On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), 12 students founded what is now the nation’s fifth largest, predominately African-American social service fraternity: The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated. The founders of Iota Phi Theta were: Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown
, Louis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams. Section (4) Undergraduate
4.1 Initiation shall be available to all individuals enrolled in an accredited four omit hyphen year institution offering baccalaureate degrees, provided:
a. Candidates are considered in good academic standing if they have a cumulative 2.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. In the event the academic requirements of the candidate’s institution are higher than the Fraternity’s requirement, the institution’s requirement shall supersede the Fraternity’s. They have completed one (1) full semester and have a minimum of credit hours, which determine a full time student. They have demonstrated that they are of sound moral character. Section (8) Good Standing and Termination
A member is considered in good standing provided he adheres to all rules, policies, the constitution, bylaws and regulations and is financial. A member is considered financial if he has paid his annual membership dues as a member at large or as a member of a chapter as specified in Sections (4 or 5) and Section (6). A member not in good standing is not entitled to the rights and privileges of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and shall be prohibited from participating as a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity in any capacity. Section (9) Membership Dues
9.1 Annual individual membership dues must be paid on or before January 1St of each year. The amount to be paid for individual membership dues shall be determined by the Grand Council. The Grand Council must consider the recommendation of the Board of Directors after consulting with the Finance Committee when determining the amount to be paid for National Dues. Membership dues may only be modified during the Conclave. These dues are independent from annual chapter membership dues, which are determined by individual chapters. The possession, use and/or consumption of Alcoholic Beverages, during any fraternity event, any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity, or in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws, policies and regulations of the state, county, city and institution of higher education. Alcohol misuse, including, but not limited to excessive alcohol consumption, binge drinking, public intoxication, or drinking games, will not be condoned. No fraternity member shall take part in hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as (but not limited to):
Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises or during fraternity functions, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcoholic beverages; excessive consumption of any substance; hand and leg tying; forceful submerging into water; paddling in any form; branding; creation of excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shocks; quests; treasure hunts; scavenger hunts, road trips; or any other such activities carried on in the name of the fraternity; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution and local, state and federal laws.
