The University
Relationship and Guidelines for
General Fraternities
and Sororities
This statement is intended to define the special
relationship between the University of San Diego and the general fraternities
and sororities which are members of either the National Panhellenic Conference
(NPC), the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and/or the National
Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
I. Relationship between The University of San Diego and
USD General Fraternities and Sororities.
A.
Rationale: The nationally or
internationally-affiliated chapters of fraternities and sororities at the
University of San Diego operate in a mutually beneficial relationship with the
University. Continuation of the
University contribution through advising and support is essential to ensure
maximum benefit of the system both to the University and to the individual
students in the Greek system.
Fraternities and sororities can make a positive contribution to the
co-curricular experiences of student members and to the quality of student life
in general.
B.
Policies: Although all registered student
organizations must comply with the University of San Diego Student Code of
Rights & Responsibilities, the unique nature of fraternities and sororities
requires additional consideration.
University regulations and procedures affecting fraternity and sorority
members also play an important role in maintaining the standards of the Greek
system. For a complete listing of
Greek Disciplinary Board procedures, see Appendix A.
C.
Responsibilities of the USD Office of Student Affairs:
1.
Through
advising, to act as liaison between general fraternities and sororities and the
University to enhance communication and public relations.
2. To provide information to the
fraternities and sororities regarding University policies, procedures and
regulations and State and local laws affecting fraternities and sororities.
3. To act as a source of
information and as a liaison between new students and the fraternities and
sororities. This may include
information in University publications, mailing brochures to new students, and
distributing lists of interested students to the organizations to facilitate
membership selection.
4.
To collect
information on officers, members, grade point average standings, activities,
policies, Council minutes, and updated constitutions and bylaws.
5.
To facilitate
the annual registration of Greek organizations with the USD Associated
Students.
6.
To schedule the
on-campus events of general fraternities and sororities through the University
Center Scheduling Office.
7.
To act as a
consultant to Councils and chapters for their organizational development
including: officer training,
advising, attending meetings, and reviewing constitutions, bylaws, contracts,
activity and other proposals.
8.
To refer
solicitors, leaders of philanthropic projects and others to fraternity
organizations.
9. To assist the Interfraternity
Council and Panhellenic Council in investigating allegations of misconduct by
fraternities or sororities and to facilitate due process in judicial matters
(including attendance at judicial hearings, and notification of chapter leaders
and advisors).
10.
To organize
leadership, educational and developmental programs including workshops, seminars,
classes and retreats.
11.
To publish
newsletters and other materials for chapter officers and the ÒGreek community.Ó
12.
Through
correspondence, meetings, conferences, and telephone contacts, maintain
cooperative relationships with local alumni, community groups, the professional
staffs and volunteer officers of national fraternities and sororities,
professional and fraternity-related organizations, campus organizations, public
and private agencies and other University offices and departments. This will include regular meetings with
the alumni chapter advisors.
13. To review and approve University
policies, procedures and regulations relating to fraternity/sorority affairs.
14.
To grant
permission to colonize a chapter on the campus and to revoke registration for
cause.
15. To regularly recognize the
positive endeavors of the Greek system and encourage recipients (individuals
and chapters) to notify the University of awards, achievements, and community
relations events.
D.
Responsibilities of the general fraternities and sororities:
1.
To maintain
objectives and activities of the Greek chapters which are consistent with and
supportive of the mission of the University of San Diego.
2. To encourage intellectual,
personal, spiritual and social development of their student members.
3. To be responsible, as a system
and as individual chapters for the conduct of the chapter members at chapter
sponsored functions, both on and off campus.
4.
To promote
conduct consistent with high values and ethics, based on the purposes and principles of fraternity and
sorority founding.
5. To operate from sound business
practices with respect to chapter finances and business relations with the
chapter members, the University and the community.
6.
If chapter
housing is acquired, those chapters which own or lease chapter living
facilities shall maintain sanitary, safe and wholesome physical conditions.
7.
Registration of
general fraternities and sororities:
a.
Annual process
for renewing registration
1)
The Student Organizations and Greek Life Center will distribute forms for
renewing registered student organization status to all chapter presidents at
the beginning of the fall semester.
2)
The chapter must return the application forms and all requested materials by
the deadline date specified on the application form.
3)
The Associated Students Secretary of Student Organizations will review all
submitted materials, verify that the requirements listed in section ÒcÓ below
have been met, and will submit any revisions of chapter governing documents to
the Associated Students for approval.
The president of the chapter will receive confirmation that registered
student organization status has been granted in full or on a conditional basis,
or a letter indicating why registration status was denied. A decision to deny registration status
may be appealed to the Dean of Students.
b. Process for a new general
fraternity or sorority to attain registered student organization status
1)
A general fraternity or sorority desiring to become established at the
University of San Diego must first meet the membership or affiliation
requirements of the Interfraternity Council or the Panhellenic
Association. The requirements for
membership or affiliation are found in the Constitutions and Bylaws of those
organizations. Final approval for
the colonization of any new fraternity will be given by the Vice President for
Student Affairs.
2)
After attaining membership or affiliation in the appropriate Council, the
chapter or colony must obtain a New Club Packet from the Student Organizations
Center and follow the same procedures outlined above for continuing
organizations.
c.
Requirements for
maintaining Registered Student Organization Status
1)
General fraternities or sororities are required to be members or affiliates in
good standing of the Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Association.
2)
Chapters and their members must adhere to the Guidelines for
Fraternity/Sorority Activities included in Part II of this document.
3)
On an annual basis, each chapter must file the following information with the
Student Organizations and Greek Life Center.
a)
Officer Directory, Chapter Information Sheet, signed Statement of Chapter
PresidentÕs responsibility, Directory of Advisors, and signed Statement of
Advisor Responsibility, by the first of October and changes as they occur.
b)
Statement, signed by every chapter officer, that he/she has received a copy of
ÒThe University Relationship and Guidelines for General Fraternities and
Sororities,Ó and that he/she understands his/her responsibilities as outlined
in Section III of this document.
c)
Roster of initiates and pledges (Associate Members) by the end of the third
week of each semester and changes as they occur. The roster should also include the names of any Òsocial
affiliates.Ó
d)
Copies of chapter and national (international) constitutions and bylaws, and
policies, and any changes to those documents as they occur.
e)
Certificate of liability insurance.
All chapters are required to submit, as part of the annual registration
process, a certificate of liability insurance which states the amounts of
coverage and names the University as co-insured, using the following language
in the certificate:
ÒThe University of San Diego is hereby declared to
be an additionally insured under the terms of this
policy. This insurance policy
will not be canceled without thirty (30) days notice to the
Office of Student Affairs, University
of San Diego.Ó
4)
The chapter president agrees to accept full responsibility for the chapterÕs
adherence to the Constitutions, Bylaws, rules and judicial procedures of the
Interfraternity Council or the Panhellenic Association, University policies and
directives by authorized University officials, Archways, the USD Student Code of
Rights and Responsibilities, and local, State and federal laws. Accordingly, the chapter president must become familiar with
such policies, laws, regulations, directives, and procedures and must educate
the chapter membership.
5)
Each chapter must maintain an active membership of ten or more members.
6)
No fraternity or sorority may pledge (associate) or initiate any individual
who is not matriculated and regularly enrolled for credit in at least nine
units at the University of San Diego.
No fraternity or sorority may pledge (associate) any USD student unless
the student has completed one full-time semester at USD or is transferring to
USD with a minimum of 24 units from their previous university.
7) No fraternity or sorority may pledge
(associate) or initiate any individual who does not have a minimum 2.2
cumulative grade point average.
8)
All active members must be regularly enrolled in at least nine units at the
University of San Diego.
9)
It is the right of the undergraduates in each chapter to select their own
members within the context of allowing no discrimination on the basis of race,
religion, national origin, ethnic background, age, marital status, sexual
orientation or physical disability.
10)
All fraternities and sororities may be required to fill out informational
questionnaires which have been reviewed and approved by the Office of Student
Affairs.
11)
Fraternities and sororities are responsible for voluntarily incurred debts to
the University and/or the Associated Students (such as phone bills, duplication
services, damage to University property, etc.) and are expected to maintain
good credit ratings in the community and to employ principles of sound business
practice in business relationships with members.
12)
All chapters are expected to cooperate with the University administration and
the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils in building and maintaining
constructive community relationships with neighbors of the University.
13)
Fraternities and sororities are expected to set and maintain appropriate
academic standards for pledging (association) and maintaining active membership
status. Any organization whose grade point average falls below a 2.5 or which statistics show may be
adversely affecting the academic performance of members will be offered
assistance in reviewing and revising their policies and practices with regard
to academics.
14)
Advisors are critical to the success of the individual chapters and the Greek
system. They provide continuity
from year to year, wisdom from experience, and a perspective broader than that
of the undergraduate members. It
is the responsibility of the undergraduate members to regularly seek out the
advice of their respective chapter advisors. Each chapter must have a chapter advisor and/or alumni
advisory board. At a minimum, the
University expects the following of the chapter advisor/alumni advisory board:
a)
Meet regularly with chapter officers,
b)
Be familiar with University policies governing fraternities and sororities and
ensure that the chapter complies with such policies,
c)
regularly review chapter finances,
d)
review the chapterÕs new member development (pledging) program and ensure that
no chapter activities involve hazing in any form,
e)
assist University officials in dealing with problems or other situations
involving the chapter,
f)
be represented at meetings of chapter Greek advisors,
g)
to attend and support chapter activities.
14)
Each chapter must remain in good standing with the national/international
fraternity or sorority.
15)
As advisors are critical to the success of organization, it is required as a
part of the annual registration that each organization recruit a faculty or
staff advisor in addition to their alumni advisors. These advisor names should be reported to the Student
Organizations and Greek Life Center at the beginning of each academic year.
16)
No chapter shall sponsor an auxiliary organization or activity which connotes
membership of any kind in their group (e.g., Òlittle sisters,Ó Òsweethearts,Ó
etc.) other than that full membership as ascribed by the (inter)national
constitution.
d. Suspension
or Revocation of Registered Student Organization Status
1)
Any time a chapter fails to meet the requirements in Section I,D,8,c above, the
Vice President for Student Affairs may suspend or revoke the chapterÕs
registration status. Prior to
taking such action, the Vice President will conduct a conference with the
chapter president and chapter advisor.
The chapter president and chapter advisor shall be given not less than
seven (7) daysÕ notice prior to the conference. Decisions by the Vice President to suspend or revoke a
chapters' registration are final.
2)
A chapter whose registration is suspended loses the right to use the name of
the University, to use University or Associated Students facilities, to
schedule activities on campus, to advertise on campus and other privileges
enumerated in the USD Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities. A suspended fraternity must continue to comply with all of
the requirements stipulated in Section I,D,8,c above. Failure to comply with these requirements will prevent the
suspended chapter from having registration reinstated. Suspension of registration status also
results in a concurrent suspension of all privileges and rights associated with
membership in the Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Association. If a chapterÕs registration status is
revoked, the organization will cease to operate, and the University will
request that the national/international organization withdraw its charter from
the local chapter.
3)
Failure by individuals to comply
with these regulations or with sanctions imposed for violations of these policies
may result in the individuals being referred to individual disciplinary
procedures as specified in the USD Student Code of Rights &
Responsibilities.
II. Guidelines for Fraternity/Sorority Activities
A. Approval, Review and
Sponsorship of Activities
1.
Definition of Chapter Sponsored Activity: An
event will be considered a chapter-sponsored activity under one or more of the
following conditions:
a. The
event is advertised and the advertisement makes any mention
of the fraternity or sorority.
b.
Discussion of
the activity is mentioned in the minutes of a chapter meeting.
c. Transportation to the activity
is provided by the chapter.
d. The chapter creates or causes to
be created any promotional materials for the activity, including t-shirts,
cups, etc.
e. The chapter is involved in any
fashion with the sale of tickets for the activity or the sale of promotional
items which mention the activity.
f.
The chapter
provides maps, information or tickets to the activity for its members and/or guests.
g. The activity is listed on the
chapter calendar.
h. All Greek Council sponsored events such as Greek Week and
chapter sponsored events such as fraternity philanthropy weeks are considered
sponsored by all chapters who participate.
i.
Participants classify the event as a
chapter event.
2. All activities conducted on
the campus
require approval from the Student Organizations and Greek Life Center. Forms for this purpose are available in
the University Center Scheduling Office.
Additional approval signatures may be required, depending on the nature
of the event planned.
3.
If an activity
conducted off the campus is of a large magnitude (anticipated attendance more
than double the chapter size or 200 persons) the chapter or Council president
must submit a Social Event Planning form to the Director of the Student
Organizations and Greek Life Center for examination at least two weeks before
the event. Off campus events
require submission of this form so that staff can review the event proposal to
assist chapter leadership in designing an event in which it takes reasonable
precautions to manage risk.
4. Chapters are responsible for
events they sponsor. When an event
is sponsored by more than one organization, each sponsor is responsible for
adequate planning, actual event behavior, and post-event accountability for all
in attendance.
5. Chapters may not sponsor events
in Mexico without prior approval from the Student Organizations and Greek Life
Center. In order for approval to
be given, the chapter must meet all terms of the USD Travel Guidelines (see
Section II, H, below) and must provide evidence of chapter liability insurance
coverage in Mexico and the event must be philanthropic in nature. Social events, especially those with alcohol present, may
not be held in Mexico.
6. USD does not allow any activity
by individuals or student organizations which involve the selling or auctioning
of services by individuals.
B. Advertising and Publicity (Please see the USD Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities
and Archways for further regulations)
1. Chapters or Councils may not
co-sponsor any of their activities or display advertising on or off campus
for an alcohol distributor or
tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more than half of
annual gross sales from alcohol).
2.
Alcoholic
beverages may not be implied, stated or pictured in chapter advertisements.
3.
Announcements
for events where alcoholic beverages will be present shall clearly state the
limitations on attendance, as such events may not be open to the campus
community but must be closed, invitation-only, events.
4. All publicity is expected to be in good taste and in
compliance with University posting policies. (Refer to the USD Student
Code of Rights & Responsibilities and to Archways)
C. Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Substances
1.
In addition to
the following policies, fraternities and sororities and their members are
required to comply with the UniversityÕs policy for the use of alcoholic beverages
when sponsoring or participating in any activity. (Refer to the USD Student Code of Rights &
Responsibilities and to Archways)
2. Use of illegal drugs at any
chapter sponsored event is strictly prohibited.
3. In promoting events, alcoholic
beverages may not be referred to in publicity, including signs, fliers,
mailings, promotional materials including t-shirts and glassware etc. and media
announcements. Use of words such
as Òbeer,Ó Òbrew,Ó Òwine,Ó Òcocktails,Ó Òopen bar,Ó Òbooze,Ó Òmixed drinks,Ó
Òspirits,Ó etc. (list is not all-inclusive Ñ other terms may be considered
violations) is prohibited;
however, use of such terms as Òbeverages,Ó and Òrefreshments,Ó etc. is
acceptable. Illustrations must not
make reference to alcoholic beverages (i.e., no pictures of kegs, cocktail
glasses, beer mugs, etc.). Social
event themes may not include alcohol or alcohol related themes (e.g.
Margaritaville Party).
4.
At all chapter
sponsored events where alcoholic beverages are consumed, provisions shall be provided
for the free and conspicuous distribution of non-alcoholic beverages in
adequate supply. An Òadequate
supplyÓ is defined as a quantity sufficient to provide at least one beverage
serving per hour for all members and guests who are under the age of twenty-one
(approximately 60% of the attendees for a typical function). All events serving alcohol must provide
substantial, non-salty food, especially during the first and last hours of the
event.
5.
No fraternity or
sorority shall permit any person who is under the age of twenty-one or anyone
who is obviously intoxicated to consume alcoholic beverages at chapter
sponsored events. At Bring Your
Own Beverage events, sponsoring or co-sponsoring chapters will be responsible
for checking ID to determine legal drinking age. An organization sponsoring or co-sponsoring an event
has an obligation to make reasonable effort to provide for the safety of any
members or guests who exhibit intoxication.
6. No fraternity or sorority shall
at any time expect, suggest or compel members or pledges/associates to consume
alcoholic beverages.
7. Fraternities and sororities must be
familiar with and comply with State of California laws regulating the sale and
consumption of alcoholic beverages.
No tickets or invitations may be sold to chapter or council events where
alcoholic beverages will be present, even if alcohol will be provided through a
cash bar or brought by individual guests.
Chapters are prohibited from providing alcoholic beverages to members or
guests by selling tickets or cups, charging admission or entertainment fees, by
taking a collection, by dues rebates, by maintaining a Òspecial fundÓ or
account or by using any direct or indirect means of collecting money from
persons attending chapter functions.
8.
Organized
competitions involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages (chugging
contests, Òbeer baseball,Ó Òquarters,Ó etc.) are prohibited at all chapter
sponsored events.
9.
No Ògrain
alcoholÓ nor any such distilled liquor that exceeds 100 proof, or above 50%
pure grade alcohol per volume (e.g., ÒEverclear,Ó etc.) shall be served in any
form or mixture during a chapter sponsored or Council sponsored event.
10.
Fraternities
shall comply with IFC regulations establishing a completely dry fraternity
rush. Sororities shall comply with
Panhellenic regulations prohibiting alcoholic beverages at recruiting or
pledging events. No alcoholic
beverages shall be present at any chapter or Council rush function, regardless
of location. A rush/recruitment function is defined
as any chapter activity occurring during the official rush/recruitment period
established by the Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Association or any
event held at any time where the primary purpose is membership recruitment.
11. No alcoholic beverages shall be
present at any pledge/associate member programs or activities, including but
not limited to: initiation or pre-initiation activities; pledge/associate
member retreat; pledge presents; and big brother/sister revealing.
12.
No chapter may
purchase alcoholic beverages through the use of any chapter funds or credits
nor may the purchase of same be undertaken or coordinated by any member on
behalf of the chapter.
Purchasing
bulk alcohol from a distributor (i.e. Beer King) and then reselling the alcohol
to the members and guests at the function is prohibited. Chapters may not sell, in any fashion,
alcohol to members, pledges/associates or guests.
13. The purchase and/or use of any
bulk quantity of alcoholic beverages or providing a common source of alcohol
(e.g. kegs, Òparty balls,Ó alcoholic punch, coolers filled with canned beer,
open bars, etc.) is expressly prohibited.
14. If the event is BYOB (bring
your own beverage), all alcohol consumed at the function is individually
purchased and consumed by the person who has brought and purchased the alcohol.
a. A limit on the number of
beverages and types of beverages must be announced before the event.
b. A single bar area must be
established where designated servers of legal drinking age (who are not
consuming alcohol) may distribute the beverages to those who have brought their
own alcohol. No minors may consume
alcohol at any time.
c. Designated servers must not
serve anyone who is visibly intoxicated.
d. Each person is allowed only one
alcoholic beverage at a time.
15. No chapter may host an
"open" party where alcohol is present. Non-members attending a chapter function may do so only by
personal invitation of a chapter member who shall assume personal responsibility
for the welfare of the guest and any damage to property caused by said
guest. Chapters must abide by the
guest list limitations set forth by their inter/national organization.
16. A list of members,
associates/pledges with their birthdates and non-members should be located at
the entrance of the event so their invitation and identification can be
checked.
17. These policies shall also apply
to the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Association, Greek Week, Order
of Omega, and all other inter-Greek functions.
1. When sponsoring events on campus
for the purpose of raising funds, fraternities and sororities must adhere to
the UniversityÕs general fund-raising policies for registered organizations, as
listed in the USD Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities.
2.
Fraternities and
sororities must adhere to State and local laws governing public solicitation of
funds by nonprofit organizations.
3.
Whenever a
fraternity or sorority, Greek Week, IFC, Panhellenic Association or Order of
Omega raises funds from the public for a charitable organization, the chapter
or council is expected to keep complete records of receipts and disbursements
(including canceled checks) and to make these records available to University
officials upon request.
4.
The following
policies apply to Òfree drawingsÓ:
a.
Each ticket must
contain the following information:
1)
The name of the fraternity/sorority/Council
2)
Amount of donation and the word ÒdonationÓ printed after the amount (for example,
$1.00 DONATION).
3)
ÒFREE DRAWINGÓ printed at the top of the ticket. Do not use the word Òraffle.Ó
4)
Major prize(s) offered.
5)
Date and place of actual drawing.
6)
Where proceeds are going, if other than the chapterÕs or CouncilÕs treasury.
7)
Space for contributorÕs name, address, and phone number.
8)
Specify, Òwinner must be present to winÓ or Òwinner need not be present to
win.Ó
b.
In order to
comply with State law, an organization cannot require ÒconsiderationÓ for the
tickets. Contributions must be
voluntary. The organization cannot
require an individual to purchase any goods or service in exchange for a
ticket.
c. Alcoholic beverages may not be
offered as a prize.
d. It is recommended that someone
who is not affiliated with the chapter or Council conduct the actual drawing.
5.
Chapters sponsoring a Casino Night
should contact the Office of Student Affairs prior to organizing the event to
ensure that the event is conducted in a manner that does not violate State
codes regulating gambling.
1.
Definition
Hazing
is defined as any action taken or situation created which, regardless of
location, intent or consent of the participants,
a. produces, or is reasonably
likely to produce, bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort,
embarrassment, harassment, fright, humiliation, intimidation, degradation, or
ridicule, or otherwise compromises the dignity of an individual;
b. compels an individual to
participate in any activity which is unlawful, perverse, publicly indecent,
contrary to the rules, policies and regulations of the University, or which is
known by the compelling person to be contrary to the individuals genuine moral
or religious beliefs; or
c. will impair an individualÕs
academic efforts.
Members
of fraternities and sororities may not engage in any hazing activities.
2.
Hazing is a
crime in the State of California, as defined in Article 5, Sections 32050 &
32051 of the California Education Code:
ÒHazing includes any method of initiations or pre-initiation into a
student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to
such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger,
physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or
mental harm to any student or other person attending any school, community
college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. .
. (further on) . . . No student, or other person in attendance at any public,
private, parochial, or military school, community college, college or other
educational institution shall conspire to engage in hazing, participate in
hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger,
etc.Ó
3.
Examples of
actions and activities which are considered unacceptable include, but are not
limited to the following:
a. Any form of physically demanding
activity (calisthenics, runs, etc.) not part of an organized voluntary athletic
contest or not specifically directed toward constructive work.
b.
Paddling,
shoving or otherwise striking individuals.
c.
Compelling
individuals to wear, carry or publicly display any article or apparel,
especially items which are unusual, uncomfortable, degrading or physically
burdensome. It is understood that
students may choose to wear pledge/associate member pins, pledge class T-shirts
that are consistent with the UniversityÕs policy concerning harassment or other
appropriate apparel, compelling them to do so is hazing. Examples include, but
are not limited to wooden paddles, painted rocks, T-shirts with degrading slogans or names on them, notebooks,
etc.
d.
Depriving
individuals of the opportunity for sufficient sleep (six hours continuous sleep
per day minimum), decent edible meals, or access to means of maintaining bodily
cleanliness.
e.
Activities that
interfere with an individualÕs academic efforts by causing exhaustion, loss of
sleep, or loss of reasonable study time or by preventing an individual from
attending class.
f. Compelling individuals to
consume alcohol or drugs.
g.
Compelling
individuals to eat or drink foreign or unusual substances or compelling the
consumption of undue amounts or odd preparations of food.
h. Having substances thrown at,
poured on, or otherwise applied to the bodies of individuals.
i.
Morally
degrading or humiliating games or any other activities that make an individual
the object of amusement, ridicule or intimidation.
j. Transporting individuals against
their will, abandoning individuals at distant locations, or conducting any
Òkidnap,Ó ÒditchÓ or Òroad tripÓ that might in any way endanger or compromise
the health, safety or comfort of any individual.
k. Causing an individual to be
indecently exposed.
l.
Violating
accepted social customs in regard to sex and relations between the sexes.
m. Activities that require a person
to remain in a fixed position for a long period of time.
n.
Compelling an
individual to become branded or tattooed.
o. ÒLine-upsÓ involving intense or
demeaning intimidation or interrogation, such as shouting obscenities or
insults.
p.
Assigning
activities (pranks, scavenger hunts, etc.) that compel a person to deface
property, engage in theft, or harass other individuals or organizations.
q. Tests of courage, bravery or
stamina.
r. Intentionally deceiving new
members prior to initiation to make them believe that they will not be
initiated or will be hurt or struck.
s. Intentionally creating a mess
and compelling individuals to clean it up.
t.
Excluding an
individual from social contact for prolonged periods of time.
u.
Imposition of
many hours of silence, during which time an individual may not speak while
going about his or her daily routine.
Any
activity as described above upon which the initiation or admission into or
affiliation with the organization is directly or indirectly conditioned, or
implied to be conditioned, or which occurs during a pre-initiation or
initiation activity shall be presumed to be ÒcompelledÓ activity, the
willingness of an individual to participate in such an activity
notwithstanding. Behavior in which only pledges/associate members participate
in may be interpreted as ÒcompelledÓ behavior (See II, E, 3). Any indication
that a deviation from pledge/associate member class behavior that may result in
the loss of membership or other consequences will be considered a violation of
the Greek Guidelines.
4.
Enforcement
a. It shall be the specific
responsibility of the chapter president to see that this policy is communicated
each semester to all members (initiates and pledges/associate members), and to
see that his/her chapter strictly adheres to the policy.
b.
Fraternities and
sororities should understand that not only is the chapter responsible for
preventing hazing in any form, but any and all members involved in a hazing
violation will be held personally accountable for their actions.
c.
Chapters are
responsible for controlling the actions of their alumni members during
initiation or pre-initiation activities.
d. The Dean of Students will be
notified promptly of all alleged hazing incidents; the handling of such cases
is subject to the Vice PresidentÕs review.
e.
The
national/international office of a fraternity or sorority will be notified of
any hazing charges pending against their chapter and will be informed of the
disposition of the case. For
serious or repeated violations, the national/international office will be
requested to take appropriate corrective action in addition to the sanctions
imposed by the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board, the Panhellenic Council
Judicial Board or the University.
f.
Any proven
hazing case involving serious bodily injury will result in revocation of
registration for the chapter and a recommendation to the national/international
office of the fraternity or sorority of revocation of their charter.
g.
Fraternities and
sororities are expected to comply with the provisions of the IFC and
Panhellenic Constitutions and Bylaws.
h. Hazing is a crime in the State
of California, as defined above.
Incidents of hazing will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement
agency if the investigation of the incident provides sufficient evidence to
indicate that the matter falls within the hazing definition in the California
Education Code.
F. Harassment and Abusive Behavior
1. Fraternities and sororities may
not engage in any organizational activities involving sexually abusive behavior
(whether verbal or physical) or behavior that is lewd, indecent or obscene.
2. Fraternities and sororities may
not engage in any organizational activities involving physical or verbal
behavior that makes persons the subject of harassment, intimidation, or
hostility because of their race, religion, color, gender, disability, sexual
orientation, or national origin.
3. Fraternities and sororities must
adhere to the letter and spirit of the provisions for diversity in the USD
Mission Statement.
4.
Fraternity and
sorority members shall not engage in any physical abuse of the person or
property of any member of the campus community nor may chapter members threaten
such physical abuse.
Chapters
are expected to adhere to the noise ordinance set forth in the Municipal Code
of the City of San Diego. The
ordinance establishes a noise curfew between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., during which loud or
raucous yelling, shouting or singing outdoors, or using amplified sound which
is audible 50 feet from the source, is expressly prohibited. The ordinance also establishes maximum
decibel limits that vary according to the land use zone and the time of
day. In addition, a chapter
officer may be cited by the police for disturbing the peace any time of the day
if a citizen is willing to sign a complaint and if the chapter has failed to
comply with a lawful order to cease creating the disturbing noise. Noise permits can be issued for
one-time events by the City of San Diego Noise Abatement Office. In certain locations on campus and in
the community, such permits may be required prior to chapter events.
H. Travel Guidelines (Taken
from the USD Travel Guidelines Ñ these policies are applicable to all registered student
organizations)
1. All fraternities and sororities
planning to have an event off campus which
involves providing transportation for students must have those students
sign a Release of Liability form and a Transportation waiver releasing
the University from any liability for the student off campus. Waiver
forms are available from the Office of Student Affairs. Trip participants
may not leave campus unless a signed waiver is received. The
signed waivers are to be given to
the Office of Student Affairs prior to
departure from campus.
2.
A list which
includes the name, ID number, address and emergency phone
number of each student traveling and a copy of the final trip itinerary
must be given to the Office of Students Affairs and to the Department
of Public Safety prior to departure from campus.
3.
All
transportation companies used (charter buses, rental cars, etc.) must
carry insurance. A certificate of
insurance from the carrier with USD
named as additional insured must be given to the Office of Student Affairs
prior to departure from campus. If
renting a vehicle, drivers must
be sure to purchase additional comprehensive and collision insurance.
4.
All publicity
and invitations must state arrival and departure time clearly. Students should be made aware
that they are responsible for their
own transportation if they are late for the previously stated departure
time.
5.
Automobile
Transportation - Use of personal automobiles for transportation
exposes the owner and driver to considerable liability. For
the protection of all involved, fraternities, sororities and individuals contemplating
auto travel for organization events should insure:
a. Existence of current auto
insurance and its applicability if drivers are rotated.
b.
The proper
licensing and eligibility of all drivers.
c.
Observance of
all traffic laws, particularly in regards to speed limits.
d.
Availability and
use of passenger restraints (seat belts).
e. Abstinence of consumption of
alcohol, drugs, or medicines that would impair the ability to operate a
vehicle.
f. The proper maintenance and
operating condition of the vehicle, especially for long distances.
g. Availability of basic safety and
repair equipment.
h. Operators of USD vehicles must
possess a valid driverÕs license applicable to the type of vehicle to be
driven.
6. Air Travel Ñ In selecting an air
carrier for organizational travel, fraternities and sororities should be aware
that the University would like them to use carriers which possess $150 million
of liability insurance. Major
United States airlines carry this insurance and verification is not
necessary. In the event a travel
agency proposes the services of a charter company, an insurance certificate of
$150 million, naming USD as an additional insured is required.
7. Bus Travel Ñ Bus travel is often
used by fraternities and sororities as a means of transportation to and from
sponsored activities. Bus travel
is permitted on commercial bus companies which possess $5 million of liability
insurance and which name USD as an additional insured. A current list of bus companies
carrying this insurance is available in the Office of Student Affairs.
8. Travel Agents Ñ The agent should
be made fully aware of all air travel and bus travel guidelines prior to
negotiating trip arrangements.
a. The travel agency that the
student organization works with should be informed that lodging facilities must
be provided by a travel industry rating service (i.e. AAA Travel Guidelines,
etc.) If this is not available,
the lodging facility must possess $1 million of liability insurance,
certification of which must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs.
b. Under no circumstances should
money be sent directly by student participants to the travel agency. All expenses must be paid by University
check, which will be generated and sent to the travel agent once proper documentation
and certification has been received and all necessary contracts have been
signed.
9.
Travel Emergency Procedures Ñ for accidents occurring off campus.
a.
When an accident
occurs involving injuries or major damage, it should be immediately reported to
the police agency having jurisdiction in the area of the accident. As soon thereafter as feasible, it
should be reported to the University Department of Public Safety and to the
Risk Management Manager in Human Resources who will obtain the necessary
information required by the insurance company.
b. If an accident occurs involving
minor damages with NO injuries, insurance information must be exchanged between
vehicle operators and must include the following information: name, address, telephone number,
driverÕs license number and expiration date, name of insurance carrier and/or
agent and policy number, make, model, license number of vehicles involved. As soon as possible, forward all
pertinent information regarding the accident to the Risk Management Manager in
USD Human Resources.
c.
Upon receipt of
information concerning an accident involving a USD vehicle, the Risk Management
Manager will forward all information to the UniversityÕs insurance
representative.
d. In the event of an accident
involving an uninsured loss with a rental vehicle, either locally or out of the
area, the Risk Management Manager should be notified as soon as possible by
telephone. Subsequently, a written
report from the operator, as well as a report for the rental agency including
the amount of damages, should be sent to the Risk Management Manager. The Risk Management Manager will
process the claim and make payment for damages to the rental agency.
10.
Fraternities and
sororities which do not follow all sections of the travel
guidelines will be subject to having publicity removed and/or scheduling
privileges (which promote the event) revoked.
III. Responsibilities of Chapter
Officers
A.
Chapter officers
shall be responsible for ensuring that chapter members adhere to: all governing
principles of the Interfraternity or Panhellenic Councils; all policies,
procedures and directives promulgated by the University of San Diego; and all
local, State and federal laws regarding fraternity or sorority activities. The chapter president shall have the
duty to inform chapter members of these regulations. Annually, as part of the Greek organization registration
process, each fraternity officer will sign a statement agreeing that he/she has
received a copy of ÒThe University Relationship and Guidelines for General
Fraternities and Sororities,Ó and a copy of the signed statement will be filed
with the Student Organizations & Greek Life Center.
B. Chapter officers shall be held
accountable for organized chapter activities. Examples of such activities include but are not limited
to: rush activities, initiation
rites, sports competitions, and parties.
C.
Although all
members are personally responsible for their own behavior, a specific chapter
officer may be held personally accountable for the misconduct of chapter
members during organized chapter activities. Circumstances which might warrant this personal
accountability include but are not limited to:
1. Inappropriate and/or
unacceptable activities which are sanctioned by the chapter by means of
discussion and/or planning at a chapter meeting, officersÕ meeting or committee
meeting.
2. An officerÕs personal
participation in such an activity.
3.
An officerÕs
failure to act appropriately upon witnessing such an activity.
4.
An officerÕs
failure to act appropriately in preventing such an activity when he/she had
prior knowledge.
5. An officerÕs failure to act
appropriately in taking corrective action after learning of such an activity.
6. An officerÕs negligence in
his/her responsibility to educate the group regarding established laws,
regulations, policies, directives, and procedures.
7. An officerÕs failure to
cooperate fully with law enforcement personnel or with University officials,
including failure to identify chapter members known by the officer to be
involved in an incident.
IV. Governance
A. The University recognizes that
the governing bodies for the Greek system are the Panhellenic Council and the
Interfraternity Council. Each
council consists of an executive board and at least one representative from
each of the registered campus chapters.
B. Each sorority and fraternity
also has an executive board, a constitution, and bylaws which govern the
chapter. In addition, each chapter
must abide by its national/international organizationÕs constitution and
bylaws. The Unanimous Agreements
of the National Panhellenic Conference also guide the respective sororities.
C. When a complaint is received by
the Student Organizations and Greek Life Center regarding a fraternity or
sorority, the president of the accused fraternity/sorority will be notified,
and a copy of the notice will be sent to the chapter advisor/advisory board
chair of the accused fraternity/sorority.
D. Judicial matters are normally
referred to the Greek Discipline Board.
Discipline matters involving individuals are normally referred to the
Dean of Students or his/her designee.
Action by the Office of Student Affairs may run concurrently with action
by the Greek Discipline Board; one
type of disciplinary action does not necessarily affect the other.
E. All disciplinary action is subject to the review and
approval of the Dean of Students.
V. Revision and Review
A.
Revisions to
ÒThe University Relationship and Guidelines for General Fraternities and
SororitiesÓ and the Greek Disciplinary Board procedures are subject to review
by the Panhellenic Association President and the Interfraternity Council
President and approval by the Dean of Students.
B. Prior to any revision,
regardless of the source of the proposed revision, input shall be sought from
the USD Office of Student Affairs, the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils
and the chapter alumni advisors.
C.
The
Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils may initiate a proposal for revision
of this document by a joint recommendation. The Greek chapter alumni advisors may initiate a proposal
for revision of this document by joint resolution. The Office of Student Affairs may initiate a proposal for
revision of this document and may establish procedures to address proposed
revisions which will include the submission of the proposed changes to the
Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council for input prior to approval of
the revisions by the Dean of Students.
D. This document shall be reviewed
on an annual basis by the Office of Student Affairs.
APPROVED:
Thomas J. Cosgrove, Ed.D. Date
Associate Vice President for
Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Appendix A
Greek Discipline Board Procedures
JURISDICTION
The
Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils have jurisdiction over all member
groups to enforce Panhellenic Council policy, Interfraternity Council policy
and University rules and regulations.
The Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council have individual
jurisdiction over their respective areas in enforcement of rules regarding
membership selection/rush. In some
cases, the Greek Disciplinary Board may hear recruitment violations that are
also a violation of the Student Code of Rights (The Code) &
Responsibilities
or the Greek Guidelines. Instances of alleged
misconduct may result in referral of the group or of individual members to the
appropriate body for disciplinary action.
Charges
of misconduct by individuals will normally be referred to the Dean of Students
or his/her designee. Charges of
misconduct by Chapters are referred to the Greek Discipline Board. Action by the Dean of Students or
his/her designee may run concurrently with action by the Greek Discipline
Board; one type of disciplinary action does
not necessarily affect the other.
Sorority/fraternity misconduct need not be officially sanctioned by the
entire membership in order to be considered grounds for possible disciplinary
action against chapters. There is
no minimum number of members who must be involved in an incident before
disciplinary action may be taken against the chapter; the misconduct of a
single member may provide sufficient grounds for action against the entire
sorority or fraternity. A
complaint may be considered a matter for referral to the Discipline Board
whenever the action of members could reasonably be expected to reflect
negatively upon the Greek community or may cause conflict within the Greek
community. The determination of
whether a case should be referred to the Discipline Board for possible action
against the Chapter is made on a case by case basis by the IFC President and
Panhellenic President jointly and in consultation with the Director of the
Student Organizations & Greek Life Center. The Panhellenic and Interfraternity
Council Presidents have the authority to refer any complaint to the Discipline
Board. If the Panhellenic and
Interfraternity Council Presidents feel that is hearing is in the best interest
of the Greek community, they may refer a case to the Greek Discipline Board
even thought the complainant desires that no disciplinary action be taken. All stages of the Greek Discipline
Board proceedings are subject to review and approval by the Dean of Students or
his/her designee.
Actions
taken or pending by an organizationÕs own internal discipline body, the
national/international office of the organizations, or by the State of
California court system will not necessarily affect the determination of
whether or not a case is referred to the Greek Discipline Board or to the Dean
of Students or his/her designee.
ROLE OF
THE PANHELLENIC AND INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTS
The
responsibilities of the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council Presidents, as
they pertain to complaints regarding organizations, are: (1) To assist the
Director of the Student Organizations & Greek Life Center in investigating
incidents of alleged misconduct, (2) To determine whether a case is to be
referred to the Greek Discipline Board, (3) To prepare a written report to the
Greek Discipline Board identifying the facts uncovered in the preliminary
investigation, and (4) To serve as an ex-officio, non-voting, member of the
Greek Discipline Board. The
Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council Presidents will together render the
tie-breaking vote in the event of a tie decision on the Discipline Board. If the Presidents cannot break the tie,
the incident will be referred to the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
ROLE OF
THE DIRECTOR OF THE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS & GREEK LIFE CENTER
The
responsibilities of the Director of the Student Organizations & Greek Life
Center, as they pertain to complaints regarding Greek organizations are: (1) To
ensure that all organizations are informed of relevant Panhellenic and
Interfraternity Council policies, University regulations and expectations, and
applicable local, state and federal laws, (2) To investigate all complaints
regarding Greek organizations, (3) To facilitate the resolution of disciplinary
problems, (4) To assist and advise the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council
Presidents and Discipline Board members with their responsibilities, (5) To
coordinate arrangements for Greek Discipline Board hearings and to serve as the
advisor to the Board, (7) To see that appropriate records are maintained in the
Office of Student Affairs, including a complaint log and Greek Discipline Board
minutes, (8) To prepare reports as needed by the Dean of Students or his/her
designee, (9) To assist other University officers in dealing with a complaint,
including the Department of Public Safety, Office of Residence Life and the
Office of Student Affairs, (10) To refer individual members to the Dean of
Students or his/her designee and (11) To perform other duties as assigned by
the Dean of Students.
ROLE OF
THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
The Dean
of Students or his/her designee has the authority to review all actions of the
Greek Discipline Board and where necessary, direct that further action be
taken.
The Dean
of Students or his/her designee also serves as the final avenue of appeal. On Appeal, the Dean of Students or
his/her designee may reverse, modify or sustain the BoardÕs actions or refer a
case back to the Board.
The
Dean of Students or his/her designeeÕs decision is final.
ROLE OF
THE ASSISTANT DEAN OF STUDENTS
All
University disciplinary action against individual members will be referred to
the Assitant Dean of Students.
This officer will receive reports of alleged student misconduct relative
to Title 5, California Administrative Code and the California Education Code,
as interdependently applied by the University of San Diego. Examples of misconduct covered by these
codes are theft, vandalism, assault, battery, lewd conduct, hazing, possession,
use and/or distribution of dangerous or restricted drugs or narcotics,
possession and/or use of deadly weapons, and assisting another individual in
any of the above. The Assistant
Dean of Students will investigate all complaints to determine whether
University disciplinary action is to be pursued. In cases of misconduct involving Greek groups,
responsibility for investigation is delegated to the Director of the Student
Organizations & Greek Life Center and the Council Presidents.
ROLE/PURPOSE
OF THE GREEK DISCIPLINE BOARD
This
Discipline Board is designated to handle organizational or group types of cases
or situations and not individual situations. Individual students will always be accountable to the Dean
of Students or his/her designee.
This Board will be concerned only with matters considered sorority or
fraternity related. While
studentsÕ due process rights will be respected, it is not the intent of the
Greek Discipline Board to incorporate all of the processes as in a normal court
of law.
Specifically,
the Greek Discipline Board will:
1. Decide
on matters of fact.
2. Mediate
disagreement inside the Greek community as well as between the community and
Greek organizations.
3. Determine
responsibility based on evidence of a violation of Panhellenic and
Interfraternity Council Constitutions, Greek policies or regulations, and/or
provision of the University of San Diego Code of Conduct.
4. Impose
appropriate sanctions or penalties when necessary.
The
Greek Discipline Board shall conduct hearings on cases referred to the Board by
the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council Presidents. At such hearings the Board shall review
all evidence and may question witnesses in order to determine the facts and, if
necessary, impose sanctions.
An
accused organization is presumed to be innocent, and this presumption follows
the organization until responsibility is proved by a Òpreponderance of
evidenceÓ. Discipline Board
members, as fact finders, must consider all evidence properly before them. In so doing, it is their responsibility
to weigh the evidence calmly and dispassionately. Members will not allow bias, sympathy or prejudice any place
in their deliberations, for all organizations are equal before the Board.
STRUCTURE
OF THE GREEK DISCIPLINE BOARD
The
Board shall be composed of voting members, all of whom are delegates to the
Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils selected by their respective
chapter. The Panhellenic and
Interfraternity Council Presidents will be ex-officio, non-voting members of the
Discipline Board. The Director of
the Student Organizations & Greek Life Center will serve as the advisor to
the Discipline Board, and he/she will be required to be in attendance at all
informal conferences and hearings.
No
Discipline Board member may serve on the panel hearing a case in which his or
her own organization is either the complainant or the accused. Whenever a regular member is not able
or is not eligible to serve on a panel hearing a case, an alternate member
should be selected to serve on the panel.
It is preferred that all voting members sit on the panel hearing a
case. No hearing can be conducted
with less than five voting members on the panel. All Discipline Board actions require a majority vote of the
present members.
Once the
members are selected, a training session will take place to review rights,
responsibilities, procedures and mediation techniques, etc.
WITNESSES
The
Greek Discipline Board has the authority to require members of organizations to
appear as witnesses. A member
should be served with a notice to appear at least 48 hours before the scheduled
hearing. If a member fails to
appear without an adequate reason and prior notice, the Greek Discipline Board
may levy a fine up to $100 against the chapter.
Faculty/staff
members, students who are not members of Greek-letter organizations and others
may be requested to appear as witnesses at hearings.
Although
witnesses are not placed under oath during hearing, every witness is expected
to speak the truth. If it can be
proven that a member of an organization or an organization clearly and
deliberately lied to the Board, the Discipline Board shall take disciplinary
action against the organization, and the individual may be referred to the Dean
of Students or his/her designee.
DECISIONS
Responsibility
must be proved by a Òpreponderance of evidenceÓ. The standard of proof, Òpreponderance of evidenceÓ does not
mean that the Greek Discipline Board members may not have doubts about
responsibility; the standard requires only that the Discipline Board members be
convinced that it was more likely than not to have occurred.
A
decision of the Greek Discipline Board must be by majority vote of those on the
hearing panel and must be based upon evidence brought out during the hearing.
A
written copy of the decision shall be given to the accused fraternity and/or
sorority. The decision should
briefly state the basis of the finding of responsibility or innocence, the
sanctions imposed (if any), and notice of the right to appeal any decision,
including sanctions, to the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
A copy
of the decision shall be given to the Dean of Students, the Assistant Dean of
Students, the Director of the Student Organizations & Greek Life Center and
the organizationÕs alumnae/alumni advisor. In serious cases, at the discretion of the Dean of Students,
a copy of the decision shall be mailed to the national/international
headquarters of the organization.
A copy will be retained in the Chapter Discipline file.
CHAPTER
RIGHTS
A
chapter has the right to:
1. A
timely hearing before the Greek Discipline Board.
2. Reasonable
and complete notice regarding all charges and the time for a scheduled hearing.
3. Examine
all evidence at the time of the hearing and hear all testimony presented.
4. Have
an alumni/alumnae advisor present.
5. Respond
to the complaint.
6. A
decision based on the facts presented and supported by a Òpreponderance of the
evidenceÓ.
7. Receive
timely, written notification of the results of any hearing.
8. An
appellate review.
APPEAL
PROCESS
Any
Greek Discipline Board decision is subject to appeal to the Dean of Students or
his/her designee.
The
organization must state one or more of the following grounds for its appeal,
and all discussion during the appeal must relate to these grounds:
1. There
is significant new evidence
2. Violation
of process
The
appeal will be considered provided that the appeal is delivered in writing to
the Dean within five business days of notification of the BoardÕs decision.
SANCTIONS
The
Greek Discipline Board shall have the authority to impose, but are not limited
to, any one or a combination of the following penalties:
1. A
warning.
2. Probation,
defined as a period of time, not to exceed one year, during which an
organization is ordered to conform to all established policies and regulation,
with the consequences of misconduct during the probationary period specified in
advance.
3. Monetary
fines.
4. Social
service sanction, with the Greek Discipline Board determining the total hour
requirement and the compliance period.
The specific social service project is determined by the organization
and must be approved in advance by the Panhellenic or Interfraternity Council
President.
5. Suspension
of specific Panhellenic or Interfraternity Council privileges such as Chapter
social events, intramural sports, Council sponsored social functions, etc., for
a definite period of time.
6. Suspension
from the Panhellenic or Interfraternity Council involving exclusion for all
privileges of membership for a definite period.
7. Dismissal,
involving exclusion from all privileges of membership for an indefinite period,
8. Expulsion
from Panhellenic or Interfraternity Council, involving final exclusion from the
privileges of membership,
9. Financial
or other restitution for property damage or physical injury
10. Letter
to the national or international office of the organization.
The
Greek Discipline Board may also recommend to the Director of the Student
Organizations & Greek Life Center that individual members be referred to
the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
It is the policy of the
University of San Diego Associated Students to revoke the registration status
of any organization dismissed or expelled from the Panhellenic or
Interfraternity Council. If an
organization is expelled from the Panhellenic or Interfraternity Council, the
University will request that the national/international officers revoke the
ChapterÕs Charter.
DISCIPLINE
RECORDS & NOTICE
A member
of the Greek Discipline Board shall be designated to take minutes at all
hearings. The minutes of the
hearing shall include a copy of the original complaint, a copy of all written
documentation pertaining to the case, the date and location of the hearing, a
list of all witnesses who appeared at the hearing with a brief summary of the
testimony of each, a copy of all notices to appear that were sent out and a
copy of the decision. Minutes of
all Discipline Board hearings shall be kept on file in the Office of Student
Affairs.
Notice
for all hearings shall be sent to the chapter president and the chapter advisor
in accordance with The Code.
When deemed necessary, the inter/national organization may also be
notified.