/Institutions/Piedmont-College/json/2026-2027/Student-Handbook-2026-2027-local.json

/Institutions/Piedmont-College/json/2026-2027/Student-Handbook-2026-2027.json

Student Organizations

Students will be given the opportunity to organize and participate in clubs and other organizations. Information regarding student organization of clubs and regulations governing clubs is available below.

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Student Government Association (SGA) has general responsibility for all student organizations and student sponsored activities. In addition, it addresses student concerns and promotes student initiatives with the administration. Elections for executive officers and sophomore, junior, and senior classes are held every spring; freshman class elections are held in the fall.

Campus Activities Board (CAB)

The Piedmont University Campus Activities Board (CAB) strives to provide an educational and recreational experience outside the classroom through programs that culturally enlighten, intellectually stimulate and entertain the college community. CAB consists of students who each academic year plan numerous events – concerts, DIY events, movies, contests, sporting tournaments and much more! Most events are free for the student body.

Attendance at Campus Activities Board Events:

Events sponsored and/or hosted by CAB are designated as student events. These events are generally not open to non-University affiliated individuals without the express written permission of the Director of Student Life. Any individual not currently enrolled or approved to attend a CAB event may be asked to leave at the discretion of CAB leadership and/or the Director of Student Life. Any individual that fails to comply with this policy may be removed from the event and/or campus by Piedmont University staff, police, or local law enforcement agencies. Removal may result in a temporary or permanent restriction from campus or Piedmont University Student Life in addition to any relevant federal, state, or local jurisdiction of action.Organizing a New Organization

All new student organizations must submit an application as part of the new student organization process. The application for a new student organization request may be found in the app, by contacting the Director of Student Life or here: New Club or Organization Request.

Registration of Organization/Officer Roster/Constitution

An organization seeking recognition must submit the following information in writing to the Student Government Association:

• Organization Name
• Purpose (including and explanation of why the organization is desirable on Piedmont's campus and how the club will assist in promoting the University's mission)
• Qualifications for members (Must have at least 5 students)
• Fees, dues, and other considerations for membership
• Officer and leadership structure
• Time and manner of election of officers or new members
• Faculty or staff advisor
• Explanation of additional national, regional, or local affiliations
• Frequency of meetings
• Names of prospective members

Within the first month of the organization's existence, the organization must submit a final copy of its constitution.

Upon approval of the Student Government Association, that constitution may be submitted to the membership for ratification. Clubs in the recognition process may utilize campus resources. After the first full semester of existence, clubs with inactive files will be ineligible for inter-club funds and/or other campus resources

Eligibility and Officers:

Active membership shall be limited to regularly enrolled students.

Three semester hours is the minimum academic load for any student participating in a student organization.

A student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average to be eligible to serve as an officer of a student organization.

Advisor Role:

Each student organization must have an advisor who is a full-time faculty, administrator or professional staff member at Piedmont University. Student organizations may have several advisors if they wish. It is in the organization’s best interest to have at least two advisors in the event that the primary advisor is unavailable. Student organizations that are specific to an academic major (for example: accounting, history or emergency medical technology) should strive to have a faculty member from that academic program as their primary advisor. The Program Chair or Dean for that academic program must approve the selection of all advisors. The following information is designed to assist student leaders in selecting an advisor and in developing a clearer understanding of the role of the advisor. Both the advisor and the student organization officers should meet to establish a clear understanding of their roles. Piedmont University understands that advisors may transition from roles during the longevity of the organization. Student organizations are responsible for maintaining and updating their advisor director with the Director of Student Life. While the role of an advisor can vary somewhat from one organization to another, some responsibilities remain consistent:

• Explain University policy when relevant to the discussion.

• Report Violations of university policy to the appropriate party.

• Attend all organization meetings, events and activities.

• Guide the organization officers in the performance of their duties.

• Serve as the account manager for the organization’s funds and ensure the organization keeps finance records up-to-date and all accounting and fiscal matters adhere to the policies and procedures of Piedmont University and the purpose of the student organization as stated in the constitution.

• Review minutes from meetings and all organizational correspondence.

• Ensure members abide by their organization constitution, bylaws, the provisions of this handbook and College policies and procedures.

• Mediate interpersonal conflicts that may arise that do not meet the threshold of violating university policy or procedure.

• Facilitate opportunities for students to exercise initiative and judgment with a proper measure of autonomy when coordinating events and activities.

• Assist in the continuity of the organization by taking an active role in the orderly transition of responsibilities between old and new officers each year.

• Be available to organization members outside meetings for advice and consultation related to the operations of the organization.

• Be familiar with university and community resources and policy/ procedures as they relate to the student organization.

Active/Inactive Status

If clubs plan to utilize any campus resources, they must apply for "active status" at the beginning of each fall term. This request must be submitted in writing to the Director of Student Life. A club that remains inactive for two consecutive major semesters will need to reapply for recognition as a campus organization. The following are the requirements for "active status":

• Submitted and approved student organization recognition form.
• Must have at least five (5) active members that are currently enrolled Piedmont University students.
• Must have an active organization advisor(s)
• Must have a written constitution to include organizational purpose, leadership structure, financial requirements, and membership expectations and responsibilities.

Organization Status Reports

Clubs are required to make a brief written status report each spring and include the most recent version or their constitution. The report should include a brief summary of the past year's activities and any plans for the upcoming year. These reports will be considered by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the SGA advisor in partnership with the Director of Student Life in future programming and budgetary decisions.

Recognition Status

The Director of Student Life reserves the right to disband any student organization that violates the rules and regulations of Piedmont University as set forth in official publications or which functions in such a manner as to discredit the University.

Inter-Club Funds:

Any club in active status may obtain a list of eligibility requirements to apply for  funds through the SGA. Requests for funds can be submitted through the funding request form Piedmont University Student Club & Organization Funding Request. Limited funds are available for such things as transportation, postage, fund-raisers, campus programs, etc. Available funds are intended to supplement clubs, not financially support them. Funds may not be used to pay personal expenses incurred by members of clubs. Applications for funds will be reviewed by the SGA and appropriations will follow in a timely manner. Funds will be appropriated once approved. All clubs requesting funds through SGA are expected to sponsor fund raising events to help support the event/activity for which the organization is requesting funds. Once funds are transferred, it is the responsibility of the organization to work with Accounts Payable and their designated club advisor for purchases.

Funding Request Form:

Funding requests must be submitted to SGA at least one week prior to a regularly scheduled meeting. Clubs and orgs should submit requests for funds on the funding request form and should be signed and dated by the current club advisor. All funds are to be used at the discretion of the SGA. Funding request form can be found here: Piedmont University Student Club & Organization Funding Request. Any inquiries can be directed to sga@piedmont.edu

Financial Responsibility:

The Piedmont University Controller's Office will maintain accounts for any properly recognized student organization. Upon presentation of a written request signed by the organization's treasurer and countersigned by the sponsor, the Controller's Office will disburse to the organization such funds or portion thereof, which have been deposited with the University in the name of the organization. All disbursements must follow the established Controller's Office policy for disbursing funds. No student, organization, or sponsor will disburse or commit funds in excess of those deposited in its name with the Controller's Office.

Cash Handling:

All active student clubs and organizations must fill out a cash handling policy form, custodial fund agreement and a student and advisor certification letter that must be on file with the Director of Student Life and Accounts Payable. This form must be filled out at the start of the Fall semester or anytime an advisor changes throughout the year.

Depositing Money:

Student organizations and University personnel are not allowed to open accounts at banks or keep cash on hand. The primary advisor serves as the Financial Manager for the student organization. Student organizations that are inactive for a period of two consecutive semesters will have their accounts closed and all funds transferred into the SGA club account which will then be used to provide funding for future clubs and organizations.

Fundraising:

Fundraising should be done on behalf of the club and should be approved through the Office of Student Life. Any food sales must be prepackaged and/or prepared by licensed venders and adhere to all necessary health codes. Here is the form to request approval Piedmont University Event or Fundraising Request

Campus Displays:

While creative promotion of events and programs is encouraged, displays, posters, notices, banners, etc., may not litter the campus nor damage the property of the University. Displays that are obscene, deemed offensive, or interfere with the normal operation of the University are prohibited. Campus displays must be removed in a timely manner and must be displayed in appropriate locations. Failure to do so may result in termination of a club's rights to post campus displays. Club posters may not be posted on windows or on exterior doors of campus buildings. All displays or posters must have the time, date, location, and sponsor of the event. Flyers must include the statement, “If a student needs accommodations to fully participate, please reach out to the OARS office.” All campus displays are approved by the Director of Student Life or the Director of Residence Life prior to their posting or display. Approved copies can be submitted to the Director of Residence Life for placement in the approved campus locations.

Postings and Advertisements:

Club posters may not be posted on windows or on exterior doors of campus buildings. All displays or posters must have the time, date, location, and sponsor of the event. Flyers must include the statement, “If a student needs accommodations to fully participate, please reach out to the OARS office.” All campus displays are approved by the Director of Student Life or the Director of Residence Life prior to their posting or display. Approved displays may only be placed on designated bulletins boards or hanging locations noted by the Director of Student Life and/or Director of Residence Life. Approved copies can be submitted to the Director of Residence Life for placement in the Residence Halls. Students and/or student organizations are not permitted to advertise on behalf of a non-University affiliated organization or event per the Piedmont University No Solicitation policy.

Club Conduct and Responsibility:

Activities of organizations must conform to the organization's stated purpose, may not cause a disturbance, may not interfere with the regular operation of the University and must conform in conduct and programming to the mission of Piedmont University. Piedmont University holds each organization responsible for the actions of its members and their guests. Student organizations are also held responsible for all damage resulting from club activities. Outside activities, parades, student rallies, and other such gatherings must be cleared through the Director of Student Life.

Event/Fundraising Registration

Organizations may register events or fundraisers through emailing the Director of Student Life or submitting the Club/Fundraising Request form Piedmont University Event or Fundraising Request..

Movies:

The rental, purchase or download of a movie, as well as access to streamlining subscriptions, does not grant the right to exhibit it publicly outside the home, unless the screening is properly licensed. Showing movies inside our buildings or outside on campus property must have a license. Organizations interested in showing a movie should contact the Director of Student Life, for further information about movie rentals.

Room Reservation

Student members of Piedmont University recognized student organizations and clubs may reserve facilities such as classrooms, multipurpose rooms, auditoriums, outdoor spaces, and athletic facilities. Fill out a reservation form and a University representative will provide updates on availability as well as confirmation. Form is located here: Facility Request.

Table and Chair Reservations for an event

Student organizations must request tables and chairs for an event through the organization’s advisor by submitting a facilities help desk ticket. This request should include how many chairs and/or tables are needed in addition to a layout of how the space should be arranged.

Club & Org Fair

The Office of Student Life will host a club and organizational fair in the Fall and Spring in the Student Commons Lobby. All active clubs and organizations are required to participate.

Alcohol Policy

All events organized by Piedmont University Student Life where alcohol will be served must be registered with Piedmont University and approved by the appropriate authorities. Student organizations must follow all federal, state, county, city, and university legislation, including but not limited to the Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary Procedures, as well as any applicable national alcohol/risk management policies. Register your event here Piedmont University Event or Fundraising Request. Event registration should include details such as the date, time, location, estimated number of attendees, and plans for alcohol service.

Each activity/event involving alcohol must be planned and approved by the Organization President and Primary Advisor 14 days prior to the scheduled event.

Events with alcohol may only be hosted during the academic year. No events shall take place during Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break or Summer Session.

Security should be finalized at least 14 days before the event depending on the size or nature of the event. The hosting organization should consider employing at least one officer from an accredited law enforcement agency as event security.

The host organization shall make available adequate amounts of non-alcoholic beverages and food throughout the duration of the activity/function.

Should any individual need medical attention, call 911 promptly. If in the course of an event/activity should an incident requiring medical attention or police involvement occur, the event should be terminated, and your advisor should be notified.

Alternate transportation information shall be easily accessible to all activity/event attendees.

No organization should buy alcohol with organization funds, and no member or members may coordinate the purchase of alcoholic beverages on the organization's behalf.

Responsible Drinking:

Piedmont University Student Life promotes responsible drinking practices. All attendees must be of legal drinking age as defined by Georgia law.

Any member or attendee who appears intoxicated or underage will not be served alcohol and may be asked to leave the event.

Alcohol Service:

Alcohol service will be limited to designated areas approved by the Piedmont University President.

Only trained and authorized 3^rd party licensed individuals will be permitted to serve alcohol. They will be responsible for monitoring consumption and ensuring compliance with this policy.

Alcoholic beverages will not be served to individuals who are visibly intoxicated.

Identification and Age Verification:

Proper identification, such as a government-issued ID, must be presented by anyone wishing to consume alcohol. Acceptable forms of identification include driver's licenses, passports, or state-issued ID cards.

IDs will be checked at the entrance of events where alcohol is served, and wristbands or other designated markers will be provided to indicate legal drinking age.

Prohibited Activities:

Underage drinking is strictly prohibited. Any member or attendee found providing alcohol to minors will face disciplinary action.

The promotion of excessive or binge drinking, as well as any drinking games or activities that encourage rapid consumption, is not permitted.

Any form of harassment, violence, or disruptive behavior resulting from alcohol consumption will not be tolerated

Alcohol Sponsorship:

Piedmont University Student Life will not accept sponsorship from alcohol companies or host events sponsored by alcohol brands.

Liability and Insurance:

The organization will provide proof of liability insurance for events where alcohol is served, as required by Piedmont University policy.

Education and Resources:

Piedmont University Student Life will provide educational resources on responsible drinking, alcohol abuse prevention, and bystander intervention to its members. Members will be encouraged to intervene if they observe unsafe drinking behavior and to seek assistance from event organizers or campus authorities if necessary.

Compliance and Enforcement:

Student organizations are required to abide by all university, federal, state and local law policies and procedures. Failure to do so may result in the organization’s loss of privileges or recognition on campus. Individuals within the organization may also be held responsible for the actions of the organization per the Community Standards and Student Code of Conduct. Organizational outcomes may include but are not limited to probation, suspension, or expulsion from Piedmont University.

 

Fraternity and sorority life is more than just wearing Greek letters; it is about being a positive influence on your campus and in your community. We invite you to be a part of something bigger than yourself. We invite you to be a part of an active community of students who share the same core values.

Mission

Piedmont university Greek life was established to offer a fraternity and sorority experience that connects the values of these national organizations to those of piedmont university. The mission of piedmont university Greek life is to educate and empower members through diverse learning experiences to achieve academic excellence, engage with the local and global communities, and cultivate leadership while fostering lifelong relationships.

Values

• Leadership
• Personal Development
• Scholarship
• Service

Sigma gamma rho sorority, inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University.

Soaring to greater heights of attainment around the world, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., as a leading national service organization, has met the challenges of the day and continues to grow through Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service.

From seven young educators, Sigma Gamma Rho has become an international service organization comprised of women from every profession. Sigma Gamma Rho offers its members opportunities to develop their unique talents through leadership training and involvement in sorority activities. Sorority activities provide an atmosphere where friendships and professional contacts are developed which often lead to bonds that last a lifetime. Learn more about the rich heritage of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. by visiting the Sorority's national website sgrho1922.org.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is currently dormant at Piedmont University. Individuals interested in learning more about this organization should contact the Director of Student Life.

ZETA TAU ALPHA

Zeta Tau Alpha was created in 1898 to make a difference in the lives of our members by developing the potential of each individual. We foster strength of character by emphasizing leadership development, service to others, academic achievement and continued personal growth, with a commitment to friendship and the future. 

Zeta Tau Alpha recruits members each semester. Interested students are encouraged to attend the Student Organization Fair to learn more about ZTA’s recruitment procedures and events.

Student Club, Organization, and Greek Life Risk Management Policy

The community at Piedmont University (hereafter referred to as University) has adopted this Risk Management Policy (hereafter referred to as Policy). For the purposes of this Policy, the term ―fraternity includes sororities, and the term ―member includes a fraternity’s members, pledges and associates. Section I of the Alcohol and Drugs Policy and the other separate policies are based on the Risk Management Guidelines of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).

 This Policy is intended to apply to all Student Organizations as well as Greek Life and all levels of the group's membership. Our purposes for adopting this Policy are to promote socially acceptable conduct that reflects the pride we have in each other and in the organizations to which we belong and to enhance the safety of our members and guests.

This Policy is separate from but complements the University’s Student Code of Conduct (hereafter referred to as Student Code), which sets forth standards governing the conduct of all students and sets forth procedures under which the University may initiate disciplinary actions involving individual students and student organizations. All members of Student Clubs, Organizations, and Greek community are expected to abide by this Policy, the Student Code, and other applicable University rules and regulations and federal, state, and local civil and criminal laws, regulations and ordinances. In the event of any inconsistencies, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

No policy can cover all the possible situations that may arise. When this Policy is not specific on a certain point or deferral to the NIC Manual is insufficient, chapters are to conduct their activities in the spirit of the social responsibility embodied by this Policy. Chapters in violation of this Policy will be subject to review by the University and may be subject to judicial action.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

In any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the chapter/organization, including those that occur on or off organizational/chapter premises:

1. The chapter/organization, members and guests must comply with all federal, state, provincial and local laws. No person under the legal drinking age may possess, consume, provide or be provided alcoholic beverages.
2. The chapter/organization, members and guests must follow the federal law regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances. No person may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances while on chapter/organizational premises or at any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the chapter/organization.
3. Alcoholic beverages must either be:
   a. Provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or
   b. Brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system. The presence of alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) is prohibited on any chapter/organization premises or at any event, except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.
4. Common sources of alcohol, including bulk quantities, which are not being served by a licensed and insured third party vendor, are prohibited (i.e., amounts of alcohol greater than what a reasonable person should consume over the duration of an event).
5. Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with chapter/organizational funds or funds pooled by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).
6. A chapter/organization must not co-host or co-sponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol.
7. A chapter/organization must not co-host or co-sponsor an event with a bar, event promoter or alcohol distributor; however, a chapter/organization may rent a bar, restaurant, or other licensed and insured third-party vendor to host a chapter/organization event.
8. Attendance by non-members at any event where alcohol is present must be by invitation only, and the chapter/organization must utilize a guest list system. Attendance at events with alcohol is limited to a 3:1 maximum guest-to-member ratio and must not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the chapter/organizational premises or host venue.
9. Any event or activity related to the new member joining process (e.g., recruitment, intake, rush, etc.) must be substance free. No alcohol or drugs may be present if the event or activity is related to new member activities, meetings, or initiation into an organization, including but not limited to “bid night,” “big/little” events or activities, “family” events or activities and any ritual or ceremony.
10. The chapter/organization, members or guests must not permit, encourage, coerce, glorify or participate in any activities involving the rapid consumption of alcohol, such as drinking games.

I. General Policies

 A. The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages, during a Greek Life, Club, or organization event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable rules and regulations of the University, the provisions of this Policy and all guidelines issued pursuant to this Policy, the rules and policies of the fraternity’s (inter)national organization, and the laws, regulations and ordinances of the United States of America, the State of Georgia, Habersham County, and the city of Demorest.

B. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with chapter funds, nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.

C. Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are forbidden.

D. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one (21).

E. The possession, sale, or use of any illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or controlled substances during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited.

F. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more than half of its annual gross sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held in compliance with the provisions of this Policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list.

G. No chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance, attend or participate in a function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.

H. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be non-alcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor. 

K. No member, pledge, associate/new member or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in any drinking game. Examples of drinking games include but are not limited to the consumption of shots of any alcoholic beverages, the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age, beer pong, century club, dares, or any other activity involving the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol.

J. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate, member/new member/novice program, activity or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with bid day/night, big brother/little brother events or activities, big sister/little sister events or activities, family events or activities and initiation.

K. The general policies set forth in this Section I apply to any event or gathering where alcohol is present which a chapter organizes or supports, or which an observer would associate with the chapter, whether or not the event or gathering must be registered in accordance with Section V of this Policy.

L. For the purposes of Sections II – V of this Policy, an event is defined as any party or function hosted or co-hosted by Greek Life or any Club or Organization that persons other than members of the group (guests) are invited to attend. The rules and policies in Section II apply to an event at which alcohol is served or consumed and the rules and policies in Section III apply to an event held using a third party vendor at which alcohol is served or consumed (a Third Party Vendor Event). The rules and policies in Section IV apply to an event where no alcohol is consumed or available for consumption at the event (an Alcohol-Free Event).

II.  Use of Alcohol at an Event

A. Greek Life or any Club or Organization hosting an event with alcohol must comply with the Piedmont Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and the Third Party Vendor Guidelines set forth in the NIC Guidelines. The service and consumption of alcohol at the event must also comply with the Georgia alcoholic beverages statutes found in Title 3 of the Georgia Code and the general policies set forth in Section I of this Policy.

B. Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) events are not permitted.

C. Possession, use, sale, gift, or other transfer of intoxicants in any form or manner on the University campus is strictly prohibited. Any student present during the violation of this policy may also be subject to judicial action.

D. Consumption of alcohol at an Off Campus Event, even by those of legal drinking age, is prohibited if the ratio of guests to chapter members in attendance at the event exceeds 1 to 2. The total number of chapter members and guests in attendance at the event also must not exceed the fire code capacity of the venue. (Example: a chapter having50 members in attendance at an event but with a venue fire code capacity of 130 may not have more than a total of 130 chapter members and guests inside the venue during the event.)

E. All guests at an Off Campus Event must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. All guests at the event must present proper identification to the fraternity’s door monitor, showing proof of their age.

F. The University may require professional security personnel to be present for any event. The number of attendees, the event, and the potential for crowd control issues will all be factors in determining security for an event. The fraternity will be notified if an event requires security and, if required, proof of security personnel must be submitted with all other event registration documents prior to the event being approved.

III. Third Party Vendor Events

A The rules and policies in this Section III apply to any Third Party Vendor Event at which alcohol is served or consumed. A Third Party Vendor Event is any event hosted or co- hosted by Greek Life or any Club or Organization using a third party vendor that is held off the University’s premises. Greek Life or any Club or Organization hosting or co-hosting a Third Party Vendor Event must comply with the Third Party Vendor Guidelines set forth in the NIC Guidelines, the Third Party Vendor Checklist and must hire a third party vendor holding the proper permit(s) under the Georgia alcoholic beverages statutes to serve the alcohol at the event.

B. Both Greek Life or any Club or Organization and the third party vendor are responsible for ensuring that the event is held in compliance with this Policy. Approved third party vendors will generally be given an updated copy of the Policy annually. If the third party vendor does not have a copy of the current Policy, the Greek Life or any Club or Organization shall provide a copy to the vendor.

C. When an event utilizes a third party vendor, the host chapter(s) must inform and have the third party vendor sign the agreement that their business is responsible for:

1. Providing proper licensing by the appropriate state or local authority.

2. A copy of the following documentation must be on file with the Office of Student Life for a specific vendor:

• Copy of the contract with the vendor;

• Copy of the vendor’s proof of insurance;

• Copy of the vendor’s liquor license;

• Contact information for the vendor;

• Copy of the transportation contract; and

• Copy of the catering contract if not provided by the vendor

The Vendor Must:

• Be properly licensed by the appropriate local and state authority. This might involve both a liquor license and a temporary license to sell on the premises where the function is to be held.

• Be properly insured with a minimum of $1,000,000 of general liability insurance, evidenced by a properly completed certificate of insurance prepared by the insurance provider. The above “certificate of insurance” must also show evidence that the vendor has, as part of his coverage, “off premise liquor liability coverage and non-owned and hired auto coverage.” The certificate of insurance must name an additional insured (at a minimum) the local organization hiring the vendor as well as the national Greek Life organization with whom the local chapter is affiliated.  This also applies to any student club or organization on campus.

D. Persons whose actions, conduct, and/or demeanor suggest that they may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be prohibited from entering the event.

E. Greek Life or any Club or Organization that host Third Party Vendor Events are encouraged to secure safe transportation to and from events for members and guests.

F. Door Management

1. A printed or typed guest list must be prepared and must be given to the Director of Student Life at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of each event and maintained at the entrance of the function at all times. All guests must sign in to the function next to their name on the guest list. Individuals not on the guest list shall not be allowed to attend the event.

2. The chapter must assign a sufficient number of door monitors who are trained and qualified to enforce the restrictions (e.g., age, guest list) on entering and leaving the event.

3. Guests twenty-one (21) years of age and older must be clearly identified in a consistent manner as being of legal drinking age (e.g., by wearing a colored wristband provided to the guest upon entrance.)

4. Guests shall be required to enter the event through only one (1) entrance; however, all entrances and exits shall be clearly marked, and in no event shall any entrance or exit be locked or otherwise obstructed in violation of applicable fire and safety codes.

5. Guests whose actions, conduct, and/or demeanor suggest that they may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be prohibited by the door monitor from entering the event.

G. Sober Monitors

1. Greek Life or any Club or Organization is required to have at least one (1) sober monitor for every fifteen (15) people present at an Event. This includes members and guests. At least one (1) of the sober monitors must be an executive board member or the risk manager of the fraternity, and all sober monitors must have attended and passed annually the Sober Monitor Training program with regard to recognizing an intoxicated person, dealing with a belligerent person, and developing intervention techniques. Sober monitors shall not consume any alcohol or use any illegal drugs or controlled substances at any time during or on the day of the event. A member must be a member of the organization for at least one (1) full semester to be a sober monitor.

2. The responsibilities of the sober monitors include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Obtaining sufficient training and familiarity with this Policy and the NIC Policy and Manual to carry out their responsibilities as sober monitors.

b. Monitoring the number of guests at the event and whether they are properly in attendance.

 

c. Monitoring compliance by members and guests with Sections I, II, and III of this Policy.

d. Monitoring the intoxication level of members and guests and using reasonable efforts, as determined by the monitor, to deal with inappropriate behavior or conduct, including indications of high levels of intoxication (but not at the risk of the monitor’s own safety). This may include measures such as asking someone to leave the event, or if a person is obviously intoxicated, asking someone to help the person get back to the place where the individual is residing or staying. However, if violence or other aggressive or illegal behavior has occurred or is threatened, a sober monitor should call the Campus Police rather than intervening directly at the risk of the monitor’s or other members’ or guests’ personal safety.

e. Ensuring that all door monitors and sober monitors know the location of, are familiar with, and are adhering to the University’s (and, if applicable, the chapter’s) risk management and crisis management plans during the event.

f. Ensuring that all door monitors and sober monitors are aware of the following telephone numbers, and that the numbers are posted at or near the entrance to the event and are clearly visible and legible:

	Emergency	911
	Campus Police:	(706) 939-1349 or (706) 939-1350
	Demorest Police Department:	(706) 754-7562
	Habersham County Fire Department:	(706) 754-7008
	Emergency contact telephone	numbers for the chapter’s advisor(s) and(inter)national headquarters

 

IV. Alcohol-Free Events

A. The rules and policies in this Section IV apply to any Alcohol-Free Event. An Alcohol- Free Event is an event where no alcohol is consumed or available for consumption at the event.

B. No person shall consume alcohol prior to or during an Alcohol-Free Event.

C. Persons whose actions, conduct, and/or demeanor suggest that they may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be prohibited from entering the event.

V. Registration of Events

Any event organized by student organizations where alcohol will be served must be registered with Piedmont University and approved by the appropriate campus authorities. Student organizations must follow all federal, state, county, city, and university legislation, including but not limited to the Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary Procedures, as well as any applicable national alcohol/risk management policies. Event registration must be submitted and approved at least five (5) business days in advance of the event by emailing the Director of Student Life. No student organization is permitted to host an event that has not been properly registered and approved.

 

HAZING 

No chapter, student or alumnus shall conduct or condone hazing activities. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as:

―Any action taken or situation created, intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the Piedmont or applicable Georgia law. 

 

SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT

Student Clubs, organization, or Greek Life will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This includes any actions, activities or events which are demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or members acting together. The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers or similar entertainers, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event as defined in this Policy is prohibited.

The Student Code also prohibits sexual harassment and sexual misconduct (as defined in the Student Code) by University students and provides for disciplinary action in the event of a violation.

EDUCATION

All chapters must annually instruct their members regarding the University's Student Organization Risk Management Policy and obtain their signed acknowledgments that they have received and reviewed a copy of the Policy. Chapter members shall demonstrate their knowledge of the Policy by achieving a satisfactory score on a standardized test administered under the supervision of the Student Life Director and attending educational programs.

A copy of this Policy shall be available on the website. Each organization shall also maintain updated copies of this Policy,