2024-2026 Code of Standards

Approved: February 13, 2024
Due for Next Review: February 1, 2026
Expires: April 1, 2026

Code of Standards of Nu Delta Chapter

of

Alpha Gamma Delta

Georgia College and State University

2024

To attain the Fraternity’s high ideals, the chapter’s Code of Standards represents values set forth in the Alpha Gamma Delta Purpose and provides a framework for each member to live this Purpose while in class, on campus and in everyday life. Each member shall prioritize, the needs of her sisters, herself, her chapter and the Fraternity, remembering that the choices she makes will inspire and impact others.

1. I. “To gain understanding that wisdom may be vouchsafed to me”
   1. A. Embrace opportunities that develop leadership and life skills as well as Academic Achievement.
   2. B. Be open to learning a new perspective. Participate in conversations with sisters while seeking to understand and asking respectful questions.
2. II. “To develop and prize health and vigor of body”
   1. A. Be responsible for caring for yourself physically mentally and emotionally in order to improve your own health and be a positive influence on your sisters.
   2. B. Do not bring, or allow a guest to bring, alcohol, illegal substances or marijuana (in any form) on Alpha Gamma Delta property — owned, rented or leased — or to an Alpha Gamma Delta event.
3. III. “To cultivate acquaintance with many whom I meet.”
   1. A. Respect the differences, backgrounds, opinions, and cultures of all peoples at all times.
   2. B. Speak out against injustice, inequality, racism, bigotry, and bullying.
   3. C. Treat other students, fraternity and sorority members, faculty, university administration, and the community in a friendly, courteous and polite manner.
   4. D. Speak respectfully about other fraternity/sorority organizations.
   5. E. Treat guest hospitably and be sure to introduce them to others.
4. IV. “To cherish friendships, but with a chosen view, and to study the perfecting of those friendships.”
   1. A. Officer Responsibilities
      1. Be a good role model for members and new members.
      2. Fulfill the responsibilities of the office to which you have been entrusted.
      3. Ensure official Fraternity visitors (Leadership Consultants and Volunteer Service Team members) are provided with meeting schedules, meals, meal escorts, overnight accommodations, and transportation.
      4. Maintain chapter room secrecy of Executive Council.
      5. Complete reporting requirements on time.
   2. B. Membership Responsibilities
      1. Speak up if you witness behavior that goes against the values of Alpha Gamma Delta.
      2. Hold yourself accountable for your actions and take responsibility for any mistakes you make.
      3. Consider how your actions reflect on yourself and Alpha Gamma Delta as an organization.
      4. Be mindful of language and behaviors that may perpetuate or normalize abuse, racism, bigotry, and the like.
      5. Work to promote a culture of respect and healthy relationship relationships within the chapter.
      6. Honor our commitments, be reliable, and on time.
      7. Attend and participate in fraternity and Chapter events.
      8. Pay financial obligations on time.
      9. Keep chapter situations and disagreements private.
      10. Be respectful and open to meeting alumnae and fraternity volunteers.
      11. Adhere to Chapter meeting procedures.
          • Know and recite the Opening and Closing Ritual at Chapter Meeting as you are personally comfortable.
          • Wear badge attire as required.
          • Maintain chapter room secrecy.
          • Speak only when recognized by the chair.
          • Be respectful of various opinions, especially when they are opposite or unpopular.
5. V. “To welcome the opportunity of contributing to the world’s work in the community where I placed because of the joy of service…”
   1. A. Support the Fraternity’s philanthropic endeavors.
   2. B. Participate in chapter philanthropic events and community service.
   3. C. Make a strong effort to become more involved with campus clubs and activities.
6. VI. “To honor my home, my country, my religious faith.”
   1. A. vote in elections wherever possible from political partisan activities, attire, or decorations at fraternity events.
   2. B. Vote in elections whenever possible.
7. VII. ” To whole truth inviolable, sincerity essential, kindness, invaluable.”
   1. A. treat sisters as they wish to be treated.
8. VIII. “To covet beauty in environment, manner, word and thought.”
   Whether wearing Alpha Gamma Delta letters or not, you are always representing the Fraternity and your Chapter. Each member carries the responsibility to put forth her best self in her presentation, manner, word, and thought. How she presents herself reflects on Alpha Gamma Delta.
   Letter attire refers to clothing, hats, tote, bags, accessories, and alike that display Greek or English letters, Armorial bearings, squirrels, or anything that would identify the individual as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta.
   1. A. Personal Grooming and Attire
      1. Always dress, neatly and appropriately in clean clothing to look your best.
      2. Follow chapter protocols by dressing in the communicated and required attire for special events (e.g., Primary Recruitment Events).
      3. Refrain from wearing attire if it condones illegal activity, profanity, or potentially offensive or inappropriate messaging.
   2. B. Badge/New Member Pin Attire
      1. Badge/New Member Pin attire is required at Chapter meetings, Executive Council meetings and when representing the Fraternity or chapter at Greek Council, Panhellenic meetings or with university/community officials, unless previously announced that different attire is appropriate. When wearing Badge/New Member Pin attire, individuals should be well groomed with appropriate makeup and hairstyle neatly. Clothing is to be clean, well pressed and in excellent condition.
      2. Examples of Badge/New Member Pin, attire:
         • Business attire (e.g. suit, modest dress, skirt, dress, slacks, blouse, sweater)
         • Recruitment outfits/attire
         • Shoes that complement the outfit (e.g., flats, dress, sandals, wedges, dress, boots, modest heels)
      3. Activewear, leisure wear, play wear, jeans and sports apparel are not appropriate Badge/New Member Pin attire.
   3. C. Initiation attire: Initiation into Alpha Gamma Delta is an exceptional day. Attire and grooming should match the specialness of the occasion. In keeping with the reverence of the occasion, Initiation attire, and grooming standards for collegiate members, alumnae, novitiates, and alumnae initiates are as follows:
      1. Attire should be dressy. A white, off-white or cream, dress or pants outfit is required. Undergarment should not be visible. Denim, shorts, athletic wear, leggings, distressed materials, Lycra, spandex, uniform separates, cargo pants, mini skirts and sleepwear are not permitted.
      2. Shoes should match or complement the color of the outfit. Athletic shoes, casual sandals, loafers of any kind, boots, and flip-flops are inappropriate.
      3. Badges are to be worn by all collegiate and alumnae, including those collegiate members who are part of the Initiation team.
      4. Members may wear jewelry, in moderation. Novitiates and the Initiation Team members may not wear any jewelry other than medical alert jewelry, an engagement ring, and/or wedding ring (if applicable).
      5. Makeup, hairstyle and grooming should be appropriate for a person who would be attending a special occasion
      6. Alumni may wear pastel dresses or pants outfits instead of white, off-white or cream. Shoes should be appropriate to the occasion. All other guidelines above apply.
   4. D. Language
      1. Do not use profane or vulgar language.
      2. Be aware of sensitive topics, such as religion, politics, work related topics, money, controversial, topics, nosy, questions, offensive jokes, and narrow topics.
      3. Be aware of appropriate language, both body and verbal, when addressing sisters.
      4. Think before you speak. Consider the intent and the impact of what is said and how it is said.
   5. E. Smoking/Vaping/E-Cigarettes Etiquette
      1. Abide by Alpha Gamma Delta requirements of no smoking at Chapter meetings or other Fraternity events.
      2. Adhere to university, community laws/rules regarding designated smoking areas.
   6. F. Social Media Etiquette
      1. Filter pictures, comments, and status updates on social media/Internet or voicemail greeting so that the content is appropriate for future employers and/or family members.
      2. Photos on social media sites may not show beverage containers of any kind if Alpha Gamma Delta paraphernalia, or identification may be seen.
      3. Do not use the name of Alpha Gamma Delta (or any reference that identifies Alpha Gamma Delta membership, such as roses, squirrels, etc.) in any social media context in a manner that conflicts with the Fraternity’s core values. Examples that are inconsistent with Fraternity values include, but are not limited to:
         • Content that is (or could be perceived to be) racist, sexist, abusive, profane, violent, or obscene.
         • Content that contains falsehoods; is off-topic or repetitive; or that Content that contains falsehoods; is off-topic or repetitive; or that libels, incites or threatens members or other individuals.
         • Content that shows (or maybe perceived to show) someone getting hurt, attacked, or humiliated.
         • Content that might be considered demeaning to a group of individuals. This includes any content that could be interpreted as cultural appropriate.
         • Content that depicts activity that is (or maybe perceived to be) illegal, such as drug use; or that could otherwise show Alpha Gamma Delta in a negative life.
         • Content displaying alcohol for those under the legal drinking age.
         • Content displaying alcohol while wearing Alpha Gamma Delta letters or attire.
9. IX. “To possess high ideals and to attain somewhat unto them.”
   1. A. Obey local, state/provincial and federal laws.
   2. B. Abide by the student code of conduct at of the college/university.
   3. C. Adhere to the governing documents of the chapter/Fraternity. This includes but does not limited to the health and safety policies, chapter bylaws, Academic Excellence, roles, house, rules, code of standards, annual notice of financial obligations, activity, recognition system, and the Alpha Gamma Delta constitution and standing rules.
10. Consequences: Per Collegiate Leadership Manual
    1. A. Failure by individual members to follow the rules or standards listed in a governing document shall be grounds for a conference, individual disciplinary action as determined by Executive Council and/or a Change in Membership Status following the procedures listed in the Change in Membership Status Manual.
    2. B. Failure by the Chapter (or officers acting on the chapter’s behalf) to follow the rules or standards listed in a governing document shall be grounds for disciplinary action for the chapter.
    3. C. Governing documents of the fraternity and the chapter are listed in article one of the Chapter bylaws.