Criteria For Consideration of Student Organization Registration as a Social Fraternity or Sorority

In accordance with Student Rights and Responsibilities, Part I, Article III, Section 3.232, the Dean of Students staff have developed the following criteria for initial and continued registration of a student organization under the category of social sororities and fraternities at the University of Kentucky. To gain and/or maintain status as a social fraternity or social sorority on the Lexington campus of the University of Kentucky, a student organization must complete the below-listed defining requirements.
  1. The organization must complete all forms and submit all documentation for student organization registration as required by the Student Organization Center and as described in Administrative Regulation II-8.3-1, Rules and Additional Criteria for Registration of Student Organizations. The organization should observe all deadlines and requests; therefore, submitting all materials in a timely and complete manner.

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  2. The organization must have recognition as a colony or chapter in good standing of an inter/national social fraternity or sorority as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under the provisions of Section 86.14 of the regulations promulgated under Title IX of the U.S. Education Act Amendments of 1972. The University of Kentucky will not register a local organization as a social sorority or fraternity. In support of the relationship with an inter/national fraternity/sorority, the organization should receive an annual minimum of one (1) on-campus visit from an inter/national sorority/fraternity staff member or officer, unless granted exception from the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs staff due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., financial restrictions, staffing limitations) or alternative arrangements. To further demonstrate the support from the inter/national organization, its staff and alumni/ae, the student organization will submit for consideration relevant materials in a format deemed appropriate by the Dean of Students which addresses the following items:
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    1. inter/national support to the organization and its chapters in general,

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    2. alumni/ae within the vicinity of Lexington,

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    3. chapters located at college campuses in Kentucky and surrounding states,

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    4. students, faculty, and/or staff interested in establishing/supporting the organization,

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    5. previous affiliation with the University of Kentucky (if applicable), and

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    6. other items as requested by the Dean of Students.

     
  3. All organizations will respect the commitment to self-governance through active participation in the Greek community. Each representative council and system activities/organizations will define the minimum requirements of a member organization to achieve active participation.

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  4. The appropriate organizational officers must maintain accurate records with and follow established University policies in order to maintain registration as a student organization. The records and policies of particular concern include:
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    1. Student Rights and Responsibilities Part I, Article III: "The University as Supervisor of Student Organizations;"

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    2. Administrative Regulation II-8.3-1: "Rules and Additional Criteria for Registration of Student Organizations;"

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    3. Administrative Regulation II-8.3-2: "Regulations Governing the Use of University Facilities by Registered Student Organizations;"

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    4. Administrative Regulation II-8.3-4: "Regulations Governing Time, Place, and Manner of Meetings;"

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    5. "Guidelines for Event Planning at the University of Kentucky;"

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    6. Administrative Regulation II-1.1-4: "University of Kentucky Alcohol Policy;"

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    7. "University of Kentucky Dance Policy;"

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    8. Business Procedures E-17-14: "Agency Account Policies and Procedures;"

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    9. "Guidelines for Group Seating" at athletic events;

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    10. "University of Kentucky Statement on Sexual Harassment and Assault;"

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    11. "University of Kentucky Non-Discrimination Statement;"

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    12. "University of Kentucky Fire/Life Safety Regulations and Policies, Fraternity and Sorority Houses;" and

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    13. "University of Kentucky Firearms Policy" (per KRS 5-527.010).

     
  5. The organization must maintain open lines of communication with the staff of the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Office through accurate completion and timely submission of established reports. The delineation of established reports of the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Office includes:
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    1. potential member information form,

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    2. membership recruitment time periods and events,

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    3. membership roster,

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    4. officer information form,

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    5. summer/winter break officer information form,

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    6. roster additions/deletions form,

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    7. grade/information release cards for all current members,

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    8. financial information form,

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    9. semester chapter calendar,

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    10. housing list (if applicable),

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    11. student organization re-registration,

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    12. change of officer form

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    13. agency account information/reauthorization form (if applicable), and

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    14. annual report.


    The organization should submit and update these records as the need arises throughout the semester. The Fraternity and Sorority Affairs staff will produce a semester calendar to reflect all events and due dates referenced in this criteria. Appendix II contains all pertinent forms listed in this section.
     

  6. The organization must submit chapter goals and an end-of-year report addressing progress toward/beyond goals. Any organizations holding colony status with their inter/national organization must submit two additional progress reports.

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  7. The organization must submit the following written policies and educational programs for review and consultation with the appropriate staff member(s) in the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Office:
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    1. membership development / new member education,

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    2. scholarship,

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    3. risk management,

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    4. hazing,

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    5. alcohol and other drug, and

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    6. fire safety (if housed).


    Submitted materials must include all policies and programs as developed through the inter/national organization as well as local constituencies (e.g., house corporation, alumni/ae board, chapter). Following submission of the above-mentioned reports to the appropriate officials, the chapter president and appropriate chapter officer(s) will meet with said official(s) to discuss any concerns. Appendix II contains an outline of necessary information to include in these reports.
     

  8. Any organization entering into or currently in a group housing arrangement that allows for fifteen (15) or more residents must employ a University approved house director who resides within the chapter house, including weekends at any time the house is occupied.

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  9. Any organization entering into or currently in a group housing arrangement must maintain an alcohol-free facility at all times.

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  10. Any organization entering into or currently in a group housing arrangement  must have their facilities reviewed by either the University Fire Marshal (on campus) or the city fire inspector (off campus) each semester.  The paperwork documenting the inspection must be turned in to the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Office by the end of each semester.

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  11. For compliance with the above-defined policies, all social fraternities and sororities will receive the following privileges:
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    1. single-sex status;

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    2. mail box in the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Office;

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    3. educational and programming resources available through the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Office;

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    4. support of professional staff of the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Office;

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    5. assistance with chapter recruitment efforts;

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    6. assistance with chapter academics;

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    7. statistical and informational reports relative to scholarship, finances, membership, and other operational areas;

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    8. ability to lease property (when available) for group living experience;

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    9. use of the delinquency system for housing fees (if applicable); and

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    10. house director incentive payment to house corporation (if applicable).