University and Fraternity/Sorority Life Policies

Alcohol

As a community of scholars and learners, UAlbany expects those within its community to be responsible with the use of alcohol. This policy shall guide the role of alcohol everywhere on the university’s campus and at all events sponsored by UAlbany organizations, schools, or administrative units. Students, staff, and faculty members are encouraged to learn about the social, physiological, and psychological consequences of drinking and alcohol abuse. Excessive and high‐risk drinking can lead to negative consequences for the UAlbany community, including assault, illness, injury, litter, noise, property damage, and driving under the influence. All members of the UAlbany community share responsibility for creating an environment that limits dangerous drinking behaviors and, therefore, reduces the likelihood of these negative outcomes.

Click here for the University Alcohol Policy

Five-Star Accreditation Program

The five-star accreditation program was modified in the fall of 2019 to improve and advance the Greek community at UAlbany. It is based upon points received, Greek organizations will be able to recognize areas in which they are excelling and areas in which they can continue to improve. There are 5 categories of standards: Academics, Service, Organization Involvement & Leadership Development, Organizational Management and Member Development.

To see a live view of our chapters current score visit here.

NIC Standards

As the needs of fraternity communities and their campuses are constantly changing, these standards call upon standards of fraternity membership. See Expectations for IFC Undergraduate Councils and Affiliate Chapters

NPC Standards

Each NPC member organization is committed to partnering with host institutions for the success of their organizations. To arm the high standards of each organization, the inter/national presidents submit the following as minimum expectations for collegiate chapters. See Expectations for CPH Undergraduate Council and Affiliate Chapters

NPHC Standards

To assist institutions of higher learning across the nation and abroad in understanding the beginnings and function of historically Black fraternities and sororities and the standards governing these organizations, and in a further effort to continue to address issues of mutual concern, focusing on five essential and shared areas, to the NPHC and member organizations (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), these standards have been drafted. See Expectations for NPHC Undergraduate Council and Affiliate Chapters.

NALFO Standards

To assist institutions of higher learning across the nation and abroad in understanding the beginnings and function of historically Latino fraternities and sororities, and the standards governing these organizations, and in a further effort to continue to address issues of mutual concern, focusing on five essential and shared areas, to the NALFO and member organizations these standards have been drafted. See Expectations for LGC Undergraduate Council and Affiliate Chapters.

NAPA Standards

NAPA is a collective group of leaders within the APIA community who work together to advocate, collaborate, and educate our members and constituency for the greater good. We represent our member organizations within the fraternal and university communities. By setting the highest standards of membership, university administrations know that they have a partner in the success of our member organizations’ chapters. When issues arise affecting our community, we are able to mobilize and advocate as one strong, unified voice. See Expectations for NAPC Undergraduate Council and Affiliate Chapters.

Expansion Process

Students or Fraternity/Sororitiy National Representatives looking to establish a chapter at UAlbany must follow the steps below. While processes differ among the sub-governing councils, the procedure generally follows the following pattern. On average, the process may take 3-6 months from application review to receive a final decision.

  1. Reach out to Fraternity and Sorority Life Staff. Email Associate Director Sari Khatib at [email protected] and Assistant Director Lizzy Doyle at [email protected] to inquire. Inquiries must be emailed no later than October 1st to be considered and reviewed for the corresponding academic year. Applications submitted thereafter will be placed on file and reviewed the following academic year.
  2. Please fill out the UAlbany Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) Expansion Application
  3. Associate Director and Assistant Director will review the form in collaboration with the All Greek Council and expansion committee. Will conduct an independent review of each application and jointly determine the application status.
  4. National Representative and interested cohort of students will be invited to campus to meet with key stakeholders. The day will include meeting with the All Greek Council, Dean of Students Office, Office of Student Activities and Orientation Staff.
  5. Official decisions are communicated to the organization’s representative by Associate Director and Assistant Director. Verbal and written decisions delivered by Councils are not final or binding. Approved applicants will be invited to join a Council as an associate charter with the expectation that they will progress to a full chapter within 18 months. Denied applicants are eligible to reapply after one calendar year.

Hazing

Hazing is a serious infraction of university regulations. The potential for hazing typically arises as part of a student’s introduction to or initiation in a university organization (fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or other group) in which there is often a perceived or real power differential between members of the organization and those newly joining it.

Acts or potential acts of hazing may be reported to the Office of Student Involvement (518-442-5566) or Community Standards (518-442-5501). If this matter is an emergency or time-sensitive, please call 911 or the University Police (518-442-3131) immediately.

  • Report Hazing Concern
  • University’s Hazing Policy  
  • Hazing Prevention Course - Hazing Prevention: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility is an evidence-based online course, reflecting best practices established by leading academics studying hazing.  This one-hour awareness and prevention based course teaches students, faculty, and staff how to recognize, prevent and report hazing. Log in with your university NetID and password.
  • More about Hazing
  • Click here for a letter to all students - coming soon!

UAlbany Tailgating

For those who plan to tailgate in the SEFCU Arena and Dutch Quad parking lots, Athletics encourages fans to review the University’s tailgating rules in advance.

Highlights include:

  • The University may limit access to the tailgating lots to those with reserved/paid parking, a valid game ticket and/or student ID. That means campus guests without a ticket or ID may be denied entry to the tailgating lots.

  • All tailgating must end 15 minutes prior to the start of the game

  • All tailgating lots must be vacated 90 minutes after the game ends

The Athletics Department and the University Police Department also want to remind fans that no glass containers of any kind are permitted in tailgating areas. A full list of the University’s tailgating rules is available here.