Student Activities, Leadership & Scholarship oversees all of the advising and program planning for fraternities and sororities at Northeastern. We work alongside students, national offices, alumni/ae, and NU to provide fraternity and sorority men and women the best leadership opportunities possible. The Greek community is healthy and vibrant and consistently prioritizes leadership, scholarship and service in all that they do. Fraternities and sororities are first and foremost considered student organizations and must abide by the policies as set forth in this handbook.

In this chapter, you will learn about:
- what Greek Life is all about
- the various policies and standards for the Greek community
- guidelines for recognition, reactivation and expansion
- culturally based chapters
- North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)/Panhellenic chapters.


Greek Life Mission Statement
Greek Life at NU is comprised of fraternity men and sorority women dedicated to a lifetime bond of brotherhood and sisterhood under the governing bodies of the Interfraternity, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic and Greek Executive councils.

These organizations create a community where men and women can grow as individuals, while experiencing safe and healthy social, philanthropic and academic endeavors. Individual chapters seek to provide opportunities for service to the community, leadership skills and high academic standards for their members.

Greek Life at NU provides a unique and diverse opportunity for students seeking an experience that will enhance their college career.

Recognized chapters
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities
(Sorority, chapter name, and year founded @NU):
Alpha Epsilon Phi–Phi Omega Chapter, 1989
Delta Phi Epsilon–Phi Eta Chapter, 1969
Delta Zeta–Xi Upsilon Chapter, 1987
Sigma Delta Tau–Gammu Mu Chapter, 1988
Sigma Sigma Sigma–Epsilon Chi Chapter, 1991

National Interfraternity Conference (NIC)
(Fraternity, chapter name, and year founded @NU):
Alpha Epsilon Pi–Sigma Kappa Psi Chapter, 1962/2003
Kappa Sigma–Xi Beta Chapter, 1995
Pi Kappa Alpha–Kappa Delta Chapter, 1994
Sigma Phi Epsilon–Massachusetts Eta Chapter, 1992
Alpha Delta Phi–Nu Epsilon Zeta chapter, 2006
Sigma Alpha Mu–Beta Tau Chapter (colony), 2007

Local fraternities, and year founded @NU
Alpha Kappa Sigma, 1919
Beta Gamma Epsilon, 1919

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
(Chapters, chapter name, and year founded @NU):
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority–Iota Gamma Chapter, 1974

Multicultural chapters
(Chapters, and year founded @NU)
Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, 2003
Delta Phi Omega Sorority (colony), 2005
Pi Delta Psi Fraternity (colony), 2006

All inquiries about starting a social Greek-letter organization should be directed to the Greek advisor at (617) 373-2642.

Greek 101
Greek 101 is an educational program designed specifically for newly initiated members of Greek-letter organizations. Some of the sessions are requirements of the education and initiation process for new members of Greek-letter organizations. Sponsored by the Greek Executive Council, this is an opportunity to address such topics as personal development, risk management, organizational dynamics, and other current issues concerning fraternities and sororities.


Greek Governing Document
Northeastern University recognizes the positive contributions that fraternities and sororities make to the NU community. The Greek system at NU seeks to provide opportunities for student leaders to serve the community, cultivate leadership skills, be engaged in campus life, encourage academic excellence, and support a diverse community. All of these endeavors will enhance the collegiate experience for undergraduates while giving NU a community of student organizations and leaders of which we can be proud. The intention of this document is to articulate the rights and responsibilities held by both fraternities and sororities and NU, and to further enhance the growth and development of the Greek community.

The Greek system at NU is composed of several relationships: among NU, each chapter, their national or international/ local organizations, alumni/ae, and the Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Panhellenic Council. Along with the privileges of being a recognized fraternity or sorority comes a responsibility to adhere to all NU policies particularly those listed in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. These policies and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal laws supercede the rules and procedures of fraternity and sorority chapters, their alumni/ae corporations, and their national or international or local organizations.

Fraternity and sorority chapters that are unable to operate within these policies and/or laws or adhere to guidelines will lose or be denied recognition as a student organization at NU. Recognition is needed in order to operate as a student organization at NU. Chapters and individual members are representatives of NU and the Greek community at all times and have the duty to represent both favorably. An important way of accomplishing this objective is to abide by the standards and responsibilities set forth in this document.

I. University commitment to fraternities and sororities
Herein, Greek advisor refers to the administrator whose position oversees the management and advising of fraternities, sororities, and governing councils.

In consideration of the above commitment to Greek Life, NU will provide the following privileges/services to fully recognized fraternal organizations and governing councils in order to foster their growth and development:

• use of the Northeastern University name
• access to NU-owned facilities
• chapter advising services from Greek advisor
• program advising from the One-Stop Suite
• access to a cash and/or budget account from the Student Activity Business Office (SABO) and use of the services of this office
• access to Student Activity Fee (SAF) funds per Budget Review Committee (BRC) manual
• using NU’s tax-exempt status as appropriate
• access to campus offices and services as needed
• posting and advertising privileges
• support of recruitment events and initiatives
• access to NU-hosted webspace and Club Manager software
• use of the resource room area and a mailbox in the One-Stop Suite
• assistance with gathering academic and other statistical data pertaining to organizations or members as required
• staff, leadership training and educational programming for creating an informed, cohesive and prepared community of student leaders
• your advocate on behalf of the Greek community as a liaison between internal and external constituencies
• meetings with consultants, advisor and alumni/ae for the purpose of strengthening relationships and offering advice on sound risk-management practices and leadership development within chapters

*Please note that interest groups or colonies will not have the benefit of all of the above privileges/services until they become fully recognized.

Specific privileges/services will be outlined in contract form by the appropriate governing body.

II. Chapter standards
In an effort to strengthen the Greek system, NU recognizes the need to be clear in the articulation of expectations and responsibilities. The goal of these is to enhance and ensure the quality of the fraternal experience for members, individual chapters and NU. The Greek Executive Council is charged with ensuring that chapters are meeting the standards set forth below. These will serve as a benchmark for evaluation and will be an integral component of the accreditation process each year.

A. We set high values and standards
1. Each chapter must follow all NU policies, including those in this handbook, the Greek Executive Council Constitution, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal laws, Interfraternity Council/National Pan-Hellenic Council/ Panhellenic Council bylaws, national or international/local organization policies, its own risk management and its own code of conduct.

• completing the registration process, signing all anti-hazing acknowledgements, and submitting accurate chapter rosters
• providing membership data and national or international/local contact lists to the Greek advisor as well as street addresses and telephone numbers of any chapter-owned real estate
• notifying the Greek advisor prior to any Greek-letter organization’s plan to buy real estate
• providing a schedule of all prospective recruitment events to be reviewed by the appropriate governing council and/or the Greek advisor.

2. Each chapter must meet all administrative responsibilities within the prescribed deadlines including but not limited to:

3. Chapters must follow the standard policies and procedures for all student organizations when organizing programs, events
and conducting general business.

4. Chapters must maintain a strong relationship and be in good standing with their own national or international/ local organizations and alumni/ae boards and keep both groups informed about chapter activities and risk management situations.

5. Chapters must participate in the governance structure of the Greek system through the Greek Executive Council and IFC/NPHC/Panhellenic, respectively. Participation includes being active and involved members of the councils and attending events sponsored by those bodies.

6. Chapters must demonstrate support of the Greek-letter community by attending events and collaborating with other student organizations, especially other chapters.

7. Chapters must promote educational, leadership, and personal development programs to all members.

B. We provide a safe and healthy environment
1. Chapters must submit or have on file a risk management policy accepted and approved by their national or international, local, alumni/ae organizations and with the Greek advisor/Greek Executive Council. A recommended resource for drafting such a document is the Fraternal Information Programming Group (FIPG). Included with the policy is presenting written proof that the chapter possesses general liability insurance. Chapters that own housing are encouraged to outline safety precautions for living accommodations with this policy.

2. When sponsoring chapter events or programs off campus, chapters must use a third-party venue that can meet the guidelines set forth in this handbook. Members are responsible for being knowledgeable about the contract process and event guidelines. Students may never sign a contract on behalf of their chapter and/or NU.

3. Chapters must follow NU standards for all events where alcohol is present. Individual members of the chapter must understand the Student Code of Conduct and commit to all established alcohol policies as well as Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal laws.

4. Executive Board members, including the chapter risk manager, must be actively involved in chapter events and programs.

5. Executive Board members are accountable for the actions of their chapter.

6. All chapter members have a duty and responsibility to intervene when others are at risk.

7. Chapters must implement a basic standards/ judicial board as a means of “checks and balances” for the chapter’s constitution, bylaws, ethics and standards.

8. Chapters are highly encouraged to keep local/national or international/alumni advisors involved in chapter management. These individuals should also be kept informed about chapter events and be invited to attend chapter events and programs.

C. We recruit and develop value-centered leaders
1. Recruitment events or programs of individual chapters must follow the prescribed guidelines set forth by the appropriate governing council and/or the Greek advisor.

2. Use of alcohol, drugs, and/or negative fraternity/sorority stereotypes will not be tolerated in advertising or in executing any recruiting event.

3. Chapters must provide (potential) new members with a statement of purpose/mission and discuss with these individuals the tenets on which the chapter was founded.

4. Proposed new-member rosters must be submitted to the Greek advisor within one (1) week of bids being accepted.

5. Each chapter must provide a statement in writing to each (potential) new member which clearly indicates that the (potential) new member will not be called upon or required to participate in any activity that could be construed as hazing. This statement includes, but is not limited to, having them sign the anti-hazing statute as required by the Greek advisor once every academic year.

6. Chapters must provide (potential) new members with information about the financial responsibilities they will incur as members of the organization.

7. Each chapter must have approval for their new member education calendar of events, including any events arranged by alumni/ae or national or international representatives.

8. Programs or events hosted for or with (potential) new members must follow the standard planning procedures for all student organizations and be reviewed with the Greek advisor.

9. Prospective members must meet a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 at the time they begin the recruitment process and prior to their initiation.

10. Each chapter must complete the initiation process within the same semester of issuing bids. Exceptions to this may be made, but only with the knowledge and permission of the Greek advisor.

11. New members must attend all educational sessions as sponsored by the Greek advisor, the Greek Executive Council and/or the IFC/ NPHC/Panhellenic, respectively.

12. Executive Board members must play an active role in the new member education program.

13. All chapter members must understand what constitutes hazing under Commonwealth of Massachusetts law. Hazing will not be tolerated at any time. See page 33 for the NU anti-hazing policy.

D. We are fiscally responsible
1. Chapters must be in good standing financially with their national or international/local organizations, NU, IFC/NPHC/Panhellenic councils and outside vendors.

2. Chapters must submit a semi-annual financial statement to the Greek advisor that clearly demonstrates the financial solvency of their organization.

3. Chapters must follow NU guidelines and procedures when using funds from SABO accounts.

4. Chapters must meet the criteria set forth in this handbook when fundraising. Funds raised must be tracked carefully and deposited into your SABO account. Checks to charitable organizations must be requested from this account.

E. We achieve high academic success
1. Chapters must conduct their organizations in a manner that does not inhibit the personal development or academic achievement of individual members.

2. Chapters must plan and/or participate in programs which enhance personal development and academic excellence, support the academic mission of NU, and encourage interaction with faculty.

3. Chapters must submit accurate rosters when requested. These reports will be used by the Greek advisor to retrieve chapter/individual grade reports at the conclusion of both the fall and spring semesters.

4. Chapters must maintain a chapter term grade point average of at least a 3.0.

5. Chapters must put a scholarship program in place to support all members in their academic endeavors. This includes recognizing outstanding achievement and requiring a minimum level of academic achievement.

F. We make the campus and community a better place
1. Chapters must hold and/or participate in community service activities that contribute to the community and enhance personal development.

2. Chapters must have an average of at least 10 hours of service per member per semester.

3. Chapters must perform at least one philanthropic event per year which raises money for a community service agency/organization without funds being contributed to the chapter.

4. Chapters must at all times conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of the surrounding neighborhood and community.

5. Chapters members must participate in at least one co-curricular activity or organization outside of the chapter.

G. We prepare our members for life
1. Chapters must actively seek ways to reach out to alumni/ae constituents.

2. Chapters must actively seek ways to teach members the importance of active alumni/ae involvement.

3. Chapters are highly encouraged to establish close working relationships with parents, alumni/ae, campus and community leaders in order to contribute positively to their success.

4. Chapters must integrate the teachings and values contained in the ritual and use according to the national or international organizations’ recommendation.

III. Failure to meet chapter standards
1. Chapters and individual members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this document, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Organization Handbook, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal laws.

2. All alleged violations of policy or standards should be brought to the attention of the Greek Executive Council and/or the Greek advisor and will be investigated for their validity.

3. During investigations, chapters may be placed on administrative suspension by the Greek advisor pending investigations pertaining to violations of policies.

4. Chapters and individual chapter members will be held responsible for violations of this document, the Student Code of Conduct, this Student Organization Handbook, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal laws as necessary.

5. Chapter violations of policy will be adjudicated by the Greek Executive Council or other governing council. Judicial procedures for each of the councils will be followed as outlined in their own governing documents.

6. Sanctions may result per the Greek Executive Council Constitution or other governing documents should violations of any policy occur.


Guidelines for recognition/reactivation of culturally based Greek-letter organizations at NU
Rationale:
Culturally-based Greek-letter organizations are gaining both interest and membership at colleges and universities around the country. NU is no exception. Some of the culturally based organizations are city-wide chapters, meaning that the charters’ of these organizations are recognized at multiple institutions in and around the Boston area. Because of this unique feature, institutions often see these groups go active and inactive as their membership dictates. By outlining the policies by which NU will recognize culturally based Greek-letter organizations (either city-wide OR NU-based), it will allow for consistency and clarification to students and/or advisors wishing their organizations be appropriately recognized at NU. Furthermore, it is the intention of the Greek system at NU to be a welcoming and open environment for all Greek-letter organizations, and with this in mind will work toward offering assistance to culturally based chapters that are seeking recognition and/or reactivation.

Who must adhere to these guidelines?
Any Greek-letter organization that wishes to be recognized at NU and that does not currently fall under the governance of the Panhellenic Council or the Interfraternity Council.

General guidelines for NU recognition or reactivation:
Groups should first approach the One-Stop Suite with their intentions.

Interest groups/chapters that are “city-wide” must have a minimum of three NU full-time undergraduate students on their roster in order to seek recognition/reactivation.

Interest groups/chapters that are NU-based only must have a minimum of 12 NU full-time undergraduate students on their roster in order to seek recognition/reactivation.

Interest groups/chapters must be knowledgeable of and adhere to the policies and guidelines in the Greek Governing Document on page 79.

Interest groups/chapters active at NU must actively participate in the governance of an appropriate governing body as determined by the greek advisor. Greek Executive Council oversees all governing councils within the Greek system.

Interest groups/chapters must present the following documents at the time they are asking for active status at NU:

• a letter of intent
• a current roster or interest list (see www.greeklife.neu.edu for template.)
• a current chapter constitution
• a current risk management policy
• a copy of your national certificate of insurance
• a student group registration form (2 copies, typed) (See www.greeklife.neu.edu for template.)
• a copy of our anti-hazing forms signed by all members including non-NU students (see www.greeklife.neu.edu for template)

These documents will be forwarded to the Greek Executive Council for review.

Interest groups/chapters must secure a full-time NU faculty or staff member as an advisor prior to approval for recognition/ reactivation being approved and must provide the name of a local or national contact person responsible for your organization.

Interest groups/chapters not currently recognized on campus may co-sponsor educational or philanthropic events only with other fully recognized student organizations on campus. The fully recognized group, however, must be the ones to secure space and act as the primary contacts for the event. BRC funding may not be secured by organizations that are not recognized.

Once fully recognized/reactivated, organizations will be expected to participate in student leader training sessions,
BRC treasurers’ workshops, and any Greek leadership trainings & programs offered while they are active.

Interest groups/chapters must gain the full support (ie, chapter status) of their supporting national organization as a requirement BEFORE full chapter status will be considered.

Can we have any presence on campus if we do not currently meet the membership requirement for recognition or reactivation?
Yes, however on a very limited basis. As previously mentioned, the One-Stop Suite is committed to diversifying its fraternal offerings at NU. The first priority of the office is the safety and well being of its’ students. Therefore, the intention of this office and of these guidelines is to provide consistency for groups in seeking recognition or reactivation. We do, however, recognize the difficulty in trying to attract members at a campus who does not allow its students to know the organization exists. Keeping this in mind:

• Interest groups/chapters that do not meet the minimum membership requirement may ask the One-Stop Suite to sponsor up to two informational sessions an academic year on their behalf if they are held in the Curry Student Center or another space as assigned. Groups need to request dates with the Greek advisor at least two weeks in advance. An NU student must be a contact for the group in order to secure the space. The Greek advisor will secure appropriate space and notify the group of the reservation. Space is available on a first come first served basis.
• If an interest group/chapter abuses in any way the hospitality of the Curry Student Center or NU, they will not be able to take advantage of this privilege again for one academic year. The policies of the Curry Student Center may be found at: www.curry.neu.edu/about/cscpolicy/Policies.pdf
• Interest groups/chapters must notify the greek advisor concerning any recruitment/intake efforts that they may be planning. A list of events, dates, times, and locations are appropriate prior to their taking place.

Benefits of campus recognition:
• use of the One-Stop Suite as a resource to your organization
• reserving space for meeting and program use in the Curry Student Center as well as other spaces on campus
• use of a SABO cash account
• camaraderie with other Greek-letter organizations
• access to BRC funding for NU-wide programs (or chapter programs)
• access to the One-Stop Suite staff who may help you plan and implement programs on campus
• ability to participate in campus-wide initiatives such as Welcome Week, Activities Fairs, Homecoming, SpringFest, Greek Week, etc.
• ability to advertise on campus to potential new members, including hanging of a banner in the Curry Student Center

For more information regarding recognition and reactivation or other Greek Life matters at NU, call the Greek advisor at (617) 373-2642, or drop by the advisor’s office at 434 CSC.