Gamma Chapter of Kappa Sigma Membership Standard · KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY CODE OF CONDUCT CONTACT:...

Membership Standard Gamma Chapter of Kappa Sigma 2018‐2019 Academic Year

Membership in Kappa Sigma is a privilege. Each member, pledge or initiate, undergraduate and alumnus, is bound by the Kappa Sigma Code of Conduct, and supplemental Chapter policies governing the Gamma Chapter, as describe herein.

Each member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity is responsible for seeing that he: acts as a gentleman, setting an example of moral behavior; conducts himself as a student, good neighbor, and good citizen; and obeys the laws, rules and regulations of his country, state, city and parish, and the university.

To that end the members of the Gamma Chapter of Kappa Sigma embrace its internal Chapter Polices, the Kappa Sigma Code of Conduct and all directives and policies of LSU; and hold its members accountable to such.

In addition to the conduct defined in the Kappa Sigma Code of Conduct ʹ , any action by a member, which adversely affects Kappa Sigma, himself, or any

other member is specifically prohibited, and the member is subject to the same procedural provisions as are those members whose conduct is specifically addressed herein.

I understand and agree to abide by the Kappa Sigma Code of Conduct, the Gamma Chapter Drug Free Standard and the Gamma Chapter Judicial Board Positions (as may be amended).

Member Name (printed): ___________________________________________

Member Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: _____________

Addendum #1 – The Kappa Sigma Code of Conduct Addendum #2 – Gamma Chapter ‐ Drug Free Standard Addendum #3 – Gamma Chapter ‐ Judicial Board

Version 1.0 (July 2018)

1KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY CODE OF CONDUCT CONTACT: [email protected]

KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITYCODE OF CONDUCT

Membership in Kappa Sigma is a privilege. Each member, pledge or initiate, undergraduate and alumnus, is bound by this Code of Conduct.

Each member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity is responsible for seeing that he: acts as a gentleman, setting an example of moral behavior; conducts himself as a good student, good neighbor, and good citizen; and obeys the laws, rules and regulations of his country, state or province, city and county, and college or university.

I. Hazing Hazing is contrary to the principles and teachings of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and against the law in all jurisdictions in which Kappa Sigma has chapters.

A. Definition1. Hazing is any action, behavior or situation created by any Kappa Sigma chapter or by any member - undergraduate, or alumnus - to produce or result in mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule as a prerequisite to or as a requirement for membership or initiation in the Fraternity, or which is otherwise prohibited by federal, state, provincial, local or host institution policies, rules, regulations, statutes or ordinances. 2. Prohibited actions, behaviors and situations constituting hazing include, without limitation, the following in any form or of any kind:

a. paddling, branding, or physical abuse in any form; b. calisthenics or other exercises; c. creation of fatigue including sleep deprivation; d. physical or psychological shocks; e. kidnapping; f. scavenger hunts; g. personal servitude, including required driving, errands, cleaning, event setup and takedown, or any other activity required of a pledge but not an initiated member, h. verbal abuse; i. required uniforms or costumes; j. degrading, humiliating or harassing games and activities; k. lineups; l. “Hell Week” or any other pre-initiation or intensive or condensed programming prior to, following, or in connection with any Kappa Sigma ceremony; m. the use of pledge requirements such as signatures or interviews as a means of harassment; n. activities a prerequisite to or as a requirement for membership or initiation in the Fraternity which exposes any initiate(s) or pledge(s) to any type of physical danger regardless of degree; o. activities involving the required consumption of any beverage or food; p. chapters performing programming or activities not included in their documented Pledge Education, Membership Development or Brothers In Action Programs shall be in violation of these Standards. This includes variances from any program submitted in the Chapter’s biannual report, unless those variances are approved by the District Grand Master. q. activities which would disrupt public order or tend to bring the Fraternity into disrepute in the local community; and, r. other activities not consistent with Kappa Sigma Fraternity principles, or otherwise not in accordance with federal, state, provincial or local laws, ordinances or the regulations or policies of the host college or university.

II. Alcohol & Controlled Substances Each member of the Fraternity is responsible for seeing that he abides by the letter and spirit of applicable laws governing use and possession of alcohol and controlled substances. Where local laws may permit certain conduct, but federal, provincial or state laws prohibit that conduct, the applicable federal, provincial or state law shall govern individual conduct.

In addition to abiding by applicable federal, provincial, state, and local laws governing or regulating the use, possession and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances, and complying with the rules, regulations, policies and standards set by its host institution, the following standards apply:

A. Additional Standards Pertaining to Alcohol & Controlled Substances1. Chapters shall take reasonable steps to prevent the unlawful use, possession, or consumption of alcohol or controlled

substances, including underage consumption of alcohol, by any person, member or non-member, undergraduate or alumnus, at any chapter house, lodge, or similar facility or location occupied by or used for or on behalf of the chapter for any of its activities.

2. No chapter of the Fraternity is authorized to apply for or hold any license for the sale, distribution, pouring or dispensing of alcoholic beverages or other controlled substances.



3. No member shall use or possess any controlled substance or any paraphernalia for the consumption, delivery or administration of any controlled substance in any form at any Kappa Sigma function or at any facility occupied or used by a Kappa Sigma chapter. A member having a valid prescription is not in violation of this Standard.

4. Members using recreational or medicinal marijuana in jurisdictions where such use is legal shall not be in violation of these Standards providing such use does not occur before, during, or after a chapter event, at a chapter house or anywhere that the chapter members gather.

5. No chapter funds may be used to purchase alcohol directly or indirectly. “Passing the hat,” taking up a collection, charging admission or accepting donations to purchase alcohol is a violation of these Standards.

6. No member may possess hard liquor, defined as distilled beverages exceeding 30% alcohol by volume, at a Social Event (as defined by the Code of Conduct), or at a chapter house or anywhere that the chapter members gather, with exception of hard liquor purchased by a member at a Social Event hosted at a third party venue (e.g. a bar, restaurant, hotel, or similar), which venue is fully licensed and insured for the distribution of hard liquor.

7. No member may possess kegs or oversized containers of alcohol.8. No member shall permit or participate in binge drinking, rapid consumption of alcohol, or activities which involve duress or

encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.9. No alcohol may be present at any activity, function or event when rushees or prospective members are present. All rush and

recruitment events shall be alcohol-free.10. No alcohol may be present preceding, at, or following any activity that is part of the Pledge Education Program, including

initiations, bid day functions and big brother/little brother events.11. A chapter may not fundraise with, or profit from, the sale of alcohol. A Chapter or a number of its members may receive

compensation for working at an event, unassociated with the Chapter, at which alcohol is present, to support Chapter operations or raise funds for a bona fide charitable organization (e.g., working concession stands at a sporting event or concert venue). A Chapter may participate in such activity only upon the prior authorization by that Chapter’s District Grand Master or the Supreme Executive Committee.

B. Additional Standards Pertaining to Social Events1. A Social Event is a party or any other gathering approved, sponsored, hosted, or arranged by a chapter or its members, in the

name of the chapter, or perceived to be in the name of the chapter, where alcohol is present.2. No chapter is authorized to sell tickets, sell cups, collect cover charges, charge admission, vend alcohol from machines, or

engage in any other activity that is, or creates the impression that the chapter is, selling alcohol or permitting access to alcohol in a manner inconsistent with these Standards.

3. Chapters shall take reasonable steps to prevent the unlawful consumption of alcohol at Social Events.4. “Open parties” are a violation of these Standards.5. The number of guests (including dates) at any Social Event shall not exceed two guests for each member in attendance

Alumni, spouses and parents invited by the Chapter are not counted as guests for purposes of this Standard.6. A Social Event consisting of a mixer or exchange with a maximum of three additional national men’s or women’s fraternity or

sorority chapter may occur without regard for the limitation of Standard II.B.5 of these Standards when attendance is limited to members and pledges of all chapters and hosted at a third party venue, licensed and insured for the distribution of alcohol.

III. Little Sisters and Auxiliary Organizations The Kappa Sigma Fraternity does not recognize or approve the existence of “Little Sister/Starduster” or similar chapter programs or organizations, or approve chapter affiliation with like auxiliary organizations not authorized in writing by the Supreme Executive Committee.

No organization, unless authorized in writing by the Supreme Executive Committee or as otherwise permitted by the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, shall use the words, letters, logos or symbols of Kappa Sigma, or otherwise represent affiliation with the Fraternity.

IV. Internet Use Internet Use, through media including, among others, email, websites, and social networking or discussion groups, is a valuable tool for education and communication. All members of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity are responsible using these media in an appropriate and lawful manner.

Internet Use includes any communications on the internet (as generally defined and understood from time- to-time by the general public), whether through establishment or maintenance of a website, discussion board, social networking group, page, or site, or chat room or the submission of any data, whether in graphic, video, audio or written form to any site on the internet, or the linking to any site on the internet that contains such data.

A. Definition



B. Standards of Conduct1. No chapter or member shall host, sponsor, post, or link to any inappropriate content on the internet. This includes any

explicit or implicit reference to or promotion of illegal alcohol use or alcohol abuse, the unlawful use of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, Hazing or any other illegal behavior.

2. Each chapter or member shall delete inappropriate content upon demand by the Kappa Sigma Fraternity or its authorized representatives, including the chapter in which any undergraduate member is initiated or affiliated.

V. Assault and Harassment No chapter or member shall permit or participate in any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location, which are demeaning, including but not limited to verbal harassment and sexual assault, by individuals or members acting together.

VI. Enforcement

A. Reporting Procedure1. Any member of the Fraternity who receives information regarding a potential violation of the Code of Conduct must

immediately report the alleged activity and all available information to the chapter’s Alumnus Advisor and District Grand Master or the Supreme Executive Committee or Executive Director;

2. If the allegations warrant, the member disclosing the violation, Alumnus Advisor and District Grand Master (or officer of the General Fraternity designated by the Supreme Executive Committee) must ensure charges are proffered against the offending chapter and member(s) in accordance with these Standards, the Code of Conduct generally, and the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

3. During any investigation of alleged chapter violations of the Code of Conduct, all chapter activities shall cease until the investigation is complete, the results reported to the SEC, and the Chapter authorized by the Supreme Executive Committee, or their designee, to resume such activities.

B. Violations Any member or chapter found to have violated any standard in the Code of Conduct may be subject to penalties.

1. Any chapter Executive Committee member actively or passively involved in or having knowledge of any violation of these Standards, shall be in violation of the Code of Conduct generally and shall cause the chapter to be in violation of the Code of Conduct and to be subject to the same penalties as a chapter found in violation of the Code of Conduct.

2. Any member who interferes or fails to cooperate in any manner with any investigation of possible violations of the Code of Conduct or advocates or encourages the non-compliance or interference with any such investigation shall be deemed in violation of the Code of Conduct.

3. Any member witnessing or having knowledge of violations or potential violations of the Code of Conduct who does not report said violations to an Alumnus Advisor or District Grand Master of the chapter or to the Supreme Executive Committee or Executive Director shall be in violation of the Code of Conduct and shall be subject to the same penalties as those members actively involved in the violation of the Code of Conduct.

4. Any chapter found not upholding any individual penalty or other sanction imposed on any member or members for violation of the Code of Conduct shall be in violation of the Code of Conduct.

C. Penalties1. Chapter. Upon violation of the Code of Conduct deemed by the Supreme Executive Committee, or their designees appointed

for inquiry, to be chapter-wide, sponsored or tolerated by the chapter or its membership, such chapter and its members may be subject to one or more penalties deemed appropriate by the Supreme Executive Committee, in accordance with the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

2. Individual. Any individual member participating in any activity in violation of the Code of Conduct may be subject to immediate suspension by the Worthy Grand Procurator as authorized by the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and subject to charges for discipline, suspension, or expulsion in accordance with Constitution, By-Laws and Rules of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

3. Other Penalties. The Kappa Sigma Fraternity may seek civil or criminal actions against members violating the Code of Conduct.


Drug Free Standard Gamma Chapter of Kappa Sigma 2018‐2019 Academic Year The men of Gamma chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity hold themselves accountable to many high standards, and membership in the fraternity is recognized as both a privilege and an honor. One of those standards is to ensure that the member (and pledge) always seeks to strive for the highest level of personal conduct and performance. In doing so, it is inherent to keep oneself free from the use and abuse of illegal drugs. All pledges and actives will be expected to sign a Membership Agreement (the “Agreement”) promising to live up to this standard in spirit and in letter. Failure to abide by the Agreement will not be tolerated by the chapter or the alumni. Illegal drug use at the college level has become problematic and has significantly risen in recent years1. Surveys at colleges and universities across the country indicate the percentage of students who used various other drugs within the past year: marijuana (32.3 percent); amphetamines (6.5%); hallucinogens (7.5%); cocaine (3.7%); and designer drugs such as Ecstasy (3.6%).2 Additionally, the use of “study drugs” is on the increase.3 The reasons given include to experiment, to get high, and to have a good time with friends among others.4 The following is an outline of the Pro‐Active Drug Program (the “Program”) designed to assist the pledges and actives in their effort to live up to the standards of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. The goals of the Program are threefold: (i) to deter drug use by members of the fraternity; (ii) to assist in the identification of Brothers in need of help; and (iii) to provide a protective program in which all Brothers and pledges will participate for the good of the chapter.

Through the Program, the chapter will be abiding by the Code of Conduct of the Fraternity, be operating consistently with University rules prohibiting the use of illegal drugs, and be complying with the local, state, and federal laws regarding illegal drug use (Drug Free Schools and Communities Act & Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended in 1998) at institutions of higher education. This program is not intended to trap those Brothers or pledges who use illegal drugs, but rather to provide a disincentive to drug use and a convenient response for fraternity members to use when pressured by peers to use illegal drugs. It is expected that every pledge and active will cooperate with—and fully support—the testing process, report for sample collection in a timely fashion and accept all consequences determined by the chapter and alumni for failure to remain drug free. 1 “College Drug Use, Binge Drinking Rise”, http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007‐03‐15‐college‐drug‐use_N.htm 2 “Alcohol and Drug Abuse on College Campuses”, http://www.yic.gov/drugfree/alcabuse.html 3 “More Students Turning Illegally To ʹSmartʹ Drugs”, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100254163 4“ Reasons for Use, Abstention, and Quitting Illicit Drug Use by American Adolescents”, http://monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/occpapers/occ44.pdf


Judicial Board Gamma Chapter of Kappa Sigma 2018‐2019 Academic Year Membership in Kappa Sigma is a privilege. Each member, pledge or initiate, undergraduate and alumnus, is bound by our Code of Conduct. And therefore, each member is responsible for seeing that he: acts as a gentleman, setting an example of moral behavior; conducts himself as a student, good neighbor, and good citizen; and obeys the laws, rules and regulations of his country, state, city and parish, and the university.

To that end the members of the Gamma Chapter of Kappa Sigma embrace its internal Chapter Polices, the Kappa Sigma Code of Conduct and all directives and policies of LSU; and holds its members accountable to such. To aid in that embrace, the Chapter has established a Judicial Board to oversee the actions of its Members. The Judicial Board Program was created July 1, 2018 as an amendment to Chapter Bylaws to provide additional Chapter leadership, adopt and uphold Judicial Board Position Statements for its members, create a Judicial Board for disciplinary review and action, and provide for the continuity of established policies. Judicial Board Position Statements. The Judicial Board address high‐risk behavior, property damage, drug related incidents, tobacco products, and hazing. The process of determining judiciary board membership shall come after the election of the Chapter’s Executive Committee. The Executive Committee—led by the Chapter’s Grand Procurator and advised by the alumnus advisor(s)—shall select a Judicial Board comprised of the following:

x 15 Judicial Board members chosen equally from the sophomore, junior and senior members (they volunteer and are appointed, not elected and not to include any Executive Committee members, with exception of the Grand Procurator). These members are to be committed to guide both individual members and the Chapter as a group while making course corrections when necessary.

x Of the selected, 4 Justices will be elected by the Judicial Board, and the Grand Procurator will serve as Chairman. The 4 Justices, who along with the Grand Procurator, serving as chairman, are responsible for:

o reporting all incidents to the chapter Executive Committee and the alumni advisor(s),

o determining details of the incidents, and o rendering the disciplinary action as established by the Position Statements.


Members and justices are appointed and removed by the Executive Committee. The Judicial Board—with its specific stated responsibilities—is an extension of the authority granted by the Chapter. As such, the Judicial Board reports to the Chapter and alumni advisors. The Executive Committee governs the Chapter on an ongoing basis, with adherence to both the Gamma Chapter and Kappa Sigma Constitution and By‐Laws. The Judicial Board members are extensions of the leadership and, along with the Executive Committee, are responsible for the moral compass of the fraternity to do things right...to lead from within. That includes direction, guidance, and leadership to promote the long‐term viability and success of the organization. While Justices are the investigative and disciplinary arm, the Executive Committee is ultimately responsible ensuring appropriate disciplinary action is taken in accordance with the Code of Conduct and the Constitution and By‐Laws. The Star and Crescent Foundation of Louisiana (“Foundation”), through the Gamma House Corporation, is responsible for items relating to ownership of the fraternity house including maintenance, house residents, insurance, improvements and employing staff. The alumni advisors provide key oversight of the undergraduate Chapter and provide long‐term vision and guidance. The advisors, through authority from the Foundation, can hold the Chapter accountable including withholding of funds and/or restriction of social activities, and forbid any member(s) from being on property including removal from the resident rooms. On an annual basis, the Judicial Board Position Statements are to be reviewed and amended by the alumni advisors. The 4 Justices, with the Grand Procurator as Chairman are responsible for determining when members violate any of the Code of Conduct and/or Position Statements, investigate accordingly, and render sanctions. An Incident Report must be filed with EC and Alumni Advisor on every incident adverse to our Code of Conduct and/or Position Statements within 24 hours of discovery. Every Chapter member is charged with the responsibility to report infractions to Justices for review. Prompt submission is essential in order to: (1) inform, (2) insulate and protect entire organization from detrimental actions of reckless members, and (3) assess the need for action by Chapter, Foundation, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and/or Law Enforcement. Failure to report a known incident subjects the entire Chapter to immediate disciplinary action. Initial Incident Report is to include:

x Detailed description of whatever is known x What happened x Who was involved x Witnesses x Dangers to safety, damage & injuries if incurred x Any additional information when discovered is to be added in subsequent draft versions.


The Final Incident Report is to include member(s) sanctions for applicable violations of the Kappa Sigma Constitution, By‐Laws, Code of Conduct or Policy Statements. The report shall be submitted to the Executive Committee and alumni advisor. The Executive Committee and/or alumni advisor may either request additional review and further action or will accept the Judicial Board’s final incident report. The Executive Committee may override the Judicial Board’s final incident report with a super majority vote of 2/3. For any incident that is deemed serious and/or could result in severe consequences from the university, concurrence with the final incident report from the alumni advisor must be obtained. In certain situations, the Grand Procurator or the Chapter President may delegate to the Alumni Advisors the role of Justices and their decision will be final. Confidentially within our Chapter is essential to avoid unjust press and public opinion. Each situation will determine the level of confidentiality that will be maintained. In unique situations, the Judicial Board and Executive Committee may only be informed on a limited basis.

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