Student Handbook

Greek Life

Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and leadership. Each organization subscribes to a specific set of core values and beliefs that incorporate concepts of brotherhood or sisterhood, service to the University and community, scholarship, leadership, and building relationships congruent with the specific organization’s ideals and traditions.

Full-time undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 are strongly encouraged and welcome to participate in recruitment. Individual organizations may have a higher academic expectation for membership.

Information regarding how to join a fraternity or sorority is available on the Greek Life website.

Fraternity and sorority houses are owned and managed by the University. More information about the properties is available on the Greek Life website.

Living in a fraternity or sorority house is a privilege. Members are expected to follow their respective national organization's expectations (as applicable), as well as abide by all residence life & housing policies, University policies, and local, state, and federal laws. Additionally, chapters with a national organization should adhere to the stricter policy, whether that be the University policy or the national organization's policy.

Moravian University is supportive of and expects residents of fraternity and sorority houses, as well as their visitors, to follow guidelines set forth by the National Panhellenic Conference for sorority houses and North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) for fraternity houses. The National Panhellenic Conference expects alcohol-free and illegal substance-free chapter facilities. The NIC prohibits the presence of alcohol products above 15% ABV in any chapter facility or at any chapter event, except when served by a licensed third-party vendor. 

Each organization is expected to fill all residential beds in their respective chapter house. Chapter leadership is expected to educate members on the contents of the Chapter Housing Agreement, which the chapter president agrees to and submits on behalf of the chapter.

When damage occurs in a sorority or fraternity house, every effort will be made to determine those responsible. The Office of Greek Life works with the chapter leadership to identify who is financially responsible. When those responsible for the damage cannot be identified, there is an option to prorate unassigned damage charges to all residents of the house or to the organization, with the chapter leadership making this decision. If the responsible parties are not able to be identified, the organization is encouraged to pay for damage that occurred during a chapter hosted function.

While not all fraternity and sorority housing options are ADA accessible, the University will and can make comparable housing available for students with disabilities. Contact the Office of Greek Life or the Office of Disability & Accommodations (ODA) for more information.

Fraternities and sororities are expected to have an on-campus financial account managed through the Business Office, except for organizations that have the option of an online financial management system monitored by their national headquarters.

Organizations with on-campus financial accounts can deposit and withdraw funds on a regular basis.

Completed vouchers must include the chapter president and treasurer signatures, as well as the chapter's advisor's signature. The chapter advisor must be the faculty advisor or an alumni advisor who is a member of the Moravian faculty or staff. The dean of campus life and director of campus life can also sign off on vouchers on behalf of the organization.

A philanthropy event is an event hosted by a fraternity or sorority at which funds or resources are being raised for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or beneficiary that is not the host organization(s). Philanthropy events may also be hosted for charitable causes of significance to the hosting organization (i.e. supporting members experiencing loss or health concerns).

A fundraising event is defined as an event hosted by a fraternity or sorority in which funds are being raised to provide financial assistance to the host organization. An event that meets the definition of a fundraiser must undergo the fundraising registration process via the Greek Life Google Drive.

Fraternities and sororities are expected to plan events in accordance with the fundraising and sales policy.

Registration Process

On-campus social events in fraternity houses where the organization anticipates more non-member guests than members in attendance and/or where alcohol may be present must be registered and approved by the Office of Greek Life. Fraternities may not co-sponsor these events with other organizations including, but not limited to, other fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, and recognized student clubs and organizations. To register an event, the completed form must be submitted to the Office of Greek Life with all appropriate signatures by 4:00 pm on the Monday afternoon preceding the event.

Organizations must refer and adhere to their national organization policies (if applicable) concerning the presence of alcohol in their chapter house.

Hours of Events

Social events may be registered on Friday and Saturday evenings during the academic semester when classes are in session between the hours of 10:00 pm and 2:00 am. 

Size of Events

Open parties are prohibited. The organization must create a guest list and indicate on the registration form the number of individuals invited, as well as the method for inviting guests to the event. Advertising social events on public social media is discouraged.

Proof for Admission & Age Verification

Only invited guests are to be present at a social event. Security monitors, indicated on the registration form, must assist the professional security with obtaining guest names and signatures on the guest list upon arrival. Security monitors representing the chapter must be TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) trained by the Office of Greek Life.

Moravian University students are expected to produce a Moravian University ID upon entry. Non-students need to be with a Moravian University student host upon arrival as well as produce a photo ID, preferably a driver's license or school ID card. The host is responsible for the non-student and their actions.

For events where alcohol is present, security monitors will verify those who are 21 through the use of ID. Those who are 21 shall be identified through a wristband which the organization must purchase and supply. Individuals under the age of 21 who bring alcohol to the event will be turned away.

The guest list will be collected by Campus Police at the end of the event and submitted to the Office of Greek Life.

Supplying of Alcoholic Beverages

The host organization is responsible for monitoring compliance with University policy and their national organization policy.

Purchase of alcohol with organizational funds is prohibited. Those of legal age who choose to consume, may bring their own alcohol to the event as long as they do so in a manner consistent with the guidelines. It is important to note that organizations must refer and adhere to their national organization's policies (if applicable) concerning the presence of alcohol in the chapter house.

Financial Consideration

Money, including donations, may not be collected from guests for any reason. Items cannot be sold, entry fees assessed, charges made for wristbands, or any other transaction of money conducted.

Specifications of BYOB Practice

The BYOB practice is expected at events where alcohol is present. Beer, spiked seltzers, ciders, malt beverages, and wine coolers in 12-ounce cans are the only alcoholic beverages permitted. Each attendee of legal age may bring no more than a six-pack of the above permitted items to an event. The host organization is responsible for supplying non-alcoholic beverages and food, at no cost to guests, in a quantity appropriate to the number of guests present.

Upon arrival, guests of age who brought beverages should give the items to the identified TIPS trained fraternity bartender who will place them in a refrigerator or cooler. Guests who brought beverages may obtain one beverage at a time.

Enforcement

Campus Police will arrive approximately 20-30 minutes prior to the start of an event and at the conclusion of the event, as well as make at least one routine stop during the event. Upon arrival, Campus Police may ask to speak with chapter leadership. They will check to ensure that:

  • the door is monitored
  • a guest list is maintained
  • an effective process for checking IDs is in place
  • those of age are identified in an appropriate manner (i.e. wristbands), if alcohol is present
  • snack items and non-alcoholic beverages are present and available
  • an adequate system of ensuring all University and national policies are followed and in place

If there is a concern at the event, which can include non-conformity to the conditions listed above, Campus Police may close the event. If possible, Campus Police may communicate the concern with the chapter leadership, and if the leadership is cooperative and complies immediately, the event may remain open at the discretion of Campus Police.

Damage to Property

Damage to properties should be reported by chapter leadership to the Office of Greek Life as soon as possible. Organizations are encouraged to pay for damage that occurs during chapter hosted functions when the responsible parties are not able to be identified. More information regarding damage to chapter housing is available here.

Registration Process

Off Campus Events are chapter sponsored events, regardless of distance from campus and transportation needed, including but not limited to formals and date parties, member bonding, service & philanthropy, as well as retreats and conferences that could have an overnight component.

Off campus events must be registered with and approved by the Office of Greek Life. To register an event, the completed form and guest list must be submitted to the Office of Greek Life with all appropriate signatures by 4:00 pm at least on week preceding the event.

Organization must refer and adhere to their national organization policies (if applicable) concerning the presence of alcohol.

Duration of Events

Off campus events may take place seven days a week. Overnight trips with alcohol are not permitted.

Size of Events

Members and non-members are permitted to attend. For events with guests, an individual members may not host more than two guests. Organizations must refer and adhere to their national organization policies (if applicable) and follow the stricter expectation. A guest list of all individuals attending should be included with the completed off campus form.

Transportation

Organizations are permitted to utilize the following options for transportation, permitting their national organization policies also permit these options:

  • Hired Bus/Shuttle Company
  • Rental and/or Personal Vehicles - Members and guests are not permitted to drive to events involving alcohol.
  • Rideshare - In addition to a guest list, a rideshare plan must also be included. All rideshare vehicles should use the same arrival and departure location on campus. Specific members must be identified to coordinate the scheduling of the rideshare vehicles and other members and guests should be appropriately assigned to each vehicle based on vehicle capacity.
  • Walking - Members and guests are permitted to walk to events in a close proximity to campus. Walking will not be considered for events involving alcohol.

Recognized student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, are accountable to the Student Organization Code of Conduct. Guidelines for sanctioning organizational policy violations can be found in the Sanctions section of the Student Organization Code of Conduct.

Individual members of organizations, as Moravian University students, are accountable to the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, organizations may hold individuals accountable for conduct through their respective standards process.