Fraternity and Sorority Affairs

Programming, Philanthropy, and Service

Assistant Director:

John DiSarro
201 Wilson Commons
E-mail: john.disarro@rochester.edu
Phone: (585) 275-3167

Fraternities and Sororities support the mission of the University of Rochester by enhancing the sense of community within each student through their programming. The members benefit by being challenged and developing skills and competencies that prepare them for success.  The community benefits as a result of programs designed to enrich the social, philanthropic, intellectual, and cultural interests of the community.  As part of a larger community, fraternities and sororities foster the ability of students to work across boundaries by promoting co-sponsorship and planning of programs with diverse groups.

Another important function of Greek-lettered organizations is philanthropy and service. Service to the campus, Greater Rochester area and philanthropic support of local, regional, and national agencies is a goal which all sororities and fraternities at the University of Rochester are proud to share. Each national Greek-lettered organization has a designated philanthropy for which local chapters organize fundraising events. In addition, many chapters give their time to local agencies in support of particular cause or issue. By dedicating themselves to helping others, fraternities and sororities assist their members in the development of moral character and a sense of community. The University of Rochester encourages all student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, to submit their service-related activities to the Rochester Center for Community Leadership. Creating a Service and Philanthropy Activity Record offers the group an opportunity to receive recognition for their service activities, and provides official confirmation of the activities.

Programming for Fraternities and Sororities

Important Programming Forms

These forms are frequently used for Fraternity and Sorority Programs. Contact John DiSarro, the FSA Programming Coordinator, or consult the FSA Program Manual for more information

Programming Updates

View the latest news on fraternities and sororities and look at opportunities to co-sponsor programs.

Commonly Used Resources

Reserving Space
The Wilson Commons Reservation Coordinator can help you reserve space for your event. You can meet with the Reservationist in-person, or complete the room reservation form online with your Campus Club Connection account. This will also add the event to the student organization event calendar. You should reserve a room as soon as you begin planning since rooms are booked up quickly.
Event Support
After reserving space for your event, contact Event Support to plan logistic and technical needs for your event. Event Support Web Site
Food Guidelines
If the food for your event is provided by Aramark then you only need to clear the program with the Programming Coordinator. If you wish to serve food yourself or use a vendor that is not approved, you will need to work closely with the Programming Coordinator and the Sanitarian. The University of Rochester has developed new food guidelines for the 2008-2009 school year. For most events you will need to complete a Temporary Food Event Permit.
Food event guidelines
Temporary Food Event Permit
Buses for non-alcoholic events:
Visit the transportation web site to determine the best mode of transportation for your event. Organizations will most often reserve a bus for their event.
Bus Policy Form
Bus Request Form
Buses to locations serving alcohol:
For complete information about reserving a bus to an alcohol event, visit http://www.rochester.edu/College/dos/transportation/ at the Office of the Dean of Students Website.
In spring 2008 a committee was convened by the Dean of Students to address the growing concerns related to student organizations providing bus transportation to local bars in the Rochester community.

Prior to the implementation of this policy, numerous risk management issues had surfaced including intoxicated students becoming unruly at bus stops, vomiting on the buses, and needing medical assistance upon arrival back to campus. Unruly behavior on the bus was becoming increasingly problematic, and a serious incident prompted the immediate suspension of these bar nights and creation of the Bar Night Review Committee.

The Off-Campus Events - Bar Bus Policy was created by that committee, which consisted of staff and students. The policy was developed after careful benchmarking and review and was designed for student groups to have safe and successful off-campus bar night events.

Student groups may charter bus service to off-campus events through the Office of the Dean of Students. For events at locations whose primary purpose is to serve alcohol, student groups must obtain approval from the Bar Night Review Committee prior to completing any transportation forms.
 

If your event is an over/under event where alcohol is served, you will need to meet additional requirements, including:

  • Completing an agreement form with your adviser
  • Filling out a contract with the host establishment
  • Hiring security to be stationed at the IT Center during the event

Contact John DiSarro for more information about hosting an over/under event.

Physical Activity
If your event includes physical activity there are several safeguards that you can put in place to ensure a fun and safe even. These safeguards include:
  • Require participants to sign a physical activity waiver
  • Have your national headquarters provide appropriate proof of insurance
  • Alert MERT and have them on-call for the event
  • Inform Campus Security of the event
  • Provide appropriate safety equipment

Contact John DiSarro, Assistant Director to discuss what the best available options are.

Event Registration
You should register all large events with the Dean of Students' Office. All events including alcohol must be registered. You should begin planning for events 4 weeks before the planned event date. Visit the Dean of Students web site for more information about registering events.
Social Host Responsibilities
Event Planning Timeline
Advertising and Publicity
Your advertising should be creative and diverse. Here are some college resources that can help with your publicity:
Weekly Buzz
Campus Times
Campus Club Connection (Submit your events for the EE calendar)
Office of Communications Press Release
Email the UR events calendar editor.