1. Organization & Status
Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated ("MSU") is a national Greek-letter organization founded on November 21, 1981, at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We operate as a registered national 501(c)(7) non-profit organization. The First Multicultural Sorority in the Nation™ is governed by its National Governing Council (NGC), District Boards, and local chapters across the United States.
2. Trademark & Brand Protection
The following are registered and legally protected trademarks of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.:
- Mu Sigma Upsilon
- ΜΣΥ
- Leadership Through Service
- The First Multicultural Sorority in the Nation™
- The Jungle
Any unauthorized use of these marks, letters, custom graphic designs, official seals, logos, background layouts, or surrounding brand assets without prior written consent from the National Governing Council constitutes trademark infringement and is subject to full legal action.
3. Antiracism Clause (Official Bylaw)
Racism is defined as "a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to the others." Antiracism can be defined as "a belief or doctrine that rejects the supremacy of one racial group over another and promotes racial equality in society." This definition extends to also recognize the prevalence of racism in various institutions and the active combat of racial prejudice and discrimination in order to advocate racial justice and equality. With the adoption of the NAACP as our National Philanthropy, it is imperative to reflect on our own commitment as members to our organization's foundation of uniting women regardless of race, religion, or creed.
The acceptance and modeling of antiracist behavior through action and education endorses our organization's growth during this progressive era. A member's registration indicates the member's dedication to adhere to this acceptance within and beyond the organization. As informed members, we may engage in antiracist educational workshops on a chapter, district, national, and community level, contributing to our goal to be active in the university and community. Additionally, it is understood that any racist or discriminatory behavior (beyond the basis of race) will be subject to severe disciplinary actions up to suspension/termination of membership. All allegations of racist/discriminatory behavior will be reviewed and investigated by appointed Judicial Board advocates.
4. Anti-Hazing Compliance & Zero Tolerance Policy
Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing, complying with all federal, state, and local laws, university regulations, and the standards established by the Fraternal Insurance Purchasing Group (FIPG). Hazing is defined as an act or series of acts that include doing, requiring, or encouraging any act, whether or not the act is voluntarily agreed upon, in conjunction with initiation or continued membership or participation in any group that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm, discomfort, embarrassment, or humiliation. Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to:
- Physical acts: Hitting, striking, laying hands upon, paddling, punching, kicking, or threatening to do bodily harm.
- Emotional abuse: Behavior directed against any individual for the purpose of causing shame, insult, humiliation, intimidation, or disgrace, or drawing negative attention.
- Hazing practices: "Underground hazing," "financial hazing," "pre-pledging," "post-pledging," or "post-initiation pledging."
- Subjection to excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, or required personal servitude.
- Coerced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances.
Zero Tolerance Directives: An offense against a prospective or active member is committed when a member threatens the mental or physical health of an individual, places them in serious bodily harm, endangers their safety, or repeatedly follows/contacts them in an unwanted manner. The Zero Tolerance Policy requires a severe penalty to be imposed which is unbending in its execution, and does not give allowance for extenuating circumstances. It is presumed that hazing is a forced activity regardless of the apparent willingness of an individual to participate.
Any individual or chapter violation will result in suspension, expulsion, or revocation of the chapter's charter, alongside college/university discipline, and civil or criminal penalties. Reports of hazing must be submitted immediately to riskmanagement@msu1981.org or membership@msu1981.org.
5. Judicial Board Procedures & Appeals
Internal judicial affairs are administered by the Judicial Committee, chaired by the National Risk Management Officer, and comprised of appointed District Board members. The judicial process is designed to determine if a member ("respondent") is responsible or not responsible for a code violation, based on a preponderance of the evidence (meaning that the act in question was more likely than not committed). Formal rules of court evidence and discovery do not apply.
Sanctions: Individual sanctions may include financial penalties (fines of $25 or more), temporary or permanent suspension from sorority activities, mandatory community service/educational assignments, or written warnings. Chapter sanctions may include financial penalties, charter suspension or revocation, or district management of new member orientation.
Appeals Process: Respondents have the right to appeal a Judicial Board decision. A written appeal statement must be submitted to the Risk Management Officer and the NGC President within three (3) days of receiving the final decision. Appeals are evaluated by a Judicial Appeal Committee of three (3) or more NGC board members who were not involved in the original case. Sanctions may be affirmed, reduced, increased, or dismissed if the findings are unsupported or if substantial procedural errors occurred. Case records are retained for a minimum of five (5) years by the District Historian.
6. Non-Discrimination Policy
Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Our membership is open to all who identify as women, meet our academic requirements (including a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for undergraduates), and demonstrate civic involvement. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion of any kind against members or prospective members, including those identifying as LGBTQAI+, is strictly prohibited and subject to immediate disciplinary actions up to membership termination.