Greek Life Policies
First and foremost, recognized Greek organizations are expected to uphold all policies and regulations of The George Washington University. It is recommended that all officers of member chapters familiarize themselves with university policies and resources such as The Alcoholic Beverage Consumption and Distribution policy, the hazing policy, postering policies, the Student Organization manual, etc. Occasionally, the need arises for community specific policies to be created. The following is a compilation of the Office of Greek Life policies that have been created over the past few years.
Events with Alcohol
The University Alcoholic Beverage Consumption and Distribution policy clearly states that Greek organizations are required to host either a BYOB or third party vendor event. Under no circumstances may a fraternity or sorority use chapter funds to provide alcohol to guests. The Risk Management Guide is a supplement to University policy written for the Greek community. Please read the Risk Management Guide for further details.
Academic Standing of Individual Members
In accordance to University policy, all members of student organizations must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. In the event that an individual's cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0, that person must be placed on academic probation with the chapter. It is the chapter's responsibility to define academic probation. Academic probation could include: severely limiting the member's activity within the chapter - including barring the individual from holding any position in the chapter, reducing the amount of "required" events for the member to attend or participate in, social probation - exclusion from all social functions, a tutoring/buddy system with another member of the same major, educational programs for the chapter, study hours, etc. The focus should be on making it significantly easier for the member to focus on academics (rather than the chapter) for the semester.
In the event that said individual's cumulative GPA rises above a 2.0 after the probationary semester, the probation is lifted and activity may resume as the chapter and individual see fit. If the member's cumulative GPA does not rise above a 2.0, the member must become inactive in the chapter and disaffiliate. Disaffiliation means that the individual can have no involvement within the chapter what so ever. This disaffiliation is required until the member's cumulative GPA rises above a 2.0. In the event that a chapter has set a minimum GPA higher than that of the University, the chapter may operate according to its own guidelines.
New Member Class Academic Standing
Each new member class must have an average semester GPA of a minimum 2.5 (i.e. individual new members may fall below a 2.5, but not a 2.0, as long as the average for all the new members is a 2.5 or higher). In the event that a fraternity or sorority new member class does not earn the minimum, said chapter is placed on probation for one semester with the Office of Greek Affairs. Such probation can include social probation, programming requirements, and more. If a consecutive violation occurs, the chapter could face loss of new member class for the following semester.
Chapter Advisors
All student organizations are required to have an advisor in order to be recognized as registered student organizations with The George Washington University. For the purposes of the Student Activities Center registration process, the Greek Advisor and Assistant program Coordinator can/should sign all University paperwork and represent all Greek-letter student organizations as advisors. Within the Office of Greek Life, all fraternities and sororities are required to have a minimum of one alumni advisor for the chapter. This individual must be recognized by the National organization as a representative of the fraternity or sorority. Advisors are expected to be actively involved with the chapter and available to the Office of Greek Life for correspondence, regular meetings, etc.
Chapter Events
Fraternities and sororities, as recognized organizations of The George Washington University, represent the University in events hosted by the chapter. Of particular concern are those events in which utilize University funding (either chapter-related or council funds), such as, for recruitment or community wide programs and events. Therefore, all events sponsored by recognized fraternities and sororities must be appropriate in nature and of good taste.
Recruitment / New Member Intake
In support of the recruitment policies of the IFC and Panhellenic, chapters are not authorized to formally or informally recruit new members in any form during the summer months or first two weeks of any semester. After that two week period, all chapters must obtain council and University authorization to host any recruitment event, including formal parties, interest sessions, etc. MGC and NPHC chapters must have written authorization from the Office of Greek Life and their respective National organization prior to beginning the Intake process.
New Member Education
All chapters are to provide The Office of Greek Life with the new member program schedule, including dates of Inspiration Week, activities planned (particularly during "I" week), date of initiation, etc. Information should be provided in writing or via email prior to the acceptance of new members each semester.
Paperwork
Each member chapter of the GW Greek community is expected to submit paperwork to the Office of Greek Life in a timely fashion. Examples of required information include, but are not limited to: chapter rosters, new member rosters/ grade release forms, student organization registration forms, advisor information, new member education schedules, officer lists, event registration forms, etc.
Programming
The Office of Greek Life has the authority to require attendance for chapters and their members or officers at events such as speakers, conferences, retreats, etc. Exception will always be considered for class conflicts, previously scheduled events, and possibly work schedules. In the event that requirements are not fulfilled, the Office of Greek Life has the authority to impose sanctions, including: community service, social probation, etc.
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