ADVISOR MANUAL

Western Carolina University Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor Manual

 Table of Contents

Welcome Note……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Introduction (Pages 4-6)

Chapters/Councils of Western Carolina University…………………………………….……………. 4

Council Descriptions……………………………………………………………………………………….……. 5

Greek Community Society Descriptions……………………………………………………………….…. 6

Fraternity/Sorority Life & Council Goals………………………………………………………………….6

Roles and Expectations (Pages 7-10)

Role of Advisor………………………………………………………………………………………………….7-10

What Does Your Organization Need and Expect From You?............................................10

Policies (Pages 11-17)

Laws, Policies, and Hazing…………………………………………………………………………………11-17

Overview of University Policies and Programs…………………………………………………….11-12

Handling Emergency Situations………………………………………………………………………..13-14

Hazing…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15-17

State of North Carolina Hazing Law……………………………………………………………………….17

Resources (Pages 18-24)

Additional Resources……………………………………………………………………………………….18-24

Registration and Recognition……………………………………………………………………………18-23

Quick Campus Resources……………………………………………………………………………………...24

Western Carolina University Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor Manual 2

 Welcome to Western Carolina University Greek Life!

Thank you for all you do as a Chapter/Faculty/Staff Advisor in helping our students and

fellow Greek community here at Western Carolina University. Without your

commitment, the growth of the chapters and Greek community would not be possible.

This “handbook” is an ever-evolving process that will continue to grow, update, and

improve as our Greek community does. Please do not hesitate to give your feedback on

the content provided, your needs as the advisor, or other ideas you may have.

It is our hope that the information provided here can be of assistance to you in your role

as advisor for one of our Greek chapters here at Western Carolina University.

Respectfully,

Linda (LC) Carmody

Linda (LC) Carmody

Interim Director of Greek Student Engagement & Development

Western Carolina University Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor Manual 3

 Fraternity and Sorority Life

See our website at: gogreek.wcu.edu

Western Carolina University is proud of its Greek community, which currently has

Twenty-Two (22) chapters, three (3) Greek organization councils, and two (2) Greek

Organization societies. These are listed below:

Western Carolina University Greek Community Councils/Organizations

Interfraternity Council (IFC) National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC)

Panhellenic Council (CPC) Order of Omega

GAMMA

Western Carolina University Greek Chapters

Sororities (8 Total):

Alpha Chi Omega (CPC) Delta Sigma Theta (NPHC)

Alpha Gamma Delta (CPC) Delta Zeta (CPC)
Alpha Kappa Alpha (NPHC) Phi Mu (CPC)
Alpha Xi Delta (CPC) Zeta Phi Beta (NPHC)
Lambda Pi Chi (NALFO)

Fraternities (13 Total):

Alpha Phi Alpha (NPHC) Pi Kappa Phi (IFC)

Alpha Sigma Phi (IFC) Pi Lambda Phi (IFC)
Delta Sigma Phi (IFC) Sigma Alpha Epsilon (IFC)
Kappa Alpha Psi (NPHC) Sigma Phi Epsilon (IFC)
Lambda Chi Alpha (IFC) Sigma Chi (IFC)
Omega Psi Phi (NPHC) Theta Xi (IFC)
Pi Kappa Alpha (IFC)

Western Carolina University Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor Manual 4

 Greek Community Councils Descriptions

College Panhellenic Council (CPC)

The College Panhellenic Council is the governing body for Western Carolina University’s
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) women’s general social sororities. The College
Panhellenic Council is responsible for the structured recruitment by the sorority
chapters of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) as per NPC guidelines and
Western Carolina University College Panhellenic Council bylaws. CPC structured
recruitment is held the first month (January) of the spring semester as well as the
Continuous Open Bidding (COB) recruitment process in the fall semester.

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing body of Western Carolina University’s
North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) men’s fraternities. These fraternities
are known as general social fraternities. The Interfraternity Council takes the lead on
fraternity chapter expansion for national chapters for the North American
Interfraternity Conference wishing to establish a chapter here at Western Carolina
University. The Interfraternity Council is responsible for the sponsorship and direction
of the formal recruitment weeks happening the first month of the fall and spring
semesters for these chapters.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the coordinating body of the national historically
African American sororities and fraternities. These chapters are classified both as
historically Black fraternities and sororities and as public service fraternities and
sororities.

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 Greek Community Society Descriptions
Order of Omega

The Order of Omega is an honorary national organization for Greek affiliated students
recognizing excellence in leadership, scholarship, character, service to others, and
interfraternal relations. Only a small percentage of fraternity and sorority members are
selected for membership. The Theta Pi chapter of the National Order of Omega was
chartered at Western Carolina University in 1988.

GAMMA

Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol, commonly known as GAMMA,

provides constant and continuous education regarding alcohol/drug use and abuse, rape
prevention, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), stress management, and other health
related issues by taking a proactive approach to solving these problems through
interactive and educational programming.

Spring 2020–Spring 2021 Fraternity & Sorority Life / Council Goals

The goals for each council vary each year with each governing executive board. These
goals change throughout the year as well as when a new executive board is sworn in.
Please meet with your respective council to determine their council goals as well as meet
with your chapter to determine how their goals align with both the governing council
goals and your personal goals as an advisor.

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 Role of an Advisor

Facilitator Model of Relationship

Western Carolina University acknowledges that Recognized Student Organizations

(RSO) are inherently linked to the University due to their role in enhancing education,
representing Western Carolina University, and presenting events that are considered an
integral part of the institution. In order to best support the learning of student leaders in
our community, we have adopted a philosophical approach of partnership and
collaboration with individual students and student organizations as “facilitators” in the
involvement experience.

As “facilitators”, advisors work with administrators, faculty, and staff to support student
organization members and leaders in making intelligent, fair, and reasonable choices
within the boundaries established by federal, state, and local laws; university policies
and rules; and the mission of the sponsoring unit. At Western Carolina University, the
faculty/staff/chapter advisor serves as the primary “facilitator” to Recognized Student
Organizations (RSOs).

Responsibilities of Faculty/Staff and Chapter Advisor

As a constituent to the Western Carolina University, the faculty/staff/chapter advisor

works collaboratively and proactively with students, sharing responsibility for the
organization and its events. Faculty/Staff/Chapter advisors support, guide, and partner
with student organization leaders to ensure fair, intelligent, and reasonable decisions
and actions. It is expected that the faculty/staff/chapter advisor:

• Be knowledgeable of student development theory and philosophy.

• Have adaptive advising styles
• Have interest in the students involved in their organization
• Understand organizational development process and team building
• Be a role model that demonstrates professional, ethical, and positive behavior
• Help students assess interests/abilities, examining goals, and create plans to
meet objectives
• Discuss and clarify educational, career, and life goals
• Reinforce student self-direction & self-sufficiency
• Direct students to other resources when necessary
• Make students aware of other programs and resources
• Ensure appropriate use of the University name and trademarks in conjunction
with the student organization and its activities

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 • Maintain awareness of student organization expenditures, ensuring that
University funds are expended appropriately
• Be an expert in the topic for which the student is engaged

The Meaning of the Word “ADVISOR”

• AWARE – know what is happening with the group at all times (i.e. problems,
dates, function events, etc.)
• DEDICATED – willing to assist the organization when necessary. Enjoys being
associated with the group and is very involved
• VISIBLE – Attend meetings, social functions, and other special activities of the
group
• INFORMED – Familiar with the rules, policies, and regulations of Western
Carolina University and the constitution and bylaws of the organization and be
prepared to render assistance with interpretation of said documents
• SUPPORTIVE – Provides encouragement and praise to group members
• OPEN-MINDED – Willing to consider new ideas and approaches although you
[the advisor] may not fully agree with the ideas and approaches
• RESPECTED – Earned through being trustworthy, honest, and demonstrating a
genuine interest in the welfare of the organization

Roles and Responsibilities of an Advisor

The information below was adapted from the following source:

Dunkel, N.W. & Chrystal-Green, N.E. (2017). Advising student organizations. In Schuh,

J.H., Jones, S.R., Torres, V. (Eds.), Student services: A handbook for the profession (6th ed., pp.

466-483). San Francisco, CA: Josses-Bass

As an advisor, you are a cheerleader and helper. You are the moral conscience and a
keeper of institutional memory that should give reminders and ask critical questions.
Your main function is that of a mentor, supervisor, and an educator.
As a mentor, you should demonstrate enthusiasm for the organization and its mission;
hold a genuine interest in the professional as well as personal development of the
students; have an honest emotional rapport for the students; take the initiative to
expose students to a network of professionals; and take the care to guard students from
taking on too much too soon in their college career.
As a supervisor, there are six (6) components that can be used to ensure effective
advising. These components are team building, performance planning, communication,

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recognition, self-assessment, and formal evaluation. These components are important
when supporting the work of the organization
An educator provides information, presents alternatives, encourages responsibility,
supports creativity, and challenges students to think and grow. Additionally, being an
educator includes listening to interests and concerns; assisting in the identification of
available resources; explaining institutional rules and procedures; challenging
unexamined assumptions, beliefs, and prejudices; and providing emotional support.

Other Areas to Include:

• Advisor should serve as a support for the officers of the chapter and be available
to act as a resource person as well as a sounding board
• An advisor should be a role model to help contribute to the positive image of the
chapter as well as set standards for all members to achieve
• Advisor should be listeners and motivators for all members of their chapters
• Advisor should be aware of the national history as well as local chapter history
and help the chapter in its growth and development to maintain an accurate
historical perspective
• Advisor should help in the officer transition process making sure information,
especially concerning duties and responsibilities, is passed on
• Advisor should work very closely with the chapter on all budget and financial
matters, helping to make sure the chapter stays solvent and pays it bills in a
timely manner
• Advisor should be aware of all “awards” given out for chapters (campus wide,
local, and nationally) and help the chapter to apply as needed
• Advisor should keep themselves up to date with regional and national policies,
conferences, and campus issues
• Advisor should take an active role and interest in the student life of the chapter
members and work with the chapter on their organizational success as well as
individual academic success

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What Does Your Organization Need and Expect From You? Do You Know?

As with any relationship, we often have our own version of what a relationship is or
supposed to be and how we are going to do things. In working with the vast diversity of
organizations, it is important that the organization members and the advisor(s) have a
“working relationship” that is built on a common understanding of what is expected and
what is needed.
Listed below are examples of expectations that student leaders have of their advisor. The
advisor and officers or committee of members should each fill this out independently.
Once filled out, the parties should meet to compare and arrive at a mutual agreement.

Using a Likert scale of 1-5, respond how important each function is:

1 – Not an Advisor role

2 – Would prefer the Advisor not do
3 – Helpful but not a required advisor role
4 – Somewhat an Advisor role
5 – Essential for an Advisor to do

o Attend all general organization meetings

o Attend all executive officer meetings
o Call meetings of the executive officers/committee when the advisor believes to
be necessary
o Explain national policy when relevant to the discussion
o Explain national policies to the general organization membership at least once
per semester
o Have a meeting with the organization president before each general member
meeting
o Help executive officers prepare meeting agenda
o Serve as parliamentarian for the organization
o Speak up in any meeting when relevant information is available
o Speak up in a meeting when they believe the organization is likely to make a
poor decision
o Remain quiet during meetings unless called upon
o Exert their influence with officers between meetings
o Take an active part in formulating organizational goals
o Initiate ideas for discussion when they believe it is beneficial for the
organization
o Attend all organization activities

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 Laws, Policies, & Hazing

Overview of University Policies and Programs

Western Carolina University is growing at a fast pace, and with growth, comes a
stronger need to regulate the activities of our approximately 170 diverse student
organizations. As we continue to grow; policies; forms; and other requirements of our
chapters change each year, which can make effective chapter leading difficult.

All Greek Presidents, chapters, individual members, and advisors have access to the
Fraternity and Sorority website. That website contains general information, Fraternity
and/or Sorority standards, Registration & Recognition reports, and any other current
forms being used within our Greek community. Listed below are some of the policies
and forms chapter leaders often forget or make mistakes in completing. Please take
some time to familiarize yourself with this list, as being informed on potential trouble
areas will enable you to be an even greater asset to your chapter.

In order to maintain Western Carolina University recognition, all student organizations

must submit the following:
1. Must be a Recognized Student Organization through Student Government
Association, which must be renewed each fall semester.
2. An Official Roster to the Office of Greek Student Engagement & Development
each fall and spring semester that is updated throughout the year and includes
information on current advisors (Form available online or in-office).
3. A chapter constitution or bylaws document to the Office of Greek Student
Engagement & Development whenever changes are made.
4. Any new members that accept a bid during the semester must sign a Grade
Release & No Hazing Agreement, which serves as both an on-going grade release
form and an acknowledgment of the no hazing policy at Western Carolina
University. This must be turned into the Office of Greek Student Engagement &
Development before any new member education can take place.
5. A copy of the chapter’s current insurance liability policy within three weeks of the
old policy expiration date. This form is usually obtained from FPIG or your
national office. The chapter will not be allowed to hold events if this is not current
and up to date.
6. Registration and Recognition (R&R) Report. This report is due during the end of
the spring semester in order to assess the organization’s strengths and
challenges.

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Every Registration & Recognition event requires a R&R Event/Program Approval Form,
which may be located on the Greek Student Engagement & Development Engage Page!
Any activity held on campus outside of a regularly scheduled membership meeting
requires an event form be completed at least fourteen (14) business days (Mon-Fri) prior
to the event date. The event form enables the Office of Greek Student Engagement &
Development to know what events are on campus and allows university police to
determine what security needs the event has. These forms can be obtained online. In
some cases, an advisor’s signature may be required. It may also be required of a chapter
to obtain a solicitor’s permit.

Brief Legal Background Overview

While institutions recognize students as adults and appreciate the institutions decreased
liability for student’s actions through the implementation of the in loco parentis
philosophy (i.e. institution acts in place of the student’s parents or legal guardian), they
also acknowledge the need to guide behavior which may expose the institution to
complex liability issues through the advisor of the student organizations. Within the
court systems, it is clear that the advisor is treated as an agent for the university, thereby
indicating the university liability when an incident occurs.

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Handling Emergency Situations

While it is our hope that you [the advisor] and your chapter will never experience a
serious emergency, it is important that you understand your role as a chapter advisor at
such a time. Below are things need to do in the event of a chapter emergency or crisis.

1. STOP! In times of crisis, the brain begins to push adrenaline through the
bloodstream, and it becomes difficult to think clearly and critically. In situations
of crisis, it is important for you to remain calm and in-control. As the advisor, you
are the ROLE MODEL. How you react will set the tone for how chapter members
react in this situation and others. If you are hysterical, they will be as well.
2. Assess the situation. Is anyone currently in danger? Has 911 been called [yet]?
These should be your first questions. The safety and welfare of everyone of
everyone involved are your top priorities in the situation. If chapter members
contact you and 911 has not been called yet, you must do so immediately.
3. Contact the Department of Greek Student Engagement & Development. During
normal business hours (8:00am-5:00pm) at 828-227-3635. After hours call the
University Police at 828-227-7301. Explain the situation and disclose you need a
Student Affairs or Greek Student Engagement & Development Office member.
They will contact you as quickly as possible to assist.
4. Contact your Chapter’s National Headquarters. Your headquarters has members
trained in crisis intervention and will prove a valuable resource to you when
handling the situation. If you are unsure of who to contact after hours, check with
the consultant from the home office, and have the number nearby in case of an
emergency.
5. Inform your Members. This will depend on the situation, but it is usually a
good idea to keep members informed. The grapevine is not the way you want
chapter members to receive bad news as it may get twisted or worded wrongly
and information may become altered. It is always a good policy to instruct
members not to make any statements to anyone other than university officials or
the appropriate authorities. The chapter president, as the group’s spokesperson,
will make any appropriate statement(s) to the media at a time agreed upon by the
University, the chapter, and the National Office.
6. Write it Down. After you have contacted everyone who needs to be informed, you
should take note and write down the names of everyone involved. This includes
but is not limited to all members present during the situation and names of
officials (EMT, Fire Rescue, Police, and University Officials) that assisted. This
information can be a valuable resource at a later time.

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How Do I Handle the Death of a Member?

If the situation is a death, do NOT announce it until a Student Affairs staff member has
arrived to assist. If you are in the deceased’s residence, it is important not to touch or
move any of their personal possessions. Depending on the circumstances, the police
and/or medical staff must provide authorization to move the student’s belongings. Since
many students share rooms, you may want to move roommates elsewhere temporarily.
At a later point, it may be appropriate for you to call the deceased’s parents or legal
guardian to offer your sympathy and sincere condolences.

Who Will Notify Parents and the University?

In the event of a serious incident, the Student Affairs staff, Police, or Medical Staff will
notify the parents and advise them of the situation. DO NOT attempt to notify the
parents or legal guardian yourself.

What Should I do After a Suicide Attempt?

In the instance of a suicide attempt, with or without serious injury, do not assemble your
members or call parents. The crisis services on campus can be reached at 828-227-7301
or the twenty-four (24) hour Smoky Mountain Crisis Center at 1-800-849-6127. The
University’s Student Affairs Staff will discuss with you the appropriate steps in this type
of situation.

How does the Chapter Learn About Emergency Procedures?

Every semester, you as the advisor should make an appearance at a chapter meeting to
discuss crisis management issues, and make sure chapter members are clear on the
steps they need to take in an emergency. Their swift action could be the difference in a
chapter member’s life or death. Check with the National Headquarters. Most offices
have a step by step procedure for members to follow in an emergency. Have a chapter
crisis response strategy available for members. Be sure to review and update it with
members as needed. Make sure it includes a contact list and designates areas of
responsibility.

Western Carolina University Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor Manual 14

HAZING

After all that has been published and televised about hazing, one would think that it
would be a thing of the past in the Greek community. Unfortunately, this just is not the
case. Hazing is all too alive in the Greek community and often times misunderstood by
our chapter members. That is why as an advisor, you must have a firm understanding of
what hazing is, what the signs of hazing look like in your chapter, and what you can do
to stop it when it is encountered.

Hazing has no place in the Greek community. It is wholly inconsistent with the ideals
Greek organizations were founded upon – Ideals we are now in a struggle to reclaim. It
is important that you remain up to date on the chapter’s new member education
program to ensure chapters are educating members in a fashion that is consistent with
their stated values, the university’s code of conduct, and the law. New member
education programs should be focused on learning about the fraternity, the chapter, and
the university. The notion that members need to “earn” their letters through an
extended pledge period, mindless activities, or authoritarian discipline is simply
outdated. Every national organization has made these types of activities illegal as they
do not bring undergraduates any closer to realizing the ideals of their founders. Instead,
they foster resentment and a warped sense of values. How do we expect undergraduates
to learn the meaning of respect from others who show them no respect at all? It defies
logic, but it has become a myth that many undergraduates have come to believe. Putting
a stop to such antiquated notions of “personal development” begins with you.

Be Involved. An advising position is meaningless if you don’t have contact with the
chapter. One of the easiest ways to tell if something is wrong is the members attempting
to keep their advisor at a distance. If there are secret activities or meetings going on
away from you, ask questions. Even if you are not a member of the organization you
advise, ask questions. The only information you are not privy to is the ritual of initiation
that is sanctioned by the inter/national office.

Watch their GPAs. This is a clear sign. The office of Greek Student Engagement and
Development tracks all Fraternal organization GPAs as well as new member class
averages. An effective new member program complements a student’s studies.
Fraternities and sororities are all committed to scholarship as one of their key purposes.
While individual students will have good and bad semesters throughout their college
career, watch the chapter average as a whole for trends. Dropping of grades is an
indicator that new member and chapter activities need to be more scholastically
oriented.

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Observe the Way Active Members Treat New Members. Watch how new members
interact with chapter members. Are they treated with respect or like second-class
citizens? Are new members afraid of actives? While new members will be somewhat
timid in such surroundings, as time goes on, an effective new member program will
reduce strain, not amplify it. New members who are afraid or resentful of active
members have most likely experienced something in their new member programs to
create those feelings. As an advisor, you need to be talking with new members to assess
if there is a problem.

As an advisor, your position on hazing must be one that all chapter members are aware
of. Western Carolina University and the Inter/national office of the organization do not
tolerate hazing of any kind. Neither should you. A chapter that knows the advisor’s
stance about this topic is significantly less likely to disappoint their advisor on this topic
than compared to an advisor who “looks the other way” when activities are going on.

While most undergraduates are aware that hazing is wrong and have heard of the topic,
many simply think of hazing as doing calisthenics and paddling. Hazing can encompass
much more than that. The office of Greek Student Engagement and Development and
Western Carolina University define hazing as “an act which endangers the health or
safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property for the
purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued
membership in a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim
will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral
acts; they are violations of this rule.”

Hazing is not only contrary to an organization’s policies and stated values, but it is a
felony crime in many states, including North Carolina.

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State of North Carolina Hazing Law

§ 14-35. Hazing; definition and punishment. It is unlawful for any student in

attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid
or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. For the purposes of this
section hazing is defined as follows: "to subject another student to physical injury as
part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school
group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar
group." Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor. (1913, c.
169, ss. 1, 2, 3, 4; C.S., s. 4217; 1969, c. 1224, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 19; 1994, Ex. Sess., c.
24, s. 14(c); 2003-299, s. 1.)

§ 14-38. Witnesses in hazing trials; no indictment to be founded on self-criminating

testimony. In all trials for the offense of hazing any student or other person subpoenaed
as a witness in behalf of the State shall be required to testify if called upon to do so:
Provided, however, that no student or other person so testifying shall be amenable or
subject to indictment on account of, or by reason of, such testimony. (1913, c. 169, s. 8;
C.S., s. 4220.)

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Division of Student Affairs Greek Student Engagement &
Development Registration and Recognition Process
Western Carolina University
Academics:
Excellence: 20% of members have a GPA above 3.5 (GSED will provide
documentation) #1 ranking among council organizations (GSED will provide
documentation) 100% of members are in academic good standing with the University
(GSED will provide documentation) (6 Points)
Distinction: 85% of initiated members are in academic good standing (GSED will
provide documentation) 85% of new members are in academic good standing (GSED
will provide documentation)) Chapter has a higher GPA standard for executive
committee (Chapter provides documentation) (4 Points)
Merit Chapter has a chapter semester GPA of 2.50 (GSED will provide documentation)
Chapter has a chapter GPA standard (Chapter provides documentation) Chapter has an
academic program in place (Chapter provides documentation) (2 Points)

Alumni Engagement:
Excellence: Chapter hosts at least three alumni events per year (Chapter provides
documentation) The advisory council meets once per semester (Chapter provides
documentation) (3 Points)
Distinction: Chapter hosts at least 2 alumni events per year (Chapter provides
documentation) Chapter hosts a program to encourage graduating seniors to remain
engaged as alumni (Chapter provides documentation) Chapter demonstrates
appreciation for advisors at least once per year (Chapter provides documentation) (2
Points)
Merit: Chapter hosts at least one alumni event per year (Chapter provides
documentation) The advisory council has a chapter advisor and at least 1 other advisors
in places (Chapter provides documentation) (1 Point)

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Campus Involvement:
Excellence: 90 % of chapter members are involved in another 3 registered student
organization, athletic team, Resident Assistant, other campus employment, intramural
team member. 90 % attend 8 campus events per semester for a total of 16 per year.
Events include athletic events, Degree Plus events, Educational programs, programs
sponsored by other fraternities/sororities, Last Minute Productions programs, Arts and
Cultural Events, Resident Assistant programs, chapter educational programs. Members
must stay for the entire event. (3 Points)
Distinction: 75 % of chapter members are involved in another 2 registered student
organization, athletic team, Resident Assistant, other campus employment, intramural
team member. 75 % attend 5 campus events per semester for a total of 10 per year.
Events include athletic events, Degree Plus events, Educational programs, programs
sponsored by other fraternities/sororities, Last Minute Productions programs, Arts and
Cultural Events, Resident Assistant programs, chapter educational programs. Members
must stay for the entire event. (2 Points)
Merit: 50 % of chapter members are involved in another registered student
organization, athletic team, Resident Assistant, other campus employment, intramural
team member. 50% attend 3 campus events per semester for a total of 6 per year. Events
include athletic events, Degree Plus events, Educational programs, programs sponsored
by other fraternities/sororities, Last Minute Productions programs, Arts and Cultural
Events, Resident Assistant programs, chapter educational programs. Members must
stay for the entire event. (1 Point)

Chapter Development & Education:

Excellence: 85% of members attend one campus hosted leadership development event
(Chapter provides documentation) 95% of chapter members attend eight educational
programs per year (Chapter provides documentation) Chapter partners with 2 other
sorority/fraternity organizations to sponsor a developmental/educational program
(Chapter provides documentation) 90% of chapter members utilize Degree Plus (GSED
will provide documentation) 100% of chapter members utilize Engage (GSED will
provide documentation) Chapter hosts a campus wide educational program (Chapter
will provide documentation) (3 Points)

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Distinction: Members attend two developmental/educational programs per month
(Chapter provides documentation) Chapter facilitates two developmental/educational
programs per month (Chapter provides documentation) Chapter gets feedback from
chapter members on the programs they would like to have presented or attend (Chapter
provides documentation, this may be the meeting minutes where this topic is discussed)
75% of chapter members utilize Degree Plus (GSED will provide documentation) 75% of
chapter members utilize Engage (GSED will provide documentation) (2 Points)
Merit: Each member attends one developmental/educational program per month
(Chapter provides documentation) Chapter facilitates one developmental/educational
program per month (Chapter provides documentation) 50% of chapter members utilize
Degree Plus (GSED provides documentation) 50% of chapter members utilize Engage
(GSED provides documentation) (1 Point)

Chapter Leadership & Operations:

Excellence: Chapter goals determined by feedback from chapter (Chapter provides
documentation) Chapter presidents meet with GSED once per month (GSED provides
documentation) (3 Points)
Distinction: Chapter has training for committee chairmen/women (Chapter provides
documentation) Chapter goals are created with committee chairs and appointed officers
(Chapter provides documentation) Executive committee shares goals with the chapter
(Chapter provides documentation) Chapter president meets with GSED once per
semester (GSED provides documentation) (2 Points)
Merit: Chapter conducts officer training/transition (Chapter provides documentation)
Chapter has weekly executive committee meetings (Chapter provides documentation)
Chapter executive committee creates chapter goals and has a plan to achieve these goals
(Chapter provides documentation) Chapter updates bylaws annually (Chapter provides
documentation) Chapter officers attend their organizations annual/biannual meetings
(Chapter provides documentation) Chapter president meets with GSED once per
academic year (GSED will provide documentation) (1 Point)

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Finance:
Excellence: 100% of members pay their bills on time (Chapter provides
documentation) (3 Points)
Distinction: 90% of members pay their bills on time (Chapter provides
documentation) Chapter has a program about the annual budget and presents this to
the chapter (Chapter provides documentation) (2 Points)
Merit: Chapter is in good financial standing with their Inter/National headquarters
(Chapter will provide documentation from their headquarters) Chapter has an annual
budget (Chapter provides documentation) 85% of members pay their bills on time
(Chapter provides documentation) Chapter has consequences for members who do not
pay their bills on time (Chapter provides documentation) (1 Point)

Membership:
Excellence: 100% of new members make a 3.5 or higher during their first semester
(GSED provides documentation) (3 Points)
Distinction: 90% of new members make a 3.0 or higher during their first semester
(GSED provides documentation) Chapter initiates 100 % of new members (Chapter
provides documentation) (2 Points)
Merit: All new members attend New Member Education day (GSED provides
documentation) Each new member makes a 2.5 GPA during their first semester (GSED
provides documentation) The chapter follows their New Member Education program
(Chapter provides documentation) The chapter is not sanctioned for membership
recruitment violations or hazing charges by either their Inter/National headquarters or
the University (GSED provides documentation) (1 Point)

Philanthropy & Service:

Excellence: 85 % chapter completed more than 8 service hours per individual
member, these are nontransferable (Chapter provides documentation) 85% chapter
participated in 4 other Sorority/Fraternity philanthropy/service events (Chapter
provides documentation) 85 % chapter participated in a service program for the
University (GSED provides documentation) (3 Points)

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Distinction: 65 % chapter completed 5 service hours per individual member, these are
non-transferable (Chapter provides documentation) 65 % chapter participates in 3 other
Sorority/Fraternity philanthropy/service events (Chapter provides documentation) (2
Points)
Merit: 45 % chapter participates in 2 other Sorority/Fraternity philanthropy/service
events (Chapter provides documentation) 45 % chapter hosts 2 philanthropy/service
events per academic year (Chapter provides documentation) 45 % chapter participates
in one philanthropy/service event per academic year (Chapter provides documentation)
(1 Point)

Registration:
Excellence: Updated dues structure and membership requirements are on file with
GSED (GSED provides documentation) (3 Points)
Distinction: Certificate of liability is on file with GSED (GSED provides
documentation) Constitution & Bylaws are on file with GSED (GSED provides
documentation) Advisors are updated annually with GSED (GSED provides
documentation) (2 Points)
Merit: Rosters are updated each semester (GSED provides documentation) Officers are
updated each semester with GSED (GSED provides documentation) The organization
has completed university organizational registration (GSED provides documentation) (1
Point)

Risk Management:
Excellence: Chapter does not receive any risk management sanctions and is not on
probation from the University during the academic year (GSED provides
documentation) Chapter conducts a risk management program covering hazing, alcohol
abuse, sexual assault education/awareness and healthy relationships (Chapter provides
documentation) 50% of chapter participates in National Hazing Prevention Week 50%
of chapter participates in National Alcohol Awareness Week (3 Points)
Distinction: 75% of chapter participates in National Hazing Prevention Week (Chapter
and GSED provides documentation) 75% of chapter participates in National Alcohol
Awareness Week (Chapter provides documentation) (2 Points)

Western Carolina University Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor Manual 22

Merit: Chapter does not receive any risk management sanctions and is not on
probation from the University during the academic year (GSED provides
documentation) Chapter conducts a risk management program covering hazing, alcohol
abuse, sexual assault education/awareness and healthy relationships (Chapter provides
documentation) 50% of chapter participates in National Hazing Prevention Week 50%
of chapter participates in National Alcohol Awareness Week (1 Point)

Bonus Points:
• Chapter sends representatives to Whee Lead
• 1 point per person up to 3 points total Participate in Dance Marathon 1 point
• All members above a 2.0 semester GPA 2 points/semester
• Chapter participates in Tuck River Clean Up 1 point
• Filling house to capacity both semesters 1 point/semester
• Adhering to Village Residential Living policies 1 point/semester

Point Breakdown:
Excellence: 21-30 Points
Distinction: 12-20 Points
Merit: 0-11 Points

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 Quick Campus Resources
828-227-Ext.
www.wcu.edu/discover/contact-wcu/staff-directory.aspx

Assistant Director of Greek Student Engagement & Development

(ext. 2783)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
(ext.7469)
Dean of Students
(ext. 7147)
Department of Student Community Ethics
(ext. 7234)
Health Services
(ext. 7640)
Director of Greek Student Engagement & Development
(ext. 2229)
Graduate Assistant Office of Greek Student Engagement & Development
(ext. 3741)
Greek Student Engagement & Development (GSED) Front Desk
(ext. 3635)
Residential Living
(ext. 7303)
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
(ext. 7147)
University Police
(ext. 7301)
University Police (EMERGENCY)
(ext. 8911)

Western Carolina University Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor Manual 24