Hi! I’m part of an interest group that aims to petition a (professional) fraternity for a charter. To gain essential university recognition, we have to supply a constitution/objectives etc, for them to check the selectivity stuff is acceptable/non- discriminatory etc.
This is a request for help/comments/advice: On things to look for in members/things to select on, or any other comments. We're looking to ensure a) we have a great group of members and b) policies used to select them don't clash with equality. Below is what we have so far that I think we’d look for in PNMs; we thought we could also hand it to members during voting so they knew what they should be voting on - like as a checklist?
Membership voting at the end of the "new member orientation" process (still considering length of process) will be: a majority for pnm = application successful. Existing members'd have to give reasons if voting a pnm not become a member of the group. This'd be recorded for use in event a complaint of discrimination was made - so we could prove it all was all hunky dory, as it could be us who’d have to do the proving. Obviously we’d have to stipulate that "just because" is not a valid/satisfactory reason. 'Checklist':
- Willingness to participate and share ideas: Any mandatory meetings/events attended & any required participation completed. Obviously we can just check the roll-calls of meetings.
- Knows the history of the organisation at the international level.
- Active on campus: e.g. member of at least 1 other student org, participates in campus media, student leader etc.
- Interpersonal skills, like they would be examined upon in a job interview e.g. approachable
- Confidence that this person shall act with integrity and in accordance with the aims of XYZ and shall protect the confidentiality of information at all times.
- Confidence that person shall act with appropriate personal behaviour.
- Academics. Minimum grades required attained (returning students). Extenuating circumstances may be taken into account.
- Paid all chapter dues and international fees.
- Any application form info. on why PNM member wishes become a member of XYZ / what they feel they'd bring to the group.
- Is a student in good standing with the University.
- Been supplied with and completed Equal Opportunities information form (the ones with tickboxes for ethnic group etc)
Any further elements would have comply with the university guidelines (on discrimination etc). Anyone confused over what’s permissible to exclude a PNM over, could discuss the issue with say the Chapter President or Chair of the Membership Committee.
*Thank you* for any and all help offered.