Policies of the Albion College Panhellenic Council

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the policies created by the Panhellenic Council of Albion College shall be to develop and maintain a standard of acceptable behavior to be achieved by all women’s fraternities.  All policies are in accordance with the constitution of the Albion College Panhellenic Association, NPC guidelines, and individual fraternity national policies.  This is the standard by which all fraternities must aspire and shall be judges upon.  (See National Panhellenic Conference Manual of Information Twelfth Edition, page 27, item: VI -- Jurisdiction of a College Panhellenic Council).

I.  National Policies

All fraternities are subject to the rules of their national fraternity.  The Panhellenic Council requires the enforcement of all national policies.  Should an incident occur where a fraternity violates a national policy which has not been dealt with internally to the satisfaction of the Panhellenic Council, the fraternity will be sent to Greek Judicial Board where the Panhellenic policies will be enforced.

If the national policies of the majority of the fraternities at Albion College adhere to certain policies, then the entire Panhellenic Association agrees to the stipulation.  These situations are including, but not limited to:  overnight parties (see NPC, page 34, item:  Overnight Parties) or joint party advertising (see NPC, page 34, item:  Publicity).

II.  Hazing

Albion College, NPC and the Panhellenic Council define 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 and situations include creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; wearing, publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and jokes; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late night sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of the educational institution."               

(See NPC, page 56, item: Hazing)

Hazing is not allowed whether the Potential New Member, new member or active member believes the situation is acceptable.  

Pimping and tuck-ins are prohibited.  Alcohol is not to be involved in any new member activity.  

Intent is an important part of the hazing statement.  For example, if the intent of a treasure hunt is to learn important facts about the sororities history, it has a purpose and is acceptable.  However, if the intent of a treasure hunt is to find clues going from room to room and drinking alcohol, its purpose violates the hazing statement and is not acceptable.

III.  Advertising

A.  Social Event Themes

Themes may not imply sexual, alcoholic, offensive or demeaning connotations. (See NPC, page 33, item: Social Conduct and NPC, page 34, item:  Publicity).

B.  T-shirts

Must be in accordance with preceding theme regulations.  (See above footnote).  All t-shirt designs/logos must be cleared with the Albion College Panhellenic Council.

C.  Joint Party Advertising

In case of joint fraternity/sorority parties, sorority letters may not be present on sheet signs or other advertisements.  In the event of a closed joint party, sororities are equally responsible in the case of joint parties and must take appropriate actions in regards to risk management and FIPG (or national policy) guidelines.

IV.  Recruitment

A.  Recruitment Rules

Recruitment rules must be followed and are subject to enforcement by the Panhellenic Council.  All rules are applicable at all times (throughout the year).  (See NPC, pages 63-87 and NPC, pages 23-26, items: 2-6 Establishment and Regulation of Recruitment Rules).

B.  Dirty Recruitment

Defined as anything violating the hazing statement, anything not displaying a Panhellenic attitude including but not limited to:  Derogatory comments regarding another sorority of Greek affiliation, pressure situations regarding potential new members, and/or promising membership.  (See NPC, page 21, item: III -- Standards of Ethical Conduct, specifically item 7 and NPC, page 64, item: Minimizing the Difficulties of Deferred Recruitment, specifically item: 1 a-d and NPC, page 85, item: 13).

Pressure situations are including, but not limited to:  Calling a potential new member and inviting her to a fraternity social event with sorority chapter members or “surrounding” a potential new member with chapter members to the point she feels uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

C.  Event Nights

Although they do not occur during the formal Recruitment, event nights are subject to all Recruitment rules.  Favors and gifts will not be permitted for this is in accordance with formal recruitment rules (See NPC, page 85, item: 9).

D.  Pre-Recruitment

Men and/or alcohol may not be used in any way for the purpose of organization of informal chapter recruitment (See NPC, page 23, items:  d and e, See NPC, page 63, items: 8 and 9, See NPC, page 85, item: 3, a and b).

Failure to follow any of the preceding Panhellenic Policies, serious infraction of the Panhellenic Constitution, violation of the NPC Agreements in the Manual of Information, or violation of fraternity national policy shall result in a review by the Panhellenic Council or Greek Judicial Board where consequences shall be determined.

Policies Created in November of 1993.  Approved under the stipulation that all National Fraternity Policies and FIPG (or national policy) guidelines be included as references.