Becoming a Recognized Fraternity or Sorority

Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning

Becoming a Recognized Fraternity or Sorority

Requirements

Associated groups that are colonies or chapters of national social fraternities and sororities register with the University as “Chartered Fraternities and Sororities.” The University’s expansion policy and procedure for national fraternities and sororities is administered by Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning in conjunction with the student governing body (IFC, MGC, Panhellenic or SIGC).

Associated groups of students interested in establishing a colony or chapter of a national fraternal organization should consult with the FSLL Associate Director or their designee.
Any national chapter that wants to colonize or re-colonize on the University of Delaware campus must send a written letter of intent to the FSLL Associate Director at salowery@udel.edu.
In order to assure success in the recognition process, each council may only expand by one new (as opposed to returning) chapter a year if approved by the council.
All chapters that wish to colonize or re-colonize must be a member of the NIC, NPC, NPHC or NALFO national organization to have recognized status on campus.
If the national Greek organization seeking to re-colonize does not belong to the NIC, NPC, NPHC or NALFO, the national organization must receive an exemption from the FSLL Director or their designee.
The University does not allow “local” chapters (those that do not have national affiliations) to be recognized.
An advisor from the full-time faculty or exempt staff is required.
All colonies and recognized chapters must maintain at least six full-time matriculated undergraduate active members.
All recognized fraternities and sororities must participate in the FSLL Accreditation Program. Failure to do so will result in a loss of recognition.

Expansion Procedures

Overview

Thank you for your interest in joining the fraternity and sorority community at the University of Delaware. This community represents about 27 percent of the undergraduate population.

This expansion packet details instructions for seeking membership in one of our four governing councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Congress (MGC), Panhellenic Council (PHC) or Special Interest Greek Council (SIGC).

The expansion process at University of Delaware is managed by Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning (FSLL) with approval by the respective council in the process of offering membership to internationally and nationally recognized organizations. Our website has a listing of currently recognized chapters at the University.

Specific interest to our office and the fraternity and sorority community will be those organizations that can create a meaningful experience that supports the FSLL vision and mission.

Vision: To inspire and develop model chapters that lead positive change while serving our Blue Hens and the global community.
Mission: We support fraternities and sororities as they advance their purpose and impact members’ ability to reach their full potential through leadership development, student advocacy, cultivation of partnerships and promotion of health and safety.

Steps to Expansion Approval

Step 1

Expansion requests may be initiated by various entities including students, alumni or a national organization or headquarters. Regardless, we ask that any person or group interested in expansion to UD complete this expansion inquiry form as the first step toward approval. In order for an inquiry to progress to an official request, the University must receive confirmation of support from an (inter)national fraternity or sorority.

Step 2

The person or entity who completed the inquiry form will be contacted by the associate director to discuss the expansion process. If the inquiry does not come from an (inter)national organization, the associate director will also reach out to the inter(national) organization to discuss the expansion potential.

Step 3

The (inter)national organization must submit an official request for new fraternity or sorority expansion to the FSLL Associate Director via email. The official request should include the following:

Timeline from establishment of an uncharted group to chartering
Success of the last several (3-5) opening and/or chapters
Number of alumni in the Newark community
List of chapters and colonies in the designated national region
Recruitment plans
National membership non-discrimination statement
National academic policies
National new member education programs
National philanthropy programs
Insurance and risk management policy
- The organization must show proof of obtaining general liability insurance of at least $1 million. The certificate of insurance must list the University of Delaware as an additional insured.
National risk management programs and education

If a student interest group exists at the time the request is submitted, additional information should be provided about the group:

Membership roster
Completed Greek Registration Form for each student interested
List of alumni that will be involved with the expansion to UD
Letter of intent outlining aims and goals of the interested group

Step 4

Once the official request with materials is received, it will be shared with the respective governing council.

Step 5

The governing council will schedule a presentation where the national organization or designee will provide an overview of the organization and its benefits to the UD fraternity and sorority community. If a student interest group exists, we encourage them to attend the presentation. FSLL will provide the following information that will aid in the development of the campus presentation:

University enrollment statistics
Fraternity and sorority community membership statistics
Chapter and council academic rankings
Chapter report card (website)
FSLL mission and vision statement
UD Student Code of Conduct
Respective governing council constitution and bylaws

Step 6

The governing council will discuss and provide their recommendation to the FSLL office within two weeks of the presentation. FSLL will communicate the recommendations and next steps in writing to everyone involved in the process including the executive director of the organization. This letter serves as the approval for the organization to move forward in expanding their organization to UD.

If the organization moves forward in becoming a member of the community, a follow-up meeting will occur with the expansion representatives and interest group leaders (if applicable).

Official Expansion

There are two phases to become a University-recognized fraternity or sorority as outlined below.

Phase I – Exploratory

The first semester of the expansion will include getting to know the community and meeting student leaders, staff and administrators. The organization can:

Meet with students
Offer bids
Host meet and greet events
Meet as a potential new member group or interest group
Provide training for officers and set expectations for group operations
Submit roster of potential new members or interest group

Please note that before an active interest group may begin the official operation as an expansion chapter, they must receive the official welcome letter from FSLL.

Phase II – Active Chapter Status

During the second semester, the organization will begin the official operation as an expansion chapter. During this phase, the group will have all rights and privileges as all our FSLL recognized chapters and will complete a Chapter Assessment Program (CAP) in an unofficial capacity. Please note that councils may have additional processes for obtaining full status within their council.

Student Involvement