Office of Campus Activities
Division of Student Affairs
The purpose of this policy is to assist fraternities and sororities at BGSU in the execution of their Membership Intake Programs. This document is meant to educate BGSU fraternity and sorority members, their advisors, and potential new members about the Membership Intake expectations, policies, and procedures of the Office of Campus Activities. It is our goal to create a positive experience for all involved through collaboration between the office, chapter members, graduate chapter/alumni Advisors, and (inter)national headquarters/boards.
Privacy Statement
To preserve the privacy and confidentiality of all chapters conducting Membership Intake, the Office of Campus Activities ensures that all documents submitted regarding Membership Intake will be kept confidential from students, student employees, or student leaders, including council officers. Any Membership Intake information will only be shared with the Office of Campus Activities staff, corresponding graduate/alumni advisors, corresponding chapter president and Membership Intake Coordinator(s), and (inter)national headquarters/regional staff representatives. No chapter will be required to submit any ritualistic information.
Prohibition of Hazing
BGSU’s Policy on Hazing:
1. In keeping with its commitment to a positive academic environment, the BGSU community is unconditionally opposed to any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Respect and cooperation among peers within registered student organizations is a guaranteed right that all students possess, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, pregnancy, religion, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran. Hazing is a Code of Student Conduct violation and a crime in Ohio.
2.Hazing encompasses any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; and/ or which demeans, degrades or disgraces any person regardless of location, intent or consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action or situation that intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any organization, club, team or activity that is affiliated with the University.
3. To anonymously report an allegation of hazing, please call 419-372-HAZE (4293).
Please note that a person's consent does not absolve the chapter from hazing. Hazing is against Ohio State Law.
Expectations of Conducting Intake
· Membership intake activities will not interfere with academic endeavors or class schedules.
· Membership intake activities will not include the presence or consumption of alcohol.
· Chapters will not engage in post hazing activities. Hazing is not tolerated in any form — as part of the new member program or as act of individual members of the chapter.
· The selection of new members will be free of any form of mental and/or physical abuse and hazing.
· Members will be selected on the criteria set forth by the (inter) national organization.
· Chapters will be in good standing with the (inter) national organization, their respective council, Fraternity & Sorority Life’s Greek Standards of Excellence, the Office of Campus of Activities, and Bowling Green State University.
· Potential new members will not be subject to sleep deprivation, servitude and/or moral degradation or humiliation.
Potential New Members’/Aspirants' Rights
The Membership Intake process should be conducted in a manner that respects the dignity of potential new members/aspirants and protects their mental and physical well-being. Examples of acceptable behavior include activities that are not classified as hazing, but promote scholarship, service, leadership development, alumni relations and promote the institutional mission of Bowling Green State University.
Intake
· Only Bowling Green State University students are allowed to participate in a Membership Intake process for fraternities and sororities at BGSU.
· Intake can only occur during the Fall and Spring semesters.
· Intake may not occur during the summer or winter break.
· Chapters must fill out and submit the Intake/New Member Process Intent & Hazing Compliance form to Fraternity & Sorority Life by the established deadline prior to beginning membership intake activities.
· Chapters must fill out and submit the BGSU Interest Grade Release form to Fraternity & Sorority Life form at least seven (7) calendar days prior to induction/initiation as a new member of the intake process.
· Chapters must fill out and submit a New Member/Candidate Roster form within three (3) calendar days of Induction/Selection of new members to Fraternity & Sorority Life.
· All new members must attend a New Member Orientation following their New Member Presentation/Coming Out Show.
Forms Required
· Every semester, ALL BGSU fraternities and sororities must sign the Intake/New Member Process Intent & Hazing Compliance form by the established deadline.
· All those who are interested in going through the Membership Intake process must sign a BGSU Interest Grade Release form at least seven (7) calendar days prior to induction/initiation as a new member of the intake process.
· Chapters must provide the beginning and end dates of their Membership Intake process.
· Once the chapter has selected which members to induct, they must fill out and submit the New Member/Candidate Roster within three (3) calendar days of Induction/Selection of new members to Fraternity & Sorority Life.
Meetings and Documentation
At least two (2) weeks prior to any intake activities, at least one chapter member, preferably the chapter president or intake director will meet with a Fraternity & Sorority Life staff member. To schedule an appointment, call Fraternity and Sorority Life at 419-372-2343 or submit a request via email. At this meeting the chapter will submit/provide:
A. Any national or regional paperwork that needs to be signed by Fraternity and Sorority Life
B. Notice of Membership Intake Form
C. A calendar of events- should include a timetable of any intake activities with dates and times. Activities must be approved two weeks before they commence. Activities to include on the calendar, if applicable:
1. Informational and/or interest meetings
a) Two flyers/advertisements for this interest meeting/rush must be provided to Fraternity and Sorority Life. The flyer must include time, date, location, dress code, and any additional expectations of aspirants.
b) The flyer must be posted for a period of no less than 3 calendar days PRIOR to the meeting.
2. Selection date(s)
3. Start and end date of the new member’s official process/education
4. Initiation date
5. The date of the New Member Presentation
a.) This date must be approved by the Fraternity & Sorority Life staff member and must occur no later than seven (7) calendar days following their induction date.
6. Any additional dates pertinent to a specific organization.
New Member Presentations/Coming Out Shows
· Not all fraternities & sororities can conduct a New Member Presentation/Coming Out Show due to their national policies.
· New Member Presentations/Coming Out Shows must begin no later than 30 minutes after advertised time and can last no longer than 2 hours. They must conclude at or before 10:30 PM. The clock starts with the advertised time of the event. If organizations start late, they must conclude within the 2 hours of the advertised time of the event.
· Following the show, members of the presenting organization must vacate the area within 30 minutes to help with crowd disbursement.
· The presenting organization is responsible for ensuring the site used is left in its original state after use.
· All New Member Presentations/Coming Out Shows must registered with the Office of Campus Activities using the Event Management Form. If the New Member Presentation/Coming Out Show is not registered, it will not be permitted to take place.
· During the Presentation/Show, no fraternity or sorority shall be shown disrespect.
· A Fraternity & Sorority Life advisor must be present for the duration of the show.
· Chapter advisors must be present for the duration of the show.
· No alcoholic beverages or tobacco will be permitted by members, alumni, or attendees.
· New Member Presentations/Coming Out Shows are not to be scheduled on the same night/time of a previously planned council event.
· No New Member Presentation/Coming Out Shows may occur during Dead Week or Finals Week.
· New Member Presentations/Coming Out Shows are not to take place during University Holidays or closures or on the weekends (Saturday or Sunday).
If you have any questions regarding paperwork that needs to be submitted or about the process for Membership Intake, place contact Fraternity & Sorority Life in the Office of Campus Activities (419) 372-2343.
401 Bowen-Thompson Student UnionBowling Green, Ohio 43403 / Phone 419-372-2343
Fax 419-372-0455 / www.bgsu.edu/greek