Theta Xi Fraternity
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Select a section of the Statements of Position:
Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities Risk Management
The Use of Alcohol Fraternity Values
"Little Sister" Organizations Human Dignity
FIPG, INC. Risk Management Policy



HAZING AND PRE-INITIATION ACTIVITIES

WHEREAS, Theta Xi Fraternity has maintained, since unanimously adopting a resolution at its Sixty-fifth Annual Convention in San Francisco, that associate member and member educational and inspirational programs should be of a positive and constructive nature and has been unequivocally opposed to hazing and pre-initiation activities because they do not add positively to the associate member's or member's understanding of the history, ideals, traditions, principles, and/or Ritual of Theta Xi Fraternity.
FURTHER, the Fraternity has publicly stated its position in the Constitution and By-Laws of this Organization and by fully supporting the National Interfraternity Conference's "Resolution Against Hazing" and the Fraternity Executives Association's "Statement of Position on Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities."

THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED, that Theta Xi Fraternity hereby reaffirms its traditional stance against hazing and unconstructive pre-initiation activities with the following statments:

The Fraternity believes in the ideals and principles stated in the Fraternity Executives Association "Statement of Position on Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities." The Fraternity further believes that hazing and unconstructive pre-initiation activities are antithetical to the ideals, traditions, and principles of this Fraternity as well as being antithetical to the concept of fraternalism. The Fraternity defines hazing as "Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carriod on outside or inside the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engagin in the public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution."


Adopted August 11, 1984
Revised August 6, 1988

Select a section of the Statements of Position:
Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities Risk Management
The Use of Alcohol Fraternity Values
"Little Sister" Organizations Human Dignity
FIPG, INC. Risk Management Policy


RISK MANAGEMENT

THETA XI FRATERNITY holds the firm belief that in regards to protecting the health and safety of each of our members and guests, all members share equal responsibility based on the concept and philosophy that we are "each our Brothers' keeper."
GIVEN the demands for responsible behavior placed on each of us by our Fraternity's beliefs and principles, college and university administrator's standards, and the expectations of our society as a whole, the concept of risk management as an inherent ingredient of all Theta Xi chapter programs must become the standard by which all chapters and alumni groups operate.
FOR ALL THESE REASOINS, Theta Xi Fraternity hereby states its position on "risk management" as follows:
- All chapters and colonies shall adopt a risk management program.
- The risk management program adopted shall as a minimum meet all standards of the Theta Xi Fraternity Risk Management Policy as shall be adopted by the Grand Lodge of Theta Xi Fraternity and revised from time to time.
- An educational module on the subject of Fraternity and chapter risk management programs and policies shall be offered to all members of each chapter and colony on at least an annual basis.

Adopted August 6, 1988
Select a section of the Statements of Position:
Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities Risk Management
The Use of Alcohol Fraternity Values
"Little Sister" Organizations Human Dignity
FIPG, INC. Risk Management Policy


THE USE OF ALCOHOL

THETA XI FRATERNITY, recognizing the dangers associated with the misuse and abuse of alcohol, fully endorses the National Interfraternity Conference's "Resolution on Alcohol" pass by the House of Delegates at its 1983 Annual Meeting.
BECAUSE the use of alcohol is ingrained in society and because its misuse and abuse is becoming more apparent, Theta Xi Fraternity hereby states its position on the use of alcohol.
The Fraternity believes that the misuse and abuse of alcohol is inconsisten with each of the seven Purposes of Theta Xi and hinders any member in his Quest for Theta Xi.
The Fraternity further believes that we are our Brother's Keeper and recommends that each member act responsibly in his own use of alcohol and when necessary assist his Brother(s) in using alcohol responsibly.
The Fraternity further believes that alcohol, when used responsibly, has a rightful place in society and hereby sets these guidelines for the responsible use of alcohol by the Theta Xi Fraternity:
- That the possesion, use, sale and/ or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of any chapter or at any entertainment or function of any chapter shall be in compliance with all applicable laws.
- That all rush activities associated with any chapter be nonalcoholic.
- That all membership education programs and activities be nonalcoholic.
- That no chapter cosponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups, or organizations.
- That moderation be encouraged during lawful consumption, and that chapters develop and support programs and those groups and organizations seeking to educate chapter members on alcohol awareness.
- That no member shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in "drinking games."
Adopted August 11, 1984
Revised August 6, 1988
Revised July 28, 1995
Revised July 18, 1996
Select a section of the Statements of Position:
Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities Risk Management
The Use of Alcohol Fraternity Values
"Little Sister" Organizations Human Dignity
FIPG, INC. Risk Management Policy


FRATERNITY VALUES

WHEREAS, each member of Theta Xi is charged with the responsibility to advance the high ideals of the Fraternity and uphold its standards of excellence; and
WHEREAS, it is the Fraternity's goal to advance these ideals by positively enhancing the development of its members with high-quality, personally relevant experiences; and
WHEREAS, Theta Xi Fraternity supports the belief that the fraternity experience should be designed to bond members together without sacrificing anyone's personal identity; and
WHEREAS, the membership of Theta Xi, through leadership at national and regional meetings, has identified basic Fraternity values;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that consistent with the Ritual, the Constitution and By-Laws, and the Purpose of the Fraternity, the members of Theta Xi, in each and every aspect of their fraternity experience, shall be guided by and promote to all fellow members these ten basic values and expectations:
BROTHERHOOD Demonstrate a commitment to developing meaningful and lasting friendships.
RESPONSIBILITY Accept accountability for one's decisions, behavior, obligations, and commitments.
SELF-ESTEEM Develop confidence in personal abilities and take pride in oneself.
INTEGRITY Be honest and fair in conduct with oneself and others.
RESPECT Show appreciation and concern for the worth of others.
LEARNING Demonstrate a commitment to academic success and intellectual curiosity.
DIVERSITY Recognize and appreciate the value of different ideas, opinions, and cultures.
COMPASSION Reach out actively to support those in need of assistance.
ACHIEVEMENT Accomplish tasks based on previously established goals.
LEADERSHIP Develop an ability to foster teamwork to mobilize effort to achieve common fraternity, campus, and community goals.
Adopted August 13, 1989
Select a section of the Statements of Position:
Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities Risk Management
The Use of Alcohol Fraternity Values
"Little Sister" Organizations Human Dignity
FIPG, INC. Risk Management Policy


"LITTLE SISTER" ORGANIZATIONS

THETA XI FRATERNITY holds the firm belief that sororities and women's fraternities offer excellent opportunities for college women to share a fraternal experience, and that this experience serves a most useful purpose in providing a complementary fraternal experience to that provided by men's fraternities.
WHEREAS, auxiliary women's groups organized from time to time by Theta Xi chapters commonly referred to as "little sisters", are inconsistent with the concept and philosophy of support for seperate and equal women's fraternities, and
WHEREAS, Theta Xi Fraternity believes that "Little Sisters" frequently inhibit the accomplishment of chapter goals by:
- DIVERTING valuable resources of time, effort, and money needed to maintain chapter operations and programs;
- DISTRACTING chapter members in the performance of essential membership recruitment, membership education, and academic responsibilities;
- INVITING disharmony within the chapter by usurping the roles, responsibilities, and duties of members;
WEAKENING the bonds of Brotherhood existing within the chapter by adversely affecting interpersonal relationships.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Theta Xi Fraternity hereby states its position on "little sisters" as follows:
- "Little sisters" are undesirable additions to Theta Xi chapters;
- The formation of new "little sister" groups is prohibited;
- Chapters having "little sisters" groups are to eliminate these groups by no later than the end of the 1993-94 academic year in accordance with the policies and procedures approved by the Fraternity's 127th Anniversary Convention.
Adopted August 2, 1991
Select a section of the Statements of Position:
Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities Risk Management
The Use of Alcohol Fraternity Values
"Little Sister" Organizations Human Dignity
FIPG, INC. Risk Management Policy


HUMAN DIGNITY

THETA XI FRATERNITY holds the firm belief that it is the mutual responsibility of the Fraternity, its chapters and each member to respect and protect the dignity of all human being. Four key factors are directly or indirectly associated with the degredation of others in Fraternities: substance abuse, sexism, racism and hazing.
WHEREAS, Theta Xi, in its Purpose, Statements of Position, and programs, has shown a belief in the integrity and dignity of all human being. This should manifest itself in a mutual respect for ourselves and others, and
WHEREAS, Sexual conduct, attitudes toward women, and the consumption of alcohol are all, to some degree, interrelated, since excessive drinking contributes significantly to inappropriate sexual behavior and frequently fosters demeaning attitudes toward women, and
WHEREAS, Racism and hazing, in addition to sexism, stem from a basic lack of respect for the dignity and understanding of other human being, and
WHEREAS, Excessive drinking and the use of controlled substances show a basic lack of respect for one's own dignity and a lack of concern for potential negative effects on others.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Theta Xi Fraternity hereby states its position on human dignity as follows:
- Theta Xi Chapters and individual members shall not tolerate sexual abuse - emotional, verbal or physical
- of women, shall neither condone nor participate in hazing activities, shall respect the integrity of those of different religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, or political belief; and
- Theta Xi chapters shall operate within the guidelines of the Fraternity's Statements of Position on Alcohol, Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities, Risk Management, Fraternity Values and other subsequently-adopted Statements of Position; and
- Theta Xi chapters shall abide by and enforce the Fraternity's Risk Management Policy and individually adopt policies and procedures reinforcing Fraternity statements and policies regarding all of these matters.
Adopted August 2, 1991
Select a section of the Statements of Position:
Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities Risk Management
The Use of Alcohol Fraternity Values
"Little Sister" Organizations Human Dignity
FIPG, INC. Risk Management Policy


FIPG, INC. RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

The Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. includes the provisions which follow and apply to all fraternity entities and all levels of fraternity membership.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

The possesion, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on chapter premises, or during a fraternity event, or in any situation sponsored or endoresed by the chapter, or in any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.

No alcoholic beverage may be purchased through chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by and member in the name of, or on behalf of, the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common sources of such alcoholic beverage, i e. kegs, or cases, is prohibited.

OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by nonmember of the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, shall be prohibited.

No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor( ie, those under the legal "drinking age".)

The possession, sale or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity, is strictly forbidden.

No chapter may cosponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present.

No chapter may cosponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
All rush activities associated with any chapter will be a DRY rush function.

No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in "drinking games."

No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/novice program, activity or Ritual or the chapter.

HAZING

No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as: "Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution, or applicable State Law."

SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT

The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its member, whether physical, mental or emotionl. 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.

FIRE, HEALTH AND SAFETY

All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.

All chapters should have posted by common phones emergency numbers for fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of each sleeping room.

All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company.

The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house is expressly forbidden.

EDUCATION

Each fraternity shall annually instruct its students and alumni in the Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. Additionally, all sutdent and alumni members shall annually receive a copy of said Risk Management Policy.
Select a section of the Statements of Position:
Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities Risk Management
The Use of Alcohol Fraternity Values
"Little Sister" Organizations Human Dignity
FIPG, INC. Risk Management Policy

    Theta Xi Fraternity
    Shepherd College
    P.O.Box 1128
    Shepherdstown,
    W.V. 25443