Other Things You Should Know

ALCOHOL AND RECRUITMENT

Recruitment is intended to provide opportunities to spend time getting to know each other. According to the IFC Constitution, alcohol is not to be served to minors under any circumstances (IFC Risk Management Policy, Section 1K). No alcohol should be served to minors during any recruitment function, whether it is one-on-one or in a large group. Most IFC organizations have national policies that bar the use of alcohol at any and all recruitment and new member activities.

If you are under 21 and you are offered alcohol at a fraternity event, that chapter is violating UT Austin's Institutional Rules and they are also breaking the law. If this happens, you should seriously consider whether or not you want to join an organization that would display this lack integrity.

No alcohol should be used or be present during any recruitment function or event, of any kind.

HAZING

Hazing is commonly defined as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Anti-hazing legislation or policies have been adopted by the State of Texas, The University of Texas at Austin, the Interfraternity Council and all national fraternities. If you are subjected to hazing, state law requires that you report it to the Office of the Dean of Students. Hazing has no place in the fraternity community and should not be tolerated. Chapters that haze are not worth your time and are dangerous.

Some examples of hazing situations may include but are not limited to any type of physical brutality; any activity involving consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, drug or other substance which subjects the student to any risk of harm; any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame or humiliation; or any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the law. Appendix F (Prohibition of Hazing in UT Austin's Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities and Texas state law (V.T.C.A., Education Code 51.936 and 37.151 et seq.) provide complete details regarding the hazing law.