Fraternity and Sorority Life

Fall 2020 - Spring 2021 will look different due to COVID-19, and the details below provide insight to fraternity and sorority involvement with health and safety as the primary focus. If you have questions about fraternity and sorority operations, please contact us at FSL@unco.edu. 

The above FAQ video will help members of the UNC Fraternity and Sorority Life community learn more about COVID-19 guidelines as they pertain to reporting a positive case, the importance of reporting, quarantine vs. isolation, and helpful tips and reminders. For more information including where to report, visit the UNC Spring Operations webpage. If you have specific COVID-19 questions, email COVID.response@unco.edu.

• Health and Safety

  We cannot emphasize enough to keep each other's health and well-being the top priority as we head into the semester. If you are aware of individuals or organizations engaging in conduct that threatens the health or safety of members of our community, we encourage you to report that to the Dean of Students Office.

  As a reminder, the Student Code of Conduct applies to all individual students and recognized student organizations (RSOs), both on and off-campus. It's your responsibility to read the Code and know the policies and procedures in it. Students or RSOs who allegedly violate public health orders and/or COVID-specific University policies (including the Mask Policy and social distancing expectations found in the Spring Operations website will be referred to the conduct process.

  FSL members are asked, along with all students and student organizations, to examine operations and make necessary adjustments to chapter programming and events, gatherings, and recruitment/intake to ensure that students can have a fraternity or sorority experience that promotes health and safety. 

  UNC has a variety of resources and information related to Covid-19, which can be found on the Spring Operations webpage. 

  If students believe they have symptoms or have been exposed, they should:

  • Students who live off-campus should stay home if ill and report their illness via the COVID-19 Reporting form
  • Students who live on-campus should remain in their room if ill and report their illness via the COVID-19 Reporting form
  • If a student is sick and needs medical assistance or testing, they should call the Student Health Center at 970-351-2412
  • More information on testing can be found on the How to get tested for Covid-19 webpage. 

  If a student has tested positive or knows others who have tested positive, we ask you to report this information via the Covid-19 Reporting Form. 

  Stay up-to-date on Covid-19 through the following resources

  • UNC Covid-19 Updates
  • Weld County Covid-19 Website (testing information/locations and local guidance)
  • Sate of Colorado Covid-19 Website

  Mask Policy
  

  • The State of Colorado is under a mandatory mask-wearing requirement. The statewide mask order went into effect in July 2020 and continues to remain in place. 
  • UNC requires anyone on campus to wear face coverings at all times while in public or shared spaces.
  • Regardless of location (on or off-campus), masks are required outdoors any time you are around other people—even when those other people are roommates, family members, or loved ones who you live with.
  • Unless you are indoors with only your roommate(s), masks are required at all times. The mandatory mask requirement is in effect even when taking pictures with other people (being inside with roommate(s) is an exemption). View the Covid-19 FSL Social Media Guidelines and Suggestions document for more information. 

  For more information, visit the UNC Covid-19 Prevention webpage. 

  Social Distancing 
  Physical separation is critical in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases.

  • Inside your living space: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If possible, maintain six feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
  • Outside your living space: Place six feet of distance between yourself and people who don't live in your household and wear face coverings or masks that cover your mouth and nose. Remember, some people without symptoms spread the virus. 

  For more information, visit the UNC Covid-19 Prevention webpage.

• Operations

  While the collegiate experience will look different, Fraternity and Sorority Life organizations at UNC will continue to operate. Keeping physical distancing, limitations on gathering numbers, and masks in mind, chapters must consider new and innovative ways to engage with their members and potential new members. 

  Meetings and events must follow University and state/local Covid-19 guidelines (including the mask and social distance policy). If you would like to reserve a space on-campus for your meeting or event, you must request space through Conference and Event Services (CES). Additionally, you will have to submit an indoor Covid-19 checklist or an outdoor Covid-19 checklist to have your meeting or event approved. You are encouraged to fill these forms out before requesting space as the CES Planner will ask for the document when they respond to your request. (Please note the gathering guidelines are subject to change.) 

  FSL Organizations must still register events via the Event Registration Form. 

  While small group in-person meetings may work for some of your chapter operations, please consider how you will engage all members through a virtual setting. 

  If you have questions about meetings/events, please email FSL@unco.edu. 

  Campus operations are also impacted by the county's Covid-19 status. To stay up to date with Weld County's status, you can visit the Colorado Covid-19 Dashboard webpage. 

• Chapter Operations including Events and Gatherings

  All chapter-sponsored events of any kind must adhere to UNC, Weld County, and State of Colorado Covid-19 expectations and guidelines. The health and safety of members, guests, and the community are of the utmost importance. 

  If a meeting or event can be virtual, it should be virtual. We know it is reasonable to want to conduct business in-person; however, please consider ways to move meetings, events, and gathering to a virtual setting. 

  Any event that occurs in-person should keep a lists of attendees (name, date, location, interactions, phone number) in case it is needed for contact tracing.

  Before considering an in-person meeting or event, please thoroughly read the UNC Covid-19 Prevention webpage for more information on the mask policy, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing, and classroom/shared spaces. 

  In addition to following state/local Covid-19 guidelines, most inter/national organizations have issued guidance to their chapters regarding all types of events, including social events and business meetings. Please make sure you understand their expectations for you related to chapter events and programming. 

  Social Events
  The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office must approve all on and off-campus events. On-campus and off-campus events must also be approved by Conference & Event Services. If events are not approved as well as state and local guidelines are violated, students and student organizations may enter into an investigation with the Office of Community Standards and Conflict Resolution (conduct). 

  Due to chapter size, in-person social gatherings hosted by the chapter will likely not be possible for most chapters. Chapters may consider small group interactions that meet the gathering size restrictions. Chapters that wish to host social events at third party venues must work with the FSL Program Coordinator to discuss options and ensure partnership with the venue and event size meet current guidance and public health orders.

  Philanthropy and Service
  Typically philanthropy and service opportunities require more than 10 people present to operate successfully. Because of this, philanthropy and service opportunities will have to be adjusted. However, that does not mean that chapters can't fulfill their organizational purpose of giving back.

  Philanthropy and fundraising events that do not meet public health order expectations and guidance will not be approved. This includes signature events, drop-in events, and most sales (i.e. food sales). Chapters that wish to host percentage nights in partnership with a local business should contact the Program Coordinator for FSL to discuss options and ensure partnership with the venue meets current guidance and public health orders. Chapters are encouraged to host virtual philanthropy/fundraising events and one-on-one/small group service work. As we all move to a virtual platform, there are many creative and unique ways to engage in advocacy and community.

  Chapter, Executive Board, Standards, and New Member Meetings
  Even if under 10 people, when these meetings can be held virtually, they should be.

  Even if a chapter can host an in-person event or meeting, it is important to consider if you should host an event or meeting. Fraternities and sororities should be safe places for students to build community, not a space where members and potential members are at greater risk by their association.

  Every chapter must educate members about events and meeting plans and restrictions for the fall semester. Since individual members can, when interacting with one another, make decisions that reflect on the chapter as a whole, every member must understand their personal responsibility in the current situation and what accountability looks like if expectations are violated. For example, if a group of members that live together off-campus decide to host a social event at their home and a large number of the people in attendance are members of the organization (as well as other FSL organizations), there is a good chance that event would be connected back to the fraternity or sorority. Individual members need to understand their personal accountability and responsibility to not only themselves but also the organization. Please remember if a reasonable person would think you are having an event, that means you are having an event. 

• Intake and Recruitment

  Fraternities and sororities can engage in intake or recruitment efforts. Chapters may interact with potential members in a mostly virtual or small setting that upholds meeting gathering size restrictions and practicing public health behaviors discussed previously. Intake or recruitment events are considered sponsored by the chapter; therefore, all proper forms and registration documents must be submitted. 

• Academic and Wellness Resources

  Academic success is a primary value of all fraternities and sororities. Returning to a hybrid model of in-person and virtual learning can be an adjustment. Chapters must consider how to support their members and engage in programs that promote academic assistance and guidance. 

  Chapters should consider their current academic/scholarship program and determine how it can be adjusted to meet students' needs in virtual formats and through virtual and small group meetings/gatherings.

  In addition to academic support, it is important we take care of each other during this time (and always!). This can come in many forms, including self-care as well taking care of ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Remember, Bears Take Care of Bears!

  Counseling Center
  If you or your friends want to utilize the UNC Counseling Center, they are offering virtual appointments. More information on the Counseling Center's remote services can be found here. 

  Counseling Center virtual drop-in appointments can be scheduled by calling 970-351-2496 or by submitting a request via email to UNCCounselingcenter@unco.edu. 

  University Libraries and Computer Labs
  Both Michener and Skinner Music Libraries are open for their regular business hours. 

  If needed, laptops are available to check out during hold pickup times or any open hours. 

  Campus computer labs will be open for the fall semester for students; however, there is limited space availability and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Computer desks and work-stations have been arranged to adhere to the campus social distancing protocols. Visit the UNC Classrooms and Labs List for more information on computer labs, including hours. 

  Campus Recreation and Personal Training 
  While the campus recreation center is open, students must make a reservation. Visit the Campus Recreation website to learn more and make a reservation. 
  Personal training is available to students.

  Academics and The Center for Career Readiness
  Even in a hybrid setting, UNC offers many Academic Resources to students.  

  The Tutorial Services is continuing to offer virtual services along with the Math Lab and Writing Center. 

  The Center for Career Readiness offers virtual meetings with Career Counselors for deciding on majors and careers, resume and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, and so much more. 

  Disability Resource Center (DRC)
  The DRC provides the University with resources, education, and direct services to design a more welcoming and inclusive environment. Students can contact the Disability Resource Center on their website.

  Assault Survivors Advocacy Program (ASAP)
  The Assault Survivor’s Advocacy Program (ASAP) provides 24-hour crisis response and can meet survivors at any location. ASAP is a survivor-centered resource on campus that provides confidential resources related to sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking.

  UNC Dean of Students
  The Dean of Student's Office offers the following programs and services:
  The Bear Pantry: UNC's Bear Pantry is a collaborative initiative on campus to assist students in our community who are faced with food insecurity. Bear Pantry supplements the food supply for any UNC students experiencing hunger and struggling to buy food. This fall, the Bear Pantry is offering Grab and Go Pick-Up. 
  Student Legal Services: Student Legal Services provides UNC students three free legal consultations each academic year. Mr. Brandon Houtchens, Attorney at Law, is available by appointment only. Call 970-351-2001 to make an appointment. 
  Student Outreach and Support: Student Outreach and Support (SOS) fosters student development, engagement, and success by assisting students during difficult circumstances, which may include medical, mental health, personal or family crisis, illness, or injury. SOS Case Managers coordinate with referral sources, make appropriate referrals, and provide follow-up to address each student's unique needs.
  Share a Concern: To report a concern related to a Student of Concern, General Incident and/or Concern, Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination, Academic Misconduct, University Complaints, and Covid-19 Disclosure, visit the Share a Concern website. 

  Cultural Centers
  UNC is home to Asian Pacific American Student Services, the César Chávez Cultural Center, the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, Marcus Garvey Cultural Center, Native American Student Services, Stryker Institute for Leadership Development, Veteran's Services, and Center for Women's & Gender Equity. Learn more about the Cultural and Resource Centers. 

  Student Health Center
  The UNC Student Health Center is a walk-in clinic conveniently located on central campus in Cassidy Hall. All students are eligible to use the Health Center. The Health Center offers Covid-19 testing. 

  *UNC offers many other resources - please email FSL@unco.edu if you have questions or need assistance being connected to an area on campus.*

• Building Community

  As we come back together knowing we can't gather as usual, it is crucial to continue to keep connections with one another and build community. 

  Finding community and building brotherhood/sisterhood is an essential part of fraternity and sorority involvement. While building community will look different, there are opportunities for new and continuing members to foster friendship and form lifelong bonds that are critical during this time and beyond. 

  A few ideas for virtual or small group engagement are listed below. If you have ideas to add to this list, please share by emailing FSL@unco.edu. 

  • Virtual study hours - use breakout rooms to separate members by major or class subject so that they can study together 
  • Virtual Trivia Nights
  • Virtual Board Game Nights
  • Netflix Parties
  • Virtual Hobby Night for crafting, puzzles, etc. 
  • Take time to have a genuine conversation and check in on each other (maybe a call or FaceTime instead of text)
  • Group workouts or other fun classes/activities 
  • Small group "family" nights for big/little or families
  • Set up Pen-Pals
  • Video Game Tournaments
  • Check out 25 Volunteer Jobs to do From Home 
  • Read Why Building Relationships is Hard Right Now to spark some new ideas of how to connect with one another
  • 44 Ways to Foster Brotherhood & Sisterhood Virtually