Fraternity and Sorority Regulations

• Inappropriate behavior includes: inappropriate use of alcohol/drugs, sexual assault, pranks, vandalism, theft, damaging social media posts, and other actions that do not align with the IFC/Panhel and the fraternity/sorority life community values.
• Chapters are responsible for holding members accountable for inappropriate actions and behaviors according to Chapter Bylaws and/or membership expectations.
• Violations of IFC/Panhel Constitution or bylaws by individual Chapter members or by entire Chapters will be handled in accordance with respective council’s judicial policy.
• Violations of the Student Handbook will result in individual or organizational outcomes through Student Judicial Process.

The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils will consider cases of alleged violations of regulations as outlined in the Westminster College Regulations and the IFC/Panhel Bylaws and/or any other standing policies relating to the FSL community committed by fraternities or sororities. An Advisor will be present at all hearings and approve any sanctions put in place by the councils. Fraternities and Sororities are still subject to judicial hearings through the Office of Student Affairs in regards to any violation of the Student Code of Conduct or any other Westminster College Regulations.

Any member of a fraternity who is a resident of the Fraternity house will automatically be given the on-campus Fraternity meal plan. This plan allows for 7 meals per week offered in Galbreath Dining along with $204 Dine Dollars for meals and snacks in The TUB Food Court or WE Express. Fraternity residents are able to add more Dine Dollars or switch to another on-campus meal plan, but are ultimately required to have a meal plan with the college.

• If a fraternity is able to provide consistent meal options through an in-house chef or restaurant meal plan, the fraternity chapter must notify and provide proof of contract to the Assitant Dean of Student Affairs by June 15 of each year. If one of these contracts were to break mid-semester, the Fraternity Meal Plan will be automatically applied to the affected students' bill. If this were to occur, the meal plan will be pro-rated for swipes, and students will be charged the whole dine dollar amount.

• Emergency Contact List for Crisis Response should be updated each academic semester and clearly posted at the Chapter facility.
• Evacuation Route and Sheltering Locations should be clearly posted at the Chapter facility.
• IFC/Panhel recognizes chapters as social organizations and encourages and supports chapters holding a wide variety of social events/functions throughout the academic semester
  • Chapters are required to hold one alcohol-free social event with another fraternity/sorority each academic semester.
  • Fraternities/Sororities are required to have one social event with every IFC/Panhel Chapter at Westminster College throughout the academic school year.
  • Chapters are required to register social events with alcohol at Third-Party Locations. Fraternity chapter facilities are not considered on campus and are therefore considered Third-Party Locations.

Westminster College does not permit members of any organization, group, or athletic team to haze. Hazing is defined as any activity in which the organization expects prospective members to participate and which is created intentionally, on or off college premises, for the purpose of producing mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities include but are not limited to the following: paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical or psychological shocks; required trips from campus; required physical exercises; the wearing of conspicuous public apparel; public stunts and buffoonery/morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late night work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities.

A student may not choose (give consent) to be hazed. The giving of consent does not excuse hazing activities. A violation of the College’s hazing policy will result in disciplinary action taken against a student organization and may include separate action taken against an individual(s) within the organization.

This code is also adopted as a part of the IFC Constitution and Bylaws.

As members of the IFC, we, the Member Fraternities, hereby agree to and adopt the following Code of Conduct:

1. We will know and understand the ideals expressed in our fraternity Rituals and will strive to incorporate them in our daily lives.
2. We will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.
3. We will respect the dignity of all persons; therefore, we will not physically, mentally, psychologically or sexually abuse or harm any human being.
4. We will protect the health and safety of all human beings.
5. We will respect our property and the property of others; therefore, we will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of property.
6. We will meet our financial obligations in a timely manner.
7. We will neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs; we will neither misuse nor support the misuse of alcohol.
8. We acknowledge that a clean and attractive environment is essential to both physical and mental health; therefore, we will do all in our power to see that our properties are properly cleaned and maintained.
9. We will challenge all fraternity members to abide by these fraternal expectations and will confront those who violate them.

The following policies have been developed to assist Chapters in managing events, encouraging responsible member behavior and decision making, reducing legal liability, providing a healthy and safe environment for members and guests, maintaining the condition of the Chapter House, and enhancing the campus relationship with the surrounding community.

Chapter Officers (President, Social Chair, Risk Management Chair) are responsible for educating individual members, including new members and alumni/ae about the policies. Ignorance of these policies and procedures is not tolerated, and Chapters may be held responsible for members’ actions.

IFC/Panhel recognizes the importance of maintaining close and cooperative working relationships with Public Safety, the New Wilmington Police Department, Office of Student Affairs and all other positions of authority at Westminster College. Individual chapters are responsible to ensure that members act in such a way to further these positive relationships.

The College recognizes that in an alcohol or other drug-related emergency, the potential for disciplinary action by the IFC/College may act as a barrier to students seeking assistance, medical or otherwise, for themselves or others. To reduce the harmful, potentially deadly, consequence of alcohol and drug overdose, the College agrees to the policy that seeks to ensure that students are concerned about those around them and will call for medical assistance when faced with an alcohol or drug related emergency.

Medical Amnesty exempts students from formal college discipline (alcohol violations, fines, etc.) for those receiving emergency medical attention as well as individuals/chapter(s) who contact Public Safety for assistance (Good Samaritan). To obtain Medical Amnesty, the affected student must receive emergency medical attention and follow the advice of the Medical Responder. In addition, both the altered student and the Good Samaritan student may be required to participate in follow-up meetings with the Wellness Center or Counseling Center or Dean’s office and comply with recommendations these offices prescribe. The Medical Amnesty/Good Samaritan Policy applies to only cases of alcohol or other drug-related emergencies. This policy does not excuse co-occurring violations of the IFC bylaws or Student Handbook.

Note: If an individual receives emergency medical assistance on more than one occasion due to excessive use of alcohol or other drugs, the situation will be evaluated by the Vice President of Student Affairs who may recommend additional resources or sanctions.

EXCERPTED. THE FULL DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NPCWOMEN.ORG

Section 1. Eligibility

1. To be eligible to join a fraternity, an individual must:
   1. Be a currently enrolled full-time undergraduate student at Westminster College;
   2. Have been a student at the College for at least one prior semester;
   3. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

   Fraternity members who fall below full-time student status during a semester may remain a member for the duration of the semester, but must attain full-time student status the following semester in order to retain membership.

Section 2. General Rules for Recruitment

1. Westminster College does not permit fraternities or their members to haze. Hazing is defined as any activity which the fraternity expects prospective members to participate in and which is created intentionally, on or off fraternity premises, for the purpose of producing mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities include, but are not limited to, the following: paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical or psychological shocks; required trips from the campus; required physical exercises; the wearing of conspicuous public apparel; public stunts and buffoonery/ morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late night work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities.
2. All dates and items included in the recruitment format and potential member requirements will be considered as part of the recruitment policy. Failure to adhere to the specifications in both the recruitment format and recruitment requirements will be subject to equal penalty to that of the recruitment rules.
3. Recruitment is a year-round process and the policy defined in this document will be in effect year-round. This policy will be updated with dates on a yearly basis. If there are any major changes to these rules, the new recruitment rules will be passed at a regular Interfraternity Council business meeting, tabled for two weeks, and voted in effect by a majority of chapters.
4. A recruitment event is defined by any publicized or planned activity where potential members are present.
5. RECRUITMENT IS DRY. No alcohol may be present at any recruitment activity. No member, affiliate, or holdover of any chapter can purchase or serve alcohol to a potential member, regardless if the potential member is of legal drinking age.
• No events with alcohol may be held the weekend of Bid Day. This includes Friday at 8pm to Sunday at Midnight.
6. Recruitment events may be held at any time after the Interfraternity Council sponsored recruitment programming time period has occurred. All Chapter recruitment events must be registered with the Recruitment Chairman or a designated executive council member two business days prior to the event.
7. Any media (video, audio, flyers, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.) that is to be used for recruitment purposes must be reviewed and approved of by the Recruitment Chairman and IFC Advisor of Fraternity and Sorority Life, two business days prior to that time at which it will be used.
8. No chapter may co-sponsor or hold a recruiting event with another organization, including, but not limited to, an alcoholic beverage distributor, charitable organization, or tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more than half of the annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present.
9. After you associate/pledge/affiliate a potential member, your chapter has five business days to fill out and return to Office of Student Affairs an Affiliation Form for each new member, or he is not considered affiliated and is still a potential member.
10. Good sportsman-like conduct must be displayed at all times while recruitment is occurring. No chapter may be abusive towards any member or member chapter of the Fraternity Community, whether verbally or physically, at any time. No member may impress these ideals on a potential member. Failure to abide can result in a grievance being filed by a chapter, recruitment staff, or the Interfraternity Executive Council.
11. No degrading themes (i.e. themes that degrade race, gender, another chapter, or Greek Life in general, etc.) may be used in recruitment. This includes chapter apparel used during the recruitment period.
12. No women should be involved in men’s fraternity recruitment. This includes, but is not limited to promoting, planning, running/participating in any event that could be considered a recruitment event.

Section 3. General Rules Fraternity Recruitment Time Periods

1. The time period for the Structured Recruitment Policy will be decided every Fall semester by the IFC and IFC Advisor. This period will be known as Fraternity Recruitment. There will be additional specific rules produced each year relating to the specific times and dates during the Interfraternity Recruitment time period.
2. If offered, it is mandatory that all chapters attend the training session/retreat prior to the start of the recruitment period. Violations will be submitted to the IFC Judicial Board.
3. There will be a hold on bidding during the recruitment period. Violations will be submitted to the IFC Judicial Board.
4. No chapter may attend any other chapter’s recruitment events during the recruitment period without the prior written permission of the host chapter. The prior written permission must be filed with the IFC Recruitment Chairman prior to the event in question. Violations will be submitted to the IFC Judicial Board.
5. Chapter participation is required at every event. Violations will be submitted to the IFC Judicial Board.
6. No chapter may hold any individual chapter events, other than the dates specified by IFC during the recruitment period. This includes recruitment, philanthropy, or information: tables, events, and social functions. Violations will be submitted to the IFC Judicial Board.
7. All chapters must notify the IFC Recruitment Chairman of any events during the recruitment period. Violations will be submitted to the IFC Judicial Board.
8. Sorority members are not allowed to participate in recruitment events, as outlined in Section 1, Number 12

Safety on campus is a priority. Westminster College recommends the following personal safety behaviors for all Chapter Members and students.

• Alcohol and drugs can impair decision making.
• Do not risk your safety by being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• Travel in groups at night – there is safety in numbers
• Tell someone where and when you will return.
• Always have a cell phone.
• If you drink, set a limit.
  • Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
  • Don’t ever leave a drink unattended.
  • If you’re away from your beverage for any amount of time, toss it.
• Don’t drink and drive. IFC/Panhel stringently opposes drinking and driving.

How do I get a Social Event approved for my Chapter?

Events meeting the following criteria must register with IFC/Panhel and abide by guidelines stated in policy:

• Events held in Chapter Houses – if number of non-member guests exceeds or equals 50% of Chapter membership and alcohol is present.
• Events held off-campus – Alcohol is present, non-members are present as guests, and the event is hosted/co-sponsored off campus.
• Overnight events off-campus – an off-campus event that does not include alcohol must include the Student Travel Policy.
• Turn in Event Registration Form a minimum of five (5) days in advance of event.

Registration of events includes:

• Fully completed Event Registration Form 5 days submitted prior to event to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and IFC/Panhel Risk Management Officers.
• Signatures of Officer in Charge, Chapter President and Advisor must be included on the form with all attachments. Advisor signature is required for all third-party vendor events.
• Guest list should be submitted via email no later than noon the day prior to the event. Members of host sponsor/co-sponsoring organizations may be listed separately from non-member guests. The guest list must clearly show the name, birth date and/or age of all invited. The OIC must appear at the top of the guest list in BOLD. Using Chapter Rosters or Facebook lists to generate guest lists is prohibited.
• A meeting with Chapter’s Officer in Charge, Chapter’s Risk Management/Social Chair and Risk Management Officer of IFC/Panhel is mandatory at least 5 days prior to event.

What guidelines does IFC/Panhel expect Chapters to follow when hosting an event?

• Fraternities are prohibited from having any presence of alcohol products above 15% ABV in any chapter facility or at any chapter event, except when served by a licensed third-party vendor.
• No one under 21 years of age will be sold or served alcoholic beverages or allowed to consume alcohol on Chapter property or at Chapter hosted/sponsored events.
• OIC (Officer in Charge) refers to the primary officer from the sponsoring organization who must remain sober during entire event.
• Chapters may be held responsible for actions and behavior of registered as well as non-registered events that are reasonably believed to be a function with alcohol.
• Parties must end by 2:00 a.m. on weekends and midnight on weeknights.
• Fraternities permitted to have a maximum of four (4) weeknight parties (Sunday – Thursday) each semester.
• No fraternity-sponsored events are permitted on Saturday or Sunday prior to start of finals.
• IFC/Panhel Risk Managers will not approve any events during the period recognized as IFC/Panhel Formal Membership Recruitment, determined by Council leadership.
• Open parties are prohibited, and guest list procedures must be followed. FIPG recommends a two-guest limit per Chapter member. We encourage you to follow your inter/national organization’s policy regarding guests.
• Guest lists may not exceed 300 names. A Chapter may not allow more than 200 people within their house at any given time, according to Fire Code. Chapters must create a system to monitor how many people are in their home.

Notes:

• Event policy shall not supersede the Policy of Westminster College, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or National/International Fraternity.
• The Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and IFC/Panhel Risk Managers reserve the right to deny any event registration form that does not fulfill the requirements of this policy.

Events with Alcohol

Posted signage must be clearly displayed:

• “We retain the right to refuse entry to anyone.”
• “Must be 21 to consume alcohol.”
• “Safe ride information.” (If the Chapter is offering.)
• “Re-entry only at Front Entrance” posted at all exits.

Walk Out Policy

If a Chapter co-sponsors an event and there is a violation of policy (Event Policy, Headquarter Policy, College Codes, Commonwealth Law), the Chapter(s) must vacate everyone from the event (within 5 minutes generally), or the respective judicial board may hold the Chapter partially responsible for the violation. Such violations include but are not limited to: common sources of alcohol, underage consumption of alcohol, not using guest list, not appropriately dispensing alcohol.

Proper Identification at Events

• Attain proof of age in accordance with Commonwealth law. Guests entering must show proper identification of age with State ID, National ID, or Titan Card issued by the College.
• OIC must designate legal drinking age with wristbands. Wristbands will be provided by IFC.

>BYO (Bring Your Own) Policy

• Chapter members and guests must bring their own alcohol for consumption at any alcohol events. Chapters may not purchase mass quantities of alcohol.
• No one under age 21 may be served alcohol in accordance with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law.
• Members and guests may bring a reasonable amount of alcohol for personal use, but are prohibited from bringing any alcohol products above 15% ABV to any chapter facility or at any chapter event.

OIC (Officer in Charge) Responsibility

At least one (1) OIC of the host organization must be stationed at the front entrance at all times. OIC duties include:

• OIC must remain sober throughout event.
• OIC must be an officer or appointed member of fraternity or sorority.
• OIC may not be a new, uninitiated member of the Chapter.
• OIC, while not responsible for all actions during the event, is the official Chapter representative during the event. They are responsible for ID/guest list check, age verification, alcohol check-in and communication with police, security, band/DJ, neighbors, and College officials and attendees.

All Alcohol-Related Events must be enclosed in Chapter House or in a fenced-in area on Chapter property. No guests/members may be permitted to gather outside of the facility or fenced-in area, on roofs, or in streets or sidewalks.

• No open containers may leave the event.
• Alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume are prohibited on any Chapter/organization premise and at any event, except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.

Third Party Vendor Policies

• Events with alcohol may not be used as fundraising or profit-making events for the Chapter or charity.
• The vendor must assume, in writing, all responsibilities any seller of alcoholic beverages would assume in the normal course of business, including but not limited to:
  • Checking ID cards before serving alcohol.
  • Serving only those guests of legal drinking age.
  • Refusing service to guests who appear intoxicated.
  • Maintaining absolute control of all alcoholic containers.
  • Restricting sales of alcoholic beverages to NOT include shots.
  • Collecting all remaining alcohol at the end of the function.
  • Responsibility for actions and employment of hired third-party vendors, including off-campus events, rests with the host/sponsoring/co-sponsoring chapter(s).

1. National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) fraternities shall impress upon their undergraduate and alumnae members that they shall respect and obey the letter and the spirit of all NPC Unanimous Agreements.
2. In case of Panhellenic difficulties, all chapters involved shall do their utmost to restore harmony and to prevent publicity, both in the college and the community.
3. NPC denounces the arbitrary priority rating of women’s fraternities.
4. NPC denounces the ranking or categorization of chapters determined by administrative personnel according to a chapter’s compliance with university standards or guidelines.
5. NPC fraternity members shall not suggest to any potential member that she refuse a bid from one group in order to wait for a bid from another group or suggest that a potential member list only one choice on her membership recruitment acceptance.
6. It is in accord with the dignity and good manners of fraternity women to:
   1. Avoid disparaging remarks about any fraternity or college woman.
   2. Create friendly relations between fraternity and nonfraternity women.
   3. Avoid negative publicity on Panhellenic matters.
7. NPC discourages the use of Greek-letter fraternity names and insignia in inappropriate or distasteful commercial advertising.
8. NPC has no affiliation or connection with any high school sorority.
9. NPC supports all efforts to eliminate hazing.

The purpose of the Standards of Excellence Program is to establish standards which ensure every social fraternal organization at Westminster College is fully committed to the highest quality of student experience for each of its members. By providing a set of standards that reflect the values of the FSL community and Mission of the College, the Standards of Excellence Program provides fraternities and sororities at Westminster College a level of accountability, with an opportunity to seek distinction. This program recognizes and rewards those organizations that consistently exceed expectations as well as provides guidance and support to those organizations that fail to meet the expectations of this program. In the end, the goal of the Standards of Excellence Program is simple. As members of fraternities and sororities, we should be better for our affiliation, the campus improved by our involvement, and the greater community enhanced for our contribution.

Improvement and accountability measures are intended to provide support and guidance for chapters that are not meeting a majority of the standards in one or more of the categories. The following table provides an overview of the action a chapter should expect:

Deficiency in 1-4 focus areas - Chapter works with Director of Student Life to create a recovery plan addressing area(s) of deficiency.

Deficiency in 5 or more focus areas* - Chapter made insufficient progress toward minimum standards and works with Director of Student Life to create a recovery plan addressing areas of deficiency

Deficiency in 5 or more focus areas (consecutive years with no improvement)* - Chapters who have made insufficient progress toward minimum standards and must participate in a conversation with their Director of Student Life, respective governing council president or designated officer, chapter advisor, inter/national organization representative, and any other relevant stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to remain recognized at Westminster College. Following the conversation, the Director of Student Life and Student Experience Council will determine the status of the chapter moving forward. College recognition may be withdrawn. If recognition is not withdrawn, specific requirements will be developed that are designed to help the chapter address the most significant deficiencies. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in loss of recognition.

*Fraternities and sororities that are deficient in meeting minimum standards will need to ensure that they are complying with all college and inter/national policies. In addition, they are required to conduct regular meetings with the Director of Student Life to reflect on their organization’s deficiencies and evaluate their progress toward meeting the expectations outlined in each focus area. Student Affairs may issue additional sanctions or requirements when organizations do not successfully meet minimum standards. Examples include but are not limited to Greek Excellence Award Eligibility, Participation in Greek Week/Sing and Swing and/or social event probations.

Individual Chapters maintain all responsibility for following these policies. Any reports of alleged violations, received by IFC/Panhel, Public Safety, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs or Vice President of Student Affairs or other College officials, will be forwarded to the IFC/Panhel Judicial Process of Student Conduct.

If an individual Chapter is found to violate the policy three consecutive semesters, the individual Chapter will have their status, as a recognized organization at Westminster College, reviewed by the Vice President of Student Affairs.

These Standards and Policies are designed to educate while encouraging social responsibility and respect for human dignity, wellness, and student safety.

Important Contact Numbers

IFC President:

Alexander Marinski, Cell: 724-207-3381

PHC President:

Kerstyn Pomfret, Cell: 724-448-2477

Campus Security/Public Safety:

724-946-7777

Student Engagement Office:

Francesca Manilla, Director of Student Life, Office: 724-946-7128, Cell: 724-877-0988;
Melissa Reabe, Area Coordinator: Student Engagement, Office: 724-946-7111, Cell: 724-610-0875

New Wilmington Police:

724-946-8111

Poison Control Center

800-222-1222 (24-hour line)

1. A woman who is or who has ever been an initiated member of an existing NPC fraternity shall not be eligible for membership in another NPC fraternity.
2. To be eligible to pledge an NPC fraternity chapter on the campus where a woman is enrolled, she shall be regularly matriculated according to the definition of matriculation established by that institution.
3. No female student shall be asked to join an NPC fraternity during any school recess except during a primary membership recruitment period and the ensuing continuous open bidding (COB) held immediately prior to an academic term.
4. Each College Panhellenic Council shall establish a Bid Day to conclude the primary membership recruitment period. A Bid Day is the scheduled time when invitations to membership are issued.
5. If through the primary membership recruitment process, a potential member receives a bid and declines it, then she is ineligible to be pledged to another NPC fraternity on the same campus until the beginning of the next year’s primary membership recruitment period.
6. At a later date but before the next primary membership recruitment period, if the potential member who declined her bid expresses interest in being pledged to the chapter with which she originally matched, she may do so only if the chapter extends another bid and has quota or total spaces to fill.
7. If a potential member does not receive a bid at the end of the primary membership recruitment period, she is eligible immediately to participate in COB.
8. If through the primary recruitment process a potential member accepts a bid and then has her pledge broken by an NPC fraternity or breaks her pledge, then she is ineligible to be pledged to another NPC fraternity on the same campus until the beginning of the next year’s primary membership recruitment period.
9. A COB acceptance is a binding agreement. If a potential member accepts a bid, signs a COB acceptance and then has her pledge broken by an NPC fraternity or breaks her pledge, then she is ineligible to be pledged to another NPC fraternity on that campus until the beginning of the next year’s primary membership recruitment period.
10. A woman who has accepted a bid either through primary or COB recruitment and who has had her pledge broken by an NPC fraternity or has broken her pledge, may be repledged by the same NPC fraternity chapter on the campus at any time before the beginning of the next year’s primary membership recruitment period, even if the chapter is over total.
11. When a woman who has been pledged but not yet initiated transfers to another campus, her pledge is broken, and she is eligible to pledge an NPC fraternity on that campus at the earliest opportunity.
12. Women who have been pledged but not yet initiated into a chapter whose charter has been rescinded or relinquished or of a colony that has been dissolved shall be eligible to pledge another NPC fraternity immediately following the official release by the NPC fraternity.

We, the members of women’s sororities at Westminster College, agree to promote honesty, respect, sisterhood, and cooperation within the College Panhellenic and our respective chapters and in our daily lives. This code of ethics is designed to inspire our members, reinforce exemplary conduct and values-based leadership, and perpetuate lifelong membership to enrich the sorority and Panhellenic experience.

Integrity: Holding ourselves to the highest standard in terms of moral and ethical decision making by promoting honor and good character throughout our membership. Being open and honest with each other in order to strengthen our relationships. Living in congruence with our individual organization and shared community values.

Community: Acknowledging our membership in the greater Panhellenic sisterhood. Strengthening our sense of belonging through support of our Panhellenic peers and ideals, thereby conveying the strength of our collective community.

Respect: Honoring one another as women by recognizing each other’s inherent dignity. Sharing a deep regard for each individual’s and chapter’s achievements, qualities, traditions and desire to promote mutual betterment.

Self-governance: Adhering to the policies, which we have the privilege to establish for our community. With this privilege, holding oneself and each other accountable to live up to that standard.

Sportsmanship: Realizing there is an appropriate time and place for healthy competition that promotes a better community and stronger individual organizations. Our sororities are one unified body striving to better the community and set an example for all.

Thoughtfulness: Promoting active awareness of each other’s ideas and actions to encourage open communication that fosters responsibility and accountability. Celebrating differences in order to appreciate each chapter’s unique characteristics.

Commitment: Dedicating ourselves to the realization of the four tenants our community values: Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Community.

As Panhellenic women of Westminster College, these are the tenants by which we strive to live.
Date adopted: Sunday, March 1, 2015

I. Statement of Positive Panhellenic Contact

We, the women of Westminster College, will promote panhellenic-spirited contact with all potential new members throughout the year. Strict silence will begin from the end of the woman’s last event until the issuance of bids. Strict silence is defined as verbal, nonverbal, written, printed, text message and electronic communication or communicating through a third party.

According to NPC, “Ethical Behavior means adhering to local Panhellenic rules as well as NPC policies. It means holding yourself and others accountable to make good choices in your actions. Ethical Conduct promotes parity for all member organizations by fair play” (page 172). We, as a Panhellenic community, are to promote positive contact with potential new members and our behavior should be consistent with behavior of friendships. Fully documented recruitment violations will be addressed through the judicial process should they occur.

II. Statement of Adherence to NPC Unanimous Agreements and Policies Regarding Recruitment

All NPC member organizations represented at Westminster College believe in strictly adhering to NPC Unanimous Agreements and policies. These valued and non-negotiable policies will be followed by all groups during the recruitment process, specifically:

• All NPC Unanimous Agreements shall be upheld
• Use of alcoholic beverages in membership recruitment and Bid Day activities is strictly prohibited
• No favors or gifts may be given to potential new members (PNMs) by the fraternity and/or individual members
• There will be no promising of bids directly or indirectly by a member, new member, or alumna of a fraternity
• No sorority members may visit a PNM in her place of residence during formal membership recruitment
• Strict silence is a period of time from the end of the woman’s last event until bids are distributed. Strict silence is defined as verbal, written, printed, text message or social media communication between the potential new members and sorority members, new members, or alumnae.
• A fact sheet including a list of fees to be incurred by members during collegiate membership, grade requirements and housing obligations will be provided to each potential new member during membership recruitment by each chapter. The College Panhellenic will provide a range of fees as general information.
• The MRABA script must be used prior to signing the MRABA to ensure that the PNMs understand this binding agreement.
• Recruitment Counselors shall not be involved with any PNM in the process of completing and signing the MRABA.

III. Statement of Recruitment Model:

• Westminster College Panhellenic Council will hold a deferred formal recruitment period, always the first week of classes during the Spring semester.
• Westminster College Panhellenic Council will adhere to the two-tier campus total as recommended by NPC. Campus total will be evaluated each semester after a comparative evaluation of rosters between the Student Affairs Office and each chapter. Once the rosters are reconciled, all organizations will be notified of the revised campus total. Only chapters who do not reach campus total at this time can COB through the Spring semester, but are strongly encouraged to do so within two weeks of formal recruitment.
• Fall campus total should be evaluated within the first two weeks of Fall semester.
• Spring campus total should be evaluated within 72 hours of the close of the formal recruitment period. It should be the goal to have a revised campus total immediately following bid matching, but this will be contingent on the accuracy of rosters provided by each chapter.
• Because the two-tier recruitment model is designed to funnel all recruitment efforts and new member education efforts to one period of time each year, a reasonable end date to COB will be established so that all chapters can focus their energies on other priorities. This time period will be evaluated along with the semester total and will be communicated by the Fraternity/Sorority Advisor (FSA).

IV. Statement of Recruitment Counselor Disaffiliation

• Recruitment Counselors will not disaffiliate from their chapters until the first day of formal recruitment.
• During formal recruitment, disaffiliation will require that Recruitment Counselors not wear letters, clothing, jewelry or carry bags that would identify them with a specific chapter. Additionally, Recruitment Counselors should not participate in voting sessions with their chapter.
• When at all possible, Recruitment Counselors should be paired to perform their responsibilities and should not engage privately or separately in conversation with PNMs.

V. Statement of “No Frills Recruitment”

Recruitment events are values-based and reflective of the women’s fraternal experience. The Fall Semester “Go Greek” Recruitment model will be planned and facilitated by Westminster College Panhellenic Council. As such, the informal recruitment period will be entirely values-based and no frills.

The following “No Frills” recruitment guidelines will apply to the Formal Recruitment period:

• BUDGET GUIDELINES TO BE SET BY PANHELLENIC COUNCIL
• Decorations outside the reserved recruitment room are not permitted. All recruitment entertainment must be confined to the reserved recruitment room.
• Use of recruitment skits at the first round of events is discouraged.
• Eliminate all gifts, favors, preference letters, or notes for potential new members until they have accepted bids.
• Develop conversation and interviewing skills.
• Inside decorations should be kept to a minimum for all recruitment events

VI. Statement of Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement

The Westminster College Panhellenic will uphold and use the MRABA for each potential new member interested in joining a women’s fraternity, whether during formal or informal recruitment. We agree to all policies/steps pertaining to the MRABA.

VII. Statement of Values-Based Recruitment

We, the members of Westminster College Panhellenic, pledge to promote the following practices during membership recruitment:

• Consider values-based conversations.
• Choose recruitment activities and behaviors that reflect the core values of our organizations.
• Engage in conversations that include topics related to our core values.
• Make informed choices about potential new members.
• Educate potential new members about the chapter’s values and connect to these values.