Section VII: Chapter Policies

Section VII: Chapter Policies

 

Clause 1: Insignia Policy

 

Only initiated Brothers of Alpha Phi Omega including Advisors, Honoraries and Alumni may wear or display Fraternity letters or insignia.  Letters, jewelry or other Fraternity insignia should not be worn or displayed in a disrespectful or offensive manner.  Members who choose to consume alcohol should never do so while displaying Fraternity letters.  Pledges can wear clothing with the name “Alpha Phi Omega” but cannot wear or display the Fraternity’s Greek Letters, letter shirts, or fraternity jewelry. (3 exceptions—pledge pin, pledge training materials, and event t-shirts from things such as projects, socials, or Rush shirts.)  Make sure that any photos (personal/otherwise) published online on sites such as MySpace, Twitter or Facebook, which also contain references to Alpha Phi Omega, or our symbols and insignia are “APO appropriate.”  Violations may be subject to chapter sanctions.

 

 

Clause 2: Risk Management

 

Risk Management is the process of identifying and planning for possible events that may cause harm to a person or organization. Alpha Phi Omega has a comprehensive Risk Management statement that may be found in the National Pledge Manual. Additionally, each year, Chapters must affirm on the charter reaffirmation that they will comply with National Membership Policies and Risk Management Guidelines.

 

Alpha Zeta Chapter has implemented the alcohol and sexual harassment policies that follow in addition to Nation Risk Management policy.

 

 

Clause 3: Alcohol Policy

 

This Chapter will adhere to Alpha Phi Omega National Risk Management Policies and the University of Kentucky’s policies regarding alcohol. No Chapter monies may be used to purchase alcohol. There will be no alcohol used as an official part of official Fraternity events. Exception: Members who are 21 years of age or older may purchase alcohol at a Fraternity event if the alcohol is served by a legal third party vendor (such as, at a restaurant). Under no circumstances are full Active Brothers, Associate Brothers, Inactive Brothers, or Advisors are permitted to consume alcohol with Rushees, Pledge members, or Neophytes during the recruiting, Rush or Pledge process at any time.

 

 

Clause 4: Sexual Harassment Policy

 

Alpha Zeta has a Zero Tolerance Policy for Sexual Harassment of any form.  Members should report any instances of Sexual Harassment immediately and directly to the University of Kentucky Equal Opportunity Office.  Students have the right to report incidents to Advisors, who will (by University regulations), accompany them to the University of Kentucky Equal Opportunity Office.  Any member accused of sexual harassment has the right to ask to be accompanied by an Advisor, professor, or any other university official when giving official statements to the University of Kentucky Equal Opportunity Office.  Brothers are not allowed to date Pledges, or to pressure Pledges in any way, shape, or form for dating, romantic attention, or for a romantic relationship.  (Pre-existing relationships are exempt from this statute.)

 

Clause 5: Hazing Policy

 

Alpha Phi Omega and Alpha Zeta chapter have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for hazing. Facilitating or participating in hazing activities can be grounds for suspension or expulsion from Alpha Zeta Chapter, as well as further sanctions from the University of Kentucky, and/or local law enforcement.  If you think hazing has occurred, you should report it immediately to the Pledge Trainer, the Vice President of Membership, the Chapter President, and/or Advisors.

 

 

Clause 6: Mailing List (Listserv) Use Policy

 

The mailing list (listserv) should be used for official business only.

 

 

Clause 7: Closed Session

 

Each Brother is expected to uphold any confidentiality or gag order placed on a closed session. Any violation of a closed session can result in immediate action by the Executive Board. Punishment will be suggested by the Executive Board and approved by a 3/4 vote of the Active membership. Punishments may include censorship, removal of privileges, forced Inactive status, or however the Executive Board sees fit to punish the Brother in question.

 

Clause 8: Dishonesty Policy

 

Trustworthiness is part of the Scout Law and as such all Brothers are expected to uphold this quality. Dishonesty regarding requirements, including but not limited to cheating, forging attendance records, and misrepresenting participation in service events, fellowship events, leadership events, and/or fundraising events will not be tolerated. Any Brother found in violation of this policy shall be subject to punishment. The officer whose duties encompass the nature of the violation (e.g. consequences for forging attendance records would be determined by the Secretary). Punishments shall be approved by the majority of the Executive Board before they are implemented. The officer(s) presenting the punishment will not be able to vote in the proceedings.  In the event of a tie, there will be a revote after further discussion.  If the revote ends in a tie, the President will make the final decision.  The President will otherwise abstain from all votes.

 

 

Clause 9: Ballot Procedures

 

Any ballot vote taken must be destroyed immediately after the vote by any means where no name or vote can be seen.

 

Clause 10: Chapter Newsletter

 

The Chapter newsletter will be published at least twice per semester (once after Initiation and once after Induction) by the Vice President of Communications and newsletter editor.