Proposal20120303-VPMD-03
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.
Alcohol Policy
- All applicable laws must be obeyed. The use of alcohol during a Phi Sigma Pi event is discouraged but not prohibited. Alcohol may not be present at membership drive events, and the illicit use of any controlled substances at these events is also prohibited. A membership drive event is interpreted as any rush or initiation event that is organized for or by the rushees or Initiates or requires their attendance for part or all of the time. Official Collegiate Chapter monies may not be used to purchase alcohol. Official Collegiate Chapter monies are interpreted as monies collected for deposit into the Chapter's Account or accounted for in any financial management system, regardless of whether the money is intended for the general fund or a specific purpose. A Phi Sigma Pi sponsored event is interpreted as one that is organized by a Chapter.
Discrimination
- Phi Sigma Pi believes in diversity. We are comprised of both men and women and we do not discriminate on the basis race, nationality, religion, physical limitations, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. We are inclusive and we see this as a major source of our strength and value.
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
