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Mu Beta Psi, National Honorary Musical Fraternity

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policies:chapters:zeta:standards_board

Standards Board Policy

Article I. Formation, Limitations, and Use of the Chapter Standards Board

Section 1. Formation of the Chapter Standards Board

  1. In the event that there is no Chapter Standards Board, the Chapter Executive Board (hereinafter referred to as “E-Board”) must propose a slate of at least three Active Brothers to serve as the Chapter Standards Board at the next General Meeting.
    1. The number of Brothers on the Chapter Standards Board must be odd.
  2. The slate of candidates must be voted in by a three-fourths vote of the Chapter.
    1. The entire slate must be voted in at once, not individual Brothers.
    2. If the Chapter fails to vote in the proposed slate of Brothers, the Chapter E-Board must propose a new one.
  3. In the event that any Brother on the current Chapter Standards Board is unable to continue their duties, the Chapter Standards Board shall be dissolved.

Section 2. Limitations of the Chapter Standards Board

  1. Any Brother in the following situations may not adjudicate the trial or participate in any subsequent appeal processes.
    1. Being involved in the trial, being either the person accused of misconduct (hereinafter referred to as “Respondent”) or the person making the accusation (hereinafter referred to as “Complainant”).
    2. Having been charged with similar misconduct at the same time.
  2. E-Board may appoint a temporary replacement of a Brother on the Standards Board with three-fourths vote of the Chapter if a Standards Board member is unable to serve due to a conflict of interest.
  3. The Chapter will notify the National Organization if the Chapter is unable to select a Standards Board due to limited membership or conflicts of interest.

Section 3. Use of the Chapter Standards Board

  1. Any person may allege a violation of the Chapter’s Code of Conduct by notifying the Chapter Vice President and Chapter Standards Board Chair in writing.
  2. The Chapter Standards Board shall adjudicate a trial if a member allegedly commits misconduct.

Article II. Procedure of the Chapter Standards Board

Section 1. Before a Trial

  1. Once the Chapter receives a written complaint, the Chapter Standards Board will select one of its members to manage the adjudication of the complaint and act as Chair for all proceedings involving the complaint.
  2. The Chapter Standards Board will set a date, time, and location or method (e.g., conference call, video conference) for a hearing to adjudicate the case. The hearing must occur within 15 days unless extenuating circumstances justify an extension.
    1. When scheduling a hearing, the Chapter Standards Board must make all reasonable attempts to accommodate the Respondent’s schedule (i.e, the hearing should not be scheduled during class time, midterm or final exams, required school activities, etc.)
    2. Once the hearing has been scheduled, the Chapter Standards Board must send written notice to the Respondent at least 5 days prior to the hearing date.
      1. The notice must outline the charges brought against the Respondent, must include sufficient information about the alleged misconduct to allow the Respondent to present a defense, and must indicate the date, time, and location of the hearing.

Section 2. Procedure of a Trial

  1. The Chapter Standards Board will conduct the hearing with the Respondent according to the following guidelines:
    1. The Chapter Standards Board may question any party or witness. The Complainant and Respondent may submit questions to the Standards Board Chair, who will ask the questions at their discretion.
    2. The Chapter Standards Board will review the charges with the Respondent. The Respondent may admit or deny responsibility for each charge. If the Respondent admits responsibility for all charges, the Chapter Standards Board will only consider this information to determine the appropriate sanction.
    3. The Complainant will have the opportunity to present information substantiating the Respondent’s alleged misconduct, including pertinent witnesses, written statements, and other records.
    4. After the Complainant’s presentation, the Respondent will have the opportunity to present a defense, including pertinent witnesses, written statements, and other records.
    5. Witnesses may only be present during the proceedings while offering testimony.
    6. The Chapter Standards Board may limit the number of character witnesses or may accept written statements instead.
    7. After the presentation of all pertinent information, the Chapter Standards Board will excuse the parties and their advisors and deliberate.
    8. The Chapter Standards Board will determine, by a majority vote, whether the Respondent is responsible for each charge.
    9. If the Chapter Standards Board finds the Respondent responsible, the Standards Board determines the appropriate sanctions.
  2. The Chapter Standards Board will keep minutes of all hearings with Respondents.
    1. The minutes will serve as the sole record for all hearings.
    2. The minutes should accurately summarize the information presented by the Complainant, Respondent, and any pertinent witnesses.
    3. Deliberations will not be included in the minutes.
  3. If the Respondent does not appear for the Chapter Standards Board hearing, the hearing will proceed as scheduled and the Chapter Standards Board will consider the information substantiating the Respondent’s alleged misconduct.
  4. For further information on how the trials are conducted, consult the Mu Beta Psi Code of Conduct.

Article III. Resolution of a Trial

Section 1. Trial Resolution

  1. If the Respondent wishes, they may resolve the complaint informally with the Chapter Standards Board. If so,
    1. The Respondent waives the right to appeal.
    2. The Respondent accepts responsibility for each alleged violation of the Code.
    3. The Respondent accepts any sanctions proposed by the Chapter Standards Board.
      1. These sanctions must be proposed to the Respondent before agreeing to an informal resolution.
    4. A written copy of the informal resolution must be sent to the Chapter President.
  2. If the Respondent does not wish to resolve the complaint informally, the Chapter Standards Board must notify the Respondent of the outcome of the hearing in writing within seven days of said hearing.
    1. The notice must include the determination of responsibility for each charge, any sanctions assigned, and any applicable appeal procedure.
    2. Possible sanctions are as follows:
      1. A warning.
      2. A probationary period.
      3. Fines/restitution.
      4. Mandatory community service.
      5. Loss of privileges.
      6. Behavioral requirement/counseling.
      7. Educational programming.
      8. Eligibility restrictions.
      9. Removal from office.
      10. Bid revocation.
        1. This may also include restriction from future bid eligibility.
      11. Suspension.
        1. While suspended, the Respondent is not Active, may not run for or hold an elected position, or attend/participate in Fraternity sponsored events.
      12. Revocation of membership.
        1. This sanction requires a unanimous vote of the Standards Board.
      13. Other sanctions appropriate to the violation.
  3. If the Respondent wishes, they can appeal the decision of the Standards Board to the Board of Trustees under any of the following conditions.
    1. The Respondent feels there was an error in the proceedings.
    2. New information comes to light regarding the alleged violation.
    3. The Respondent feels the sanctions imposed were too severe.
  4. The Chapter Standards Board must forward copies of all the following documents annually to the National Vice-President of Chapter Maintenance:
    1. The written complaint.
    2. The Respondent’s hearing notification.
    3. The hearing minutes.
    4. The Respondent’s outcome notification.
  5. If the Chapter Standards Board suspends or expels the Respondent, the records must be forwarded to the National Vice-President of Chapter Maintenance and the National Secretary within seven days of notifying the Respondent.
As adopted on January 11, 2026
policies/chapters/zeta/standards_board.txt · Last modified: 2026/01/13 18:28 by saneveau