Chapter 4: Chapter Policies

The policies of the Culver-Stockton chapter of Delta Upsilon evolved directly from the policies of our International chapter or are exact duplicates of the same. Still other policies, rules, disciplinary procedures, executive structure and everyday practices were developed right here to adapt to certain conditions that are unique to Culver-Stockton. Thus our rules coincide with the international chapter policies, Culver-Stockton administrative policies, and the characteristics of our members.

Even though our rules are custom designed to fit our needs for order and success, this does not mean that we are free to change the policies whenever it is convenient. The rules, policies, and procedures explained within this chapter of your manual are ‘set in stone’ so to speak. There are very few exceptions to these and it takes an entire house vote to overturn a certain case. There are no precedents set, which means what may have occurred in the case of one individual, may not apply to everyone in the same position. This will become more evident as the by-laws are reviewed. What is more important is that you learn our particular policies so that you can avoid violating them. This chapter will outline the most important of these policies and provide you with the necessary background to succeed as a pledge in DU.

Academic Policy:

Our academic policies are managed and executed by the Vice President for Scholarship. Therefore, it is commonly referred to as the scholarship policy. It is relatively simple to understand, but sometimes more difficult to keep up with than you may think. Read the policy carefully, and if you have any questions, direct them to the VP for Scholarship. Any assistance you may need to meet these requirements will be available through the VP for Scholarship or myself. Programs have been developed to assist any member struggling in any area of scholastics. Your big brother, also, is a rich resource for study help and/or tips on how to master a certain instructors exams, papers, quizzes, etc. If the policies are not met with concerning grade point averages, your effort in fulfilling them will be considered. In other words, if you do not meet the requirements but are working to your fullest potential, some leniency may be given. The policy reads as follows:

1. If a member is below acceptable academic standards (2.3 g.p.a. for actives or 2.25 for pledges) at mid-term, you will be given a contract to assist you in setting goals and managing your time. Additionally, you will be required to turn in grade checks signed by your instructors every two weeks. If a member signs a contract and does not fulfill the requirements of the contract, or fails to turn in grade checks, he will be assigned to either house clean-up or party patrol duty for a period of time designated by the review board.
2. If improvement is not noticed to have reached acceptable levels by the end of the semester, academic probation will be instituted should the Judicial Review Board deem it necessary and just. Probation consists of the loss of any office you may hold at that time, loss of vote in chapter meetings, and the requirement of submitting copies of all class syllabi to the VP of Scholarship. There will also be bi-weekly grade checks.
3. If the requirements are still not met after a semester of probation, academic suspension will be warranted. Suspension consists of loss of privilege to attend fraternity functions, along with the penalties imposed by probation.
4. When compliance with academic standards is not gained by the finish of the suspension period, formal charges will be brought against you, and you will be required to stand before the scholarship review board to discuss your future within the fraternity.

Non-compliance with the above stated contract agreements also bears additional penalties:

• Everyone gets one excusable miss when grade reports are not turned in on time.
• A pledge will receive no leniency. If all of the grade checks are not turned in on time, activation will proceed without the pledge in question.
• If an active does not meet the deadlines for contracted paperwork, probation is automatic. A second time warrants suspension and a third time demands formal charges.

For more detailed information about our scholarship program or updates in the progression of administrative adjustments to that policy, contact your VP for Scholarship or Pledge Educator. The by-laws also contain a very wordy version of the above statements if you wish to refer to that section of scholarship.

Drug and Alcohol Policy:

The members of Delta Upsilon fraternity do not condone underage drinking. We are not the police and do not wish to be, but it is a big job to keep minors from consuming liquor. However, we do care about our guests and members who attend our parties. If they are inebriated, we do not let them drive! Not under any circumstances should a person who has been drinking any type or amount of alcohol drive anywhere.

It has even been unsafe to walk home in Canton. The police are more than anxious to process the paperwork and fine an individual for public intoxication, drunk driving, possession of alcohol by a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and any other charge that they could possibly interpret or fabricate in the process. Delta Upsilon understands that you are on your own, without parents or guardians to tell you what to do and when to do it. This is the first taste of true independence for many of you. Please don’t blow it by becoming an alcoholic or getting busted by some under cover private investigator.

Delta Upsilon is also housed on campus. There is to be no alcohol in or around the house. Do not risk our good reputation and possibly the retention of our house on a couple of Natural Light cans or a fifth of Popav.

Drugs! There are absolutely no drugs at Delta Upsilon. Possession of or use of a controlled substance will land you on the outside looking in with a bare chest where your letters once hung. They’re NO exceptions to this policy.

Professionalism & Acceptable Behavior:

Delta Upsilon is proud to hold the membership of some of the most successful students on this campus. We have members who excel in athletics, music, drama, and those who show extraordinary talents in a variety of other areas. As a member of such a well organized and well rounded organization, which has gained the respect of the college administration, community, and student body, we expect that you act and dress in a manner that is consistent with our image.

In the past, we have had problems with members who venture out for class dressed in attire that most members would be embarrassed to wear outside of their room. Shirts with obscenities, derogatory statements about others, ripped or ragged jeans that reveal taboo body parts, and similar dress should not be worn in public places. Hair should be either combed or a hat should be worn to cover up bed-head.

It is necessary that member’s dress up on specified days. When the organization agrees that it is necessary to show pride in ourselves by dressing up on a certain day, please comply. Jeans or denim of any kind should not be worn on these days.

It is important for all members to realize that they have come to college to become a professional in some field of study. Assuming this, I do not feel that our requests are so unusual. It is here that we are to train to enter the business of professional world ready to live and work amongst those who’ve grown up. It may, then, be necessary to follow their example and act as though we belong amongst them or perhaps even lead them.

Your pledge pin, and later your active badge, should be worn in the appropriate fashion whenever your dress calls for it or is necessitated by the fraternity. Swearing excessively should be avoided while wearing your pin or letters in public. You should also be aware of the company you keep and what you are saying in their midst. There is no immediate cure for "foot-in-mouth disease".