Proposal20120303-VPMD-03

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Proposal Vice President of Membership Development 03

• Council Member Name: Natalie Swierzbin
• Council Position—Proposal Number: VPMD—03
• Meeting Date for Proposal: March 3, 2012
• Objective this proposal falls under: 10.0 BD
• What costs are associated with this proposal? None
• Additional Pertinent Information:

Intent: The intent of this proposal is to better inform initiates of their rights when participating in our initiation program. This document is intended to be placed in the Toolbox of the Brothers Only Section of our website. This document is intended to be reviewed with initiates at their first scheduled meeting.

Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity Initiate Bill of Rights

Phi Sigma Pi is committed to a hazing-free fraternity experience. We also are serious about the use and abuse of alcohol. We embrace diversity and encourage tolerance and acceptance. Below is the essence of our position on these three issues.

Anti-Hazing Policy

Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity does not condone physical or mental (emotional) hazing of any kind, by any definition. The Grand Chapter strictly prohibits the hazing of individuals involved in any fraternity activities, including initiation. Hazing is defined in Article XXII, Section 1 of the National Constitution as:

"actions of Members which may result in injury to persons or damage to property (i.e.,"hazing"). Hazing shall be defined as, but not limited to, any action taken or situation created, intentionally, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment and ridicule, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. These actions and situations include, but are not limited to: paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shock, scavenger hunts which involve illegal activities, one-way road trips which leave an individual to find return transportation, wearing apparel at any time or location which is not appropriate, required engagement in public stunts or buffoonery, morally degrading games or humiliating activities, compulsory consumption of any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances or non-controlled substances, and any other activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of the sheltering institution, or behavior considered as unbecoming of a Member of Phi Sigma Pi."

The Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity initiation process should be conducted in a manner which respects the dignity of initiates and protects their mental and physical well-being. Examples of acceptable behavior include initiation activities that promote scholarship, promote service, develop leadership skills, acquire knowledge of Phi Sigma Pi history, and instill the value of fellowship amongst initiates.

During the Phi Sigma Pi initiation process, initiates have the following rights:

• The right to be treated as an individual
• The right to be fully informed about the initiation process. This includes dates of all required initiation events, dates of quizzes, the Phi Sigma Pi National Membership Exam, and Induction.
• The right to ask questions and receive true and objective answers from Initiate Advisors, Active Brothers and Alumni.
• The right to be treated with respect. The right to be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized.
• The right to ask how and why and receive straight answers.
• The right to have and express opinions to Initiate Advisors and Chapter leadership.
• The right to have inviolable confidentiality when sharing information with Chapter leadership.
• The right to make informed choices without undue pressure from others.
• The right to make one’s own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of that decision.
• The right to have a positive, safe and enriching recruitment and membership experience.

Phi Sigma Pi is a fraternity of Brothers who treat each other with dignity and respect. There is no place for hazing in our organization, or any organization, and when an incident of hazing is reported, we take it very seriously. Hazing comes in many forms. Hazing includes any action that causes embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule, or any action that risks emotional or physical harm. If you are aware of hazing being conducted by Brothers of Phi Sigma Pi to anyone, report it by contacting the Assistant Director of Member Services, Sarah Alderman at salderman@phisigmapi.org, or calling National Headquarters at 1-800-366-1916.

I have read and acknowledge the information listed in the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity Bill of Rights.

_____________________________ ____________________ Signature of Initiate Date