INTERFRATERNITY AND PANHELLENIC COUNCILS
STANDARDS POLICY
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
Updated Fall 2013
Article I: Scope
This Standards Policy shall cover all social and standards of organizations of the James
Madison University Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils. This policy is intended to
supplement, and not replace, policies found in the James Madison University Student
Handbook, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the policies of inter/national
organizations. If there are discrepancies between national policies and this policy, the
stricter policy shall be followed. Interpretation of these policies shall be at the discretion of
the Interfraternity or Panhellenic Council Judicial Hearing Officer.
This policy shall be reviewed each fall semester.
Article II: Definitions
The definition of a registered social event shall be any event where alcohol is present that
has been registered with the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, James Madison University,
and/or the Harrisonburg Police Department.
The definition of an unregistered social event shall be any event where alcohol is present
that has not been registered with the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, James Madison
University, and/or the Harrisonburg Police Department and is perceived to be sponsored or
endorsed by a fraternity and/or sorority.
Article III: Alcohol and Drugs
Section I. The possession, use, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages while on
organization premises, during an official event, or in any situation sponsored or endorsed by
the organization, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state,
province, county, city, and university.
Section II. No organizational members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve
to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any person under the legal drinking age.
Section III. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through the organization’s treasury
nor may be purchased by a member for members or guests on behalf of the organization.
Section IV. No organization may co-sponsor or co-finance an event where alcohol is
purchased by any of the host organizations.
Section V. No organization may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, promoter
(to be defined as an establishment that provides bulk quantities of any caffeinated
substance, such as Red Bull or Monster), charitable organization, or tavern (to be defined
as an establishment generating more than one-half of annual gross sales from alcohol)
where alcohol is sold, given away, or otherwise provided to those who are present.
Section VI. Bulk quantities of alcohol, such as kegs, are prohibited.
Section VII. No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games”
during any social event, whether registered or unregistered.
Section VIII. No alcohol may be present during recruitment and/or new member activities
associated with the organization.
Section IX. Open parties (to be defined as events with unrestricted access by nonmembers of the organization) are prohibited.
Section X. The possession, sale, and/or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances by
any member of the organization at any event is prohibited.
Article IV: Hazing
Section I. No chapter, colony, student, or alumnus shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or
participate in hazing activities.
Section II. Hazing activities are defined as:
“Any situation created intentionally to produce mental or
physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.
Hazing is defined as on or off-campus activities for the initiation
or induction into an organization which include but are not
limited to calisthenics or other strenuous physical activity;
exposure to inclement weather; consumption of any food,
liquid, beverage, drug, or other substance; confinement in any
room or compartment; spraying, painting, or pelting with any
substance; burying in any substance; burning, branding, or
tattooing; or any other activity which may result in physical
injury or endanger the health or life of the individual being
hazed, regardless of implied or expressed consent of the
victim(s).”
Article V: Sexual Abuse and Harassment
Section I. No fraternity or sorority will tolerate or condone any form of sexually abusive
behavior on the part of one or more of its members. For a more complete list of policies
related to sexually abusive behaviors, members are directed to the James Madison
University Handbook, specifically policies J16-100 on Harassment, J26-100 on Personal
Abuse, and J34-100 on Sexual Assault, as well as applicable state law(s).
Article VI: Event Registration
Section I. Events held when classes or required University activities (i.e. assessment
testing) will be held on the following day may not begin later than 9:30 pm and may not end
later than 1:00 am. Events held when classes or required University activities will not be
held on the following day may not begin prior to 12:00 pm and may not end later than 3:00
am. No event may last longer than four hours.
Section II. A completed event registration packet must be submitted by noon on Tuesday of
the week the event is being registered. This packet includes the alcoholic event registration
form, guest list, and written plan of how the national alcohol policy will be enforced.
Section III. Failure to submit completed and correct registration forms will result in
cancellation of the event. All changes to event paperwork must be communicated to the
Assistant Greek Coordinator for Risk Management and/or the Office of Fraternity & Sorority
Life no less than 24 hours prior to the event.
Section IV. To register a chapter house or other event location, a diagram must be created
by the Assistant Greek Coordinator for Risk Management by no later than the Tuesday prior
to the first registered social event at the location. Diagrams should include the location’s
single entry and exit, bar, bathrooms, and blocked off areas. The diagram will remain on file
with the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
Section V. For each registered social event where alcohol is present, there must be a
minimum of six sobers per sponsoring organization. At third-party vendors, three sobers
per sponsoring organization are required.
Section VI. All third-party vendor events must be registered with the Office of Fraternity &
Sorority Life. If the third-party vendor event is with more than one organization, only one
organization should fill out event registration paperwork, however all organizations involved
must be noted on the event registration paperwork. At third-party events, the vendor is
responsible for checking identification, serving alcohol, etc. - these activities are not
conducted by the sponsoring organization(s).
Section VII. Events registered with organizations not advised by the Office of Fraternity &
Sorority Life are permitted, however the fraternity and/or sorority is responsible for the risk
management of the event. All organizations must be noted on the event registration
paperwork.
Section VIII. Each organization will be allowed a maximum of two events per
week. Organizations must submit an Event Exemption Request if they wish to have more
than two events per week. Requested exemptions to this policy may not exceed two per
semester.
Section IX. Event Exemption Requests must be submitted to the Council Advisor and
Assistant Greek Coordinator for Risk Management no less than ten days prior to the date of
the event. The Event Exemption Request may be submitted via email or in writing and must
include: the policy for which an exemption is being requested, and what steps the
organization will take to circumvent potential policy violations. Approval or denial of the
Event Exemption Request is at the discretion of the Council Advisor and/or Assistant Greek
Coordinator for Risk Management.
Article VII: Guest Lists
Section I. Events are limited to the following size:
Section I a. At third party vendor events, the number of invited guests shall not
exceed the largest organization sponsoring the event plus three guests each.
Section I b. At events held at registered fraternity facilities, the number of invited
guests shall not exceed more than 250 guests (including alumni), or fire marshal
standards (whichever is stricter). Thirty unannounced guests may be added at the
event and paperwork must be submitted at the end of the event.
Section I c. At events that are co-registered between two or three organizations, the
number of invited guests shall not exceed the organization’s members (including
alumni) plus 300 guests. Thirty unannounced guests may be added at the event and
paperwork must be submitted at the end of the event.
Section I d. Events that are registered between four organizations shall not be open
to guests.
Section II. All registered event venues will be checked by the Assistant Greek
Coordinator(s) and Interfraternity or Panhellenic Council Executive Officer(s) on duty to
ensure that the venue and safe in compliance with policy. No events may commence
without the approval of the Assistant Greek Coordinator and Interfraternity or Panhellenic
Council Executive Officer.
Article VIII: Sobers and Enforcement
Section I. At a non-third party vendor event, there shall be a minimum of six sober
members of the sponsoring organization(s). These sobers will be listed by name/office on
the event registration form and must be present for the duration of the event.
Section II. One sober member must be on the organization’s executive board, and this
member shall not be assigned to any specific location but will oversee all other sober
members.
Section III. The names of the sober members and the executive board member working the
event shall be posted by the front door and shall be clearly visible.
Section IV. Members identified as sober(s) for an event shall not consume alcohol during
the day of the party.
Section V. All events shall be contained within the perimeter of the fraternity’s specified
event room. No one shall leave the party room with an open container of alcohol.
Section V. It shall be the added responsibility of the sober members to take charge of
upholding and self-policing compliance with policy during the event. The sober executive
board member is expected to end, at anytime, the event if he/she perceives unsafe
conditions to exist. The Assistant Greek Coordinator and Interfraternity or Panhellenic
Council Executive Officer will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with policy, and
may require the organization to end the event at any time and for any violation of the policy.
Section VI. Mistreatment of the Assistant Greek Coordinator and/or Interfraternity or
Panhellenic Council Executive Officer will not be tolerated. Organizations are expected to
comply with all directives immediately.
Article IX: Front Door Policy
Section I. No person will be permitted to enter a registered event unless he or she is a
registered guest and has had his/her name placed on the guest list. Each guest must be
sponsored by a member or associate member of the host organization.
Section II. At least two sober members of the organization shall be present at the front door
for the duration of the event to actively enforce the front door policy.
Section III. A clean, dry, and manageable guest list must be maintained at the front table.
Section IV. Each guest of the host organization must present a valid James Madison
University Identification Card or other form of valid identification upon admittance. As
individuals enter the event, their names shall be highlighted on the guest list with a
highlighter. Magic markers, pens, or other writing utensils are prohibited.
Section V. Out of town guests (non-JMU students not on the original guest list submitted
with event registration paperwork) must be placed on a separate guest list that is not to
exceed 30 individuals. Out of town guests must present valid identification, and may not
include anyone under the age of 18 (including high school students).
Section VI. Each guest who provides proof of legal drinking age shall be issued a wristband
upon entrance to the event. Nothing may be substituted for wristbands. Wristbands must
be available at the front door at all times if alcohol is being served, and no more guests may
be admitted if the organization runs out of wristbands.
Section VII. Each guest who is not of legal drinking age shall be marked with a legible,
permanent mark on his/her hand.
Section VIII. Each organization has the right to refuse admittance to anyone, unless that
person can prove with valid identification that he/she is a first responder (police officer,
firefighter, and/or EMS/EMT), Fraternity & Sorority Life staff member, or Interfraternity or
Panhellenic Executive Board Officer.
Section IX. The host organization(s) shall stop admitting guests at any point when the
number of people in the event room becomes unsafe.
Section X. The marked off guest list shall be collected at the end of the event by the
Assistant Greek Coordinator or Interfraternity or Panhellenic Council Executive Board
Officer.
Article X: Rear Door Policy
Section I. No persons shall be admitted through the rear door with the exception of the
Assistant Greek Coordinator, Interfraternity or Panhellenic Council Executive Board Officer,
and first responders (police officer, firefighter, and/or EMS/EMT).
Section II. At least one member of the fraternity shall always be present at the rear door.
Article XI: Bar Policy
Section I. No guest, member, or alumni of legal drinking age may bring in more than the
number of 12 ounce beers in aluminum cans specified by inter/national policy. No liquor,
wine, or glass containers shall be allowed at any event, unless permitted by inter/national
policy. If permitted by inter/national policy, only 30 ounces of wine per person is permitted.
Section II. No one who appears to be intoxicated shall be served alcohol.
Section III. The bar must be operated by initiated members over the age of 21. Only sober
members assigned to work the bar for the event are allowed behind the bar.
Section IV. Bar operators must check for the present of a wristband prior to serving any
individual.
Section V. Only one beer or serving of wine (where permitted by inter/national policy) may
be served per trip to the bar.
Section VI. When serving wine (if permitted by inter/national policy), bartenders must pour
each serving into a clear plastic solo cup. When serving beer, bartenders may serve the
alcohol in its original container (a 12 ounce aluminum can).
Section VII. Non-alcoholic beverages must be available and visible, and produced upon
request at the bar. Suitable non-alcoholic beverages include but are not limited to bottled
water, soda, fruit juice, etc. Energy drinks are not considered suitable non-alcoholic
beverages.
Article X: Egress from Events, Health and Safety
Section I. All chapter houses, whether official or unofficial, should meet local fire and health
codes and possess up to date fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
Section II. All organizations shall have posted emergency numbers for fire, police, and
ambulance, and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of each
sleeping room.
Section III. All organizations shall comply with engineering recommendations as reported
by the insurance company.
Section IV. At no time shall any entrances or exits be blocked by furniture, debris, bikes,
etc.
Section V. Occupancy shall at no time exceed the limit of the venue, as stated by the fire
marshal.
Section VI. In the case of a fire drill or fire alarm, total evacuation is imperative and
mandatory. It is the responsibility of the sober members to ensure the safety of the guests
and oversee the evacuation.
Section VII. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive devices or any kind within
the confines and premises of any chapter house, whether official or unofficial, is prohibited.
Article XI: Education
Section I. Each organization’s president, social chair, and risk manager shall be trained by
the Assistant Greek Coordinator for Risk Management on proper risk management. These
members are expected to educate their organizations on policy prior to any social events
taking place. Organizations should make every effort to have the Assistant Greek
Coordinator assigned to the organization present at risk management presentations made
to the organization.
Section II. Each organization is responsible for educating members on national policies
regarding events with alcohol, as well as training members on enforcement of these
policies.
Section II. Each organization shall include risk management training in its new member
education plan.
Section III. The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life shall verify completion of the required
training session(s).
Section IV. The Assistant Greek Coordinator for Risk Management shall hold meetings as
deemed necessary with the president, social chair, and risk manager of all
organizations. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory.
Section V: Unusual incidents (fights, sexual harassment, assault, theft, vandalism, etc.)
shall be reported to the appropriate department (police, fire, EMT) immediately and to the
Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life as soon as possible.
Article XII: Conduct Unbecoming of a Member/Organization
Section I. Organizations, or multiple individuals from an organization who exhibit behavior
that compromises the harmony the FSL, JMU, and/or Harrisonburg communities shall be
held accountable. Examples of such on or off-campus behavior would include, but not be
limited to the following:
Section I a. No member or organization shall damage/vandalize, attempt to
damage/vandalize or participate in the damage/vandalism of property belonging to
another.
Section I b. No member or organization shall throw or cause to be projected any
object or substance, which has potential for damaging or defacing university or
private property or causing personal injury or disruption of activity.
Section I c. No member or organization shall direct a serious expression of the
intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of
individuals.
Section I d. No member or organization shall direct expressions that can be
reasonably anticipated to incite a violent reaction from an individual or group of
individuals at anyone.
Section I e. No member or organization shall steal, attempt to steal or assist in the
theft of any money, property or item of value not belonging to him or her.
Section I f. No member or organization shall illegally use or appropriate or possess
any property not belonging to him or her.
Section I g. No member or organization shall engage or attempt to engage in any
form of violence directed toward another person or group of people.
Section I h. No member or organization shall utilize electronic means to bully,
harass, or otherwise negatively engage another person or group of people.
Article XIII. Standards and Judicial, Enforcement
Section I. Any hearing for a violation of this policy will adhere to guidelines set by the
Interfraternity or Panhellenic Council Judicial Policy.
Section II. Automatic closing of a registered function will occur if one or more of the
following are observed by the Assistant Greek Coordinator and/or Interfraternity or
Panhellenic Council Executive Officer:
Section II a. Any sober member is believed to have consumed alcohol on the day of
or during the event that they are working.
Section II b. The organization runs out of wristbands and continues to permit entry
of guests.
Section II c. Minors are observed being served over the bar.
Section II d. There is the observed presence of liquor, wine, or drinking games.
Section II e. There are visibly intoxicated guests or members observed being served
over the bar.
Section II f. The organization can no longer control the safety of the event, or the
Assistant Greek Coordinator or Interfraternity or Panhellenic Council Executive
Board Officer believe the event to be unsafe for the guests and hosts.
Section II g. The organization has received a prior warning and has not made any
corrections.
Section III. The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils, with the recommendation of that
Council’s Judicial Hearing Board and the consent of the University administration, shall
have the right to withdraw IFC or Panhellenic membership from any fraternity or sorority
displaying actions detrimental to James Madison University and/or the fraternity and sorority
community.
Section IV. Organizations that have below a 2.7 cumulative Grade Point Average in the
previous semester shall be placed on social suspension by the Interfraternity or Panhellenic
Council. All events with alcohol (whether registered or unregistered) shall be prohibited
until the organization has sufficient evidence that it has taken corrective measures.
Organizations shall be able to participate in all other activities while on social suspension.
Section V. Organizations shall be eligible to appeal social suspension for an insufficient
cumulative Grade Point Average not sooner than halfway through the semester of their
suspension. Appeals shall be heard by the council judicial hearing board.
Section VI. Organizations that have below five hours of community service per member per
semester in the previous semester shall be placed on social suspension by the
Interfraternity or Panhellenic Council. All events with alcohol (whether registered or
unregistered) shall be prohibited until the organization has sufficient evidence that it has
taken corrective measures. Organizations shall be able to participate in other activities
while on social suspension.
Section VII. Organizations shall be eligible to appeal social suspension for an insufficient
amount of community service hours not sooner than halfway through the semester of their
suspension. Appeals shall be heard by the council judicial hearing board.
Article XIV: Posting of This Policy
Section I. A legible copy of this policy, the organization’s national policy, and the
organization’s plan for enforcing the national policy shall be posted at the front door of each
party room and at the bar in each house.