Phi Chapter Code of Conduct

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish clear expectations for the behavior of all individuals affiliated with the Phi Chapter of Kappa Theta Pi. This Code is intended to preserve the integrity of the chapter, protect its members, and ensure that all chapter activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the Constitution, University policy, and the values of Kappa Theta Pi.

This Code of Conduct shall apply to all Pledges, Active Members, Executive Board Members, Cabinet Members, Alumni participating in chapter functions. This Code applies during chapter meetings, rush events, pledge events, social events, professional development events, philanthropy and service events, internal communications, digital platforms, and any other setting in which an individual is acting as or representing a member of Kappa Theta Pi Phi Chapter.

All members shall conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on Kappa Theta Pi, The University of Georgia, and the broader community. Upon recitation of the membership oath, members agree to uphold the purpose and mission of Kappa Theta Pi and to support and defend the Constitution of the Phi Chapter to the best of their ability. Members are expected to act with honesty, respect, professionalism, responsibility, and good judgment in all chapter-related matters.

All members shall treat one another, prospective members, alumni, university officials, faculty, staff, guests, corporate representatives, and members of the public with dignity and respect. Conduct that is threatening, abusive, harassing, degrading, retaliatory, or intentionally disruptive to the chapter community shall be prohibited. Members shall contribute to an environment that supports collaboration, professional growth, personal development, and lifelong friendship.

Kappa Theta Pi Phi Chapter is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, veteran status, genetic information, or any other demographic category protected by applicable law or University policy. Membership and all privileges, including voting rights and officer positions, must be extended in accordance with the University of Georgia Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and the standards reflected in the chapter Constitution.

All members shall comply with the Phi Chapter Constitution, Judicial Board rulings, duly adopted bylaws, chapter procedures, Executive Board directives issued within constitutional authority, and rulings made through valid chapter processes. This Code of Conduct is intended to supplement the Constitution, not replace it. In the event of a conflict between this Code and the Constitution, the Constitution shall govern.

All Active Members are expected to remain in good standing by satisfying the requirements established by the Constitution. Active members shall maintain the required cumulative GPA, shall not belong to another professional fraternity, and shall fulfill chapter requirements associated with active membership. Members are also expected to remain informed about the fraternity's identity, including its letters, founding history, and current leadership. Pledges are expected to complete all onboarding and pledging requirements established by the Membership Committee unless a constitutional exception applies.

Attendance is a core obligation of membership. Attendance at chapter meetings, professional development workshops, community service events, and social activities shall be logged. All active members are required to attend bi-weekly chapter meetings and any event the Executive Board designates as mandatory. All active members receive four free absences per semester, whether excused or unexcused. Upon a fifth absence, the active member shall be subject to a fifty-dollar fine and a conduct discussion with the Judicial Chair. In the event a member does not pay the fifty-dollar fine, they are subjected to removal from the fraternity. Upon a sixth absence, the active member may be dropped in accordance with chapter policy. Emergency absences may be waived when proper documentation is provided and the Judicial Chair or Judicial Board determines that an emergency existed. Members who cannot attend an event due to an emergency must contact the appropriate Judicial Board Member in writing.

Members shall satisfy all financial obligations to the chapter in a timely manner. Dues shall be paid, or an alternative written payment plan shall be established with the Vice President of Finance and approved by the Executive Board, within the first month of the semester. Late fees may be incurred immediately after the deadline. Members who fail to pay dues or establish an approved plan by the applicable deadline may be placed on probation in accordance with the Constitution. Members are expected to communicate financial hardship honestly and promptly.

Members shall behave respectfully and professionally during chapter meetings and official events. Members may not intentionally disrupt proceedings, interfere with chapter business, undermine the authority of the presiding officer, or create an environment that prevents the chapter from conducting business. Members attending rush events, interviews, pledge events, professional events, service activities, socials, retreats, and chapter-sponsored gatherings shall conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on Kappa Theta Pi and respects all applicable University rules, venue policies, and chapter expectations.

Members participating in rush, interviews, selection, bid extension, pledging, and crossover activities must act fairly, professionally, and in a manner consistent with the values of the chapter. Members shall treat prospective members and pledges with respect and shall not misuse their role or authority during recruitment or onboarding. Decisions regarding membership shall be handled through the constitutional processes of the chapter, and any internal discussions regarding selection shall remain confidential. Pledges are expected to complete the onboarding process in good faith and conduct themselves as future representatives of the chapter.

During Rush and Pledging, all active members are expected to represent Kappa Theta Pi in a professional, respectful, and inviting manner at all times, including at official events, in class, and in other public or campus settings. Members must avoid inappropriate jokes, offensive humor, crude remarks, exclusionary comments, or other behavior that could make prospective members uncomfortable or reflect poorly on the fraternity. Members shall not publicly speculate about membership decisions, call attention to who is or is not rushing, or behave in a way that is disruptive, embarrassing, or unprofessional. All interactions with prospective members should reflect maturity, courtesy, and respect for the Rush process and the reputation of the chapter.

Active members are expected to maintain professional and appropriate relationships with individuals who are rushing or participating in pledgeship. Members must not share internal KTP gossip, confidential decisions, private discussions, or chapter-related issues with non-initiated individuals. Professionalism and discretion are expected both within and outside of KTP regardless of living situation and duration of friendship. Judicial Board conversations and punishments may occur if this is violated.

Pledges are expected to maintain professional and respectful relationships with active members throughout pledgeship. Non-professional conversations, inappropriate jokes, and improper interactions are not permitted during this period. Pledges are also expected to listen to and give their full, undivided attention to the Vice President of Membership and the Pledge Director during designated pledge events and to remain on task at all times. Judicial Board conversations and punishments may occur if this is violated.

All Active Members, Pledges, Executive Board Members, Cabinet Members, and Alumni shall maintain confidentiality regarding any internal, sensitive, or non-public information concerning the Phi Chapter of Kappa Theta Pi. This duty applies both during and after membership. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, membership selection discussions and votes (i.e. decision night), judicial or disciplinary matters, strikes, investigations, financial data such as internal budgets or bank-related information, deliberations held during Executive Board, Cabinet, or committee meetings, and any meeting, message, or matter where confidentiality is explicitly invoked. Officers may share confidential information only as necessary to fulfill constitutional duties, report conduct violations, or meet legal obligations. Unauthorized disclosure, whether verbal, written, digital, or otherwise, constitutes a violation of this Code and may result in disciplinary action.

During interactions with pledges, brothers are not to discuss internal conflicts, gossip, chapter problems, past judicial board rulings, internal decisions, or other confidential matters. Members are expected to maintain discretion and protect chapter confidentiality at all times, and any brother who shares such information may be subject to disciplinary action.

Members shall act honestly in all chapter matters. Members may not knowingly misrepresent chapter business, falsify excuses, records, attendance, or information submitted to officers, misuse chapter funds or resources, or mislead the chapter in matters involving conduct, eligibility, elections, or membership status. Members are expected to communicate truthfully and act in good faith in all proceedings involving the chapter. This standard applies equally to informal communications and formal proceedings.

Executive Board Members and Cabinet Members are held to a heightened standard because they are entrusted with managing the chapter and serving its members. Officers must faithfully complete the duties of their positions, enforce chapter laws and policies consistently, and carry out their responsibilities in a fair, unbiased, and responsible manner. Leaders may not abuse their authority, ignore constitutional responsibilities, or act in a manner unbecoming of their office. Any officer who fails to uphold the responsibilities of office, violates chapter standards, or engages in conduct unbecoming of their position may be subject to impeachment or removal under the Constitution per decision made by the judicial board.

Sexual misconduct, as defined by University policy, is prohibited. Allegations of sexual misconduct shall be handled in accordance with University procedures and the requirements stated in the Constitution. Where initiated by the reporting party, such allegations may be reported directly to the University of Georgia Equal Opportunity Office. The result of the University review may lead to dismissal from the fraternity. The Vice President of Internal Affairs shall ensure compliance with this provision as stated in the Constitution. Members accused of sexual misconduct are prohibited to attend events until a decision is made by the University of Georgia Equal Opportunity Office.

Members who fail to meet chapter requirements may be placed on probation in accordance with the Constitution. A member on probation may lose voting rights, may lose eligibility for discretionary inactive status, and may be prohibited from attending chapter events and social gatherings for the duration of the probationary semester. Members who remain on probation for a full semester may be subject to dismissal at the end of that semester as provided by chapter rules. This Code does not eliminate those constitutional consequences; rather, it recognizes and supports them as chapter accountability measures.

The Judicial Chair is responsible for situational disciplinary actions in a fair and unbiased manner and for maintaining records related to strikes and absences. The Judicial Board serves as an independent body to arbitrate extraneous circumstances that may arise. When conduct concerns are reported, the matter may be reviewed by the appropriate officer, the Judicial Chair, the Judicial Board, or another body authorized by the Constitution, depending on the seriousness and nature of the matter. Appeals are made through the Executive Board within 24 hours of a judicial decision. The defendant is required to submit a professional email to the Kappa Theta Pi account.

If a Judicial Board Chair or Judicial Board member is under investigation or facing disciplinary action, that individual must recuse themselves from the matter. The Judicial Board may continue its proceedings as normal, with the Chapter President serving as a substitute member for the purpose of maintaining a fair and impartial process.

A member found responsible for violating this Code of Conduct may be subject to one or more sanctions consistent with the Constitution and chapter practice. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, a verbal warning, written warning, fine, required meeting with chapter leadership, probation, temporary loss of privileges, removal from chapter events, removal from office, or dismissal from membership. Severe or repeated violations may result in referral to the Judicial Board, impeachment proceedings for officers, or removal from membership.

Before significant disciplinary action is imposed, the member should be informed of the concern and given an opportunity to respond, except in circumstances requiring immediate interim action for safety, compliance, or chapter protection. All reviews and decisions should be made in good faith and in a manner that is as fair, unbiased, and consistent as possible with the Constitution and the responsibilities assigned to chapter officers and the Judicial Board. Within 24 hours of a Judicial Board decision, the member who received the disciplinary action may submit a formal written request to the Kappa Theta Pi official email to present their appeal to the Executive Board at an Executive Board meeting. The Executive Board reserves the right to decline this request. If the request is approved, the appeal shall be reviewed by the Executive Board at the next Executive Board Meeting.

This Code of Conduct is adopted as a chapter rule and shall operate alongside the Phi Chapter Constitution. The chapter may pass additional rules and regulations concerning daily business so long as they do not contradict the Constitution or current bylaws. Any amendments to this Code shall be made through the chapter's established amendment process.

The following conduct shall constitute a violation of this Code of Conduct:

1. Violating the Constitution, bylaws, or valid chapter rules.
2. Repeated failure to meet membership responsibilities.
3. Failure to satisfy attendance requirements or follow absence procedures.
4. Failure to pay dues or establish an approved alternative payment plan.
5. Disruptive conduct during meetings or official chapter events.
6. Harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or abusive conduct toward any person.
7. Breach of confidentiality.
8. Dishonesty, falsification, or intentional misrepresentation in chapter matters.
9. Misuse of chapter authority, chapter property, funds, or digital platforms.
10. Conduct that damages the reputation, operations, or welfare of the chapter.
11. Failure of an officer to perform the duties of office in good faith.
12. Sexual misconduct as defined by University policy, subject to referral and reporting procedures consistent with the Constitution and University requirements.

By accepting membership in Kappa Theta Pi Phi Chapter, each member acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to follow the Constitution and this Code of Conduct. Any members that violate these documents shall be subjected to a Judicial Board Meeting and/or punishment made at the discretion of the Judicial Board. Continued participation in the chapter is conditioned on compliance with these standards.

This Code of Conduct shall become effective immediately upon acceptance by a two-thirds majority vote of members present. The Code of Conduct shall also be ratified annually at the last meeting of the year.

Effective: 31 March 2026