Initiations Policy
The Student Union believes that the University experience can be greatly enhanced by participating in extra-curricular activities such as Sports and special interest societies. The Union therefore makes available funding to support many such groups and has a duty to ensure any member can participate in student led activities in a safe, non-threatening and enjoyable environment whilst removing potential barriers to an inclusive experience. It further has a duty to ensure it upholds the name and positive reputation of Winchester Student Union and the University of Winchester, and to ensure that it is acting within the best interest of its students.
The Student Union resolves to adopt the following policy to encourage students to have a good time at social events, build strong and active communities and to be open and fully inclusive in terms of participation and involvement.
Created: 13/01/14
Owner: Vice President, Activities
1.1 An initiation ceremony is an event in which members or potential members of a ‘club’ (a type of ‘group’, as defined by the core constitution) are expected to perform a task or tasks as a means of gaining credibility, status or even entry within that club. This may involve peer pressure (though not explicitly) exerted on students, and may compromise a person’s inherent dignity as a person by forcing or requiring an individual to drink alcohol, eat mixtures of various food stuffs, nudity and behaviour that may be deemed humiliating.
1.2 Initiation ceremonies do not require explicit branding with the words ‘initiation’ or ‘ceremony’ to be deemed as within the remit of these regulations. The final adjudicator on such decisions will be the Student Union Executive committee, who may consult the Student Union General Manager for its advice and input.
1.3 If the VP Activities or Student Union Executive Committee deems an event to fall under these regulations, all rules would be applied.
2. Substantive Rules
2.1 Initiations as defined above,are banned and are not allowable to be undertaken by Union Student Union Club or Society.
2.1.1 Any social activity designed for members arenot compulsory and all students have the right not to participate in any such activity; a choice which will have no bearing on their admittance or selection for the club or society. All clubs & societies should be all inclusive at all times, including during social activities.
2.1.2 Substantially, it will be made clear, through any means possible, that “if you choose not to participate in any club or other social activity, this will have no bearing on your admittance or selection for the club or teams within that club” – or in words to the same effect.
2.2. Any non-participation should be treated respectfully. No peer pressure or bullying should be applied.
2.3 Where alcohol is involved, a non-alcoholic alternative should be provided.
3. Behaviour
3.1 If a team or society conducts unruly behaviour which is against the Student Union behaviour policy or brings the Student Union or University into disrepute, the team or society may face disciplinary proceedings as per our disciplinary process for individuals.
3.2 The team is responsible for its own actions with elected officials such as Captains or Chairs taking the primary responsibility for the behaviour of the team.
3.3 Chanting and other expressions of team spirit are accepted within the Student Union venue, however if chanting prevents the service of other customers in the venue, or it is deemed to intimidate other customers, the team or society may be asked to stop at the discretion of Student Union staff. Additionally if any chanting is deemed offensive, particularly in regards to the Union’s equal opportunities policy, then the team or society may also be asked to stop.
4. Breach
4.1 Breaches of these regulations may result in individuals, or entre teams or societies being subject to the Student Union’s disciplinary procedures