College Expectations for Greek Organizations

(N.B. All fraternity houses are owned by the College and are leased back to the respective House Corporations. For all fraternities the Housing Regulations are in effect, and when applicable, supersede Section II F, below.)

II. College Expectations for Greek Organizations
In order to help ensure that fraternities are supporting the aims of the institution, maximizing their contribution to the personal development of their members, and maintaining a sound organization, it is expected that each chapter will engage in the following activities:

A. Scholarship: The fraternity environment shall be conducive to study and supportive of each member's academic efforts. Programs should be planned around the academic needs of members, using College resources such as the Office of Academic Success, Office of Career Education and Vocational Reflection, the Writing Center, etc. Formal scholarship programs and activities such as tutoring and discussion groups; workshops concerning study skills, writing, career development, etc. are strongly encouraged. This is a serious concern of the College and is a necessary ingredient of a fraternity's contribution to and support of College objectives. The fraternity advisor should have a significant role to play in these endeavors.

B. Rules and Regulations: It is assumed that all fraternity members are aware of College regulations pertaining to fraternities; the Interfraternity Council Constitution and Statutes; the Code of Student Conduct; the Honor Code; local, state, and federal laws; and that they are following them. Further, it is important that each chapter have clearly-stated internal rules and appropriate standards which are responsibly enforced by the officers.

C. Rush: The purpose of rush is to present the fraternity option to Hampden-Sydney College students, primarily freshmen, who are not affiliated with a Greek organization. As such, it should be open and honest and introduce prospective members to all phases of a chapter's activities and to the personal and financial responsibilities that membership entails.

D. Pledge/Associate Member Education: In order to complement such a rush program it is mandatory that each fraternity have a positive pledge/associate program. Educational and related activities are necessary if each new pledge/associate is to become familiar with and accept both the business and friendship aspects of his chapter. Examples of such activities include learning the history, purposes, and goals of the national fraternity; developing management skills; meeting financial obligations; and involvement in alcohol education programs and service projects. Also, the amount of time a pledge/associate spends in doing things with older brothers is important in developing attitudes of sharing and caring, creating a strong fraternal bond of brotherhood, and promoting a sense of responsibility toward the continuity of the fraternity for those who are to come after the pledges/associates in ensuing years. Conversely, practices which involve hazing (any activity of physical or psychological abuse that is degrading or humiliating to another person), the destruction or removal of property, the abuse of alcohol, or activities that do not encourage respect for others are not acceptable at Hampden-Sydney College.

E. Finances and Chapter Operations: Financial obligations of chapters and individuals within their chapters are expected to be met. Any fraternity not free of debt contracted through its annual operations by June 30 of each fiscal year will have its recognition to operate as a fraternity withdrawn until that indebtedness is eliminated. During the school year, any fraternity not meeting its financial obligations may be required to cease social programming until the indebtedness is removed or suitable means to pay off the debt have been established.

F. Care of Property: It is expected that the physical premises of each fraternity be maintained in good repair, inside and outside, at all times. Failure to keep the house and furnishings in good repair will lead to disciplinary action. There will be regular inspections of fraternity property. Finally, it is expected that all hazards to health or safety will be promptly eliminated.

G. Social Activities: Fraternities provide a variety of socializing activities which contribute to members' personal development and which serve an integrative function for the general campus community. In addition to hosting parties responsibly, each chapter should endeavor to provide a variety of activities which will expand each student's experiences. They might include interaction with faculty and administrators, citizens of Prince Edward County and the town of Farmville, and other campus organizations.

H. External Relations: Members and chapters must be concerned about their impact on their neighbors. Because fraternity houses are located in or near campus residential areas, extra care should be taken to respect neighbors' rights to privacy and quiet, and fraternities should be sensitive to the fact that excessive noise can have an impact on the general College community as well. Also, excellent opportunities exist for fraternities to make a positive impact through community and College service projects. In regard to inter-fraternity relations, every effort should be made to foster good relations and mutual respect among fraternities. Recognizing that alumni are a source of strength for both the College and the fraternities, each fraternity should make an effort to keep in touch with its alumni and involve them in the programs of the fraternity.

I. Programming: Fraternities should take advantage of College resources and of persons known through personal friendships and contacts with members to enhance the personal lives of their members by scheduling workshops or discussions on leadership, personal finances, careers, hobbies, gender issues, etc.

J. Evaluation: Each fraternity should annually make the effort to ask itself whether or not it is realizing its full potential by serving its members and the College in areas indicated in this document. A self-evaluation could begin by members asking themselves such questions as:

1. How successful is the chapter in supporting members' academic efforts?
2. Does the chapter environment provide members sufficient opportunities to study and sleep?
3. What does the fraternity provide that could not be received outside the organization?
4. How many members are actively involved in planning and executing chapter activities?
5. How does the chapter interact with non-Greek students, members of other fraternities, faculty, administrators, and alumni?
6. What individual responsibilities does each member have to the fraternity?
7. How is the fraternity viewed by others?
8. How well is the chapter meeting its responsibilities to its members, the College, and the national office?
9. How well are the advisor and the College meeting their responsibilities to the chapter?

The College supports a strong, positive fraternity experience that is consistent with the mission and aims of Hampden-Sydney. It is to maintain and strengthen the system that this document has been developed and that the above expectations of the College for its fraternities have been established.