Chapters call it different names: the judicial board or standards board. Whatever your chapter may call it; it is there for the same reason … to take care of internal discipline and to promote brotherhood and accountability.
The standards committee, when properly used, can take some pressure off the Executive Council and help the chapter run more smoothly. Reasons to have a standards committee are self-governance, accountability, education and brotherhood development.
The self-governance component exemplifies that the chapter identifies areas of need, and takes action upon violations of ideals and policies. If the chapter cannot handle problems internally, external forces (the university/college, the Fraternity, local alumni) must intervene, resulting in an unpleasant situation for all. However, if the chapter handles its problems internally, exercising its right to self-governance, the external forces mentioned above will not have to intervene.
Secondly, holding our brothers and new members accountable for their actions is essential when running a chapter. There is a need to quickly and appropriately confront behavior that violates Phi Kappa Tau principles and policies. Failing to hold members accountable for their actions diminishes the value of being a member of Phi Kappa Tau.
The final purpose, education, assures hearing procedures, and sanctions administered, are beneficial for the individual(s) and the chapter as a whole.
Content
Before The Hearing
If any chapter member (active or associate member) wishes to have an active or associate member brought before standards for the purpose of recognition or reinforcement, a formal letter of a standards board referral form must be submitted to the standards board chair (SBC).
During the Hearing
The SBC calls the hearing to order and reads the standards board referral form to the members.
Members then discuss the means for recognizing and/or rewarding the individual referred to standards board.
Following the Hearing
A written notice of the recognition (Appendix E) must be delivered to the member within one week of the date of the hearing. This letter should be copied to the chapter advisor and the chapter president.
A copy of the letter must filed in a confidential file with the standards board referral form attached.
The accomplishment should be announced to the chapter and recorded in the chapter alumni newsletter.
Appeals Process
The member charged has 15 days after receipt of the notice-of-decision letter to appeal to the Board of Governors.
The appeal must be written and submitted to the BOG chair and copied to the SBC.
Upon receipt of the appeal, the BOG will hold a meeting with the charged member (following the standards board procedure) listed previously.
The BOG will make a decision regarding the members appeal within one week and the member charged will be notified via writing. This letter should be copied to the SBC.
The member charged has 15 days after receipt of the notice-of-decision letter to appeal to the National Council.
The decision made by the National Council will be final.
Possible Sanctions for a Discipline Hearing
Stage One - Warning
Possible Violations: first time violations for academic, financial, attendance
Submit a written apology to all those affected
Immediate payment for all damages, debt, fines etc.
Referral to campus/community support structure (Heath Education Office, Community Counseling Center, Office of Greek Affairs, Academic Help Center)
Sign a payment plan contract
Active involvement in at least one chapter committee
Stage Two - Level One Probation (No longer than month)
Possible Violations: second time violations for academic, financial, attendance; first time violations for behavior was harmful to an individual, behavior affecting another member or associate, behavior affecting the chapter, college/university or community negatively
Submit a written apology to all those affected
Immediate payment for all damages, debt, fines, etc.
Referral to campus/community support structure (Health Education Office, Community Counseling Center, Office of Greek Affairs, Academic Help Center)
Loss of social/intramural privileges for the term of probation
Removal of office for the period of probation
Regular progress meetings with big brother
Must attend all meetings but will have no voice or vote
Attend an education program that serves to educate member on violation
Participate in a community service activity or activities
Deliver badge to the executive board to be held during the period of probation
Loss of rank in room choice, etc.
Development of written personal academic achievement plan
Violation of probation immediately moves individual to Level 2 probation
Stage Three - Level Two Probation (No longer than one semester or quarter)
Possible Violations: third time violations for academic, financial, attendance; second time violation for behavior was harmful to an individual, behavior affecting another member or associate, behavior affecting the chapter, college/university or the community negatively
Submit a written apology to all those affected
Immediate payment for all damages, debt, fines, etc.
Required meeting with a campus/community support structure (Health Education Office, Community Counseling Center, Office of Greek Affairs, Academic Help Center or other Professional Help organization)
Loss of social/intramural privileges for the term of probation
Permanent removal from office
Removal of privilege of running for office in upcoming election
Regular progress meetings with executive board or BOG
Must attend all meetings but will have no voice or vote
Plan an education program that serves to educate the chapter on the violation
Organize a community service activity
Weekly grade checks from professors
Deliver badge to the executive board to be held during the period of probation
Make a verbal apology to the chapter
Loss of rank in room choice, etc.
Loss of ability to be a big brother
Loss of privilege of living in the house
Stage Four - Membership Suspension or Expulsion
Possible Violations: fourth time violations for academic, financial, attendance; third time violation for behavior was harmful to an individual, behavior affecting another member or associate, behavior affecting the chapter, college/university negatively or community negatively
Loss of membership in the national and local chapter of the Fraternity
See National Constitution/By Laws for specifics