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I. Role and Purpose of Greek System
Fraternities and sororities have made tremendous contributions to Kettering University since 1926 by
complementing the academic and co-curricular facets of the University's community life. Not only does the Greek
System offer a vital residential alternative for undergraduate students, but it also serves as a source of leadership
development and academic and social support for members while they pursue their educational goals. The Greek
System recognizes that it is the responsibility of chapter members to encourage an atmosphere conducive to the
intellectual, emotional, and moral development of members.
Fraternity and sorority members have become leaders among University alumni/ae and are loyal in support of their
alma mater. An awareness of these assets has had a continuous influence on University philosophy, and the attitude
toward fraternities and sororities is one of cooperation and encouragement. The responsibility of chapter operations
is left with the undergraduate chapters, alumni organizations, national officers, and mutual groups such as Greek
Assembly, Interfraternity Council, Black Greek Letter Organizations, and Panhellenic Council.
In accordance with recognizing students' rights to free association and the tradition of a fraternity/sorority presence
on campus, the purpose of this statement is to:
- Define and promote a positive relationship between Kettering University and recognized Greek-letter
organizations;
- Reaffirm Kettering University's commitment to a strong and visible Greek option for students;
- Identify standard expectations for recognition;
- Promote a self-governing, self-disciplining association of students.
II. Recognition of Greek-Letter Organizations
The mission of Kettering University is to serve society by preparing technical and managerial leaders. Kettering
University seeks to recognize and support those fraternities and sororities whose purpose and practices are consistent
with those of the University. Through this support, the University acknowledges the value of fraternity and sorority
life and the benefits of participation in a Greek-letter organization.
Developing innovative approaches to promoting the University's core mission in individual chapters is the key to the
strength of the Greek System. In instances where a chapter or its members operate in a manner that is found to be
contrary to the mission of the University and its students, the University reserves the right to revoke or suspend
recognition of the chapter and to expel the chapter from the University.
A. Terms of Recognition
Recognition is the formal process by which Kettering University agrees that a fraternity/sorority may function
on the campus as a recognized student organization. Recognition of a student organization does not authorize
the organization to act on behalf of the University.
Greek-letter organizations fall into two categories of recognition: Provisional and Full Recognition. Chapters
afforded provisional recognition may have the same privileges as fully recognized chapters, but may be required
to meet other educational or remedial goals to continue as recognized chapters.
B. Privileges Associated with Full Recognition
In an effort to assist chapters in attaining their full potential as contributing members of the University
community, the University through the Office of Greek Life undertakes the responsibility to provide the
following services and resources.
1. Use Kettering University's name as part of its organizational name.
2. Facilities and Equipment
The following facilities and equipment are available providing proper procedures are followed for their use.
- Rooms in the Campus Center and Academic Building may be reserved for meetings and/or activities.
- The Student Government Sound System may be used for events held on campus.
- Audio-visual equipment may be used on or off campus if reserved at least 24 hours in advance. VCR's
may NOT be taken off campus.
- Materials in the Student Activities sign room are accessible to the Greek organizations. Each
organization is responsible for submitting a list of appropriate members to use the Sign Room to
Student Activities Office.
- The Great Court may be used for appropriate activities. Table and chairs are available.
- The Recreation Center and outdoor facilities may be reserved for activities. Practice times for IM
Sports teams may be reserved for one hour by following normal Rec. Center policy, or for two hour by
contacting the director. Special reservations for longer time periods such as all nighters, pledge or rush
events are available. Equipment for activities may also be available for check out.
3. Services
The following services are available to Greek organizations upon request.
- Mail service for inter-organizational communication, as well as regular U.S. mail for those chapters
without a permanent mailing address, is available through the Greek mailboxes located in the Student
Affairs office.
- Greek organizations may utilize student publications (Kettering Today, Technician, and the electronic
newsline) to promote approved activities.
- Marriott Food Service at Kettering University will be given first priority to service an event. A quote
will be first taken from Marriott for the function, and if the organization decides to use a different food
service, then a memo from that organization to Marriott is required stating the fact.
- Scholarship records for chapter members may be obtained from the Office of Greek Life. The Family
Education Rights & Privacy Act requires that permission from the organization's members and
pledges be given before such information may be released.
4. Resources and Referrals
Kettering University provides the following resources and referrals through the appropriate offices.
- A full-time professional staff member employed by Kettering University will advise all Greek
organizations, present leadership and educational workshops, and provide resource material to improve
chapter operations, this person shall herein after be referred to as the Greek Advisor.
- Greek organizations may request the assistance of the Alumni Office (4-900 CC, ext. 9883) in locating
and contacting chapter Alumni/ae.
III. Minimum Expectations for Obtaining Recognition for
Greek-Letter Fraternities and Sororities
Kettering University bases its support of Greek organizations on the positive contributions they make to student life
at Kettering University. The following list is presented as a summary of the mutual expectations shared by Kettering
University and all Greek organizations. Likewise, the chapters themselves have identified those expectations, which
they consider vital to their effectiveness and productivity. Having these expectations to be common among all
Greek organization, Kettering University supports the endeavors of the chapter established on the Kettering
University campus.
A. Application for Registration
Each chapter must submit the following documents to the Office of Greek Life to be registered by Kettering
University.
1. A current constitution and bylaws (adopted within the last two years).
2. A certificate of commercial general liability insurance (with no liquor liability exclusions) to the
University's satisfaction in the amount of $ 1,000,000 per occurrence, $ 2,000,000 aggregate, naming
Kettering University as an additional insured, using the following language in the certificate:
Kettering University is hereby declared to be an additional insured under the terms of this
policy. This insurance will not be canceled, non-renewed or modified without thirty - (30)
days written notice to the Office of Greek Life at Kettering University.
3. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of an advisory board with at least three members. One member
of the advisory board can be their faculty advisor from Kettering University. The advisory board and
faculty advisor should be available to meet with the officers at least once a term.
4. An Associate member/pledge education program approved by their respective inter/national Headquarters
and their alumni/ae advisory board prior to membership intake. The chapter will conduct its associate
member/pledge program in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Kettering University's Student
Handbook, and their Inter/National organization policies.
Students who participate in the pledge process must have a cumulative WGA of at least 81 and passed 12
credits at Kettering University, or be in good academic standing with the University. All pledge programs
will last no longer than eight (8) weeks.
Definition of pledging: any student participating in a process that leads to membership in that organization.
(e.g. conducting a ceremony, ritual or other activity which is significant to the fraternity or sorority;
wearing fraternity/sorority jewelry or pledge clothing (i.e. shirts); or exchanging of money signifying dues
or fees to the fraternity or sorority). Other words or phrases that are used instead of pledges or Associate
members - candidates, pearls, pledge sisters, new members.
Associate member/pledge anti-hazing contracts must be signed within 24 hours of signing the intent card
and be submitted to the Office of Greek Life within one (1) week. A chapter may not commence its pledge
period or introductory programming until the chapter has met this requirement. ** A chapter not fulfilling this requirement will be
assessed a $50 fine.
B. Chapter Housing Plan
The Chapter needs to comply with the requirements of their City in complying with the Michigan State building
code. Every year the Chapter needs to provide the following documentation by July 1st. ** A chapter not
fulfilling this requirement will be assessed a $100 fine.
1. Documentation of an annual Fire inspection for the current year.
2. Documentation of and a strategy for complying with applicable safety and security protocols, including but
not limited to evacuation procedures and posted evacuation guidelines.
C. Membership Development
Chapters must meet the following requirements each year to be recognized by Kettering University. Chapters
must provide the documentation to the Office of Greek Life by 2nd Monday (fall/summer). ** A chapter not
fulfilling this requirement will be assessed a $100 fine.
1. Be affiliated with one of the governing boards (Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Council, or Black
Greek Letter Organization).
2. The Chapter will work with its Inter/National organization to ensure that either a representative from the
National office, or an appointed alumni representative, visit the University at least once each year. The
Office of Greek Life is to be notified of the visit in advance so that a meeting can be set up with the Greek
Advisor.
3. Provide an updated membership roster.
- A list of all members.
- A list of associates/pledges.
- A listing of new members is due immediately after initiation.
- A listing of new officers is to be provided within a week following elections.
4. Provide a written commitment signed by all chapter officers, that the chapter will comply with their
Inter/National Risk Management Policy, and the Kettering University's Student Handbook. Any changes in
the Student Handbook that would affect the Greeks and/or Greek system will be brought forth by the Greek
Advisor, assuming that the Greek Advisor is aware of the changes being made.
5. Chapters will attend the following programs sponsored by the Office of Greek Life. The Greek Advisor
will be in attendance for all sessions mentioned below, with the exception of every TIPS training:
Fall Session & Summer Session
- Presidents Meeting - (Once a term)
- Seminar for pledges/associates and chapter educators - (if needed)
- Risk Management Training (Social Chairs/Risk Managers)
Spring Session & Winter Session
- Presidents Meeting - (Twice a term)
- Seminar for pledges/associates and chapter educators
- Risk Management Training (Social Chairs/Risk Managers)
6. Chapters must attend one educational/non-alcohol-related program each term in one of the following six
areas: Physical wellness, intellectual wellness, emotional wellness, social wellness, occupational wellness, or
spiritual wellness. To fulfill this requirment 50% of the chapter must attend a program.
IV. Advisory Support
Each Greek Letter Organization is required to have a faculty/staff member to serve as an advisor to their
organization. Additionally, the International Fraternity usually requires that an alumni/ae member of the fraternity
serve as an advisor to the chapter. By way of definition, Kettering University refers to the former as Faculty
Advisor and the latter as Chapter Advisor. In the event that a chapter has more than one Faculty Advisor, a Senior
Faculty Advisor is designated to serve as the primary liaison between the advisors, the Kettering University
administration and the Office of Greek Life.
Kettering University recognizes that both Faculty and Chapter Advisors have a unique relationship with Kettering
University and the General Fraternity. The following sections outline the primary responsibilities of each advisor to
each organization, recognizing the privilege of the chapter and the General Fraternity to define the relationship
specifically.
A. The Faculty Advisor and Kettering University
The name of each Kettering University faculty or staff member serving as an advisor to a fraternity or sorority
must be kept on file in the Office of Greek Life. The responsibility of keeping an up-to-date listing of Faculty
Advisors is the responsibility of the chapter's presiding officer. However, all Faculty Advisors should ensure
that the list is properly maintained since only those Faculty Advisors properly listed in the Office of Greek Life
can be considered by Kettering University to be performing their duties on behalf of the University, and thus, be
covered in cases of legal liability.
Kettering University considers the primary role of all Faculty Advisors to be that of a liaison between the
chapter and tile Kettering University administration. The following activities would seem to enhance the
effectiveness of this role:
- Regular communication with chapter officers
- A basic awareness of chapter activities
- Occasional attendance at chapter meetings (if permissible) and other functions
- Attendance at Fraternity presidents and advisors meetings
- Open communication and cooperation with the Greek Advisor
- An awareness and understanding of Kettering University policies and procedures pertaining to Greek
organizations
Kettering University recognizes that another vital responsibility of the Faculty Advisor is to provide continuity
between A and B sections of the chapter. The University recognizes the right of each chapter to define the level
of involvement expected of their Faculty Advisor
B. The Faculty Advisor and the General Fraternity
In Order to continue in liaison role between Kettering University and the Fraternity, it is expected that the
Faculty Advisor possess a basic understanding of the structure, policies and procedures of the General
Fraternity. Further, it is hoped that a relationship of mutual cooperation would exist between the Faculty
Advisor and all representatives of the General Fraternity (i.e., Chapter Advisor, Regional / Province Officers,
and national officers).
In all cases, it is the privilege of the General Fraternity to determine the Faculty
Advisor's relationship and level of involvement with the General Fraternity, including the
obligation and authority to uphold Fraternity policies.
C. The Chapter Advisor and Kettering University
The names of all Chapter Advisors are required to file in the Office of Greek Life. This is done to facilitate
communications between Kettering University and Chapter Advisors. Recognizing that the General Fraternity
wholly defines their relationship, Kettering University does not consider Chapter Advisors to be acting on
behalf of the University in performing their duties. The only exception to this is when the Chapter Advisor is
also a Kettering University faculty or staff member is simultaneously designated as a Faculty Advisor.
Kettering University expects that Chapter Advisors will possess a basic awareness and understanding of
Kettering University policies and procedures pertaining to Greek Organizations and attempt to assist the chapter
in complying with these regulations.
It is also hoped that the Chapter Advisor will be willing to support a positive working relationship with
Kettering University administration.
V. Governance and Disciplinary Standing
The concept of the self-governance as developed in the Greek system at Kettering University should function
effectively in partnership with designated University offices and committees. By virtue of the authority vested in
them by their constitutions, the IFC, BGLO, and Panhellenic Council shall have the power to regulate all matters of
Interfraternity and Panhellenic interest, inasmuch as their policies fall within the framework and latitude of
University regulations. A current copy of IFC, BGLO, and Panhellenic Councils' constitution shall be kept on file
in the Office of Greek Life. The Greek Advisor shall be advised of all policy changes and new policy development
within these organizations to ensure consistency with Kettering University regulations.
When the need arises to review current policies and/or develop new policies which have the potential to impact
Greek community, the IFC, Panhellenic Council, and Black Greek Letter Organizations shall have the right to
represent the interests of the Greek system on such review/development committees. In matters involving the
alleged violation of University policies by Greek organizations, the council(s) will have the opportunity to make a
recommendation to the appropriate institutional decision-making body.
The Kettering University administration expects all Greek organizations will comply with the University policies
relating to all students and student organizations. Kettering University will not attempt to regulate specific areas of
chapter operations except in those areas where institutional policies are concerned (i.e., discrimination, hazing, code
of conduct, etc.). Standards of student conduct shall normally be implemented through the office of the Vice
President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. All chapters are expected to be knowledgeable of the student
code of conduct, student organizations' procedures and guidelines, and conduct regulations as printed and
distributed annually in the Kettering Student Handbook. A chapter given notice of suspension, expulsion, or
provisional status by the Office of Student Affairs will not be considered to have full recognition during the term of
the sanction.
A. Standards
The Office of Greek Life will evaluate all recognized Greek-letter social fraternities and sororities during the
academic year. The evaluation will include a review of the respective chapter's progress in the following areas:
- All reports of incidents, misconduct, or disciplinary action taken against the chapter
- All information turned in on the designated date
**A chapter not fulfilling requirements will be assessed a $100 fine.
- Participation in the Fraternity/Sorority governing boards and programs
B. Provisional Status & Suspension
A Chapter that does not meet a minimal expectation or policies in the Student Handbook will be put on
provisional status or suspension. When a chapter is put on suspension or provisional status all operations could
be halted, including:
- Formal chapter meetings
- Social events
- Associate Member/Pledge Meetings and Activities
- Participation in Intramurals as a chapter
- Formal Recruitment Activities
Once the Chapter is off Suspension or Provisional Status, the Chapter will be considered to have Full
Recognition.
C. Expulsion
A Chapter that operates in a manner that is found to be contrary to the mission of the University, its students, or
does not meet the minimal expectations for three consecutive terms, the University reserves the right to revoke
recognition of the chapter and to expel the chapter from the University. The chapter will not be affiliated with
the school for up to five (5) years. The Chapter will not be able to utilize any of the Privileges Associated with
Full Recognition, (II-B, 1-4). After the designated time, the chapter may petition the Office of Greek Life for
re-colonizing and recognition.
VI. Amendments
Kettering believes that the relationship between Greek Letter Organizations and the University must be based on
mutual respect and trust. This document will be reviewed each year so all signed participants will understand the
mutual expectations. The relationship statement may be amended and/or revised to clarify the expectations and to
strengthen the relationship between the Greek Letter Organizations and the University. All proposed changes to the
statement of relationship will be discussed at all governing board meetings (IFC, Panhellenic council, and BGLO)
and approved by all the presidents and Kettering University. All changes will affect both A and B sections with a
specified grace period for compliance by chapters currently recognized by Kettering University.
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