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Relationship and Guidelines for Fraternities and Sororities
THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
Rationale
Chapters and the University operate in a mutually beneficial relationship.
USD believes fraternities and sororities can make positive contributions to the co-curricular experiences of members and the quality of student life in general.
In return, USD supports fraternities and sororities through advising, development, and collaborative initiatives in alignment with the University mission, vision, and values.
I. relationship statement: recognition
Recognition involves meeting two University requirements: Registration Good Standing
Registration
PER THE USD STUDENT ORGANIZATION HANDBOOK, ALL FRATERNITY AND SORORITY CHAPTERS MUST COMPLETE THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS. REGISTRATION IS MANAGED BY THE OFFICE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND INVOLVEMENT (SAI).
Chapters must complete the annual registration process in its entirety, which includes but may not be limited to:
Attendance/completion of all training components
Completion of online registration form in Torero Orgs
Submission of all required supplemental documents
Updated advisor and student leader contact information
Following submission of the registration:
ASG Student Organizations Committee and FSL will review all registration materials.
The chapter president will receive confirmation if registered status has been granted in full or on a conditional basis, or a letter indicating why registration status was denied.
Failure to complete the student organization registration process in its entirety may place a chapter on suspension or revoked recognition status.
I. relationship statement: recognition
Recognition involves meeting two University requirements: Registration Good Standing
Good Standing
GOOD STANDING WITH THE OFFICE OF FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE REFERS TO THE FULFILLMENT OF MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING RELATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS:
Relational Requirements:
Beingoodstandingwiththeir inter/nationalorganization
Identifyachapteradvisor
Identifyalumniadvisoryboard
IdentifyUSDstaffadvisor
Beingoodstandingwiththeir respectiveCouncilatUSD
Maintain10+activemembers
Maintain2.50+chapterGPA
Employsoundbusinessand financialpractices
Administrative Requirements:
Chapterconstitution/bylaws
CertificateofLiabilityInsurance
Chapterofficerdirectory/contacts
Chapteradvisordirectory/contacts
Signedresponsibilitystatements (president+chapterofficers)
Accuratecurrentmemberrosters
Accurate,updatedrostersof initiates,newmembers, neophytes,andassociate members,aschangesoccur
Failure to meet any of the above expectations may result in review of the chapter’s standing with the FSL Office.
Expansion/Extension
A NEW FRATERNITY OR SORORITY MUST FIRST RECEIVE APPROVAL THROUGH THE FSL EXPANSION/EXTENSION PROCESS (APPENDIX D), THEN FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL THAT BEST MEETS THE ORGANIZATION'S PURPOSE.
"Extension" specifically refers to Panhellenic (NPC) organizations. "Expansion" refers to all other organizations seeking to join the FSL community at USD.
Final approval for the chartering group of any new fraternity or sorority will be given by the Assistant Vice President Student Life or their designee.
After attaining membership or affiliation in the appropriate Council, the chapter or chartering group must obtain registration materials from the Office of Student Activities and Involvement and follow the same procedures outlined above for continuing organizations.
Student interest groups and inter/national organizations seeking to join the FSL community at USD should review Appendix D: FSL Extension/Expansion for more details.
Unrecognized Groups
A CHAPTER THAT LOSES ITS USD RECOGNITION BUT CONTINUES TO GATHER, OR HAS NEVER RECEIVED APPROVAL THROUGH THE EXTENSION/EXPANSION PROCESS AND THE OFFICE OF FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE, IS KNOWN AS AN “UNRECOGNIZED GROUP.”
As with any other unregistered student organization, an unrecognized group does not have 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 granted to recognized organizations.
Unrecognized groups may pose significant risk to the campus community due to a lack of support and accountability to the University.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the individuals being referred to individual disciplinary procedures as specified in the USD Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities.
I. relationship statement: responsibilities
These relationships are contingent upon each entity fulfilling their respective responsibilities to one another:
USD Division of Student Affairs
General Fraternities and Sororities Advisors
USD Division of Student Affairs
Liaise between general fraternities and sororities and the University to enhance communication, understanding, and public relations
Provide information to the fraternities and sororities regarding University policies, procedures and regulations, as well as federal, state and local laws affecting fraternities and sororities.
Share accurate information about fraternities and sororities with prospective students, new and transfer students, potential new members, prospective members, aspirants, and parent and family members
This may include distributing lists of interested students to the fraternity and sorority organizations to facilitate membership selection.
Collect information on members, officers, grade point average standings, activities, policies, Council minutes, philanthropic efforts, community service efforts, and updated constitutions and bylaws
Facilitate the annual registration of fraternities and sororities as student organizations with the USD Associated Student Government.
Consult Councils and chapters on their organizational growth and development including: officer training, advising, attending meetings, and reviewing governing documents, contracts, activities, and other proposals as requested
Refer solicitors, leaders of philanthropic projects, community partners, and others with relevant opportunities to the fraternity and sorority organizations.
Assist the governing councils in investigating allegations of misconduct by fraternities or sororities and to facilitate the restorative justice process used in discipline matters (including conflict mediation, attendance at hearings, and notification of chapter leaders and advisors)
Organize, implement and evaluate leadership, educational, and developmental programs including workshops, seminars, classes, conferences, and retreats.
Publish timely information/materials for chapter officers and the fraternity/sorority community.
Maintain cooperative relationships with local alumni, community groups, professional staff 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 and may also include email correspondence, telephone contacts, and additional meetings
Review and approve University policies, procedures, and regulations relating to fraternity/sorority affairs
Grant permission to inter/national organizations to establish a chapter on the campus and to revoke registration with cause.
Recognize positive endeavors of the fraternity/sorority community and encourage recipients (individuals and chapters) to notify the University of awards, achievements, and community relations events
I. relationship statement: responsibilities
These relationships are contingent upon each entity fulfilling their respective responsibilities to one another:
USD Division of Student Life General Fraternities and Sororities Advisors
General Fraternities/Sororities
Align objectives and activities of the fraternity/sorority chapters with the mission of the University of San Diego as well as Fraternity and Sorority Life core principles.
Encourage intellectual, personal, spiritual, leadership, and social development of their members.
Comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, as well as all applicable laws and regulations, and to be responsible for compliance by chapter members of the same
Manage the conduct of chapter members at chapter-sponsored activities, both on and off campus, as a community and as individual chapters
Promote language and behavior consistent with high values and ethics, based on the purposes and principles of fraternity and sorority founding.
Operate from sound business practices with respect to chapter finances, good stewardship of resources, and business relationships with members, the University, and San Diego community.
Ensure that their members do not make representations of “chapter housing” or “fraternity or sorority housing.” The University does not recognize or permit chapter facilities or fraternity or sorority housing.
Upon request, fill out informational questionnaires, which have been reviewed and approved by the Division of Student Life, or submit additional relevant paperwork under the discretion of FSL
Ensure that all active chapter members are regularly enrolled in at least nine units at USD
Ensure that no chapter associates or initiates any individual who does not meet the minimum eligibility requirements as determined by the University of San Diego, their respective Council, and their inter/national organization. Such requirements include but are not limited to:
1. No chapter may associate/initiate any USD student unless the student has completed one full-time semester (12 units) at USD or is transferring with a minimum of 24 units from their previous university.
2 No chapter may associate or initiate any individual who does not have a minimum 2 50 cumulative grade point average Individual Councils or inter/national organizations may set higher required minimum for members, and chapters will be subject to the higher of the required minimum GPA
3 No chapter may associate or initiate any individual who is not regularly enrolled for credit in at least nine units at the University of San Diego
Ensure that no chapter may sponsor an auxiliary organization or activity which connotes membership of any kind in their group (e.g., “little sisters,” “sweethearts,” etc.) other than full membership as ascribed by the inter/national constitution.
Maintain the right for its undergraduate members to select their own members within the context of allowing no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, mental disability, physical disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by state or federal law
Cooperate with the University administration and the Councils in building and maintaining constructive community relationships with neighbors of the University, including the beach community and the local San Diego area
I. relationship statement: responsibilities
These relationships are contingent upon each entity fulfilling their respective responsibilities to one another:
USD Division of Student Life General Fraternities and Sororities Advisors
Advisors
ADVISORS ARE CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS OF CHAPTERS AND THE FSL COMMUNITY AT LARGE. THEY PROVIDE CONTINUITY FROM YEAR TO YEAR, WISDOM FROM EXPERIENCE, AND A PERSPECTIVE BROADER THAN THAT OF THE UNDERGRADUATE MEMBERS.
Each chapter must have an active chapter advisor, alumni advisory board, and USD advisor. A sustained period without a full advisory team, or an advisory team that is absent or otherwise not able to meet the below expectations, may result in review of the chapter’s standing and registration by the University.
Chapter Advisor and Board:
Appointedbyinter/nationalorganization
Meetregularlywithchapter
Befamiliarwithnationalorgpolicies
Conductmonthlyreviewof chapterfinances
Reviewchapter’snewmemberdevelopment programandensureactivitiesdonotinvolve hazinginanyform
AssistUSDofficialsinaddressingproblemsor othersituationsinvolvingthechapter
Regularlyattendmeetingsofchapter fraternity/sororityadvisors
Attendandsupportchapterevents
Attendtrainingsandmeetingsasrequested bytheFSLOffice
USD Advisor:
AppointedbyFSLOffice
Listedasadvisorinannualstudent organizationregistrationprocess
Meetregularlywithchapterleadership
BefamiliarwithUniversitypolicies governingfraternities/sororitiesand studentorganizations
RegularlyreviewUSDclubaccount finances,ifapplicable
Reviewchaptereventregistrationforms
AssistUSDofficialsinaddressingproblems orothersituationsinvolvingthechapter
Attendtrainingsandmeetingsas requestedbytheFSLOffice
II. chapter sponsored activity: definition
Chapters are accountable to the following components of chapter sponsored activity: Definition (II.A.) Review & Approval (II.B.)
II. A. Definition
1. An activity will be considered “chapter sponsored” under any one or more of the following conditions:
a. The activity is advertised and advertisement mentions the fraternity or sorority.
b. Before the activity occurs, the activity is discussed during a chapter meeting, information is distributed during a chapter meeting, and/or the activity is mentioned in the minutes of a chapter meeting.
"Discussion" refers to an active conversation between two or more members, and/or the discussion is endorsed by chapter officers
c. Transportation to the activity is provided or coordinated 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 and/or the sale of promotional items which mention the activity.
f. Chapter funds are used in any way in connection with the activity (e.g. promotions, food, beverages, entertainment, space rental, transportation, etc.)
g. the chapter provides maps, information, or tickets to the activity for its members and/or guests.
h. The activity is listed on the chapter calendar.
i. In the planning of the activity, the organizers explicitly consider, refer to, or classify the activity as a chapter activity.
j. All Council-sponsored events and chapter-sponsored events, such as philanthropy events, are automatically considered sponsored by all chapters who participate.
II. chapter sponsored activity: review & approval
Chapters are accountable to the following components of chapter sponsored activity: Definition (II.A.) Review & Approval (II.B.)
II. B. Review & Approval
1. All chapter-sponsored activities, regardless of location, require review and approval through the Event Registration process. Chapters must comply with registration timelines and paperwork created by the SAI Office.
a. All events must be registered 3 weeks (15 business days) in advance through submission of an EVR, and all required additional paperwork must be completed 1 week prior to the event.
b. Membership/Social Events: If an activity conducted off campus is of a large magnitude (anticipated attendance more than double the chapter size or 200 persons, whichever is larger), and/or alcohol will be present, a Social Event Planning form is required in addition to the EVR Social events also require the chapter to provide transportation to and from the event.
c. Overnight events: If an activity conducted off campus includes an overnight stay, the activity must be educational in nature. An agenda of the educational content also must be submitted with the EVR.
d. Co-sponsored events: When an activity is sponsored by more than one organization, each sponsor is responsible for all activities arising out of or relating to the event, including but not limited to adequate planning, submitting separate event registration forms, actual event behavior, and post event accountability for all in attendance.
e. International events: Chapters may not sponsor international events (including in Mexico) without prior approval from the Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life or their designee
f. Philanthropy events: All philanthropic activities are expected to be alcohol free. Organizations are responsible for the conduct of people participating in and attending the philanthropic events.
g. USD does not allow any activity by individuals or student organizations that involve the selling or auctioning of services/time by individuals (e g date auctions, etc ) Chapters and chapter members shall not engage in any such activities
h. Current law does not allow any gambling activity for undergraduate student organizations. Organizations that wish to sponsor an event that involves gambling (e.g. poker or Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments, casino theme nights, events at a casino, etc.) must obtain advance approval from SAI to ensure compliance with California Law
i. All chapter-sponsored activities must follow Campus Posting Guidelines for advertising and publicity.
j. All chapter-sponsored activities must follow the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, and College Panhellenic Association established FSL Community Standards (Appendix B) for planning events
III. health and safety: alcohol & other drugs
Health and safety through wellbeing is a core principle of Fraternity and Sorority Life, reflected in the following guidelines:
Alcohol and Other Drugs (III.A.)
Hazing Prevention (III.B.)
Misconduct & Violence Prevention (III.C.)
III. A. Alcohol and Other Drugs
1. Advertising and Publicity
a. Chapters or Councils may not co-sponsor any of their activities or display advertising on or off campus for any alcohol or other drugs distributor, distillery, dispensary, bar, or tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol).
b. Alcoholic beverages and/or other drugs may not be implied, stated, or pictured in chapter advertisements, including signs, fliers, mailings, promotional materials including t-shirts and glassware, and other media.
c. Use of words such as “beer,” “brew,” “wine,” “cocktails,” “open bar,” “booze,” “mixed drinks,” “spirits,” “shots,” etc. (list is not all-inclusive other terms. may be considered violations) is prohibited. Terms such as “beverages,” and “refreshments” are acceptable.
d. Illustrations must not make reference to alcoholic beverages (e.g., no pictures of kegs, cocktail glasses, beer mugs, shot glasses, etc.).
e. Announcements for events where alcoholic beverages will be present hall clearly state the limitations on attendance; as such, events may not be open to the community but must be closed, invitation-only events.
f. Event themes may not include alcohol or related imagery (e.g. Margaritaville Party, Boos and Booze, etc).
III. A. Alcohol and Other Drugs
In addition to the following policies, fraternities and sororities and their members are required to comply with the University’s policy for the use of alcoholic beverages when sponsoring or participating in any activity. For more information, review the USD Alcohol Policy.
2. Use of Alcoholic Beverages
a. Alcohol is an illegal drug for those under the legal drinking age and strictly prohibited.
b. 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.
c. 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 “adequate supply” is defined as a quantity sufficient to provide at least one beverage serving per hour for all members and guests.
- Provisions must also be provided for substantial, high in protein, non-salty food, especially during the first and last hours of the event.
d. At Bring Your Own Beverage events, sponsoring or co-sponsoring chapters are responsible for checking ID to determine legal drinking age. An organization sponsoring or co-sponsoring an event shall make reasonable efforts to provide for the safety of any members or guests who exhibit intoxication.
e. No fraternity or sorority shall provide alcohol to underage new members/pledges/ aspirants, nor at any time expect, suggest or compel any members or new members/pledges/aspirants to consume alcohol.
Continued on next page.
III. A. Alcohol and Other Drugs
2. Use of Alcoholic Beverages (continued)
f. 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 “special fund” or account or by using any direct or indirect means of collecting money from attendees.
g. Organized games and competitions involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages (chugging contests, “beer die,” “beer pong,” “quarters,” "flip cup," etc.) are prohibited at all Council- or chapter-sponsored events.
h. No distilled liquor that exceeds 100 proof, or above 50% pure grade alcohol per volume shall be served in any form or mixture during a chapter- or Council-sponsored event.
i. Chapters must comply with their Council regulations establishing completely dry, substance-free recruitment, intake and new member education processes.
- No alcoholic beverages shall be present at any chapter or Council recruitment or intake function, regardless of location. A recruitment or intake function is defined as any chapter activity occurring during the official recruitment period established by the Council, or any event held at any time where the primary purpose is recruitment.
- No alcoholic beverages shall be present at any associate member programs or activities, including but not limited to: initiation or pre-initiation activities; associate member retreat; associate member presents or crossover events; and big brother/sister revealing.
Continued on next page
III. A. Alcohol and Other Drugs
2. Use of Alcoholic Beverages (continued)
j. No chapter may purchase alcoholic beverages through the use of any chapter funds or credits nor may a purchase of the same be undertaken or coordinated by any member on behalf of the chapter. Purchasing bulk alcohol from a distributor and then reselling the alcohol to the members and guests at the function is prohibited. Chapters may not sell, in any fashion, alcohol to anyone.
k. The purchase and/or use of any bulk quantity of alcoholic beverages or providing a common source of alcohol (e.g. kegs, alcoholic punch, coolers filled with canned beer, open bars, etc.) is prohibited.
l. 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, the behavior of the guest as well as any damage to property caused by said guest. Chapters must abide by the guest list limitations set forth by their (inter)national organization and the venue, and follow all Event Planning attendance and documentation protocols.
m. A list of members, new 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. The use of wristbands to delineate those of age from those who are underage is strongly recommended.
n. In the event a member is sent back to campus from an event due to the inability to care for themself, the chapter is responsible for contacting Public Safety, using the Responsible Torero Practice.
o. These policies shall also apply to the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the College Panhellenic Association, and all other FSL community functions.
III. A. Alcohol and Other Drugs
Members violating University, Council or chapter policy relating to alcohol should be compassionately referred by their organization to the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion, Counseling Center, and/or the Student Health Center. These experts will assess their consumption and provide guidance and support as necessary.
3. Use of Substances/Other Drugs
a. Fraternities and sororities and their members are required to comply with the University’s policy regarding illegal drugs when sponsoring or participating in any activity. This includes prohibited use, possession, manufacture, cultivation or dissemination of illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia; being under the influence of illegal drugs; or the misuse of legal pharmaceutical drugs.
b. Notwithstanding the California Compassionate Use Act of 1996, or any other California Law addressing the use of marijuana, the use, possession, manufacture, cultivation, dissemination or being under the influence of marijuana on University property or at University-related activities is prohibited. CBD products as allowed by the Federal Farm Bill are permitted.
c. Responsible Torero Harm Reduction Practice: A student seeking medical attention for themselves or for another person, due to alcohol and other drug intoxication by contacting either University or local authorities might not be formally adjudicated for the associated role of conduct by the University. For further information, review the USD Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities or the You Are USD: Responsible Torero Practice, which also contains information on fentanyl overdose and alcohol poisoning.
III. health and safety: hazing prevention
Health and safety through wellbeing is a core principle of Fraternity and Sorority Life, reflected in the following guidelines:
Alcohol & Other Drugs (III.A.)
Hazing Prevention (III.B.)
Misconduct & Violence Prevention (III.C.)
III. B. Hazing Prevention
Hazing is prohibited under California law. The California Penal Code 245.6 provides: "Hazing means any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events"
1. Behavior that may not constitute “hazing” under the California Penal Code nevertheless may constitute a violation of these Guidelines or other USD policy. For the purpose of these Guidelines, hazing includes the definition set forth under the California Penal Code as well as any action taken or situation created which, regardless of location, intent or consent of 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 or regulations of the University, or which is known by the compelling person to be contrary to the individual’s genuine moral or religious beliefs; or
c. will impair an individual’s academic efforts.
2. Any activity as described 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 “compelled” 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 “compelled” behavior. 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 FSL Guidelines
Further information regarding hazing can be found online at https://www.sandiego.edu/fraternitysorority-life/resources/.
III. B. Hazing Prevention
3. The following are examples of unacceptable behavior and forms of hazing, even where the conduct may not necessarily constitute a violation of the California Penal Code:
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 or member class t-shirts that are consistent with the University’s policy concerning harassment or other appropriate apparel, but compelling them to do so is hazing Examples include but are not limited to wooden paddles, painted rocks, notebooks, shirts with degrading names, etc
d Depriving individuals of the opportunity for sufficient sleep (six hours continuous sleep per day minimum), nutritious edible meals, or access to means of maintaining daily bodily cleanliness.
e. Activities that interfere with an individual’s academic efforts by causing exhaustion, loss of sleep, or loss of reasonable study time or by preventing an individual from attending or participating in class.
f. Compelling individuals to consume alcohol or other 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, sprayed at, or otherwise applied to the bodies of individuals
i Morally degrading or humiliating games or any other activities that makes an individual the object of amusement, ridicule, or intimidation
j. Transporting individuals against their will, blindfolding individuals, abandoning individuals, or conducting any “kidnap,” “ditch,” or “road trip” 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/or any violations of Sexual Misconduct.
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 Line-ups involving intense or demeaning intimidation or interrogation, e g 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 This includes excluding social contact via personal communication devices
u Imposition of many hours of silence, during which time an individual may not speak while going about his or her daily routine
III. B. Hazing Prevention
4. Chapters and chapter members are responsible for hazing prevention.
a. It shall be the specific responsibility of the chapter president to see that all policies are communicated each semester to all members (initiates and new members/associate members), and to see that the chapter strictly adheres to the policies and guidelines.
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 through the university student conduct process, as well as through civil and criminal courts.
c. Chapters are responsible for controlling the actions of their alumni members during initiation and/or pre-initiation activities.
d. The Assistant Vice President, Student Life will be notified promptly of all alleged hazing incidents; the handling of such cases is subject to USD review.
e. The (inter)national 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 repeated violations, the (inter)national office will be requested to take appropriate corrective action in addition to sanctions imposed by the Fraternity Sorority Life Standards Board or USD.
f. Any established hazing case may result in revocation of registration for the chapter and a recommendation to the inter/national fraternity or sorority office of revocation of their charter.
g. Fraternities and sororities are expected to comply with the provisions of their respective Councils’ 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 Penal Code.
III. health and safety: misconduct & violence prevention
Health and safety through wellbeing is a core principle of Fraternity and Sorority Life, reflected in the following guidelines:
Alcohol & Other Drugs (III.A.)
Hazing Prevention (III.B.)
Misconduct & Violence Prevention (III.C.)
III. C. Misconduct and Violence Prevention
1. Sexual Misconduct: Fraternities and sororities may not engage in any organizational activities involving sexual misconduct, relationship violence, or behavior that is lewd, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate. For further information, review the USD Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities.
2. Abusive Behavior: Fraternities and sororities may not engage in any abuse of any person, including but not limited to physical abuse, threats, verbal intimidation, libel, harassment, stalking, coercion, cyberbullying, and/or other conduct which threatens the health or safety of any person either in person or online/virtually. For further information, review the USD Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities.
3. Acts of Intolerance: Fraternities and sororities may not engage in any conduct that adversely and unfairly targets an individual or group on the basis of one or more of the following actual or perceived characteristics: gender or gender identity, race or ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or age. For further information, review the USD Public Safety Hate Crimes and Acts of Intolerance Response Procedures
4. Property Damage: Fraternities and sororities may not engage in any attempted or actual theft or unauthorized use of the property of the University, property of any member of the University community, or property being used for a University event or other personal or public property. Fraternity and sorority members may not damage or attempt to damage University property, property of any member of the University community, property being used for a University event, or other personal or public property.
5. Noise Ordinance: Fraternities and sororities are expected to adhere to the Noise Ordinance set forth in the Municipal Code of the City of San Diego, which generally states reduced noise levels must be maintained between the hours of 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. in residential zones, during which loud or raucous yelling, shouting or singing outdoors, or using amplified sound (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. 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 events.
IV. chapter officers: responsibility
Given their leadership, chapter officers may also be individually accountable. Responsibility (IV.A.) Management & Misconduct (IV.B.)
IV. A. Responsibility
Officer Statement of Responsibility: Each year as part of the student organization registration process, all fraternity and sorority officers will sign a statement acknowledging that they have received a copy of The University Relationship and Guidelines for Fraternities and Sororities and understand their responsibilities as a chapter leader.
Chapter officers are responsible for ensuring chapters and chapter members adhere to:
1. All governing principles of the Interfraternity Council, Lettered Multicultural Council, or Panhellenic Council, as well as the FSL Community Standards (Appendix B)
2. All policies, procedures, and directives promulgated by the University of San Diego, e.g. USD Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities as well as the USD Student Organization Handbook
3. All local, state, and federal laws regarding fraternity and sorority activities.
IV. chapter officers: management & misconduct
Given their leadership, chapter officers may also be individually accountable: Responsibility (IV.A.) Management & Misconduct (IV.B.)
IV. B. Management and Misconduct
1. Chapter officers may also be held responsible for organized chaptersponsored activities, examples which include but are not limited to recruitment and intake activities, initiation rites and ceremonies, philanthropy/service events, sports competitions, and membership or social events.
2. 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 that might warrant this personal responsibility include but are not limited to:
a. Inappropriate and/or unacceptable activities which are sanctioned by the chapter by means of discussion and/or planning at a chapter meeting, officers’ meeting, or committee meeting.
b. An officer’s personal participation in such an activity.
c. An officer’s failure to act appropriately upon witnessing such an activity.
d. An officer’s failure to act appropriately in preventing such an activity when the officer had prior knowledge.
e. An officer’s failure to act appropriately in taking corrective action after learning of such an activity.
f. An officer’s negligence in his/her responsibility to educate the group regarding established laws, regulations, policies, directives, procedures.
g. An officer’s 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.
V. governance
The University recognizes that the governing bodies for the fraternity/sorority community are the College Panhellenic Association, the Multicultural Greek Council, and the Interfraternity Council. Each Council consists of an executive board and at least one representative from each of the registered campus chapters.
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 inter/national organization’s constitution and bylaws. The Unanimous Agreements of the National Panhellenic Conference also guide Panhellenic sororities.
When a complaint is received by the Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life 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.
Organizational conduct matters are typically referred to the Fraternity Sorority Life Standards Board. Conduct matters involving individuals are referred to the Assistant Dean of Students or their designee. Action by the Assistant Vice President, Student Life or their designee may run concurrently with action by the Fraternity Sorority Life Standards Board; one type of conduct action does not necessarily affect the other. For further information, review the Fraternity Sorority Life Standards Board Procedures (Appendix A).
All conduct action is subject to the review and approval of the Assistant Vice President, Student Life.
VI. review
Student Revisions
Student-initiated revisions to “The University Relationship and Guidelines for General Fraternities and Sororities” and the Fraternity Sorority Life Standards Board procedures are subject to review by the leadership of the governing Councils and approval by the Assistant Vice President, Student Life. The governing Councils may also initiate a proposal for revision of this document by a joint recommendation.
Advisor/Staff Revisions
The fraternity/sorority chapter alumni advisors may initiate a proposal for revision of this document by joint resolution.
The Division of Student Affairs may initiate a proposal for revision of this document and may propose procedures to address substantive revisions.
Review
Prior to any substantive revision, regardless of the source of the proposed revision, input shall be sought from the USD Division of Student Affairs, the governing Councils, and the chapter alumni advisors.
This document shall be reviewed on an annual basis by the Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Assistant Vice President, Student Life.
VII. appendices
APPENDIX A: Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards Board (FSLSB)
APPENDIX B: FSL Community Standards for Membership/Social Events
APPENDIX C: Chapter Fundraising & Community Service Policy
APPENDIX D: FSL Extension/Expansion Policy