Fraternities & Sororities

Preamble

Fraternities and sororities have been an integral part of Duke University since 1872 (then known as Trinity College). Fraternity and sorority organizations at Duke University are comprised of groups of individuals with various interests. They are bonded together by common goals, values, and aspirations. These bonds are strengthened by honor, friendship, truth, knowledge, and character. Greek membership carries with it many benefits including leadership opportunities, academic support, an emphasis on service and philanthropy, and a bond of brotherhood and/or sisterhood. Duke University recognizes that fraternities and sororities are a valued part of the campus community and can have a positive impact on members and non-members. The privilege 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 fraternity and sorority organizations, there must be trust and shared responsibility. This success relies on the following commitments from the University, individual chapters, Governing Councils, (inter)national fraternity organizations, and student/alumni members.

Commitments of Individual Chapters

• Fraternities/Sororities will comply with all University policies as outlined in Duke Community Standard, in addition to, all policies of their respective Governing Councils, their (inter)national organizations, and all local, state, and federal laws.
• Fraternities/Sororities will follow the basic guidelines set forth in Fraternity & Sorority Life’s Duke Greek Community Standards.
• Fraternities/Sororities will establish formalized alumni/graduate connections for the purpose of providing support to the development of the undergraduate chapter & its members.
• Fraternities/Sororities will promote academic excellence and intellectual activities for members and promote an environment conducive towards learning.
• Fraternities/Sororities will participate in campus activities and contribute to campus life by sponsoring/co-sponsoring community service, philanthropic, and social programs.
• Fraternities/Sororities will encourage and support the involvement of its members not only in fraternity/sorority leadership positions but leadership positions in other campus organizations at Duke University and the Durham community.
• Fraternities/Sororities will respect all members of the campus community, including individuals that are not affiliated with a Greek organization.
• Fraternities/Sororities will promote diversity and gender relations, helping to create a welcoming and stimulating environment for all members of the University community.
• Fraternities/Sororities will consider the wellbeing of its members by considering financial, intellectual, environmental, mind-body, social, and spiritual wellness in their programs.
• Fraternities/Sororities will cultivate excellence in civic responsibility by further enhancing their member’s civic competencies through programming and commitment.

Commitments of the Governing Councils

The local Governing Councils (Interfraternity Council (IFC), National PanHellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)) will oversee fraternities/sororities as outlined in their respective constitutions and by-laws as approved by Student Involvement & Leadership.

• The Governing Councils will create guidelines for fraternities/sororities in the areas of recruitment/intake, extensions/expansions, academic standards, conduct, and administer these guidelines in accordance with their respective national umbrella organizations (National Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council).
• The Governing Councils will coordinate their efforts with Student Involvement & Leadership to oversee member fraternities and sororities to ensure active involvement in programs and activities.
• The Governing Councils will promote fraternity/sorority collaboration on campus.
• The Governing Councils will continually promote the ideals of leadership, civic responsibility, diversity, wellness, and critical thinking.
• The Governing Councils will work together and with other campus organizations to coordinate joint programs and events.

Commitments of the (Inter)National Fraternity & Sorority Organizations

The (inter)national organizations will monitor their respective chapter’s adherence to the (inter)national Constitution and Bylaws.

• The (inter)national organizations will assist the University and Governing Councils in resolving conduct or performance issues involving their chapters at Duke University in a mutually beneficial spirit.
• The (inter)national organizations will communicate with Student Involvement & Leadership in a reciprocal partnership for the betterment of their chapter.
• The (inter)national organizations will schedule regular on-site visits to their respective chapter by a professional staff member or volunteer and inform Student Involvement & Leadership of said visits.
• The (inter)national organizations will work with their chapters to ensure they are conducting their affairs in accordance with the mission and purpose of Duke University and Duke Greek Community Standards.

Commitments of Individual Student Members of Fraternities/Sororities

Student members recognize that, by virtue of enrollment, they are at Duke University primarily for an academic education.

• Student members recognize that Fraternity/Sorority membership is a privilege, and by voluntarily associating with a Greek organization, agree to conduct themselves responsibly at all times in accordance with the policies and principles of Duke University, their chapter, Governing Council, and their (inter)national organization.
• Student members will strive to be an asset to their Fraternity/Sorority and to embody and to promote actively the values of the organization.
• Student members will participate thoughtfully in the business of the chapter, accept responsibility for the chapter, and embrace and support the policies and goals of the chapter, the Governing Councils, and their (inter)national organizations.
• Student members will govern wisely, when elected to a position of chapter leadership, and will work with each other and with alumni/graduate members in the chapter administration.
• Alumni/graduate members returning to campus are expected to honor and abide by the same standards as student members when visiting their chapters.

Commitments of Elected Student Leaders of the Fraternity/Sorority Community

Elected student leaders will attend and engage in university-sponsored training and programs to better their individual leadership skills and their chapters.

• Elected student leaders will be strong role models for their community and will hold their peers accountable when their actions do not align with the values of the community.
• Elected student leaders will communicate regularly with Student Involvement & Leadership and the greater Duke community to address the opportunities and challenges that face their members.

Commitments of Duke University

The University will provide advocacy, accountability, assistance, and support to fraternities and sororities through Student Involvement & Leadership.

• The University will recognize fraternities and sororities approved by Student Involvement & Leadership and Duke University as registered student organizations and grant fraternity and sororities all rights associated with this status, including but not limited to use of facilities, equipment and meeting space, and the ability to sponsor on-campus programs and events.
• The University will provide fraternities and sororities assistance in communicating with alumni/graduate members from fraternity and sorority organizations.
• The University will work with fraternities and sororities to compile grade statistics and assist organizations with providing academic assistance to members as needed.
• The University will support and encourage faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni/graduate members to be advisors of the fraternity and sorority organizations.

Conclusion

This statement was proposed by the fraternity and sorority organizations to formalize their relationship with Duke University. It was approved by the Provost, Dean of Undergraduate Education, Vice-President for Student Affairs, Student Involvement & Leadership, Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, and (Inter)National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations with a presence on the Duke campus. It is subject to review on a bi-annual basis.