Description

On November 13, 2011, the Office of Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living received a report from this website regarding an alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority member going through the intake process. The member was reported to go in to work early in order to nap. She appears to be completely exhausted, was noticed on Oct. 26 and now has happened at least four other times. The member has mentioned feeling overwhelmed with tasks due to pledging and that current sisters have suggested that when they went through the process they took turns sleeping. This member has said there is no pressure to stay up all night. Additionally, she mentions sometimes she is trying to catch up on academic work at the expense of her pledging tasks and that she chooses pledging tasks that are less important but also states that she expects to "hear about it later from the sisters."

Outcome

The chapter met with staff in the Office of Fraternities, Sororities and Independent Living, received a warning, and were counseled about their new member education program.

Description

On January 27, 2012 the Office of Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living received a report from Residential Programs of a conversation with a resident. A resident, who was joining Phi Sigma Sigma, had reported concerns over what she was told. She reported that the women in the new member class were all told they need to wear make-up and dress up at all times because they are new on campus and need to uphold a reputation. Then the sisters went on to tell the women they should go to the gym to stay in shape. At some point one pledge was singled out and suggested that she lose weight by the current sisters.  The resident who was pledging was irritated and upset by the treatment.

Outcome

The chapter has been found to be in violation of the University Anti-Hazing Policy during an Informal Hearing, and as a result:

• Phi Sigma Sigma addressed body image concerns through the NPC "Reflections" training program and recommended that the conversation about healthy body image and ending implicit hazing continue throughout the year.
• It was suggested to the chapter's executive board that they identify the members who made the comments about new members' appearance and respond through the chapter's internal judicial system.
• It was also suggested that the new member educator to be particularly observant of new members who have been affected by social pressure and reach out to them accordingly.

Description: On January 26, 2012 the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity at Cornell instructed those students participating in their new member education program to meet members in front of a University building at 9:00PM and to wear formal wear. Upon arrival they were instructed by the members of the fraternity to remove their neckties and to use them to blindfold themselves. They were placed in cars and driven around for approximately 30 minutes in what felt to the reporter in a reckless manner and at high rates of speed with sudden braking. Meanwhile music was being played at a very high volume and the new members were spoken to harshly and instructed to remain silent by the fraternity members. Some new members reported feeling nauseous due to the blindfolded car-ride. When the car stopped, they were placed into another car, and the process was repeated. They eventually ended at the fraternity house, where they were formally inducted into the fraternity. They were told repeatedly by various members that it was Okay to vomit, as 8 out of 12 new members who experienced the event in the previous years had.

Outcome: The chapter has been found to be in violation of the University Anti-Hazing Policy.  The Greek Judicial Board determined this to be a level 2 hazing violation, and as a result:

• The chapter will receive one (1) year of Disciplinary Probation; Defined as a period of serious warning that if the chapter is found responsible for any other infractions during this time it will result in more serious sanctions, up-to and including the possibility of losing University Recognition.
• The chapter was also required to work with the Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity staff to revamp their new member education process, removing any and all elements that would be considered hazing or otherwise inappropriate. This new plan had to be approved by the Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity and the Office of Fraternities, Sororities and Independent Living.
• The incident is to be published on this website.

Description

On March 28, 2012 the Sigma Chi Fraternity at Cornell instructed one of their new members to dress up as Mark Sanchez (The New York Jets Quarterback) and sign autographs in the Collegetown area of Ithaca.

Outcome

The chapter has been found to be in violation of the University Anti-Hazing Policy. The Greek Judicial Board determined this to be a level 1 hazing violation, and as a result:

The chapter received an official warning. The incident is to be published to this website.