Sigma Chi International Fraternity creates new policies to enhance health and safety
 

This information was just released today.

http://sigmachi.org/press-release/si...lth-and-safety

Further information can be found at: www.sigmachi.org/policychanges

To summarize:

Good for them. I'd have a hard time envisioning a meaningful new member process taking five weeks or less, but I have to imagine such a policy might enable a group to make at least two solid pushes to form pledge classes during each semester.

My initial thought, shortened pledge period = longer recruitment period. But the 4th provision could influence chapters to not do that though.

When I was a collegiate, the SX chapter seemingly hazed the JI (just initiated) way worse than the pledges. These guidelines would not change that.

Is there really any difference between six weeks and five weeks?

Except that hazing as you describe is banned by every member if the NIC (and FIPG) and by law. New policies only work insofar as the national office can enforce implementation by local chapters and as with any organization with 100+ locations, YMMV from chapter to chapter in their observance of national policies.

You'd be surprised.