A revised Relationship Statement passed unanimously by the Committee on Fraternities and Sororities (CFS) clarifies University judicial procedure and allows for more self-governance within Greek life.
The revised document was approved at the last meeting of the CFS, held Dec. 10, 2004.
"The addendum should be helpful not only to students but also to members of various judiciaries," Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Todd Sullivan said. "When trying to decide on a punishment, rather than just trying to shoot in the dark this provides more of a roadmap," he said.
The amended Relationship Statement includes an appendix which codifies acceptable punishments for various offenses. Possible violations are categorized into three tiers so that they can be paired with appropriate penalties.
For example, according to Sullivan, turning paperwork in late would be a minor offense, and a serious hazing problem would be a major offense.
Although a section already existed in the agreement specifically regarding judicial sanctioning, the revisers of the document felt the un-revised Statement allowed the Judicial Committees to be too subjective. A more specific explanation of the judicial sanction is listed in the appendix.
"Furthermore, the process will be more transparent so that those involved in the Greek System will know what the consequences are and what they are in for," Sullivan said.
Delta Tau Delta (DTD) member Charlie Bonello is glad to see the new Statement. "I think that this more apparent Statement is certainly a more advisable path and would clear up a lot of the ambiguity surrounding the judicial process and would help people be more accountable for their actions," he said.
According to the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs website, the Relationship Statement represents the application of the University's commitment to the existence of fraternities and sororities, and also governs the responsibilities of the fraternities and sororities at Tufts to the University. Sullivan said the Statement is revised every few years.
TCU Senate President David Baumwoll said that the most recent revisions solidified expectations outlined in the previous Statement. He is also a member of the Committee on Fraternities and Sororities.
"There was a prevailing sentiment that the guidelines suggested in the Relationship Statements are vague at best," Baumwoll said. "In the past, there was a general confusion about how decisions were arrived at by the judicial boards."
"The goal is to allow the Greek system to take a more proactive role in [its] own self-governance," Baumwoll said.
"These guidelines are the most aggressive step being taken to bridge the gap between the Greek System and the University," Baumwoll said.
The amended Relationship Statement still has to be reviewed by the University Legal Counsel. This review will take place during the current semester.
