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DKE Standards

OUR PHILOSOPHY

DKE International Headquarters has made a shift in focus from a heavy emphasis on liability and policy to an approach that encompasses the fundamental obligation to “Do the Right Thing” and how to meet that obligation.

DELTA KAPPA EPSILON FRATERNITY STANDARDS

As established by the Delta Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity’s Board of Directors, all Chapters, Associations, and all levels of membership shall maintain the Fraternity Standards as a condition of their Charter, Association, and Membership with the Fraternity.
  1. The chapter, its members, and guests must comply with all federal, state, provincial and local laws. No person under the legal drinking age may possess, consume, provide, or be provided alcoholic beverages.
  2. The chapter, its members, and guests must follow federal law regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances. No person may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell, and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances while on chapter premises or at any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the chapter.
  3. Alcoholic beverages must either be:
    1. Provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or
    2. Brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system.
    3. The presence of alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) is prohibited on any chapter premises or at any event, except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.
  4. Common sources of alcohol, including bulk quantities, which are not being served by a licensed and insured third party vendor, are prohibited (i.e., amounts of alcohol greater than what a reasonable person should consume over the duration of an event).
  5. Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with chapter funds or funds pooled by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).
  6. A chapter must not co-host or co-sponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol.
  7. A chapter must not co-host or co-sponsor an event with a bar, event promoter or alcohol distributor; however, a chapter may rent a bar, restaurant, or other licensed and insured third-party vendor to host a chapter event.
  8. Attendance by non-members at any event where alcohol is present must be by invitation only, and the chapter must utilize a guest list system. Attendance at events with alcohol is limited to a 3:1 maximum guest-to-member ratio and must not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the chapter premises or host venue.
  9. Any event or activity related to the new member joining process (e.g., recruitment) must be substance free. No alcohol or drugs may be present if the event or activity is related to new member activities, meetings, or initiation into a chapter, including but not limited to “bid night,” “big/little” events or activities, “family” events or activities and any ritual or ceremony.
  10. No chapter, member, new member or guest shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games.” “Drinking games” includes but is not limited to the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor or alcoholic beverages, beer pong, beer die, “century club,” dares, “slap the bag,” or any activity involving the rapid or bulk consumption of alcohol.
  1. No member or chapter shall conduct or condone hazing activities. Hazing is defined as:
    1. Any activity that might reasonably be expected to bring embarrassment or psychological harm to the individual;
    2. Any activity that might reasonably be expected to bring physical harm to the individual;
    3. Any activity that might reasonably be expected to degrade or otherwise compromise the dignity of the individual;
    4. Any activity that might reasonably be expected to require an unreasonable or inordinate amount of the individual’s time, or in any manner that could impair or inhibit the individual’s academic efforts;
    5. The required consumption of any liquid, gas or solid matter;
    6. Any requirement which compels an individual to participate in any activity which is illegal or contrary to the individual’s genuine moral and/or religious beliefs, or contrary to the rules and regulations of DKE or the host institution university.
  2. Each member and new member shall refuse to participate in any hazing activity and shall refuse to permit hazing from being inflicted upon them. However, permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense and does not negate the activity as hazing.
  3. The Statement of Position on Hazing shall be presented to each member, new member, and the chapter’s new member educator.
  1. All members at any level of membership are expected to intervene in, and report, any event, activity, or interaction that violates the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, & Standards, and/or an institutional host’s policies.
  2. Members  are expected to immediately call 9-1-1 when a member or guest needs medical attention.
    1. The Chapter is further expected to notify staff of the International Fraternity within 24 hours of any situation or event requiring medical attention or where potential violations of these standards may have occurred.
    2. When seeking medical assistance, members and Chapters will receive accountability amnesty if the incident is related to the use or consumption of alcohol, drugs or related to another medical emergency.. This does not preclude accountability for other violations including, but not limited to, sexual misconduct, hazing, assault, etc. However, seeking assistance in those circumstances will be weighed as a mitigating factor during the accountability process.
  1. All chapter facilities/properties should at all times comply with all local fire and health codes and standards.
  2. All chapters and housing corporations should comply with financially feasible and reasonable engineering, fire, health or safety recommendations, as submitted by the insurance company and inspectors.
  1. At the beginning of each academic period, the chapter’s Brother Beta is expected to present and review these standards with the membership,  and submit a signed copy to the International Fraternity.
    1. Each Chapter is expected to educate every member and new member as to Chapter and International Fraternity risk management practices. The Chapter should have a written chapter-specific health and safety program that is maintained and presented to the chapter on an annual basis.
    2. Each new member is expected to complete the TightRope program as part of the onboarding process.
    3. Each chapter is expected to have the following number of individuals in attendance for each DKE University event, with a higher number of attendees encouraged:
      1. DEKE University: Officer Academy
        1. Brother Beta
        2. Vice President of Health & Safety
      2. DEKE University: Leadership Summit
        1. Two delegates selected by the Chapter.
      3. DEKE University: Convention
        1. Brother Beta (The Convention Delegate)
        2. A secondary delegate to the Convention selected by the Chapter.
      4. Every member is encouraged to attend one DEKE University event during their undergraduate experience.
  1. Each Chapter and Associate Chapter will maintain an overall minimum 2.75 GPA.
  2. Each undergraduate member is expected to maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA.
  1. Each Chapter is expected to have at least two advisors.
  2. At least one advisor must be an alumnus of DKE in good standing.
  3. An alumnus may only serve on the Chapter Advisory Board to his home Chapter after being graduated from his host institution for at least two years.
  4. One advisor should live within 100 miles of the host institution’s location, if possible.
  5. Advisors are expected to participate in training  led by International Fraternity staff and travel to at least one  International Fraternity event.
  6. An individual may not serve as a member of a Chapter Advisory Board and at the same time also serve on an Alumni Association Board, a House/Facility Cooperation Board, or on the Board of Directors for the International Fraternity.
  1. As part of its self-governance, aach Chapter is to have a trained and functioning Standards Board in order to assist the Chapter in holding members accountable for violating the standards and Bylaws adopted by the Chapter, as well as the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, & Standards of the International Fraternity.
  2. Each Standards Board should have at least six members consisting of the following positions:
    1. Brother Sigma (Non-Voting Investigator)
    2. Sergeant at Arms (Chairman)
    3. Scribe
    4. Three members at large
  1. Each Chapter will have a ritual audit and training provided by an International Fraternity staff member every two years.
  2. The Chapter Ceremony portion of the Ritual is expected to be performed at each weekly chapter meeting.
  3. No Chapter may make any additions, deletions, or any alterations to the Rituals of Delta Kappa Epsilon, nor should there be any sub-rituals.
  4. One advisor should be present at any performance of the Ritual of Initiation performed by a Chapter.
  5. Each Chapter shall have a full and properly maintained Ritual set to properly conduct any and all Rituals of the International Fraternity.
  1. Each Chapter is expected to maintain a minimum size of 40 men or be the largest on campus, whichever is lowest.
  1. Each Chapter is expected to maintain a minimum of 10 average community service hours per member per semester.
  2. Each member is expected to maintain a minimum of 10 community service hours per semester.
  1. Each Chapter is expected to maintain a minimum average of 50 dollars raised per member per semester.
  2. Each member is expected to raise 50 dollars per semester for philanthropic organizations
  3. Raised funds are to be donated to the designated philanthropic organization.
  4. Fundraising directly by the sale of alcohol is prohibited.
  1. Chapters with a facility should have a fully separate incorporated corporation.
  2. Under no circumstances should a board member of the housing/facility corporation at the same time also serve as an advisor on an Alumni Association Board, or on the Board of Directors for the International Fraternity.
  3. The relationship between House/Facility Corporation and the Chapters and/or members to whom they lease property  is to be solely a relationship of that of tenant and landlord. The house/facility corporation board is not intended to serve in an advisory, supervisory, or management capacity with the Chapter or its members and should have no involvement in the day to day activities of the Chapter.
  4. The House/Facility Corporation is expected to incorporate into its lease with the Chapter and individual residents, a clause for eviction should a resident be suspended or expelled from the Fraternity, withdraw from the host institution, be a threat to themselves, the facility, or others.
  5. The House/Facility Corporation is expected to incorporate into its lease with the Chapter and individual residents, a clause for eviction should the Charter or recognition of the Chapter be removed by the Board of Directors.
  1. New Member Education for any Chapter will not last any longer than 6 weeks, or 42 days.
  2. Chapters are expected to adopt the International Fraternity’s Onboarding program.
  1. All Chapters will carry a zero balance with the International Fraternity.
  2. All members will carry a zero balance with the International Fraternity and his local Chapter.
  1. Where applicable, Chapters are to be in good standing and recognized by the host institution.
  2. Chapters may only operate without host institution recognition by permission of the International Fraternity.
  1. Members are to follow state laws and local laws concerning drugs and other controlled substances.
  2. No member may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell, and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances on any Chapter or Organization controlled property.
  1. The International Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of fighting or physically abusive behavior.
  1. The International Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of Sexual Misconduct.
  2. Sexual misconduct is a broad term encompassing any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without consent or by force, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. Sexual misconduct can be committed by a person of any gender, and it can occur between people of the same or different gender.
  3. Sexual misconduct may vary in its severity and consists of a range of behavior or attempted behavior. It can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship.
  4. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following examples of prohibited conduct: sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual intimidation.
  1. Chapters and their members are responsible for complying with all administrative processes and requests. This is to include roster management, membership profiles, billing profiles, billing requests, etc.
  1. Any behavior that directly conflicts with the values, mission, and vision, Objects, or expectations of Delta Kappa Epsilon that are expressed and implied.
  1. Any intentional, adverse action taken by an individual or supporter, absent legitimate nondiscriminatory purposes, against a participant, or supporter of a participant, in a conduct process.
  1. A failure, refusal, or neglect to perform the generally agreed upon duties, responsibilities, or expectations of an officer role that a member was elected to or appointed to.
  2. Fraternity staff titled at or above the Director level may remove officers from positions within the Chapter at the request of a chapter, or in conjunction with a chapter.
  3. The International Fraternity may also select a member from the Chapter to represent the Chapter in an accountability process if an officer is unresponsive to requests from the International Fraternity.
  4. The member removed from office by Fraternity staff may use the typical appeal procedures.
  1. A failure, refusal, or neglect to cooperate with an official directive or request for information given by an officer or official of the International Fraternity, acting in accordance with their duties and responsibilities.
  1. A deliberate act to provide false or misleading information to an officer or official of the International Fraternity, acting in accordance with their duties and responsibilities.
  1. No Chapter, Association, Organization, or Member is to participate in discriminatory or harassing behavior on the basis of any protected characteristic, except in the explicit prohibition of women from obtaining membership. Discriminatory and harassing behavior is verbal, written or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law, or that of their relatives, friends or associates, and that: a) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment, b) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s activities, or c) otherwise adversely affects an individual’s opportunities.
  2. Discriminatory and harassing conduct includes epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group that is placed on walls or elsewhere or circulated, any time by email, phone, text messages, social networking sites or other means.
  1. Delta Kappa Epsilon does not recognize or approve the existence of “Little Sister” or similar organization programs or organizations, or approve affiliation with like auxiliary organizations.
  1. No chapter or DKE-affiliated group, unless authorized in writing by the Board of Directors or as otherwise permitted by the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, shall use the words, letters, logos, insignia or symbols of Delta Kappa Epsilon, or otherwise represent affiliation with the Fraternity.
  2. Internet use through media including, among others, email, websites, and social networking or discussion groups, is a valuable tool for education and communication. All members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity are responsible for using these media in an appropriate and lawful manner, abiding by the letter and spirit of applicable laws governing Internet use. A member’s conduct on the internet is subject generally to the Fraternity Standards and must be consistent with this Standard and other applicable Standards.
  3. This policy applies to any communications on the internet (as generally defined and understood from time-to-time by the general public), whether through establishment or maintenance of a website, discussion board, social networking group, page, or site, or chat room or the submission of any data, whether in graphic, video, audio, or written form to any site on the internet, or the linking to any site on the internet that contains such data.
    1. These examples listed in this policy of inappropriate content are not intended to be an exhaustive list.
  4. Each member of the Fraternity is expected to comply with these standards in respect to his personal internet use which typically indicates or demonstrates his membership in the Fraternity.
    1. No chapter or member shall engage in or permit internet use in any manner, form, or content that is inconsistent with the standards, values, Objects, policies, guidelines, and procedures of the International Fraternity as the Board of Directors or their designee may determine from time to time.
  5. No chapter or member shall host, sponsor, post, or link to any inappropriate content on the internet.
  6. Any explicit or implicit reference to or promotion of illegal alcohol use or alcohol abuse, the unlawful use of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, hazing, or any other illegal behavior is prohibited.
  7. Discussion or disclosure of any part or parts of the Ritual of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, except for permissible forms of public use of certain phrases is prohibited.
  8. No chapter or member shall engage in or permit internet use in any manner, form, or content contrary to any host institution’s internet policy.
  9. No chapter or member shall register any domain name that contains any insignias of Delta Kappa Epsilon as defined by the Board of Directors, their designee, or the Constitution & Bylaws of the International Fraternity.
    1. Any chapter or member having registered any domain name using any of the insignias of the International Fraternity makes use of such insignias pursuant to a nonexclusive license to use such insignias consistent with the Constitution, Bylaws, and Standards of the Fraternity. Such license shall continue until the assignment of such domain name to Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity otherwise in accordance with these Standards.
    2. Upon any written request of the International Fraternity or its officers and officials, any chapter or member having registered any domain name containing any insignias of the Fraternity shall assign such domain name to the Fraternity at no cost to the Fraternity and shall not contest or oppose any effort by the Fraternity to recover any such domain name through applicable regulations and procedures following expiration or termination of any license contemplated by these Standards or the Constitution & Bylaws.
    3. Any Chapter or member registering a domain name in violation of these standards of conduct shall assign such domain name to the International  Fraternity at no cost to the Fraternity upon demand, and shall not contest or oppose any effort by the Fraternity to recover any such domain name through applicable regulations and procedures.
  10. No chapter or member shall create a networking or social group on the internet using the name “Delta Kappa Epsilon,” “DKE,” “Deke,” any other nickname, or any of the insignias of the Fraternity without the written authorization of the Fraternity.
    1. Where a chapter or member creates or maintains a networking or social group on the internet, if said group identifies itself with Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity or an affiliated chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, membership in the group shall be limited only to members of the Fraternity, unless specifically authorized otherwise by the International Fraternity.
    2. Any group created or otherwise existing in violation of this standard shall be disbanded and/or ownership, control, and administration of such group shall be assigned to Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity immediately upon demand.
  11. Each chapter or member joining or participating in any social networking group, discussion board or similar website, webpage or other outlet on the internet that uses “Delta Kappa Epsilon,” “DKE,” “Deke,” any other nickname in its name, displays any other insignias, or purports to present a forum for discussion of matters concerning the Fraternity or its chapters, shall be responsible for the content posted to such group or site by its members or which is posted by such member. All such content shall be consistent with these standards.
  12. No chapter or DKE-affiliated group, unless authorized in writing by the Board of Directors or as otherwise permitted by the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, shall use the words, letters, logos, insignia or symbols of Delta Kappa Epsilon, or otherwise represent affiliation with the Fraternity.
  13. Internet use through media including, among others, email, websites, and social networking or discussion groups, is a valuable tool for education and communication. All members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity are responsible for using these media in an appropriate and lawful manner, abiding by the letter and spirit of applicable laws governing Internet use. A member’s conduct on the internet is subject generally to the Fraternity Standards and must be consistent with this Standard and other applicable Standards.
  14. This policy applies to any communications on the internet (as generally defined and understood from time-to-time by the general public), whether through establishment or maintenance of a website, discussion board, social networking group, page, or site, or chat room or the submission of any data, whether in graphic, video, audio, or written form to any site on the internet, or the linking to any site on the internet that contains such data.
    1. These examples listed in this policy of inappropriate content are not intended to be an exhaustive list.
  15. Each member of the Fraternity is expected to comply with these standards in respect to his personal internet use which typically indicates or demonstrates his membership in the Fraternity.
    1. No chapter or member shall engage in or permit internet use in any manner, form, or content that is inconsistent with the standards, values, Objects, policies, guidelines, and procedures of the International Fraternity as the Board of Directors or their designee may determine from time to time.
  16. No chapter or member shall host, sponsor, post, or link to any inappropriate content on the internet.
  17. Any explicit or implicit reference to or promotion of illegal alcohol use or alcohol abuse, the unlawful use of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, hazing, or any other illegal behavior is prohibited.
  18. Discussion or disclosure of any part or parts of the Ritual of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, except for permissible forms of public use of certain phrases is prohibited.
  19. No chapter or member shall engage in or permit internet use in any manner, form, or content contrary to any host institution’s internet policy.
  20. No chapter or member shall register any domain name that contains any insignias of Delta Kappa Epsilon as defined by the Board of Directors, their designee, or the Constitution & Bylaws of the International Fraternity.
    1. Any chapter or member having registered any domain name using any of the insignias of the International Fraternity makes use of such insignias pursuant to a nonexclusive license to use such insignias consistent with the Constitution, Bylaws, and Standards of the Fraternity. Such license shall continue until the assignment of such domain name to Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity otherwise in accordance with these Standards.
    2. Upon any written request of the International Fraternity or its officers and officials, any chapter or member having registered any domain name containing any insignias of the Fraternity shall assign such domain name to the Fraternity at no cost to the Fraternity and shall not contest or oppose any effort by the Fraternity to recover any such domain name through applicable regulations and procedures following expiration or termination of any license contemplated by these Standards or the Constitution & Bylaws.
    3. Any Chapter or member registering a domain name in violation of these standards of conduct shall assign such domain name to the International  Fraternity at no cost to the Fraternity upon demand, and shall not contest or oppose any effort by the Fraternity to recover any such domain name through applicable regulations and procedures.
  21. No chapter or member shall create a networking or social group on the internet using the name “Delta Kappa Epsilon,” “DKE,” “Deke,” any other nickname, or any of the insignias of the Fraternity without the written authorization of the Fraternity.
    1. Where a chapter or member creates or maintains a networking or social group on the internet, if said group identifies itself with Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity or an affiliated chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, membership in the group shall be limited only to members of the Fraternity, unless specifically authorized otherwise by the International Fraternity.
    2. Any group created or otherwise existing in violation of this standard shall be disbanded and/or ownership, control, and administration of such group shall be assigned to Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity immediately upon demand.
  22. Each chapter or member joining or participating in any social networking group, discussion board or similar website, webpage or other outlet on the internet that uses “Delta Kappa Epsilon,” “DKE,” “Deke,” any other nickname in its name, displays any other insignias, or purports to present a forum for discussion of matters concerning the Fraternity or its chapters, shall be responsible for the content posted to such group or site by its members or which is posted by such member. All such content shall be consistent with these standards.
  23. The permissive license to use the registered trademarks and non-registered marks uniquely identified with DKE are automatically revoked upon revocation of the Chapter’s charter without the requirement of notice to the chapter of such revocation.

Member resources

ONline Learning and Standards Training

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Alcohol101+ Health & Safety Training

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