REALIZING THE NEED to state what is expected of the members of the Fraternity and to provide a guide for self-discipline within the chapter and
REALIZING THE NEED to impress upon all Sigma Tau Gammas the importance of high moral conduct and personal behavior in creation of the Fraternity image and
REALIZING THE NEED for each member and chapter to observe with utmost integrity and propriety the policies and regulations of the College and Fraternity . . .
The Membership Provides This Code for Guidance of the Fraternity:
WE BELIEVE that fraternalism is accomplished in an atmosphere of social and moral integrity, respect for the Constitution, Laws and Ritual of our Fraternity, regulations of the college and laws of community and country and loyalty to the principles of higher education.
WE FURTHER BELIEVE that while social behavior cannot be legislated, only a chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma with morally sound precepts and practices which provide a suitable environment for high scholastic achievement is a constructive influence upon college men and an asset to the Fraternity.
WE FURTHER BELIEVE that the Fraternity and the chapter are an influence on its individual members and that the use of alcoholic beverages is a harmful influence if its use results in a member conducting himself in a manner unacceptable to his community. It is our belief that no chapter of the Fraternity should encourage the use of alcoholic beverages by its members.
WE FURTHER BELIEVE that financial integrity is a cornerstone of the chapter’s foundation. Each chapter and member must promptly meet its financial obligations to each other, to the Fraternity, the college and the community.
WE FURTHER BELIEVE that the practice of hazing and such pre-initiation activities in a chapter’s program as are defined in part below are inconsistent with the principles of Sigma Tau Gamma, and such practice cannot be condoned.
Hazing is defined as any action taken intentionally by a chapter or its members to harass other members or pledges. Examples of such activities are paddling, creation of excessive fatigue, any public embarrassment or ridicule and activities which interfere with scholastic achievement and any other activities of this type which are not consistent with the Laws of the Fraternity, Ritual or policy, or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.
