Brotherhood Standards

Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Delta Xi Chapter Brotherhood Standards
Last Amended April 2009

Standards Committee

The Standards Committee presides over issues concerning the actions and behaviors of the Brothers of the Alpha Delta Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega. Concerns relating to the Alpha Delta Xi Brotherhood Standards are brought before the Standards Committee in writing. Members of the committee are given the responsibility of listening to and judging the grievances of the Brotherhood. All matters brought before the Standards Committee are to be kept within the strictest of confidence, and are not to be discussed outside of a Standards Hearing.

Any Brother may be brought up on Standards, provided that the complaint is legitimate and of a valid nature. To initiate a Standards Hearing, a Brother must notify the Leadership Vice President, who will then contact each of the committee members. A Hearings date will be decided upon, so that all parties involved may attend. Upon receiving a Summons to a Standards Hearing Committee, attendance to the Hearing is mandatory.

The Standards Committee will be a body consisting of five Active Brothers. The Brotherhood selects three of the Brothers, the fourth member is the Sergeant-At-arms, and the fifth member will be the Leadership Vice President. The three Brothers shall be selected at the Chapter Officer Elections Meeting by a majority vote. The Sergeant-At-Arms is present to ensure both fairness and compliance with Chapter, University, and National policies. The Leadership Vice President serves as a representative of the Executive Board, and only casts his or her vote in the case of a tie. All decisions of the Standards Committee are final until appealed and successfully overturned. If Brotherhood membership is too low for the required numbers of participating Brothers on the Standards Committee, all remaining Active Brothers shall comprise the Committee with the Chair of the Advisory Board casting his or her vote in case of a tie.

No Brother shall participate on the Standards Committee who is biased or involved, in any way possible, with the situation. In the case of a biased Brother, the Brotherhood shall elect the remaining members by a majority vote at a General Brotherhood Meeting where quorum is held.

Any Brother may appeal the decision of the Standards Committee. The Brother concerned must submit a summary of the event along with an explanation to the Brotherhood. Any decision pertaining to standards may be overturned by a two-thirds vote of the voting Brotherhood. No biased Brothers may participate in the appeal vote.

A Brother who is found to be in violation of these Standards shall be subject to the following penalties, to be decided by the Standards Committee:

A sincere letter of apology must be written and given to the offended party by the offending Brother.
Fines up to, but not exceeding, ten dollars.
Additional service requirements not to exceed five hours.
Removal from Office (if the Brother is an Officer).
Suspension or Expulsion of the Brother by the Chapter.

Any decision by the Standards Committee that involves removing a Brother from Office or Suspending or Expelling a Brother will serve as a recommendation to the Chapter and the Chapter will have the final say. A three-fourths majority vote of the entire Active Brotherhood is required to remove a Brother from Office. A three-fourths majority vote of the entire Brotherhood shall also be necessary to suspend or expel a Brother from the Chapter. Penalties may be given concurrently.

Alpha Delta Xi Brotherhood Standards

As Brothers of Alpha Phi Omega, we agree to abide by the following standards to the best of our abilities. We realize that it is our responsibility to uphold these values and to ensure that each of our fellow Brothers does so as well. Our primary guide will be the Scout Law.

A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

As a Brother, it is our duty to strive for the above qualities. Furthermore, as a Brother of Alpha Phi Omega, we agree to the following:

1. Honor and uphold the traditions, ceremonies, and ideals of the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity.

2. Conduct ourselves as Brothers and representatives of Alpha Phi Omega. We will remember that our behavior and conduct reflects the values and beliefs of Alpha Phi Omega, as a whole.

3. Complete our duties to the best of our abilities. When elected to an office or committee position, we will fulfill our responsibilities as they are designated by the Constitution. We will not hesitate to ask for help or accept it when it is offered.

4. To always respect the opinions of our fellow Brother, even if they do not reflect our own personal beliefs.

5. That speaking negatively of another Brother or Organization is highly looked-down upon unless the intent is for constructive criticism.

6. Drink responsibly. Drinking while wearing Alpha Phi Omega related apparel is strictly prohibited. A Brother never drives while intoxicated.

7. Keep all affairs of Alpha Phi Omega in the strictest of confidence within the Active, Associate, and Probationary members of the Brotherhood. Any personal problems between Brothers remains between those involved, with the exception of those cases in which the Brothers involved may elect to utilize a Brotherhood mediator. Do not unnecessarily involve the Pledges.

8. Support and stand up for a Brother in times of need.

9. Follow the golden rule. We will treat everyone as we would hope to be treated.

10. Properly utilize Chapter communication. We will use the communication channels of the Chapter respectfully, and we will remember that our Standards still apply when using these forms of communication.

11. Maintain academic standards. Brothers should not only meet minimal University requirements, but we should strive to achieve higher standards of academic excellence.

12. Strive for punctuality to all Alpha Phi Omega events, including, but not limited to all Brotherhood Meetings and Service Projects.

13. Will attend all Alpha Phi Omega events for which the Brother has signed up. In the event that the Brother deems it necessary to miss the event(s), they must notify the event Chair-Person prior to the start of the event.

14. Enter all Brotherhood-related events with a positive attitude, including, but not limited to General Brotherhood Meetings and Service Projects.

15. Make a conscious effort to include all Brothers, Pledges, and Alumni in Chapter events.

16. We will remember the promises we have made to ourselves, our fellow Brothers, and our Fraternity.

We will abide by the Scout Oath to the best of our abilities.

On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to obey the Scout Law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.