NPHC Constitution

The name of this organization shall be the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of the University of South Alabama.

The purpose of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. shall be: to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation between the historically African American fraternities and sororities; to facilitate cooperative activities and functions with all of the Greek councils on the campus of the University of South Alabama; to encourage positive relations with all other Greek councils on the campus of the University of South Alabama; to disseminate information for a better understanding of Greek functions and purpose throughout the larger community of the university; to support and encourage high academic accomplishments; to provide a representative body recognized and supported by the University of South Alabama; and to abide by the rules set forth by the National Pan-Hellenic Council body.

Membership in University of South Alabama student organizations is open to all regularly enrolled students.  Accordingly, no person may be excluded from membership or leadership in a registered student organization due to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender (unless exempt under Title IX), sexual orientation, disability or veteran status; provided, however, that registered student organizations may limit their membership to students who, upon individual inquiry, affirm that they support the organization's religious, political or other legally protected views, consistent with the First Amendment.

Section 1: Member Organizations

The following recognized fraternities and sororities are members of the local USA-NPHC chapter: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., and The Greek lettered organizations stated above are considered active or inactive in status at the University of South Alabama. No other organizations shall have the right to participate within the USA-NPHC chapter.

Section 2: Active Members

• Adhere to the rules and regulations and policies contained herein the constitution and by-laws of USA-NPHC.
• Obtain financial status each semester by paying dues.

Section 3: Rosters

• Updated chapter rosters are due at two weeks after the semester starts and two weeks before the semester ends for spring and fall.  The rosters should be set up as a Google doc with tabs for each semester.  Once you have completed the roster please share with the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
• An invoice will be sent out to the chapters by the USA-NPHC Treasurer to collect the dues of the active members that were submitted on the chapter rosters.

Section 1: Elected Officers

The elected officers of USA NPHC shall be President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian, Historian, and Member-at Large. These officers shall be elected by affiliate organizations.

Section 2: Qualifications of Officers

To be eligible for an office, a candidate must be a full-time undergraduate student, and shall maintain such standing during his/her term in office. An officer must be an active member of one of the active chapters that form the council.

Section 3: Election and Terms of Office

• New officers shall be elected the first meeting in November.
• All candidates for each office must be from active member organizations.
• Candidates who have been recently initiated are allowed to seek office.
• The period from elections to installations will serve as a training period during which the newly elected officers will become familiar with their duties. The new officers will facilitate the last meeting before the officer’s installation and all meetings thereafter and within their term of office.
• The officer shall serve for one year, upon installation at the end of the fall semester. After election or selection the incoming officers shall attend the USA NPHC general body meetings as ex-officio members.

Section 4: Succession

In the event of the premature vacancy of the office of the President, the current Vice President will assume the title and duties of President. In the event of premature vacancy of any other office, the vacancy will be filled within two weeks by election from the executive board or appointment by President.

Section 1: Frequency

The general body meetings will be held bi-weekly on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.

Section 2: Quorum

A quorum to convene and transact business shall consist of two-thirds (2/3) of registered

Delegates.

Section 3: Order of Business

1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call
3. Officer Reports.
4. Chapter Reports.
5. Old Business.
6. New Business.
7. Advisor Report
8. Questions, Comments, Announcements
9. Adjourned.

Section 4: Voting

Each organization represented on the council, shall have one vote. The voting members shall be the registered delegates of each organization holding membership in good standing. Two-thirds of voting members shall be required to amend the constitution, bylaws or any other documents affecting the General Body or respective organizations. A majority vote shall be required to carry all other questions. Executive Board officers may not vote. The President of NPHC shall vote only in case of a tie.

The Standing committees of the NPHC shall be: Public Relations, Constitution and Bylaws, and Special Committees.

Public Relations (chaired by Historian): 

• Promote all activities of the Council in the form of flyers, public service announcements, and/or ways deemed necessary to the Council 
• Provide the media with news leads or background information on NPHC organizations and chapter events

Constitution & Bylaws Committee (chaired by Parliamentarian): 

• Update Constitution & Bylaws regularly.
• Make sure organizations are complying with the rules and regulations set forth

Special Committees:

• The Executive Council may form such other committees, as it deems necessary to carry out the duties of the USA NPHC. 
• The President shall appoint the members of such other committees, having the chairperson being the Vice President of the NPHC, with concurrence of the Executive Council.

Section 1: Duties

• Attend all Greek Affairs emanating from the yearly programs set-up by USA-NPHC.
• Attend all of the meetings of USA-NPHC, both regular and emergency meetings.
• Perform other duties as prescribed by USA-NPHC or Greek Life.
• He/She shall not vote or pay dues.
• Shall have name on all financial accounts.
• Sign on financial accounts.
• Must be faculty, graduate assistant, or full-time staff

The most recent edited edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern in all matters not provided for in this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 1:

The USA-NPHC Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a petition from any respective organization approved by USA-NPHC by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.

Section 2:

The amendment must presented in writing at least one (1) regular meeting prior to the one (1) at which it is to be voted on unless it is an amendment that is being made to a motion that is currently on the floor.

Section 3:

The revised constitution shall become effective immediately when ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.

Section 4:

Every third (3rd) year the constitution and by-laws shall be revised and updated, unless requested by the NPHC executive council or its advisors.

Section 5:

Good Cause Clause- any organization can be properly excused from any planned NPHC meeting and/or event by providing necessary proof in due time (i.e. advanced notice) to the NPHC Parliamentarian, President, and Advisor.