Important Sigma Chi Policy Change Announcement

May 16, 2018

Brothers,

Sigma Chi International Fraternity is proud to be a leading voice in advocating for culture change related to substance use and abuse on college campuses. This is a difficult subject, but one that we must grapple with in order to provide an environment for the next generation that is focused on the best aspects of collegiate life while keeping health and safety at the forefront of those efforts. On Jan. 16, 2018, Sigma Chi announced a series of policy changes that would serve as the foundation for how we would begin to change the culture in our own chapters for the better. Since that announcement, we have listened to feedback from stakeholders from all over the fraternal landscape.

A hallmark of my leadership for Sigma Chi will always be to listen to the reasonable thoughts and opinions of those most affected by our actions. Sometimes, the feedback we receive may simply be a differing opinion or preference, and it’s perfectly fine to agree to disagree without being disagreeable. Other times, the feedback we receive will take the form of resistance to change, and it’s perfectly fine to express one’s opinion so long as it is respectful to the process. And still other times, the feedback we receive will take the form of thoughtful, constructive reaction to bring to our attention unintended consequences and complications that were not fully addressed in the decision-making process. I am proud to say that Sigma Chi has listened to feedback over the last several months in a manner that could be an example to difficult subjects anywhere. I am also proud to say that the overwhelming response to our January announcement from our current students was one of respectful discourse coupled with a determination to make Sigma Chi better. Finally, I am most proud that Sigma Chis everywhere have rallied around our efforts with a collective purpose to enhance the safety provided by all of our environments.

The thing about culture change is that it requires buy-in. We had hoped to receive that buy-in from constituents and stakeholders everywhere. While that was largely the case, there were some exceptions. The most critical, important, and convincing feedback we received came from our undergraduate men who were the ones most committed to making the changes work. They repeatedly told us that the effectiveness of the policy changes relied on community collaboration and that Sigma Chi, no matter how excellent we would be in implementation, could not make this critical change alone. They repeatedly told us that they want to be the leading voice on the matter of working to uncouple alcohol and fraternities, but also said they couldn’t do it alone. So, we listened and acted. Here’s what we have done:

AMENDMENT

All previously announced policy changes remain in effect, except as it pertains to the original action taken by the Executive Committee (EC) that was announced in January which originally read: "Effective Aug. 1, 2018, no social events with alcohol may occur while recruitment or pledging operations are active." More information is available on sigmachi.org; members are encouraged to read it carefully and thoroughly. In brief, the revised actions taken by the EC are:

1. “Effective Aug. 1, 2018, a chapter in good standing may hold no more than four chapter-organized events with alcohol present during the pledge program as long as no pledges are present."

• This means that effective Aug. 1, 2018, Sigma Chi chapters may host up to four social events where alcohol is served during the period that begins with the extension of bids and ends with initiation.

2. The Executive Committee has also added a provision that prohibits those individuals who are prospective or potential members and those individuals who are currently pledging from attending any chapter organized event where alcohol is present.

3. Note that any and all events must still be fully in compliance with all Sigma Chi policies and any provisions of the Risk Management Foundation (RMF) policy for those chapters receiving insurance from RMF. In addition, please remember that the laws and rules of your individual state or province and campus must also be followed.

4. If you have any questions at all, please seek clarification before the event.

I am reminded at this time of an old saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I am proud of our youngest members who helped us modify our approach to initiating the important process of culture change by focusing on community-wide buy-in first. We will make culture change happen, but it will only be lasting change if we can get everyone to buy in. Thank you to the countless men who have been an important part of this process.

For more information on the latest policies slated to go into effect, please visit sigmachi.org/policychanges.

In Hoc,

Tommy Geddings

SOUTH CAROLINA 1985

70th Grand Consul

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