Armstrong Atlantic Greek Community Standards

1. Promote conduct consistent with good morals and good taste;
2. Create an atmosphere that will stimulate intellectual and emotional progress;
3. Actively be an integral part of University life through service.

Administration

1. Relationship Statement


The relationship between AASU and the Greek community is one of mutual respect, cooperation, understanding and trust. The University and Greek membership have responsibilities and expectations to strengthen and develop the community.

The University will support the Greek community by:


• Provide staff, training, programming and advisement necessary for development
• Advocate for the Greek community and serve as a liaison between internal and external constituencies
• Promote opportunities for participation in academic, athletic, social, service, and other group events
• Allow for university privileges such as access to campus facilities, equipment, and services (mass marketing, catering, copying, and technology) and the usage of the Armstrong Atlantic State University name and logo according to university policy
• Continue its commitment to foster the Greek system



The Greek organizations are expected to:


• Maintain a strong scholastic emphasis
• Comply with federal, state, and local laws-with special emphasis on those regarding underage drinking, hazing, and public and fire safety-and to cooperate fully with the University and Savannah-Chatham police
• Respect the rights of the campus community and neighborhood
• Comply with the code of conduct and any policies or expectations that govern the university, Greek system and each individual organization
• Practice risk management to minimize liability to people and property and maintain accountability for actions of the chapter
• Support Greek and campus programming by attendance, participation and good will
• Ensure sound new member and initiation practices
• Participate in philanthropic activities
• Maintain an active relationship with an advisory person such as a campus or alumni advisor or board
• Submit requested and/or required paperwork or documentation in a timely manner



Based on these expectations, organizations that do not demonstrate a commitment to these obligations may jeopardize their recognition status.

The relationship between AASU and the Greek system requires honest communication bound by a spirit of good will. Together the University and the Greek community must demonstrate their responsibility (ies) to:


• Provide and model positive leadership
• Educate through development opportunities
• Build and maintain positive relationships



2. Recognition


To be recognized as an active organization in good standing with the university all social Greek-lettered organizations (chapter or provisional group) must


1. Be affiliated with a national organization. In addition, all fraternities and sororities must be recognized and remain in good standing with the University, respective national organization and governing bodies.
2. Have at least one active advisor.
3. Have proven record of growth and contribution in academics; campus and community service and participation; and organizational financial health through the Greek Life End of Year Report. Failure to demonstrate growth and contribution can result in a meeting with the Greek Advisor to develop a plan of action to improve in these areas.
4. Require all members be a current AASU undergraduate student in good standing with the university.
5. Submit the following information to the Greek advisor within the first 3 weeks of each semester:



• Updated constitution and/or bylaws (if updated since the last semester)
• Chapter/Provisional group officer list with contact information
• Chapter/Provisional group membership roster with student ID number and phone/email
• Hazing statement signed by each member
• Contact information for any advisors
• Any new members must be reported and noted to the Greek advisor within two weeks of bid acceptance through an updated membership roster and hazing statement.



6. Allow the Greek advisor or designated person to check each member or potential new member's GPA for reporting and eligibility purposes.
7. Submit the Greek Life End of Year Report no later than 3 weeks before Spring Commencement.
8. Any group with interest in chartering a new national Greek organization must consult with the Greek Advisor and follow the procedures outlined in the expansion policies.



3. Event Registration



1. All Greek events must be registered by turning in a Greek Event Registration Form to the Greek Advisor at least one week prior to the event.
2. No events may be scheduled on campus when the university is closed.
3. All events must be in compliance with all college policies and national risk management guidelines for the chapter/provisional group(s) hosting the event.
4. Chapter events are defined as events where chapter/provisional group members are present and the general perception is that the event is chapter/provisional group related. If you are unsure if it is a chapter/provisional group event, consider the following questions:



• Was it planned or pre-meditated?
• Was it discussed at a meeting?
• Did the majority of the members know about it?
• Were a significant number of members present?
• Were a significant number of those attended invited by members?
• Were chapter funds used in any way?
• Did the officers know about or take part in planning any part of the event?
• Did it occur in concert with a chapter function (initiation, bid day, etc.)?



4. Organizational Conduct



1. All organizations are responsible for acting in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and all other applicable regulations.
2. The university may take action when the behavior of the members of the organization allegedly violates these policies. Both individual and group disciplinary action may be pursued for the same behavior/incident.
3. Student organizations may be held responsible for the acts of individual members when acting individually or on behalf of the organization. These acts may include, but are not limited to, the following:
   
   
   • Violation of policies and other members present
   • Failure to discourage or condoning of violations
   • When the violation is directly related to the organization activity and an environment is created by the organization
   
   
   
   The organization will be expected to take disciplinary action against those members who violate the rules and expectations of their organization, the University, and the community.



4. Conduct violations may be adjudicated by the Vice President of Student Affairs or by his/her designated individual or committee.
5. Sanctions may be imposed on those organizations or individuals who are found to have violated university policy through warnings, probation, educational programs or requirements, restitution, community service, loss of privileges, deactivation, or revoking of charter.
6. All fraternities and sororities must maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance policy.



Hazing Policy

AASU deplores hazing and any other inappropriate and dangerous behavior or related activities. The University prohibits this type of practice. If a chapter/provisional group is found in violation of the standards of the University, disciplinary sanctions will be implemented.

All rites, ceremonies, practices or orientation into university life or into the life or membership of any university group or organization should be of an educational, historical, functional, and inspirational nature consistent with the accepted principles of higher education at Armstrong Atlantic State University.

Any rites of induction, practices, ceremonies, or behaviors which require or allow mental or physical suffering are prohibited. Specifically, hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, on or off campus, which could be reasonably expected to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, violation of University rules and regulations, violation of the laws or policies of the parent organization, and/or violation of any local, state, or national laws.

All rules and regulations of Armstrong Atlantic State University as well as local, state and national laws shall supersede policies of national or local organizations. All assessments as to the appropriateness of an action will be considered within the context of the standards of the total university community.

Activities considered to be hazing shall include one or both of the following elements: (1) coercion, either overt or covert, and (2) production of physical or mental discomfort in either the participants or the spectators. Such activities suggested by a group or a member of a group to new or trial members will be considered covert coercion, even if the activity is said to be voluntary.

Sexual Abuse And Harassment

The organization 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, which are demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to date rape, gang rape or verbal harassment.


5. Expansion


AASU is committed to the development of a strong and viable fraternity and sorority community on campus. In this regard, the Greek Advisor, in consultation with key administrations and/or students, will have the discretion to determine when a new Greek organization is desirable and needed on campus. The decision to invite a new organization on campus will be influenced by the organization's ability to enhance and balance the current Greek system. Only inter/nationally affiliated organizations (NPC, NIC, NPHC, NAFLO) will be considered. These organizations must maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance policy.

This approach provides for maximum opportunity for successful provisional period and experience for all students involved. The purpose of these policies is to insure that extension/expansion occurs in a carefully developed plan conducive to the educational mission at AASU.


1. Expansion can occur in three ways:



• Through a formal expansion plan approved by the appropriate Greek governing body, the Greek Advisor and the Vice President of Student Affairs
• Through receiving a formal petition by a group of interested students
• Through reviewing a formal petition from a new or returning nationally affiliated organization



Formal Expansion Plan


1. A committee will be appointed to coordinate the process.
2. The Greek advisor or designated person will make contact with the appropriate governing body or individual organization to solicit all eligible organizations to submit a letter of interest.
3. The letter of interest must be accompanied by a packet that includes:
• An outline of the organizational history and current administrative structure of that organization
• National policies and programs on academic emphasis and scholarship
• Requirements for membership
• Member and New member guidelines/program
• Anti-hazing policies
• Risk management policies
• Information on philanthropic efforts
• Expected code of conduct for members
• Provisions of support for the proposed new provisional group
• Policy of relationship with host institution
• Information on provisional group and chartering procedures
• Area/Local alumni support available



4. The expansion committee will select the organization(s) that will be invited for an on-campus presentation. The Greek Advisor, the expansion committee and the interested organization will determine the nature of the presentation.
5. Following the presentation, the committee will make a recommendation to the Greek Advisor and Vice President for Student Affairs as to how many and which organization will be invited to establish.



Formal Petition by a Group of Interested Students


1. Individuals interested in starting a Greek organization must contact the Greek Advisor and submit a formal letter and petition of interested members.
2. Once the group has been approved to explore the opportunity to start an organization, it is eligible to have up to three interest meetings per semester (not to exceed 4 semesters) to determine interest. No other events, on or off campus, may be held by the interested group (fundraisers, social events, meetings, etc).
3. The group shall make no formal agreement with a national international organization without prior consultation with the Greek Advisor.
4. Once 8 or more students are interested, the students and the nationally affiliating organization must present a formal letter of intent to establish.
5. The group must secure an advisor who is a faculty or staff member at AASU. This advisor must then notify the Greek Advisor of acceptance of this responsibility.
6. Once approved and verified by the Greek Advisor, the national organization must provide the following:
• An outline of the organizational history and current administrative structure of that organization
• National policies and programs on academic emphasis and scholarship
• Requirements for membership
• Member and New member guidelines/program
• Anti-hazing policies
• Risk management policies
• Information on philanthropic efforts
• Expected code of conduct for members
• Provisions of support for the proposed new provisional group
• Policy of relationship with host institution
• Information colonization and chartering procedures
• Area/Local alumni support available



7. The national organization is then permitted to hold open meetings on campus to recruit new members.
8. The organization may be requested to meet with university officials before being invited to colonize.



Formal Petition from a New or Returning Group


1. The organization representative(s) must meet with the Greek Advisor to express interest in organizing on campus.
2. If approved for consideration, the organization will receive a list of criteria/information (see #6 above) required to submit to the Greek Advisor, the expansion committee and/or the Vice President for Student Affairs.
3. Once reviewed and the decision is made to invite the organization on campus, the colonization process or reactivation of a chapter may begin.
2. The colonization process may last no more than 2 years. A written schedule and guidelines for colonization is required and must include a deadline date for chartering. The schedule must be approved by the Greek Advisor prior to the start of colonization.
3. The organization must demonstrate contribution in academics; campus and community service and participation; and organizational financial health. In addition, an active faculty/staff advisor is required to charter. An alumni advisor is strongly recommended.
4. The University supports each national organization's recommendation for the number of members required for chartering.
5. Only one organization is permitted to colonize at any given time. Exceptions to this policy may be considered.
6. The provisional group will first be recognized by the Greek Advisor to begin operation. Once chartered, the organization must follow the procedures in the Student Handbook to become fully recognized.



6. Indemnification Clause


The social Greek lettered organizations shall defend, indemnify and hold the University, its officers, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all liability, loss, expense, including attorney fees, or claims for injury or damages arising out of the performance of any obligation or responsibility referenced in these policies, but only in proportion to and to the extent such liability, loss, expense, attorney fees, or claims for injury or damages are caused by or result from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of the organization, its officers, agents, employees or members.


7. Crisis Management Procedures


General Procedure

Should a crisis occur, cancel the current/planned event. In nearly all situations, The chapter president's first telephone call will be the 911 emergency number. Briefly and calmly explain the situation so that appropriate emergency personnel (police, fire, ambulance) can respond.

Notify the Greek Advisor.

The primary concern of the University is the safety and health of all members and their guests. If unable to contact the Greek Advisor, contact the Director of Student Activities. Do not hesitate to call at any hour.

Notify the chapter advisor.

Notify the fraternity/sorority's national headquarters and/or alumni contact.

Communication

The president of the organization is the official spokesperson for the chapter. Do not discuss details, speculate on events or otherwise elaborate on the situation until police, University officials and the chapter advisor are notified and have arrived.

Any and all communication to and/or from AASU will be through the Greek Advisor. The Greek Advisor will be the "official" representative of AASU through the extension/expansion process or any crisis management situation; the only exception being the President of AASU, the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Director of Student Activities or their designees.

Serious Injury or Death of a Member

In the event of a serious injury or death, medical or police personnel (who are trained) will notify the family. After the family is notified, it is appropriate for members to call and share their concern.

Physical Aggression and/or Hospitalization

If chapter members are involved in any type of altercation, whether or not a person is sent to the hospital, contact the Greek Advisor.

Follow Up & Support

Student Affairs staff are available for member assistance and counseling. Individual and group counseling is strongly recommended following any crisis situation. AASU Counseling & Volunteer Services, located in the Student Affairs Annex, is available for counseling and support services.