Code of Ethics
This code serves as a guide for all sorority members, financially inactive members, alumnae, and potential new members (PNMs) to promote honesty, respect, and sisterhood. All concerned are responsible for observing the rules proposed by the Vanderbilt University Panhellenic Council and agreed upon by each member organization, and thereby agree to the following:
Positive Panhellenic Contact
- Active members are encouraged to engage in Panhellenic-spirited contact at all times with PNMs
- Potential new members and active members can engage with each other in person and on social media outside of Panhellenic-sponsored activities, which could include
- Coffee chats/lunches between PNMs and active members
- Friending/following between PNMs and active members on social media platforms
In agreement with NPC Unanimous Agreements and Vanderbilt University Panhellenic Guidelines:
- NPC sorority members shall not suggest to any PNM that an invitation or bid is assured from their chapter, nor encourage a PNM to list only one choice on her Preference List.
- The use of alcoholic beverages and the participation of men in membership recruitment and Bid Day activities are prohibited.
It is in accord with the dignity and good standing of sorority members:
- To avoid disparaging remarks about any sorority or non-sorority women.
- To create and encourage friendly relations between sorority and non-sorority women.
- To lay aside competition and strive for respect, mutual trust, and cooperation amongst Greek organizations.
- To prevent negative publicity regarding the Greek community.
- To not exploit personal relationships for recruitment purposes. The best interest of the PNM should be kept in mind at all times.
General Rules
As sorority women, we will abide by the NPC Unanimous Agreements in addition to the Vanderbilt University Panhellenic Standing Rules. This includes, but is not limited to:
- All public safety and health protocols provided by Vanderbilt University should be followed in any meetings between potential new members (PNMs) and sorority members.
- PNMs may not enter the personal residence (e.g., Branscomb or Zeppos dorm room) of an active sorority member, unless the PNM and the active member are engaging in a romantic relationship, the active member is considered a *normal contact, or is a transfer/upperclassmen student.
- If a sorority member lives in a sorority residence, a PNM can’t enter at any time.
- Active sorority members may not enter the personal residences (e.g. Commons dorm room) of PNMs, unless the PNM and the active member are engaging in a romantic relationship, the PNM is considered a *normal contact, or is a transfer/upperclassmen student.
- Sorority members may not spend money on PNMs, nor give or accept gifts from PNMs. This includes but is not limited to food, rides, or photos.
- Intentionally separating a PNM and engaging in inappropriate, intimidating conversation and/or being in a situation where there are three (3) or more active members in the same sorority with one PNM is considered hotboxing and is not permitted.
- The distribution of alcohol, drugs, and fake identification is strictly prohibited.
*Normal contacts include relatives, friends, neighbors, and co-workers prior to attending Vanderbilt. However, each sorority is charged with the responsibility of seeing that unfair advantage is not taken of such contacts.
Click here for more information about the Vanderbilt University Panhellenic Recruitment Guidelines.
It is everyone’s responsibility to observe these rules. Any violation of these policies is considered an infraction and should be reported to the Panhellenic Council.