NMEP Contract
This form must be submitted by each member on the Regional Board, ALL chapter presidents, Cacique candidates, Backup Cacique Candidates, Bohique candidates, Master of Ceremony, Pana Candidates, all undergrads. IF BROTHERS ARE HOLDING MORE THAN ONE ROLE(Regional Board, Line Admin, Chapter President, Pana, MOC, etc.) THEY MUST SUBMIT FOR EACH POSITION. If brothers are holding more than one role, they must submit for each role. (Example: Jon Doe is Chapter President and a Pana, he must submit this form twice by the deadline). Please read each item carefully. Please provide your GMAIL (not linked with school /work).
This is an official contract between the National Board, Regional Cacique, New Member Educators (Caciques & Bohiques), Panas, Masters of Ceremonies, Chapter presidents, Alumni Advisors, alumni and undergrads who have an invested interest in the NMEP. The stated policies and regulations are to be followed by all active members of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, INC. Failure to abide by all policies and regulations will result in disciplinary actions against individuals and chapter.
Thank You,
National Director of New Member Education (National Cacique Mayor) of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.
Term of New Member Educators
The term of the New Member Educators shall commence the date hereof and continue for the term until the men entering the new member education program complete their process and are initiated members into Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. The New Member Education Committee shall have an opportunity to assess the performance, attitude, skills and other related attributes and characteristics of the New Member Educator role.
New Member Educators’ Responsibilities
The New Member Educators are responsible for providing a safe learning environment for the participants. The curriculum should be designed in such a way as to provide no risk to participants. The New Member Educators need to remove dangerous obstacles, and set up set sessions correctly, while maintaining order during set, and closely supervise each brother and potential new member. School policies and procedures MUST be followed. ALL Incidents need to be reported immediately. Failure to report any incidents to the Regional and National Board of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. will result in sanctions against individual brothers and/or chapter.
NMEP National Curriculum
All Line administrators are required to follow the national curriculum that has been prepared by the National Director of New Member Education. Each new member is required to learn information prior to their inspections that will be conducted weekly by the NCM and/or RCM.
Pana Duties
Pana's have to be approved by the NCM. Panas are assigned to new members day 0 of the NMEP. These brothers must speak (phone call) to their assigned panita at least 3 times a week. They are also required to purchase a gift three weeks before their assigned panita is set to complete the NMEP. Panas are required to report the following information about their assigned Panita to the line administrators, RCM, and NCM: * Harm to self * Harm to others * Struggles with academics * Hazing allegations ALL Incidents need to be reported immediately. Failure to report any incidents to the Regional and National Board of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. will result in sanctions against the PANA, individual brothers, and/or chapter.
Master Of Ceremony Duties
Nationally approved Master of Ceremonies (MOC) are the only individuals that can conduct ceremonies. All MOCs are required to follow the national curriculum and agenda that has been prepared and approved by the National Director of New Member Education. Each MOC is required to only conduct ceremonies that they have been approved for.
Conduct of Activity
A careful risk management program will significantly reduce the likelihood of any accidents and subsequent lawsuits. Risk management is essentially a process of identifying and understanding those circumstances in which accidents are most likely to occur and taking appropriate steps to eliminate their occurrence. In the event of accidental injury, the New Member Educators by signing this agreement assume the financial responsibility for all treatments rendered. The New Member Educators will be held solely responsible for any and/or all injuries that occur during the new member education process due to improper management. Furthermore, any and/or all-medical fees will be the New Member Educators financial responsibility.
Supervision
While supervising New Members, New Member Educators should be immediately accessible to all participants and should be constantly alert for deviations from normal procedure or hazardous conditions. The New Member Educators should understand and follow the program guidelines for management of the NMEP. Participants should be monitored carefully and new skills introduced only when they are ready to progress. Steps should be taken to avoid any likely accidents. Professionalism is the key to risk management. Careful preparation and thoughtful actions are essential to reduce liability. The safety of participants is a primary responsibility. Although this duty is of tremendous importance and cannot be neglected, neither should it be feared.
Inactive Brothers
Brothers who are not active with Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. are not allowed to interact (via in person, phone call, video call, text message, or email with the NMEP and its participants. It is the responsibility of the New Member Educators to ensure everyone interacting with the NMEP is active. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary actions against those involved and the possible removal of the New Member Educator(s).
Viewings and Other Organizations
It is prohibited to host viewings with any organization and to allow them to interact with the NMEP and its participants. Please note that this includes our sister organization, Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. * • Under no circumstance should a New Member receive a Big or any other title from a Sorority or Fraternity. • Under no circumstance should a Brother receive a Little or any other title from a Sorority or Fraternity. • Under no circumstance should a New Member speak to another organization via email, phone, or any form of communication at any point in their process unless the member of the other organization is a partner for a classwork assignment, family member, manager, or professor.
Traveling
The following procedures must be followed to be granted traveling privileges: • New Member Educators must apply every time they want the NMEP participants to travel. The google form must be detailed. • One of the New Member Educators must be at all times/locations with the New Members monitoring risk management procedures. • The host chapter must be notified and the President of the host chapter assumes responsibility over the safety of the New Members and brothers in the chapter. • A detailed plan will be needed to grant travel. Example, where will the New Members stay, who will be driving, etc. • The form must be completed 24 hours in advance for approval by Regional or National Cacique Failure to complete this form will result in the complete revocation of traveling privileges for the rest of the semester. You can only visit active and in good standing chapters within the organization. * University policies regarding leaving Campus MUST be followed.
Grooming Policy
No New Member undergoing the NMEP is to have their hair altered for the purpose of the program. This policy applies from the time associates prepare to undergo the NMEP (interview) until the individual completes the NMEP. New members should not alter their hair for a showcase. Brothers can not tell new members to alter their hair. Brothers can not discuss new members appearance. No New Members undergoing the NMEP should be required to shave daily. We would like our new members to look presentable. If there are any concerns, the Cacique of the new member(s) must contact the NCM for a discussion.
Sleep Policy
New members MUST get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night and return to their dorm / home/ sleeping location by curfew.
Hazing Incidents
In the event that a chapter chooses to engage in sanctioned activities within the NMEP, they will face disciplinary actions against individual brothers and chapters. Furthermore, Official Notification will be sent to the Academic Institutions with a possibility that the Chapter will be terminated by the Fraternity and the University.
Mandatory Reports
Weekly Regional Cacique Mayor / Cacique Reports (Progress Reports and Expense Reports) are due every Monday by 11:59 pm. Missing the submission of report or failure to disclose all incidents/pertinent items will result in disciplinary actions. It is an expectation that you will include all items requested in the report. ❑ Regional Cacique Mayor Reports: (Must be completed weekly): (1.) Check - In Report ❑ Cacique Reports: (Must be completed weekly): (1.) Progress Report (2.) Expense Report with photo's of each receipt (Bohique can submit Expense Reports) ❑ Incident Report: (Must be completed immediately)
Athena Day / Apollo Night
All new members will attend the National New Member Workshops and Talent Showcase "Athena Day / Apollo Night" that will take place at the headquarters at Elizabeth, NJ. The date will be shared prior to the beginning of the NMEP. Only line administrators or presenters are able to attend Athena Day (Workshops) Active paid brothers are able to attend Apollo Night (Talent Showcase). * New Members from Regions 3 & 5 are not required to attend this event in person but must be available to Video Conference into the event. * University policies regarding leaving Campus MUST be followed. Chapters must submit a travel request form, at the beginning of the semester, to the University to attend this event if that is a requirement.
Showcase
* The use of the word probate in any type of social media advertisement is prohibited * The posting of any type of pictures/videos relating to the New Member Education Program is prohibited. Please refer to the Social Media Policy. * All flyers/ videos must be approved by the Regional Board & the National Board before being posted. * Uniforms must be completely clean (No dirt stains, rips, marks, wrinkles) and inspected by RCM or NCM the day of showcase. * Hanks must be worn on left ankle. * If uniform are not used, wardrobe must be approved by RCM and NCM. * Absolutely no haircuts * University policies regarding showcases MUST be followed.
Pledge Fee
Chapters will not be allowed to charge Associates or New Members more than the amount set by the National Director of New Member Education. UNMEP (National $425 + Chapter fee $275 = $700) APNMEP (National $625 + Chapter $375 = $1,000) Chapters must use chapter money if more money is needed. Line administrators have the right to request money from the Chapter account but Chapter must vote for approval.
Lambda Sigma Upsilon's Zero Tolerance Policy
As an organization we have a zero tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind (race, sexual orientation, HIV status, et.al) and hazing! Please review the Anti-Hazing Policy below: Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. forbids all forms of hazing. No Member of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., be they undergraduate, alumni, graduate or honorary, shall engage in, participate and or support any actions or actions perceived to be considered hazing as defined by the local and state laws and/or university guidelines, in which a recognized colony or chapter Lambda Sigma Upsilon is located. Any member, colony or chapter found to engage in, support, or participate in any willful, negligent, and/or intentional misconduct defined as, or perceived as hazing, shall be subject to the fines and penalties up to and including suspension or expulsion from membership in Lambda Sigma Upsilon as per our National Constitution and its by-laws. This is in addition to any local, state or university penalties and sanctions, including any legal or civil lawsuits, charges and or convictions that may occur due to the aforementioned misconduct. Furthermore, the National Executive Board, its officers, local members and agents acting on the fraternities’ behalf will provide its full cooperation, should any such investigation be conducted by any local, state, and university agencies, in the event of any allegations or actions of such misconduct. Definition For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with or maintaining membership in our organization; and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of the student. Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in the above acts. The Fraternity will use a “reasonable person” standard when evaluating such conduct and its potential effects. Consent Because of the socially coercive nature of hazing, implied or expressed consent to hazing is not a defense under applicable State law or this policy. Retaliation Retaliating directly or indirectly against a person who has in good faith filed, supported, or participated in an investigation of a complaint of hazing as defined above is prohibited. Retaliation includes but is not limited to ostracizing the person, pressuring the person to drop or not support the complaint or provide false or misleading information, or otherwise engaging in conduct that may reasonably be perceived to affect adversely that person's educational, living, or work environment. Depending on the circumstances, retaliation may also be unlawful, whether or not the complaint is ultimately found to have merit. Examples College policies include the prohibition of many activities that have traditionally been associated with hazing, such as illegal alcohol use and abuse, vandalism, theft, verbal or physical abuse or threat of harm, sexual harassment, and other forms of harassment. In addition to those activities and conduct expressly prohibited elsewhere in this contract, examples of prohibited individual/group activities that may constitute hazing when otherwise falling within the definition above include but are not limited to the following: "PASSIVE HAZING" - allowing hazing to happen without response or resistance. * Participating in or being present in person or via technology in discussions where hazing is planed without stopping and reporting it immediately. * Witnessing hazing taking place as a group member, affiliate or guest without stopping and reporting it immediately. "SUBTLE HAZING” - often taken for granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. * Deprivation of privileges granted to other members * Requiring new members to perform duties not assigned to other members * Line-ups and drills/tests on meaningless information * Name calling * Requiring or hinting for new member to shave, cut their hair or alter their appearance. * Social probation * Expect members to complete any directives from a member * Demean any member or new member verbally "HARASSMENT HAZING" - behavior that causes emotional anguish or physical discomfort to feel like part of the group. * Verbal abuse * Threats or implied threats * Blindfolding * Asking new members to wear embarrassing/ humiliating attire * Throwing items or substances at new members * Engage in public stunts or jokes * Participate in morally degrading or humiliating games, stunts, skits, jokes, and / or activities. * Perform personal service to other members such as errands, cooking, cleaning, etc. * Sleep deprivation * Sexual simulations * Deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness * Be expected to harass others * Interfering with adequate study time * Keeping new member away (phone calls, video calls, visits) from Parent / Guardian * Unhealthy diet "VIOLENT HAZING" - behavior that has the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm. * Forced or coerced alcohol, illegal drugs, or other drug consumption * Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault * Branding, tattooing, or piercing * Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions * Burning * Water intoxication / Water Boarding * Expecting abuse or mistreatment of animals * Public nudity * Engaging in or simulating sexual acts * Expecting illegal activity * Bondage * Abductions/kidnaps * Exposure to cold weather or extreme heat without appropriate protection • As these examples illustrate, hazing activities do not need to involve alcohol or drugs to be in violation of this policy. Resources on hazing http://www.stophazing.org/ http://www.insidehazing.com/ http://www.hazingprevention.org/
Lambda Sigma Upsilon's Drugs & Alcohol Regulations
* All recruitment events are to be alcohol free (dry) and substance free. * Alcohol cannot be offered nor be available to any prospective member. * Alcohol cannot be brought into the fraternity house or other facility used for recruiting purposes by a prospective member, guest, fraternity member, or alumni. * Neither fraternity member (including new pledges, associates, or members) nor invited guests (e.g. – women, alumni, etc.) can have any alcoholic beverage in the presence of a prospective member. * Possession or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substance cannot be offered nor be available to any prospective member. * In addition to the above, no prospective member shall be exposed to any form of alcohol or drugs during recruitment. This includes, but is not limited to discarded, empty, open, or unopened alcoholic containers. * All Recruitment events/activities/function must comply with your University/College Student Alcohol Policy, Risk Management & Social Conduct Policy, applicable Inter/National Guidelines and Policies, as well as Local, State and Federal Law.
Disclaimer:
If you feel you cannot abide by the rules and regulations of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. please inform the National Director of New Member Education prior to accepting this position. The Laws of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., shall govern the validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this agreement. This agreement shall ensure the New Member Educators understand they are solely responsible to adhere to this contract and be binding upon the parties hereto. Anyone undergoing the New Member Education Program of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. is not the property of the New Member Educators or the chapter. Moreover, the National Board reserves the right to take over the management of the New Member Education Program being conducted by any chapter at any given time as a result of investigations, lack of response from, regional caciques, line administrators and/or chapter, et. al. Any National Board member shall have the ability to contact and communicate with those undergoing the New Member Education Program. By signing this document, you accept all policies, regulations, and responsibilities associated with participating in the New Member Education Program. You hereby promise to uphold LSU Law to its highest standing and will report any violations immediately to the Regional and National Board. It is also understood that if you fail to comply with all polices and regulations, you and/or chapter will face disciplinary actions for noncompliance.