Appendix VIII. Policy on Continued Recognition of Fraternities and Sororities, 1974 – Lafayette College and the Greek Experience

Board of Trustees, May 31, 1974

The policy which follows was established by the Lafayette College Board of Trustees in May, 1974, and revised and reaffirmed in January, 1982. Many of the basic principles established by this policy are now included in the Mission Statement for Fraternities and Sororities developed in 1989. The Policy on Continued Recognition does emphasize, however, some aspects of fraternity and sorority life not specifically delineated in the Mission Statement.

A questionnaire, which will meet the additional requirements of the Policy on Continued Recognition, has been developed to supplement the STEPS System. This questionnaire should be forwarded to the office of Student Residence at the same time as the STEPS manual is completed.

Any questions regarding the Mission Statement, the STEPS System, or the Policy on Continued Recognition should be directed to either the Director of Student Life or the Dean of Students.

Continued Recognition of Fraternities and Sororities

Lafayette College extends recognition to fraternities and sororities in the belief that this experience can contribute helpfully to the total educational process of members. This educational process combines academic learning with co-curricular activities. These cocurricular activities, including the fraternity and sorority experience, often give students the opportunity to use their academic learning in practical application. In order to insure reasonable health and safety for members and responsibility on the part of the organization, the college requires that the fraternity/sorority experience conform to certain standards, and that these organizations meet certain conditions in order to be eligible for continued recognition by the College. Failure to satisfy standards and fulfill expected conditions may lead to disciplinary action and, where appropriate, withdrawal of recognition. These conditions apply to basic aspects of the program as follows:

General Program – Fraternities and Sororities are expected to organize and implement a program with social, cultural, and athletic activities, at a visible and viable level, in order to meet the varied developmental needs of its members and to realize the stated goals of the fraternity or sorority. All fraternities and sororities must abide by all requirements and policies pertaining to them adopted by the Board of Trustees.
Scholarship – The scholarship of the chapter as a whole must be satisfactory in a consistent manner. Limitations in respect to social activities may be placed on organizations whose average, in any sequence of semesters, remains below the all college average. Fraternities and sororities should conduct programs to assist those members whose G.P.A. is below 2.0.
Membership – Membership must be maintained at a level that will enable the group to accomplish all of the tasks and programs outlined in No. 1 above (General Programs). The number of new members each year should provide replacement for those who graduate or withdraw.
Management – The organization is expected to show evidence of effective administration of its various programs, with special emphasis on the housing program and dining programs. The management of these programs should be directed toward maintaining a stable level of occupancy in the house sufficiently high to produce funds to cover operating costs, and a balanced meal program.
Finances – The budget of the organization must show a yearend balance in which expenditure does not exceed revenue. Deficit financial operation is not acceptable. A fee structure must be established which will meet all normal operating expenses as well as the establishment of appropriate reserve funds.
Physical Plant – The physical plant must be structurally sound, well maintained and meet all standards set by the College, the City of Easton, and the State of Pennsylvania. The building and adjacent land area must be well-kept. A fraternity whose plant is below any such standards, must take proper steps for immediate correction of the situation.
College Relations – Fraternities and sororities are expected to maintain consistent contact with the Dean of Students or appointed representative. The Dean of Students or representative will, at various times, request specific information regarding programs and operations, and it is the responsibility of each organization to provide such information immediately upon request. Also, the Dean of Student’s Office may, from time to time, request that officers attend certain meetings. It is the responsibility of the organization to have the president or a designated representative at all such meetings. occasionally, other departments of the College, such as the Student Residence Office, the Plant operations office, etc., may request information on fraternity matters within their appropriate spheres of responsibility. Such requests should be met promptly.
Community Relations – Fraternities and sororities are expected to conduct themselves off-campus in a manner which does not bring criticism upon themselves or the College. Fraternities and sororities are regarded by the community as representatives of the College. Acceptable individual and group behavior should be obtained by appropriate internal discipline.
Membership Discipline – As a self-governing unit, fraternities and sororities must accept responsibility for the discipline of their members, individually and as a group. Failure to exercise this responsibility may require College action against both individuals and the individual organization.
Alumni Undergraduate Relations – In order to accomplish effectively the above-mentioned conditions, fraternities and sororities are expected to maintain satisfactory relationships between alumni and undergraduate constituencies.

On an annual basis, each chapter will be reviewed by the Office of the Dean of Students and appropriate Trustee Committees with respect to these standards and conditions. Reports will be requested regarding the activities of individual fraternities and sororities and evaluative comments will be returned to the organization for its use in self- improvement.

Board of Trustees, May 31, 1974