2007 - 2008 Student Handbook

GREEK ORGANIZATION POLICIES

Greek Lounge Policy

Policy for Greek New Members

GREEK LOUNGE POLICY/ALCOHOL

Alcoholic beverages are permitted in the lounges on the Greek floors based on the following guidelines:

1. Only beer in twelve-ounce (12 oz.) cans is permitted.
2. The use of alcohol in the lounges will be restricted to members and their approved guests who are 21 years of age or older.
3. The total amount of alcohol permitted in the lounge will not exceed twelve (12) open containers of beer at one time. One can per 21 year old is permitted. Any other alcohol will remain stored according to the College policy.
4. Open cans of beer will be permitted in the lounge area only. Any beer found opened in any other public area will constitute a violation of College policy.
5. Alcohol will be permitted in the lounges during the following times:
   Monday-Thursday 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight
   Friday 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
   Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
   Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight

In addition to sanctions that may be levied on individuals who are in violation of this policy, the fraternities and the sororities of Lycoming College will be held fully accountable for all violations occurring in the lounge areas.

Sanctions for Organizational Alcohol Policy Violations

• loss or suspension of licensing privilege
• restriction on use of lounges/public areas
• organizational probation
• restriction on other organizational privileges (use of mailboxes, meeting space, copy services, etc.)
• various levels of fines
• minimum and/or maximum levels of community service

POLICY FOR GREEK NEW MEMBER ACTIVITIES

The following policy has been developed to benefit the entire Greek community at Lycoming College, as well as the personal development and academic achievement of individual Greek members.  Through a working partnership, the College and the Greek community can, with these guidelines, insure that Greek chapters are strong, responsible, and respectful of individual members.

Although each sorority and fraternity has developed its own unique program of pledging, associating, or affiliating, these programs must meet the standards established by Lycoming College and as further developed by Pennsylvania State law.  This policy serves officially to complement the statements on hazing found in the Lycoming College Student Handbook and in the Greek Leaders Manual published by the Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development.  As a current or intended member of a Greek chapter,  students  should  be  aware  of  this  policy  and its legal, ethical, and contractual implications.  Further, students should be prepared to challenge and question any activity which could violate this policy or the College's Hazing Policy.

1.     The length of any new member program is limited to a maximum of four (4) weeks and must end at least three (3) full weeks before the beginning of final exams.  All  initiations/sisterization/ brotherization activities must occur within this time frame.

2.     Greek chapters can spend up to twenty (20) hours per week on new member activities.  At least ten (10) hours of the total hours per week must be designated as academic study hours.  The College encourages new members to study more than the structured time allotted during new member activities to ensure academic success.

3.     All new member activities within the twenty (20) hours per week limit must take place during the following hours:        

This includes all activities - formal or informal, whether occurring on or off campus.  Exceptions may be approved, when appropriate, by the Assistant Director of Student Programs and Leadership Development if submitted in writing by the Chapter President no later than five (5) working days prior to the anticipated event. 

4.     A new member activity shall be defined as any activity required of a new member/associate, etc.  This includes rituals, meetings, social programs, educational programs, community service, study hours, and the like.  The Assistant Director of Student Programs and Leadership Development should be consulted if questions arise regarding the definition of a new member activity.

5.     In all campus buildings, only conversational level greetings and interactions between students who are pledging and fraternity/sorority members are permitted.  Disruptive or unusually loud behavior is prohibited.

6.     Each organization is required to submit an official Bid Acceptance Form (found in the Greek Leaders Manual) no later than one (1) working day* after bids are extended and before pledging activities begin. 

        *Exceptions may be made by the Assistant Director of Student Programs and Leadership Development for chapters which extend open bids.

7.     All new members are required to attend an anti-hazing seminar approved by the Assistant Director of Student Programs and Leadership Development prior to the start of new member activities. 

 8.    Hazing, as defined in the Lycoming College Student Handbook, National Chapter Policy, Greek Leaders Manual and Pennsylvania State law, is strictly prohibited.  All Greek members and new members are required to sign an Anti-Hazing Agreement acknowledging they have read and understood the policy.

 9.    The New Member Educator (or similar officer) of each chapter is required to attend a formal training session sponsored by the Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development each semester.

10.   Each chapter must submit an updated philosophy statement and an outline of the new member program activities each semester to the Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development for approval prior to the beginning of the pledging period each semester.

11.   This policy shall be cooperatively enforced by the Dean of Student Affairs, the Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development, and the Greek Grand Council.

12.   Questionable activities should be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs or the Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development.  If sufficient evidence is presented, the Dean of Student Affairs will refer the case to the appropriate Lycoming College Judicial Hearing Officer or Board for a hearing and possible sanctioning.

13.   A chapter may have only one new member class per semester.