Statement of Relationship between
Frostburg State University and The Greek System

Philosophy
Frostburg State University recognizes that Greek-letter fraternities and sororities are an integral part of the campus community. Recognizing that membership in one of these organizations can positively impact a students’ academic and co-curricular experiences, the University supports the notion that membership offers an important alternative for many students. However, fraternities and sororities are not independent organizations, but rather an integral part of University life. Therefore, the University seeks to support student groups in the accomplishment of those goals that support the University’s mission. Greek organizations were founded to advance the ideals of leadership, scholarship, and service to others. Each group should actively seek to promote these ideals and minimize those activities that are in conflict with these standards. The right of fraternities and sororities to exist as part of the University brings with it a high level of responsibility. To achieve mutual success for the University and its Greek organizations, there must exist a trust and shared responsibility. This begins with mutual support for each others’ goals, and sharing resources when possible and appropriate.

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Expectations and Services of the University
It is the University’s responsibility to assist student clubs and organizations in their endeavors to achieve success in the areas of scholarship and leadership development. In direct relation to Greek organizations the University provides support, programs, facilities, and services to assist groups as they strive to attain high levels of success in scholarship, leadership and service. As an integral part of the student life experience at FSU the University provides:

• Reasonable use of University facilities, equipment and services, including the use of college facilities and rooms for meetings and events, lobby tables for fund raising and event promotion activities, and posting and banner space for promoting chapter activities and honors — according to prescribed policies and procedures.
• Direct advising and support from the Office of Greek Life & Leadership Programs in the normal business activities and operations of each Chapter and the individual Governing organizations.
• Ability to collect dues, sponsor fund-raising events, and solicit funds according to University policy.
• Inclusion in awards and honors presented to University organizations and members.
• Recognition in University publications and promotions.
• Permission to sponsor on-campus programs and activities consistent with the purpose of the organization.
• Serve as a liaison between Greek organizations and the greater community relating to issues that directly influence and affect Greek life.
• Formal recognition as a registered student organization to enable fraternities and sororities to receive funds from Student Government Association through their event funding process.
• Participation in fraternity or sorority formal and/or informal recruitment process.
• Participation in all athletic, artistic, social, and other group activities or programs operated by or under the auspices of Frostburg State University for Greek organizations exclusively or with other groups, including programs sponsored by the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and Pan-Hellenic Council.
• Assistance by the University staff in communicating with individual fraternity or sorority alumni/ae and other Greek alumni/ae organizations.
• Inclusion in the Greek Display Case.
• Assistance in sponsoring educational and skill workshops for new members of all fraternities and sororities.
• Coordination of specialized educational workshop and training programs for the leaders of fraternities and sororities.
• Compilation of grade point averages each semester and the ability to provide members with access to academic assistance as needed.
• Production and distribution of information regarding hazing in addition to holding anti-hazing workshops.
• Aid in the production and distribution of informational brochures and establishment of recruitment guidelines.
• Assistance in identifying community service projects.
• Support, recognition, encouragement and training of faculty, staff and administrators to be advisors to Greek organizations.
• Establishment of minimum expectations defining the role of advisors and requiring advisors to sign a yearly advising contract indicating that these expectations are clearly understood.

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Expectations and Responsibilities of Fraternities and Sororities
Because membership and participation in the Greek system at the University is a privilege, the following expectations for chapters have been set forth:

• Adhere to the tenets of this document and the Minimum Expectations for Fraternities and Sororities.
• Abide by all appropriate rules/regulations of the University and all local, state, and federal laws and statutes.
• Promote academic excellence and intellectual activities related to the academic mission of the University.
• Assist in the University’s efforts with recruitment, retention, and responsiveness to student needs.
• Provide feedback to the administration on campus climate and policy/procedure development.
• Respect members of the campus community who are not Greek affiliated.
• Respect other chapters, their members, and property.
• Participate in campus activities and contribute to campus life by sponsoring or co-sponsoring public service and/or campus improvements projects, as well as social programs.
• Accept collective responsibility for the behavior of members when in their residential facility or when acting as a group outside it.
• Provide programs on scholarship, human relations, leadership development, and other areas critical to member development.
• Demonstrate the ability to be good neighbors to those private citizens who live in homes surrounding the University.
• Promote and practice high standards of ethics.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to academic achievement.
• Maintain chapter viability through sound financial management.

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Expectations and Responsibilities of Governing Bodies
As the Governing Bodies have been selected to represent the interests and ideals of all members of the Greek system, the following expectations have been set forth:

• Ensure that the Minimum Expectations are met and that repercussions for failure to meet are enforced.
• Oversee member organizations to ensure active involvement in programs and activities.
• Work to promote overall Greek unity on campus.
• Work with other governing bodies to coordinate joint programs and events.
• Continually work to promote the Greek ideals of scholarship, leadership and service.

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Academic Standards
Academic expectations are a critical component of the University/Greek System relationship. We must never forget that education is the primary purpose of attending Frostburg State University. Fraternities and sororities must be committed to this ideal, affirming that scholarship is the most important aspect of the college experience.

In order to be eligible to join a Greek organization, students must have successfully completed 12 credit hours, have cumulative and previous semester GPA of 2.0, and be a currently enrolled, full-time (at least 12 credit hours) student. Some organizations will have standards that exceed these minimum expectations.

All members are required to participate in a study habits seminar and a time management workshop prior to affiliation.

All Associate members, and Active members with GPA’s of 2.30 or below will be automatically enrolled in the Grade Monitoring Program each semester.

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Conduct Standards
In order to promote a positive fraternal environment, certain guidelines which apply to all fraternal organizations are established in the area of student conduct:

• It is expected that all fraternal groups will demonstrate compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• All individuals and organizations are expected to comply with University rules and procedures and abide by the University’s Code of Student Conduct (located in the Pathfinder).
• All organizations are expected to be knowledgeable of and comply with the operating policies of the Interfraternity, Panhellenic, Pan-Hellenic, and Inter-Greek Councils.
• Adjudication of violations of the Code of Student Conduct by individuals or organizations will be according to those policies, procedures, and sanctions set forth in the Pathfinder.
• Adjudication of violations of the policies and procedures established by one of the four governing bodies, the Minimum Standards, or this Relationship Statement shall be administered by the Executive Board of the Inter-Greek Council under the advisement of the Director of Greek Life.
• When violations involving group activity occur, the national organization, if applicable, will be notified.

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Questions Regarding Greek Life?
Contact the Greek Life Program Assistant at 301-687-7398.