Policies and Procedures

 Click on the image above to access our Policies and Procedures Manual (PDF). 

Assembly Bill 524:

The Campus-Recognized Sorority and Fraternity Transparency Act (AB 524; Sections 66310-66312 of California Education Code) requires each institution of higher education to include in the institution’s requirements for campus recognition of a campus-recognized sorority or fraternity, as defined, a requirement that the sorority or fraternity submit to the institution on or before July 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, specified information concerning the sorority’s or fraternity’s members and their conduct.

The bill would require each institution with sororities or fraternities to compile and maintain the collected information into a publicly accessible report posted, and archived, on each respective campus’ Greek Life internet homepage.

A requirement that the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity shall submit to the institution on or before July 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, all of the following:

• The number of active members in the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity
• The number of new members added to the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity
• The average grade point average of the membership of the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity
• The number of community service hours the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity competed as an organization
• The total amount of money fundraised by the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity
• The current recognition status of the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity, as determined by the institution
• The current conduct stats of the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity, as determined by the institution
• The addresses of all chapter houses affiliated with the campus-recognized sorority or fraternity
• The location, date, and time of any sanctioned event
• Any additional information the institution may require

A “Sanctioned event” means any event in which one of the following occurs:

• The institution deems the event to be sanctioned by a fraternity or sorority according to their campus policies and practices.
• The name of a campus-recognized sorority or fraternity or participating sorority or fraternity is used to market or publicize the event.
• The name of a campus-recognized sorority or fraternity or participating sorority or fraternity is displayed at the event.
• Official funds of a campus-recognized sorority or fraternity or participating sorority or fraternity are used for the purchase and reimbursement of food, beverages, supplies, venue-related costs, publicity, party rentals, damages or cleanup fess, or any other costs associated with the event.
• A campus-recognized sorority or fraternity or participating sorority or fraternity, or a benefactor officially affiliated with the sorority or fraternity, receives any portion of funds raised from attendance fees, ticket sales, or other forms of admission fees associated with the event.

A requirement that any campus-recognized sorority or fraternity that does not comply with the above lists be suspended from campus recognition.

Procedure:

The following provides information on the procedure for ensuring that campus-recognized fraternities and sororities meet the requirements of Assembly Bill 524 (AB524) at California State University, Chico.

For a detailed report view the AB524 Annual Reports

Recognition status is granted at the beginning of the Fall semester and continued recognition is granted every Spring semester. Recognition Training is held during the Sunday before the start of the Fall semester. The following outlines the recognition requirements:

Recognition Statuses:

Recognized:

• Granted to a chapter that has completed ALL Recognition requirements.
  • Chapter is able to be fully functioning and able to participate as a recognized social fraternity/sorority.

Contingent Recognition:

• Granted to a chapter that has not completed ALL Recognition requirements and has limitations in chapter activity.
  • Chapter is unable to be fully functioning and will have limitations to participate as a recognized social fraternity/sorority.
• Some limitations include, but not limited to:
  • Social Events
  • Recruitment
  • New Member Process 

Probation:

• Granted to a chapter that failed to complete many Recognition requirements, received a judicial sanction (as determined by the chapter’s perspective council; IFC, CPC, or MGC), or was placed on Contingent Recognition the previous semester and no considerable improvement was shown.
• A chapter that is on *Cease and Desist* refers to a chapter that is currently going through an investigation with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities due to hazing allegations or other egregious behavioral concerns.
  • Chapter is still recognized by the university.
    • Chapter is able to participate in Business Only activities.
    • Limitations include, but not limited to:
      • FSA sponsored events.
      • Council specific events
      • Socials
      • Formals
      • Greek Intramurals
    • Chapter is able to participate in the following:
      • Philanthropy Events
      • Community Service
      • Fundraisers
        • Pending review by a national representative and FSA.
      • New member/intake process
        • Pending review by a national representative and FSA. 

Provisional:

• Granted to chapters due to low membership or organizations going through the expansion/re-instatement process.
  • For more information refer to the IFC/CPC/MGC Expansion Documents.
  • Chapter is still recognized by the university.

Suspension:

• Granted to a chapter that has failed to complete the recognition requirements, received a judicial sanction, or was placed on Probation the previous semester and did not show improvement.
  • Chapter is unrecognized by the university.
    • A specific amount of time may be allotted for the chapter to be eligible to regain recognition status.
  • Chapter under suspension forfeits the following:
    • Use of campus facilities for meetings and events
    • Programming and leadership development training and materials from Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
    • Involvement in the Interfraternity Council (IFC), College Panhellenic Council (CPC), and/or Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) events/socials.
    • Involvement in Greek community events, including, but not limited to; Greek Week, Leadership events, Wildcat Welcome Events, and other FSA/SLL sponsored events.
    • Ability to participate in official recruitment new member education/intake process.
    • Utilize the tabling resources, which include:
      • Tables
      • Chairs
      • EZ Ups
      • Speakers
      •  
    • Suspension due to low membership:
      • All recognized organizations MUST have a minimum of five (5) currently enrolled undergraduate Chico State students.
      • Failure to meet this requirement must provide the following to FSA:
        • Membership sustainability action plan submitted by HQ and signed by the chapter advisor.
        • Recruitment assessment
        • Three-semester recruitment plan
        • Adherence to Chico State recognition policy
        • Chapter cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
        • Go through re-recognition process through council specific Re-Instatement Process and SLL Recognition training.

Chapters placed on probation or suspension due to judicial violations are reviewed and sanctioned case by case. All conduct related issues are processed and filed through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Event Management:

The following provides the steps on reporting any sanctioned event that the campus-recognized fraternity or sorority host throughout the academic year. 

General Meeting:

1. Create an Event on CatsConnect using the Event Process.
2. Visit the WLC in BMU 220 to speak with an Involvement Coordinator (IC) to reserve desired location(s):
   1. Meeting space
   2. Tabling space
      1. IC’s will provide a map of the available and campus-wide tabling spots.
   3. Recognized fraternities and sororities can reserve equipment for tabling through the department of Student Life and Leadership (SLL), including:
      1. Tables
      2. Chairs
      3. EZ-Ups
      4. Speakers
   4. Recognized fraternities and sororities are able to reserve space in the Bell Memorial Union (BMU) by connecting with the Associated Students (AS) Conference Services in BMU 213.
      1. The BMU does not allow outside food other than AS Catering to be served in BMU meeting rooms.

Special Events:

1. Create an Event on CatsConnect using the Event Process.
2. Book a meeting with the respective Paraprofessional for your chapter.
   1. Upon the meeting, the Paraprofessional will assist the chapter in determining what paperwork/documents are needed for a successful event.
      1. Some paperwork may include the following:
         1. Risk Management Forms
         2. Food Serving Form
         3. Facilities Event Reservation Form (FERF)
         4. AS Catering support

Guidelines for All Types of Chapter Functions

 Chico State Fraternities and sororities must take steps to ensure the safety of all event attendees. Chapters are expected to follow all state/local laws and university policies when planning any type of event. Chapters should also comply with all (inter)national organization policies and FIPG Risk Management Policy (the official risk management guidelines for the Chico State Greek Organizations). When planning social events of all types, chapters are encouraged to consider the implications of event advertising and theme. All advertising should be posted in accordance with all university policies.

Alcoholic Beverages at Events:

• The following additional guidelines apply to any chapter-sponsored event where alcohol is present:
•  

1. Chapter advisor MUST be present for the entire duration of the event.
2. When an event utilizes a third-party vendor, the host chapter(s) MUST inform the third-party vendor that their business is responsible for the following:
   1. Providing proper licensing by the appropriate state or local authority.
      1. This might involve a liquor license and a temporary license to sell on the event’s premises.
   2. Agreement in writing to cash sales only, which is to be collected by the vendor during the event.
      1. Drink specials and chapter-subsidized drink specials are not permitted.
   3. Establish in writing that all precautions and procedures taken during regular business hours will also be taken during the chapter-sponsored event.
   4. Checking for legal drinking age (21 years or above) and marking those of legal drinking age with a wristband.
   5. Not serving minors.
   6. Not serving individuals who appear under the influence.
   7. Maintaining control of the distribution of all alcoholic beverages.
   8. Removing all remaining alcohol at the end of the event (no excess alcohol is to be given or sold to the chapter) from the premises.
   9. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased with chapter funds.
   10. No chapter members may provide alcoholic beverages to members or guests by selling tickets or cups, charging event admission fees, taking up a collection (passing the hat), or using other direct or indirect means of collecting monies from persons attending chapter functions.
   11. No members or guests, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve, or sell alcoholic beverages to any individual under the legal drinking age.
   12. The purchase or use of bulk quantities or familiar sources of alcoholic beverages (e.g., kegs, cases, etc.) is prohibited.
   13. No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any host chapters, groups, or organizations.
   14. Snacks and alternative non-alcoholic beverages must be made available.
   15. No-cost or low-cost alcohol may not be used as an enticement to attend events. Additionally, alcohol or alcoholic products may not be used as prizes, awards, or giveaways at events or programs.
   16. In no case will events with alcohol be treated as a fundraiser by chapters, as charging at the door for alcohol-related events exposes the branch to the most significant level of liability.
   17. Open parties (not adequately reviewed by FSA) are prohibited.
   18. Guests on the list must present a valid, government-issued ID before entering the event.
   19. Alcohol distribution must end one hour before the end of the event.

Community Service Hours

All campus-recognized fraternities and sororities must submit their community service hours through the campus engagement platform, CatsConnect. Presidents and Treasurers are trained semesterly on the process to submit their community service hours for the organization.

Fundraising Moneys

All campus-recognized fraternities and sororities must submit their fundraising moneys amounts through the CatsConnect end of year form, made available on the 12-15^th week of the Spring semester.

Anti-Hazing Policy: Stop Campus Hazing Act

The Stop Campus Hazing Act was passed into federal law in January 2025 and requires institutions to report all hazing incidents and be made public in concordance with the Clery Act Reporting.

Definition of Hazing – Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

The term ‘hazing’, for purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents under paragraph (1)(F)(iv), means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that –

• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic time), of physical or psychological injury including –
  • Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law”.

California State University, Chico has a Zero Tolerance policy to hazing and any reports with allegations to hazing will be investigated through the office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs will cooperate, but will not be involved in any investigations being conducted other than providing relevant information.

1. All forms of hazing are prohibited. 
2. All reports of hazing against any person associated with any recognized fraternity or sorority organization will prompt an organizational investigation conducted by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
3. Any individual reported to be associated with hazing practices could potentially face separate sanctions from the Office of Student Rights, and Responsibilities. 

Procedure:

Hazing and Other Behavioral Conduct Process: 

The following steps are a guide and NOT a set process as multiple factors can impact the process itself. Each case is unique and can result in a different process and different outcomes. The process listed below is meant to serve as a general guide. For more information on the process, please visit the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Website

1. When an allegation about a student and/or hazing incident is made via incident report, The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) reviews the incident report for violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
   1. If the report does not contain allegations of a conduct and/or policy violation the case of conduct will conclude.
   2. If the report contains allegation of a conduct and/or policy violation, OSRR will send a Notice of Conference letter to the reporting student and/or students identified in the report.
2. An organization’s leaders and members may be subject to a Notice of Conference if an allegation is made regarding the actions on an organizational level.
3. OSRR holds informal conference with student and investigates the report.
   1. This process may take up to 40 days (timeline is subject to change depending on the gravity of the report itself).
   2. If the student(s) and/or organization is found not responsible for the conduct and/or policy violation, the case of conduct will conclude.
   3. If the student(s) is found responsible for the conduct and/or policy violation, OSRR sends an Outcome of Investigation letter to the student(s) and/or the organization with a resolution or sanction.
4. Outcome of Investigation Letter is sent to student(s) and/or the organization with a resolution or sanction.
   1. If the resolution or sanction is accepted by the student(s) and/or organization, the case of conduct will conclude.
   2. If the resolution or sanction is not accepted by the student(s) and/or organization, a formal hearing will be held.
      1. The hearing officer will review all evidence presented and then will submit a recommendation of sanction to the president.
   3. Following a formal hearing, a resolution or sanction will be given, and the case of conduct will conclude. 

Executive Order 1068: (EO 1068)

Executive Order 1068 is a policy that comes directly from the CSU Chancellor’s office that outlines requirements for any and all student organizations at individual campuses.

This policy establishes systemwide policies, procedures, and guidelines for student organizations and activities. All provisions in this policy are expected to be implemented by the 2023-2024 academic year. Campuses are authorized to set earlier implementation timelines for any of the provisions. California State University Chico holds recognition training once a year during the Fall semester of each academic year.

A campus’ recognition of a student organization in accordance with the policy or administration of funds generated by the student organization does not express or signify that the campus approves or endorses the organization’s goals, activities, or points of view, or that the campus supervises or otherwise controls the student organization or its activities.

• For further information on the requirements click on the link below:
  • Executive Order 1068

Requirements for Recognition

University-recognized fraternities and sororities must comply with the following requirements and the Student Organization Policies as determined by EO 1068 (in detail further in this handbook):

Standing Requirements for Recognized Fraternities and Sororities at California State University, Chico per FSA policies and EO 1068 to become compliant are as follows:

1. Must have a faculty/staff advisor.
2. Must have an alumni or local chapter advisor.
3. Must maintain a membership of five (5) members at minimum by the Annual Re-Recognition Training in the Fall
4. Must belong to one of the following recognized University Greek councils and adhere to all the governing council’s rules and regulations.
   1. College Panhellenic Council (CPC)
   2. Interfraternity Council (IFC)
   3. Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
5. Must ensure any chapter facility/house is alcohol and substance free.
6. Must have a chapter average GPA of 2.5 each semester (calculated by the term GPA of each active member from the most recent semester)
7. MUST have faculty/staff advisor complete the FSA Advisor Training each academic year.
8. Must have an advisor check-in meeting with the FSA professional staff once per semester.
9. 100% attendance of newly initiated members at Go Greek 101 each semester.
10. Attendance of all mandatory meetings and trainings hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Affairs and/or the university.
11. 100% of chapter membership in attendance at Fraternity & Sorority Affairs All Member Training.
12. Chapters MUST host at least one alcohol and drug education workshop for chapter members annually.

A chapter that fails to complete all requirements may be subject to Contingent Recognition, Probation, or loss of Recognition and/or Suspension.

Requirements for Re-Recognition:

All currently recognized social Fraternities and Sororities MUST complete the annual re-recognition process to maintain their recognition status with California State University, Chico, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and Student Life and Leadership. Per Executive Order 1068, student members holding the following positions MUST complete the annual Re-recognition training. Other executive board members may be required.

1. President
2. Treasurer or member holding similar position, but with different name, i.e.:
   1. Vice President of Finance

All materials listed below MUST be brought and submitted by the Re-recognition Training date:

1. Complete any facility use agreement form including but not limited to:
   1. Bell Memorial Union (BMU) Use Agreement Form
      1. Given during recognition training.
   2. Chapter’s Constitution/Bylaws
      1. Constitutions are public documents and do not usually reference any rituals or private information regarding the chapter values.
      2. MUST be submitted via CatsConnect Re-Recognition link; to be done during re-recognition training.
   3. All organizations are to submit their national organization’s Hazing Policy.
   4. All organizations are to submit their national organization’s Drug and Alcohol Policy.
   5. Must have all necessary officers attend the Officer Re-recognition Training before the start of the Fall semester.
      1. President
      2. Treasurer
         1. or member holding similar position, but with different name.
      3. Vice President of Recruitment
         1. or member holding similar position, but with different name.
      4. New Member Educator
         1. or member holding similar position, but with different name.

All currently recognized fraternities and sororities MUST submit and complete the following paperwork on a semester basis to maintain recognition:

1. Electronic Signature on the CatsConnect Policies and Procedures form to confirm the review and acceptance of the Fraternity & Sorority Affairs Policies, and Procedures.
   1. All members holding executive board/ executive officer positions for their chapter must provide an electronic signature.
   2. In case of officer transition in the middle of an academic year, new officers must provide their electronic signature no longer than 1 month after appointment to their new role.
2. Roster Updates and Management 
   1. If a chapter utilizes ICs for roster management, all rosters must be updated on ICS to reflect active members for the upcoming semester.
   2. No member should be removed entirely from a roster unless the member has been officially removed from the organization. If an active member is no longer active for the upcoming semester, their status should be updated to reflect their accurate membership (ex. Active member changed to alumni, inactive member, studying abroad, etc.)
   3. If a chapter does not utilize ICS for roster management, an updated list of active members for the upcoming semester MUST be submitted to the office of FSA via CatsConnect.
   4. Additional roster updates may be required for recruitment purposes in which the chapters involved will be notified in advance.
3. Organizations MUST update their contact information and chapter description on their respective CatsConnect pages by the start of each year including:
   1. Contact information for chapter president, treasurer, and executive officers in charge of membership recruitment.

1. 1. Contact information for faculty/staff advisor.

Following submission of these materials, chapters must send the required members and/or executive officer(s) to the following mandatory meetings/trainings:

1. The annual Student Life and Leadership Re-Recognition training

1. Annual Re-recognition training will take place Sunday before the start of the semester.

1. 1. The following officers are required to be in attendance for the Fall Re-recognition training:

1. President
2. Treasurer
   1. or member holding similar position, but with different name.

• Vice President of Recruitment
  1. or member holding similar position, but with different name.

1. New Member Educator
   1. or member holding similar position, but with different name.
2. The annual Fraternity & Sorority Affairs All-Member Training

1. 1. This event will be hosted every Spring semester.
   2. 100 % of all chapter membership is required to attend.
   3. Failure to obtain 100% of membership will result in risk of chapter’s recognition status.

3. Fraternity and Sorority Affairs will host monthly meetings in which the required officers to be in attendance will change based on the options discussed. The following topics per monthly meeting may include and are not limited to (in no particular order):

1. 1. Recruitment Policy Reviews and Tools
   2. Financial Tools
   3. Academic Excellence and Success
   4. Leadership Development

A chapter that fails to complete all requirements may be subject to Contingent Recognition, Probation, or loss of Recognition and/or Suspension. Chapters that have received hazing allegations with substantial evidence (as determined by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities) will be placed on a Cease and Desist*.

Executive Memorandum 024-026:

It is the goal of California State University, Chico to support the existence and activities of student organizations that are consistent with the mission of the university.

 To ensure the student organizations support the University’s mission, while meeting its other commitment to be accountable and fiscally responsible, the following structures are required of student organizations and must be communicated to the Student Life and Leadership (SLL) Department at least annually, and whenever a change occurs. Student Life and Leadership is a resource for information of each of these provisions.

For the full EM click on the link below.

• Executive Memorandum 024-026 (PDF)

Additional Requirements for Social Fraternity and Sorority Organizations

University recognized fraternities and sororities must also comply with the following:

• All members must be enrolled in at least 12 units and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA, at California State University, Chico.
• All chapter houses and chapter events shall be alcohol and drug free; unless events are hosted at a third-party vendor who is licensed by the state to serve alcohol.
• Alcohol is not allowed before, during or after recruitment events.
• Organizations must complete a pre-event planning form, and submit it to Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, minimally five business days prior to any event.
• All chapters with chapter houses must file with Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, within Student Life and Leadership, each fall semester the name and contact information for their landlord, property manager, and/or alumni corporation board.
• All chapters must have a faculty advisor, a chapter advisor, and an active alumni board, and register each of these annually with Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
• All councils must annually submit a recruitment plan to Fraternity and Sorority Affairs that reflects the national standard of values-based recruiting.
• All chapters must belong to a university-sanctioned council.
• Chapter members must sign an academic release form allowing the university to compile their academic record and submit it to the chapter advisor. The chapter advisor will submit the forms for all members to Fraternity and Sorority Affairs by the fifth week of each semester.
• Chapters must have their new members attend the new member education workshops available throughout each semester.
• Recruitment Policy: In order to be authorized by the university to recruit new members, the organization must be in compliance with the policies above and must:
  • Obtain university recognition (see above)
  • Only recruit new members who are full-time (at least 12 units) Chico State students, and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5
  • All returning members must be enrolled in at least 12 units at California State University, Chico, and maintain a cumulative campus grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
  • Each chapter must maintain a chapter average grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 each semester
  • Only recruit seniors, juniors, sophomores, and second-semester freshmen
  • Begin recruitment after the third week of classes
  • Require attendance at the FSA Potential New Member (PNM) Informational Session that occurs during recruitment week
  • Complete new member programs by the end of the eleventh week of the semester
  • Initiate new members by the end of the twelfth week of the semester (Extensions may be approved by the VPSA for extraordinary purposes)
  • Require new members to complete an application including: Name, Student ID, and Signature authorizing the university to release their academic standing and GPA to the FSA chapter and/or council for scholarship evaluation purposes.
• First-time, first-semester to college students are not eligible to join a social Fraternity or Sorority organization.
  • Transfer students that have taken 12 units and have a cumulative GPA of a 2.5 are eligible

Title IX Policy: Chico State

There are different policies within Title IX, below is list of specific policies that deal with issues surrounding Title IX.

Rights & Options for Victims

• Rights and Options for Chico State Victims of Sexual Violence, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking (PDF) (PDF)

Nondiscrimination Policy

• CSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation(opens in new window)   Revised November 1, 2024
• Sanctions on Offfenders 

Notice of Nondiscrimination

• Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex (PDF) (PDF)

The primary goal is to help people who have experienced harm.  If you would like to report sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, you can submit a report below.

• For further information on the requirements click on the link below:
  • Title IX

National and/or International Headquarters Policies:

Each Recognized Social Fraternity and Sorority are governed by their national or international headquarters and are required to follow their policies, procedures, processes and other rules and regulations as stated in their own Constitution/Bylaws.

Each Recognized social fraternity and sorority national office is governed by national organizations that function as councils that oversee national organizations. Such councils provide support and resources for their member organizations.

 Interfraternity Council (IFC)  -National Interfraternity Conference (NIC)

College Panhellenic Council (CPC) - National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)

Multicultural Greek Council (MGC): This council does not have one specific national governing organization.

• National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO)
• National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC) 

Good Neighbor Guidelines:

Chico State encourages all student residents within the Chico community to live up to the tenets of the following Good Neighbor Guidelines. Like all residents, students are expected to conduct themselves as mature and responsible members of the Chico and University communities. As such, they are responsible for upholding all state and city laws ordinances, especially those relating to noise, traffic, parking, zoning, and consumption of alcohol. In addition, as responsible members of society, fraternities and sororities are expected to foster an atmosphere which nurtures positive educational pursuits, the development of understanding and tolerance of those with different cultural and political points of view, and an environment that encourages responsible behavior in the community.

The good neighbor guidelines address the following areas:

• Upkeep and Beautification
• Traffic Safety and Parking
• Neighborhood Relations
• Alcohol and Other Drugs

The following guidelines are consistent with the educational role of the University, the rights and needs of all residents, standards of common courtesy, and are directed toward encouraging and maintaining positive neighbor relationships.

Upkeep and Beautification

Students and their pertaining membership to a fraternity or sorority are expected to maintain a safe, clean, and attractive environment for the health and well-being of their members, guests, and neighbors. Specifically students will:

• Maintain the property in accordance with all fire, health, zoning, building, and safety codes.
• Maintain lawn and landscaping on a regular basis.
• Dispose of litter, trash, and garbage on a regular basis in an appropriate manner.
• Ensure any litter or trash is removed from the neighborhood no later than noon, the day following an event.

Traffic Safety and Parking

In order to maintain community safety in regard to residential neighborhood traffic and parking, students and their respective fraternity/sorority organization are expected to:

• Comply with the laws of the City of Chico and the State of California and hold invited guests to the same standard of conduct.
• Adhere to all parking regulations, and refrain from violation, such as blocking neighbors’ driveways, public alleys, and sidewalks, which are violations of the law.
• Give priority to traffic safety and educate household members and guests about neighborhood parking restrictions and encourage safe and responsible driving.
• Make provisions for guest parking for all events.
• Prohibit household members and guests from parking on lawns and other landscaped or unsurfaced areas at all times.
• Educate household members and guests to arrive quietly and to depart in the same manner to avoid disrupting the neighbors.

Neighborhood Relations

Students and their respective organizations will:

• Foster and maintain good community relations and cooperation with neighbors and authorities.
• Consider holding large social functions away from the private residences at facilities of sufficient size to accommodate the crowd, especially when alcohol is served.
• Be responsible for their conduct and encourage admitted guests to adhere to the same standard.
• Observe quite hours after 10:00pm (or Chico limit) with a limited number of events taking place on contiguous weekends.
• Respect the rights of neighbors and follow existing laws and ordinances.
• Take active steps to prevent damage to neighbors’ properties caused by household members and guests.
• Be responsible for damage to neighbors’ properties caused by household members and guests.
• Be responsible for mediating and resolving neighborhood problems in a timely fashion.
• Communicate with neighbors, when necessary, before 9:00pm in a mature and civil manner.
• Use amplified sound only in accordance with the Noise Ordinance. Exterior amplified sound in residential areas is discouraged.
• Encourage hiring private security for large functions when alcohol is served.
• Initiate programs to foster positive attitudes about relations with neighbors, reduction of noise, elimination of alcohol abuse, and elimination of verbal abuse.
• Set reasonable limits on the total number of large events per quarter and for the academic year that will take place at the residence.

Alcohol and Other Drugs 

Students and members of recognized fraternities and sororities will set good examples and will:

• Observe state and local laws governing alcohol and drug use.
• Develop positive attitudes to combat abuse and encourage moderation. Recognized fraternity and sorority Presidents (and other leadership positions) should set good examples.
• Not allow illegal drugs in or around the residence.
• Where possible, sponsor alcohol and drug education programs by national organizations or campus programs.
• Encourage social events where only non-alcoholic beverages are being served.
• Provide, at events where alcohol is served, a variety of accessible non-alcoholic beverages and food.
• Assign non-drinking monitors at all functions where alcohol is served.
• Educate all membership regarding national risk management and insurance policies and hold members responsible where applicable.

 If an event occurs on or near campus, the hosting organizations shall notify the surrounding neighborhood of date and time the event will take place. In addition, contact information should be provided for planning committee members. The surrounding neighborhood shall be cleaned of litter and debris by noon the following day. FSA can and will sanction depending on the severity of the complaint.

For more information on the City of Chico Noise Guidelines, click on the link below. If your organization is unsure of their event noise will cause a complaint, reach out to the FSA Coordinators for support.

• City of Chico Noise Information (PDF)

Conduct Related Procedures:

Student Conduct Procedure:

The following information is meant to serve as a guide to understand the process once an incident report has been received by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR).

In an effort for the FSA staff to serve as advocates, guides, and mentors to all recognized fraternities and sororities at Chico State, OSRR will deal with all incident reports that have been filed using the Incident Report link (which can be found below).

OSRR will then determine the next steps of the process and will analyze the gravity, sensitivity, and timeliness of the report and will connect and update the office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. All student conduct reports are filed using the incident report, which can be found on the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs website.

• To access the report, click on the following link: Report an Incident
  • The following types of concerns can be and are highly encouraged to be filed using the link above:
    • CARE Team Referral– to report a student of concern, a student in need of support, or health & safety concern involving a student. 
    • DHR & Bias Incident Report - to report a concern regarding Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, or Bias-motivated harm.
    • Employee of Concern– to report an employee of concern, employee in need of support, or health & safety concern involving an employee (non-student).
    • Report a Crime– to report a crime or incident to the University Police Department.
    • Student Conduct Referral– to make a behavioral incident, hazing, or other conduct referral (including concerns involving student clubs and organizations).
    • Title IX Incident Report– for reports regarding Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating or Domestic Violence, or Stalking

Complaint Procedure

Chapter or Council Bylaws

1. If a fraternity or sorority cease to abide by its approved Constitution and Bylaws, or the obligations set forth in this manual, the constitution/bylaws of the respective council the chapter is a part of, or any other applicable university rule or policy, Fraternity & Sorority Affairs will conduct a review.
2. Upon review of the complaint, Fraternity & Sorority Affairs may refer and/or work with the complaint with the involved fraternity(s), sorority(s), and respective councils to address the concern. In the case that a complaint violates a constitution or bylaw of the chapter or council, a sanction may be imposed to the chapter from the council it is a part of. Fraternity & Sorority Affairs will work in collaboration with the councils to provide all necessary information.

Program Policy and Procedure        

1. In the case an organization is found to be in violation of Bylaws, Executive Orders and/or Executive Memorandum’s (regarding Student Organizations), department or program processes and expectations, Fraternity & Sorority Affairs will conduct a review of the fraternity’s or sorority’s status.
2. If the fraternity or sorority is found to be in violation of any policy or break any agreed on procedure, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs may impose sanctions against a recognized student organization, including probation or rescission of recognition as deemed appropriate.

Federal, State, University, Local

1. Fraternity & Sorority Affairs will refer any complaints and/or concerns received to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities regarding incidents and/or violations regarding local, state, and federal laws, university/university system wide policy, and/or Title 5, California Code of Regulations.
2. This process may involve a Cease and Desist, for the chapter, pending an investigation. If the evidence submitted warrants an investigation from Student Rights and Responsibilities, Fraternity & Sorority Affairs will work in collaboration to provide any necessary information.
3. Please see student/organization conduct procedure for next steps regarding this process.

For general student organization policies and procedureas, click on the link below. 

SLL Student Organization Policies and Procedures 

If you may have any questions, please email us at fsa@csuchico.edu