National Guidelines
The following is the Fraternity’s Risk Management Policy. Questions about these policies should be directed to Alpha Sigma Phi Headquarters at tbtm@alphasigmaphi.org.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on chapter premises, or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and must comply with either the BYOB or third party vendor guidelines.
Alcoholic beverages may not be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf of, the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverages, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.
OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited.
No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal “drinking age”).
The possession, sale or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.
No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern as defined above for the purposes of fundraising. A chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for an event held within the provisions of this policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list.
No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance or attend or participate in a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be nonalcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or in conjunction with an alcohol distributor or tavern as defined in this policy.
No member or pledge/associate/new member/novice, shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games.”
No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate/new member/novice program, activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes, but is not limited to activities associated with “bid night,” "big brother - little brother” events or activities, / "big sister – little sister" events or activities, "family" events or activities and initiation.
HAZING
No chapter, colony, or student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as: “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution, or applicable state law.”
SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT
The Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is prohibited.
FIRE, HEALTH, AND SAFETY
All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
All chapters should have posted by common phones and in other locations emergency numbers for fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of each sleeping room.
All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company or municipal authorities.
The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house are expressly forbidden.
University of Rio Grande
HAZING AND HARASSMENT
The University and Community College consider any form of harassment or hazing detrimental to the growth
and development of the individual. According to Amended House Bill No. 444, Section 2903.31. "Hazing means
doing an act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other
organization that causes or creates substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person." Hazing is a
penalty of the fourth degree, punishable of a penalty of up to thirty (30) days in jail.
A. DEFINITION OF HAZING (National Panhellenic Conference): Hazing is defined as any action
taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental
or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations
include creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks, wearing of apparel that is
considered offensive by the general public, morally degrading or humiliating games or activities;
late night sessions, which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not
consistent with the regulations and policies of the educational institution.
B. PERMITTING ACTS OF HAZING: Any administrator, employee or faculty member of the
School, University, College, or other educational institution who knew or reasonably should have
known of the hazing and who did not make reasonable attempts to prevent it, as well as the
School, University, College or other educational institution, may be found liable in a civil lawsuit
for such hazing.
ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of the advisors for campus organizations are:
1. The advisors should be aware of the financial condition of their organization. They should report any
financial irregularities in writing to the Dean of Students.
2. The organization itself is responsible for all liabilities through its organizational structure. Advisors have no
legal responsibility unless they serve as a liaison person between the organization and another party.
3. Beer is only permitted on the university campus under the terms of the University's "Alcoholic Beverage
Policy". Advisors should report irregularities in writing to the Dean of Students. An official advisor of the
sponsoring organization must be present from opening to closing of social events where alcohol is served.
4. Advisors are encouraged to spend as much time as possible at organizational activities. Advisors will not
always find it possible to be present during the entire time of some activities. However, it is the
responsibility of the advisor to designate an alternate to represent him/her at the scheduled event. All
advisors are required to complete and sign an advisor form to confirm attendance at events where beer will
be served. Forms are obtained from the Dean of Students Office. They should, however, be aware of the
conditions of renting a facility for an activity and should maintain close contact with the proprietor both
before and after an event. Problems that develop through irregularities in renting should be reported in
writing to the Dean of Students.
5. Advisors should make suggestions or reports regarding either the irregularities or the successes of activities
in writing to the Dean of Students when they judge it appropriate.
RECOGNITION PROCEDURE FOR GREEK (SOCIAL) ORGANIZATION:
1. A group of students wishing University recognition of a new Greek fraternal (social) organization must
submit the following credentials to the Office of Student Services:
a) A written statement requesting recognition by the University.
b) A complete list of founding members numbering at least twelve (12) currently enrolled students.
c) The name(s) of University staff who have agreed to serve as advisor(s).
d) A copy of the purpose Constitution and Bylaws of the organization, which shall include an
appropriate non-discrimination statement, and a clear statement of purpose and objectives.
2. Upon review of the Constitution and Bylaws by the Dean of Students to assure its effectiveness in
assuring adequate governance, and upon evaluating the authenticity of the organization, its purposes and
objectives, and the compatibility of the organization with the Mission of the University, the credentials
will be forwarded with a recommendation to the All-Greek Council for action.
3. Upon two-thirds affirmative vote of the All-Greek Council, a recommendation to recognize will be
forwarded to the Office of the President of the University.
4. The Dean of Students will also submit a recommendation concerning recognition to the President, along
with the credentials of the organization.
5. Upon review of the recommendations of the All-Greek Council, the Dean of Students and the credentials,
the President may recommend Board of Trustee action on the recognition request.
6. In all cases, recognition requires an affirmative action of the University of Rio Grande Board of Trustees.
7. Upon affirmative action of the Board of Trustees, organization will be granted a one-year probationary
recognition period during, which time it will have all rights and privileges normally associated with full
recognition. Assuming the probationary period demonstrates the organization’s successful operation,
benefits to student life and compatibility with the Mission of the University, a charter will be issued upon
formal request by the organization to the Dean of Students.
GREEK PLEDGING REGULATIONS
In order to establish guidelines for all Greek organizations to follow for the pledging program and to provide
an improved academic, social, and residential environment on the campus, the following policies have been
developed:
1. Each chapter may have one pledge class per semester during the academic year.
2. AGC may host a Greek Forum at the beginning of fall and spring semesters. This event should be
designed to educate new students about the Greek system.
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3. The week following the Greek Forum, each organization is permitted to hold one open rush during the
Fall Semester and Spring Semester.
4. Pledging cannot last longer than five (5) weeks, and must be over prior to finals week.
5. Each student pledging must have completed a minimum of 12 hours with a 2.0 GPA from the University
of Rio Grande, and not be on a probationary status with the Financial Aid Office.
6. The pledge class that attains the highest GPA during the year will be recognized during the Greek Week
Banquet at the end of the year.
7. All pledging activities must end at 11:00 p.m. and may not begin until 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
8. No disruptive pledging activities will be permitted. All regulations in the Student Handbook will be
enforced.
9. All pledges are required to acknowledge receipt of the Pledge Packet” presented by the Advisor to the
All Greek Council before beginning pledge activities.
10. Pledging activities must not interfere with the student’s academic responsibilities.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
The possession and use of alcoholic beverages by students on the campus of the University of Rio Grande and
Rio Grande Community College is prohibited and strictly enforced. The only exception is alcohol at approved social
functions. The excessive use of alcoholic beverages on or off the campus is prohibited and may result in disciplinary
action. Any conduct which is in violation of the Ohio Liquor Control Law (title 43 of the Ohio Revised Code), on or
off campus, is prohibited and strictly enforced. Students are legally responsible to civil authorities for violations of
the alcohol laws of the State of Ohio and the Village of Rio Grande.
The alcohol policy is intended to define guidelines for those students who choose to use alcoholic beverages.
The alcohol policy promotes responsible use of alcohol and is consistent with the laws of the State of Ohio.
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1. Alcohol is not permitted in the Residence Halls. This would include all open and unopened cans, bottles,
decanters, kegs, or any and all other forms of alcohol beverage packaging. (Residual alcohol beverage liquid
need not be present to be in violation.)
2. Advertising regarding alcohol or alcohol related events must be approved by the Dean of Students.
3. Any off-campus event held by a recognized University or Community College organization must comply with
the laws of the State of Ohio.
4. The alcoholic beverage policy will be evaluated by the Student Development Committee bi-annually. The
Student Development Committee reserves the right to change the alcohol policy at anytime. Any change will
be published to the campus community.
5. The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College reserves the right to use parental
notification after two alcohol violations if the student is under the age of 21 years.
6. All student organizations sponsoring social events that will have alcoholic beverages for sale are required to
have a State of Ohio issued F permit posted at the event. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are permitted
during Greek Games. Failure to abide by University and Community College regulations may result in denial
of future social events, disciplinary action, and/or temporary suspension to the sponsoring organizations.
HEALTH RISKS OF ALCOHOL
The United States Department of Education has provided the following information concerning health risks of
alcohol. Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair
the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be
involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increases the incidence of a variety of aggressive
acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher
mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause
respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower
doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce
withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can
be life threatening. Long term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor
nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.
Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These
infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition research indicates that children of
alcoholic parents are a greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.
Some people are more susceptible to becoming addicted to alcohol than are others. This addiction, called
alcoholism, is more likely to occur if a person drinks alcohol regularly at a young age (before 18) and/or if a parent,
grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, or sister is an alcoholic. There is, as yet, no way to know who is most susceptible
to developing alcoholism or any other adverse health effect from alcohol.
Student Handbook Link
http://www.rio.edu/student-services/Handbook.cfm