FAQs about fraternity/sorority membership during COVID-19
a. The fraternity and sorority community is deeply committed to offering a safe and welcoming experience to all interested students, and students will have the opportunity to join fraternities and sororities this fall. CSU’s decision to offer an in-person experience for fall 2020-spring 2021 means that we will once again be on campus in community together. We anticipate there will be some restrictions on large scale events as well as expectations to ensure public health and safety, including wearing face coverings, keeping physical distance, and limiting the number of people in each space. This will likely mean that many chapters and community events will adjust operations this year or host certain events virtually. These decisions will vary from chapter to chapter and are evolving as recommendations are determined and released. We encourage you to check https://safety.colostate.edu/coronavirus/ regularly for additional information and ask chapters you are interested in joining how they plan to offer a fraternity/sorority experience this year.
Fraternities and sororities are able to bring in new members in fall 2020 and spring 2021, however those efforts will look different than in previous semesters. While chapters may interact with potential members in a variety of ways, that interaction should largely be virtual or in very small settings that uphold meeting gathering size restrictions and practicing public health behaviors discussed in the chapter-sponsored event section. Intake or recruitment events are considered sponsored by the chapter.
Additional information about joining the community this year in particular can be found at each of the following pages:
- Join the Interfraternity Council
- Join the Multicultural Greek Council
- Join the National Pan-Hellenic Council
- Join the Panhellenic Association
- Join the Professional Fraternity Council
Fraternity and sorority chapters maintain brotherhood and sisterhood virtually by working creatively to connect members who are no longer physically together in Fort Collins. Some examples include online video watch parties, pen-pal writing programs, group online video gaming, and extensive interaction on social media. In the 2020-2021 academic year, this may include smaller group meetings or gatherings and virtual meetings and events. Fraternities and sororities provide a valuable way to build community and connect with peers, particularly in a virtual environment. That goal does not change even though the semester may look different.
Fraternity and sorority chapters manage their finances and dues structures independently so adjustments vary from organization to organization. In response to COVID-19 many chapters chose to adjust financial expectations and issue reimbursements due to cancelled events or other considerations. Chapters are working to develop financial plans to meet determined need. Detailed information about finance and facility information as reported by our local chapters is available here: https://fsl.colostate.edu/parents-families/financeandfacility/
CSU’s fraternity and sorority chapter facilities are privately owned and operated, and independent from the university therefore make decisions unique to their organizations in accordance to CDC guidelines and best practice. Students should contact their individual chapter or facility corporation for specific guidelines and expectations.
Fraternity and sorority chapters have continued to operate during COVID-19 by conducting meetings and hosting brotherhood/sisterhood events virtually. Some of these meetings and events will transition back to in-person formats with consideration about current guidelines and expectations around health and safety, including wearing face coverings, keeping physical distance, and limiting the number of people in each space. Some chapter meetings and programs will need to continue virtually or in smaller groups
Fraternity and sorority chapters will have the opportunity to host social events this year. These events may take place online or in-person. In-person events will take into consideration current guidelines and expectations around health and safety, including wearing face coverings, keeping physical distance, and limiting the number of people in each space. Chapters will be provided guidance by the institution for any events and programs.
The fraternity and sorority community will have the opportunity to participate in philanthropy and fundraising events this year. These events may take place online or in-person. In-person events will take into consideration current guidelines and expectations around health and safety, including wearing face coverings, keeping physical distance, and limiting the number of people in each space. There will likely be unique opportunities to fundraise virtually and to consider causes to be supported.
The fraternity and sorority community will have the opportunity to participate in service events this year, however in-person events will take into consideration current guidelines and expectations around health and safety, including wearing face coverings, keeping physical distance, and limiting the number of people in each space. The OFSL will provide suggestions and ideas for chapters to identify meaningful ways to conduct service with safety in mind.
The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life is deeply committed to support fraternity and sorority members and chapter leaderships throughout COVID-19. We are working diligently to support the fraternity and sorority community as they work to maintain operations, build brotherhood and sisterhood and ensure student safety and provide guidance and best practice related to chapter operations and opportunities. Please continue to refer to our website as we add additional resources or reach out to us at http://www.fsl.colostate.edu/contact-us with additional questions.
CSU’s decision to move to online instruction exclusively after break likely means that chapter calendars will be adjusted. Events will occur prior to break or may be hosted online following break.