Celebrate Bid Day Safely

Note: This message was sent to all members of the University of Oregon Fraternity and Sorority Life community in anticipation of "Bid Day" on October 11, 2026.

October 11, 2026

In connection with the Building a Safer Community message that you should have received, we are sending this reminder to fraternity and sorority members about safe practices for Bid Day.

Bid Day is one of the biggest days of the year for our fraternity and sorority community. For your new members, it’s the start of lifelong friendships, chances to lead and serve, and a community that will shape their time at UO and long after.

The way you welcome them this weekend sets the tone for everything that follows. Here are a few reminders as you celebrate now and in the future.

Hazing is never part of membership. Hazing has no place in our community. It’s sometimes defended as building unity, but it does the opposite. It’s a form of interpersonal violence built on power and control, and erodes trust, weakens belonging, and drives members away. It violates the Student Conduct Code, UO’s values, and Oregon law. Calling it a tradition doesn’t make it okay, and neither does members agreeing to it.

Hazing can take many forms.  Generally, people recognize severe hazing, such as physical violence and forced use of substances such as alcohol. However, there are many other forms of hazing that, while not life threatening, are still life altering. More than two-thirds of students who were hazed reported experiencing negative consequences.  According to the Student Conduct Code, hazing means any initiation rites, recruitment and continuing involvement and belonging to an organization on or off campus, involving any intentional action or situation that a reasonable person would foresee as causing mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, or ridicule.

Learn more on the hazing prevention page and the Greek Conduct Process and Chapter Status Report, which is updated as cases move forward.

Know the alcohol rules. The new member process is dry for all participants, regardless of age. In addition, giving alcohol to anyone under 21 is illegal and against UO policy. Alcohol is not permitted in the joining process, which includes recruitment and the new member period, FSL policies also limit alcohol at chapter events. Details can be found in the FSL Event Policy & Procedures and the FSL Social Directive.

Look out for each other. Sexual assault is life altering for survivors. The first weeks of fall are a higher-risk time for sexual assault on college campuses. Consent is required every time, and someone who is incapacitated can’t give it.  Pressuring someone for sex can negate consent.

If you see something, you can step in. Notice what’s happening, recognize it’s a problem, and decide how to act. You can step in directly, create a distraction, get someone else to help, or check in afterward.  Students who have consumed alcohol and/or other intoxicants (“substances”) or have engaged in other misconduct may be hesitant to report or get help. Students will not be sanctioned for doing the right thing by seeking assistance.If you’re worried about a friend, tell them what you’ve noticed, like mood changes or exhaustion. Ask how joining the group has been going and remind them they can leave at any time. Then help them connect with support.

How to report:

  • Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards: 541-346-1140, conduct@uoregon.edu, or the online form
  • Anonymous: text RealResponse at 541-313-4357 or scan the QR code.
This image is a QR code that can be scanned to redirect you to the University of Oregon Real Response reporting page.

Support, available anytime:

  • SAFE Hotline (24/7): 541-346-SAFE (7233) or safe.uoregon.edu
  • University Counseling Services: 541-346-3227 (24-hour crisis support)
  • Dean of Students Care & Advocacy: 541-346-3216

Congratulations, and welcome to your new members. 

Have a great Bid Day.

Caitlin Roberts, M.A.
Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life