Home Up The Founders Symbols Core Values Policies 
 
 
ALCOHOL / ILLEGAL DRUG POLICY
HAZING POLICY
HUMAN DIGNITY / SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
OVERNIGHT POLICY
“LITTLE SISTERS” AND “LITTLE BROTHERS” POLICY
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT POLICY
MULTICULTURALISM AND DIVERSITY AWARENESS POLICY
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

ALCOHOL / ILLEGAL DRUG POLICY

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma and its member chapters are concerned about the misuse of alcoholic beverages and the use of illegal drugs on college campuses; and

Whereas, the dangers of misuse of alcohol and use of drugs to individuals, to groups, to the fraternity system and to the campus community are becoming increasingly evident; and

Whereas, an affirmative program to deal with the problem will be effective only through common consent and unified action;

Now, therefore be it resolved by Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity that the following are the policies of Phi Sigma Sigma and shall be adhered to by all chapters and members:
  1. Be it known that the possession, sale or use of illicit drugs is never permissible in any situation.
  2. That the possession, use, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of any chapter shall be prohibited.
  3. That in those circumstances in which the consumption of alcoholic beverages is permissible:
    1. Moderation is encouraged and shall be practiced.
    2. Members shall not wear apparel or insignia that readily identifies them as members of Phi Sigma Sigma.
    3. Alternative food and non-alcoholic beverages shall be provided.
  4. That alcoholic beverages shall be prohibited at all membership recruitment functions including 24 hours after the first bid is handed out on bid day or as otherwise stipulated by the College Panhellenic Association.
  5. That no chapter funds shall be used directly or indirectly, to purchase alcoholic beverages or to pay for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages. (For example: an event funded by chapter monies or individuals within the chapter cannot involve an “open bar.”)
  6. That there shall be no solicitation, sponsorship or encouragement of alcohol consumption through any contest, promotion, fund raiser or philanthropy in any chapter. Chapter events should not be held in “bars” of any type where alcohol is being distributed to the general public.
  7. That all sisters and guests attending any off-campus function sponsored by Phi Sigma Sigma are obligated to obey all rules, regulations and laws set forth by the university state and/or local municipality regarding alcohol possession, consumption and codes of behavior.
  8. That at such off-campus functions:
    1. Designated individuals will be responsible for the enforcement of the aforementioned rules, regulations and laws.
    2. That alternate transportation (i.e. bus, van or some such vehicle) to and from the event must be provided by the chapter.
  9. That each chapter shall develop and implement an alcohol awareness program to further the education of our chapter sisters at least once a year.
    1. This program should be integrated into the chapter's existing program for new members.
    2. The chapter is encouraged to make this program available to the campus and community.
Any chapter found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action under the disciplinary procedures.


HAZING POLICY

All forms of hazing are prohibited.

Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off Fraternity premises that endangers the life of a new member or has the potential to cause bodily injury, that produces 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.

Phi Sigma Sigma believes in new member education – not hazing. The objective of new member education is to develop good sisters. It should promote interest in Phi Sigma Sigma and be positive, informative and enjoyable. New member education should embody the principles of our ritual.

New member activities should accomplish one or more of the following goals:
  1. Help the new members become better acquainted with each other and the sisters.
  2. Help the new members learn about life, the university, the chapter and self.
  3. Help the new members to learn about Phi Sigma Sigma, its organization, traditions and ideals.
  4. Help the new members involve themselves in the work and success of the chapter.
  5. Help the new members learn about group living.
  6. Help the new members further develop leadership and responsibility.
Each new member will receive a copy of this policy along with a letter explaining their responsibility to report any hazing incidents to Central Office. A copy of this letter is to be signed by the new member and mailed to Central Office within ten days of affiliating with Phi Sigma Sigma.


HUMAN DIGNITY / SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma supports the statement on human dignity and sexual harassment endorsed by the National Panhellenic Conference member groups; “that college women should have a positive influence in the direction and achievements of the university community and that activities should promote self-worth, human dignity and a positive Greek image”; and

Whereas, the dignity of the individual is a basic element of a civilized society, and

Whereas, individual self-worth is a necessary factor in establishing healthy relationships between the sexes; and

Whereas, all activities, including acts of hazing, activities based in a negative manner on gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability and competitive games that are destructive, demeaning or abusive, promote a negative image of the Greek community; and

Whereas, participation in such activities that are demeaning to the individual do not promote a sense of self-worth nor a positive Greek image, and do not reflect the high standards and ideals maintained by Phi Sigma Sigma;

Therefore be it resolved that Phi Sigma Sigma does not endorse or support activities that are demeaning in nature, do not respect the dignity of the individual, cause disharmony among NPC groups or whose purpose is counterproductive, and

Be it further resolved that Phi Sigma Sigma advocates education on the national and chapter level to promote self esteem.


OVERNIGHT POLICY

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma and its member chapters are concerned about the welfare and safety of the individual members at overnight social activities; and

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma supports the National Panhellenic Conference resolution which discourages overnight social activities; and

Whereas, overnight social activities can increase the Fraternity’s host liability — on both a chapter and national level — and could reflect negatively on Phi Sigma Sigma and the Greek community; and

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma recognizes that not all campuses and college communities present suitable facilities for large groups;

Therefore be it resolved that Phi Sigma Sigma recommends that each chapter and colony consider the following regarding overnight accommodations:
  1. To hold all social functions, except those that are rededication/appreciation activities for members only (for example: Founders’ Day celebration, Division Conference, LTS or Convention), in the college community area where overnight accommodations are not necessary.
  2. Whenever a social event must be held away from the campus community, the chapter must provide group transportation to and from the social function.

“LITTLE SISTERS” AND “LITTLE BROTHERS” POLICY

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma holds as one of its highest ideals the advancement of womanhood; and

Whereas, auxiliary groups, organized by fraternal chapters commonly referred to as “Little Sisters” and “Little Brothers,” or the equivalent thereof, are inconsistent with the concept and philosophies of human dignity and self-esteem; and

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma believes that these groups inhibit the accomplishments of chapters by:
bulletDiverting resources of time, effort and money, which are needed for chapter operations and programming;
bulletDistracting chapter members in the performance of essential duties such as membership recruitment and membership education;
bulletInviting disharmony within the chapter by usurping the roles and responsibilities of initiated members;
bulletWeakening the bonds of sisterhood by adversely affecting interpersonal relationships within the chapter; and
Whereas, the North American Interfraternity Conference, the Fraternity Executives Association and several National Fraternities have taken a positive position against “Little Sister” groups;

Be it resolved that Phi Sigma Sigma believes that auxiliary groups are not desirable adjuncts to the collegiate chapters of women’s and men’s fraternities and therefore urges and recommends that chapters work with their members to eliminate participation in such organizations at the earliest possible time.

Be it further resolved that no Phi Sigma Sigma chapter shall have its own “Little Brother” group.


MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT POLICY

Whereas membership recruitment excellence is a reflection of the high standards and ideals for which Phi Sigma Sigma continuously strives; and

Whereas such excellence is reflected in the consistent increase in membership up to the maximum chapter size as determined by Panhellenic/Intersorority Council/campus guidelines; and

Whereas the preservation of the integrity of the recruitment process reflects the basic tenets of the ritual and traditions of Phi Sigma Sigma; and

Whereas Phi Sigma Sigma recognizes and supports the recruitment guidelines set forth by the member groups of the National Panhellenic Conference and the greater Greek world's practices of fairness and ethical conduct; and

Whereas a standard of recruitment excellence is best achieved through common and unified recruitment practices,

Therefore, be it resolved by Phi Sigma Sigma that the following practices and policies be implemented by its member chapters:
  1. That each chapter must obtain Quota/Total through the formal/primary recruitment period. If Quota/Total is not attained during the formal/primary recruitment period, the chapter will Continuously Open Bid (COB) immediately following the formal/primary recruitment period until Quota and Total have been attained.
  2. That when no Quota/Total figure is set by a Panhellenic/ISC or where no Panhellenic/ISC exist, the director of collegians and director of programming will set “Quota/Total” based upon the following factors: the number of sisters and/or new members who transfer out of the chapter, graduate and/or are no longer active from the previous year’s roster, the size of the other groups on campus, PLUS an appropriate growth factor as determined by the director of collegians and the director of programming.
  3. That during a formal/primary Panhellenic/ISC recruitment period when there is a round robin (open houses or tours) series of parties followed by invitational parties and preference, the chapter will invite all prospective members back to the first round of invitational parties, unless such a practice is specifically prohibited by Panhellenic/ISC.
  4. That all voting on prospective members must be conducted by secret ballot.
  5. That only sisters who have met a prospective member during membership recruitment may cast a ballot on that prospective member except final preference list balloting following the Preference party(ies).
  6. That a legacy is the daughter, sister, granddaughter or through marriage, the daughter, sister, or granddaughter of a Phi Sigma Sigma; that when a chapter is made aware or is aware of a verified (by the chapter membership recruitment chairman contacting Central Office) legacy going through the recruitment process, that legacy must be accorded special consideration as a courtesy to the soror. Special consideration is defined as being invited to all invitational parties before the Preference party unless the chapter has determined that the legacy is definitely not a prospective member or the legacy has chosen not to accept an invitation to return to a party. If the chapter makes the determination not to consider the legacy for membership, that decision must be approved by the chapter advisor (or membership recruitment advisor or division collegiate president) after consultation with their regional collegiate director. In no instance should a legacy be denied an invitation to at least one invitational party after round robin/open house/tours. At any point during the recruitment period when the chapter and their advisor concur that a legacy is to no longer be considered for membership, the division collegiate president/regional collegiate director must determine if the soror contacted the chapter or national regarding the legacy and if so they must communicate with her. If the concern of the chapter is that the legacy has expressed strong interest in another sorority and lesser interest in Phi Sigma Sigma, recruitment efforts should be increased.
  7. That all recruitment preparation plans in the National Chapter Handbook must be adhered to.

MULTICULTURALISM AND DIVERSITY AWARENESS POLICY

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma was founded by a group of friends who at the time could not all join the same sorority because of their varying religious faiths; and

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma has and always will maintain a non-scripture based ritual; and

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma’s constitution, bylaws and policies have NEVER tolerated membership selection based on discrimination; and

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma is a private membership organization for women; and

Whereas, candidates for collegiate membership in the Fraternity shall be fully matriculated in an institution where a chapter is located and shall be selected based upon their meeting the eligibility requirements prescribed in the local and national constitutions, and according to the rules set forth by the College Panhellenic Association, the host institution, and the National Panhellenic Conference Unanimous Agreements;

Therefore be it resolved that membership in each chapter shall be determined by performance, educational achievement and criteria related to the goals and purpose of the fraternity. Membership is open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, handicap, disability, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or any other classification protected by law or ordinance.

Be it further resolved that Phi Sigma Sigma encourages education on the national and local levels with respect to multiculturalism and diversity awareness and advocates sensitivity to such topics as it relates to daily living situations and fraternity activities.

Be it further resolved that each Phi Sigma Sigma chapter shall establish a Multiculturalism and Diversity Celebration Committee whose purpose it shall be to conduct an on-going program to develop an understanding and appreciation for cultural and other heritages brought to the group by its membership.


RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma is concerned for the well-being of its sisters and their guests, and that concern is best realized by providing safe activities in safe environments.

Whereas, Phi Sigma Sigma recognizes that awareness, education and planning are vital aspects to providing safe activities in safe environments.

Therefore be it resolved that each Phi Sigma Sigma shall
bulletAbide by all local, state and national laws.
bulletAbide by all campus regulations and policies.
bulletAbide by Phi Sigma Sigma's national constitution and policies specifically those related to risk management (such as alcohol / illegal drug, anti-hazing and overnight policies).
bulletCooperate with national personnel.
And be it further resolved that each Phi Sigma Sigma Chapter shall
bulletAdopt a Safety Commitment Statement. This statement shall demonstrate the chapter’s commitment to safety relative to their members and guests. Chapter sisters shall enhance, review, and sign the statement on an annual basis in conjunction with installation of the chapter’s executive board members.
bulletEstablish a committee to oversee the risk aspects of all chapter activities.
bulletInclude risk management education, such as programs on legal liability, alcohol awareness, hazing, sexually transmitted diseases, date rape and eating disorders, as part of its chapter programming at least once each semester.