Information for Families and Community

Fraternities and Sororities at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

Fraternities and sororities are self-governing student organizations affiliated with the university and a national or local sponsor. Several fraternities and sororities operate zoned residential facilities, although many chapters do not maintain such facilities. The national organization, an alumni house corporation, or a local landlord owns these facilities. First year students are not allowed to move into chapter houses, but a second year student may move into a chapter facility as long as they are an initiated member.  New members (known as “pledges” in earlier days) may spend time at the chapter house but cannot move in as a resident. The University is not responsible for the maintenance or upkeep of these properties. Maintenance of the facilities and the upkeep of the grounds are the responsibility of the local chapter and the sponsoring organization.

The Office of Fraternities and Sororities is the primary campus agency that supervises the fraternity and sorority system. The staff facilitate the interactions between the various agencies and bodies that have interests in the fraternity and sorority system. The Office of Fraternities and Sororities advises the governance structures of the system (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council) and the member chapters that comprise the system. Each chapter and each governing council selects its own officers, who represent the chapter/governing council to various constituencies.

Chapter Houses

Because the chapter houses are located off-campus, they fall under the jurisdiction of the Amherst Public Safety Office (Amherst Police). The Code of Student Conduct does apply to the students who reside in fraternity and sorority chapter houses because the code applies to them through their student status with the university. The Office of Fraternities and Sororities and the Dean of Students Office addresses those incidents that violate the Code of Student Conduct.

Each fraternity and sorority is also subject to the codes and policies of the sponsoring organizations (inter/national body or local Alumni/ae Corporation). Town by-laws and other local regulations also govern the operations of the chapter houses. Amherst Town Inspection Services and the Amherst Fire Department periodically inspect each property to verify compliance with local and state codes. The Office of Fraternities and Sororities assists the chapters with this process.

Social Events

Fraternities and sororities offer an array of activities for its membership, including leadership development opportunities, community service programs, academic support, and social opportunities. In regards to social events, each chapter and governing councils are mandated to abide by the regulations of the University, the Office of Fraternities and Sororities, the Town of Amherst, and the inter/national organizations. Fraternities and sororities are obligated to abide by all policies. In brief, fraternity and sorority social events:

  • must be registered with the Office of Fraternities and Sororities
  • are restricted to chapter membership and their invited guests
  • must not provide alcohol or other illegal substances to guests or members
  • must abide by the guidelines of the various agencies regulating such events

For more information about the policies regulating social events, contact the Office of Fraternities and Sororities at (413) 545-3600

Contact Information

If students, parents, and/or community members have concerns about the fraternity and sorority system, specifically in regards to disruptive behaviors, alcohol, or potential hazing activities, please consider one of the following options:

  • Contact the chapter leadership at the chapter(s) in question
  • Contact the UMass Police Department or Amherst Police Department
  • Contact the Office of Fraternities and Sororities during office hours, Monday through Friday
  • Contact the Dean of Students Office during office hours, Monday through Friday.  https://www.umass.edu/dean_students/ There is a reporting mechanism on the Dean of Students web site.  

For serious concerns or for an immediate response, it is best to contact the police. Both UMPD and APD have contact information for the various chapters and for the staff of the Office of Fraternities and Sororities. For ongoing concerns, contact OFS or one of the governing councils.

PHONE NUMBERS
Office of Fraternities and Sororities 413-545-3600
Dean of Students Office 413-545-2684