POLICIES
A short summary of Theta Sigma Psi's
Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy
Theta Sigma Psi’s top concern is the safety and well being of all members of our sisterhood, including a pnm, pledge, sister, and/or alumna of the organization.
Sexual violence, rape culture, and systemic racism, homophobia, transphobia and ableism are prevalent, ongoing and systemic issues within the sorority and fraternity culture, the University of Ottawa and greater society as a whole;
Theta Sigma Psi recognizes that harassment comes in many versions and is not limited to: physical, verbal, emotional and/or sexual harassment;
Theta Sigma Psi recognizes that people of all genders can be both the victim/survivor and the perpetrator of all forms of harassment;
In regards to sexual violence, Theta Sigma Psi affirms that domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual coercion, and non-consensual sexual contact will not be condoned;
Theta Sigma Psi recognizes that misconduct is considered to be abusive and aggressive, whether physical, mental, or emotional, and is not welcome within this organization;
Theta Sigma Psi recognizes that lived experiences of discrimination occur in different ways for different people, that diverse experiences contribute to the intersectionality of feminism, and that members of dominant groups can never fully understand the experiences of marginalized groups; Theta Sigma Psi recognizes that it is not the place of any sister to question or invalidate the experiences of a sister who has undergone an incident of discrimination;
Should a member of Theta Sigma Psi disclose an incident of harassment and/or discrimination and/or sexual violence to a member of the Standards committee, the judiciary committee of this organization, the incident will be held with full confidentiality and the committee will work with the individual to ensure the appropriate action is taken.
Anti-Hazing Policy
Bylaws of Theta Sigma Psi, Article XI, Section 3. Hazing Policy.
Hazing is defined as, but not limited to, any activity that exposes a potential new member or a pledge to physical or mental discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, abuse, or denial of dignity.
Hazing shall not be condoned nor practiced by the Sorority, the facilitators of events or any other members, active or otherwise, during the recruitment and pledging periods.
Sober Sisters
Bylaws of Theta Sigma Psi, Article IX, Section 5. Sober Sister.
Sober Sisters are responsible for maintaining the well-being and safety of all members of the Sorority who are consuming alcohol for the duration of a high-risk event. Whether an event is high-risk or not is determined on a case-by-case basis.
When an event is high-risk, there must be one (1) Sober Sister for every six (6) drinking members in attendance.
Some duties of a Sober Sister are: to actively hydrate members; to track member's whereabouts at events; to be aware of the duration of member's stays; and their methods of returning home.
Buddy System
Bylaws of Theta Sigma Psi, Article IX, Section 8. Buddy System.
The buddy system is used to maintain the well-being and safety of all members of the Sorority who are consuming alcohol for the duration of a low-risk event. Whether an event is low-risk or not is determined on a case-by-case basis.
All attending members shall be assigned to a buddy group. Each buddy group shall be between 2-3 members. Members in the same buddy group must check in with one another periodically and ensure that everyone in their group gets home safe.