Sorority Chapter TCRs 2023-2024

TERMS, CONDITIONS, & REGULATIONS: SORORITY CHAPTERS 2023-2024

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 Housing 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 (TCRs) 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 CHAPTER OCCUPANCY AND STORAGE PLAN 

The University encourages each sorority chapter to develop a "return to campus housing" plan by offering chapter housing to first-year sorority members. The goal is to develop a community and sense of belonging on the floors and within each sorority chapter. This plan does not include offering housing to students who will only be living on campus for the fall semester; members who only need fall semester housing are encouraged to participate in the LiveOn Housing Process to obtain housing in another option. 

Occupancy Requirements:

Each sorority chapter is required to meet the following occupancy requirements to retain access to an exclusive chapter suite. If the sorority chapter has less than the indicated occupancy requirement as identified below, the University reserves the right to assign non-affiliated students to the floor. Non-affiliated students would not have access to a chapter's exclusive suite. 

  • 2023-2024: 50%

  • 2024-2025: 70%

  • 2025-2026: 100%

If a chapter does not meet these occupancy requirements, they will be assigned to another floor, potentially sharing a suite with another chapter, or no suite access, depending on the actual occupancy number. 

Storage:

The University has developed a multi-year plan for sorority chapter housing and storage of chapter belongings for groups who did not meet occupancy requirements in previous years, resulting in either not having an exclusive chapter suite or having to share a suite with another chapter:

  1. Sororities are required to increase the occupancy in sorority chapter housing as identified below to continue the storage for chapter furniture in University space: 

    • 2023-2024: 20% (6 members)

    • 2024-2025: 40% (13 members)

    • 2025-2026: 60% (19 members) 

  2. If a sorority chapter does not meet the 20% occupancy for 2023-2024 academic year, the University will no longer store chapter items on campus after spring semester 2024 ends. The sorority chapter is responsible for finding an alternative storage space.

  3. Effective for the 2026-2027 academic year, any sorority chapter not at 100% occupancy will no longer be permitted to store chapter items on campus after spring semester 2026 ends. The sorority chapter is responsible for finding an alternative storage space.

  4. The University will provide furniture for any shared or exclusive suites as needed in future years, as determined by the University.

  5. Sorority chapters will retain access to their identified basement storage closets, even if they no longer have members living on campus. Each chapter may identify two members who will have access to the building and storage closets. Effective starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, any sorority chapter which does not have any members living on campus will no longer be able to utilize the storage closet after spring semester 2026 ends. 

 

SORORITY CHAPTER LOCATIONS

Sorority Chapter Locations in University Housing will be determined after spring recruitment concludes and the housing roster is submitted to the Housing Assignment Office per the instructions and timeline shared with the sorority chapter in January. Where a sorority chapter is assigned is subject to change at the University's sole discretion.

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 and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, in consultation with 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 and at the sole discretion of 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 actively and presently 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: an initiated or new member 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 Housing 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 Housing 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 Housing Assignment Office for resolution.

Space Allocation
The sorority chapter will give priority for assignment to the chapter floor housing to new chapter members, with further priority given to sophomores. 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. Friends of members are not permitted to be assigned to the floor. At its sole discretion, the University reserves the right to use any vacant space for any purpose, including but not limited to the assignment of non-affiliated students. 

Eligibility
New and initiated members are eligible to receive a HFS Contract offer for the sorority chapter floor housing, 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.

  • The initial HFS Contract offer list will be submitted by the deadline for the fall or spring semester housing, based on the housing process timeline, and include valid students' information (name, PSU ID, etc.). The list submitted must equal the amount of space reserved for the sorority chapter 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 moves off the sorority floor and a vacancy becomes available, a student who is a chapter member and has an active HFS Contract can be reassigned to this vacancy.

Three types of sorority floors are available:

  • full, large floor (33 floor spaces)

  • full, small floor (26 floor spaces)

  • shared, small floor (12-13 floor spaces)

Some sorority chapters will share a floor with another sorority chapter, whether due to the overall sorority chapter size, or if the sorority chapter did not meet the occupancy requirement. Each sorority 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 chapter can be mutually requested by the two groups living on floor by the deadline date provided by the Housing Assignment Office. The University at its sole discretion retains authority to make room assignments which may not align with the requested allocation.

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. This number will be re-evaluated on the second Friday of classes during the spring semester to determine the space that will be reserved for the sorority chapter for the following academic year.

E. ASSIGNMENT OF HOUSING SPACE

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

  1. Any student who has submitted and  been approved for a Request for Reasonable Accommodation in Housing, as defined by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), must be assigned appropriately. The sorority assistant must consult with the Housing 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 in sorority housing 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 (i.e., an 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. 

  5. The Housing Assignment Office is responsible for completing room assignments for all sorority members who have accepted a sorority chapter HFS Contract, based on the roster submitted by the sorority assistant. 

  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 their own Direct Room Change within the sorority floor as outlined in the general Terms, Conditions, and Regulations (TCRs) 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, 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. If there are vacancies on the sorority floor, the sorority will be required to fill the vacancies. 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 who has an active HFS Contract.

    • Offering a HFS Contract to a member currently living off campus, if permitted by the Housing Assignment Office.

  2. If the sorority is unable to identify a student to reside on the sorority floor, the Housing 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 sole discretion of the Housing 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 Housing Assignment Office. When vacancies occur and a sorority replacement is not available, the members must consolidate, as mandated by the Housing Assignment Office. Any vacancy occurring will need to be located at either end of the reserved block of rooms. The Housing Assignment Office will determine who is to be assigned to those vacancies.

G. SORORITY HOUSING ASSIGNMENT TIMELINE

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

  1. The sorority chapter is expected to submit complete and accurate information by the deadline date via email or an online document, as directed by the Housing Assignment Office.

  2. Information submitted after the deadline date may not be accepted. Requests to cancel 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 housing and will not be guaranteed an offer.

    • If a student accepts a regular room HFS Contract through the general process, the sorority assistant can submit their name to the Housing Assignment Office for consideration to be reassigned to the chapter floor. The student will only be considered for assignment to the sorority floor after a vacancy becomes available.

    • If a student accepts a HFS Contract for supplemental housing through the general process, the student will only be considered for assignment to the sorority floor after any student with a regular HFS Contract have been reassigned.

    • If a student does not receive an offer for a HFS Contract, the student can add her name to the On-Campus Housing Waitlist in eLiving. 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 during the designated window determined by the Housing Assignment Office per the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations (TCRs). A $100 administrative fee is charged to the student transferring the HFS Contract.

    • A Contract Transfer of Obligation between two sorority members: the new student will not receive the same assignment as the departing student, but would be assigned to sorority chapter housing. 

    • A Contract Transfer of Obligation between one sorority member and an independent student: If the new student is a sorority member, the sorority member will be assigned to supplemental housing, regardless of where the independent student was assigned, and may be reassigned to sorority chapter housing if space is available. If the new student is not a sorority member, the new student will be assigned to supplemental housing.

SUITES

H. 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 sorority chapter has suite privileges suspended, the sorority 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 sorority chapter loses reserved housing privileges, the chapter may be displaced from the current suite. 

  6. Sorority chapters who are consolidated to different floors because they have not met the occupancy requirements will share suite access with another designated chapter(s) assigned to the same floor. Non-affiliated students on the floor will not have access to this suite.

I. 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.

For the 2023-2024 academic year only, the University will not charge a sorority rental fee.

J. 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 Office of the Bursar, 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.

K. 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. Off-campus sorority chapter members 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. Display cabinet keys are kept in the South Housing Operations office; only the sorority assistant may temporarily sign them out. The sorority is responsible for any costs associated with a lost key.

  3. Each chapter may, at their own discretion, purchase their own furniture and/or reupholster their own 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 (TCRs) 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 are 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 at its sole discretion.

    • 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Sorority chapters are not permitted to rent furniture or bring in additional furniture for special events.

  8. 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 or injury. 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.

  9. Chapter members are responsible for cleaning their suite, including removal of trash and recycling material from the suite to the designated areas. 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. Housing Operations and Residence Life staff will perform regular inspections. 

  10. Painting and flooring replacements are authorized at University expense as part of the suite rental fee system as contained in the Chapter Suite Redecoration section. 

  11. 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.

  12. 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. 

  13. 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.

  14. In accordance with University Policy AD32 Smoking and Tobacco Policy, the University is committed to a healthful environment for all members of the community. Smoking and the use of tobacco are prohibited in and on all University owned or leased properties, facilities, and vehicles. The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, all nicotine delivery devices, and all other tobacco products is prohibited on campus, including University Housing and commons buildings. Marijuana of any kind, including medical marijuana, is not permitted to be used on University property.  

  15. Pets of any type, with the exception of one small tank that is not more than five (5) gallons (U.S.), are prohibited in University Housing. A student who has a need for a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal is responsible for following the accommodations process. 

  16. 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 immediately extinguished and 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. 

L. USE OF SUITES FOR ACTIVITIES

  1. Suites are limited to use for everyday activities. Each sorority chapter has the ability to reserve the meeting room in the building to conduct chapter events. The suites may not to be used for meetings, philanthropic events, or to house overnight guests. Use of the meeting room may be restricted if the sorority chapter has failed to meet the occupancy requirement.

  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. The sorority chapter may request Housing Operations to hang wall hangings at the sorority chapter’s expense. Any damages incurred are the responsibility of the sorority chapter.

  3. The sorority chapter may not replace light bulbs in any fixtures within the suite. Housing Operations must be contacted for replacement. Any lamps that the sorority chapter provides in the suite will be the responsibility of the sorority chapter to replace light bulbs. Decorative material must not be used on light fixtures.

  4. Additional services required of the Housing Operation Staff and damages to equipment and furnishings will be charged to the sorority chapter. Regular hours for service personnel are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work performed outside these regular hours will be charged at an appropriate overtime rate. Additional services requests must be submitted through the FixIt system. 

M. 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. 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, such as changing wall configurations, are not permitted. 

    • Fall Semester: prior to fall break, 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.

    • Winter Break: prior to the end of fall semester, the sorority chapter president should email the Housing Operations Assistant Director 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 chapter 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.

    • Spring Break: prior to spring break, 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.

  2. 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, but is not limited to, hanging composites, decorations, or decorative items (pictures, mirrors, shelves, etc.). 

  3. 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.

  4. The following items should be serviceable for the indicated number of years:

    • Appliances: Refrigerator 12 years; Stove/oven 12 years; Microwave 10 years; Television 8 years

    • Painting: Walls/Ceilings 6 years. No credit will be given to the sorority chapter when permission for painting is given prior to the passage of the years indicated.

    • Flooring: 12 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 - 7 100% 0
8 75% 25%
9 60% 40%
10 40% 60%
11 25% 75%
12 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 installation cost. Broadloom carpeting is not permitted to be installed.

  1. Window treatments/window coverings (roller shades) are provided by Housing, and is a standard feature in all sorority suites that cannot be removed. The sorority chapter may provide additional window treatments/coverings or accents that are 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 Operations recommends 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 Operations. 

  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

  3. Sorority chapters who have been temporarily reassigned or consolidated may not opt into or request any of the noted decorations indicated above.

N. CHAPTER KITCHEN

Each sorority chapter 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 (TCRs), the following appliances are NOT permitted in University Housing:

    • air fryers, hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, instapots, quick pots, crock pots, pressurized rice cookers, torchier-style lighting (floor-standing lighting) with halogen lamps, immersion heaters, heating coils, space heaters, ceramic heaters, ovens, griddles, indoor or outdoor grills, personal microwaves or refrigerators, freezer units, fitness equipment (treadmills, trampolines, stationary bikes, etc.), 3D printers, pianos

    • personal or portable air conditioning units are not permitted in University Housing. If a student has a medical need for an air conditioning unit, the student must submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodation in Housing form.

    • personal dehumidifiers are not permitted in University Housing. If a dehumidifier is deemed necessary by the University, the University will install an approved unit.

    • personal camera devices (excluding cell phones) or other video/audio recording devices, per University Policy AD65 Electronic Security and Access Systems. 

O. 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.

P. CHAPTER STORAGE

The sorority chapter is provided a storage location within the Housing area and may use cabinets, shelving units, etc., in this storage area at their expense. No items can be attached to the building. The sorority chapter 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 Operations for maintenance and safety concerns.

  6. Each storage room has an electronic combination lock, and the combination is changed on an annual basis or upon request by the sorority chapter. 

GENERAL SORORITY

Q. 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 any time and at the sole discretion of The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Residence Life, and/or Housing Operations without prior notice.

  4. Non-resident sorority members are only permitted in the lobby, meeting rooms (for scheduled events), 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.

R. 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 Housing building. No items may be attached to individual room doors, including permanent letters or other specific symbols.

S. MAIL SERVICE

  1. Sorority chapters may receive mail and packages 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 chapter 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 chapter 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 chapter president or designee should provide the commons desk a forwarding address for chapter mail received during the summer.

T. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

Sorority chapter members and their guests must adhere to the Alcohol and Illegal Substances policy as outlined in the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations (TCRs) of the HFS Contract. Below are some non-exclusive excerpts from this policy; however, chapter members are required to read and adhere to the policy in its entirety: 

  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.

  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, 4th Fest, Arts Festival, and the spring Blue and White Weekend. Students tailgating with alcoholic beverages in these defined areas may be confronted and charged with “open containers in an unauthorized area.”

  4. Sorority chapter 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 Residence Life, Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR), and/or University Police

U. DECORATIONS

The following policies are applicable 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.

  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 (TCRs) of the HFS Contract. These policies include decoration policies for student rooms, student doors, windows, and holiday decorations.

V. GUESTS OF CHAPTERS OR CHAPTER MEMBERS

No guest may be housed overnight 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 (TCRs) of the HFS Contract.

W. 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 Housing 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.

X. 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.