Standards of the Panhellenic Association

Pledging and Initiation

        (1)  A woman must be a regularly matriculated student at The College of New Jersey, have a minimum overall 2.5 GPA (or higher, according to each fraternity’s and/or sorority’s own national standards), and a minimum of 12 credits, to be eligible for membership recruitment and pledging.
(2)   A Panhellenic Association member fraternity and/or sorority may not issue an invitation to membership or formally pledge a woman during any school recess.
(3)   A new member may be initiated whenever she has met the requirements of the fraternity and/or sorority to which she is pledged.

Hazing

          “The Office of Campus Life strictly prohibits hazing of any kind in any student organization at The College of New Jersey.  Students at TCNJ are held accountable for both violations of state law and college policy as it is related to hazing.” 
          According to New Jersey Statutes 2C: 40-3, “A person is guilty of hazing, a disorderly person offense, if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, he knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates, or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury.  A person is guilty of aggravated hazing, a crime of the fourth degree, if he commits an act prohibited in subsection A, which results in serious bodily injury to another person.”
          "TCNJ defines hazing as any action taken, created or situated which intentionally or recklessly subjects any person to the risk of bodily harm, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule; or causing or encouraging any person to commit an act that would be a violation of law or College regulations; for the purpose of initiating, promoting, fostering or confirming any form of affiliation with a student group or organization.

Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:
Forced consumption of alcohol or other drugs;
Required ingestion of any substance;
Dietary restrictions of any kind;
Sleep deprivation;
Creation of excessive fatigue;
Paddling, whipping, beating or physical abuse of any kind;
Forced tattooing or branding;
Calisthenics or any type of physically abusive exercise; exposure to the elements;
Compulsory servitude;
Work projects without the participation of the full membership;
Scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, road trips, kidnapping, drop-offs or any other such activities;
Assigned or endorsed pranks such as borrowing or stealing items, painting property or objects, or harassing other individuals or groups;
Morally degrading or humiliating games or activities; et cetera…”

All member groups will affirm their policies on hazing and inform their membership of this NPC position on hazing.