Skip to main content

Standards for Student Organizations

Organizations shall be held responsible for complying with these standards and it is their responsibility to educate their members regarding these standards. Organizations must also be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the nation, state, county, city and their respective national organization.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

The possession, use, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages while in an organization's designated living area or during an event or activity sponsored or endorsed by an organization, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws and college and organizational policies.

No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through the organization's treasury, nor may the purchase of alcoholic beverages for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the organization.  The purchase and/or use of bulk quantities of alcohol e.g., kegs, is prohibited.          

Members and guests of legal age may provide their own alcohol at approved social events. Beer is the only alcoholic beverage allowed at approved social events unless otherwise approved by college officials. No organization members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor i.e., those under the legal drinking age of 21. The possession use, distribution, or manufacture of any illegal drug or controlled substance, or possession or use of paraphernalia that contains drug residue while in an organization's designated living area or during an event or activity sponsored or endorsed by an organization is prohibited.  No organization may co-sponsor an event with an alcoholic distributor, charitable organization, or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold, or otherwise provided to those present. No organization may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host organizations or groups, unless otherwise approved by college officials. All membership recruitment or rush activities of an organization must be alcohol free. Only specifically invited guests may attend social events where alcohol is present. Attendance by non-members of an organization, without specific invitation, is prohibited. No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in any games, events, etc. involving alcohol. No alcohol may be present at any pledge/associate member/novice program or activity of the organization.

DISCRIMINATION

        Organizations shall not perpetrate, condone, nor tolerate any form of discrimination, lack of respect, or act of intolerance against any person or organization based on race, religion, ethnic background, gender, gender orientation, or disability.

HAZING

        Hazing is prohibited. Organizations are responsible for any hazing conducted by its members.  Hazing constitutes a violation of the Roanoke College Student Conduct Code. Hazing is defined by the college as a violation of the state code of Virginia regarding hazing and / or as any intentional action or created situation, whether on or off college premises, that produces psychological or physical discomfort or injury, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Hazing activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: use of alcohol, physical abuse including paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological stress, quests, road trips, wearing of apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in activities which are morally degrading, humiliating, or embarrassing; and any other activities which are inconsistent with or in violation of college or organizational policies.

SEXUAL ABUSE

        Organizations shall not tolerate nor condone any form of sexually abusive behavior by any of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional.  Such behavior includes any actions that are demeaning including, but not limited to, date rape, gang rape, or verbal harassment.

It is college policy to maintain open communications with an organization's national headquarters regarding matters of importance concerning their respective organizations.