An
orientation newsletter and resources for new member candidates of the SCSU
Fraternity/Sorority Community
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September 2007 |
Fall 2007 Volume 2, ISSUE 1 |
Hello Candidates/Associates of the SCSU Fraternity & Sorority Learning Community!
You are about to begin a period of learning and exploration as the door to the “Fraternity & Sorority Experience” has been opened and you have decided to take the next step. The next few weeks should be full of positive experiences to help you to become a full and active member of your respective fraternity or sorority. In becoming a candidate for membership in any of SCSU’s Fraternities & Sororities, you now represent our community and there are several expectations that will be communicated to you by your Fraternity/Sorority and that of our entire community. This initial informational newsletter is to introduce you to the expectations of membership and some information you need to know as you begin your new member process. If you have any concerns or feel you are not having a positive experience. Please feel free to ask us questions as an objective source of support. You will receive a feedback survey regarding your recruitment experience and your new member experience in the next few weeks. We look forward to supporting your journey.
You need to understand our New Member Bill of Rights and make sure you conduct yourself in a manner that is both safe, but self preserving. We feel confident that our F/S Community is well suited to take a good person and challenge them to be better. We are not in the business of ‘breaking you down, to build you up”. Your talents, ideas, and enthusiasm is welcomed. Maximize it with care, common sense, and academic success. Fraternities and Sororities are supported by SCSU because there founding principles, values, purposes, and missions commit themselves to a college experience that challenges its members to live to a higher standard than the average college student. Welcome to our Community!
Questions & Inquiries greekexperience@stcloudstate.edu
Nine Basic Expectations
Fraternity & Sorority Membership
I. I will know and understand the ideals expressed in my fraternity/Sorority ritual and will strive to incorporate them in my daily life.
II. I will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.
III. I will respect the dignity of all persons; therefore I will not physically, mentally, psychologically or sexually abuse or harm any human being.
IV. I will protect the health and safety of all human beings.
V. I will respect my property and the property of others; therefore, I will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of property.
VI. I will meet my financial obligations in a timely manner.
VII. I will neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs; I will neither misuse nor support the misuse of alcohol.
VIII. I acknowledge that a clean and attractive environment is essential to both physical and mental health; therefore, I will do all in my power to see that the Fraternity/Sorority property is properly cleaned and maintained.
*This does not mean you are expected to be any members slave or servitude.
IX. I will challenge all my fraternity members to abide by these fraternal expectations and will confront those who violate them.
SCSU Fraternity & Sorority Community
New Member Bill of Rights
The process of becoming an initiated member of my chapter shall
help me become both a better individual and an integral part of my
organization. I understand that I am entitled to certain rights while at the
same time taking on certain responsibilities that are essential to my role as a
new member of the SCSU Fraternity/Sorority community.
I am responsible for being a fully involved member after initiation, to
maintain my financial obligations to the F/S, to seek out leadership positions
in my organization and others on campus, to recruit new members to enhance the growth
and success of my chapter and the Fraternity/Sorority community, and to fully
support all social, philanthropic and service activities of my chapter and
others during my time as a member.
I have the right to be treated fairly, to be respected, and to not be
intentionally humiliated by any active members or alumni/alumnae of the
fraternity/sorority.
I am responsible for learning about my fraternity/sorority to better
understand the history, traditions, principles, and values of my
Fraternity/Sorority. I have been selected to carry on a legacy left by those
before me, and I will strive to support the positive goals and direction of my
organization.
I have the right to be a student first and foremost to fulfill my
academic obligations while being a member of my Fraternity/Sorority
I have the right to retain my individuality while becoming a member of my organization. My talents, needs, goals, and skills are unique, and if utilized correctly can help strengthen my F/S and the F/S community. I am responsible for respecting the rights, convictions, and privacy of others, and will to work to improve fraternity/sorority relations with other Fraternity/Sororities; as well as, other organizations and the surrounding community.
I am responsible for serving as an ambassador to the campus and community on behalf of my chapter an the SCSU Fraternity/Sorority Community. I understand that my actions will reflect on both my organization and others as well as influence the perceptions associated with the SCSU Fraternity & Sorority Community.
I am responsible for approaching the leaders or advisors of my Sorority/Fraternity if I feel that I have been treated without the respect or dignity based upon our founding principles which fraternity/sorority membership is based. I shall have the opportunity to approach my peer mentor, new member educator, sorority/fraternity president, or chapter advisor without ridicule or repercussion if I do not support or understand the reason for an activity.
* Adapted from the University of Florida New Member Bill of Rights
Minnesota Hazing Law 127.465 Hazing policy.
Hazing” refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.
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The Center for Student Organizations & Leadership Development |
Your University Advisory & Support Team
Graduate Advisor : Katie Treichel - trka0701@stcloudstate.edu , 320-308-3004 Office: AMC 139 (Academic Success & Scholarship Development, Greek Programming Board, and Fraternity & Sorority Programming Initiatives)
Graduate Advisor: Chelsea B. Redger - rech0602@stcloudstate.edu ,320-308-2205 Office: AMC 118 (Interfraternity Council Advisor - Men's Fraternities)
Fraternity & Sorority Liason : Robert C. Reff, Ph.D. Counselor for Health/Wellness Greek Programming. (Generalist counselor with special interests in relationships, healthy emotional expression, group counseling, outreach, men’s health, and alcohol abuse and sexual assault prevention programs specifically for the SCSU Fraternity & Sorority Community.) Counseling & Psychological Services Issues related to anything related to your new member education experience can be discussed in confidentiality with Dr. Reff “Rob”. rcreff@stcloudstate.edu
Fraternity & Sorority Community Advisor : Stuart R Umberger - srumberger@stcloudstate.edu ,
320-308-3004 Office: AMC 139 (Panhellenic Council Advisor, Overall
Fraternity & Sorority Learning Community Program)
Hazing Policy
Hazing is not tolerated. The complete policy is available in the Student
Organizational Resource Manual, Fraternity/Sorority
constitutions, Inter/national Policies and the University's
Student Code of Conduct.
Opportunities for leadership and to maximize your
Fraternity/Sorority Experience
Futures
Quest:
Men’s Fraternities leadership and membership exploration prgram for New
Members. http://www.nicindy.org/
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DID YOU KNOW? Fraternities and sororities were
established to further the social, scholastic and professional interests of
its members. They are mainly associated with colleges and universities. Most
fraternities and sororities adopt Greek letters to represent their
organization, and as a result they are often referred to as Greek letter
societies, or simply Greek organizations. "Fraternity" vs. "Sorority" The word fraternity
comes from the Latin word "frater" meaning brother. The word
fraternity is often used to describe not only organizations comprised of men,
but also women. Originally, both groups were called fraternities because that
was the only word that existed during the 1800's to describe the type of
organization they were. This may be due to the fact that most of these
organizations were originally started by men.
In 1882, the Gamma Phi Beta women at Syracuse
University began to call themselves a sorority. This was by the suggestion of
their advisor who was a Professor of Latin and thought the word suited them
better. The word sorority comes from the Latin word "soror" meaning
sister. However by this point, many women's organizations had
already been officially and legally incorporated and could not change their
name. Today, many of the older "sororities" are referred to by that
name, but may have the word fraternity in their official title. |
Understand what hazing is. You are responsible to not involve yourself in this type of behavior nor fell obligated to do such. Your participation can result in your ineligibility to maintain membership.
EXAMPLES OF HAZING
The following are some examples of hazing divided into three categories: subtle, harassment, and violent. It is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific. While this is not an all-inclusive list, it provides some common examples of hazing traditions.
A. SUBTLE HAZING:
Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new
members/rookies and other members of the group or team. Termed “subtle hazing” because
these types of hazing are often taken-for-granted or accepted as “harmless” or
meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that
breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members/rookies on
the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. New
members/rookies often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part
of the group or team. (Some types of subtle hazing may also be considered
harassment hazing).
Some Examples:
· Deception
· Assigning demerits
· Silence periods with implied threats for violation
· Deprivation of privileges granted to other members
· Requiring new members/rookies to perform duties not assigned to other members
· Socially isolating new members/rookies
· Line-ups and Drills/Tests on meaningless information
· Name calling
· Requiring new members/rookies to refer to other members with titles (e.g. “Mr.,” “Miss”) while they are identified with demeaning terms
Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession
B. HARASSMENT HAZING: Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members/rookies. (Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing).
Some Examples:
· Verbal abuse
· Threats or implied threats
· Asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
· Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts
· Expecting new members/rookies to perform personal service to other members such as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning etc
· Sleep deprivation
· Sexual simulations
· Expecting new members/rookies to be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness.
· Being expected to harass others
C. VIOLENT HAZING : Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm.
Some Examples:
· Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption
· Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault
· Branding
· Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions
· Burning
· Water intoxication
· Expecting abuse or mistreatment of animals
· Public nudity
· Expecting illegal activity
· Bondage
· Abductions/kidnaps
Exposure to cold weather or extreme heat without appropriate protection
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT HAZING
Myth #1: Hazing is a problem for fraternities and sororities primarily.
Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or, organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.
Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others --- it is victimization. Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening.
Myth #3: As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing should be O.K.
Fact: Even if there's no malicious "intent" safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be "all in good fun." For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group team members?
Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
Fact: First of all, respect must be EARNED--not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.
Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be considered hazing.
Fact: In states that have laws against hazing consent of the victim can't be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.
Myth #6: It's difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing--it's such a gray area sometimes.
Fact: It's not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions:
Make the following inquiries of each activity to determine whether or not it is hazing.
1) Is alcohol involved?
2) Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new
members and do exactly what they're being asked to do?
3) Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
4) Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
5) Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a professor or University official?
6) Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," the activity is probably hazing.
Adapted from Death By Hazing Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 1988.
Will Keim has a similar approach to making decisions about hazing:
"1. If you have to ask if it's hazing, it is. 2. If in doubt, call your advisor/coach/national office. If you won't pick up the phone, you have your answer. Don't B.S. yourself.' 3. If you haze, you have low self-esteem. 4. If you allow hazing to occur, you are a 'hazing enabler.' 5. Failure to stop hazing will result in death..."
Will Keim, Ph.D., "The Power of Caring"
* Taken from StopHazing.org
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Mark your
Calendar!
All New members are expected to participate in leading dialogue
during NHPW with Rick
Barnes (Monday, September 24th)
"Hazing
when will it end?" F/S is
a comprehensive Learning Community committed to life-long learning SCSU
Hazing Informational
Sept. 24-28, 2007 Rick Barnes speaker for Monday, September 24th
8:00pm Atwood Ball Room.
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