MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

University of South Carolina

Adopted 4/13/2017

Preamble

We, the representatives of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural
Sorority, Incorporated; Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity, Incorporated; Sigma Lambda Beta International
Fraternity, Incorporated; and Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Incorporated, at the University of South
Carolina, have come together to promote the further advancement of Greek letter organizations, by
encouraging and promoting cultural diversity among their members and with the University of
South Carolina’s community.

Article I. Name

This organization shall be known as the Multicultural Greek Council of the University of South
Carolina, furthered referred to as “MGC”.

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of the Multicultural Greek Council shall be to create and maintain a strong
working relationship with member organizations and the university administration in
regards to high academic and moral standards, and act in accordance to the rules and
policies set forth by the University of South Carolina in doing so:

1. Create and promote fraternity, sorority, and inter-fraternal relationships

2. Implement programs designed to help meet the needs of the respective communities;
3. Serve as a medium for the mutual interests of member organization; and
4. Set an academic standard for Greek life.

Article III. Membership

Section 1. Membership in the Multicultural Greek Council shall be limited to persons officially
connected with the University of South Carolina- Columbia as faculty, staff, or students. Students
enrolled in the spring semester under the above conditions who have pre-registered for the fall
semester, as well as students enrolled in summer classes, are eligible for summer membership.

Section 2. MGC shall be composed of multicultural sororities and fraternities that are in good
standing with the University of South Carolina and their national organizations.

Section 3. There shall be two elected delegates per organization(s). Each delegate shall be
nominated and elected by their organization in whichever way they desire.
a. It is not necessary for one of the delegates to be the particular organizations’ president.
Article IV. Non-Discriminatory Clause

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities
or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
disability, sexual orientation or veteran status. Membership and all privileges, including voting and
officer positions, must be extended to all students must be extended to all students without regard
to age, ethnicity, gender, disability, color, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or
veteran status. However, religious student organizations will not be denied registration solely
because they limit membership or leadership positions to students who share the same religious
beliefs. Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments Act of 1972 and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or handicap in most
Educational programs and activities within the University.

Article V. Qualification and Selection of Executive Officers

Section 1. The Executive board shall have the following positions:

 President
 Vice President
 Treasurer
 Secretary
 Vice President of Publicity
 Vice President of Community Service
 Vice President of Standards

Section 2. Election of new officers should take place the last meeting of the fall semester.

Section 3. Any student seeking to hold or holding office must maintain the cumulative GPR
requirement for graduation and remain in good standing in their respective college. To be eligible
for an Executive Officer position, other than Vice President, officers must possess and maintain a
2.75 GPA each semester. Failure to maintain this GPA requirement is considered grounds for
removal from office.

Section 4. There must be one male and one female as President and VP. One could be the President
or VP and vice versa.

Section 5. Nominations follow Robert’s Rules of Order and executive officers cannot vote in future
officer elections. A person can nominate him or herself and can be nominated by others within the
council. No more than two executive members can be from the same organization, excluding
programming and conduct board.

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Section 6. All Executive Officers of the Council are required to attend the University of South
Carolina’s Greek Leadership Retreat, generally held a week before the beginning of the spring
semester.

Section 7. A member must be involved with the respective organization for an academic semester
before being eligible to take on an officer position. Nominees must inform the council of any other
officer positions held in the upcoming semester, including non-Greek organizations.

Section 8. Established member organizations can only have a maximum of 3 seats on the Executive
Board. In the event of a lack of candidates, then the VP and FSL Advisor can overrule this
requirement.

Section 9. In the case that no qualified persons is interested or an executive member is running
unopposed for the office of President, an unqualified individual may run of office if he/she acquires
at least two the following:
a. A letter of recommendation from their respective chapter President
i. A chapter President may not write his/her own letter of recommendation
b. A letter of recommendation from a member on MGC Executive Board
c. A letter of recommendation from a Greek advisor

Section 10. All executive officers are expected to wear business casual to all meetings and
presentations unless otherwise notified. Officers who fail to dress accordingly will be fined $10.00
after the first warning. Fines will increase by increments of $10.00 for every violation thereafter.

Section 11. If an officer misses two or more meeting, the executive board may propose change in
position in order to have a permanently filled position.
a. Officers who miss more than one meeting may result in a fine. Please see Article V.
Section 1 of the MGC Bylaws.

Section 12. The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office shall appoint the Faculty/Staff Advisor to MGC.
The Faculty/Staff Advisor must be selected from full-time faculty or administrative staff members
at the University. The Advisor shall serve as a liaison with the University, and help in the transition
period between officers. The Advisor will be invited to and notified of all MGC meetings and
activities.

Article VI: Fulfillment of Duties/Impeachment

Section 1. Any officer(s) not fulfilling the duties of their position can be brought for impeachment
by any member in good standing with the MGC.
a. A simple majority vote is required for any officer to be removed from their position
b. Vice President(s) not fulfilling their duties may be brought for impeachment by a
recognized chapter of the respective council

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 c. Any delegate, regardless of organization, can bring accusation of an executive member to
Vice President of Standards. Vice President of Standards will then decide if the accusation is
valid to investigate. At the next MGC meeting, a vote will be held.
d. A new member should be selected within the next two weeks of an officer being
impeached
e. Special meetings could be called by the VPs to make the process go by quicker

Section 2. Regular meetings of the MGC shall be determined by the MGC. Meetings shall occur bi-
weekly.
a. There must be a quorum present to hold a meeting. Quorum is defined as 50% of the
recognized membership plus one (1).
b. One delegate of each organization must be present at every meeting in order to be
considered present. Executive board members do not count as representatives for the
organization.

Section 3. Submit a written report upon completion of term of office to be filed in MGC’s files and
with the MGC Advisor.

Article VII. Meetings and Attendance

Section 1. If a chapter delegate misses two or more meeting, chapters will propose change in
position in order to have a permanently filled position.
a. Chapter delegates who miss more than one meeting may result in a fine. Please see Article
V. Section 1 of the MGC Bylaws.
b. Delegate is excused, if unable to attend a meeting under certain circumstances. Delegate
must contact the MGC Keeper of Records at least one hour prior to the meeting to explain
circumstances.
c. Attire for meetings is business casual. Delegates who fail to dress accordingly will be fined
$10.00 after the first warning. Fines will increase by increments of $10.00 for every
violation thereafter.

Article VIII. Finance

Section 1. The MGC, should the membership elect to do so, may be financed by dues, fees, and
fundraisers from its member organizations.
a. Dues will be decided upon by the Council every year.
b. See Article V of Bylaws for fees

Article IX. Violations

Section 1. Any accusation of policies, procedures, and/or bylaws violation against any organization
in the MGC shall be referred to the MGC Executive Board for further action.

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Section 2. Minor fractions, due to participation and attendance, shall be dealt with internally by the
Vice President of Standards and the VP of Internal Relations. MGC general body can be
used as an appellant body.

Article X: Amendments

Section 1. The Policies and Procedures may be amended at the end of each semester with a majority
vote of the membership’s respective delegates.
Section 2. Proposals for amendments must be submitted in written form to the Executive Board at
least two weeks prior to the meeting at which they will be presented to the membership.
The amendment must then become tabled, reviewed, and distributed to each member of
the council for review.

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 MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL BYLAWS
University of South Carolina
Adopted 4/13/2017

Article I. Hazing

Section 1. All forms of hazing, pledge day, and/or pre-initiation activities that are defined, as hazing
shall be banned. All member organizations will not haze, nor support any form of hazing
from other organizations at the University of South Carolina. Members that do
participate in any activity defined, as hazing will face consequences provided by the
University of South Carolina.

Article II: Duties of the Executive Officers

The President is responsible for being the main point of contact for the council. He/she is
responsible for overseeing the council as well as:
a. Preside over the meetings
c. Appoint committees as needed
d. Call meetings
e. Enforce policies and procedures
f. Support sorority and fraternity events

The Vice President serves as the delegate for the council. He/she is responsible for handling
any affairs that relate to the business side of the council as well as:
a. Be responsible for reserving spaces for council events
b. Preside over all committees
c. Oversee MGC-sponsored service projects, activities, and events open to other Greeks and
the University
d. Work will all Greek Councils and the University of South Carolina Administration in
planning major Greek events for the year and any joint recruitment efforts

The Secretary is responsible for recording what happens at council meetings as well as:
a. Call roll
b. Check attendance
c. Record thorough and accurate minutes and distribute them to the membership
d. Record programs, events, and activities and submit them to the Office of FSL for
publication in the weekly newsletter

The Treasurer is responsible for handling the finances of the council as well as:
a. Be in charge of developing a budget at the start of each semester for all events and
activities the council plans to do
b. Keep track of all money used from the budget throughout the semester by keeping all
receipts for a whole calendar year

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 c. Collect dues and develop a system to collect them
d. Collect fines and keep record of each organization’s balance based on fines the Vice
President of Standards issues
e. Present a treasurer’s report at each general meeting with updates
f. Be responsible for all fundraising activities

The Vice President of Publicity is responsible for promoting, planning, and executing the
exposure of the council as well as:
a. Responsible for promoting council events and chapter events through our various social
media accounts
b. Maintain social media accounts on a weekly basis
c. Be responsible for reaching out to other organizations for the purpose of collaborating on
future events
d. Keep up with the MGC logo and know where the MGC banner is located at all times
e. Be responsible for reaching out to other university or off campus resources (if needed) to
promote MGC and its organizations as a whole
f. Make an effort to find more efficient ways of getting MGC better exposure
g. Make flyers
h. Promote individual chapters and their members (e.g. accomplishments, awards,
spotlights, graduation, etc.)
i. Make sure all organizations of the council promote MGC events in a timely manner
efficiently and effectively
j. Be responsible for receiving, taking, and/or recording event picture

The Vice President of Community Service is responsible for creating an environment within
the council that fosters a commitment to benefiting others. He/she is responsible for
promoting, planning and executing events and projects related to serving the community as
well as:
a. Serve as a positive chapter role model by actively participating in all service projects.
b. Create an atmosphere that expects and encourages active participation by all members
and associate members in community service activities, even beyond chapter events or
projects.
c. Develop and maintain a regular schedule of service projects.
d. Educate all members about opportunities volunteer.
e. Praise outstanding individual achievements by members through an award or recognition
program.
f. Keep track of all volunteer hours served. Report this as required to the Executive Officers,
University Fraternity and Sorority Life, and to other interested parties.
g. Maintain a current contact list for all service agencies for future council or individual
service opportunities.
h. Work with the University office that coordinates service learning programs (if
applicable).
i. Evaluate events to ensure continuous quality improvement.

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 j. Utilize the University volunteer/service learning office. They may have programs already
established that need assistance.
k. Invite alumni, potential members or other campus organizations to participate in your
community service activities. This generates more volunteers and helps provide the council
with good publicity.
l. Give a report at every chapter meeting of upcoming activities.
m. Be creative in offering incentives and recognition awards. All people like being thanked.
Do your best to make members feel special for their hard work

The Vice President of Standards is responsible for upholding the values and principles of the
council. He/she is responsible for enforcing the rules as well as:
a. Be well versed in Robert’s Rules of Order
b. Be well versed in the Constitution and Bylaws of the MGC
c. Serve as interpreter in the case of any procedural dispute
d. Establish that a quorum is present at General Body meetings
e. Supervise the election process
f. Serve as liaison to all police agencies in regards to judicial procedures
g. Educate social chairs on appropriate risk management issues

Article III: Membership and Recognition

Section 1. Under MGC we will have two types of membership:

a. Established Membership
b. Associate Membership

Section 2. Criteria for Membership

a. The member organizations must be international ethnic/cultural-based Greek letter
fraternity or sorority organizations oriented in community service and social activities that
are registered and in good standing with the appropriate university office
b. Member organizations must adhere to the rules and regulations contained in the MGC
constitution
c. Member organizations are responsible for two community service projects per semester
(total of four projects per academic year), with at least one project being held in the
Columbia community
d. Member organizations must actively participate in MGC-sponsored events
e. Member organizations must regularly attend General Body meetings of the MGC
f. Member organizations must pay all fines that they may procure as members of the MGC
g. At the final General Body meeting each semester, each member organization shall present
a follow-up report detailing the completion of the requirements for good standing (i.e.
academics and good standing). These reports will be compiled for the MGC annual report.

Section 3. Rights of Established Membership

a. The right to be involved in all MGC activities as specified in this Constitution

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 b. The right to vote
c. The right to propose amendments to the MGC Constitution and Bylaws
d. The right to hold office on the MGC Executive Board

Section 4. Established members who fail to meet the criteria of membership may ultimately be
removed from the Council.
a. Upon the third violation of the semester, established members will receive a written
warning and must meet with the executive board on the status of the organization to
provide support and understanding.
b. Established members who have five (5) violations per semester may be placed on a
probationary period for a full semester.
i. Organization will receive a half vote on matters regarding MGC affairs.
ii. Organization cannot propose amendments to the MGC Constitution or Bylaws.
iii. Organization cannot hold office on the MGC Executive Board.
iv. Organizations may continue to attend events and pay dues/fines to the Council.
v. Organizations will continue to be held to the rules and regulations of the MGC
Constitution and Bylaws.
c. Successful completion of the probationary period without any further violations of the
MGC Constitution and Bylaws will reinstate the organization as a good-standing
established member organization.
d. Established members who do not fulfill the rules and regulations of the MGC
Constitution and Bylaws during the probationary period, will have their membership
status revoked. The organization will then have to reapply for membership within the
Council.

Section 5. Rights of Associate Membership

a. Associate member organizations and their delegates have the capability to speak on
issues in addition to half a vote per organization regarding MGC affairs
b. Associate member organizations and their delegates cannot propose amendments to the
MGC Constitution or its Bylaws
c. Associate member organizations cannot hold office on the MGC executive board
d. As long as they complete all requirements for one semester probation period they gain
automatic established membership by MGC
i. The member organizations must be international ethnic/cultural-based Greek
letter fraternity or sorority social organizations oriented in community service
and social activities that are registered and in good standing with the
appropriate university office
ii. Member organizations must adhere to the rules and regulations contained in the
MGC constitution
iii. Member organizations are responsible for two community service projects per
semester (total of four projects per academic year), with at least one project
being held in the Columbia community
iv. Member organizations must actively participate in MGC-sponsored events

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 v. Member organizations must regularly attend General Body meetings of the MGC

Section 6. Associate members who fail to meet the criteria of membership may ultimately be
removed from the Council.
a. Upon the third violation of the semester, associate members will receive a written
warning and must meet with the executive board on the status of the organization to
provide support and understanding.
b. Upon the fifth violation of the semester, the associate membership status will be
revoked. The organization will then have to reapply for membership within the Council.

Article IV. Meeting Structure

Section 1. VPs are responsible for making the agendas and must abide by the Robert’s Rules of
Order.

Article V. Violations

Section 1. Attendance
a. Fines will be collected from those organizations absent at more than one meeting
throughout the course of the semester.
i. First absence will be handled with a written warning from the MGC Vice
President of Standards.
ii. Second absence will be fined $10
iii. Third absence will be fined $20
b. For every additional absence the fine will increase by increments of $10. Fines must be
paid to MGC at the meeting following the absence. In addition to the above
consequences, the Vice President of Standards can propose other violations within a
reasonable time.

Section 2. Any other violations shall be determined by the Conduct Board upon request by any
member who wishes to bring up any accusations. Upon approval of the Conduct Board, accusations
shall be voted on by the members of the MGC.

Article VI. Amendment Proposals

Section 1. Any delegate or president from an established member chapter can propose to amend
the Constitutions or Bylaws as long as his or her proposal is seconded by another organization.

Section 2. In order for an Amendment to be added, edited, or eliminated a majority vote shall be
reached by the council.

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Article VII
Calendar

At the end of each academic year there will be an open forum to select dates on the University of
South Carolina Multicultural Greek Council Calendar. The forum will incorporate the following
rules:

Section 1. Selection Process:

a. Based on the previous semester’s GPA as reported in the Greek report, MGC Sororities
and Fraternities will select five (5) days in order of academic standing (highest to
lowest chapter GPA) and standing with the Council.
i. Good standing with the Council is defined by adherence to calendar rules and
chapter representation at 75% of all MGC Council meetings.
b. Chapters’ National Founders Day and Local Charter Day will take precedence over other
chapters’ events. These days are not included in the selection.
c. No chapter will program during Greek Week or Homecoming Week.
d. MGC Executive Board will choose MGC programming days next.
e. Based on the previous semester’s community service hours as reported in the Greek
report, MGC Sororities and Fraternities will select three (3) days in order of number of
community service hours (highest to lowest) and standing with the Council.
i. Good standing with the Council is defined by adherence to calendar rules and
chapter representation at 75% of all MGC Council meetings.
f. In order to select the additional days outside of this defined selection, the organization
must fill out a proposal for that date.
g. If an organization(s) wants to hold an event on a day originally held by another chapter,
communication must take place between affected chapter presidents. When a decision
is reached, the two presidents must email the MGC President and the advisor. The
president must then update the Council so the calendar can be adjusted appropriately.

Section 2. Same Day Rules:

a. Events that serve similar purposes and audiences cannot share the same day.
b. Events that serve different purposes and audiences can share the same day but not the
same time.
c. Notification that an event is being held must be given to the organization who requested
the date first.
d. If you are planning an event when another organization is programming, it must be
requested and approved by the organization that is recognized by MGC as being the host
of that day.
e. This event must also be added to the event calendar.

Section 3. Penalties
a. Failure to comply with the MGC Calendar Policy will result in a chapter fine of $100.00
to be assigned by the MGC Executive Board.
b. Failure to send representation at any official MGC Event, such as, but not limited to, MGC
Showcase, Intake Orientation, and any other event on the calendar, will result in a
chapter fine of $150.00 to be assigned by the MGC Executive Board. Organizations must
submit notice to the Keeper of Records should they be unable to attend at least four (4)
hours prior to the event.
c. A formal notice will be sent by the MGC Executive Board.

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 d. This fine should be paid with a chapter check within 14 days leading up to the next
scheduled Council meeting.
e. The next offense will result in the organization’s removal from the MGC calendar.
f. Removal from the calendar includes but is not limited to:
i. Forfeiture of calendar days
ii. Loss of Council support (i.e. promotion, funding, etc.)
iii. Further issues will be dealt with according to the bylaws of MGC Executive
Board.
g. All penalty funds will be delegated to philanthropy of the chapters’ choosing.

Section 4. Standing

a. Any violations of the above stated calendar rules will result in an organization’s status
being deemed bad standing with MGC.
b. Regardless of academic standing, an organization in bad standing with the Council will
be moved down one spot in the rotation to select weeks and days.
c. If an organization does not commit any infractions following the semester in which they
committed their first offense they will be readmitted to having good standing with the
Council.

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