Hazing Policy

National Policies on Invitation to Pledge, Hazing, and Initiation Ceremony

Invitation to Pledge

It is an honor to be selected for membership in Alpha Psi Omega/Delta Psi Omega, and prospective members work hard to meet the requirements for the societies. Chapters should state clearly what requirements must be met and how one may apply for membership. National Standards, listed in the 1997 revised National Constitution, may be raised by individual chapters but may not be lowered. It is important to keep in mind that this is an Honor Society, not a social fraternity or sorority. Once students have achieved the requirements, they are generally invited to pledge.

Some chapters vote on prospective members who have met the requirements but may decide to wait until later to invite the student to pledge for the following reasons: there is not a sufficient number or a good balance of pledges to form a viable pledge cast, because the GPA and participation points are not sufficient, or because the cast feels that the prospective pledge needs to exhibit a better attitude toward the work or a more mature behavior. In these cases, the student should be notified officially in writing by the chapter’s Faculty Sponsor as directed by the vote of the chapter as to what needs to be done to achieve pledge status.

Hazing Policy for pledge period and initiation ceremony

The National Office policy prohibits hazing during the initiation process. It is permissible to ask pledges to participate in activities that are fun, theatre centered, and which strengthen the relationship between the pledges and the members. No pledge may be asked to participate in any activity which is demeaning, embarrassing, or physically dangerous nor may they be harassed by current members. No pledge can be required to participate in any activity outside of the National Requirements listed in the 1997 revised National Constitution and Ceremonies if the pledge is unable or unwilling to do so. Most pledges are willing to participate in group activities that are fun and appropriate. The pledge card indicates those pieces of information which pledges are expected to know. However, not knowing the Shakespeare selection and/or the Greek alphabet are not reasons for excluding the pledge from the society if an honest attempt was made by the pledge.

Acceptable Reasons to withdraw a pledge from pledging or initiation process

1. Engaging in any illegal activity that would reflect negatively on the organization, program, or college/university­
2. Academic standards fall below the national standard or higher local standard
3. Dismissal from a production by a faculty director or guest director
4. Refusal to participate in the Initiation Ceremony
   

 It is also highly recommended that each Chapter seek guidance from their school's Office of Student Life, Dean of Students, etc. as appropriate to ensure adherence to all applicable school rules and local and state laws.