Statement of Relationship Between California State University, Fullerton and its' Greek Letter Fraternities and Sororities
GENERAL PRINCIPLES | LEADERSHIP | EXPANSION | RECOGNITION | MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT | ADVISORS | CONDUCT STANDARDS | LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT | SCHOLARSHIP | COMMUNITY RELATIONS | PHILANTHROPY | HOUSING | RELATIONSHIP STATEMENT REVIEW AND REVISIONS
STATEMENT OF RELATIONSHIP, STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS BETWEEN
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON
AND ITS' GREEK LETTER FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIESGREEK LIFE PLAN
THIS DOCUMENT IS IN EFFECT DURING THE CALENDAR YEARS 2003-2004This relationship statement reaffirms the California State University, Fullerton's traditional commitment to the development and support of the fraternity and sorority system as an integral aspect of the university community. This document also affirms the commitment of the Greek letter social fraternity and sorority chapters to high scholastic performance, leadership development, fraternal ideals, and personal and chapter achievements. The University recognizes the opportunities that fraternity and sorority affiliation can offer students for intellectual, cultural, and interpersonal growth. Fraternities and sororities can make a positive contribution to the co-curricular experience of the student members, and to the quality of student life in general.
Although all campus organizations must comply with provisions contained in the CSUF Student Organization Policies and Procedures Manual, the unique nature of fraternities and sororities requires additional considerations. This statement is intended to define the special relationship between the University and the Greek letter social organizations.
The University and the CSUF Greek System recognize the reciprocity of rights and obligations, which exist to ensure the continued positive relationship between the fraternities and sororities, their local alumni, national officers and the University. This relationship statement outlines the expectations of this relationship.
I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES - Values/Expectations
A. Greek System
1. The Greek System consists of those fraternities and sororities who are recognized members of the CSUF Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Council.
2. The objectives and activities of the Greek chapters are consistent and supportive of the aims and objectives of the University.
3. The chapters shall encourage the intellectual, personal, and social development of their student members.
4. The primary expectations of the fraternities and sororities at CSUF shall be to support the mission of the institution, to provide development of the individual members through co-curricular involvement, to value the diversity within the university community, to foster a sense of brotherhood/sisterhood, and to further the ideals of their national organization.
5. The Greek System complements the educational process through the encouragement of good scholarship, good citizenship, and social well being.
6. While a fraternity/sorority may be a recognized student organization, it has a unique and special relationship with the University, which is explained in this document.
7. The Greek System and each chapter are responsible for the conduct of their members.
8. The chapters shall promote conduct consistent with high morals and good taste based on the purposes, ideals and principles of their founding.
9. The chapters shall create an atmosphere that will stimulate high academic expectations and achievement.
10. The chapters shall operate from sound business practices with respect to chapter finances and business relations with their members and the community.
11. Those chapters that own or lease houses shall maintain sanitary, safe, and wholesome physical conditions.
12. Each chapter shall maintain an updated and accurate chapter and officer roster with the Dean of Students Office, and provide other information required by that office, or by the Greek Life Advisor.
B. University1. The Greek System shall receive assistance and counsel from the Greek Life Advisor and staff, and assistance and resources from the Dean of Students Office and other campus departments.
2. The special relationship described in this document exists only between university fraternities and sororities recognized by the CSUF Interfraternity Council (IFC) and CSUF Panhellenic Council (PHC). However, any group of students has a right under the First Amendment to form an association, whether or not IFC and PHC chooses to recognize it.
3. The University exists to ensure the preeminence of learning, and therefore challenges actively engaged students, faculty and staff to work together to expand knowledge, develop the habit of intellectual inquiry, prepare for challenging professions, develop strong community relationships, and create leaders who will contribute productively to society.
4. While a fraternity/sorority and its members have rights that are protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States which cannot be abrogated by the University, the University may condition its recognition of a student organization, including a fraternity/sorority, upon the organization's agreement to reasonable regulations that are related to the promotion of the educational goals of CSUF and the maintenance of order on campus.
5. The University will work closely with each Greek Letter organization in identifying a university student organization advisor. Each advisor will receive written information on student organization policies and procedures and support from the Dean of Students Office.
6. The University will assist in providing information to CSUF students on the Greek system including membership information via services such as Discoverfest, access to mailing labels, and participation in Student Life Orientation.
7. The University will work with Greek student leaders to create methods to recognize and reward Greek letter organizations that achieve the highest goals and ideals of the Greek system and university student life.
8. The University will provide Greek organizations with information on academic resources such as tutoring, computer labs, assistance with learning disabilities, etc.
II. LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE/GOVERNANCE
The University recognizes that the governing bodies for the Greek System are the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council. Each council consists of an executive board and at least one representative from each of the recognized campus chapters. The University believes that chapters are successful when they collaborate with their inter/national organizations and become active participants in the respective campus governing body. Because of this belief, all chapters must be active members of the respective governing councils (i.e., IFC, Panhellenic), as well as GAMMA (Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol). All Panhellenic and IFC policies and procedures must be adhered to, enforced and implemented.
Each fraternity and sorority also has an executive board, a constitution, and by-laws, which govern the chapter. In addition, each chapter must abide by its national organization constitution and by-laws. The unanimous agreements of National Panhellenic Conference shall guide the respective sororities. The North American Interfraternity Conference guidelines shall assist in governing the fraternities.
Expansion should be undertaken only when to do so would strengthen the Greek System. Policies and procedures regarding expansion of the Greek System will be set by the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils in concert with the Greek Life Advisor. The policies for expansion will appear in the Constitutions of the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils. Extension procedures set forth in the National Panhellenic Manual of Information will be followed when adding a new sorority. The NIC guidelines on expansion will be considered when appropriate for fraternities.
Once the IFC or Panhellenic has made their recommendation for expansion, their decision will be forwarded to the Greek Life Advisor. Since the ultimate goal is a consensus decision on the issuance of invitations, consultation will occur between the parties. Formal invitations to join the System will be extended by the Vice President for Student Affairs on behalf of the University and by the IFC or Panhellenic on behalf of the Greek community.
Recognition of a fraternity or sorority as a Student Organization is granted by the University. It is a privilege provided to the national fraternities and sororities to become a part of the Greek System on the CSUF campus.
To maintain university recognition, fraternal organizations are expected to uphold all state laws and municipal codes; university requirements and regulations; Student Organization Policies and Procedures; the Greek Code of Conduct; the Greek Risk Management Policy; and the IFC or Panhellenic constitutions; meet all standards set forth in the Greek Relationship Statement; to remain in good standing with the respective national office.
Recognition may be removed or suspended for cause at the request of the national fraternity/sorority, or the University. The Greek Review Board and/or IFC/Panhellenic may recommend removal or suspension for cause. Appropriate procedures as defined by the CSUF Student Organization Policies and Procedures Manual must be followed.
A. Greek System
1. It is the right of the undergraduates in each chapter to select their own members within the context of allowing no discrimination or disqualification because of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, or age.
2. Chapters may only offer bids to regularly enrolled (i.e. no extended education or community college students) Cal State Fullerton students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.25.
3. All fraternity/sorority recruitment activities shall be "dry" (there shall be no alcoholic beverages permitted during any recruitment activities). The fraternities and sororities will promote positive values and standards and will contribute to a positive image of the entire Greek System and institution during membership recruitment.
4. All recruitment materials must be approved and stamped by the Greek Life Advisor prior to distribution.
5. All chapters must turn in a chapter membership roster to the Greek Life Advisor at the second Panhellenic and/or IFC meeting of the semester. New member registration/grade release cards must be filled out and turned in to the Greek Life Advisor within 24 hours of a potential new member accepting a bid.
6. The sororities' membership recruitment program will follow national policies on membership selection, adhere to the unanimous agreements of the National Panhellenic Conference, and follow the recruitment rules and regulations of CSUF Panhellenic. Chapters will have the right to recruit women throughout the school year so as to achieve the established quota or chapter total.
7. The fraternities' membership recruitment program will adhere to the guidelines of the IFC recruitment program, and the regulations of the national organization. In addition to the Formal IFC Recruitment period, each chapter will have the right to continue to recruit men throughout the entire school year.
B. University
The University will appoint a professional staff member to serve as Greek Life Advisor to support the IFC/Panhellenic recruitment efforts. The Greek Life Advisor will assist with program development, monitor adherence to rules and regulations, provide outreach and publicity through the summer orientation programs, and assist in providing facility space for the IFC/Panhellenic sponsored recruitment program.
VI. NEW MEMBERS
A. Greek System
New member education programs may last no more than ten weeks and all member initiation events must be completed by the end of the fourteenth week of the semester. If your chapter’s national office requires a longer new member education period (more than 10 weeks) then the national office must provide written documentation to the Greek Advisor verifying the length of the new member education program. Initiation will be verified through the new member calendar submitted in the chapter management plan. (See section XII). Each chapter will provide to the Greek Life Advisor an outline of their New Member Education Program and will update the Advisor when changes occur.B. University
The University will strongly encourage all new members to attend the Greek101leadership program as a part of their new member education program. Completion of this program will result in Greek Leadership Certificates issued by the Student Leadership Institute. Eighty percent of each chapter's new members must attend.
A. Greek System
1. University, Faculty/Staff and Alumni advisors are critical to the success of the individual chapters and the Greek System. They provide continuity from year to year, wisdom from experience, and a perspective broader than that of the undergraduate member. Each fraternity and sorority must have at least one faculty/staff advisor from CSUF. It is also strongly recommended that each chapter, following appropriate procedures, select and utilize the services of an Alumni chapter advisor.
2. It is the responsibility of the undergraduate members to regularly seek out the advice of the Greek Life Advisor, their respective chapter advisors and faculty advisors. Additionally, chapter rosters and other requested reports or written information should be completed and filed with the Greek Life Advisor in a timely fashion.
B. University
1. The University shall provide a professional Greek Life Advisor with experience in Greek Life advising and programming who shall be supported by an adequate staff. When a vacancy occurs in the advisor position, the Dean of Students will invite representatives from IFC and Panhellenic to serve on the search committee. Some of the responsibilities of the Greek Life Advisor are to serve as the liaison for the University, the community, other universities, the Greek System, the individual chapters and the nationals; to serve as primary advisor to IFC and Panhellenic; to provide guidance to recruitment committees; to advise chapter programming; and to provide leadership/officer training.
2. The University will provide assistance to chapters having difficulty obtaining a faculty advisor.
3. The University will, whenever possible, communicate with the Alumni Advisor in a way that parallels the communication with the Faculty/Staff Advisor.
C. Alumni
For each chapter, in accordance with its own constitution and by-laws, persons shall be designated to serve as alumni advisors and participate in all chapter affairs. Alumni Advisors are encouraged to commit themselves for at least two years. Some of the responsibilities of the alumni advisor are to serve as chapter liaison for alumni and community; to aid chapter officers; to serve as a role model and resource; to advise on housing, legal and fiscal responsibility; and to attend and support chapter activities. Additionally, each chapter is strongly encouraged to provide an alumni representative to the Greek Alumni Advisory Council (GAAC).
VIII. CONDUCT STANDARDS/SOCIAL STANDARDS
The governance of the Greek System shall be one of self-regulation, which helps to promote the educational mission of the University. Though the System will be self-regulated, it will be with the advice and counsel of appropriate university officials, and within the University's rules and regulations. The Greek Review Board shall be the enforcing agency for the Greek System, except for membership recruitment activities, which shall be enforced by IFC/Panhellenic.
Compliance with federal, state and local laws, the Greek Code of Conduct, Greek Risk Management Policy, university requirements and regulations and the CSUF Student Organization Policies and Procedures Manual pertaining to all student and campus organization conduct is required. In addition, each chapter should comply with its national organization's constitution and by-laws as well as the constitution and by-laws of the IFC or Panhellenic.
It is required that all chapters will have and adhere to national and/or local policies and will adhere to university policies concerning conduct, hazing, alcohol and drugs, and discrimination. The University will assist IFC, Panhellenic and individual chapters by supporting and/or initiating educational programs on issues of interpersonal respect, sexual assault, citizenship, and topics related to personal development and wellness such as hazing, alcohol and drug abuse, and racial awareness.
Violations of university policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action through the Greek Review Board. Although each chapter should have its own internal standards board, the Greek Review Board serves as the hearing body for conduct violations that affect the Greek System. The application of sanctions regarding the Greek community will be determined by the Greek Review Board. Upon recommendation of the Greek Review Board, the Greek Life Advisor will promptly notify the respective national organization and chapter advisor of any conduct violation and disciplinary action.
Appeals shall be handled according the Constitution and Bylaws of the Greek Review Board.
Any process of the Greek Review Board will not preclude individual members from being held accountable for individual actions through the campus judicial process. Nor will it preclude groups from being held accountable for group actions through the student organization discipline process.
IX. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
A. Greek System
1. IFC and Panhellenic will provide/host a variety activities/programs each year to develop Greek leadership and supplement chapter programming requirements. The chapter officers, IFC and Panhellenic will also promote involvement in other non-Greek activities both on the campus and in the community, as well as local, regional and national Greek Leadership activities.
2. Greek chapters must include as a part of their annual programming a minimum of four educational programs per year. These activities/programs will include but are not limited to topics such as:
• Academic success
• Alcohol and drug education
• Diversity
• Ethical decision making
• Other health topic
• Personal achievement
• Risk management
• Leadership3. Eighty percent of the chapter membership must participate in these educational programs. Scheduled workshops must be approved by the Greek Life Advisor and reported in your Annual Chapter Report (see below). Many chapters already have requirements from their Inter/national organizations. To assist chapters in accomplishing these requirements, program topics may be substituted with the approval of the Greek Life Advisor.
B. University
Leadership involvement within the Greek and campus communities is an integral part of Greek life. The University looks to the Greek System for participation in university governance and campus activities. The University will provide a Greek Life Advisor who will be responsible for providing leadership training opportunities and resource materials. The Greek Life Advisor will also promote participation and provide training opportunities for Greek leaders.
A. Greek System
1. The promotion of good scholarship and attainment of academic excellence is essential to both the University’s mission as well as a founding principle of Greek organizations. As such, Greek organizations have sought to enrich the intellectual life of the campus by sponsoring lectures, debates, and discourse among members, faculty, and friends. All Greek organization mission statements reflect the collaborative nature of the fraternity experience with academic life.
2. The chapters will emphasize the importance of scholarship and good study habits to new members and will introduce them to the academic resources available on campus. Each chapter will provide programs which reward and recognize scholastic achievement to encourage and assist members in maintaining a high grade point average. Academic integrity, honesty and individual achievement are to be encouraged by the Greek System. The chapters will also encourage students to work closely with their faculty/staff advisor and other faculty and staff to establish mentoring relationships.
At a university, the primary mission is to encourage students to achieve academic excellence. In support of this mission, it is the responsibility of the Greek System to establish a positive academic attitude and atmosphere conducive to academic pursuits within each chapter. It is the chapters' responsibility to see that all of its members are in good academic standing with the University and the standards of their respective national organization. As such, all fraternities and sororities must achieve a term chapter grade point average no less than a 2.5 each semester. For chapters who do not meet this standard as of January 2003, your chapter will work with the Greek Advisor to develop a three year tired academic plan to meet the standard.
B. UniversityThe University will provide information to Greek students about the academic resources available on campus and will continue to provide the Greek chapter with information regarding the grade point averages of the individual chapters. The University will encourage the Greek chapters to strive for a grade point average that is above the overall student average and will recognize chapters that excel.
A. Greek System
Because fraternities and sororities have high visibility, maintaining a positive image of the Greek System is important. Each chapter must remember that its actions and activities, and the behavior of its individual members will be a reflection on the Greek System, both actives and alumni. Respect for community mores and consideration of others should guide all behavior and activities. For those chapters with a house, respect for neighbors and the neighborhood should be shown through maintenance of the house and yard, noise control, garbage removal, parking arrangements, etc. Additionally, those chapters shall abide by appropriate city housing guidelines and requirements. Appropriate respect, social behavior and responsibility should be shown when utilizing/renting any property/facility on or off campus. All chapters must provide one representative to all community relations meetings.
B. University
The University should regularly recognize the positive endeavors of the Greek System and encourage recipients (individuals and chapters) to notify the University of awards, achievements, and community relations events. Additionally, the University will aid in the promotion of such achievements. The University will implement a non-competitive recognition program in order to recognize positive contributions of Greek letter organizations to the campus and surrounding community.
C. Alumni
The Greek alumni should closely work with the University and chapters to promote a positive image of the Greek System within the community and provide opportunities for alumni to contribute to the community.
XII. CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT
To assist chapters in recording their achievements and successes throughout the year, all chapters must submit a "Chapter Management Plan" before the beginning of each calendar or academic year, and a "Chapter Annual Report" at the end of each calendar or academic year. These reports will significantly assist the chapter in focusing its time and energy. These reports will be developed with involvement of the Dean of Students Office, chapter advisors and other interested alumni, inter/national headquarters, as well as chapter leaders and members.
The Chapter Management Plan must include:
• Chapter Roster
• Chapter goals and objectives for the semester (and/or year)
• Officer goals and objectives for their term
• Scholarship requirements from inter/national organizations and a scholarship plan
• Calendar (with educational workshops) for the semester, including descriptions of the purpose of programs and events
• Outline of chapter retreat
• Detail efforts to promote positive relations with community
• Names and contact information for chapter alumni/ae advisor(s)
• Names and contact information for chapter officers, chairs and standards board members
• Internal judicial system policies and procedures for the year
• Names and position descriptions for chapter advisor(s) and faculty/staff advisor
• New members program outline (must be submitted prior to recruitment)
The Annual Chapter Report must include:
• Summary of all programs including program outline, any handouts distributed and a summarized evaluation
• Chapter representatives and their record of participation in meetings and programs sponsored by IFC, Panhellenic, and GAMMA for the past year
• Listing of chapter members and their involvement in campus and community activities outside the chapter
• Description of all community service activities including the number of people who attended
• Names of chapter standards board members, a summary of incidents brought to the board and a summary of any sanctions levied by them* Note: National reports may be substituted for the chapter annual report as long as they include all items listed above.
The University and Greek community agree that philanthropic endeavors are an important responsibility in Greek life and as part of the university experience.
A. Greek System
1. Chapter outreach activities are those that involve the chapter with the larger campus community and neighboring area. These initiatives support the guiding principles of fraternities and sororities and help members develop a broader perspective on their environment. As such, all chapters must implement at least one campus or community service project each year in addition to those events that might be sponsored as a part of Greek Week. Chapters should complete an evaluation at the end of the activity. Activities will be reported in the Annual Chapter Report. The University will assist the chapter in promoting the activity.
2. Panhellenic, IFC, and the University will recognize those chapters with the best philanthropic records for conducting and participating in philanthropic events. The chapter officers are responsible for communicating the importance of philanthropy to their members, and for encouraging events that raise money for charities and, of equal importance, provide volunteer hours.
B. UniversityThe University supports this endeavor by providing information resources about community service and opportunities for individual participation. It will also provide opportunities to record individual and group activities in support of career and leadership goals.
C. Alumni
The role of the chapter advisors and alumni involves promotion of philanthropic projects and providing connections between community agencies and the chapters.
Any chapter desiring to lease or own a house off campus for the purpose of meetings, social events, pledge activities, and housing of membership and fraternity materials and awards will be responsible for acquiring its house through the assistance of alumni and its respective national, as well as adherence to national rules and regulations for chapter housing. Each chapter that leases or owns a house will have a housing corporation made up of alumni to oversee all housing operations. The chapter must comply with all local codes for safety, sanitation, fire, and parking. The exterior of the house and grounds must be maintained and kept presentable and consistent with the neighborhood and city standards.
XV. RELATIONSHIP STATEMENT REVIEW AND REVISIONS
This Relationship Statement should be reviewed on a biannual basis. Any recommendations for additions or modifications should be made in writing to the Greek Life Advisor. The committee, which will review this statement and any recommendations, will be comprised of:
Greek Life Advisor
IFC Representative
Panhellenic Representative
Sorority Presidents Representative
Fraternity Presidents Representative
G.A.A.C. Representatives (2)
Student Affairs Office RepresentativeFollowing any changes to the document, the Relationship Statement shall go to the IFC, Panhellenic, G.A.A.C., Greek Life Advisor for comment, and Vice President of Student Affairs for approval. The Greek Life Advisor will be responsible for distributing copies to all parties involved.
Revision finalized 1.27.03
Revision draft 10.17.01
Based on input gathered from Greek Life Revision Committee on 6.16.01