Chapter Policies
Alcohol Policy
Kappa Delta Sorority's National Council has developed this policy on alcohol for our chapters to protect the Sorority and its members and guests from the risks associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
All Kappa Delta chapters must operate in a manner that is consistent with university, local, state and federal laws and policies concerning the serving and consumption of alcohol. Each chapter shall provide its members/new member with the appropriate university alcohol policy and interfraternity council/Panhellenic council alcohol policy. Each chapter shall provide information to its members/new members regarding alcohol consumption and the laws of the state in which the university is located. Anyone planning to consume alcohol at a Kappa Delta sponsored or co-sponsored event must present legal, valid identification. No alcohol shall be present at any co-sponsored function or event held in a men's fraternity facility. Alcohol can only be served at co-sponsored function held at a third-party vendor location.
No alcohol shall be present at any new member/associate member program or activity of the chapter. All membership recruitment programs and functions that deal with the membership recruitment of new members will be completely dry.
Anyone who arrives at a function already intoxicated will be denied entry into the function.
No chapter members/new members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to minors at Kappa Delta functions. Members who provide alcohol to minors will be subject to disciplinary procedures. Minors observed drinking alcoholic beverages must be asked to refrain. Their refusal to cooperate will result in their eviction from the function. These under-age members of Kappa Delta will also be subject to disciplinary actions. Anyone who arrives at a function already intoxicated will be denied entry into the function.
No alcohol will be dispensed at a sorority sanctioned function except by a designated person over 21 years of age who is not a member of Kappa Delta, and who has not and will not consume alcohol before or during the event.
There shall be no possession of any alcoholic beverages in any Kappa Delta house, lodge, apartment, suite or room or on any Kappa Delta property.
No chapter of Kappa Delta may purchase alcoholic beverages with sorority funds, nor may anyone in the name of or on behalf of the chapter coordinate the collection of any funds for such purchase. This includes the purchase of kegs, party balls, and other bulk quantities of alcoholic beverages. In addition, no alcohol may be served from common source containers (kegs, party balls, or other bulk containers) on chapter property or at chapter events.
The sale of alcoholic beverages by any chapter of Kappa Delta is strictly forbidden. No chapter of Kappa Delta shall participate in any activity or action which creates the impression that the chapter is selling alcohol. Examples include, but are not limited to, charging admission to parties, passing the hat, selling drink tickets, selling empty cups, having vending machines which dispense alcoholic beverages, or by using any other direct or indirect means of collecting monies from persons attending chapter functions.
The chapter hosts no "open" parties (social functions). Individual non-members attending a chapter function do so only by specific written or approved verbal invitation of chapter members who assume responsibility for the welfare of said guests and any damage caused by those guests. A list of individuals' names will be maintained and monitored at the door or entry to the function. Guests and hosts attendance lists are maintained on file after the function.
No tap system and/or a keg is present at a chapter function unless the tap system and/or keg is part of a cash bar operated by a licensed and insured third-party vendor. Kappa Delta chapters are prohibited from holding philanthropic events and/or fundraisers in bars or in conjunction with any alcoholic beverage company, manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. No philanthropy event or fundraiser may include alcohol, even if served legally per Kappa Delta guidelines.
I. Party Definition It is important to understand that Kappa Delta may be considered a "sponsoring organization" or a "cosponsoring organization" of an event simply because of the number of Kappa Delta members taking part in the activity. Consequently, the Kappa Delta Alcohol Policy must be followed if there is a substantial number of sorority members (defined as members and new members) at the event. If the event is held at a men's fraternity facility, the event must be alcohol-free. If the event is held at a third-party location, the Kappa Delta Policy on Alcohol applies to any activity which is implicitly or explicitly sponsored by Kappa Delta. All functions must be by invitation only; there shall be no "open" parties.
II. Co-Sponsoring Organization Kappa Delta chapters are prohibited from co-sponsoring an event in which alcohol is served or is present at a men's fraternity facility.
If an event is held at a third-party vendor location, Kappa Delta chapters are prohibited from co-sponsoring a function with an alcohol distributor or tavern where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. The chapter shall not co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any host chapters, groups, or organizations. Any function co-sponsored or co-financed with any chapters, groups, or organizations held at a third party vendor location, where alcohol is legally present, must meet the following criteria:
- The function is co-hosted with not more than one other chapter, group, or organization;
- All hosts have a liability insurance policy with a minimum of $1 million basic coverage;
- The function is in compliance with all organization policies;
- All non-member guests are preapproved by the chapter;
- Guests and hosts lists are completed and posted prior to the function and maintained on file by the vice president-standards for four years; chapter must indicate attendance or nonattendance of members and guests at function;
- Each host has equal representation of sober monitors during the function; and
- Any function which would not comply with the above six criteria is preapproved by the chapter's Chapter Advisory Board and Chapter Service Manager.
III. Themes Kappa Delta chapters are prohibited from engaging in the promotion of parties with alcohol or alcohol-related themes as the focus for such parties.
IV. Drinking Games No chapter member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in "drinking games" at any chapter function.
V. Types and Amounts of Alcohol Hard liquor (above 50 proof) is prohibited from all Kappa Delta parties, including parties co-sponsored with other sororities or fraternities, except those taking place at outside locations at which alcohol is served via a cash bar. Alcohol shall not be served to any person who is visibly intoxicated. The Kappa Delta chapter shall determine prior to a function what types of beverages will be allowed at the event. However, alcohol is only allowed in the manufacturer's single serving containers. Non alcoholic beverages and food must be served as well, and must be available throughout the entire party. Beverages in glass containers, while not strictly prohibited, should be avoided if possible.
VI. Transportation Transportation shall be furnished to and from Kappa Delta functions at a distance from the campus, and a designated driver must be provided for each bus, van or car. A designated driver/walker who does not drink during the course of the evening or safe alternative transportation must be provided for any guest who is visibly intoxicated during or at the end of the function. The chapter must display a poster at each function stressing responsible driving after drinking, and stating that alternate transportation is available.
VII. Entrance, IDs, Wrist Bands, and the Bar
- The Entrance: There will only be one entrance to a party. The entrance to the party shall serve two purposes: (1) to make sure all persons entering the party are either a member of Kappa Delta Sorority or on the guest list, and (2) to check identification of individuals entering the party. At least one Kappa Delta officer must be at the entrance at all times. If the party involves another sponsoring organization, that organization must provide a list of its active membership and guests and that list must be available at the entrance to the party. The guest and host list should be maintained on file by the vice president-standards for four years.
- Identification:All persons shall have their IDs checked at the entrance to the party. Either a valid drivers license or two other picture IDs shall be considered sufficient identification.
- Wrist Bands: Wrist bands will be placed on individuals wrists at the entrance to the party and will only be issued to those of legal drinking age. No one will be permitted to possess or obtain any alcoholic beverages without wearing a wrist band. A list of all those receiving wrist bands and a separate list for those who are under age must be completed and maintained on file by the vice president-standards for four years after the function.
- The Bar: There is to be a single bar area with designated servers who are of legal drinking age, are not Kappa Delta members, and are not consuming alcohol. No alcohol may be distributed from any other area of the facility. Designated servers will not continue to serve any persons who are visibly intoxicated.
VIII. Procedures for B.Y.O.B. Parties Once a person of legal drinking age with alcohol has entered the party and obtained a wrist band, they will immediately take their alcohol to the bar and exchange it for the proper amount and type of tickets (i.e. four beers for four tickets designated for that brand of beer). A person may only receive a beverage from the designated server (see above regarding qualifications for servers) in exchange for a ticket and may only receive one beverage at a time. Kappa Delta members must be responsible for monitoring the party to make sure that no one is drinking without a wrist band, that no person is in possession of more than one beverage at a time, and that no one who is visibly intoxicated is being served. All non alcoholic beverages must be in a can or bottle. There shall be no non alcoholic beverages served from a punch bowl, pitcher or any type of open container at any B.Y.O.B. party.
IX. Cash Bar Where the laws of the state in which the event is to be held permit a cash bar without requiring that the sponsoring organization hold a liquor license, a cash bar is the preferred option.
X. Ending Times All parties shall have a designated ending time. The bar will be closed, all drinking will cease and no persons may remove their beverages from the bar after the designated ending time.
XI. Security Professional security services shall be hired to enforce and maintain decorum at all events. Security personnel shall be given a copy of the Kappa Delta Alcohol Policy and requested to enforce it.
XII. Extra Precautionary Option Where it is economically and logistically feasible, the area where any alcohol is served should be separate from the room where the event is actually taking place.
XIII. Discrepancies In the event of any discrepancies between the Kappa Delta Alcohol Policy and university, city, state or federal laws or policies, the latter laws or policies will control, unless Kappa Delta rules and policies are more stringent, in which case Kappa Delta rules will prevail.
Hazing Policy
Kappa Delta Sorority does not condone hazing of any kind, in any of her collegiate chapters.
Kappa Delta Sorority is concerned about the human dignity of her new members and frowns upon any activity that is degrading.
Kappa Delta Sorority does not permit immature action in new member activities.
Kappa Delta Sorority does not countenance anything unkind or any display of an undignified nature, either on campus or within her household.
Hazing is defined as any activity, action taken or situation created, whether on or off sorority premises, that has the reasonable potential to produce mental, emotional or physical discomfort; embarrassment; harassment; or ridicule. Such action need not be maliciously intended in order to be hazing. Furthermore, hazing often occurs with consent of the victim and is strictly forbidden by sorority policy and law.
Hazing activities and situations include, but are not limited to:
- scavenger hunts, treasure hunts or kidnaps;
- road trips or any other such activities carried on outside the confines of the chapter/meeting facility;
- providing and encouraging the consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- blindfolding to disorient or intimidate;
- engaging in public stunts and buffoonery such as the wearing of publicly conspicuous apparel;
- morally degrading or humiliating games and activities;
- paddling in any form;
- interrogations or verbal abuse;
- physical and/or psychological shocks;
- creation of excess fatigue; and
- any other activities, which are not consistent with sorority law or regulations and policies of the university.
The following penalties will be imposed in proven cases of hazing within Kappa Delta chapters:
- Any new member who allows herself to be hazed will be subject to the deferral of her initiation.
- Any member who individually hazes or is aware of its occurrence will be subject to National Probation.
- Any chapter, which knowingly allows hazing to occur as an acceptable part of the new member education program, will be subject to National Probation.
- Stronger disciplinary action may be imposed at the discretion of the National Council if the situation warrants.
By Kappa Delta Sorority policy the Hazing Statement is read to the new members at the new member orientation meeting (on Bid Day) and to the entire chapter prior to First Degree. After the reading of this statement each new member is given a copy to sign in affirmation of understanding the policy. The chapter vice president-new member education and the chapter president must also sign the statement. The original copy (white) is sent to Headquarters with the Pledge Records, the yellow copy is given to the new member, and the pink copy is included along with the pink copy of the Member Expectations Contract in the Parents' packet. The hazing statement must be read and signed for every group of new members receiving First Degree.
Internet Policy
The following document represents general usage guidelines pertaining to the official "Kappa Delta Internet." Kappa Delta encourages chapter members and alumnae to publish and communicate freely and openly on the World Wide Web, but when doing so should abide by policies and guidelines contained herein, as any reference to Kappa Delta will reflect upon Kappa Delta's image, both positively and negatively. Members are reminded that website pages are public documents and have a potential audience of millions, mostly non-members.
Kappa Delta Sorority owns trademarks on the name "Kappa Delta", "KD" and the Kappa Delta crest. These trademarks have acquired a secondary meaning and have engendered good will associated with the marks which Kappa Delta must protect and maintain in order to preserve its intellectual property rights.
This document expresses minimal stylistic consistency rules for the purposes of protecting Kappa Delta's intellectual property and favorable image and avoiding liability for impermissible use. (See section entitled "Impermissible Use Statement"). These rules refer to "Chapter Web sites," Personal Web sites and "Alumnae Association(AA) Web sites" alike. Rules for e-mail and chat room usage within the official "Kappa Delta Internet" are expressed as well. Kappa Delta reserves the right to modify this usage policy at any time.
Definitions
The "Kappa Delta Internet" shall be defined as the community on the World Wide Web established for the members of Kappa Delta Sorority, to disseminate information, share ideas and an opportunity for interactive participation.
"Chapter Website" is defined as the Website that introduces a particular chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority members at a particular college or university and offers links to more specific information about that Kappa Delta chapter and its activities.
"AC Website" is defined as the Website that introduces a particular group of Kappa Delta Sorority members in a specific area and offers links to more specific information about that Kappa Delta group and its activities.
"KD Website" is defined as the Website established by the Kappa Delta National Headquarters to which collegiate and alumnae chapters are linking and offers more specific information about National Kappa Delta and its activities.
Chapter and Alumnae Websites
All Chapter Websites and AC Websites shall be in good taste and conform to all Kappa Delta policies. All correct sorority terminology shall be used. Examples: "alumnae" not "alumni" when referring to Kappa Delta; "members, collegians, sisters, initiates" when referred to initiated members, not "actives."
Kappa Delta Sorority National Headquarters reserves the right to monitor and review such Chapter Websites and AC Websites if necessary to ensure image consistency and adherence to Kappa Delta policies, but does not accept responsibility for the content of such Chapter Websites or AC Websites.
Each Chapter Website and AC Website shall provide a link to the official Kappa Delta Internet.
If possible, each Chapter Website and AC Website shall provide the official Kappa Delta e-mail address (kappadelta@kappadelta.org).
All information provided on Chapter Websites and AC Websites shall be kept as up to date as possible and shall provide a date stamp on the website to indicate the date last modified and the author of the page. The e-mail address of the author is also encouraged.
Each author of a Chapter Website or AC Website shall revise errors as promptly as possible if found after review by Kappa Delta Sorority. It is the author's responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information.
Kappa Delta desires all Websites to be linked to the Kappa Delta Internet; however, Kappa Delta reserves the right to remove them from the network should they be found to be in violation of the policies of Kappa Delta.
All Websites shall not include links to personal/commercial sites that are inconsistent with the Rules. Web sites shall not engage in product endorsements or other personal/commercial advertising unless approved in writing by National Kappa Delta.
For safety and privacy concerns, members are cautioned about publishing personal information, such as addresses and telephone numbers on the Websites.
Personal Websites
Kappa Delta requires those members with personal Websites to provide a disclaimer on the Website indicating that the pages are not "official" and that the author is solely responsible for the content. Kappa Delta encourages its members to use these guidelines when publishing personal Websites, especially the policies pertaining to use of copyrights and trademarks.
Copyright and Trademarks - All Pages
Permission is granted to collegiate and alumnae chapters to use Kappa Delta's copyrights and trademarks, but such permission may be revoked under intellectual property infringement law. Authors of any Website should have express permission from Kappa Delta Sorority or the owner of the trademark or copyright when using any trademark, logo or copyrighted material. When in doubt contact Kappa Delta National Headquarters.
Photographs, drawings, video clips and sound clips may not be used on any Website without the permission of the person that created them or owns the rights. Every person in a photograph or video clip must sign a release giving permission. These releases shall be kept on file as long as the photo or video clip remains on the website.
E-Mail
Kappa Delta encourages its members to use e-mail accounts as a communication tool and an efficient way to disseminate information.
E-mail messages or attached files pertaining to Kappa Delta business should be in compliance with all Kappa Delta policies.
E-mail messages and attached files shall not contain written words of Ritual or any references to ritualistic services.
E-mail messages and attached files shall not contain any pictures or words that are in bad taste or obscene in nature and profanity is prohibited.
Kappa Delta encourages its members to communicate directly with those individuals that have chosen to publish their e-mail address on the Kappa Delta Internet.
Requests and inquiries of an administrative nature should be directed to Kappa Delta National Headquarters. This includes such items as change of address, marriages, forms, labels, etc.
Chat Rooms
Kappa Delta members are encouraged to enter into any public chat room at their discretion. All discussions should comply with Kappa Delta policies. Problems and complaints should not be discussed with other chapters via on-line services as they are not completely secure despite best efforts. Private chat rooms are password protected. Computer accounts and passwords that are assigned to individual members should not be shared with others, especially those that are not members of Kappa Delta Sorority.
The written word of ritual or reference to any ritualistic service is forbidden in public and private chat rooms.
Profanity, obscenity or words of pornographic nature are strictly forbidden in both public and private chat rooms.
Impermissible Use Statement
Kappa Delta resources derived from the Kappa Delta Internet may only be used for sorority purposes and may not be used for any purpose which is illegal, immoral, unethical, dishonest, damaging to the reputation of Kappa Delta Sorority, inconsistent with the mission of Kappa Delta Sorority, or likely to subject Kappa Delta Sorority to liability in Kappa Delta Sorority's sole discretion. Impermissible uses include but are not limited to the following:
- Harassment
- Libel or slander
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Unauthorized copying or transmission of copyright-protected items
- Use of Kappa Delta Sorority's trademarks, logos, insignia, or copyrights without prior approval.
- Unauthorized use of e-mail accounts or passwords assigned to others
- Posting or sending obscene, pornographic or offensive material
- Posting or sending material that does not comply with the mission or values of Kappa Delta Sorority.
Sanctions
Violations by any Kappa Delta member, chapter or AC of any guidelines, policy or impermissible use contained in this document shall result in the loss of computing privileges within the Kappa Delta Internet and the revocation of a link to that particular member, Chapter Website or AC Website or any such other sanction as may be allowed by the COHB or National Bylaws.
Each member is also encouraged to abide by any campus Panhellenic rules, university policy and any and all applicable Federal, state and local laws, especially those governing computer and telecommunication use, privacy and publicity rights and defamation.