Fraternities and Sororities
Board of Regents Participation Policy
Students enrolled in remedial courses shall not participate in fraternity or sorority recruitment (Rush) of any kind until they have met the following requirements: completed required remedial courses, have a minimum 2.0 grade point average, and completed 30 semester hours applicable towards a degree. Students enrolled in remedial courses shall not go forth with any pledgeships/candidacies/lines, etc., or participate in any related activities. Should this occur, both the student in question and the chapter will be dealt with appropriately. All students interested in Greek membership must be approved by the Director of Student Life & Engagement prior to attending any recruitment function. Students interested in pledging an organization must be enrolled a minimum of half-time in courses. Some organizations require students be enrolled full time or three quarters of the time. Legacies who are enrolled in remedial courses are not excluded from this policy.
Hazing Policy for Fraternities & Sororities
Hazing by definition is: “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution, or applicable state law.”
While hazing is typically associated with organizational candidacy whereby one is attempting to prove and / or earn initiation privileges, it is sometimes used as a method of pre-membership bribery. Such acts are also illegal as they may impose the same mental, emotional and / or physical anguish upon an individual and will be considered equally offensive. Sanctions for such acts may be severe as administration will endorse the Student Rights and Responsibilities in accordance with university policy and the law respectively. Sanctions mandated by administration within the Offices of Student Life and Dean of Students could include community service, loss of facility privileges, loss of membership within said organization, temporary or permanent disbandment of organization from campus, arrest or others not listed. The Offices mentioned above work collectively in such cases to determine the appropriate course of action based on severity of the offense.
Recruitment
Columbus State University recognizes the academic year for fraternity and sorority recruitment. All Greek organizations are restricted to recruitment after completion of Spring semester and prior to Fall semester. All organizations wishing to extend a bid to an individual must complete a copy of a bid agreement provided by the Greek Advisor in order to accurately approve eligibility of all new members. As of Spring 2004, the university stipulates that any student wishing to pledge a Greek organization must be enrolled at least half time / 6 semester hours. Should a national organization dictate their own enrollment policies, the University will acknowledge and honor those guidelines as long as they are equal to or greater than that of CSU. Please refer to the Board of Regents Policy above for clarification of any students wishing to join a Greek organization who is enrolled in remedial courses.
Organizational Rosters
During the second week of each semester, each organization is required to provide the Office of Student Life & Engagement a typed copy of each active and inactive member with social security numbers. This information will be used for reports and other institutional purposes. Upon completion of any rush activity, a typed list of potential new members shall be provided to the Office of Student Life & Engagement. Each roster should have a date at the top to insure that all rosters are current. Any organization failing to provide this information is subject to denial of facility privileges (or possibly an administrative hold on members records) until the proper documentation has been provided.
RISK MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR CSU FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES
- Open Events:
- An open event is defined as being openly advertised to the CSU student body. An example of these would be the annual Back to School, Rush, or Initiation parties.
- No organization on any type of probation with the university or nationals may host an open party. Should an individual member of an organization be on probation, he or she will not be allowed to attend a function hosted by his or her organization. It should also be noted that no such individual /s should be allowed to attend another organization's social functions.
- While CSU relinquishes it's governance over off campus events hosted by student organizations, the university expects that organizations execute thorough risk management.
- The following regulations will apply to all large student
events and/or functions:
- Any member, active or inactive, of an organization on probation of any kind (academic, behavioral, in debt to his / her organization ,etc.) is restricted from attending any social event sponsored by his / her or another organization.
- Student organizations are allowed to advertise on campus for all events hosted by CSU organizations in accordance to CSU student handbook and organizational handbook policies.
- No advertisement will be permitted for events hosted by graduate chapters.
- All organizations are required to follow the student organization handbook policies as they relate to security needs at large student functions. The organizations should be prepared to pay the officers in full by the end their event. Organizations are also required to notify the Director of Student Life and Engagement within the Office of Student Life and Engagement along with the responsible officer in the Office of University Police in the case that the event is cancelled or changes are made. Failure to do so may result in sanctioning deemed by the Director of Student Life and Engagement.
- In the absence of the Greek Advisor, any functions must be approved by the following administrators: Director of Student Life & Engagement, Dean of Students, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, or Vice President for Student Affairs.
- CSU police department has patrolling and arresting powers within 500 yards of campus property. Any crimes committed within an area will be treated in accordance to state and federal law.
The administration of CSU reserves the right to modify these policies at any time. CSU has no jurisdiction over property privately owned or rented by students, however, anytime an organization is represented anywhere, we reserve the right to impose governance over behavior of those members and / or the organization itself as it is a reflection on the university. If the public at large perceives or could perceive an event to be hosted by a CSU organization, the university will recognize it as such, thereby, reserving the right to impose sanctions and / or to request that risk management policies by followed regardless of location. The Greek Advisor is to act as the advisor to all Greek governing bodies (Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Interfraternal Council). Anyone else working with these organizations must do so under the approval and guidance of the Greek Advisor.
Panhellenic Council
The National Panhellenic Council is an organization that
embraces the mission, and abides by the policies of the National
Panhellenic Conference whereby sororities who are members of NPC
and / or wish to become a member of NPC are required to
participate.
Website: http://clubs-orgs.columbusstate.edu/npc/
National Pan-Hellenic Council
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is an organization on campus
that unifies all African American Greek organizations. Together,
they strive to maintain positive relationships among themselves on
campus as well as work in the community through various
philanthropic and community events.
Website: http://clubs-orgs.columbusstate.edu/nphc/
Alpha Omicron Pi
Founded on January 2, 1897, Alpha Omicron Pi began as a dream by 4 young college women to continue their friendship throughout life. One of AOII's founders, Stella George Stern Perry, wrote in 1936, “We wanted a fraternity that should carry on the delightful fellowships and cooperation of college days into the workaday years ahead and to do so magnanimously. Above all, we wanted a high and active special purpose to justify existence and a simple devotion to some worthy end.” The AOPi chapter at CSU was installed April 2008.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, was the first predominately black Greek letter fraternity in America. The fraternity was founded in 1906 at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Theta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was chartered December 14, 1971.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was organized at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in January 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter sorority in America established by black women. The sorority is international and interracial. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority has over 95,000 members in over 723 chapters. Eta Iota Chapter was chartered at Columbus State University on December 2, 1972. The program's aim is “service to all mankind.” The goal is to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve the social stature of the race and keep alumnae interest in university life and progressive movement emanating there from. Membership is open to all female students with a 2.5 grade point average (cumulative and semester).
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, founded in 1913 at Howard University
in Washington, D.C., stresses academic achievement, community
involvement, and leadership ability. Theta Phi chapter welcomes all
inquiries concerning membership. Contact any member of Delta Sigma
Theta.
Website: http://clubs-orgs.columbusstate.edu/dst/
Delta Zeta Sorority
The Delta Zeta Sorority was founded at Columbus State University in 1992 and is continuously growing. The purpose is to unite its members in sincere and lasting friendships, and to promote their moral and social growth. Interested young women may contact any member or the Columbus State University Greek Advisor.
Interfraternity Council
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing body for the historically Caucasian fraternities. The purpose for this council is to unite these men in their recruitment, community service, social, and academic endeavors and is required of any like fraternity.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was founded on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on January 5, 1911. The Eta Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was established on the campus of Columbus State University on April 11, 1974. The purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi is to encourage honorable achievement in every field of the human endeavor. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., offers its members brotherhood, leadership training, and self-discipline. Men interested in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., may contact any brother of the fraternity or the Office of Student Life & Engagement, located in Davidson 271.
Kappa Sigma
Kappa Sigma is the sixth largest international social fraternity
with over 262 chapters. Started in Bologna, Italy in the year 1400,
the fraternity was founded in the United States at the University
of Virginia on December 10, 1869. Founded as a colony in 1995 at
CSU, Kappa Sigma is dedicated to promoting friendship and active
participation on the campus and in the community. Interested
gentlemen may contact any brother or the Office of Student Life
& Engagement, located in Davidson 271.
Website: http://clubs-orgs.columbusstate.edu/kappasig/
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi, a National Pan-Hellenic fraternity, was founded at Howard University in 1911. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to the soul," the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift were adopted as cardinal principles. A decision was made regarding the design for the pin and emblem, and thus ended the first meeting of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Recently, the Omega's became a recognized student organization in Spring 2005. These men will be actively involved in the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Greek Council on campus. They look forward to growing and prospering here.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Howard University
in Washington, D.C., January 9, 1914. Theta Zeta Chapter of Phi
Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was reestablished at Columbus State
University January 2003. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is the
only fraternity that is constitutionally bounded to a sister
sorority, the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta
Sigma Fraternity, Inc. truly exemplifies the ideals of brotherhood,
scholarship, and service, which are mirrored in the Fraternity's
motto; “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity”.
For more information contact any Sigma brother or the Office of
Student Life & Engagement, Davidson 271.
Website: http://clubs-orgs.columbusstate.edu/pbs/
Phi Mu
On January 4, 1852, Mary Ann DuPont (Lines), Mary Elizabeth Myrick (Daniel) and Martha Bibb Hardaway (Redding) founded an organization called the Philomathean Society at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia. Wesleyan was the first institution to grant college degrees to women. For the next two months the Founders were busy gathering additional members, creating a constitution, devising an initiation service and adopting a secret and an open motto. On March 4, 1852, the members announced the formation of their new society, which became the Alpha Chapter of Phi Mu Fraternity. Since that time, March 4 has been observed as Founders' Day.
By the turn of the century, the Philomathean society had developed a strong body of alumnae, a history rich in tradition and the confidence to expand into a national organization. On August 1, 1904, the Philomathean Society was chartered by the State of Georgia as a national organization with the exclusive use of the Greek letters FM and the right to establish additional chapters on other campuses.
Today Phi Mu has grown to encompass a diverse membership of more
than 140,000 women nationwide. The local sorority was founded in
November of 1997 as Phi Mu Kappa with 10 sisters and became a
colony of Phi Mu national in Spring 2000. Phi Mu is involved with
many activities on campus including the homecoming celebration.
Community philanthropies include the Ronald McDonald House and the
American Cancer Society.
Website: http://clubs-orgs.columbusstate.edu/phimu/
Pi Kappa Alpha
The Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity was founded at the University of Virginia on March 1, 1868. The essence of the Founders' vision for Pi Kappa Alpha can be found in its Preamble. "For the establishment of friendship on a firmer and more lasting basis; for the promotion of brotherly love and kind feeling; for the mutual benefit and advancement of the interests of those with whom we sympathize and deem worthy of our regard; We have resolved to form a fraternity, believing that, thus we can most successfully accomplish our object." As members of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, we pledge ourselves to uphold the values taught in our Ritual and restated in our Vision, Mission, and Creed. The True Pike is committed to a life of caring for others as he cares for himself.
Pi Kappa Alpha or PIKE, joined Columbus State University as a Colony in the Fall of 2010. The members of the PIKE Colony uphold the values of a Scholar, Athlete, Leader, and Gentlemen.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922 in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Dulin Redford, Bessie M. Downey Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University.
Sigma Nu
The Mu Xi Chapter of Sigma Nu was chartered in May of 1996 as the 267th Chapter of Sigma Nu. Since that time the chapter has gone on to initiate over 127 men bound together by the ideals of love, truth, and honor. The men of Sigma Nu are heavily involved in campus and community life. Each year Sigma Nu logs hundreds of hours of community service through Country's Midnight Run to Benefit the Blind, Special Olympics, Historic Columbus' Riverfest Fundraiser, and various other charity work. The men of Sigma Nu are renowned for their abilities in intramural sports. Throughout each semester Sigma Nu works with the sororities to plan various mixers and other social events. The men of Sigma Nu strive to find other upstanding men to join our sacred brotherhood. If you are interested in learning more about Sigma Nu, go to our website or visit the Office of Student Life & Engagement, Davidson 271.
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Tau Kappa Epsilon is a brotherhood of men who support each other's mental, moral, and social development. Since its founding, more than 240,000 men of good character have become members. We currently operate Chapters and Colonies on 272 college campuses across the United States and Canada, which makes us the largest college social fraternity in the world. Over 300 men from Columbus State have become brothers in TKE.
The Founders of the Knights of Classic Lore desired an organization different from those represented by the existing fraternities. Their desire was to establish a fraternity in which the primary requisites for membership would be the personal worth and character of the individual rather than the wealth he possessed.
Twenty-seven scholarships are available to the members of Tau Kappa Epsilon where we value scholarship, character, leadership, teamwork, service, and brotherhood. We aim to make a positive difference in society, and become better people in the process. Find out more at www.tke.org
Xi Theta
Xi Theta is a multi-cultural Greek sorority founded as a local sorority at CSU in October 1995. Xi Theta is open to all CSU women, with no restrictions regarding age, race, parental or marital status. As a non-traditional sorority, Xi Theta's goal is to provide a place for today's woman to belong and meet with other women with similar interest in creating friendship and sisterhood.
Zeta Phi Beta, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1920. The Kappa Epsilon chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., was chartered on the campus of Columbus State University on February 1, 1974. Zeta Phi Beta believes strongly in the principle of service, scholarship, sisterly love, and finer womanhood. Often imitated but never duplicated, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is the only sorority that is constitutionally bound with the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. The women of Zeta Phi Beta are outstanding leaders and are dynamic in everything from academics to helping out within the community. Membership is open to all full time female students with a 2.3 grade point average and a true genuine love for the sorority. For more information, contact the Office of Student Life & Engagement, located in Davidson 271 706-568-2273.
