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Old 12-29-2012, 04:14 AM
greekdee greekdee is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 466
Clearly, your brother is having some academic struggles. Recruitment Chair can be a demanding position to hold. If he was unable to meet grade requirements for two semesters -- while NOT holding this executive office -- then it's unlikely he'll be able to manage his academics while he does carry the RC responsibilities. It is not in his best interest to be allowed to remain in the position.

You say this is the first time this situation has come up since your rechartering. Remember, how you handle this will set direction for the future. If you let him slide (and 2.1 is quite a slide from a semester requirement of 3.0), what message does that send the chapter about your seriousness in regard to grades, your respect for by-laws and your follow through with consequences for members not remaining in good standing? I know you mentioned keeping this quiet and moving forward as though nothing happened, but believe me, this info always finds its way out!

As much as I would hate to have to do it, I would ask him to resign his RC position. This can be done kindly and with assurance that the chapter values his membership and wants to see him succeed. I would certainly ask him what he thinks the problem is and what the chapter can do to help him improve his grades. Do you have mandatory study hours for brothers who are not meeting grade requirements? If not, this might be a good time to implement them. Maybe some brothers can recommend tutors.

I understand that RC is often a difficult position to fill. Why? Because it's not an easy-breezy role to be in. As with any office, it really does need to be held by someone who has demonstrated their ability to balance academics with Greek Life. Does your chapter have a minimum GPA to pledge? If so, imagine how you'll feel upholding this when your own RC isn't even in good academic standing?! That's just not quite right.

Back in my day, and in my chapter, this would have either been handled by the standards committee, or possibly only by the president and another board member who actually saw the grades (sounds as though that may be you in your chapter). You really have an open and shut case. Qualifications to serve have not been met, and the resolution is clearly defined in your by-laws. However, do take this up with your chapter adviser.

As unpleasant as these situations are, you are actually getting some "real world" experience, as similar dilemmas come up in the professional realm as well. Good luck to you -- you sound like a level headed young man who wants to handle this responsibly, ethically and maturely. And best wishes to your brother. I hope he gets back on track with his academics and returns to good standing.
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