
The Risk Management Policy of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity first adopted in 1988 and as thereafter amended, applies to all members, all chapters, provisional chapters, Owl Clubs, colonies and all alumni groups unless written exemption is granted by the Executive Council.
Alcohol and Drugs
1. The possession, sale, use, or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or in any event an observer would reasonably associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the nation, state, province, county, city, and institution of higher education.
2. Common sources of alcohol, including bulk quantities, which are not being served by a licensed and insured third party vendor, are prohibited (i.e., amounts of alcohol greater than what a reasonable person should consume over the duration of an event).
3. Alcohol products above 15% ABV (30 proof) will be prohibited on all chapter premises or at any chapter event, except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.
4. Alcoholic beverages must either be:
a. Provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or
b. Brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system.
Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with undergraduate chapter funds or funds pooled by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).
6. An undergraduate chapter must not co-host or co-sponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol.
7. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal “drinking age”).
8. The possession, sale, or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event, or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity, is strictly forbidden.
9. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol 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. A chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for an event held within the provisions of this policy.
10. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be non-alcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at, or in conjunction with, an alcohol distributor or tavern as defined in this policy.
11. No member or pledge/associate member/novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games” with hard liquor or which involves duress, excess drinking or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.
12. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/novice program, activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes, but is not limited to activities associated with “bid night,” “big brother–little brother” events or activities, “family” events or activities, and initiation.
Hazing
No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct or condone hazing activities. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing is any action taken or situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment, intimidation or ridicule, risks emotional or physical harm to members whether initiated or not, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Sexual Abuse and Harassment
The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional. This is to include any actions activities or events, whether on chapter premises or at an off-site location which are demeaning to women or men, such as verbal harassment. The fraternity will not tolerate sexual assault in any form. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this policy is prohibited.
Fire, Health, and Safety
All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
All chapters should post emergency numbers for fire, police, and ambulance, and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of each sleeping room.
All chapters should address engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company or municipal authorities.
The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive or incendiary devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house are expressly forbidden.
Education
Each chapter shall annually instruct its students in these risk management standards. Additionally, all students and alumni organizations shall annually receive a copy of the Psi Upsilon Risk Management Standards.