Member Accountability
- Kayla Ray
The Member Accountability Process is overseen by the Member Accountability Chairman, an elected officer in the chapter. It is important that Advisors ensure the process is followed properly at the chapter level. Delta Zeta’s Accountability Process is detailed fully in the Accountability Process document listed in the resource section of this guidebook.
Accountability Process. Holding members accountable to Delta Zeta’s expectations can occur through either mediation, or if necessary, an Alternative Resolution.
Mediation by the Membership Accountability Chairman and Advisor. The Membership Accountability Chairman and Advisor will attempt to address as many incidents as possible through a local mediation process. The Membership Accountability Chairman shall be the only collegiate member, outside of the individuals involved, present during a mediation. A mediation meeting can result in agreed upon expectations or restorative steps for the future but will not impact the status of a member.
Mediation by the Regional Collegiate Director (RCD). The Membership Accountability Chairman or Advisor or a member involved in an incident may request a second mediation if the initial mediation with the Membership Accountability Chairman was not successful. A request may be made in writing to the RCD within seven days of the initial mediation meeting.
Alternative Resolution – Alternative resolution is used when an incident cannot be resolved in meditation or is significant enough to warrant immediate action. The Alternative Resolution is the only process that can be used to change a member’s status. The Alternative Resolution will be facilitated by the National Resolution Team with the procedures established by National Council.
Possible Outcomes. The Delta Zeta Accountability Process can result in various different outcomes. It is important that the Membership Accountability Chairman understand each of these types of outcomes.
No finding. Mediation or alternative resolution may result in a “no finding” meaning all individuals involved in the incident remain in good standing.
Mediation Agreement. A Mediation Session may result in the setting of individual or group expectations that are codified in writing and agreed upon by all individuals connected to an incident. A Mediation Agreement cannot include a member status change, fine or required educational task.
Restorative Action Items. Alternative Resolution may result in a member being assigned action items to complete to either restore damage done or to assist in educating a member. Alternative Resolution is the only process that can assign a status change or a required educational or restorative task.
Warning. A warning may be given and shall be used to inform the member that her actions are not consistent with the expectations of conduct expected of Delta Zeta members.
Probation. A member may be placed on probation for failure to uphold the expectations of conduct or meet the requirements of good standing expected of every member of Delta Zeta Sorority. During the probation, the member shall meet the conditions of her probation, or she shall be subject to suspension or dismissal.
Suspension. A member may be suspended for conduct which is inconsistent with the expectations and purpose of Delta Zeta Sorority or who fails to meet the requirements for good standing. During the period of her suspension, the member shall meet the conditions of her suspension or shall be subject to dismissal by the National Council. A suspension may be appealed to the National Member Accountability Committee pursuant to the procedural rules adopted by the National Council.
Dismissal. Only the National Council has the authority to dismiss a member. Upon dismissal, a member’s affiliation with the Sorority is terminated. Dismissal is imposed when the member’s conduct fails to uphold the expectations of conduct expected of every member of Delta Zeta Sorority or when a member consistently fails to meet the requirements for good standing.