FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE MANUAL FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE OFFICE OF CAMPUS LIFE AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT 3300 S. University Drive, Suite 1235 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2004 (954) 262-7288 greeklife@nova.edu nova.edu/greeks FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE MANUAL FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE OFFICE 3300 S. University Drive, Suite 1235 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2004 (954) 262-7288 greeklife@nova.edu nova.edu/greeks
2 Greetings, Fraternity and Sorority Life is one of the most exciting aspects of campus life at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). NSU provides high-quality educational programs of distinction as well as service to the community. NSU prepares students for lifelong learning and leadership roles. In accordance with the educational mission of NSU, the Fraternity and Sorority Life community serves as a source of leadership development as well as academic and social support for members while they pursue their educational goals. NSU, and particularly the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement, supports fraternities and sororities whose purpose and practices are consistent with those of NSU. For over 30 years, Fraternities and Sororities have been an integral component of the NSU community. Fraternities and Sororities share the responsibility of making a positive contribution to NSU’s community. As such the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement and Fraternity and Sorority Life Office uphold the Core Values of NSU (Academic Excellence, Student-Centered, Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, Scholarship/Research, Diversity, and Community) by educating all members of a Greek organization. The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office (FSL Office), a department under the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement, provides guidance, education, programming, support, and administration for the activities of the Collegiate Fraternal Council (CFC), the Panhellenic Council (PC), the Unified Greek Council (UGC) and their member organizations. This manual has been developed to guide you through the structure and expectations of our social Fraternities and Sororities. This manual includes important University policies, procedures, and services. The manual is intended to assist students in maintaining their Fraternities and Sororities and helping them operate within university policies and guidelines. Every organization is expected to abide by the policies set forth by their inter/national organizations, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office, and Nova Southeastern University. Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement Fraternity and Sorority Life Nova Southeastern University 3300 S. University Drive Don Taft University Center, Suite 1235 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2004 (954) 262-7288; 800-541-6682, ext. 27288 greeklife@nova.edu TO COMPLY WITH THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACTS OF 1964 (AMENDED), STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS THAT ILLEGALLY DISCRIMINATE IN THEIR MEMBERSHIP AS TO RACE, CREED, *SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR HANDICAP, WILL BE DENIED THE USE OF UNIVERSITY FACILITIES, SUPPORT, AND SERVICES. *An exemption to Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments permits social fraternities and sororities to maintain single-gender memberships.
3 Mission, Vision, and Values Nova Southeastern University Mission The Mission of Nova Southeastern University (NSU)—a selective, doctoral-research university— is to deliver innovative academic programs in a dynamic, lifelong learning and research environment fostering integrity, academic excellence, leadership, and community service through engaged students, faculty, and staff. Nova Southeastern University Vision 2025 By 2025, NSU will be recognized as a preeminent, professional-dominant, doctoral-research university that provides competitive career advantages to its students and produces alumni who serve and lead with integrity. Division of Student Affairs Mission The mission of Student Affairs is to foster student success and a University community. Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement Mission The Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement exists to empower students to learn, lead, and engage in a variety of opportunities to create a vibrant NSU campus. Core Values Academic Excellence Student-Centered Integrity Innovation Opportunity Scholarship/Research Diversity Community
4 Fraternity and Sorority Life at NSU A Fraternity/Sorority is defined by NSU as a social, values-based organization. The four pillars that these organizations are built upon are Scholarship, Leadership, Brotherhood/Sisterhood, and Service. Recognition of Social Greek-letter Organizations Recognition is the formal process by which NSU recognizes that a Fraternity or Sorority may function on campus. Recognition of a Social Greek-lettered organization does not imply NSU’s sponsorship of, control over, or responsibility for the activities of the organization, nor does recognition authorize the organization to act on behalf of the University. The purpose and activities of all Fraternities and Sororities must not conflict with the mission and regulations of the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office (FSL Office), Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement, Nova Southeastern University, or with state or federal laws. All Fraternities and Sororities at Nova Southeastern University should be affiliated with a National Organization. Fraternities and Sororities are managed, run, and organized by students and are required to: • Register with the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office (FSL Office) and have an active/updated SharkHub portal. • Submit the Greek Chapter Accreditation Tool (GCAT) at the end of every academic year through the Fraternity and Sorority Life email at greeklife@ nova.edu by the required deadline. • Have a minimum of six active members (unless otherwise approved by Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement). The FSL Office understands special circumstances may arise. In those instances, special acknowledgment/arrangements must be made with the FSL Office and an action plan for recruitment/intake will be created. • Be a member in good standing with one of the recognized Greek Governing Councils (Collegiate Fraternal Council, Panhellenic Council, or Unified Greek Council). Interest groups, which are approved by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office, must follow the council’s guidelines found in their constitutions. • Follow chapter/colony and council constitutions and by-laws, FSL Office procedures, and the NSU Student Code of Conduct. • Keep up with the membership and officer rosters each semester via the Presidents Folder. • Maintain an updated constitution and bylaws on their SharkHub portal, not more than one-year-old. • Submit a copy of your inter/national risk management policies and procedures on an annual basis. • Maintain, at a minimum, a 2.5 cumulative and term grade point average to retain social privileges. If a chapter/colony falls below this standard, the chapter will lose all social function privileges until the GPA minimum is acquired.
5 Privileges Associated with Membership NSU requires that a Social Greek-lettered organization be recognized by the University for the organization to: • Use NSU’s name as part of its organizational name (for example XYZ Fraternity at NSU). • Use University facilities, services, and resources. • Recruit members enrolled on campus. • Sponsor and promote activities on campus. • Distribute or post literature, fliers, posters, banners, or other printed materials (which must be approved prior to their distribution). • Be listed in university publications. • Solicit funds on campus through programs and approved fundraising activities. • Use an official mailing address and mailbox at the University. • These privileges may change due to policy changes within the University. Chapter Emails Each recognized Social Greek-lettered organization is given an official chapter email to be used for all correspondence related to the chapter. Each chapter is responsible to provide three names to the FSL Office for access and the president must be one of the names provided. Each email domain ends in @greeks.nova.edu and this email is a vital communication link for the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office, and it is the responsibility of the chapter to check regularly. Mail System Each recognized Social Greek-lettered organization is allowed to use the University as an official mailing address. Mail will be distributed in organization mailboxes located in the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement, Don Taft University Center, Suite 1225. The mail system is a vital communication link for Fraternity and Sorority Life, and it is the responsibility of the chapter to remove mail regularly. The address is as follows: (Chapter Name) Nova Southeastern University Don Taft University Center, Suite 1225 3300 S. University Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328
6 Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards All Social Greek-lettered Organizations are expected to meet the minimum standards set by The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. Minimal standards include: Academics: A chapter must maintain, at a minimum, a 2.50 cumulative term grade point average as calculated by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office at the end of each semester. Programming: It is recommended that each organization participate in at least one University sponsored event per semester (Homecoming, sporting event, Sharkapalooza, CommunityFest, etc.). In congruence with the founding principles of Fraternities and Sororities, each organization should be providing members with opportunities to socialize and serve the community while gaining valuable leadership skills that enhance the educational mission of the institution. Therefore, it is recommended an organization sponsor the following: • One (1) social event per semester • One (1) community service activity per semester • One (1) educational program per semester for their membership or Fraternity and Sorority Life community • One (1) philanthropic event held annually and is approved by their respective national or international organization. Finances: A chapter should establish procedures for collection of delinquent dues. Currently, organizations are permitted to have an account off campus and all funds should be monitored by the organization. This permission was given by the Student Activity Fee Office and may be rescinded at any time. Off-campus accounts should be used to pay dues and for inter/ national business purposes ONLY. New Member Education: The following objectives must be met in order to maintain recognized status: • A new member period must not exceed the time period recommended by the organization’s inter/national headquarters. • A new member program must conclude no later than one week prior to final examination time. • A new member must attend a university sponsored training/educational workshop regarding the University and State Hazing policy as well as adhere to them. Risk Management: The following objectives must be met to maintain recognized status: • Must follow NSU’s Student Code of Conduct • Must follow the policies and procedures detailed in the FSL Manual • Must follow guidelines outlined in their inter/national risk management policy Failure to meet such standards may result in a loss of privileges based upon a determination by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office, which is not subject to appeal. Failure to meet applicable conduct standards may also warrant a referral to the Dean of Students for disciplinary proceedings as detailed in the FSL Student Conduct Process below.
7 Fraternity and Sorority Life Chapter Status Categories Good Standing: Organizations in good standing are those that have met the criteria for recognition on NSU’s campus (Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards, page 5) and not under any alternative status due to being out of compliance with or in violation of policies, procedures and guidelines issued by the national/international headquarters, regional or state director, or the university (including but not limited to Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement (CLSE), Office of Student Conduct and/or Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA)). Organizations in good standing have the privilege of using on-campus facilities, raising funds, sponsoring speakers, and public performances, and distributing literature. One of the most important benefits of being a registered or recognized Social Greek-lettered organization is access to the staff and resources in the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement and other areas of Student Affairs for assistance in program planning, risk management, conflict resolution, fundraising, eligibility for funding or other issues related to your organization. Inactive: It has been determined by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office that the organization has become inactive due to various reasons that include but are not limited to a lack of membership, absentee leadership, absence of the advisor, member apathy, restructuring, etc. Inactive organizations are those in which the leadership (executive board, officers, or International Headquarters advisor) has notified the FSL Office that the organization has failed to or was unwilling to do any of the following: maintain membership in the group, elect suitable officers, or submit the required end of year reports thus impacting its ability to be active. Probation: Organizations under probationary status are those who have either fallen out of compliance with the university and/or their national/international and/or regional/state office and are currently active but under restrictive sanctions. At NSU, probationary status is outlined as either Social Probation, Academic Probation, or Disciplinary Probation. Social Probation: Social probation is a time-limited status (usually not more than one (1) year but can be extended by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office) where chapters are prohibited from participating in any social activities both on and off campus during the probationary period. Restrictions include limitations related to the use of paraphernalia, the type and amount of programming permitted, increased community service requirements, and a possible loss of recruitment/intake. Academic Probation: Academic probation is given to chapters/colonies that have failed to meet the 2.5 cumulative GPA. This is a time-limited status (usually not more than one (1) year but can be extended by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office) where chapters are prohibited from participating in any events both on and off campus during the probationary period and a loss of recruitment/intake. Disciplinary Probation: Is a time-limited status (usually no less than one (1) year but often longer) where chapters are under severe restrictions during the probationary period. Specific restrictions are customized based on the type and severity of infraction(s), the chapter’s compliance history, as well as the approach for rehabilitation. However, on average this status prohibits the chapter from doing any of the following: hosting any type of event on or off-campus, wearing paraphernalia, stepping/strolling, or being eligible for recruitment/intake. When placed under disciplinary probation, chapters are responsible for increased community service requirements as well as completion of intensive training and development.
8 If a member is given an opportunity to be pictured in a university marketing publication and on the website, they may not wear organization paraphernalia if the privilege to wear paraphernalia has been removed. Suspended: Suspended organizations are described as those which have been removed from all campus activities and recognition for a set period or indefinitely. The length of time of a suspension is determined and conveyed during the adjudication process. Suspension terms will depend upon the organization’s violations. Once an organization’s suspension period has ended, the organization may choose to submit a letter requesting reinstatement (if eligible). Suspension entails the following: • No identifiable group assembly anywhere on campus (unless otherwise notified). • Prohibition of members wearing paraphernalia on campus during the suspension and prior to the re-establishment of a chapter. This includes ALL apparel (i.e., clothing, bags, jewelry, key chains). • No representation in university marketing. The organization will not be listed in the student organization sections of university marketing, publications, or websites. If a member is given an opportunity to be pictured in a university marketing publication and or the website, they may not wear organization paraphernalia if the privilege to wear paraphernalia has been removed. • Suspension of all University privileges including but not limited to privileges to reserve/use space on campus. No off-campus events can be sponsored or cosponsored by the organization. • No participation (as an organization/chapter or member of the group) in Fraternity and Sorority Life or other University Wide campus-oriented events. • Any other stipulations that may accompany a disciplinary decision. Defunct: Defunct organizations are those which have failed to submit or received a failing score in the annual Greek Chapter Accreditation Tool (GCAT). Although there may be members still on campus, the lack of annual registration and/or failing score indicates that the organization is no longer in effect or use; not operating or functioning to the standards of The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. Defunct Status entails the following: • The organization must complete two (2) service projects through the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement (SLCE) with an attendance of 51% of your members or more. • The organization must complete fifty (50) service hours through the SLCE Office. • Example: If two members do the same project at the same time for four (4) hours, it will count as one collective of four (4) hours. If one member does project A for four (4) hours and another does project B for four (4) hours, that will count as a collective of eight (8) hours. • The organization is prohibited from having any events that are deemed social by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. • The organization will not be allowed to participate in any performances conducted. • The organization will not be eligible for awards during the Greek Summit.
9 Requesting Reinstatement: The provisions of reinstatement will depend upon the individual organization’s violations. The specific violations should be noted in the organization’s letter to request reinstatement. Based on the scenario this process is completely customized based on the status of the organization. Chapters being reinstated will return under disciplinary probation with checkpoints to earn their way back to good standing. If the organization is requesting reinstatement after choosing to dissolve the chapter, it must wait a minimum of five (5) years before requesting reinstatement and be approved by the governing council. Termination of Registration: A Fraternity and/or Sorority may have its recognition terminated upon: • Request of the organization (in which the chapter must wait a minimum of five (5) years before requesting reinstatement and be approved by the governing council). • Failure to comply with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of NSU and the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. • Request of the Inter/national organization chartering the NSU organization. Grade Point Average and Organization Status All chapters/colonies are to maintain, at a minimum, a 2.50 cumulative and term grade point average to retain privileges. If a chapter/colony falls below this standard, the chapter may lose certain privileges until the GPA minimum is acquired as determined by a review by The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. If an organization’s term grade point average does not meet the standard, they are considered on social probation (page 7). If an organization’s cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.50, they are considered on academic probation (page 7). Organizations on academic probation must also present and implement an academic plan and meet with the Graduate Assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life Programming and/or Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement at least once a month. Organizations may be given any of the above statuses based upon a review and decision of The FSL Office that the organization failed to meet the Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards or violated NSU or FSL policies or procedures. Decisions of The FSL Office related to chapter status categories are not subject to appeal. FSL Student Conduct Process Standard Operating Procedures (1) Complaint. Any member of the community may file a complaint against a Fraternity and Sorority Life recognized organization for a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility or any policy or standard detailed in the FSL Manual. A complaint shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement. Jurisdiction is determined by the Dean of Students, in collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement. Should it be determined that jurisdiction resides with the Assistant Dean for Student Development, the case will be handled in accordance with the University’s Disciplinary Procedures as outlined in the Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook. Should it be determined that jurisdiction resides with the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, the case will be handled in accordance with the below procedures. The Assistant Dean of Student Engagement reserves the right to appoint a designee to carry out the functions below assigned to the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement at their discretion.
10 (2) Investigation. Once the complaint is received, if jurisdiction is determined to fall under the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office begins an investigation into the allegations detailed in the complaint. The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office reserves the right to require a temporary pause in some or all chapter activities during the pendency of an investigation and throughout the FSL Student Conduct process. (3) Preliminary Meeting. The initial meeting with the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement following report of potential misconduct. When the investigation reveals that the reported behavior or action could be considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility or any policy or standard detailed in the FSL Manual, the organization will receive an e-mailed letter (“Notice to Schedule Preliminary Meeting”) requesting the chapter president to attend a preliminary meeting. This letter will also be shared with inter/national organizations, local advisors, and governing councils. While this letter should not be considered a formal notice of allegation, it will include a brief description of the complaint, as well as any potential conduct violations that might apply to the situation. This information is shared to help chapters and inter/national organizations begin their own investigations if they haven’t already. If the organization does not respond to the meeting request within three (3) business days, the FSL Office will initiate a formal student conduct process. The preliminary meeting is intended to bring all stakeholders to the table to share information, increase transparency and communication, and to determine whether conduct action is appropriate on a case-by-case basis. The meeting will include: a. The Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement will share information about the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility, the policies and/or standards detailed in this manual, the FSL conduct process, or other University expectations with the chapter representatives. The organization may ask questions about these policies and procedures. b. The Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement will provide relevant information about the potential violation(s) and ask the organization to share any additional information they may have about the incident(s). c. A conversation about likely next steps and possible resolutions. An official determination of next steps will be made by the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement following the meeting. The chapter president will receive one of the following: (4) Notice of Allegation with an opportunity to accept responsibility: (In the case that the organization indicated a desire to accept responsibility during the preliminary meeting, the organization will have an opportunity to accept responsibility and move directly to a collaborative process to create an action plan. The organization would therefore be waiving its right to present additional information and/or witnesses as provided through a formal adjudication process. This does not waive the organization’s right to appeal the details outlined in the decision letter. In cases where suspension may be appropriate, an administrative conference must occur prior to decision making); OR: (5) Notice of Case Resolution: Notice that the case has been resolved with no further action; OR: (6) Notice of Allegation: If an initial investigation yields sufficient information to move forward with a formal student conduct process, the FSL Office will send written notice allegation to the organization, by sending an email to the chapter president of record, the local advisor, the inter/national organization, and the governing council representative.
11 This letter will include: a. A brief description of the reported incident(s). b. The alleged Code violation(s). c. The requirement for the chapter to respond within five (5) business days to schedule the administrative conference. If the organization fails to respond, a decision may be made in default based upon the information available at the time of the conference. (7) Adjudication. Initial resolution and assignment of Action Plan. a. Organizations accused of violations will have an administrative conference with the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement from the FSL Office. b. At this administrative conference, the organization will be given a chance to review relevant materials and formally respond to all allegations. The Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement has the discretion to protect the identity of complainants and/or witnesses when there is a risk of retaliation, harassment, or abuse. Additional personally identifiable student information may be redacted in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). The administrative conference shall be internal, private, and closed to non-university personnel. Legal representation or any other form of representation is prohibited during the hearing. This conference will include an opportunity for the student organization to present any additional information and present any witnesses if necessary. Student organizations wishing to present witnesses must provide a list of all witnesses to the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement no later than 48 hours prior to the Administrative Conference, which should include a brief description of the witness’s anticipated testimony. Witnesses must be able to provide firsthand, relevant information regarding the case. Character witnesses are not accepted. Witnesses will be interviewed at the discretion of the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement. c. Following the conclusion of the Administrative Conference, the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement will reach a decision regarding whether the organization is responsible for the alleged misconduct and if so, the Coordinator will assign an appropriate sanction to the organization. An official decision via an Official Decision Letter will be emailed to the chapter president, the local advisor, and the inter/national organization. (8) Action Plan (Sanctions). An action plan is a combination of administrative actions and educational, reflective, and/or restorative outcomes. In deciding upon an Action Plan, the FSL Office considers precedent, organizational accountability, self-sanctioning, the severity of the offense, and organizational conduct history. Incomplete or overdue action plans may result in additional conduct action and immediate restrictions being placed on the organization. Each action plan will include an administrative action. Sanctions include, but are not limited to: • Conduct Reprimand: A formal warning • Disciplinary Probation: Notice that subsequent violations may result in separation from NSU. • Loss of Privileges: Restriction on use of resources or privileges afforded to FSL organizations. • Social Restrictions: Restriction on permitted social activities.
12 • Suspension: The organization has been separated from NSU for a specified amount of time In addition to administrative action(s), the action plan includes educational, reflective, and/or restorative outcomes with the purpose of assisting the chapter leadership in creating organizational change. Many of these outcomes are aimed at preventing the reoccurrence of behavior and misconduct. • Educational Outcomes: can include workshops, training, seminars, presentations, and other learning experiences. • Reflective Outcomes: written assignments, potential meetings with impacted parties, and other activities intended to promote reflection about the organization’s impact on others. • Restorative Outcomes: can include letters of apology, community restitution service, monetary restitution, and mediation. (9) Appeal. A decision as outlined in an official Decision Letter, excluding those decisions made in default, may be appealed by the chapter president, on behalf of the organization, within five (5) business days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing, state the basis for the appeal, and be delivered by email to the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement. Appeals must fall into one of the following categories: a. The student organization has new, relevant evidence that was not available during the investigation or adjudication that would substantially alter the outcome of the case. b. Information that the applicable university procedures were not followed, and the deviance would substantially alter the outcome. c. The sanction(s) do not relate appropriately to the violation. Appeals shall be heard by the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, or their designee. The appellate officer shall not be the same conduct/discipline officer that heard the original case. The decision of the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, or designee, will be final. (10) Emergency Action. The Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, or designee, may take emergency action when: (1) immediately necessary to secure the health or safety of any persons and there is an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code; (2) involves an allegation of prohibited discrimination; and/or (3) when the student organization poses a threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the University. Emergency Action includes, but is not limited to: a. Immediate interim suspension of the student organization from the University. b. Restrictions on the organization’s participation in University Sponsored Activities; OR: c. Loss or restriction on the privileges associated with university recognition. During an interim suspension, the organization shall be required to discontinue all organizational activities. The organization will be denied access to all University activities and privileges for which the organization might be eligible.
13 When the emergency action takes place, the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement or designee will: a. Inform the student organization of the emergency action. b. Inform the student organization that a preliminary hearing will take place to provide an opportunity to explain why emergency action should or should not be taken. The organization will be informed of its time, place, and date; and c. Inform the student organization of the possible restrictions that may be imposed prior to an administrative conference. The preliminary hearing should take place within two (2) business days of the emergency action. At this hearing, the student organization shall have the opportunity to demonstrate to the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, or designee, that emergency action is not necessary. The hearing shall be internal, private, and closed to non-university personnel. Legal representation or any other form of representation is prohibited during the hearing. If the organization fails to appear, a decision may be made in default based upon the information available at the time of the preliminary hearing. Based on the reasonable evaluation of the information presented at the preliminary hearing, the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, or designee, shall notify the student organization within 24 hours of the decision to: a. Dissolve the emergency action and take no further action. b. Dissolve the emergency action but proceed to an administrative conference; OR: c. Sustain or modify the emergency action until such time as a resolution is researched following an administrative conference. Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations Changes in Organizations It is the responsibility of the organization to notify the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office within seven (7) business days of any changes or additions to their rosters or officers. This includes disaffiliation, change in membership status and officer transitions. Role of Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement and GA for Fraternity and Sorority Life Programming The Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement and the Graduate Assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life Programming serve as the advisors who work with the recognized Fraternities and Sororities on campus. Together they oversee the activities of the organizations, the governing councils, and act as advisor and mentor for the organization’s leaders and members. Role and Responsibility of International Headquarters Advisor (IHQ Advisor) Organizations should also have a chapter representative appointed by their inter/national organization to also assist with the chapter. IHQ Advisors should: • Have a desire and willingness to assist students in meaningful and productive way. • Recognize and support participation in student organizations for their contribution to the educational and personal development of students.
14 • Assist in the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization. • Be aware of the organization’s goals and objectives. • Be knowledgeable of NSU’s policies and procedures as well as those outlined in this manual. • Be familiar with the local and national constitution and bylaws to assist with their interpretation. • Be knowledgeable of the organization’s financial status and promote good record keeping. • Keep continuous open communication with the officers and members. Organization’s Responsibilities to the IHQ Advisor The organization’s officers must regularly communicate with their IHQ Advisor. Include the IHQ advisor in establishing a schedule of meetings and planning events. Consult your IHQ advisor before any changes in the structure or policies of the organizations are made, and before major projects are undertaken. Understand that, although advisors have no vote, they can contribute valuable information and insight. Remember that the responsibility for the success or failure of the organization rests ultimately with the chapter, not the IHQ advisor. FSL Office’s Responsibilities to the IHQ Advisor/Representative(s) The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office will regularly communicate with IHQ advisors based on organizational need. As stated above, it is the responsibility of the organization to regularly communicate with the GA for Fraternity and Sorority Life Programming and/or Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement, and International Headquarters Representative(s). The FSL Office will send out updates to International Headquarters Representative(s) on a semesterly basis. Any reports needed for the purposes of international headquarters needs to be submitted to greeklife@nova.edu, ten (10) business days in advance. Expectations for all NSU Fraternity and Sorority Alumni/ae The following expectations are required of our alumni/ae that are part of or have been a part of a recognized fraternity and/or sorority chapter/colony at NSU (regardless of the chapter/ colony’s current on campus status). Alumni/ae are expected to: • Serve as mentors and guides to current undergraduate members of the Greek community, within and outside of their respective chapter/colony. • Provide professional development and life opportunities. • Behave accordingly to not endanger or jeopardize the current undergraduate chapter/colony’s standing. All inappropriate behavior by alums directly influences and reflects on the undergraduate chapter/colony. • Be active in their respective alumni boards and/or council alumni boards, if applicable. • Connect chapter/colony with non-NSU Alumni in the area to ensure maximum networking potential for undergraduates. Grade Release In an effort to assist chapter and individual members of the chapters, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office will provide the Chapter President with the grade report at the end of each semester. It is the responsibility of the Chapter President to share it with the international headquarters representative(s).
15 The report will consist of the grades of the individual chapter members (for the term and cumulatively), the overall Fraternity/Sorority GPA, the council GPA, and the overall Fraternity and Sorority Life GPA. Grade releases are confidential and not to be posted or made public. Hazing Definition of Hazing at NSU Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law; any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, or exposure to the elements; forced consumptions of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student; and any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers legal and legitimate objectives. (Florida Hazing Law, 1006.63) Engaging in, supporting, promoting, or sponsoring hazing or violating university rules governing hazing is prohibited. Florida Hazing Law 1006.63 Hazing prohibited. (1) As used in this section, “hazing” means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. “hazing” includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective. (2) A person commits hazing, a third degree felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits, solicits a person to commit, or is actively involved in the planning of any act of hazing as defined in subsection (1) upon another person who is a member or former member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing results in permanent injury, serious bodily injury or death of such other person. (3) A person commits hazing, a first degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits, solicits a person to commit, or is actively involved in the planning of any act of hazing as defined in subsection (1) upon another person who is a member or former member of or an
16 applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death to such other person. (4) As a condition of any sentence imposed pursuant to subsection (2) or subsection (3), the court shall order the defendant to attend and complete a 4-hour hazing education course and may also impose a condition of drug or alcohol probation. (5) It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that: a. The consent of the victim had been obtained. b. The conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was not part of an official organizational event or was not otherwise sanctioned or approved by the organization; or c. The conduct or activity that resulted in death or injury of the person was not done as a condition of membership to an organization. (6) This section shall not be construed to preclude prosecution for a more general offense resulting from the same criminal transaction or episode. (7) Public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions whose students receive state student financial assistance must adopt a written anti-hazing policy and under such policy must adopt rules prohibiting students or other persons associated with any student organization from engaging in hazing. (8) Public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions must provide a program for the enforcement of such rules and must adopt appropriate penalties for violations of such rules, to be administered by the person at the institution responsible for the sanctioning of such organizations. a. Such penalties at Florida College System institutions and state universities may include the imposition of fines; the withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules or pending payment of fines; and the imposition of probation, suspension, or dismissal. b. In the case of an organization at a Florida College System institution or state university that authorizes hazing in blatant disregard of such rules, penalties may also include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property or to otherwise operate under the sanction of the institution. c. All penalties imposed under the authority of this subsection shall be in addition to any penalty imposed for violation of any of the criminal laws of this state or for violation of any other rule of the institution to which the violator may be subject. (9) Rules adopted pursuant hereto shall apply to acts conducted on or off campus whenever such acts are deemed to constitute hazing. (10) Upon approval of the anti-hazing policy of a Florida College System institution or state university and of the rules and penalties adopted pursuant thereto, the institution shall provide a copy of such policy, rules, and penalties to each student enrolled in that institution and shall require the inclusion of such policy, rules, and penalties in the bylaws of every organization operating under the sanction of the institution. (11) a. This subsection and subsection (12) may be cited as “Andrew’s Law.”
17 b. A person may not be prosecuted under this section if he or she establishes all of the following: a. That he or she was present at an event where, as a result of hazing, a person appeared to be in need of immediate medical assistance. b. That he or she was the first person to call 911 or campus security to report the need for immediate medical assistance. c. That he or she provided his or her own name, the address where immediate medical assistance was needed, and a description of the medical issue to the 911 operator or campus security at the time of the call. d. That he or she remained at the scene with the person in need of immediate medical assistance until such medical assistance, law enforcement, or campus security arrived and that he or she cooperated with such personnel on the scene. (12) Notwithstanding subsection (11), a person is immune from prosecution under this section if the person establishes that, before medical assistance, law enforcement, or campus security arrived on the scene of a hazing event, the person rendered aid to the hazing victim. For purposes of this subsection, “aid” includes, but is 1not limited to, rendering cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the victim, clearing an airway for the victim to breathe, using a defibrillator to assist the victim, or rendering any other assistance to the victim which the person intended in good faith to stabilize or improve the victim’s condition while waiting for medical assistance, law enforcement, or campus security to arrive. Recruitment, Intake and New Members Recruitment is determined at the discretion of the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. The FSL Office will determine who is eligible for recruitment each year and will consider GCAT scores and chapter status. Recruitment dates are determined by the GA for Fraternity and Sorority Life Programming and/or the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement with input from each council president. Eligibility for Recruitment/Intake Members According to the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office full time students who have a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average, or a 2.75 High School GPA may be recruited to a Social Greeklettered organization. All potential new member(s) must attend at least one “Greek Code” to be eligible for Recruitment/Intake. Each potential new member (CFC and PC) must sign a Bid Card. Each chapter must receive approval from the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office prior to issuing a bid. For all UGC organizations, the new membership intake packet must be complete before intake can proceed. Eligibility of Membership Active membership will be restricted to currently enrolled, undergraduate NSU students. Only active and new members are considered for the official chapter roster. The official roster filed through the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office will be used for council dues, attendance requirements, and determination of grade point averages. Procedures for Membership Recruitment/Intake • All Recruitment/Intake events will be alcohol-free.
18 • All Recruitment/Intake events must be held while school is actively in session (Fall and Spring semesters) and cannot be conducted during breaks such as summer, winter break, etc. • All Recruitment/Intake activities and events will take place on campus when possible. Off-campus events are subject to approval by the GA for Fraternity and Sorority Life Programming and/or the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement. • All members of recognized Greek Organizations must be registered students at Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus). • All organizations must follow their policies, locally, nationally and/or internationally to be eligible to participate in recruitment/intake. • The President of the Chapter and/or Council President may not be the intake coordinator/pledge class educator or be involved in the process. In the event, that you do not have enough members to conduct intake/pledge class then this must be approved by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. • For CFC Organizations and PC Organizations participating in Continuous Open Bidding, signed bid cards must be turned into the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office by the designated time. Bid Cards are to be turned in the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office and all person’s receiving bid cards must have also filled out the grade verification form on SharkHub and meet the minimum GPA requirements for recruitment. • UGC organizations must follow the Fraternity and Sorority Life Intake Packet. • For CFC Organizations and PC Organizations primary recruitment is held during the Fall semester. UGC Organizations conduct intake during the Spring semester. Establishing a New Fraternity/Sorority A new social fraternity or sorority seeking registration at Nova Southeastern University must complete the appropriate process as outlined in this document. No social fraternity or sorority shall be registered at Nova Southeastern University without following the processes listed in this document and without securing affiliation into an undergraduate governing council. Inter/national social fraternities and sororities may establish recognized chapters at Nova Southeastern University through two different processes: (1) Expansion: The inter/national organization and its headquarters staff submit information directly to the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office for the purposes of expansion. This process is led by headquarters staff and/or the volunteer officers of the organization and would involve an on-campus presence from headquarters staff and/or volunteer officers to execute the recruitment of interested students and for creating the initial foundation for the organization at Nova Southeastern University. (2) Petitioning: Interest in starting a new chapter of an inter/national organization is initiated by current students or local alumni/ae members of the inter/national organization. This process would be ultimately initiated and led by NSU students and the process of identifying interested students would be driven by the students on campus. In this scenario, petitioning groups must meet minimum standards, as defined in this document, prior to submitting information to the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office, for consideration from the appropriate undergraduate governing council.
19 Requested Information for Establishing New Fraternity/Sorority In both the expansion and petitioning process, the following minimum information will need to be provided, in writing, by the applying organization: • Written request and support for a chapter provided by the inter/national organization. • Written documentation that confirms that the fraternity or sorority meets the definition of an inter/national organization, as defined in this document. • Plan for alumni/advisor support. • Colony intake/recruitment plan. • Colony support. • Colonization timeline. • Long-term chapter support. • Colony standards for chapter installation. • Inter/national organization standards and expectations for active chapters. • Membership development program, including new member development. • Risk management/risk reduction/crisis management programs, policies and procedures. • Leadership development opportunities offered through the Inter/National organization. • Academic standards and academic support programs. • Financial requirements associated with membership. • Demonstrated interest/knowledge of Nova Southeastern University and fraternity and sorority community. • Any additional information requested by Nova Southeastern University. Additional information, outlined in this document, may be requested of petitioning groups. Interested inter/national social fraternities or sororities shall provide all the information and material listed above to be considered. Failure to provide said information shall exclude an organization from consideration for colonization, under the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. External Policy Governance Any applying organization, in either the expansion or petitioning process, must follow this policy in conjunction with the guidelines and standards set forth by inter/national organizations to which they are members of including, but not limited to: a. National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) b. North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) c. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) d. National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, Inc. (NALFO) e. National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC) f. National APIDA Panhellenic Association (NAPA)
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