The University of Memphis has established policies addressing hazing, underage alcohol consumption, academic requirements for Greek membership, and fraternity housing. The hazing and underage alcohol consumption policies are duplications of Tennessee state law. All policies are stated in our Code of Student Conduct or official policies of The University of Memphis.

All policies are available at http://saweb.memphis.edu/judicialaffairs/

and http://policies.memphis.edu.

You may also contact the Office of Judicial and Ethical Programs (901/678-2298) for copies of these policies as well. In addition to University policies that address these issues, our three governing councils have by-laws, which prohibit hazing and underage alcohol consumption, require minimum GPA's for membership, and set standards for fraternity housing.

Hazing

Participation of students in hazing activities: any intentional or reckless act, on or off institutional property, by one student, acting alone or with others, which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger his or her mental or physical health or safety, and includes treatment of a violent, abusive, shameful, insulting, or humiliating nature. Hazing includes conduct, which damages or removes public or private property. Excessive demands on a student's time so as to interfere with academic performance are prohibited. Threatening in any manner or form for the purpose of cajoling individuals into secrecy in regard to breaches (planned, threatened, attempted, or perpetrated) of hazing violations is also prohibited. Such action is prohibited when connected with initiation into, affiliation with or continuing membership in a group or organization and does not include participation in customary athletic events or similar competition. Hazing activity, which is in violation of any other institutional regulations such as the misuse of alcohol, drugs, school property, etc., is strictly forbidden.

Drug & Alcohol Abuse by Students

In accordance with local, state and federal laws and with University Regulations promulgated in accordance with the Tennessee Board of Regents policy, students are prohibited from unlawfully possessing, using, selling, manufacturing or distributing illicit drugs on University owned or controlled property. Also, students are prohibited from possessing, using, selling, manufacturing or distributing alcoholic beverages on University owned or controlled property.

At off-campus University sponsored (funded) events, students are prohibited from unlawfully possessing, using, selling, manufacturing or distributing illicit drugs. Alcohol shall not be abused by those of legal drinking age, nor used, possessed or distributed by those who have not attained drinking age.

Additionally, students are prohibited from being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while on University owned or controlled property or while attending any University sponsored (funded) activity.

Minimum GPA for Greek Initiates

The University of Memphis requires that all pledges or associate members of any Greek organization have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or a cumulative college GPA of 2.00, whichever is most current, and be enrolled for at least six (6) semester hours, to be eligible for initiation into their respective inter/national organizations. Policies of The University of Memphis

Fraternity Housing

The University of Memphis, in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by its governing board, has designated several policies concerning the inspection of Fraternity chapter houses in regards of health, fire, and safety standards.

The University of Memphis Greek Academic Policy

The University of Memphis academic policies for IFC, NPC and NPHC affiliated organizations:

Each Greek life organization is expected to maintain above a 2.25 for a current semester GPA. If a greek life organization does not achieve a 2.25 semester GPA, the following steps will be taken to improve the organization's GPA:

A.   If an organization is between a 2.24 and 2.0, they will be placed on Academic Probation; the following steps will be taken:

    1.   The organization will have to present a plan to the Fraternity & Sorority Affairs Advisor on how they will improve their overall GPA within the first two weeks of the following semester.

    2.   The organization will be required to submit monthly reports on how the program is being implemented and whether outcomes are being achieved.

B.   If an organization is between a 2.24 and 2.0 for two or more consecutive semesters, they will be placed on Academic restriction; the following steps will be taken:

    1.   The organization will have to present a plan to the Fraternity & Sorority Affairs Advisor on how they will improve their overall GPA within the first two weeks of the following semester.

    2.   The organization will be placed on social probation for the entire semester. Organizations will be allowed to have business meetings and educational programs, but social activities such as parties, formals, intramurals and step shows will be prohibited.

C.  If an organization falls below a 2.0, it will be placed on Academic Restriction and the following steps will be taken:

    1.   The Office of Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Affairs will assist the organization in developing a plan to increase the organization's GPA and the organization must present a monthly report on how they are implementing the program and how it is functioning.

    2.   The organization will be placed on social probation for the entire semester. Organizations will be allowed to have business meetings and educational programs, but social activities such as parties, formals, intramurals and step shows will be prohibited.

D.  If an organization falls below a 2.0 for two or more consecutive semesters it will be placed on Academic Suspension and the following steps will be taken:

    1.   The Office of Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Affairs will assist the organization in developing a plan to increase the organization's GPA and the organization must present a monthly report on how they are implementing the program and whether outcomes are being achieved

    2.   The organization will be suspended for one semester. Any meetings or for privileges must be coordinated with Greek affairs Advisor Organization Presidents.

        a.  Any organization president who does not achieve a 2.0 semester GPA, will not be recognized and any paperwork requiring this individual's signature will not be accepted.

        b.  The organization will be required to select a new president in order to complete paperwork and other process with the Office of Leadership and Greek affairs.