Stanford expects a high degree of local autonomy for all its student groups including fraternities and sororities. Stanford fraternal organizations differ from fraternities and sororities on other college and university campuses in several significant ways. Most importantly, Stanford Greeks are expected to function with a high degree of autonomy from their national organizations. Fraternal organizations at Stanford may not allow individuals outside the University to influence or control membership selection or group governance. Each fraternity and sorority is expected to determine their goals and activities as a chapter at Stanford reflecting the mission and character of Stanford University and its students.
Unlike voluntary student organizations and residences, Greek organizations have the privilege of choosing their own members. With this privilege comes the responsibility of governing the group's behavior in a way consistent with the University's educational mission and standards of conduct. Thus, Greek organizations bear a certain level of responsibility for the individual actions of their group members when this behavior is part of a group activity or represents chapter norms.
It is expected that each organization will establish and enforce policies to achieve responsible group governance. While members may be held accountable for their actions individually, sanctions may also be imposed upon an entire chapter for individual member actions when the behavior is inconsistent with Stanford's goals, principles and policies. Each case will be evaluated individually by the Organization Conduct Board, with final decisions resting with the Dean of Students. Problems with individual members may also be referred to the University Judicial Affairs Officer for review.
Fraternity and sorority leaders are encouraged to work with their membership to encourage collective behavior within their chapter that reflects and supports the University's mission. Fraternities and sororities should have clear group values, shared group governance and house management structures, active involvement from all members and effective internal disciplinary systems for individuals whose behavior jeopardizes the chapter as a whole. Greek leaders participate in an annual orientation that explores their role in instilling responsible group behavior through the use of guest presenters, case studies, and discussions.
When group conduct problems occur, collective responsibility serves to drive the exploration about the problem behavior and to what extent the incident is a result of irresponsible group norms or governance. Typical incidents that fall within the policy of collective responsibility include poor party planning, group alcohol and other substance abuse, hazing, destructive behavior and pranks.
If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, there is basis for finding the chapter engaged in some level of willful misconduct, recklessness or negligence, and on this basis could be held collectively responsible for the misconduct of its members. Once collective responsibility is determined the seriousness of the current misconduct incident and the extent to which other recent incidents of misconduct have occurred and poor chapter leadership is evident are used in determining the type and level of University sanctions recommended.
An individual's voluntary decision to associate with another individual or group is a basic human right. Elements of subjective decision making must have appropriate safeguards relating to race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background as an essential part of this process.
Presented by the Office of Student Activities
