Honoring Fraternity Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this the right decision?

Times have changed. Fraternities need to be as good or better than they have ever been before. Nationally, there have been too many campus deaths due to fraternity behavior, and we refuse to be a campus where hazing is an accepted behavior. As we look ahead, we must tackle what is standing in our way in keeping our members safe and healthy. This is the right decision and the right time because the fraternal industry needs a leader. Miami is ready to be that leader. As the Mother of Fraternities, Miami has a history of making an impact on the landscape of fraternities. The recommended standards, developed with student leaders, alumni, faculty members, and national headquarters, prioritize student safety and the advancement of the fraternal movement.

Why now you may ask? We simply cannot continue the status quo with our expectations for our fraternities. Miami has a desire to raise the bar, and be a model for fraternity communities across the nation. We are making a new investment in the support, leadership, and guidance we give fraternities and want them to be successful. Now is the time to be a leader in the industry and improve all of our organizations on our campus.

What if chapters don’t comply?

Chapters who don’t comply will have one year to get on track before their recognition is reviewed and potentially removed by the University and the IFC.

How will I know if a fraternity is in good standing with the University?

Information about a chapter's compliance with Honoring Fraternity and other University policies for sororities and fraternities can be found in the Community Scorecard available in the Link Tree attached to our MU Greeks Instagram account. 

Is this just for the men or the women too?

Right now, these expectations are for IFC fraternities only.

What happens if fraternities don’t hire a house director?

The chapter will not receive the second year exemption. There is no penalty on recognition.

What will a live-in house director do?

A live-in house director will increase accountability and provide an additional level of support to the men living in the chapter facility and the property owners/managers.

Will incoming sophomores need a 2.75 GPA to live in the fraternity house?

Yes, starting in Spring of 2019 students must have a minimum 2.75 GPA to be eligible to receive the second year exemption.

Why is a 2.75 GPA the requirement to join?

The previous requirement was a 2.5 GPA. The decision to raise the GPA to a 2.75 was made based on historical progress and data analysis. The Greek community prides itself on its five pillars, one of which is scholarship. The best way to ensure that our members take this pillar seriously is to increase the minimum requirements that everyone needs to meet to be a part of the community. By publishing average GPA data online, students and parents will be able to make more informed decisions about what organization they are joining.

Each Greek organization has “academic excellence” as its first or second goal. Historically, fraternities attracted the brightest, most involved on campus men. In recent years, that has changed. Evidence has shown that grades deteriorate during the pledging/new member process. Increased standards will incentivize potential new members to focus on academics during the first semester in residence and also serve as a signal to all that fraternities are dedicated to academics.

Do all fraternities and sororities have a 2.75 GPA requirement to join in Spring 2020?

As of now, this policy is only for IFC fraternities.

Why did they decide on a Four Week New Member Program?

A shortened time period will reduce the risk and shorten the window where hazing takes place. Several timelines were considered, from two weeks to six weeks. Ultimately four weeks was selected as it will allow the organizations to maintain a robust new member period that promotes brotherhood but also allow the opportunity for closer oversight from advisors and national organizations.

What oversight will be added for initiation?

We have requested that an advisor, national volunteer, or headquarters staff member be present for each organization’s initiation. The intention of this expectation is to make sure all chapters participate in their nationally mandated ritual and all students experience the proper initiation process.

How did you come up with these recommendations? Where is the student support and advisor voice in these changes?

These changes were developed by a diverse committee of committed fraternity stakeholders - students, chapter advisors, headquarters partners, housing board corporation officers, and staff. The team met bi-weekly starting in May 2018. This team evaluated data, national best practices, reports, and national trends to determine how we could raise the bar and become a true model fraternity community at Miami.

Who supports this?

These new standards, having been developed by a committee of stakeholders, are supported by university staff, the board of trustees, alumni advisors, housing corporations, national headquarters, and student leaders.

Will the scorecards/community profile be made public?

We are currently working on a method of sharing this through the website that is accessible to all users. For now, this information is available in the Link Tree attached to our MU Greeks Instagram account.

Will judicial and conduct records be public?

While individual conduct records are protected by FERPA, organizational records are public. We publish all organizational conduct records online.

Where can I make a report of concerning behavior?

There are several reporting mechanisms available:

• Email our Office of Community Standards if you believe you know of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct: communitystandards@MiamiOH.edu 
• Reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students: 513-529-1877 or deanofstudents@miamioh.edu
• Complete an Ethicspoint submission
• Email or call the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office: 513-529-1462 or fsll@miamioh.edu 

Who can I go to for other concerns?

• For concerns regarding student safety: please reach out to the Dean of Student Office
• For concerns regarding student well-being: please reach out to Student Counseling at 513-529-4634 or studentcounseling@MiamiOH.edu 
• For concerns regarding the overall fraternity & sorority community: please reach out to the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office at 513-529-1462 or fsll@miamioh.edu