What is "unbecoming"?
 

Hey Everyone!

The Tau Chapter wants to know if any other chapters out there have clearly defined in their by-laws what type of behaviors are "unbecoming" of a sister? How do you deal with sisters gossiping about each other, etc? I am interested to hear feedback from chapters and would like to know what approaches are being taken.

In Sisterhood,
Katie Edwards
President, Tau Chapter

Our chapter has the following two additions to this section of our bylaws:
(1) Members may not use any tobacco product, drink alcoholic beverages, or swear while wearing Sigma Alpha letters or while at any Sigma Alpha event;
(2) Members must present themselves professionally at all times, especially when wearing Sigma Alpha letters or attending Sigma Alpha functions. This includes not only behavior but also personal grooming and appropriate dress.

Unfortunately, this doesn't directly address a gossiping problem. However, it's pretty unprofessional to be a gossip, so in severe cases, it could be addressed under #2.

"unbecoming : not according with the standards appropriate to one's position or condition of life".
In our chapter, the Chi chapter, we have 9 types of offenses defined in our Bylaws. We have come to an understanding that "unbecoming" means to act in any that we deam unprofessional way that could/would soil our chapter.

This has also just recently come up in our chapter here at Western IL University. We are working to define it better because it is very unclear as to what unbecoming is. I'll let you know what we come up with if you like.