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Recognized Fraternity and Sorority Policy

In addition to this document, all Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning (FSLL)-recognized fraternities and sororities are required to abide by the Student Code of Conduct, general Student Organization policies, the Non-Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Policy and other university policies and procedures. Failure to comply with any of these policies may result in sanctions from FSLL or a referral to Community Standards and Conflict Resolution.

  1. Recognition
    Fraternities or sororities shall be eligible for recognition through FSLL if they meet the below eligibility requirements. Chapters who do not meet all items will be placed on warning or probation status. Chapters who continuously fail to meet requirements or pose a danger to themselves or the community may be suspended.
    1. Eligibility
      1. Maintain good standing with its national/internal organization.
      2. Six full-time matriculated undergraduate members.
        If an organization is unable to maintain the minimum requirement of six members, it will be placed on Warning status. With FSLL staff support, the chapter will develop an action plan with measurable outcomes to raise membership above the minimum requirement. Chapters must continue to meet the stated outcomes to avoid loss of recognition. Chapters on this status will also be required to meet each semester with an FSLL staff person but they will not have any punitive sanctions.
      3. Comply with the expectations set forth in the FSLL Accreditation program. Chapters that are not considered “in good standing” according to the program may be provided with conditions for their continued recognition on campus. Chapters who do not meet expectations for three years in a row will have their recognition reviewed.
      4. New chapters must demonstrate an ability to meet the expectations set forth in the FSLL Accreditation program but will be exempt from conditions during the first academic year of their recognition. The chapter will be expected to fully submit the FSLL Accreditation program the first full academic year after establishment.
      5. Maintain recognition and good standing with one of the recognized governing councils. New organizations will be given one year to obtain membership in a council.
      6. All Fraternities and Sororities must procure and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance. A certificate of insurance (COI) confirming coverage must be submitted to the Office of Risk Management annually upon renewal and/or revision of coverage. The COI should indicate occurrence-based coverage for General Liability with limits not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and include coverage for bodily injury, property damage and personal/advertising injury. The University of Delaware must be listed as Certificate Holder and Additional Insured on the policy. Certificate Holder on the COI should indicate:
        University of Delaware
        Office of Risk Management
        220 Hullihen Hall
        Newark, DE 19716-4620
        A copy of the additional insured policy endorsement should also accompany the COI and be submitted annually to the Office of Risk Management at riskmanagement@udel.edu.
      7. Comply with University and Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning (FSLL) rules and policies, including, but not limited to:
        1. Student Code of Conduct
        2. University Student Centers Organization Policies
        3. Non-Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy
      8. Submit and maintain up-to-date officer and advisor contact information and membership roster.
    2. Process
      1. Current recognized fraternities and sororities: Completion of th eEnd of Year (EOY) Presentation will serve as proof that the fraternity/sorority would like to continue being recognized.
      2. New organizations: New fraternities and sororities should express interest by contacting, in writing, the Assistant Director of FSLL. The Assistant Director will provide them with information about the expansion process for the respective council. Councils may have additional processes or limitations on new organizations.
    3. Recognition Status
      There are four types of chapter statuses as described below. Fraternities and sorroities who have been suspended are not recognized by the University and, therefore, suspension is not listed as a status.
      1. In Good Standing: active and has met all expectations
      2. Warning (active, has not met all expectations but in good standing): Chapters that are on warning status benefit from all the rights and privileges of being a recognized fraternity or sorority and have no restrictions on how they function, but may have educational sanctions to address the related concern. Chapters are placed on this status due to a low-level infraction such as fewer than six members, noise violation or a minor violation of residence hall policies.
      3. Probation (active, has not met all expectations and not in good standing): Chapters are placed on probation status due to failure to meet one of the eligibility requirements in section I.A. Chapters on this status will receive conditions which may include, but are not limited to:
        1. Social probation
        2. Educational programming
        3. Required training
        4. Development of plan to address areas of concern
        5. Additional FSLL oversight
      4. Interim Suspension (not active and not in good standing): This is a temporary status for organizations who are on a short-term suspension while the University investigates a concern. The goal of a temporary suspension is to move the group to another status as quickly as possible once the University obtains all necessary information.
    4. Removal of Recognition/Suspension
      Chapters are required to continue to meet the criteria in section I. for recognition at all times to remain in good standing. FSLL typically reviews chapter compliance twice a year, during the winter and summer. However, recognition may be revoked at any time if a chapter poses a danger to themselves or the community. Chapters who consistently fail to meet one or more of the eligibility requirements may lose recognition.
    5. Benefits
      There are numerous benefits to being a recognized fraternity or sorority at University of Delaware:
      1. Identification of the chapter with University of Delaware
      2. Participation in the educational and social activities of the University that are provided to fraternities and sororities
      3. Ability to reserve space for meetings and events
      4. Governing council participation and benefits of resources
      5. Utilization of advising support, leadership opportunities and trainings made available by FSLL. Participation in FSLL programs and services aims to hone the following skills.
        1. Leadership development
          1. Demonstrate self-awareness related to strengths, abilities and areas for growth
          2. Communicate how the organization fulfills its mission
        2. Personal and social responsibility
          1. Demonstrate awareness of how personal and organizational behavior impacts the welfare of others
          2. Become responsible and active citizens in their communities
        3. Cultural competence
          1. Develop and apply knowledge and skills to expand understanding of diverse populations
          2. Identify value in creating an inclusive environment with respect for diverse cultural perspectives
      6. Access to an internal University financial account and related processes
      7. Ability to apply for recognition and awards
      8. Inclusion of chapter information on website and other marketing materials
  2. Recruitment/Membership
    1. Any student who wants to participate in a recruitment process must complete the Greek registration form or register via Campus Director for Panhellenic Formal Recruitment. All students must be fully matriculated at the University with at least a 2.5 GPA at the time the recruitment process begins. Councils may set higher or additional eligibility requirements.
    2. Fraternities or sororities may not hold recruitment events either on or off campus that promote or include the consumption of alcohol. This includes open houses, interest meetings, meet the greeks, and any other event meant to recruit people to join the organization.
    3. Chapters must complete the Recruitment/Intake Notification form during the first two weeks of the semester in which they want to take new members.
    4. The new member education/intake period of fraternities and sororities may not last longer than six weeks from “bid” acceptance or start of intake to initiation. The last day to initiate new members is the last day of class, regardless of when the education/intake period began.
  3. Alcohol/Risk Management
    1. No alcohol or drugs may be present at events related to new member activities, intake or MIP. This includes but is not limited to new member meetings, initiation/initiation processes into an organization, “bid night,” “big/little” events or activities, “family” events or activities and any ritual or ceremony.
    2. Chapter members must utilize transportation provided by the sponsoring chapter to and from off-campus events. Chapters must utilize university-designated spaces for pick-up and drop-off.