Quote:
Originally posted by GinaD79
I am not a huge poster here on GC but I really like to hear what people have to say about Greek Life, Rush, AI, etc. Today I have a few questions about hazing and university policies as they apply to your education process.
I know that most education processes are secret so I don't expect too much detail, but how do you get around the system if your process is just tradition? I am not really referring to physical aspects of the process but more location oriented things, where things are done (on/off campus), having Associate Members follow certain instructions, give respect, etc.
Do you modify your entire process to comply with university regulation? How do you make sure Associate Members don't run and scream "hazing" to the administration?
How do you handle these types of issues? Thanks for your consideration and help.
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Well, let me explain how I see this in my Fraternity, APO.
APO has a National Pledging Standard which gives the 20 elements that should be part of each chapter's pledge program. Some items (like no hazing, etc) are hard and fast rules. Others are more flexible, allowing each chapter to define how they do it at their school. Our education process is not secret. (our rituals and certain items of our fraternity are).
APO also has a Membership Policy and Risk Management Policy that clearly addresses issues like hazing and the like. Most GLOs have these or something similiar.
APO also follows the policy that university policy overrides fraternity policy. For instance, APO states in the NPS that the pledge program should be 6-10 weeks long. Some universities mandate a shorter period. Not an issue for APO. Chapter at such shools follow that policy. Also, some schools do not allow for a true pledge program. Again, not an issue, APO allows for an 'alternate new member education program' in cases like this.
Chapters are suppose to develop their pledge program (including their pledge requirements) in line with the NPS *and* university policy. So long as chapters (and their members) keep in mind those policies, there shouldn't be any issues.
Hope this helps