Expansion Policy

I. Policy Statement

Auburn University recognizes that a strong fraternity and sorority community is a constructive element of campus life. To be considered for expansion at Auburn there must be substantial evidence that the proposed organization will positively contribute to the Auburn Greek Life community, and to conduct itself in a manner consistent with University, Council, and Greek Life policies and procedures.

II. Policy Principles

This policy outlines the basic requirements for a fraternity or sorority chapter to open/re-colonize/re-organize/re-charter/re-activate at Auburn University. Each council may have specific requirements in addition to the requirements in this document.

III. Effective Date

October 15, 2021

IV. Applicability

This policy governs any Greek-letter organizations that involve any Auburn University student.

V. Policy Management

Responsible Office: Greek Life
Responsible Executive: Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
Responsible Officer: Director of Greek Life

VI. Policy Procedures

Organizations requesting to open/re-colonize/re-organize/re-charter/re-activate chapters at Auburn University must submit a letter requesting expansion of the Greek community with supplemental materials described later in this policy.

Upon receipt of a registration application, the Director of Greek Life, respective staff, and Council members will conduct an initial review. The organization may be asked to provide additional documentation and/or more thorough documentation to support the request for university registration.

Once the entire application has been reviewed, Greek Life will make a final determination and notify the organization of their status. Official start dates will coincide with the beginning of either the fall or spring semester.

  • April 1 – application deadline for organizations wishing to start in the fall semester.
  • October 1 – application deadline for organizations wishing to start in the spring semester.

To ensure that fraternities and sororities requesting registration at Auburn possess the qualifications necessary for a successful organization and for the continued strength of the Auburn Greek Life community, the following standards and procedures shall apply:

  • The organization must be affiliated with a parent organization that must show proof of 10 consecutive years of business operations and have undergraduate chapters (not colonies) at ten or more colleges/universities.
  • The organization must have policies that are congruent with the policies of Auburn University, including Greek Life and the specific council.
  • The organization must comply with all Auburn University, council, and Greek Life policies and procedures.
  • The organization membership must be only Auburn University undergraduate students, enrolled in at least 12 hours.
  • There must be at least five (5) full-time, active, undergraduate members to begin a registered student organization. Following the first year, all registered fraternities and sororities must have at least five (5) full-time, active, undergraduate members (initiates/new members) on the roster at all times.

Required Registration Materials

  • Declaration of Intent: Submit a written letter from the Inter/national President or Executive Director expressing a desire to form an undergraduate chapter at Auburn University
  • Constitution and by-laws of the organization
  • Organization contact Information –
    • Inter/national Fraternity or Sorority: mailing address and phone number
    • Expansion Coordinator: name, email and phone number
    • Chapter Advisor: name, email and phone number
    • Description of the Advisory Board composition and advisor expectations (chapter meeting attendance, convention attendance, advisor training attendance, etc.)
    • Description of headquarters requirements that must be met before the colony will be chartered
    • List of the five most recent expansion/charter chapters to include numbers recruited and chartering dates
    • Copies of the following organization policies, procedures and programs:
      • Academic Policy (GPA, programming and study requirements)
      • Financial Policies (Dues, New Member Fees, Initiation fees, Chapter Budget)
      • Standards/Conduct Policies and Procedures
      • Leadership Development Program
      • Membership Contract
      • New Member Education Program
      • Recruitment / Intake Process
      • Officer Training Program
      • Recruitment Program
      • Risk Management Policy and Procedures to include Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/Sexual Assault/Hazing
    • Roster of interested students including student name, Auburn University ID number, and Auburn email address

VII. Sanctions

Auburn University student organizations alleged to have violated this policy are subject to review through the Office of Student Conduct or referral to other applicable university disciplinary processes.

Any conduct outcome listed in the Code of Student Conduct or other applicable policies may be imposed upon a student organization found responsible for violated this policy. Depending on the violation and severity, conduct outcomes include but are not limited to warning, loss of privileges, educational sanctions, fines, or loss of university recognition.

VIII. Exclusions

No exclusions apply.

IX. Interpretation

These regulations shall be interpreted, administered, and enforced by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs.