Sigma Chi - University of Memphis

2 The WISE OLD OWL Whether singing on the front porch at the chapter house, on the playing field for intramurals, or at alumni corporation meetings, Gordon surrounded himself with his brothers and Sigma Chi at all stages of his life. This eventually allowed Gordon's passion as a special education teacher and Sigma Chi to coincide. Now in its 12th year, Gordon introduced both the Polar Bear Plunge and a love of the Special Olympics to Epsilon Kappa Chapter. As an area director for the Special Olympics for 32 years and west Tennessee director for seven years, Gordon is proud of the way he was able to put together a team of people to raise enough funds to provide an outstanding experience. "It makes me feel good that Epsilon Kappa Chapter's dedication to the cause gets bigger every year. The fact that they are able to fundraise on such a large scale and continue the work my brothers and I started makes me proud." Gordon continues to volunteer his time as part of the House Corporation board and even had the opportunity to assist with building the current chapter house. For alumni that have lost touch with Epsilon Kappa, Gordon encourages them to visit and view the various scrapbooks and pictures that adorn the walls. "We should strive to provide our undergraduate members with the resources necessary to take pride in their membership as Sigma Chis." This pride flourishes in every interaction and act of service rendered. Gordon works with his best friend, Bill Fulton '67, for AMBUCS, which seeks to provide bikes and trikes for disabled children and veterans. He lives with his wife, Stephanie, whom he met at a Sigma Chi softball game in Memphis, Tenn. Gordon can be reached at gbrig57080@aol.com. The Bond of Fellowship (Continued from page 1) "We should strive to provide our undergraduate members with the resources necessary to take pride in their membership as Sigma Chis." adapting to ChangEs in thE grEEK systEm University and Sigma Chi International Implement New Policies B oth the University of Memphis and Sigma Chi International have imposed several new rules which greatly impact fraternities. In October 2017, the University of Memphis announced that all fraternity members were required to attend mandatory training on risk management, hazing prevention, sexual assault, and bystander prevention. If any chapter does not send 100% of its members to these University-provided classes, that chapter will no longer be recognized by the University. Those classes will also be included in the University's Minimum Chapter Standards, of which compliance is required in order for a Greek organization win the Chapter of the Year award and any Greek Pillars of Excellence awards. New Policy Affects Recruitment and Social Events The University of Memphis also implemented a new formal recruitment process set up by the Office of Student Leadership. For any chapter wishing to participate in recruitment, their members are required to attend certain classes. The University will no longer allow the informal recruitment of pledges. All fraternities at the UofM will now be subject to the NIC's Enhanced Health and Safety Policies Pilot Program, as well. Within this program, there are many rules concerning what is permitted in the chapter house. When no registered social events are taking place, alcohol is only permitted in private living quarters of chapter houses and must be below 15% alcohol by volume (ABV). This essentially bans liquor from all fraternity chapter houses. Guests will not be allowed to consume alcohol in private living quarters. Who does and does not qualify as a guest is not clear. However, the rules are different during a registered social event. During a registered social event, alcohol possession and consumption may only occur in the common areas of the chapter house and is prohibited in the private living quarters. In regard to having alcohol above 15% ABV, it may only be served by a third-party vendor licensed and insured to do so at registered events and the event cannot be held at the chapter house. Chapters are now also limited to three social events per semester (summer is included as its own semester) and each event is capped at 400 guests. Failure to comply will result in immediate social probation and notification to the national organization. Sigma Chi International Implements New Alcohol and New Member Policies In January 2018, Sigma Chi International announced new rules concerning the pledge program and alcohol policies. Now, hard liquor is not allowed in any Sigma Chi chapter house. Moreover, as of August 1, 2018, the pledging period will be limited to five weeks, and chapters cannot hold any events involving alcohol during the pledging period. These rules were adopted to combat hazing and alcohol abuse, as studies have shown that these incidents are much more likely to involve a pledge than a brother. The new rules instituted by the University were adopted without any input from the chapters, alumni, or the housing corporations. Moreover, the NIC Enhanced Health and Safety Policy is a pilot program, so its effectiveness has not yet been measured. The new rules instituted by Sigma Chi International were likewise implemented with input from only a select few. How these new rules will affect the continuing vitality of the Greek system, our Chapter, and this House Corporation is unknown. Despite these challenges, the Epsilon Kappa active members and their alumni advisors have responded to these new rules with a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt to the new normal. Steps have been taken to ensure compliance, and all of us are hopeful that these new rules will not have a detrimental effect on our Chapter. In Hoc, Kirk Caraway '94 Neil Carrigan '07

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