Student Handbook - Butler University

GREEK LIFE
Greek life refers to Butler’s social fraternities and sororities. Membership is a popular option for many
Butler students with approximately 34 percent of undergraduates choosing to become members of the Greek
community. Butler is home to 16 inter/national Greek organizations, known as “chapters.” Of the 16 chapters,
14 offer housing. Alumni/ae play an active role in assisting the members enhance personal development
through academic, leadership, philanthropic and social programming. Participation within a Greek chapter
gives members a unique opportunity to build close relationships and lifelong friendships.
Between 30 and 80 sophomores, juniors and seniors live in each Greek chapter facility. All chapter
houses are staffed with a house director who is responsible for the management of the house. All chapter
houses are owned by an alumni/ae board or national corporation board. Living arrangements vary regarding
the occupancy of the facility, individual rooms and provision of meal service.
The director of Greek life and orientation programs is a full-time staff member who works with and advises
the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association (governing bodies of the fraternities and sororities),
as well as Order of Omega honor society. The director also serves as a liaison between the University
and the chapters, (inter)national headquarters staff, alumni/ae volunteers, house directors, faculty, staff, parents
and community organizations. The office of Greek Life and Orientation Programs is in Atherton Union,
Room 312. The director is available to help anyone who has questions or would like to know more about
fraternity or sorority life.
Alcohol Guidelines
For specific guidelines and regulations pertaining to Greek chapters, refer to each Inter/national organization's
alcohol policy, the Greek social event policy and the University alcohol policy. All policies are available
from the director of Greek life and orientation programs.
Members of Greek chapters and their guests are expected to obey state and federal laws, Butler University
policies and the chapter’s inter/national alcohol policy. In addition, every member should know his or her
chapter's inter/national policy regarding alcohol. Infractions of any of these policies will result in action by
the University, the respective council and/or the inter/national fraternal organization.
Alcohol beverages many not be served or consumed outside or on the house premises unless the procedures
for an approved party with a third-party vendor are followed.
Alcohol beverages and containers should not be visible from outside the chapter house. (See the "Rights
and Responsibilities" section of the student handbook for complete alcohol guidelines.)
Campus and Community Relations
Greek chapter houses are privately owned residences. Sophomores and juniors may be permitted to live
in a chapter house of which they are members to satisfy the University’s residential requirement. The housing
environments provide a unique living experience that supports the educational mission of the university
and the residential environment of the
surrounding neighborhood. Therefore, it is essential that a chapter and its individual members follow these
guidelines to promote good campus and community relations.
• Landscaping and house exteriors will be maintained on a regular basis.
• Dumpsters and surrounding areas will be clean and sanitary.
• Music and noise will be kept at reasonable levels and comply with local noise ordinances.
• The chapter and individuals will respond appropriately to complaints.
• Individuals will be respectful of the rights of others who are trying to sleep and study.
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