IFC Risk Management
The Interfraternity Council has very specific guidelines for reducing the risk taken on by its member organizations.
IFC policies are available at: IFC Constitution
IFC upholds the following guidelines for social events:
1) Alcohol on chapter property and at chapter functions must comply with BYOB or Third Party Vendor guidelines.
2) Chapter funds may never be used to purchase alcohol.
3) The use of bulk quantity alcohol or common sources such as kegs, cases, trash can punch, etc. is prohibited.
4) Open parties or functions without guest lists for all attendees are prohibited.
5) Alcohol cannot be served to minors by any chapter member.
6) Illegal drugs or controlled substances on chapter property or at chapter functions is prohibited.
7) An organization cannot co-sponsor an event with any establishment that gives alcohol away, or sells alcohol. However, renting such an establishment for an event is approved.
8) An organization cannot co-sponsor a function where alcohol has been purchased by another group.
9) All recruitment, intake, or rush events must be alcohol free.
10) Drinking Games are prohibited.
11) Alcohol cannot be a part of any new member, pledge, associate, etc. activity.
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. The State of Texas, The University of Texas at Austin, the Interfraternity Council, and all national fraternities on campus have adopted anti-hazing legislation or policies. If you are hazed you must, according to state law, report it to the Office of the Dean of Students. Hazing has no place in the fraternity world and should not be tolerated. Chapters that haze are not worth your time and are dangerous.
Some examples of hazing situations may include any type of physical brutality; any activity involving consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to an unreasonable 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'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. UT's policy is provided via request or online at Student Judicial Services.