FRATERNITY AND SORORITY CODES AND REGULATIONS
If a student is charged with a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, a notice indicating the section number of the code that was violated is sent and the disciplinary process is initiated. The Code of Student Conduct is published in the Undergraduate Rights and Responsibilities.
The Fraternity and Sorority Regulations of the Code of Student Conduct:
II. D. 1. A: Security Regulations: The maintenance of a safe and secure fraternity/sorority facility is the responsibility of each resident and member. Residents/members are responsible for adhering to the policies regarding security, fire safety, guests, entrance/exit doors, and maximum room capacity.
II.D. 1 B: Guest in Violation of University Policy: Residents/members are responsible for their guest(s). Hosts may be held responsible for any guest who violates regulations as noted in the Code of Student Conduct or Fraternity/Sorority manual.
II.D. 2: Noise Policy: Fraternity and Sorority facilities should foster the creation of an environment that promotes academic success. Chapters are encouraged to implement a courtesy policy for their members. Chapters are obligated to comply with the Town of Amherst Noise Ordinance (Article 50). It is unlawful to create excessive noise, defined as “loud noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the reasonable quiet, comfort, repose, or the health and safety of others within the Town of Amherst.”
II.D.3.A: Health and Safety Standards: Any activity deemed to be a threat to the health and safety of residents, members, and guests is strictly prohibited. Fraternity and sorority facilities must be in compliance at all times with all state and local codes and ordinances regarding health, safety, fire, electrical, and related concerns. Residents/members will keep kitchen areas, bathrooms, hallways, and private rooms clean and in compliance with the stated codes. At no time may residents disable or impair the operation of fire safety equipment.
II.D.3.B: Cooking Policy: Cooking in private/student rooms is a violation of the fire safety and health codes. Electric grills, toaster ovens, hot plates, appliances with exposed coils, etc., may not be used in private rooms but may be used in a designated kitchen area that has the necessary safety equipment in place and operating. Microwaves and refrigerators may be used in private rooms but must be in compliance with applicable codes.
II.D.4: Furniture Policy: All furniture in a facility, whether owned by the house corporation or by individual members, must be in good and safe condition and be in compliance with all fire safety codes. Designated egresses should not be blocked by furniture.
II.D.5: Window and Screen Policy: Fraternity and Sorority facilities must be in compliance with local and state codes on window screens.
II.D.6.A: Candle Policy: Candles, lit or unlit, are not permitted in student rooms. Recreational use of candles is prohibited in all areas of the fraternity/sorority facility. Ceremonial/ritual use of candles must be in compliance with the national fraternity/sorority policy and/or the insurance provider and/or the owner of the property. Ceremonial/ritual use of candles must be registered and approved in advance by the office and by Environmental Health and Safety
II.D.6.B: Incense Policy: In accordance with fire safety regulations, burning incense is not allowed in fraternity and sorority facilities.
II.D.10: Alcohol – General Obligations: Fraternity and sorority chapters are obligated to comply with the risk management policies of the Office of Fraternities and Sororities, with the sponsoring organization, with the facility owners, with the insurance providers, and with local ordinances and state law. The strictest code is what takes precedent over any other competing codes. (For example, because NPC sorority facilities are “dry” by national policy, many of the alcohol codes are redundant.) This includes but is not limited to: Registration of events, guest lists, security/monitors, off-campus event registration, advertising restrictions, etc. Please see the Risk Management Procedures and Expectations for more details.
II.D.10.A: Alcohol – Underage Drinking/Possession: In accordance with Massachusetts law, a member or guest must be 21 or older to drink or possess alcoholic beverages.
II.D.10.B: Alcohol – Open Container: Members and guests must be in compliance with the Town of Amherst By-Law Article 51: Prohibition of Open Containers of Alcohol: “No person shall consume any alcoholic beverage nor possess or transport any open can, bottle, or other container containing any alcoholic beverage outdoors on any Town street, sidewalk, way or public property including but not limited to parking lots, school playgrounds, recreation areas or conservation areas. Violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of fifty ($50.00) dollars for each offense.”
II.D.10.C: Alcohol – Personal Possession: Members 21 or older may possess alcohol for their own personal consumption. There should be no common storage of alcohol, that is, alcohol stored in a common location where members or guests may have access.
II.D.10.D: Alcohol – Large volume: Quantity-dispensing containers, including but not limited to kegs, beer balls, and large quantities of cases, are prohibited in all fraternity and sorority facilities.
II.D.10.E: Alcohol – Providing Alcohol to an Underage Drinker: Providing alcohol to anyone under the Massachusetts legal drinking age is prohibited.
II.D.10.F: Alcohol – Possession of Alcohol Paraphernalia: The possession and/or use of drinking paraphernalia or products that promote the abuse or alcohol and/or put the user in a position to consume alcohol irresponsibly is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to funnels, taps, and Beirut/beer pong tables.
II.D.10.H: Alcohol – Intoxication: Intoxication, defined as being under the influence of alcohol or any other psychoactive drug to any extent which requires the attention of University staff or off-campus authorities or which causes a disturbance or is a danger to persons or property is prohibited. Members may be reluctant to seek medical help for an individual experiencing severe intoxication or a serious injury after consuming alcohol. However, it is imperative that a student call for medical assistance since these emergencies are potentially life threatening. UMass Amherst has developed the Good Samaritan Protocol to ensure that the health and safety of all community members remains our first priority.
II.D.10.J: Alcohol – Engaging in drinking games: Creating, offering, and/or engaging in drinking games or other behaviors designed for the purpose of rapid and/or excessive consumption is prohibited. At no time should activities which encourage excessive drinking and/or lead to the endangerment of the individual served take place in the fraternity and sorority facilities.
