Thursday, November 20, 2014

Student Worker Opportunity - Website Design



The Hazing Prevention Coalition is seeking a student-worker to assist with a website development project.  A full job description is below, but if you or another student is in need of a CSE project or extra cash, please apply.  Extensive experience required.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs is seeking someone with extensive website design experience.  This person will be responsible for the creation of a new hazing prevention web resource using the drupal web platform and will work closely with the Hazing Prevention Coalition (HPC).  The HPC is a campus committee charged with studying the issue of hazing at Lehigh and generating campus specific solutions.  The HPC has partnered with a consortium that strategically supports institutions nationwide. The HPC will provide guidance on content and structure for the web resource.  This person will work closely with a member of the HPC to create a project plan, identify milestones, and meet on a regular basis to monitor progress.  This position will begin in Spring 2015 for a soft-launch in Summer 2015.  

Interested applicants should forward a resume and brief letter summarizing qualifications to Elizabeth Shayler, els414@lehigh.edu. Hours and Compensation to be determined. 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

What To Know Before You Go



Lehigh University students share important information on being prepared for the 150th Rivalry game at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22. For more information on Yankee Stadium rules and regulations, please visit: http://yankees.mlb.com

For additional recommendations and tips, please refer to our previous blog post. 

Monday, November 17, 2014

Lehigh/Lafayette Announcements




Good Afternoon All,



With the 150th Lehigh/Lafayette Game approaching, we wanted to make sure that you have all of the proper information as you prep for the weekend.



Gameday information: All of the information you need for the game is available at the Lehigh Athletics FAQ Webpage. On the webpage you will find information on (amongst other things):



·         Yankee Stadium Alcohol Policy

·         Bag Policy

·         Game Day Transportation

·         General Advice

·         Lost Tickets

·         Parking Information



For that link, please go to: http://lehighsports.com/sports/2013/9/10/LL150_FAQ.aspx?path=ll150



Bus information: Departure time for student buses on Packer Ave is 10:45 AM on the morning of November 22nd. Chapters that have privately reserved buses will not be lining up on Packer Ave and will not be allowed on the hill. Please use your best sense of courtesy if you are loading a bus in an off-campus neighborhood. If you are driving to the game, or are on a privately rented bus for the game, please use the following link for the best parking information: http://www.quikparkgarages.com/yankee-reservations/.



Campus parking information: If you have alumni whom are coming to campus the day of the game, please utilize the L.U.P.D. parking passes. Passes can be picked up at OFSA during normal business hours. Please read the attached letter for more information on campus parking.



Campus activities on game day: Arts Quest at Steel Stacks will be hosting a free Lehigh-Lafayette viewing party at the Levitt Pavilion on the SteelStacks campus. For more information, please click on the following link: http://www.artsquest.org/pages/details.php?108146



TRACS Schedule: TRACS will be on the standard Thursday-Saturday schedule. Two regular vans will also be running on lower campus and dropping students at the gate of the hill so the Sayre Park van will take you up the hill. Additional vans will be running from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM on both Friday and Saturday nights.



Please also use the following advice (Courtesy of Lehigh’s Panhellenic Council):



1.      Plan your route: know how you are getting to the stadium and back home ahead of time.

2.      Stay with friends, do not find yourself alone.

3.      Dress warmly! Wear layers- it’s going to be cold (gloves, hat, ASA scarf!).

4.      BE SMART: especially regarding public intoxication and Fake Identifications. You do not want to   get arrested.

5.      Hydrate! Eat! Bring extra water and snacks.

6.      In case you do not hydrate enough, bring Advil with you!

7.      Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring an extra charger.

8.      In case your phone does die, write down important phone numbers.

9.      Bring cash with you!



  • Nearest hospital to Yankee’s Stadium: Lincoln Medical Center 234 Eugenio Maria De Hostos Blvd (East 149th Street), Bronx, New York 10451 
  • Nearest police station to Yankee’s Stadium: 1 E 161st St #11, Bronx, NY  
  • Nearest subway to Yankee’s Stadium: Lines 4, B, D. Location: East 161st Street and River Avenue 
  • Bus to return to Lehigh: Bus comes to Port Authority Bus Station every hour. Look for Trans Bridge Lines going to the South Bethlehem Terminal. Last bus leaves at 11:59 PM 
  • Taxi phone number: 1-800-609-8731 and download Uber 
  • Non emergency 911 number: (718) 293-8311

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Panhellenic Council Video Update



Lehigh University's Panhellenic Council is striving to increase the sense of Panhellenic unity on campus.  We have been doing this through increased programming with other Greek-affiliated and non-affiliated student organizations.  However, we feel as if we have not been open to the public about our short-term and long-term goals.  We hope this video serves as a link between us and the general members of the Greek and non-Greek community.  We also want everyone to know our motivations behind our events and programs and that all can have a voice within the Panhellenic community.

Please see our video below. 




Friday, November 7, 2014

Phi Kappa Theta Hearing Outcomes


A Disciplinary Conference was held on November 1, 2014, to resolve the below charges.

CHARGES:

Respect for Others (General): Lehigh University expects that all students will act in a civil
manner that reflects maturity, social responsibility, and respect towards others and the Lehigh
Community.

Respect for Others B1 (Harassment): Violation of the in the Lehigh University Policy on
Harassment.

Respect for Others D1 (Hazing): Hazing as defined in the Lehigh University Code of Conduct.

Respect for Community A1 (False Information): Intentionally furnishing false information to a
university official, hearing panel, or conduct officer.

Respect for Community J1 (Encouraging Others): Encouraging or facilitating others in actions
that violate the Code of Conduct.

Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession): The unauthorized
or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.

Respect for Self B1 (Unhealthy Consumption): The consumption or distribution of alcohol or
other drugs in a manner detrimental to one's health and safety (or the health and safety of others).

FINDINGS:

The chapter entered a plea of responsible for each of the charges. The Hearing officer concurred
with the following rationale.

RATIONALE FOR FINDINGS:

The chapter admitted responsibility for the charges, and accepted the investigative report as
factually accurate. The information contained in the report as well as the testimony presented
today provided a preponderance of evidence for the specific charges as outlined below:

Respect for Others (General)

Rationale: The chapter did not monitor alcohol properly at their off campus events, encouraged
members to consume large quantities of alcohol and used language in a song that showed a lack
of respect for members of the community.

Respect for Others B1 (Harassment)

Rationale: The chapter’s actions, specifically the singing of a song that included harassing
language, on the two dates in question (as well as on previous undetermined dates) created a
hostile environment for other members of the community. The behavior was ongoing and
persistent

Respect for Others D1 (Hazing)

Rationale: Both the investigation and the testimony provided at this hearing indicated that
consuming alcohol when this song was sang was an expectation of continued membership in Phi
Kappa Theta.

Respect for Community J1

Rationale: The chapter not only provided unfettered access to alcohol at its off campus events, it
actively invited members and guests who were under 21 and encouraged on both occasions that
members consume alcohol in large quantities when the song was sung.

Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)

Rationale: The Chapter provided uncontrolled access to alcohol at its off campus parties.
Students who were under the age of 21 were able to consume alcohol. Considering the age of
most of the membership and most of Lehigh students, it is more likely than not that underage
students were given alcohol.

Respect for Self B1 (Unhealthy Consumption)

Rationale: The chapter provided an environment in which large quantities of hard alcohol were
consumed and distributed in unhealthy ways including drinking games and open punch bowls
with grain alcohol.

Respect for Community A1 (False Information)

Rationale: During the investigation a member of Phi Kappa Theta provided false information to
the investigators. The organization is responsible for the actions of its members.
The burden of proof was met on every charge and the chapter’s admission of responsibility
further solidifies these findings.

SANCTIONS:

The below sanctions were imposed. I have provide a rationale for each sanction imposed as well
as this general rational.

This event was significant in that it caused harm to the community and further fostered an
environment that many find unwelcoming. It was also significant in that the chapter not only
failed to manage alcohol but actively encouraged overconsumption. This in addition to the
chapter’s disciplinary record warrants dissolution or termination. However, the chapter took full
responsibility for all of its actions and has taken the time to assess the organization and has made
significant changes based on that assessment. The chapter has also provided a plan for ongoing
assessment and change, and has held individual members accountable in a meaningful way. All
of this shows that the organization has learned from this incident and therefore I am deferring
their dissolution and allowing Phi Kappa Theta to prove itself to be a leader in the Lehigh
University Greek Community.

PRIMARY SANCTIONS

Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution: The organization is placed on Disciplinary Deferred
Dissolution from November 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015. During this period of time, the
organization is on notice that any further violations of the Code of Conduct will result in the
dissolution of the organization immediately without further review. Disciplinary Deferred
Dissolution may not be imposed for longer than two regular semesters. If this sanction is
imposed during a semester, it may be imposed for the remainder of that semester and two
additional semesters.

Rationale: This is the most severe sanction short of dissolution, for the longest period of time
that can be imposed on an organization. The actions of the chapter in these two incidents, as well
as their previous disciplinary history could warrant dissolution or termination.

Disciplinary Probation:
The organization is placed on disciplinary probation effective January
1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Disciplinary probation is the conditional continuation of a
group or organization for a specified period of time not to exceed four semesters. This status
implies that any further violation of this Code of Conduct may result in dissolution, termination,
or other authorized sanctions. Other sanctions may be imposed, including limitations on social
activities, and additional requirements may be imposed as conditions for reinstatement of
recognition in good standing.

Rationale: When the chapter comes off of deferred dissolution, they will need to remain focused
on their plans and future goals and should be aware that further violations even during this period
could result in their removal from the Greek Community.

Alcohol Free Organization: The organization will be alcohol free effective November 1, 2014
through December 31, 2015. The chapter cannot host any events in the house with alcohol and
individual members are not permitted to have alcohol in their rooms. The chapter can host nonalcoholic events during the probationary period. The chapter is also prohibited from hosting off campus events with alcohol unless a licensed third party vendor is utilized. Events that are held off campus in members residences will be considered chapter events if a reasonable person reviewing the facts would consider the incident a Phi Kappa Theta event.

Rationale: A significant portion of this case involved a lack of management of alcohol.
Additionally every other violation the chapter has had has been related to alcohol. It is clear that
the chapter currently does not have a culture that can handle the responsibility of managing
alcohol for its members and guests on or off campus.

EDUCATIONAL SANCTIONS:


Comprehensive Educational Plan: The chapter is required to develop a long term (12-18
month) comprehensive plan for addressing the harm that they caused in the community and
educating their members and members of the University Community on issues related to all
facets of diversity and inclusion with the initial focus being on LGBTQIA. This plan must be
developed with the guidance of Ms. Holly Taylor the Assistant Director of the Office of Student
Conduct & Community Expectations and other appropriate University Staff.

a. The plan, once approved must be made public via the OFSA website and other media.
b. The chapter must provide regular updates regarding the progress the chapter is making
to the Lehigh University Community through the OFSA website as well as other media.
c. An initial report on this long term plan is due by December 1, 2014

Rationale: The chapter has indicated that they understand that their actions have an
impact on the community and that they want to be true agents of change in the Greek
Community. Having a plan that is transparent and reviewed by the public will assist
them in meeting this goal and repairing the harm they admit to causing.

Written Audit Report: The chapter is required to complete a written report on their internal
audit that provides the University Community with an understanding of the goals of the audit, the
process of the audit, the outcomes of the audit, and future plans for ongoing organizational
assessment.

1. This report is due by November 15, 2014 to the Office of Student Conduct &
Community Expectations.

Rationale: The chapter has indicated that it has expended a considerable amount of energy on
assessment and self-reflection. This report will provide documentation for that work.

Restorative Dialogue:
The chapter indicated during the hearing that they are working on
meeting with student leaders of the LGBT community to set up a dialogue session. This is to be
developed and executed with the assistance of appropriate University officials by November 15,
2014.

Rationale: The chapter has indicated that they are already work on this aspect of restoring the
community. It is required that they do so in a guided and thoughtful manner.


Wednesday, November 5, 2014

IFC Expansion


The Lehigh University Interfraternity Council (IFC) is currently in the process of expanding with emphasis placed on adding a historically Jewish fraternity to our community. This expansion effort was initially born when members of the Lehigh community submitted a proposal to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs arguing a need for an organization that fostered the ideals of the Jewish faith.  The proposal can be found on our website

The Expansion Committee, consisting of undergraduate students, faculty/staff, and alumni representatives, is happy to announce that the following organizations have been invited to present as finalist. 
  • Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) on Nov. 11th @ 4:10PM in UC B025
  • Sigma Alpha Mu (Sammy) on Nov. 13th @ 4:10 in MG 112
  • Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) on Nov. 19th @ 4:10 in UC B025
All presentations are open to the community and we encourage you to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Tedeschi at jet414@lehigh.edu.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Monday Afternoon Annoucements, November 3rd 2014



Monday Afternoon Announcements

Sleep Focus Group:

The Health Advancement & Prevention Strategies Office is working on a research project with the Graduate Sociology Department to learn more about the sleep patterns of undergraduate students at Lehigh. 

Previous research shows that students involved with Greek life often report poorer quality of sleep. The researchers are looking for Greek students willing to participate in a focus group and discuss their sleep patterns and potential ways to improve the quantity and quality of sleep on campus. The focus group for Greek students will be held on Tuesday, November 11 from 4:10-5:00pm in MG 110. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Please RSVP by Friday, November 7 as spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in participating or have any further questions please feel free to email elc213@lehigh.edu.  

Standards Board Training:  
OFSA and the Office of Student Conduct will be hosting a training program discussing chapter standards board and judicial processes on Tuesday November 4th and Thursday November 13th from 4-6pm.  Every chapter is expected to have their Standards/Judicial officer participate in one of the two sessions offered. 
Please complete the following survey indicating which session you plan to attend.  The survey will also provide the facilitators with helpful information in preparation for the program.  The survey was to have been completed by Wednesday October 29th, so please fill it out if you haven’t done so already: http://goo.gl/forms/L67nNZ5kYT
Any questions, please contact Elizabeth Shayler (els414).

CSO’s Broughal Schools Gingerbread Competition: Broughal Middle School’s 7th grade Eco-Minions & Eco-Warriors Teams will be designing and creating their very own ‘Green’ Gingerbread Houses for submission to the ArtsQuest Gingerbread House Competition! On Thursday morning, the students will design their houses and students will build their houses on Thursday afternoon. The CSO is in need of volunteers to help design & build between 9am and 3pm on Thursday, November 11. Please contact Alicia Creazzo at (610) 866-5041 ext. 40808 to sign up.

Greek Leader Night:
The Greek EMerging Leaders (GEM) program is hosting a Greek Leader Night on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30pm in the Lamberton Great Room.  All Lehigh students are invited!  Hear from students in various chapters and positions about their experience leading and creating change in the Greek community. Representatives of our Greek councils will discuss the benefits and challenges of their positions and what it takes to be an effective Greek leader. There will also be a Q&A session, so come with questions!
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Scott (jas615) or Stefanie Burke (sdb212). Light refreshments will be served.

Harassment and Gender Violence Training:

This training will be an expected experience for all Lehigh community members, and will be rolling out soon to the Greek community.  More details, including sign-ups for sessions, will be provided in next week's Community Update. Any questions, please contact Carter Gilbert at (cag414).