IFC adopts new constitution

After operating under the same constitution for the past several years, the InterFraternity Council executive board and chapter presidents voted Wednesday night to adopt a new governing plan. The Greek leaders also approved an updated Judicial Inquiry Board charter. Since the IFC recently expanded its membership and changed many programs, the old constitution proved "pretty ineffective," according to Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski. And although IFC executive board members said they saw no real problems with the old constitution, they admitted that there was room for improvement. IFC Treasurer Dave Poline, a Wharton junior and Delta Tau Delta brother, labeled the new constitution as "kind of a continuation" of the previous document -- which he said wasn't "as specific" as the executive board would have liked. The IFC "could've gone on without [the new constitution]," said IFC Vice President of Community Service Jason Judd, a College junior. But the former Tau Epsilon Phi chancellor added that "it was basically time for a revision" because the old constitution was "outdated." Included in the document are guidelines concerning how Judd and IFC Vice President for 21st Century Planning Aaron Kotok, a College junior and Pi Kappa Phi brother, should fill their positions -- both of which are newly created by the Greeks' 21st Century Report. "We're defining the privilege and right of being an IFC chapter -- as well as the duties -- in order to make the IFC a more cohesive unit," IFC President Matt Baker said. The College and Engineering junior and Alpha Chi Rho brother could only release the preamble and mission statement of the "internal document." The new constitution strives to provide Greeks with "an abundance of opportunities for academic, social, moral and personal growth beyond those available to the non-Greek students" and to uphold "the best interests of our members and the fraternity system." Fraternity brothers updated the JIB charter to address new facets concerning issues of rush, attendance, party funding, hazing and the implementation of the 21st Century Report. "The JIB charter establishes a judicial board which will equitably and consistently rule on accusations of violations and IFC policies," Baker said. "The basic idea is that we police ourselves and hold every chapter accountable for their actions."