Code of conduct
 

I few of my girls have been me asking me about a code of conduct. We currently do not have a code of conduct, and the girls want to write one. Do most sororities operate under a code of conduct? Tips? Suggestions? Could someone guide me to a code of conduct that I could model ours after if we decide to do it?

Thanks!

I mean by code of conduct, something in addition to the constitution and bylaws that denotes an ethics code of some sort, I suppose.

I know the "code of conduct" sounds silly, but some members have been inquiring about it and I feel that it is my duty as president to answer their questions and cite examples of how it is used and when it works, etc.

Or maybe you mean a "creed" or "symphony" to hold yourselves to? My local sorority has a creed that we recite before each chapter meeting is opened. Many sororities (national, local, professional, etc) have a creed, pledge, or symphony that you can find on their website. Also look at college honor codes. Those might help you put something together.

We have a Code of Standards.

You've made it since 1965 without one.

What has changed to necessitate this addition?

I agree.

Codes like what I think you're proposing usually offend the members who aren't doing anything wrong, don't reach the members who ARE doing something wrong, and solve your problem not at all.

The less law the better (says the Libertarian wannabe). Ask these girls WHY they want such a code.

FWIW, we have a set of Standards. The Standards Board is responsible keeping them current.

What's changed is that many girls have confided in me that they feel that some officers overstep their boundaries and that they feel that there is an attendance problem. These problems have been consistent no matter how many times they are addressed.

Be careful about this. Having a 'star chamber' which attempts to tell people how to behave has a pretty significant chance of backfiring. If you do decide that this is the way to go, lots of good advice here.

I would presonally feel better about updating officer duties and attendance policies in your bylaws or other existing document. I think that it would be easier for members to accept an update to an existing document instead of the creation of a whole new document to address your current problems. Afterall, I believe that bylaws should be updated every few years anyway to change as the chapter requires.

Officer issues are probably best addressed in the bylaws. Maybe having a non-accusatory talk to the chapter in general might help as well. Members should respect officers and offices even if they don't along with a particular person holding the office and remember that they elected them to the position. BUT officers should remember that they were elected to a position and that they should be grateful that the members let them have that position. Sometimes people get power trips and think they're better than others because they believe they work harder or see some truth other members don't...and they probably won't see differently for a few years. Gently reminding them that they were elected to a position and should remain grateful might help put things in perspective. The bylaws can be amended to outline what each officer is responsible for so that when they take actions that are not outlined under their job description there is a black and white reason to conference with them. As for attendance, that can be addressed in the bylaws as well. You should have rules and penalties for missing required events. (But make sure poor attendance isn't due to over-programming. Members who hold jobs and positions in other organizations on campus on top of the sorority and academic obligations can only participate in so many activities per month.) We have fines, for instance. Other penalties could include community service, or helping set up or take down for a social event or philanthropy event. There should be a way to miss events for a good reason (actual illness, family emergency, unavoidable work or class commitment etc.). Also it's important that events are announced with plenty of time (at least 2 weeks) so that members with jobs can ask off.

A code of standards usually addresses general behaviors and it may or may not be needed. Things like treating sisters with respect, essentially behaving like a lady (addressing smoking and alcohol, etc.), and striving to do well academically.

Right - when you said "code of conduct" in the original post I think this was what most people thought you meant.

An attendance policy should be part of your bylaws. This is something pretty straightforward.

Basic duties of each office should also be outlined in the bylaws. VP of rush does this, treasurer does this, etc etc. But as far as officers overstepping, I don't think this is something you can legislate as much as it is those particular people in whatever office. Some people just have to have their finger in every pie and don't know when to stop. If, for example, the VP of membership thinks that the VP of rush is too much up in her business, that's something the two of them have to work out between themselves. Also sometimes things like this resulted from a situation years ago when, say, the VP of membership didn't get t shirts for the pledges like she was supposed to and like it says in the bylaws, so the VP of rush did it so it got done. Now 10 years later, the VPM has her act together and feels threatened.