| Student Life Office | Greek Affairs | |||
Mutual Statement of Responsibility Table of Contents |
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| Membership Recruitment Responsibilities and Stipulations New Member Education Responsibilities Educational Programming Responsibilities Community Service and Philanthropic Responsibilities Risk Management and Legal Responsibilities House Fund and Damage Policies Institutional Responsibilities Reviews, Sanctions, and Modifications under this Agreement
"We can be proud of nearly fifteen years of “mutual responsibility,” and of the tradition of excellence associated with the Greek system here at Centre College . Are these two items mutually exclusive? Of course not, and thus we should continue to work together to ensure a healthy future for the fraternities and sororities at Centre – but more importantly, for the men and women that will come after us. What we do together today will affect their future tomorrow. This Statement of Mutual Responsibility outlines the specific ways in which we all strive to live up to the goals and expectations that we have of each other. It builds upon the work of those that preceded us, and asks us to build upon their success. We must never lose sight of the key to this effort – communication. If we continue to talk together, and not at each other, our common goal will be achieved – the development of the Greek system, and the students that make up its membership." Randy Hays "Many in Centre's community are now able to truly appreciate the long history of support, challenge, compromise, and cooperation that has taken place among the Greek organizations and the college administration which is represented by this document. Without the dedication of those student leaders, administrators, faculty, and trustees who began a difficult series of dialogues in the early 1980's, Centre's current Greek community and its relationship with the College would not be as strong. Our challenge in the future is to continue to encourage cooperation and communication among all those interested in enhancement of Centre's mission and in the total development of our students. This edition of the Statement of Mutual Responsibility reflects revisions based upon clarification of those now common campus practices which enact the principles agreed upon in this important document. Hopefully, this version is also more “user-friendly” and therefore, will be a statement of standards which is regularly referenced throughout the school year." Nancy S. Lackey "With five years of implementation and two years of development and function under the Statement of Mutual Responsibility initiated by then Dean of Students Eric Mount , Centre's administration and Greek leadership are now in a position to further refine an already successful agreement. This Statement of Mutual Responsibility , fifth edition, is the product of collaborative efforts between the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council leadership, the Director of Student Activities and Greek Life, the Dean of Students, and the 1990 and 1995 Greek Review panels. The final draft of the revised second edition was reviewed by the College's legal counsel and presented to the Board of Trustees prior to the 1990-1991 academic year. The spirit of cooperation and compromise which has prevailed during the first five years of operation under the original document has been remarkable. As a consequence, the administration's commitment to continued development and good health of the Greek system, and the Greek system's contribution to the mission of the College has been enhanced." Dr. Ray K. Hammond "This Statement of Mutual Responsibility was adopted by Centre's Board of Trustees on April 10, 1987 . Before its presentation to the board, earlier drafts had been reviewed by the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, several members of the faculty and administrative staff, and the college's legal counsel. Revisions were made in light of those discussions. The preparation of the document grew out of an evaluation of Centre's fraternity system in the fall of 1986 by a commission of faculty, staff, and student leaders appointed by President Richard Morrill. Questions of legal accountability of both colleges and Greek organizations have been raised with increasing frequency in our society, and the lines of local responsibility have not always been clear to all on our campus. This statement puts into explicit terms understandings that are, for the most part, not new at Centre, but it serves to clarify and elaborate what was often only implicit. The intention of this statement and of all Centre's administrative standards for Greek organizations is to challenge and assist fraternities and sororities to be the best possible contributors to the total development of students and to measure up to their pronounced purposes. Greek organizations have long played a prominent and significant role in the Centre experience. This statement is meant as a means toward the enhancement of the traditional relationship and a stimulus toward higher aspirations to excellence." Dr. Eric Mount , Jr. Statement of Purpose Centre College is a small, independent, and selective educational community dedicated to liberal studies in the arts and sciences as the means to develop the intellectual, personal, and moral potential of its students. Centre seeks to give its students the ability to think objectively and critically, to analyze and compare values, and to write and speak with clarity and precision. It seeks to acquaint students with the range of accomplishments of the human mind and heart in a variety of arts and theoretical disciplines. It provides counsel and programs to encourage deliberate and informed career choices. In a word, Centre's highest priority is to empower its students: to develop their human abilities to the fullest. Empowerment can never take place in an isolated individual. Centre seeks to accomplish its goals in a context of genuine community, of caring and respectful relationships among administrators, faculty, and students. It is helped in this respect by its broadly conceived, non-sectarian, Judeo-Christian tradition. This tradition commits Centre to a belief in the unconditional value of each human being, the familial unity of the human race, and the equal importance and close connection of individual self-development and community well-being
This agreement in its original edition, and particularly in this revised edition, should help chart a course for the continued development of Centre's Greek community as a positive contributor to the academic mission of the College, rather than a competitor as has often been the case in the past and at many institutions presently. The current edition will not be found to be the final or perfect solution, but rather another step in the on-going enhancement of student life at Centre College .
Fraternities and sororities are internally self-governing, legal entities, responsible and liable for their own actions. The degree of success a group achieves is finally a result of its own decisions and efforts, and the growth which occurs through people's affiliations is in great measure a function of the degree of independence they are allowed to exercise. The College wishes to enable and encourage Greek organizations in the conduct of their affairs rather than to dominate or control them. As with all students and student organizations, if self-regulation does not function to produce a quality of campus citizenship that accedes the college regulations and policies, disciplinary actions will be taken. In sum, the College understands fraternities and sororities to be affiliated organizations which have their own identities and traditions and which carry responsibility for their own internal governance and welfare, always subject to the educational goals and social regulations of the College. Therefore, they are not agents of the College with respect to third party interests, but they do bear collective responsibility and possible liability for any actions which damage the College's good name and reputation, or which violate either College policy or the requirements of the law. The Director of Greek Life, the Greek Review Panel, and this Statement of Mutual Responsibility are all intended as aids to the highest performance by the organizations and evidence of institutional support towards that end. What is articulated here is basically an explicit statement of what already is implicit. It is recognition that institutional responsibility and societal accountability set parameters within which all members of the college must function. Issues such as sexual and racial harassment, sexual and racial equality, hazing, and substance abuse must be addressed by all College constituencies, including Greek organizations. No tolerance will be given to groups found in violation of College policies regarding these respective societal issues. Any fraternity or sorority wishing to receive continued recognition by Centre College or to gain it for the first time must agree to the conditions explained in this statement. Affiliation Responsibilities Every chapter shall have at least one visit a year by a representative from the inter/national organization to evaluate the health of the chapter. The visit shall include a conference with the Director of Greek Life. Every chapter shall have one or more advisors selected from the alumni/ae body living in the Central Kentucky area. These advisors should be prepared to be actively involved in the life of the chapter in its efforts to comply with its requirements to the inter/national organization and to the College. Every chapter shall have one advisor selected from the Centre College faculty or staff. This individual should be prepared to be actively involved in the life of the chapter in its efforts to promote the benefits of Greek membership among the faculty, and aid the chapter in addressing campus concerns. For continued good standing at the College, every chapter is expected to know and observe the regulations of it's inter/national organization. Copies of pertinent reference documents should be kept on file by each chapter. The organization must demonstrate that chapter leadership has adequately educated all members as the regulations of the consumption, social stipulations, and legal liability and risk reduction. Every chapter is required to keep up-to-date records of its initiated members and new members to assure that all its members are in good standing with the inter/national organization. The chapter is required to submit membership records to the Director of Greek Life by September 13, 2004 for fall term, and February 14, 2005 for the spring term. These listings will ensure correct chapter grade reports and accurate billing of Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council dues. Every chapter is expected to be regularly represented in the meetings of the Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Council, to stay current in meeting its financial obligations to those bodies, and to observe and support the regulations and decisions they make.
In the pursuit of this central aim, the College and the organizations shall be guided by two important Centre principles: community and self-governance . By community is meant the larger campus and city community; the strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood which are promoted and supported by Greek organizations are often positive identification for students, and the more positive they are the less they will accentuate and aggravate division on campus. The purpose of the recruitment efforts of Greek organizations should be to include as many students as is reasonably possible who desire Greek affiliation. Without demanding that every student who enters the recruitment process be guaranteed an invitation of membership, the College nonetheless stipulates some policies and programs to make inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness the operative attitude. Membership Recruitment Stipulations: It requires that persons be considered for membership without regard to race, ethnic origin, nationality or religion. It urges that every organization develop programs to enable students whose financial condition might preclude membership to receive assistance. It requires that programs of pledge/new member education not promote divisiveness and enmity among groups, but rather promote the welfare of the entire Greek community and of the entire campus community. It requires that Greek members and organizations meet the same standards of responsible behavior and accountability which all are expected to observe. It is expected that all recruitment regulations set by the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils will be followed before, during, and after the formal recruitment period.
As minimum conditions for good standing on the campus, the fraternity or sorority shall: Annually develop and submit a copy of its scholarship program to the Director of Greek Life prior to October 15, 2004 . Observe their inter/national organization's minimum grade point average requirement for pledging, initiation, and good standing of a chapter member. Develop programs that encourage and recognize academic achievement, stimulate intellectual growth, and promote student/faculty relations. These programs might include awards for academic achievement or Dean's List standings, an invited speaker to address the chapter, or discussions led by a faculty member. Elect an individual who will coordinate tutoring efforts, develop and present relevant programs, and consult with the College administration when necessary on academic issues as they effect the chapter membership. Take care to see that recruitment, new member education, and membership activities do not compromise the academic performance of prospective new members, new members or initiated members. Not sponsor or permit activities by its chapter or its members which disturb classes, disrupt study in the library, an individual's room, or other places where a student should enjoy silence, or interrupt faculty and/or students in their academic pursuits. Maintain an environment in which people can readily study on nights before class days. Abide by all College policies regarding visitation and quiet hours. Hold no social functions that hinder study by chapter members or create disturbances for other students. It is essential that the chapter leadership periodically reviews and emphasizes these minimum conditions with chapter members.
New Member Education Responsibilities Centre College believes that the strength of any Greek organization will be realized through a constructive new member education program, which will provide opportunities for leadership development, general enthusiasm for the organization's ideals, and set a sound base for Greek involvement beyond initiation. In accordance with expectations of any group at Centre, race or ethnic origin should not influence membership in a Greek organization. Each student's health and safety is of utmost importance to the College. Each Greek organization should take measures to ensure that no student's health or well being is ever in jeopardy. In accordance with the hazing regulations of all nine inter/national organizations represented at Centre, together with the Association of Fraternity Advisors, the National Interfraternity Conference, and the National Panhellenic Conference, Centre College absolutely forbids hazing. Each Greek organization is required to present the College hazing policy to all members and new members and all are expected to abide by that policy. To assure compliance with these expectations, the organization shall: Conduct recruitment activities in such a fashion as to assist the student to make considered and responsible decisions about affiliation. Conduct each formal recruitment function in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, and within the expectations of the inter/national Greek organizations. Review the College Hazing policy with the Director of Greek Life each year. The chapter president must attest that such review has occurred. The chapter should also plan a review of the hazing policy of its inter/national organization. Review and discuss with its chapter advisor and the Director of Greek Life the membership education program to be implemented by the chapter during the new member period. A copy of the new member education program must be submitted to the Director of Greek Life by January 7, 2005. Require that all new members participate in educational programming on the following issues: Programs should involve the participation of members of the faculty, staff, and administration. Conduct a new member meeting in which the chapter president discusses pertinent information and history of the chapter at Centre, the history of the College, and all relevant inter/national policies. Review, explain, and discuss with new members this agreement concerning the mutual responsibilities of the College and the Greek organization. The new member class will work with the Director of Service to plan and execute one service project during the new member education period. The new member class will participate in the annual New Member Institute program (Greek 101) provided by the Office of Greek Affairs. Include nothing in the program that will hamper the academic performance of the new members or disrupt the academic pursuits of the community. In addition, include nothing in the program that is antagonistic towards another group. Excuse the new members from any activity which conflicts with a prior academic commitment or job, and avoid jeopardizing the new member's standing with co-curricular activities such as athletic teams, plays, or music groups. Develop a parent's education and orientation document that should at the very least include an introduction to the fraternity and new member responsibility. This should be sent to the new member's parents at an appropriate time, unless the new member requests in writing to the new member educator to be excluded. The new member educator should retain all requests, which may be shared with the Director of Greek Life.
The College hazing policy is transposed here exactly as it is found in the Student Handbook . Each Greek organization assures the College community that it endorses this policy and intends to abide by this basic commitment to human decency. Centre College views any form of hazing as contrary to the mission and purpose of the institution. Centre College is in accordance with the Fraternity Executives Association, the National Interfraternity Conferences, and the National Panhellenic Council in its definition of hazing. The College defines hazing as any act or behavior, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, which subjects a person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to abuse, mistreatment, degradation, humiliation, harassment, embarrassment, or intimidation, or which may, in any fashion, compromise his or her inherent human dignity. At Centre, respect for the personal dignity of each student, faculty, and staff member is crucial to our enterprise. Along with the Association of Fraternity Advisors, the Fraternity Executives Association, the National Interfraternity Conference, and the National Panhellenic Council, the College endorses the hazing policies of the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group. The Student Life Office is committed to appropriate personal, social, and intellectual development of all Centre students and seeks to foster an environment which promotes a positive collegiate experience. Hazing is viewed as detrimental and contradictory to these objectives and will not be tolerated. Any member of the College community who observes a hazing incident should report it immediately to a staff member in the Student Life Office or the Department of Public Safety. Individuals or groups found guilty of hazing are subject to penalties that may be as severe as expulsion from the College.
Greek organizations are expected to contribute to the student's broader education as well as to encourage good scholarship. The following are expectations to this end. Each Greek organization is expected to have at least one program or activity each year, in addition to the new member program, which fosters education concerning the following topics:
These programs are to be presented by or in conjunction with a member of the Centre College faculty or staff or an appropriate member of the Danville or local community. Evidence of this program should be submitted to the Director of Greek Life through the Greek Review report each spring. Every Greek organization will sponsor one alcohol-free social event per term of the academic year. These can be co-sponsored events with Greek organizations or others. Each Greek organization is expected to work closely with their alumni/ae to plan a program where alumni can get to know the current members and begin the networking process. Possible topics of these programs include careers, the job search process, and resume building. Executive officers in every chapter are expected to take part in leadership education sponsored and provided either by the Student Life Office and/or the inter/national organization of which the leaders are a part. The president is expected to attend the annual Greek Leadership Retreat in the fall presented by the Student Life Office. These and other officers may also be required to participate throughout the year in in-service training seminars presented by the Director of Greek Life or by the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils. Each Greek organization must send an active and supportive representative to Student Congress meetings. Each Greek organization is expected to participate in the activities of the Student Activities Council and actively promote and support the group's events. Any Greek sponsored event that is in conflict with an event sponsored by the Student Activities Council will need to have prior approval by the Director of Greek Life and the Director of Student Activities.
Each Greek organization will sponsor a community service project each term of the academic year, and plan and execute one philanthropic project during the academic year. The chapter will elect an individual who will coordinate all community service and philanthropic activities, and be responsible for reporting and verifying such activities with the Director of Greek Life within two weeks of the event. The chapter will participate in community service and philanthropic activities sponsored by the governing councils that are classified as “all-Greek” service or philanthropic events.
Like all Centre students, members of Greek organization are expected to comply with College regulations and are subject to local, state, and federal law. For infractions of chapter, Interfraternity Council, or Panhellenic Council regulations, the members are subject to chapter and Greek community judicial processes. When individual Greek members commit breaches of College regulations or public laws, they are accountable as individuals to the respective authorities. When Greek organizations are guilty of violating College regulations, they are subject to the same judicial processes as individuals and to appropriate sanctions by the administration on recommendation from the Student Judiciary or appropriate Greek body. In some instances, individuals and the Greek organization may share responsibility for a violation of policy. The officers of Greek organizations are responsible for the enforcement of college policies and regulations that pertain to them as student groups and legal entities. The leadership of the organization has a special obligation to foster responsible conduct among members and guests of the group, including alumni/ae. Each individual member should also exercise responsibility with respect to members of the group, especially concerning social functions and group activities. Violations of College regulations in and around Greek residences can bring citations and sanctions against the group(s) that has harbored them. If the individual(s) responsible are not identified, the organization must be held responsible. Additionally, the organization(s) must be sure to limit access at social functions only to students at Centre College and invited guests, and must be very conscious of all state and local fire codes and capacity limits. In addition it is the responsibility of the fraternity or sorority to explain and enforce all College policies in regard to band members hired, guests of the band, and any other hired or invited guests. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action for the Greek organization. For breaches of public law, Greek organization members need to remember that they and their organization are legally accountable in cases of violation or neglect. Chapter officers and members need to be well versed in the regulations and policies of the College as found in the Centre College Student Handbook , the Social Policy, the Greek Risk Management Committee Guidelines, the event notification form, the Centre College Hazing Statement, and policies set forth by the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, and the respective inter/national organization. College officials should and will be called upon at any time to assist in the enforcement of policies, and failure by the Greek organizations to request assistance when appropriate will be seen as a serious breach of chapter officers' responsibility and of the terms of this agreement.
In the fall of 1995, the construction of nine new Greek chapter facilities was completed. For the first time in the history of Centre, both the fraternities and sororities occupy residential living space. For the 2004 - 2005 year, each fraternity and sorority is required to sign a lease and make the annual lease payment of $1.00 plus the annual College room charge of the residents. This lease is a nine-month lease and does not include the summer months. The College retains its ownership and its right to visit and inspect these buildings on a regular basis. The residential rooms of the house function as residence halls, and the College provides the same maintenance and custodial service in those areas that it provides to other residence units.
Every Greek organization has access to a house fund provided by donations from alumni/ae for improvements and additions to the chapter facility. These funds are for items such as furniture, televisions, stereo equipment, carpet, etc. Before an item is bought or ordered, approval must be received from the Director of Greek Life. The primary purpose for the house fund is to refurnish the chapter facility. The funds are not to be used excessively on electronic equipment. If a purchase is made before it is approved, the chapter will forfeit the opportunity to use house funds for this purchase. Before the purchase, the College must determine that it meets residential fire and safety codes.
The College expects mature and responsible facility occupancy and management in the Greek chapter facilities. This policy continues the philosophy of self-governance for Greek organizations. Each Greek organization will submit a chapter facility damage policy by October 7th of each year to the Director of Greek Life. The policy is to include a structure of fines for the individual(s) responsible as well as a plan for other disciplinary action. Damage reports will be sent by the House Manager or the Director of Greek Life to Facilities Management. The repairs will be made and the bill plus a 25% restitution fine will be sent to the chapter. It is the responsibility of the House Manger to attempt to identify the responsible individual(s) in order to recoup chapter funds spent on damage fees. The Student Life Office reserves the right to intervene if the individual(s) or fraternity demonstrates inability to resolve a persistent damage problem. If damage problems remain unsolved, more serious sanctions will be allocated.
The College has institutional obligations to fraternities and sororities just as the Greek organizations have obligations to the institution. To enable the College to contribute effectively to the well being of the Greek community and to implement means that encourage the recognition and discharge by Greek organizations of their responsibility to Centre College , the College shall provide the following forms of assistance: Business Office Assistance to the officers in maintaining their chapter accounts and reports required by their inter/national organizations. Review of present limits of liability, personal property, and house contents insurance carried by the chapter, and advice as to the appropriate coverage. Management of lease payments for chapter facilities. Student Life Office Work with the fraternities and sororities to assist them in complying with the responsibilities delineated in this statement, especially through the Director of Greek Life who lives on campus and stays in close touch with all Greek organizations and activities. The Director of Greek Life serves as the primary Greek advisor of the College. This individual is in place to assist in any and all issues that face chapters. It is expected that the Greek organization leaders will keep the Director of Greek Life informed of all chapter activities and concerns. Additionally, it is expected that each chapter president meet with the Director of Greek Life at least twice each term to discuss chapter progress. Continued dialogue with the fraternity and sorority leadership to review, modify, and update this agreement. Maintenance of files on inter/national organizations and officers for the chapters. Maintenance of accurate and timely records on membership, new members, officers, and advisors of the chapter. Provision of resources or workshops for leadership training, alcohol and drug education, and other educational programming. Publication and circulation of this Statement of Mutual Responsibility. Provide chapters with accurate scholarship reports. College Attorney Counsel concerning routine legal matters. Conducting periodic seminars on pertinent legal matters. Housing Office With the help of the Director of Greek Life, conduct periodic inspections of public areas to see that their condition is maintained to College expectations. Communicate regularly with the House Mangers regarding all housing issues (opening, closing, storage, etc.) Serves as the liaison with Facilities Management regarding repair and cleaning. Coordinate fraternity and sorority room assignments. Facilities Management Normal maintenance, repair and custodial service for fraternity and sorority facilities as specifically outlined in the Chapter Lease Agreement . Department of Public Safety Provide security and safety service and assistance to all in the College community, including Greek organizations. Safety officers will be present at times during social functions to ensure that safety measures have been taken and that the event is functioning properly. Be available to make presentations to Greek organizations on fire safety, sexual assault, and other safety issues.
Every spring the Director of Greek Life shall conduct an audit of each chapter and make recommendations to the Vice President and Dean of Student Life and to the President of the College concerning each Greek organization. In order for the review process to be comprehensive, each group will be required to submit a report of chapter activities for the past year and goals for the next year. This report will be based on forms given to the chapter president by the Director of Greek Life. At least every four years, or as deemed necessary by the College, a formal Greek Review Panel is convened to conduct the chapter audit. This Greek Review Panel will consist of the Vice President and Dean of Student Life, a member of the Board of Trustees, a faculty member, a member of the Student Life Office staff, a member of the senior staff of the College, and the Director of Greek Life who will act as chairperson. Upon completion of the review, the Director of Greek Life will submit a written audit report on each chapter to the Vice President and Dean of Student Life, the President of the College, and the respective inter/national organization on each Centre College chapter. Standings and Sanctions Under this Agreement Based on the audit conducted once each academic year or as circumstances may require at other times, the Director of Greek Life and/or the Greek Review Panel shall make one of the following recommendations to the President of the College concerning each chapter: Continuation in good standing with commendation and no concerns Continuation in good standing Continuation in good standing with stipulations Continuation with stipulations Warning: An indication of significant failures to comply with the agreement which must be corrected by a certain time if the chapter is not to be placed on probation. Probation: Revocation of one or more privileges of the chapter and/or imposition of additional conditions on it for a specified period of time due to (a) an event or circumstance in violation of the expectations and requirements of the College or (b) failure to comply with the conditions of a warning. Suspension of Recognition: Revocation of the chapter's rush privileges, credit, approval for campus social activities, and/or other privileges for at least one half year's time due to (a) an event(s) or circumstance(s) in substantial violation of expectations and requirements of the College or (b) recurrence or lack of correction of matters which gave rise to a warning or probation. Revocation of Recognition: Revocation of all privileges as a recognized fraternity orsorority and termination of all aspects of affiliation with the College due to (a) a major and flagrant failure by an organization to carry out its duties and responsibilities under this agreement or (b) a recurrence of or failure to correct matters which gave rise to probation or suspension of recognition. |
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