on the basis of sex."
Article XIV. Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Alabama Panhellenic Association when applicable and when they are not inconsistent with the NPC Unanimous Agreements, these bylaws and any special rules of order the Alabama Panhellenic Association may adopt.
Article XV. Amendment of Bylaws
These bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the Alabama Panhellenic Council by a two-thirds vote, provided that the proposed amendment has been announced and submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting, allowing an opportunity for chapter input.
Article XVI. Dissolution
This Association shall be dissolved when only one regular member exists at The University of Alabama. In the event of the dissolution, none of the assets of the Association shall be distributed to any members of the Association, but after payment of all debts, its assets shall be given to NPC.
Section 1. Code of Ethics RECRUITMENT CODE OF ETHICS OF ALABAMA COLLEGE PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION
We, the members of women’s sororities at The University of Alabama agree to promote honesty, respect, sisterhood and cooperation within the College Panhellenic and our respective chapters, and in our daily lives. This code of ethics is designed to inspire our members, reinforce exemplary conduct and valuesbased leadership, and perpetuate lifelong membership to enrich the sorority and Panhellenic experience
We, as Panhellenic women of The University of Alabama agree on and commit to:
● Uphold and demonstrate the panhellenic spirit in thought, word and action through our chapters as well as individual members.
● Demonstrate ethical behavior and conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the mission and values of the College Panhellenic, each inter/national organization and our institution.
● Respectfully adhere to the Unanimous Agreements and all policies established by the National Panhellenic Conference
● Avoid disparaging remarks about any sorority or collegiate woman and refrain from discussing Panhellenic matters with non members, in accordance with the dignity and good manners of sorority women.
● Recognize friendly relations with all collegiate women, both sorority members and nonmembers, realizing the importance of creating and building friendships
● Plan recruitment events that provide opportunities for the greatest possible number of women to become sorority members while protecting the rights and privileges of individuals and the chapters
● Provide a safe, positive and enriching recruitment experience, understanding that membership is a social experience arrived at by mutual selection.
● Strive to be truthful, honorable, open and friendly to all potential new members during all recruitment events.
● Be respectful of the rights of every potential new member to make her own choices, including the right not to join the women’s sorority community
● Refrain from limiting a potential new members chances of becoming a member of the Panhellenic community by encouraging her to make a single intentional preference or to limit her choices.
We, as Panhellenic women of The University of Alabama also agree on and commit to:
● Respectfully adhere to the bylaws and recruitment rules of the Alabama Panhellenic Association.
● Abide by all local and federal laws and NPC inter/national member organization bylaws.
● Hold one another accountable to these standards, remembering at all times that we represent not only our individual chapters but also the Panhellenic community as a whole.
● Know and understand the ideals expressed in my chapter Ritual and will strive to incorporate