Help please!

UNIAXiD · #1 10-27-2003, 02:48 AM

My chapter has recently been placed on Risk Management Watch, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice for how to get the chapter to shape up. We had underage drinking at our last datenight, lots of pre-partying, and wristband switching. We need some ideas of what to tell the chapter to make them understand that they are putting our whole national fraternity at risk, the whole greek system on our campus, and our chapter especially at risk. How do you discourage pre-partying? Do you really turn people away when they come to get on the bus? Please help!!

James · #2 10-28-2003, 10:50 PM

What happened that you got caught? And who caught you? I don't mean to sound off color, but if you tell us that we might be able to see the weak areas.

Quote:

Originally posted by UNIAXiD
My chapter has recently been placed on Risk Management Watch, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice for how to get the chapter to shape up. We had underage drinking at our last datenight, lots of pre-partying, and wristband switching. We need some ideas of what to tell the chapter to make them understand that they are putting our whole national fraternity at risk, the whole greek system on our campus, and our chapter especially at risk. How do you discourage pre-partying? Do you really turn people away when they come to get on the bus? Please help!!

#3 10-29-2003, 12:12 AM

Sounds like you may need to do some house cleaning. You should develop an absolutely no exception to the rule, no tolerance policy. If someone is caught underage drinking or pre partying or switching bands (which is ILLEGAL!) they need to get the boot. The severity of the situation needs to be made in plain terms. "Either we shape up or we ship out. If we get kicked off campus, it looks bad for our organization as a whole. etc." You may end up with a lot fewer members, but your organization will still exist on your campus and you can start from scratch. I know, easier said than done.

Hope this helps some.

kappaloo · #4 10-29-2003, 12:59 AM

I agree... make a policy for underage drinking and stick by it. This should go beyond normal laws.

Underage drinking is now more of a concern at my school because since the fifth year of highschool was canned by the Ontario government, most first year students are no longer legal-age. My school now as the policy that if anyone is caught drinking underage they are banned from all licenced areas of campus until a YEAR after their 19th birthday (legal age is 19 here). This would be really harsh if you implemented a similar rule (ie if caught drinking underage, you are not allowed at events where drinking is permitted until a year after your of age) and you would lose members.... but if you did it - a few people who get caught, but then no one would risk it - imagine, blocked from all licenced events!

UNIAXiD · #5 10-29-2003, 03:14 AM

Thanks for your ideas! We did kick one guy out for underage drinking at the last event. I just don't want to have to be the police! It sucks for my senior formal I have to make sure that no one is underage drinking or we lose our chapter. The whole chapter should feel this way, but they don't. We have to do a presentation to the chapter, any ideas for what to tell them to make it real? They all think it can't happen to us, we won't get hurt or in trouble. So what should I tell them to make them realize it can happen?

#6 10-29-2003, 11:25 AM

Just tell them straight up, If this happens, we are GONE, for good. Rally those who feel the same way, who dont' want your chapter to close, together. Peer pressure is still strong, even in college!!! If you even THINK they were drinking before hand, DON"T let them in, make them go home. That goes for all events. Hope this helps some!

FSUZeta · #7 10-29-2003, 01:32 PM

why don't you enlist the help of your alum. advisors when you give your presentation about underage drinking to the chapter?
if the reprimand your chapter received was in writing, read it to the whole chapter, so that they know just how serious the situation is.
draw up a plan of action, with rules and consequences and hand out to every member. that way no one can say they did not know.
have eveyone sign an agreement that they have read the rules concerning underage drinking and pre-partying and that they support the officers and the chapter in this area.
send a copy of this to the national officer who reprimanded your chapter.
i know it is not fun to be the "police", and it can be a really sticky
situation when you have to be.and ask those alums. to help. let them be the "heavies" if they will. just hang in there, and remind yourself this has to be done to preserve your chapter. best wishes for success. lisa