institutions of the church). Rush takes place at the after summer semester each academic year, with officer elections approximately one month into Michaelmas Semester. Greek life at Holy Spirit College is a positive affirmation of our faith. Hazing (that is, any activity of physical or psychological abuse that is degrading or humiliating to another person) and illegal practices are not tolerated.

In order to help ensure that our Greek organizations are supporting the aims of the institution, maximizing their contribution to the personal development of their members, and maintaining a sound organization, each Greek chapter will engage in the following activities.

Scholarship - The fraternity and sorority environment shall be conducive to study and supportive of each member's academic efforts. Programs should be planned around the academic needs of members (e.g. study skills, tutoring and discussion groups, writing workshops, career planning). Formal scholarship programs and activities are strongly encouraged in order that members may learn from each other. This is a serious concern of the College and is a necessary ingredient of a Greek organization's total contribution.

Rules & Regulations - It is assumed that all fraternity and sorority members are aware of and follow College regulations and State and local laws. Further, it is important that each chapter have clearly stated internal rules which are responsibly enforced by the officers. Problem areas typically are alcohol and drug abuse, noise, sexual harassment, physical assaults and property damage. Failure to correct such problems when they arise will threaten the continued recognition of the chapter.

Rush - The purpose of Rush is to present the fraternity and sorority social option to students, primarily freshmen, who are not affiliated with a Greek organization. As such it should be open and honest and introduce prospective members to all phases of a chapter's activities and to the personal responsibilities that pledging entails.

New Member Education - In order to complement such a Rush program it is mandatory that each fraternity and sorority have a positive new member education program. A wide variety of educational and related activities are necessary if each new member is to become familiar with and accept both the business and friendship aspects of his or her chapter. Examples of such activities are learning chapter management skills, how to Rush, and financial obligations. The amount of time a new member spends in doing things with older members or big brothers or sisters is important in developing attitudes of sharing and caring and brotherhood or sisterhood.

Finances and Chapter Operations - Financial obligation of chapters and individuals within their chapters are expected to be met. College regulations require that each organization be free of debt contracted through its current operations by the end of the fiscal year (June 30). Failure to remove indebtedness within a year will result in withdrawal of recognition of the organization.

Social Activities - Fraternities and sororities must provide a variety of social activities which contribute to member's personal development and serve an integrative function for the greater campus. In addition to hosting responsible parties each chapter should endeavor to provide a variety of activities which will expand each student's experiences and might include interaction with faculty and administrators, and other campus organizations. Promoting positive personal relations between men and women should be important for all College events.

Exterior Relations - Members and chapters must be concerned with their impact on their neighbors. Recognizing that alumni are a source of strength for both the College and the fraternities and sororities, it is crucial that each chapter devotes considerable effort toward cultivating a continued involvement with its graduates.

Programming - Fraternities and sororities should take advantage of the combination of College resources and their own close friendships to significantly enhance the personal lives of their members. For example, workshop or discussion sessions on leadership, personal finances, career planning, male/female awareness, etc., are beneficial to all members.

Evaluation - Each fraternity and sorority should annually make the effort to ask itself whether or not it is realizing its full potential by serving its members and the College in the areas indicated in this document. Each Fall, Greek organizations must complete an "Award of Excellence" application. In the process of making this application, fraternities and sororities take a close look at the year's accomplishments and the congruence between stated philosophy and actual activities. A committee of faculty, administrators and students will scrutinize the applications and determine the award winners.

                                                                                                                                                                                  

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