PHILOSOPHY, POLICIES, AND EXPECTATIONS
Our Philosophy: We Promise
“As Fraternity & Sorority Life, we promise to take care of each other; to help keep one another safe. We believe that we each have a personal responsibility to make informed decisions about our actions, especially in social settings. As such, we believe it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of affiliation, has the knowledge to make these critical decisions in social settings, and that each individual feels empowered to make the right decision for them at that moment in time.
We believe that we are a group of values-driven men and women, and trust that our individual actions reflect this in all settings. With that in mind, our primary focus is driven by a prevention lens, rather than from a place of management or reduction.”
As an advisor working with a fraternity or sorority, there are several Fraternity & Sorority Community Wide Policies and University Policies that can be extremely helpful to you. All policies can found on the Community Policies section of our website. This includes all University Risk Management Policies.
FIPG Policy: The Fraternal Information and Programming Group (FIPG) is organized for the purpose of providing information on risk management issues. The mission is to promote sound risk management policies and practices. FIPG’s mission is to be the leading resource of risk management education, programming and information to the broad based constituency involved in all aspects of Greek Life. The Risk Management Policy document can be viewed here.
ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS
The Fraternity & Sorority Joint Risk Management Policy states:
- The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages during a fraternity or sorority event/council event/co-sponsored function, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter(s)/council, or at any event an observer would associate with the chapter(s)/council, must be in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state, province, county, city, and Colorado State University laws and policies, and must comply with either BYOB or Third Party Vendor Event Procedures, as outlined below. All chapter facilities must be substance free. Substance free is defined as no alcohol or controlled substance on chapter owned premises. Under Colorado law, it is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to possess an alcoholic beverage, for a minor to possess a false identification with the intent to violate alcoholic beverages laws, and to provide, furnish, sell, barter, exchange, or give away an alcoholic beverage to a person under age 21.
- No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter or council funds, nor may the purchase of alcoholic beverages for members or guests of members be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase, use, or consumption of bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Bulk quantity or common source(s) includes kegs, cases, party balls, fishbowls, bongs, and funnels.
- Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity/sorority, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverage to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
- The possession, sale, and use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances while on chapter premises or during a fraternity or sorority event/council event/co-sponsored function, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter(s)/council, or at any event an observer would associate with the chapter(s)/council, is prohibited. All chapter facilities must be substance free.
- No chapter/council may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is given away, sold, or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter/council may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the provisions of this policy, including compliance with Third Party Vendor Event Procedures. An event at which alcohol is present may be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the event is held within the provisions of this policy.
- No chapter/council may co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapter(s)/council, groups, or organizations.
- All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter must be non-alcoholic. A recruitment activity may range from one person to many individuals and is not limited to “formal” recruitment events. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor, as defined in this policy.
- No initiated member, pledge, associate, new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games” during a fraternity or sorority event/council event/co-sponsored function, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter(s)/council, or at any event an observer would associate with the chapter(s)/council. 9. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/ new member/novice program, activity, or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with “bid day/night,” “big brother-little brother” events or activities, “big sister-little sister” events or activities, “family” events or activities, new member retreats, and initiation/activation
CSU Code of Conduct: Prohibited Conduct – Organizations – Any student organization found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct, or misconduct related to individual students, is subject to disciplinary sanction.
Violations of any rules, contracts, or agreements governing: recognized student organizations; Sport Clubs; fraternities and sororities; alcohol use, travel, solicitation, risk management, or hosting of events on or off University property; and participation in or attendance at athletic or other authorized special events. Violation of any University policy, rule, or regulation that is published in hard copy or available electronically on the University Website.
Helpful Links:
Off-Campus Party Registration: Students can register their Friday/Saturday Parties at Off-Campus Life in the LSC Rm. 274 by the Thursday prior to the party by 5pm.
Marijuana
Marijuana is considered an illicit drug, any use (even medical) is prohibited on campus. As a controlled substance, use and possession of marijuana is also prohibited by the Student Conduct Code, and students who use, possess, or transfer marijuana on campus are subject to discipline. Violation of this policy can result in legal action by university police, and may result in suspension from the university. According to Colorado state law, “medical use of marijuana is permitted for persons suffering from debilitating illness.” You must have a prescription to use medical marijuana legally. Any person who uses medical marijuana must follow the guidelines set by the state of Colorado and by the City of Fort Collins. Also, medical marijuana licenses can be rescinded if a person puts themselves or another person in danger through use of the drug. This includes driving under the influence of the drug. Even if you have a medical marijuana card, it is still illegal to drive under the influence and will result in a DUI. Additional CSU Marijuana Guidelines may be found here.
HAZING
The Colorado State University Code of Conduct prohibits “participating in, condoning, encouraging, requiring, or allowing an opportunity for hazing, which includes any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or student organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not neutral; they are violations of this rule.”
The Fraternity & Sorority Joint Risk Management Policy states: “No chapter, colony, council, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as: ‘Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off chapter premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol, paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law.’”
SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION
Sexual harassment and sexual violence is illegal. It is prohibited in the education context by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and in the employment context by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Colorado State University strives to create and maintain a study and work environment that is fair, humane, and responsible so that each member of the University community is treated with dignity and rewarded for such relevant considerations as ability and performance. The University prohibits any acts of sexual harassment or sexual violence by students, or any retaliation related to acts or reports of any acts.
When allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence by a student are reported, and a student is found to have violated CSU policy, sanctions will result and may include expulsion from CSU. All members of the CSU community are expected to not infringe upon the rights of others. Sexual harassment and sexual violence cannot be tolerated and are prohibited by the University. For more information on sexual violence prevention within the Student Code of Conduct please see article 6 of prohibited individual conduct, found here.
SUPPORT STUDENTS IN CRISIS
Counseling Services – We at the CSU Health Network Counseling Services are deeply committed to creating a welcoming, supportive space in which you can truly be seen and valued in your entirety. For those whose experiences of marginalization and oppression add extra layers to your distress – you and all of your identities are welcome here. Whether you’re experiencing a situational problem, an immediate crisis, or have a longstanding mental health concern, we’re here to help. Our professional staff includes licensed psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors, as well as graduate student staff from each of these disciplines.
Notice & Respond – You can make a difference when someone is having a rough time. Sometimes a person needs an empathic ear, a little problem-solving, and/or a resource or a referral to professional help. If you have a concern, talk with a person directly, consult and use campus resources, or Tell Someone who can follow through and coordinate University services.
Mental Health Crisis Intervention:
During Business Hours:
(970) 491-6053
123 Alyesworth NW
After Hours:
(970) 491-7111
Immediate Risk/Emergency: CSU Police at 911 or (970) 491-6425
If you are considering suicide: Please understand the psychological pain you feel now is not permanent. Counseling is effective. Seeking help is the smart thing to do. Reach out for help.
Tell Someone – If you are concerned about a student, Tell Someone. There may be times when you become concerned about a CSU student or university employee. Referrals will be made to campus resources that can develop strategies and use resources to discreetly help students and employees who may be in distress. If you believe a member of the campus community is in imminent danger to themselves or others, immediately contact CSU police by calling 911 or the department’s non-emergency number at 970-491-6425. It is not uncommon for people who will develop mental illnesses in their lifetime to do so when they are young adults — high school or college-aged. College is also the first time when many of our students are away from home, separated from their families and friends — the people who may notice changes in the student’s personalities before new friends would. Tell Someone: (970) 491-1350
Victim’s Assistance Team – The Victim Assistance Team (VAT) is here to provide confidential support and advocacy to Colorado State University students and any family or friends who have experienced sexual assaulted, dating/domestic violence, and stalking on or off campus. Advocates assist victims of all genders, and any family or friends to cope with the physical, psychological and legal aftermath resulting from interpersonal violence. Trained Victim Advocates are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide emotional support and information at (970)-492-4242.
Student Sexual Misconduct & Violence Reporting – Sexual harassment and sexual violence is illegal. The University prohibits any acts of sexual harassment or sexual violence by students, or any retaliation related to acts or reports of any acts. When allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence by a student are reported, and a student is found to have violated CSU policy, sanctions will result and may include expulsion from CSU. All members of the CSU community are expected to not infringe upon the rights of others. Sexual harassment and sexual violence cannot be tolerated and are prohibited by the University. The University can only respond to allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence if they are reported. Reporting enables the University to promptly provide support to the impacted student(s), and to take appropriate action against the responding party to prevent a recurrence and protect the campus community.
Any student who believes they may be the victim of sexual harassment or sexual violence is encouraged to report to CSU through one or more of the following resources:
Emergency Response: 911
Title IX Coordinator/Office of Support and Safety Assessment: (970) 491-1350
Colorado State University Police Department (non-emergency): (970) 491-6425
Director of Student Case Management & Referral Coordination: (970) 491-8051
Student Case Management – Student Case Management & Referral Coordination provides crisis prevention and intervention services. In difficult situations such as medical, mental health, behavioral, personal or family crisis, illness, or injury a student or family may find it difficult to navigate the resources and services available. Student Case Managers consult with students, faculty, staff, families, and providers to offer guidance on the next best steps.