Sorority Chapter TCRs 2020-21

TERMS, CONDITIONS, & REGULATIONS: SORORITY CHAPTERS 2020-2021

These Terms, Conditions, and Regulations (TCRs) apply to Sorority Chapters that reside in University housing, and pertain to sorority privileges and Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract conditions. Sorority space is managed by the Assignment Office with input from the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life.

The University reserves the right to revise or amend the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations at any time without notice.

Each chapter's president, sorority assistant, treasurer, and chapter advisor should retain a copy of the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for future reference, and transfer the information to replacements/successors.

In addition to these Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for the sorority chapter, all sorority members are expected to abide by the University Code of Conduct, and the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of each individual sorority member's Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract. Failure to comply with any of the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations will not relieve the sorority from the responsibilities contained herein. 

SORORITY CHAPTERS LOCATIONS: EFFECTIVE FALL 2020-SPRING 2021

Alpha Delta Pi: Cross 3rd floor Kappa Delta: Haller 2nd floor
Alpha Omicron Pi: Cooper 2nd floor Omega Phi Alpha: Ewing 1st floor
Alpha Phi: Lyons 2nd floor Phi Sigma Rho: Haller 1st floor
Alpha Xi Delta: Lyons 3rd floor Pi Beta Phi: Cross 4th floor
Delta Gamma: Cooper 4th floor Sigma Alpha: Ewing 1st floor
Delta Phi Epsilon: Cross 2nd floor Sigma Delta Tau: Cooper 3rd floor
Delta Zeta: Ewing 3rd floor Sigma Kappa: Hoyt 4th floor
Gamma Phi Beta: Haller 4th floor Sigma Sigma Sigma: Hoyt 2nd floor
Kappa Alpha Theta: Lyons 4th floor Zeta Tau Alpha: Hoyt 3rd floor
Kappa Kappa Gamma: Ewing 4th floor  

HOUSING SPACE AND ASSIGNMENTS

A. CONSIDERATION FOR HOUSING SPACE

A sorority must be recognized and approved by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and one of the following: the Panhellenic Association (PHC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), or the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) to be eligible for consideration of reserved residence hall space and suite rental privileges. Requests for reserved residence hall space and suite rental should be initiated through the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and submitted to Housing and Food Services.

Upon receiving a request for reserved residence hall space and suite rental, the Assistant Vice President for Housing and Food Services, in consultation with the Associate Director for Student Affairs and staff from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, will determine when new space is available for sorority use.

B. RESERVED SPACE AND SUITE RENTAL PRIVILEGE REQUESTS

When space becomes available, as determined by Housing and Residence Life, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will be notified. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will work with the Panhellenic Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council to establish deadlines for sororities to submit a request for reserving residence hall space and suite space. There is no guarantee that floor or suite space will be available to all interested groups.

C. HOUSING ELIGIBILITY

Terminology

  • Prospective Member: a student participating in membership recruitment or intake program
  • New Member: a student who has accepted a bid to the chapter, but has not yet been initiated into a sorority chapter within the current academic year
  • Initiated Member: a chapter member who is initiated prior to the academic school year
  • Floor Member: initiated or new members who has accepted an HFS Contract through the sorority process for sorority chapter floor housing.
  • Sorority Assistant: a member of the sorority, employed by Residence Life, who works in conjunction with the Assignment Office regarding sorority chapter housing. The sorority assistant is responsible for the following tasks: educating sorority members about the housing process and timeline; submitting required information and room assignment lists to the Assignment Office by the deadlines; updating sorority chapter members' eligibility for a sorority chapter floor HFS Contract; and reviewing any HFS Contract or room assignment issues. The sorority assistant is expected to discuss any issues with the Assignment Office for resolution.

Space Allocation
The sorority chapter will give priority for assignment to the chapter floor to sophomore chapter members. Although the sorority chapter may indicate chapter members who will be juniors/seniors, no more than 20% of the total space on the chapter floor may be allocated to students who will not be living in chapter housing for the entire academic year.  The sorority chapter is responsible for filling any vacancy on the chapter floor that is created by a student who cancels for either the fall or spring portion of the HFS Contract; this vacancy must be filled with another member within the sorority chapter.

Eligibility
Only new and initiated members are eligible to receive a HFS Contract offer for the sorority chapter floor, based on space available. A student who has an eLiving restriction will not be eligible to receive an HFS Contract offer. 

D. REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN HOUSING SPACE

A Panhellenic Association sorority chapter must meet the following occupancy requirements:

  • One sorority chapter executive board officer is required to reside on the sorority floor during their term of office, as listed in Section E Assignment Of Housing Space.
  • The initial HFS Contract offer list submitted in the fall or spring semester (based on the housing lottery process timeline) for the following academic year must contain valid students to fill the entire sorority floor. 
  • The sorority floor must be kept at full capacity; if a student's HFS Contract is cancelled or a member disaffiliates and opts to move off of the sorority floor and a vacancy becomes available, another chapter member who lives on campus may be assigned to the chapter floor.

Three types of sorority floors are available:

  • large floor (33 floor spaces)
  • small floor (26 floor spaces)
  • small floor shared with other students (12-13 floor spaces)

A National Pan-Hellenic Chapter will share a floor with another chapter. The chapter must have a minimum of 12-13 members living on the primary floor to maintain reserved housing space. The actual number of spaces allocated for each group can be mutually determined between the two groups living on floor by the deadline date provided by the Assignment Office.

Measurements of the occupancy requirement will be conducted on the second Friday of classes during the fall semester by evaluating the number of members residing on the floor.

E. ASSIGNMENT OF HOUSING SPACE

The sorority chapter will have a designated floor as specified by the Assignment Office. The sorority assistant will be responsible for coordinating the housing process between the sorority members and the Assignment Office.

  1. Any student who has been approved for a room accommodation related to a medical condition, as defined by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), must be assigned appropriately. The Sorority Assistant must consult with the Assignment Office to ensure that any housing accommodation required is fulfilled. If the student cannot be accommodated on the sorority floor, the student may be reassigned to another housing option.
  2. The Sorority Assistant is required to reside on the sorority floor during their term of office. Once the HFS Contract is accepted, the Sorority Assistant is responsible for, and obligated to, the entire term of the HFS Contract, regardless of the length of their term in office. If the term ends at the end of fall semester, the Sorority Assistant is still expected to reside on campus for spring semester to fulfill the HFS Contract obligation.
  3. One sorority chapter executive board officer is required to reside on the sorority floor during their term of office. The officer can be one of the following positions: Chapter President; Chapter Vice President (officer who serves if Chapter President is unable to); Chapter Standards Officer; Chapter Recruitment Officer; or Chapter New Member Educator. Once the HFS Contract is accepted, the sorority officer is responsible for, and obligated to, the entire term of the HFS Contract, regardless of the length of their term in office. If the term ends at the end of fall semester, the sorority officer is still expected to reside on campus for spring semester to fulfill the HFS Contract obligation.
  4. The Sorority Assistant is responsible for identifying the members eligible to receive an HFS Contract offer for the chapter floor housing.  
  5. The Sorority Assistant will be responsible for completing the room assignments for all members who accepted a sorority HFS Contract in consultation with the Assignment Office.
  6. Reserved housing space is restricted to areas where suite accommodations can be provided. If a designated suite space is not required by the chapter, the chapter may reserve other meeting space on campus as needed through the online reservations process. 
  7. A sorority member may conduct her own Direct Room Change within the sorority floor as outlined in the general Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the HFS Contract, once the room assignment is posted on eLiving in late July. A sorority HFS Contract cannot be exchanged with non-sorority students, the exchange will only be permitted between floor members.

F. VACANCIES

Sorority chapters are required to maintain full occupancy on their designated floor. When a vacancy occurs, the sorority will need to follow these steps:

  1. The sorority is required to fill a vacancy on the sorority floor. The chapter can opt to fill a vacancy using one of these options:
    • Filling the vacancy on the sorority floor with a member or new member currently residing in permanent space on campus.
    • Identifying an independent student who lives in regular housing or supplemental housing space to voluntarily move into the vacancy. Any independent students living on the sorority floor will not be counted in meeting the minimum requirements for maintaining suite space or reserved housing.
    • Offering a HFS Contract to a member currently living off campus.
  2. If the sorority is unable to identify a student to reside on the sorority floor, the Assignment Office will assume responsibility for filling the vacancy. This may mean that sorority space will be consolidated and an independent student will be assigned.
  3. Vacant spaces can be used at the discretion of the Assignment Office as needed at any time.
  4. Reserved housing space for sororities who do not occupy a complete floor will be allocated and assigned on a consecutive or contiguous room basis, as determined by the Assignment Office. If and when vacancies occur and a sorority replacement is not available, the members must consolidate, as mandated by the Assignment Office. Any vacancy occurring will need to be located at either end of the reserved block of rooms. The Assignment Office will determine who is to be assigned to those vacancies.

H. SORORITY HOUSING ASSIGNMENT TIMELINE

The timeline for the housing process for sororities will be posted early in fall semester, and will identify the specific dates that sororities are required to submit information to the Assignment Office for each academic year.

  1. The sorority chapter is expected to submit complete and accurate information by the deadline date using the eLiving system, email, or an online document as directed by the Assignment Office.
  2. Information submitted after the deadline date may not be accepted. Requests to release a sorority HFS Contract after the submittal deadline will not be honored. Any member who was not a part of the sorority HFS Contract process will need to participate in the general student HFS Contract process to request a contract and will not be guaranteed an offer.
    • If a student accepts a regular room HFS Contract through the general process, the sorority building and floor can be indicated as a HFS Contract preference. 
    • If a student accepts a supplemental HFS Contract through the general process, the student will only be considered for assignment to the sorority floor after all students with a regular HFS Contract have been reassigned.
    • If a student does not receive an offer for a regular room or supplemental HFS Contract, the student can add her name to the supplemental housing Waitlist. There is no guarantee that a student on the Waitlist will receive an offer for a HFS Contract. All offers made from the Waitlist are for supplemental housing.
  3. Sorority members are also eligible to conduct a Contract Transfer of Obligation. 
    • A Contract Transfer of Obligation between two sorority members: the new student will be assigned to a vacancy on the chapter floor.  
    • A Contract Transfer of Obligation between one sorority member and an independent student: the sorority member will be assigned to supplemental housing, regardless of where the independent student was assigned. The new student may only be considered for assignment to the floor once all other interested members have been reassigned to the floor and a vacancy becomes available.

SUITES

I. SORORITY SUITE REQUIREMENTS

  1. A sorority chapter is required to meet occupancy requirements as recorded on the second Friday of classes after the beginning of each semester, as defined in the section D Requirements to Maintain Housing Space.
  2. If a sorority chapter does not meet the occupancy requirements on the second Friday of classes, access to the sorority suite will be suspended.
  3. Consideration will be given, on a case-by-case basis, to National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council sororities who have not been permitted by their authorizing agent to conduct membership intake.
  4. If a chapter has suite privileges suspended, the chapter will still be expected to pay for the full suite rental fees. Consideration will be given to provide temporary storage of sorority suite furnishings if necessary. The University is not responsible for loss or damage of stored items.
  5. If a chapter loses reserved housing privileges, the chapter may be displaced from the current suite. 

J. SORORITY SUITE RENTAL AGREEMENT

The semester rental fee for the sorority suite is determined by Housing and Food Services. The rental fee will be charged separately for fall and spring semesters, and includes storage of sorority equipment and paraphernalia over the summer. Chapters are not permitted to sublet the sorority suite.

2020-2021 Suite Rates

  • small suite: $1,370.00 per semester
  • large suite: $2,740.00 per semester

K. SORORITY SUITE BILLING AND PAYMENT

  • The sorority assistant, treasurer, and president will receive an electronic bill through Penn State email for the suite rental fee at the beginning of fall and spring semesters. Payment for the rental fee can be made to the Bursar’s Office, and is due on or before the Monday of the seventh (7th) week of the semester.
  • If a sorority chapter does not pay the suite rental fee in full by the due date, access to the sorority suite will be suspended. Suite access may also be affected if there is any outstanding balance owed by the sorority chapter for suite rental fee balances from other semesters, renovations, redecorating fees, damages, etc.

L. SORORITY SUITES

  1. Sorority suites feature a card reader on the entry door. Sorority members living on the floor automatically have access to the suite on their floor 24 hours/7 days a week. Sorority members will not have access to other suites in the building. Members living in other housing options or off-campus are eligible to receive card access to the building and suite, per the Protocol for Non-Sorority Members. Doors to the suite are not permitted to be propped open.
  2. Keys for kitchen cabinets and display cabinets will be issued to the sorority  assistant. The sorority assistant will be responsible for the keys during the academic year and/or duration of employment. Keys must be returned to Housing Office at the end of spring semester. The sorority is responsible for any costs associated with a lost key.
  3. The sorority has the option to select a standard furniture package provided by Housing (sororities located on the first floor will receive a furniture package with reduced quantities to fit space):
    • Living Room: 6 seats (in any configuration: sofa-3 seats, loveseat-2 seats, chair-1 seat); 1 coffee table (an Ottoman with a soft or solid surface top); 2 end tables or 2nd coffee table.
    • Dining Room: 60”x60” equivalent table surface (in any configuration: 4 each 30”x30”, 2 each 30”x60”, or 1 each 48”x72”; Standard, Bar, or Countertop Height Stools (based on availability); 8 Chairs, with or without a padded seat.
  4. The sorority may opt into the furniture package at any time. Furniture purchased by the University is property of the University. Reupholster and replacement of University-owned furniture will be completed as outlined in the Chapter Suite Redecoration section.
  5. Each chapter may, at their own discretion, purchase their own furniture and/or reupholster their furniture (without University assistance or involvement) at dates convenient to the chapter.  Chapters may furnish shelves, lamps, stereos, DVDs, pictures, personal computers, decorative screens, and planters. Items that are prohibited as outlined in the HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations also apply to the suite. The University is not responsible for property belonging to the chapter. All chapters are strongly encouraged to carry insurance on their belongings. Maintenance of chapter owned equipment and furnishings is the responsibility and expense of the chapter.
  6. Composite boards, stack shelving, pictures, mirrors, window treatments/window covering, or bulletin boards may be installed in the suite at the chapter’s expense by contacting the Housing Operations Office.
  7. Upon dissolution of the chapter or permanent vacating of the suite, any items such as those above or others not specifically mentioned which have been introduced into the suite will be handled as followed:
    • Removed by the National Representatives, who is responsible for any expense incurred during removal of these items and/or repairing any damages caused by their removal. Removal of any of the introduced items while the sorority is continuing to occupy the suite shall be at the sorority’s expense.
    • Temporarily stored with proper Housing approval, not to exceed the length of one month unless approved by the University.
    • Become the property of the University. Should the University determine they are of value to the University, shall be regarded as a general gift from the student to the University.
  8. University property, equipment, furniture or furnishings may not be removed from the chapter suites for use within residence halls or elsewhere, on or off campus.
  9. Sorority chapters are not permitted to rent furniture or bring in additional furniture for special events.
  10. Rearrangement of furniture within the chapter suites need not be approved by area Housing Office. However, heavy items owned by the University and used by the chapter shall be moved by Housing personnel to reduce the chance of damage. Housing can assist the sorority with moving the furniture at the sorority’s expense. Chapters will make their own arrangements for moving all items owned by the chapter. Repair costs to fix any damage to University property as a result of moving furniture will be the responsibility of the sorority.
  11. Suites will be entered once a week by housing employees for a cleaning inspection. The sorority is responsible for trash and recycling material removal from the suite to the appropriate areas. Chapter members will be responsible for maintaining their suite between cleanings. Failure to maintain the suite in satisfactory condition will result in cleaning charges. The area Housing Office should be notified of needed repairs and maintenance. Failure to notify Housing of needed repairs and maintenance needs may also result in damage charges. 
  12. Painting and flooring replacements are authorized at University expense as part of the suite rental fee system as contained in Section N Chapter Suite Redecoration. 
  13. At the end of spring semester, suites must be left in essentially the same condition as when occupied the preceding fall semester. This includes the removal of personal belongings, trash, paper, boxes, etc., and emptying and cleaning of the refrigerator. Personal belonging may not be stored in the suite or storage area during the summer months. The sorority president or the sorority assistant is responsible for scheduling a suite check-out with Housing at the end of the spring semester.
  14. Exterior and Interior windows cannot be painted or covered, including the window next to the suite door. Visibility from the hallway into the suite needs to be maintained for safety and security reasons. 
  15. All sorority projects (i.e., Homecoming, Thon, recruitment) that involve painting or carpentry work must be done in an area designated by the area Housing Office. Such projects may not be done in the chapter suites, lounges, corridors or student rooms. Resulting damages and/or necessary clean-up will be charged to the chapter.
  16. The University promotes a smoke-free environment.  The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, all nicotine delivery devices and other tobacco products are not permitted on campus, including University housing and commons buildings.
  17. Pets and animals are prohibited in residence halls.
  18. Use of Lighted Candles in Sorority Suites:
    • If a sorority wishes to use lighted candles in a suite as part of an official ceremony, the sorority must get approval from the Director of Environmental Health and Safety. The area Assistant Director of Residence Life will be informed if the event is approved. If Environmental Health and Safety authorizes the sorority to have candles at an event in their residence suite, the group’s advisor must be present during the entire time the candles are lit. A fire extinguisher must be obtained from the area Housing office. At the end of the ceremony, the candles must be placed back in storage.
    • Candles may not be used, displayed, or stored in individual student rooms. Candles used for sorority ceremonies must be stored in chapter suites and may not be on display. 

M. USE OF SUITES FOR ACTIVITIES

  1. Suites are limited to use for everyday activities. Sororities can reserve the chapter meeting room in the building to conduct chapter events. The suites are not to be used for meetings, trunk shows, philanthropic events, or to house overnight guests. 
  2. Tape of any nature, nails, pins, tacks, and glue or paste may not be used to attach any item or decoration to the walls, columns, ceilings, woodwork, sprinklers or smoke detectors in chapter suites. Sororities may request Housing to hang wall hangings at the sorority’s expense. Any damages incurred are the responsibility of the sorority.
  3. The sorority may not replace light bulbs in any fixtures within the suite. Housing must be contacted for replacement. Any lamps that the sorority provides in the suite will be the responsibility of the sorority to replace light bulbs. Decorative material must not be used on light fixtures.
  4. Additional services required of the Housing Staff and damages to equipment and furnishings will be charged to the sorority. Regular hours of employment for service personnel are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Work performed outside these regular hours will be charged at appropriate overtime rate.

N. CHAPTER SUITE REDECORATION

  1. Redecoration or refurbishing projects in chapter suites are generally completed during the summer months to reduce conflict between the use of the suite and progress of the work.
  2. If a sorority is interested in redecorating the suite, the following timeline will be used to ensure the project can be processed in a timely manner, while allowing adequate time to select materials/colors, process orders, and resolve issues. Extensive renovations will be limited and may require permits and engineering/architectural plans, which could in turn delay the completion of the project.
    • Fall Semester: the sorority should begin preliminary discussions within the chapter to decide what work, if any, needs accomplished. The sorority chapter is responsible for receiving approval from the sorority advisor, national office, and/or House Corporation before Housing is approached.
    • Mid-January: the sorority chapter president should email the Housing Manager the general outline and scope of the project request. Approval from the sorority advisor, national office, and/or House Corporation should be included in the email.
    • Mid-February: Housing will respond to the sorority president indicating whether the project was approved. If approved, tentative estimates and distribution of costs (what portion of the costs will be assumed by the University and sorority chapter) will be included.
    • Early March: sorority representatives will meet with Housing to finalize material and color selection. The sorority chapter will secure necessary final approval from sorority advisor, national office, and/or House Corporation to make firm commitments, and then proceed with any or all charges.
  3. All repairs and installations must be performed by University personnel, which will be charged to the sorority. Sorority chapters are not authorized to contract for outside services. This includes hanging composites, decorations, or decorative items (pictures, mirrors, shelves, etc.). 
  4. Housing is responsible for the replacement cost of items listed in the chart below, when the item has been in service for the number of years indicated. The sorority chapter is financially responsible for damages and breakage beyond normal wear-and-tear.
  5. The following items should be serviceable for the indicated number of years:
    • Appliances: Refrigerator -10 years; Stove/oven -10 years; Dishwasher 10 years; Microwave 10 years; Television 8 years
    • Furniture: Reupholster - 8 years; Replacement - 16 years
    • Painting: Walls/Ceilings - 6 years. No credit will be given to the sorority when permission for painting is given prior to the passage of the years indicated.
    • Flooring - 8 years. The flooring installed has an expected life span of eight years. Any floor replacement required prior to the eight years will require the sorority to share the cost of replacement.
End of Year # Sorority Cost University Cost
1 100% 0
2 100% 0
3 100% 0
4 50% 50%
5 37.50% 65.50%
6 25% 75%
7 12.50% 87.50%
8 0 100%

 

* There is a maximum cost allowance of $20.00 per yard for flooring replacement. If the replacement material costs more than $20.00 per yard, the sorority chapter will be responsible for the additional per yard cost, in addition to the participation cost.

  1. Window treatment/window covering (roller shade) is provided by Housing, and is a standard feature in all sorority suites that cannot be removed. The sorority chapter may provide additional window treatment/covering or accents that is appropriate to the space at their expense. These items may not be visible from outside of the building, and must meet the NFPA Life Safety Code 101, Class B for interior finishes. A written statement from the manufacturer or supplier certifying compliance must be provided to the Housing Manager. Housing does recommend that the sorority utilize the services of a vendor/contractor for window treatments, including measuring and installation. Installation by a vendor must be coordinated with Housing. 
  2. Chapter suites are not automatically redecorated on a fixed cycle of years. The determination of distribution of costs at any given time is based on several considerations:
    • Present condition of facilities
    • Length of time since last previous decoration
    • Use and care of facility by sorority
    • Participation of chapter in redecoration costs from previous years
    • Financial considerations applicable to other chapters from previous years

O. CHAPTER KITCHEN

Each sorority suite offers a kitchen within the suite that is for exclusive use by the sorority chapter. Sorority chapters must adhere to the following guidelines for using the kitchens:

  1. The kitchen needs to be well-maintained and routinely cleaned.
  2. Food items must be kept closed to prevent the attraction of insects. If insects are detected, the sorority chapter needs to contact the Housing Office. Costs incurred for insect remediation due to unkempt conditions will be charged to the sorority.
  3. Refrigerators should be routinely cleaned out to prevent spoilage and defrosted annually. At the end of spring semester, the contents of the refrigerator and freezer must be removed and cleaned, the freezer should be defrosted, and the refrigerator should remain plugged in.
  4. In accordance with the HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations, the following cooking appliances, other than those already provided, are prohibited:
    • air fryer, hot plates, toaster, toaster oven, insta/quick pot, pressurized rice cooker, torchier-style lighting (floor-standing lighting) with halogen lamps, immersion heaters, heating coils, space heaters, ceramic heaters, ovens, griddles, indoor or outdoor grills, personal microwave or refrigerator, fitness equipment (treadmills, trampolines, stationary bikes, etc.), 3D printers
    • If an unapproved appliance is observed in the room or suite, the sorority member and/or chapter will be advised to remove the item from the building. In case of noncompliance, the University reserves the right to have the items removed. The items will be returned to the student for removal from the hall upon request to Housing management.

P. USE OF HOUSING AND FOOD SERVICES FACILITIES FOR SORORITY FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

The use of Housing and Food Services facilities shall be in compliance with the rules and regulations which govern those facilities; including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Use of Housing facilities other than the suite must be scheduled in advance and registered with the area Residence Life Office.
  2. The use of food service facilities must be scheduled in advance with the area Food Services office.
  3. Each chapter will be held responsible for the conduct of members and guests when a sorority function or activity is held in Housing and Food Service facilities, and must properly identify guests when requested by University officials.

Q. CHAPTER STORAGE

The sorority is provided a storage location in the building, and may install cabinets, shelving units, etc., in this storage area at their expense. The sorority must abide by the following guidelines regarding the storage room:

  1. Storage rooms need to be well-maintained, organized, and routinely cleaned.
  2. Personal property may not be stored in either the storage room or suite.
  3. Food items may not be stored.
  4. Items may not be within 18” of the ceiling per fire safety regulations.
  5. Storage rooms are subject to annual inspection by Housing for maintenance and safety concerns.
  6. Electronic combination locks will be used on the storage rooms, and combinations will be changed on an annual basis or upon request by the sorority. 

GENERAL SORORITY

R. NON-RESIDENT BUILDING ACCESS

Sorority chapter members who reside in other University housing buildings or off campus are eligible to receive card access privileges to the sorority chapter’s building.

  1. Non-resident sorority members can request access through the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life, who will submit the request to the Housing Access and Security Office.
  2. The student will receive an email notification with a login link to Housing's Access Management System. The student must read and agree to the terms of the Key/Card Access Agreement.
  3. The Housing Access and Security Office will then process the request and activate the student's access on their Penn State id+ Card. Building and suite access for non-floor chapter members is scheduled daily between 11:00am - 11:00pm. These hours may be adjusted at the discretion of The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Residence Life, and/or Housing without prior notice.
  4. Non-resident sorority members are only permitted in the lobby and sorority suite areas of the building, unless escorted by a building resident. 
  5. Sorority members who violate University housing regulations will have access privileges terminated.

S. IDENTIFICATION OF SORORITIES

Sorority identifications, such as signs, symbols, plaques, crescents, coat of arms, etc., shall not be displayed on the exterior of any University residence hall. Housing will apply Greek symbols on the sorority floor on in the suite to identify the space. No items may be attached to individual room doors, including permanent letters or other specific symbols.

T. MAIL SERVICE

  1. Sorority chapters may receive mail and packages. Each sorority will be provided a sorority mailbox at the Redifer Commons Desk. Mail and packages may only be picked up by the sorority president or designee.
  2. Sorority chapter mail, including all types of packages, must be addressed either directly to the sorority suite or to the sorority in care of a sorority member on the chapter floor. Any mail or packages addressed to the sorority in care of a student not living in University housing will be immediately returned to the sender or the U.S. Post Office.
  3. The sorority president or designee must present their Penn State id+ Card to receive mail and/or packages.
  4. At the end of the spring semester, the sorority president or designee should provide the commons desk a forwarding address for chapter mail received during the summer.

U. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

Sorority members and their guests must adhere to the Alcohol and Illegal Substances policy as outlined in the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the HFS Contract. Below are some excerpts from this policy:

  1. The possession or use of alcohol beverages is prohibited in all Penn State on-campus undergraduate buildings, including residence rooms, common areas, and sorority suites, for students of any age, including those age 21 or older.
  2. It is a violation of state law and University policy for a student under 21 years of age to attempt to purchase, consume, possess, or transport alcoholic beverages. It is unlawful to sell, furnish, give, or permit alcoholic beverages to be sold, furnished, or given to a minor.
  3. It is against residence hall policy for there to be any tailgating activities in the residential quad areas or residence hall parking lots where alcoholic beverages are being served on any football game/event weekend including all home football games, Football Eve, Fourth Fest, and the spring Blue and White Weekend. Students tailgating with alcoholic beverages in these defined areas will be confronted and will likely be charged with “open containers in an unauthorized area.”
  4. Sorority members will be held responsible for activities that occur in their rooms or suite, including if guests are violating any polices. Sorority members will be referred to the Office of Residence Life, the Office of Student Conduct, and/or University Police.

V. DECORATIONS

The following guidelines need to be adhered to for decorating within the residence hall areas:

  1. Glitter is not permitted for any occasion in any residence hall.
  2. All decorating materials must be fireproof. Combustible items such as straw, corn stalks, reeds, sawdust, leaves, excelsior, and shavings may not be used for decorating within the residence halls. Decorations are subject to approval as defined by the General Rules for the use of University Buildings as Indicated by Provision of Fire and Panic Act (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) and the operating regulations of the University.
  3. Decorations may not be placed outside of residence halls without special authorization from Housing.
  4. Individual student decorations or signs may not be attached to individual room doors or to the outside of the residence halls.
  5. Decorations may not be hung from windows, the faces of the residence halls, or attached to window screens. Screens may not be removed.
  6. If sorority members decorate other students’ room doors, such as new recruits, decorations such as streamers, balloons, etc. may only be displayed for 24 hours. If the sorority member is entering another building to decorate a fellow member's door, escort policies must be followed. Any damage or cleaning required from decorations that are not removed by the end of 24 hours will be charged to the sorority.
  7. Please refer to the decoration policies found in Policies and Regulations section of the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the HFS Contract. These policies include decoration policies for student rooms, student doors, windows, and holiday decorations.

W. GUESTS OF CHAPTERS OR CHAPTER MEMBERS

No guest may be housed in a chapter suite. Guests may be housed in student rooms according to the guest policy as outlined in the Policies and Regulations section of the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the HFS Contract.

X. SORORITY MEMBER DISAFFILIATION

A sorority member who is interested in disaffiliating from the sorority should discuss the process with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Assignment Office. The disaffiliating member may choose to either remain assigned to sorority chapter floor or select another housing option for reassignment, based on space available, and with agreement with the sorority chapter.

Y. TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND REGULATIONS VIOLATIONS

If a sorority chapter fails to comply the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations contained in this document, the chapter will be referred to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.