Alpha Chi Omega
What is FIPG?
FIPG (Fraternal Information and Programming Group ) is a risk management association of men’s and women’s national and international fraternities and sororities. The mission of FIPG is: “To promote sound risk management policies and practices and to be the leading resource of risk management education, programming and information to the broad based constituency involved in all aspects of Greek life”. Many colleges, universities, Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils across the country have adopted the FIPG policy as their own, providing a level playing field for all Greek organizations on their campus. By adoption and enforcement of the FIPG risk management policy, member fraternities are living up to their responsibility to protect their members from harm and ensure the good reputation of the Greek community. Alpha Chi Omega adheres to the FIPG guidelines, and in turn promotes a more welcoming and safe environment for its members and all those in the surrounding Greek community.
FIPG RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
(January, 2013)
The Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. includes the provisions, which follow and shall
apply to all fraternity entities and all levels of fraternity membership.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
1. The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on
chapter premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed
by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must
be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city
and institution of higher education, and must comply with either the BYOB or Third
Party Vendor Guidelines.
2. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds nor may
the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any
member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk
quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is
prohibited.
3. OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the
fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited.
4. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic
beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
5. The possession, sale or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any
event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.
6. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern
defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from
alcohol) at which alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present.
This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern as defined above
for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a
tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the provisions of this policy,
including the use of a third party vendor and guest list. An event at which alcohol is
present may be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the
event is held within the provisions of this policy.
7. No chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at
which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
8. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be non-alcoholic.
No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or inconjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.
9. No member or pledge, associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate,
encourage or participate in "drinking games.” The definition of drinking games
includes but is not limited to the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor or alcoholic
beverages, the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age, “beer pong,”
“century club,” “dares” or any other activity involving the consumption of alcohol
which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.
10. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice
program, activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities
associated with “bid night,” “big brother – little brother” events or activities, / “big
sister - little sister” events or activities, “family” events or activities and initiation.
HAZING
No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities.
Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are
defined as:
"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."
SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT
The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive
behavior on the part of its members, 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 to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment,
sexual assault by individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of
strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as
defined in this policy is prohibited.
FIRE, HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
2. All chapters should post by common phones and in other locations emergency
numbers for fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on
the back of the door of each sleeping room.
3. All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the
insurance company or municipal authorities.
4. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind
within the confines and premises of the chapter house is prohibited.
5. Candles should not be used in chapter houses or individual rooms except under
controlled circumstances such as initiation.
EDUCATION
Each fraternity shall annually instruct its students and alumni/alumnae in the Risk
Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. Additionally, all students and key volunteers shall
annually receive a copy of the Risk Management Policy and a copy of the policy shall be
available on the fraternity website.