Student Organization Policies and Procedures

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The mission of Student Life is to enhance the personal development, well-being and intellectual growth of our students.  We cultivate discovery, collaboration, civic engagement and the exchange of ideas through innovative programs and a diverse residential community experience.

We engage students and student organizations through programs, services and individualized opportunities that support the ideals of a liberal arts education.

We create a welcoming, vibrant environment where our students can flourish and develop as global citizens and leaders with a passion and tenacity for lifelong learning.

As such, student organizations, clubs and similarly organized groups are recognized by the University to allow current students to gather together in shared missions and intents.  These organizations contribute positively to the campus, adhere to expectations for the entire Furman community, and abide by all University policies governing both individual students and student organizations.

Groups of students not officially recognized by the University may not affiliate themselves with Furman University, the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion or other official University organizations.  Many benefits are extended to officially recognized student organizations, such as the ability to reserve campus facilities, the ability to advertise for organization activities on campus, and the ability to apply for funding through the Student Government Association.

The Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion desires to support and encourage all student organizations, student leaders and advisors at Furman University.  This goal will be achieved through personal relationships, training sessions and established expectations and policies. 

Key Terms & Relationships

Student Organization

A student organization is defined as a group of currently enrolled undergraduate day students who unite around a common interest.  Student organizations may have non-student members as part of the organization, but non-student members may not be considered voting members.  Only students may serve as officers or have a controlling interest in the organization.

Organizational Activity

Furman University defines Organizational Activity as any activity, on- or off-campus, sponsored or endorsed by an organization recognized by Furman or any activity a reasonable person would associate with the organization. Organizational Activity is not defined by the number of members engaging in the activity.

Organizational Assumption of Risk

Student organizations and their membership assume responsibility for their actions. Furman University is not responsible for any injury, damage, debt or other liability caused by the Organizational Activities.  The University’s General Polices for Student Organizations, Risk Management Policies for Organizational Events with Alcohol, Student Organization Conduct Expectations, and other applicable university policies are only intended to provide guidance to reduce risk and to help Student Organizations contribute positively to the campus.

Organizational Conduct Action - Internal

Organizations may not address a member’s violations of university policy via internal standards boards or other accountability mechanisms without prior approval of the Assistant Vice President for Student Development. Conduct expectations unique to membership in the organization and that do not overlap or otherwise interfere with university authority may be addressed at the organization’s discretion.

Organizational Conduct Action - University

Conduct action may be taken against a student organization for Organizational Activity. Furthermore, conduct action may be taken against a student organization for the acts of individual members when a reasonable person would find that:

• The acts grow out of, or are directly related to, the organization’s activities or an environment created or knowingly permitted by the organization; or 
• A member of an organization is violating local, state, or federal laws or University regulations and other members are present and failing to discourage such activity, thus silently condoning the behaviors.

In addition to conduct action being taken against an organization, action may also be taken against members and officers as individuals for their roles in any violation of University policy.

Policy Conflicts

If any conflict arises between policies applicable to a student organization, including but not limited to its national organization policy, FIPG policy, University policy and/or federal, state or local laws, the more stringent policy will control for the Organizational Activity.

University Discretion

The Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion has sole discretion for approving Organizational Activity as well as interpreting policies and procedures that effect Organizational Activity. 

The Assistant Vice President of Student Development or his/her designee has sole discretion for determining appropriate conduct action for an organization and/or individual members as well as interpreting policies and procedures that effect to conduct action.  

General Policies for Student Organizations

Recognition of Student Organizations

1. Student organizations fall into two classifications:
   • Recognized Student Organization
   • Sponsored Student Organizations 
2. Privileges of a Recognized Student Organization
   • Reserving and using University spaces and facilities for events and meetings
   • Scheduling events on the University Calendar
   • Inclusion in various University publications
   • Use of the “Furman University” name
   • Eligibility to participate in the annual Student Involvement Fair
   • Access to support services in the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion
3. Privileges of a Sponsored Student Organization
   • All of the privileges permitted to Recognized Student Organizations
   • University provision of additional leadership and professional development
   • Eligibility to apply for funding from the Student Government Association (SGA), funding requests should be made to the SGA Treasurer and Finance Committee
4. To gain recognition, new student organizations must provide the following information to the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion and SGA, via SyncDin:
   • A constitution following the guidelines provided
   • An active membership roster, must include at least 10 non-senior/graduating students
   • Name, title, and contact information of university faculty/staff serving an organization advisor(s)
   • Completed Student Organization Application
5. A founding member of the new student organizations must meet with a staff member in the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion prior to receiving recognition.
6. Student Organizations unable to find a University faculty/staff member willing to serve as an advisor prior to receiving recognition may be granted probationary status for up to one academic year. During this time the organization will be allowed to operate as a recognized student organization under the guidance of the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion. If, at the end of the academic year, the organization has not found a faculty/staff advisor, recognition will be revoked.
7. Materials submitted for Recognized Student Organizations will be reviewed and approved/denied by the SGA Vice President and the Director of Student Involvement and Inclusion or his/her designee.
8. Materials submitted for Sponsored Student Organizations will be reviewed and approved/denied by the SGA Student Organizations Committee, as well as the full council.
9. Applications for new student organizations will only be accepted during the first four weeks of each semester.
10. Student organizations classified as a Recognized Student Organization wishing to re-classify as a Sponsored Student Organization in order to obtain SGA funding may do so following the guidelines listed above.
11. In order to maintain status as recognized or sponsored, student organizations must:
    • Annually complete the End of Year Report & Re-registration form via syncDIN each spring;
    • Maintain accurate membership and contact information on syncDIN;
    • Register all events with the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion via syncDIN; and
    • Substantially comply with University policies and procedures as well as directives from University officials.
12. All student organizations insured by an external insurance company must annually provide a copy of their insurance policy to the University’s Director of Risk Management; that policy must include a provision(s) that names Furman University as an additional insured and provides commercial general liability of $1 million/$2 million aggregate.

Membership in Governing Councils

1. To be officially recognized by the University,
2. All men’s and women’s social Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities must be members of the University’s governing bodies for fraternities and sororities - Furman Panhellenic Council (FPC), Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) or National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) - and will operate under their constitutions and by-laws.
3. All organized religious organizations must be members of the Religious Council - and will operate under their constitution and by-laws.
4. All organized sports club organizations must be members of the Recreational Sports Council - and will operate under their constitution and by-laws.
5. All organized multicultural or identity-based organizations must be members of the Student Diversity Council - and will operate under their constitution and by-laws.
6. All student media organizations must be members of the Student Media Board - and will operate under their constitution and by-laws.

Allocation Procedure for Student Government Funds

The allocation of all monies collected in the Student Government Fee is the final responsibility of the President of the university. The recommendations on allocations of monies to student organizations are initiated by the Student Government Association (SGA). Any qualified student organization may request allocations by presenting a written request and justification to SGA. Final SGA budget recommendations are then submitted to the Vice President for Student Life or his/her designee(s) for approval.

Facility Reservations and Use

University facilities may be scheduled only by recognized student organizations.  Request a reservation in the Trone Student Center.  Click here to reserve the front porch of the Duke Library.  To request a reservation in another campus facility, log into “My Furman” and click on “Events Calendar.”

International Travel

A student organization planning travel outside the continental United States must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Prior to confirming reservations for international travel, religious organizations should consult with the Office of Spiritual Life, club sports should consult with the Director of Campus Recreation, and all other student organizations should consult with the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion.  Final approval must be granted by the Rinker Center for Study Away and International Education. 
2. Each student attending must complete the International Travel Release Form through the Rinker Center. By signing this form, each attendee agrees to follow all Furman University policies and procedures as stated in the Student Handbook.
3. A Furman University faculty, staff, campus minister, religious advisor, or designee must travel with the organization. The designee(s) must be approved by the Rinker Center prior to any trip commitment, and must have a current background check on file with the University before final approval. The designee must also meet with the Rinker Center and complete any required training necessary for leading a trip abroad. 
4. Travelers of Furman-sponsored trips are automatically eligible for coverage on Furman University’s International Sickness and Accident Policy. Students should review the summary of coverage for information on policy limits, exclusions and deductibles. All participants will sign a waiver form, which will be provided by the Faculty/Staff/Designee traveling with the trip. 
5. All participants must complete a Medical Disclosure Form. 
6. At times, students travel independently to international locations. Should a student choose to travel independently and not under the jurisdiction of Furman University, the following will apply: 
   • Trips cannot be advertised or promoted on campus via posters, flyers, etc.
   • Any off-campus publications or promotional materials that an organization does send out must have a printed disclaimer conveying that the trip is not sponsored by Furman University.
   • Student organization funds cannot be used for international travel. 
   • International Sickness and Accident insurance coverage will not be available through Furman University. 

Off-Campus Activities

Any Organization Activity taking place off-campus requires an Event Authorization Form to be submitted two weeks (14 days) in advance to the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion.

Posting of Signs and Banners

The University recognizes the need for registered student groups and other University sanctioned organizations and individuals to communicate their activities, services, and ideas to the campus community, as well as the need to provide a visually pleasing and organized setting for the campus community to receive such communication.  Refer to the Posting of Signs and Banners Policy for guidelines.

Solicitation

Solicitation guidelines are available in the Use of University Space Policy (K. Non-Event Use of University Space. 1. Solicitation).

Risk Management Policies for Organizational Events with Alcohol

These expectations and policies are designed to aid Furman University’s student organizations, student leaders, advisors and alumnae in reducing risk, promoting the health and safety of its students and protecting its student organizations.

Furman University expects that each member of a student organization takes responsibility for themselves and their actions as well as shows care and concern for others. Students are personally responsible for making safety a priority. These policies are intended to promote well-reasoned decision-making by student organization members and their guests.

Hosting Alcohol Events

The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcohol beverages during an Organizational Activity, (Alcohol Events) must receive approval from the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion. Additionally, all Alcohol Events must be in compliance with any and all applicable country, federal, state, and local laws as well as the risk management policies outlined below. Any Alcohol Events hosted by an IFC organization must also comply with either the Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) or Third-Party Vendor (TPV) guidelines as outlined in the Fraternal Information & Programming Group (FIPG) policies, found at http://www.fipg.org/ which is provided for convenience but is not incorporated into the University’s Student Conduct Code.

There are four methods by which a student organization may host Alcohol Events. These methods consider where the student organization plans on hosting the event (whether on campus, at a rented or reserved off-campus venue or in a fraternity house) and how the alcohol will be served (either by a Third-Party Vendor or “Bring Your Own Beverage”).

1. Bon Appetit Dining Services as the vendor at an on-campus venue 
2. Third-Party Vendor (TPV) at an off-campus venue 
3. Third-Party Vendor (TPV) at a fraternity house
4. Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) at a fraternity house

An Alcohol Event on campus, in a fraternity house or at a rented/reserved venue off campus requires an Event Authorization Form to be submitted two weeks (14 days) in advance to the Office of Student Involvement & Inclusion unless otherwise stated in this policy.

Failure to officially register Alcohol Events will result in the cancellation of the event (if discovered prior to the event) and/or conduct action including, but not limited to, a warning, fine, community service and/or social probation (if discovered after the event has occurred).

A “venue” is defined as a secured enclosed area with a designated entrance and exit that can be monitored.  Open areas such as fields or fence enclosures are not considered secured venues.

Risk Management Requirements for Alcohol Events On Campus

Prior to receiving approval from Student Life, all on-campus events with alcohol must meet the guidelines established under the University’s administrative policy on alcohol, which can be found here.

Risk Management Requirements for Alcohol Events Off Campus

Violations of the following requirements are enforced via the University’s conduct process.

General Policies:

• Bar Crawls: No organization may sponsor or participate in any activity that involves traveling in an organized manner to multiple drinking locations.
• Common Source Alcohol: The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcohol beverage (i.e. kegs, cases, boxes of wine, etc.) is prohibited. 
• Co-Sponsorship with Alcohol Distributor: No student organization 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. No student organization shall enter into an agreement with said establishment with regard to the sale or distribution of alcohol beverages. This shall include, but is not limited to, any of the following arrangements:
  • The student organization sells or otherwise shares a profit from the sale of alcohol or serves as a cosponsor of an event involving alcohol with an establishment whose primary business is the selling of alcohol beverages.
  • The student organization advertises or distributes advertising for programs or activities promoted by an establishment whose primary business function is the selling of alcohol beverages. 
  • The student organization receives free or discounted room rental rates or other goods or services in exchange for holding an event with alcohol or meeting a bar receipt minimum. 

However, an organization 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.  In essence, the student organization must be the sole sponsor of the event.

• Cover Charges: No student organization shall collect a cover charge, donation, or admission fee, which entitles a guest to alcohol beverages or utilize alcohol beverages as contest prizes. Exemptions for charging admittance fees must be approved by the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion through the event registration process (i.e. chapter reunions, family weekend events, etc.).
• Drinking Games: Organizations shall not permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in “drinking games.” The definition of drinking games includes, but is not limited to, the competitive or rapid consumption of alcohol (i.e. “beer pong,” “quarters,” “century club,” “funneling,” etc.); the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age; dares; or any other activity involving the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.
• Dry Recruitment: All recruitment activities associated with any student organization will be non-alcoholic. No recruitment activities associated with any organization may be held at or in conjunction with an alcohol distributor or tavern as defined in this policy. All student organization activities within 24 hours before, during, and 24 hours following selection (i.e. Bid Day) and initiation must also be dry. Furman University considers recruitment to be the informal or formal effort to recruit new members that occurs year round.
• New Members and Alcohol: No alcohol shall be provided at any new member program, activity or ritual of the student organization. This includes, but is not limited to, activities associated with “Bid Day/Night;” “big/little” events or activities; “family” events or activities that include new members; and initiation. Furman University encourages all members of the organization to remain dry for a two-week period following bid day.
• Philanthropic Events: Furman student organizations are prohibited from co-sponsoring philanthropic events and/or fundraisers in conjunction with any alcohol distributor or tavern as defined in this policy.
• Provision to a Minor: No members, collectively or individually, shall provide alcohol beverages to any person under the legal drinking age.
• Usage of Organization Funds: Alcohol beverages may not be purchased through or with student organization or any other University funds, nor may the purchase of alcohol beverages for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf of, the group. At an event sponsored by a student organization involving alcohol beverages, the cost of the alcohol beverages may not be included in any admission, meal, or entertainment charge.

Prior to the Event:

• Attendance and Guest List: A guest list must be turned in to the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion 24 hours prior to any event for pre-approval and the completed event guest list must be turned in within 72 hours after the event.
  • Alcohol Event at a Private Residence
    • Capacity for an alcohol event at a private residence is defined as the lower of two guests per member or fire code capacity, whether BYOB or third-party vendor. The pre-approved and completed event guest lists may not exceed two guests per member.
  • Alcohol Event at a Third-Party Venue
    • Capacity for an alcohol event at a Third-Party Venue is defined as the lower of two guests per member or fire code capacity, whether BYOB or third-party vendor.  The pre-approved and completed event guest lists may not exceed four guests per member. When the venue has reached capacity, another guest may replace an individual who leaves the event (One-In-One-Out Rule).  Security hired by the third party venue must administer the One-In-One-Out Rule.
  • Open Parties
    • Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the student organization, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are strictly prohibited.  Limited exceptions will be made for non-Greek, campus-wide events as approved by the AVP for Student Development or his/her designee.

A guest that the organization failed to include in the pre-approved list may be admitted if the person’s identification is checked, name is accurately documented for the completed event guest list, and the organization did not use its full allotment of invitations on the pre-approved guest list.

• Advertising: Any advertisement distributed or posted on campus shall not contain any explicit reference to alcohol beverages.
• Event Authorization: Event authorization forms must be completed and returned to the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion fourteen (14) days prior to the event.
• Pre-Partying: Consuming alcohol prior to any student organization social event or activity is prohibited. This includes the residence halls, apartments, fraternity houses and off-campus venues.
• Risk Management Training: In order to be eligible to host a social event with alcohol, each organization’s appropriate officers (i.e. president, social chairman, risk manager) must attend a risk management workshop provided by the Division of Student Life. These workshops will be provided each semester to accommodate the election of new officers and ensure communication of current information and university policy. All new members of fraternities and sororities are required to attend a risk management workshop prior to the initiation date of the respective student organization. Requests for individual student organization workshops should be made to the Assistant Dean of Students / Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator (office located in the Student Life Suite, Trone Student Center).
• Security: Security must be hired for all BYOB events with 50 or more attendees.  The only exception is a closed event where only members of the organization are in attendance.  The security company must be SLED certified and approved by the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion.  At TPV events, organizations can hire off-duty police officers to serve in this capacity.
• Sober Party Monitor (SPM) Training:  A minimum of 15% of each organization must be trained as sober party monitors. Only these trained students can serve in this capacity during events. Training will be offered each semester.
• Themes:  All event themes must be included on the event authorization form and approved by the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion prior to the advertising of or invitations to the event are distributed. Themes must not be demeaning.

During the Event:

• Checking IDs: The student organization or venue is responsible for hiring security to check IDs at the door and physically identify those of legal drinking age with a wristband.  Underage attendees will be marked with an X on their hand. Students may not check IDs; the Third-Party Vendor or security at the off-campus facility must check IDs.
• Event Duration: Events may not last longer than four hours, including last call. All events must be concluded by 2 a.m. Exemptions must be approved by the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion through the event registration process.
• Outside Beverages: No outside unsealed beverages are to be brought into student organization events where alcohol is present. This includes, but is not limited to, water bottles, sodas, cups, etc.
• Sober Party Monitors (SPM): Organizations must have trained SPMs for events. This should involve all members and new members on a rotation schedule from event to event. SPMs will not consume alcohol or illegal substances before or during the event. SPM duties should include overseeing the function to make sure attendees are adhering to safe social practices and following risk management policies. It is recommended to have one SPM per 15-20 attendees. SPMs may not serve “shifts” throughout the event checking in hourly with paid security.

After the Event:

• Post-Event Documentation: Completed guest sign-in forms and Event Security Checklist must be turned in the next business day following any event.

Third-Party Vendor Requirements:

• The appropriate local and state authority must properly license the Third Party Vendor (TPV). This might involve both a liquor license and a temporary license to sell on the premises where the function is to be held.
• The TPV must 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 naming Furman University as the additional insured.
• The TPV must agree to per-drink sales only, collected by the vendor, during the function. 
• The TPV must assume, in writing, all the responsibilities that any other purveyor of alcohol beverages would assume in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to: 
  • Checking I.D. cards upon entry
  • Not serving minors 
  • Not serving individuals who appear to be too intoxicated 
  • Maintaining absolute control of ALL alcohol containers present.
  • Monitoring fire code/guest list capacity for the event.
• Shots may not be served.
• All of the above information shall be provided in writing by the TPV to the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion upon registration.

BYOB Procedures:

• Security must be present at events with alcohol that include 50 or more attendees. The security company must be South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) certified and approved by the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion. 
• A check-in and distribution system for alcohol at BYOB events is required. 
• Only one beverage can be distributed to its owner at a time. 
• Clear cups must be used for all beverages. Cans and plastic bottles must be emptied into a clear cup.
• Alcohol brought to the event by an individual is for that individual’s consumption and is not to be given away, sold or otherwise provided to others. The alcohol that each person may bring and consume to a BYOB event is no more than: six 12-ounce beers or four 187 mL (mini/individual containers) of wine for each person of legal drinking age who will be consuming alcohol at this event. Beverages must be no more than 5.0% alcohol for beer and 12% for wine. 
• Beer or small individual serving bottles of wine are the only type of alcohol allowed at BYOB events. No glass bottles are allowed. No hard liquor is allowed.  Residents of a fraternity house must keep personal hard liquor secured for the duration of the event.
• There shall be no beverages served from a bulk or common source of alcohol, including, but not limited to, a keg, punch bowl, box of wine or pitcher.

Risk Management Recommendations for Alcohol Events Off Campus

The following recommendations are provided in order for a student organization to host safe events; however, they are not enforced via the University’s conduct process.

General Policies:

• Chaperones: Though not required, organization advisors can serve as chaperones to Furman social events. Their role is to monitor the event as a sober party monitor. They should not serve in the capacity of bartender, designated driver, security, ID verification, etc.
• Commercial Transportation: When commercial transportation is used, no alcohol will be transported in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Students must load buses from a location on campus. At this location, the organization must make arrangements for an approved security or police officer to monitor the loading process. A recognized organization advisor may substitute for the officer, but must be pre-approved by the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion. It is recommended that no special privileges or boarding times be given for transportation. An example might be assigning a “senior bus.”
• Designated Drivers: Designated drivers are allowed only when they are associated with a social event registered with the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion. There should be enough drivers to accommodate the safe transportation of all members and guests. This must involve the participation of all members on a rotation basis, though the University discourages the use of new members (see New Member Driving under Hazing Policy). Designated drivers must have a current driver’s license and personal auto insurance policy. The designated driver will obey all state, city and county safety and motor vehicle laws. The designated driver will not consume any alcohol or illegal substances before or during an event. No alcohol will be transported in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Designated drivers are to cease all transportation of members and guests by 2:30 a.m. Organizations are prohibited from utilizing only non-initiated, new, or non-members as designated drivers.
• Food/Alternative Beverages: Provision of food and non-alcohol beverages at all Furman social events with alcohol is recommended. There should be unsalted food options and the non-alcohol beverages should be cold. These food and beverages must be provided free of charge.
• Former Members: Alumni and/or former members may not attend any events, unless requested in the event registration and approved. This does not apply to chapter advisors.
• Insurance: The student organization should have or show proof that the third-party vendor has the appropriate liability insurance to host social events with alcohol at an off-campus location.
• Last Call: The service/consumption of alcohol should stop at least one hour before the event ends.
• Same Day Events Outside of Greenville: In the event a student organization holds a social function with alcohol away from Greenville and travel to and from will occur on the same day as the event, all members and guests attending shall travel by bus or commercial transportation. Exceptions are permitted only with written approval from the Office of Student Involvement and Inclusion.

Student Organization Conduct Expectations

Application of Student Conduct Code

Upon determination that conduct action will be taken against an organization, the organization may be charged with any violation(s) listed in the Student Conduct Code.

In addition to the Student Conduct Code, the following policies apply to student organizations specifically.

Demeaning Behavior

Any actions, activities, events or themes, whether on or off campus, which are demeaning and/or discriminatory based on a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or sexual orientation including, but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct by individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a student organization event is prohibited.  See the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Drug-Free Campus

The possession, sale or use of any illegal drugs, controlled substances or prescription drugs without a valid medical prescription while on student organization premises or Organizational Activity is strictly prohibited.

Failure to Adhere to General Policies for Student Organizations

Organizations are expected to make a good faith effort to comply with all general policies. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Failure to register an off-campus events when the university learns of the event after-the-fact; and
• Failure to adhere to the posting policing, including not interfering with the postings of others. Lack of knowledge is not an acceptable defense.

Failure to Adhere to Risk Management Policies

Organizations are expected to make a good faith effort to comply with all risk management policies. Lack of knowledge is not an acceptable defense.

Hazing

Furman University Statement on Hazing

Hazing is inconsistent with the values of Furman University and is a violation of South Carolina law. It is the responsibility of each student of a given organization to prevent and confront hazing within organizations. Any organization found responsible of hazing will be placed on probation or suspended from the University.

Hazing Policy

No organization, student or alumnus shall conduct or condone hazing activities. “Hazing” is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.

Hazing includes any type of:

• Action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off University premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
• Physical brutality including, but not limited to, whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity; 
• Physical activity including, but not limited to, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; 
• Activity involving consumption of a food, liquid, alcohol beverage, drug, or other substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
• Activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from entering or remaining registered in an educational institution, or that may reasonably be expected to cause a student to leave the organization or the institution rather than submit to acts described in this subdivision. Examples include but are not limited to quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; and late work sessions that interfere with scholastic activities; and 
• Activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Student Conduct Code or South Carolina State Law.

Definition of a New Member

At Furman, the term “new member” is used in place of the term “pledge.”  “New member” is defined as any person who has been accepted by, is in the process of qualifying for membership or gaining status in an organization, or is distinguished by the organization as having a lower standard due to seniority during the semester which they join. “New member education” means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization. “Organization” means a fraternity, sorority, association, corporation, order, society, corps, club, or service, social, or similar group, whose members are primarily students.

Personal Hazing Offense

A person commits a hazing offense if the person:

• engages in hazing;
• solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing;
• recklessly permits hazing to occur; or 
• has firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student or has firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred and knowingly fails to report that knowledge in writing to Student Life office or other appropriate official of the institution. 

Organization Hazing Offense

An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.

New Member Driving

New members of a fraternity, sorority or other student organization are eligible to serve as designated drivers to and from weekend registered events only. They are to be utilized on a rotating basis (i.e. not every weekend) and must work alongside initiated members who are also designated drivers. New members are ineligible to serve as designated drivers during weekday registered events. New members can serve as designated drivers 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after the registered event and no later than 2:30 a.m.

New members may not drive initiated members to any other organizational activity (i.e. any activity that is a by-product of affiliation, dinner outing with an initiated member, or providing initiated members and initiated members’ friends a ride to class or off-campus locations).

Consent Not a Defense

It is not a defense under this policy that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity. South Carolina state law does not permit a person to consent to hazing.

Retaliation

It is both unlawful and a violation of Furman’s Student Conduct Code for members of the Furman community to retaliate against any individual who files a complaint, testifies, or participates in any manner in an investigation or proceeding. The respondent and/or those supporting the respondent are prohibited from retaliating (including intimidating, threatening, coercing, or in any way discriminating against the individual) because of the individual’s complaint or participation. Furman will vigorously enforce this prohibition against retaliation.

Furman’s Campus Conduct Hotline

To report any hazing activity, you may call Furman’s Campus Conduct Hotline at 866-943-5787.

Greek Hazing Hotline

If you are part of the Greek community and are uncomfortable about speaking to Furman officials about the hazing activity, you may call the Greek Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE (888-668-4293).

Violation of Federal, State or Local Law

Alleged violations of any federal, state or local law may be adjudicated as a University violation and can subject the organization or the individuals affiliated with the organization or event to University student conduct sanctions, as well as appropriate criminal or civil action.

Student Organization Conduct Procedures

The process for resolving alleged violations of the Student Organization Conduct Expectations is outlined in the Student Conduct Procedures in the Student Handbook. Any alleged violations of the General Policies for Student Organizations will be resolved by the Director of Student Involvement and Inclusion or his/her designee.

The Vice President for Student Life reserves the right to not recognize or to revoke any organization charter when it is deemed that the organization’s goals are not compatible with the overall mission of Furman University.