Pledging

Pledging Policies

I. Membership Criteria

MEMBERSHIP IS BY INVITATION
MEMBERSHIP IS FOR LIFE
MEMBERS ARE SELECTED FROM Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering and other related majors which require at least six required semester courses (equivalent to about eighteen hours) in Chemistry. This does not mean 18 hours must be completed before considering membership, just that 18 hours need to be completed sometime during your undergraduate years.
THERE ARE NO MEMBERSHIP RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO SEX, RACE, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ANY OTHER PERSONAL BASIS

II. Obligations of a Member of Alpha Chi Sigma

that a member will remember the Objects of the Fraternity and endeavor always to further them
that a member will pay promptly all financial obligations
that a member will act so as never to reproach Alpha Chi Sigma
that a member will cheerfully fulfill and assigned fraternal tasks
that a member will maintain as satisfactory a scholastic record as possible

III. General Pledge Expectations

As a pledge of Alpha Chi Sigma you will expect to be an active member in all the pledge activities. Generally, the time constraints are roughly equivalent to that of a three-credit course. Some of the major activities consist of the following:

Interviews with Brothers
Pledge interaction activities
Professional activities
Weekly pledge meetings
Wear pledge pins and carry pledge books at all times

IV. Expectations of the Pledge Class

The pledge must pay all fees and complete Master Record card.
Each pledge will be matched with a Big Brother within the first two weeks of pledging.
Pledge pins must be worn in plain sight at all times from 8 AM to 12 midnight.
The pledge class will design and construct pledge books for all the members of the pledge class. Books will be made uniformly and will contain all prescribed information. Each pledge is responsible for completing his/her pledge book.
Pledge books must also be carried on the person at all times between sunrise and sundown and during all fraternal events. They may be carried in bookbags but must be able to be produced upon request by a Brother.
The pledge must attend all meetings, unless he/she speaks to the VMA prior to the time of the meeting with a reasonable excuse The time of the meeting will be decided by the pledge class within the first week of the pledge period.
Pledges will be expected to learn all necessary Alpha Chi Sigma history and related fraternal information. Pledges will be tested on this material, so it will be in one's best interest to study and keep up with the assigned reading. A fraternal examination of all material will be given to pledges before Initiation. Passage of this exam is required for acceptance as a member.
The pledges must obtain the designated number of points to be considered for membership.
The pledge class must design and finish one pledge project and one pledge fundraiser before Initiation.

V. Risk Management Policy

Alcohol and Drugs

The possession, use and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages while on Chapter premises, or during an official Fraternity event, or in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the Chapter, must be in compliance with any applicable law of state, province, city and university.
Except in the case of professional activities that further the Second Object of the Fraternity, no alcoholic beverages may be purchased through the Fraternity or Chapter treasury, nor may the purchase of same for members or guests by the undertaken coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the Fraternity or Chapter.
The purchase and/or use of a bulk quantity of alcoholic beverages, eg. Kegs, is prohibited.
The Fraternity's name shall not be associated with any event co-sponsored with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern/bar where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present, except for events which further the Second Object of the Fraternity in professional events.
No alcohol is allowed at any rushing, pledging, or Initiation event or at any pledge or Chapter meeting.
OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access to non-members of the Fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present are strictly prohibited.
No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in "drinking games" while on Chapter premises, during a Fraternity event, or in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the Chapter.
The possession, sale and/or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES at any Chapter house, any Fraternity-sponsored event, or at any event that an observer would associate with the Fraternity, is strictly prohibited.

Hazing

No chapter shall conduct or engage in hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as: "An action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off Fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." Such activities include, but are not limited to: the use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical or psychological shocks; and any other activities that are not consistent with the Fraternity Law, ritual or policy, or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.

Sexual Abuse

The Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional. This includes any actions that are demeaning to any person including but not limited to date rape, gang rape, or verbal harassment.