Welcome to Greek Life at Piedmont!

Since the first Greek-letter society was formed in 1776 at the University of William and Mary, sororities and fraternities have played a dynamic and exciting part of campus life. Students who choose to become part of a social Greek-letter organization will be exposed to a well-rounded co-curricular experience. Being a member of our national fraternity or sorority offers many exciting leadership opportunities.

Fraternity and Sorority life is more than just wearing Greek letters; it is about being a positive influence on your campus and in your community. We invite you to be a part of something bigger than yourself. We invite you to be a part of an active community of students who share the same core values.

We hope you will consider becoming part of a fraternity or sorority at Piedmont University.

Mission

Values

• Leadership
• Personal Development
• Scholarship
• Service

Check Out Our Greek Organization

		Zeta Tau Alpha
		Zeta Tau Alpha was created in 1898 to make a difference in the lives of our members by developing the potential of each individual. We foster strength of character by emphasizing leadership development, service to others, academic achievement and continued personal growth, with a commitment to friendship and the future.

The Greek Life Risk Management Policy

The Greek community at Piedmont University (hereafter referred to as University) has adopted this Risk Management Policy (hereafter referred to as Policy).  For the purposes of this Policy, the term ―fraternity includes sororities,  and  the  term  ―member includes  a fraternity’s members, pledges and associates. Section I of the Alcohol and Drugs Policy and the other separate policies are based on the Risk Management Guidelines of the Fraternal Information and Programming Group (hereafter referred to as FIPG Guidelines).  

This Policy is intended to apply to all Greek Life and all levels of fraternity membership. Our purposes for adopting this Policy are to promote socially acceptable conduct that reflects the pride we have in each other and in the organizations to which we belong and to enhance the safety of our members and guests.  

This Policy is separate from but complements the University’s Student Code of Conduct (hereafter referred to as Student Code), which sets forth standards governing the conduct of all students and sets forth procedures under which the University may initiate disciplinary actions involving individual students and student organizations.  All members of the Greek community are expected to abide by this Policy, the Student Code, and other applicable University rules and regulations and federal, state, and local civil and criminal laws, regulations and ordinances.  In the event of any inconsistencies, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

No policy can cover all the possible situations that may arise.  When this Policy is not specific on a certain point or deferral to the FIPG Risk Management Manual (hereafter referred to as FIPG Manual) is insufficient, chapters are to conduct their activities in the spirit of the social responsibility embodied by this Policy.   Chapters in violation of this Policy will be subject to review by the University and may be subject to judicial action.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

I.   General Policies

A.  The  possession,  sale,  use  or  consumption  of  alcoholic  beverages, 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 rules and regulations of the University, the provisions of this Policy and all guidelines issued pursuant to this Policy, the rules and policies of the fraternity’s (inter)national organization, and the laws, regulations and ordinances of the United States of America, the State of Georgia, Habersham County, and the city of Demorest.

B.  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.

C.  Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are forbidden.

D.  No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one (21).

E. The possession, sale, or use of any illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or controlled substances during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.

F.   No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more than half of its 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 in compliance with the provisions of this Policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list.  

G.  No  chapter  may co-sponsor,  co-finance,  attend  or  participate  in  a  function  at  which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.

H.  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 in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor. 

K. No member, pledge, associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in any drinking game.   Examples of drinking games  include but are not limited to the consumption of shots of any 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.

J.   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 day/night, big brother/little brother events or activities, big sister/little sister events or activities, family events or activities and initiation.

K.  The general policies set forth in this Section I apply to any event or gathering where alcohol is present which a chapter organizes or supports, or which an observer would associate with the chapter, whether or not the event or gathering must be registered in accordance with Section V of this Policy.

L.  For the purposes of Sections II – V of this Policy, an event is defined as any party or function hosted or co-hosted  by a fraternity that  persons other than  members  of the fraternity (guests) are invited to attend. The rules and policies in Section II apply to an event at which alcohol is served or consumed and the rules and policies in Section III apply to an event held using a third party vendor at which alcohol is served or consumed (a Third  Party Vendor Event). The rules and policies in Section IV apply to an event where no alcohol is consumed or available for consumption at the event (an Alcohol-Free Event).

II.  Use of Alcohol at an Event

A.  A fraternity hosting an event with alcohol must comply with the Piedmont Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and the Third Party Vendor Guidelines set forth in the FIPG Guidelines.  The service and consumption of alcohol at the event must also comply with the Georgia alcoholic beverages statutes found in Title 3 of the Georgia Code and the general policies set forth in Section I of this Policy.

B.  Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) events are not permitted.

C.  Possession, use, sale, gift, or other transfer of intoxicants in any form or manner on the University campus is strictly prohibited. Any student present during the violation of this policy may also be subject to judicial action.

D. Consumption of alcohol at an Off Campus Event, even by those of legal drinking age, is prohibited if the ratio of guests to chapter members in attendance at the event exceeds 1 to 2. The total number of chapter members and guests in attendance at the event also must not exceed the fire code capacity of the venue.  (Example: a chapter having

50 members in attendance at an event but with a venue fire code capacity of 130 may not have more than a total of 130 chapter members and guests inside the venue during the event.)

E. All guests at an Off Campus Event must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.   All guests at the event must present proper identification to the fraternity’s door monitor, showing proof of their age.

F. The University may require professional security personnel to be present for any event. The number of attendees, the event, and the potential for crowd control issues will all be factors in determining security for an event. The fraternity will be notified if an event requires security and, if required, proof of security personnel must be submitted with all other event registration documents prior to the event being approved.

III. Third Party Vendor Events

A  The rules and policies in this Section III apply to any Third Party Vendor Event at which alcohol is served or consumed.   A Third Party Vendor Event is any event hosted or co- hosted by a fraternity using a third party vendor that is held off the University’s premises. A fraternity hosting or co-hosting a Third Party Vendor Event must comply with the Third Party Vendor Guidelines set forth in the FIPG Guidelines, the Third Party Vendor Checklist (Appendix A) and must hire a third party vendor holding the proper permit(s) under the Georgia alcoholic beverages statutes to serve the alcohol at the event.

B.  Both the fraternity and the third party vendor are responsible for ensuring that the event is held in compliance with this Policy.   Approved third party vendors will generally be given an updated copy of the Policy annually.  If the third party vendor does not have a copy of the current Policy, the fraternity shall provide a copy to the vendor.

C.  When an event utilizes a third party vendor, the host chapter(s) must inform and have the third party vendor sign the agreement that their business is responsible for:

1. Providing proper licensing by the appropriate state or local authority.
2. A copy of the following documentation must be on file with the Office of Student Life for a specific vendor:

• Copy of the contract with the vendor;
• Copy of the vendor’s proof of insurance;
• Copy of the vendor’s liquor license;
• Contact information for the vendor;
• Copy of the transportation contract; and
• Copy of the catering contract if not provided by the vendor

        The Vendor Must:

• Be properly licensed by the appropriate local and state authority. This might involve both a liquor license and a temporary license to sell on the premises where the function is to be held.
• Be properly insured with a minimum of $1,000,000 of general liability insurance, evidenced by a properly completed certificate of insurance prepared by the insurance provider. The above “certificate of insurance” must also show evidence that the vendor has, as part of his coverage, “off premise liquor liability coverage and non-owned and hired auto coverage.” The certificate of insurance must name an additional insured (at a minimum) the local chapter of the fraternity hiring the vendor as well as the national fraternity with whom the local chapter is affiliated.
• Agree in writing to cash sales only, collected by the vendor, during the function.

D.  Persons whose actions, conduct, and/or demeanor suggest that they may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be prohibited from entering the event.

E. Fraternities that host Third Party Vendor Events are encouraged to secure safe transportation to and from events for members and guests.

F.  Door Management

1.   A printed or typed guest list must be prepared and must be given to the Coordinator of Greek Life at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of each event and maintained at the entrance of the function at all times. All guests must sign in to the function next to their name on the guest list.  Individuals not on the guest list shall not be allowed to attend the event.

2.   The chapter must assign a sufficient number of door monitors who are trained and qualified to enforce the restrictions (e.g., age, guest list) on entering and leaving the event.

3.   Guests  twenty-one  (21)  years  of  age  and  older  must  be  clearly  identified  in  a consistent manner as being of legal drinking age (e.g., by wearing a colored wristband provided to the guest upon entrance.)

4.   Guests shall be required to enter the event through only one (1) entrance; however, all entrances and exits shall be clearly marked, and in no event shall any entrance or exit be locked or otherwise obstructed in violation of applicable fire and safety codes.

5.   Guests whose actions, conduct, and/or demeanor suggest that they may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be prohibited by the door monitor from entering the event.

G.  Sober Monitors

1.   A chapter is required to have at least one (1) sober monitor for every fifteen (15) people present at an Event.   This includes members and guests.   At least one (1) of the sober monitors must be an executive board member or the risk manager of the fraternity, and all sober monitors must have attended and passed annually the Sober Monitor Training program with regard to recognizing an intoxicated person, dealing with a belligerent person, and developing intervention techniques. Sober monitors shall not consume any alcohol or use any illegal drugs or controlled substances at any time during or on the day of the event. A member must be a member of the organization for at least one (1) full semester to be a sober monitor.

2.   The responsibilities of the sober monitors include, but are not limited to, the following:

a.   Obtaining sufficient training and familiarity with this Policy and the FIPG Policy and Manual to carry out their responsibilities as sober monitors.

b.   Monitoring the number of guests at the event and whether they are properly in attendance.

c.   Monitoring compliance by members and guests with Sections I, II, and III of   this Policy.

d.   Monitoring the intoxication level of members and guests and using reasonable efforts, as determined by the monitor, to deal with inappropriate behavior or conduct, including indications of high levels of intoxication (but not at the risk of the monitor’s own safety).  This may include measures such as asking someone to leave the event, or if a person is obviously intoxicated, asking someone to help the person get back to the place where the individual is residing or staying.  However, if violence or other aggressive or illegal behavior has occurred or is threatened, a sober monitor should call the Campus Police rather than intervening directly at the risk of the monitor’s or other members’ or guests’ personal safety.

e.   Ensuring that all door monitors and sober monitors know the location of, are familiar with, and are adhering to the University’s (and, if applicable, the chapter’s) risk management and crisis management plans during the event.

f.   Ensuring that all door monitors and sober monitors are aware of the following telephone numbers, and that the numbers are posted at or near the entrance to the event and are clearly visible and legible:

The posting shall include a statement that 911 should be called from a land line if possible, because a call from a cell phone may not result in the caller being connected to the Demorest dispatch center – thus resulting in a delayed response.

IV.  Alcohol-Free Events

A.  The rules and policies in this Section IV apply to any Alcohol-Free Event.  An Alcohol- Free Event is an event where no alcohol is consumed or available for consumption at the event.

B.  No person shall consume alcohol prior to or during an Alcohol-Free Event.

C. Persons whose actions, conduct, and/or demeanor suggest that they may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be prohibited from entering the event.

V. Registration of Events

A.  Fraternities must register any Event covered by this Policy with the Student Affairs Office and be approved at least five (5) business days in advance of the event, using the proper form(s).

B.  No chapter shall host an event that hasn’t been properly registered, including all required forms and information, in accordance with this Policy.

HAZING

No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct or 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 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 Piedmont or applicable Georgia law.

The Student Code also prohibits hazing (as defined in the Student Code) by University students, student organizations, groups or teams and provides for disciplinary action in the event of a violation.  

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 includes any actions, activities or events 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 entertainers, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this Policy is prohibited.

The Student Code also prohibits sexual harassment and sexual misconduct (as defined in the Student Code) by University students and provides for disciplinary action in the event of a violation.

EDUCATION

All chapters must annually instruct their members regarding this Policy and obtain their signed acknowledgments that they have received and reviewed a copy of the Policy.  Chapter members shall demonstrate their  knowledge  of  the  Policy  by  achieving  a  satisfactory  score  on  a standardized test administered under the supervision of the Student Affairs Office and attending educational programs.

A copy of this Policy shall be available on the fraternity’s website.   The fraternity shall also maintain updated copies of this Policy, the FIPG Policy, the FIPG Manual and its national organization risk management policies for review by members, alumni and key stakeholders.