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Recognition

Recognition is the formal agreement that Wake Forest University will accept a particular fraternity or sorority to function on the campus as a chartered student organization that may recruit non-affiliated students to participate as members. 

Benefits of Recognition

Recognized chapters and expansion groups receive a variety of benefits and services through Wake Forest University, including:

  • Official recognition as a registered student organization.
  • Permission to use the University’s name and logo when identifying the organization.
  • Access to individual and community grade reports each semester.
  • Opportunities for leadership development, scholarships, specialized trainings, and conference participation.
  • A listing of the organization and its events on The Link, Wake Forest’s online engagement platform.
  • Use of the DeaconSpace reservation system and other reservable campus spaces.
  • Direct support, advocacy, and advising from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement (OFSE) and other offices within Leadership and Engagement.

Requirements for Recognition

To be recognized, fraternities and sororities must meet the following criteria:

Affiliation with an inter/national fraternity or sorority

Groups must have an established Inter/National Headquarters and be recognized by or affiliated with one of the following umbrella organizations

  • North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC/IFC)
  • National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
  • National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC)
  • National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
  • National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO)
  • National Asian Pacific American Panhellenic Association (NAPA)
Affiliation with a recognized governing council at Wake Forest University

Councils currently recognized include:

  • Interfraternity Council (IFC)
  • National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
  • National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
  • United Greek Council (UGC)
Membership is limited to eligible Wake Forest students
  • Must be enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduates.
  • Must complete at least 12 credit hours as a matriculated college student (AP and IB credits not included).
  • Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
  • Must complete required hazing education modules through the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Engagement (OFSE).
Insurance Requirements
  • Must carry general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate.
  • Coverage must include alcohol, hazing, and sexual assault liability.
  • Must provide Wake Forest University with a valid certificate of insurance evidencing the coverage required herein, and naming Wake Forest University as an additional insured on the policy.
    • Certificates are to be sent to Wake Forest University each year as the policy renews. 
Compliance and Good Standing
  • Must follow the Student Code of Conduct and OFSE standards.
  • Must remain in good standing with both the University and the inter/national organization.
  • Must meet minimum standards to maintain recognition and avoid probation.
Chapter Advisor
  • Must have a chapter advisor who provides support and guidance.
  • Ideally employed by the University.
  • Must meet organizational requirements and be available to meet with chapter members and OFSE staff.

University Relationship

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement (OFSE) maintains relationships with each recognized chapter and expansion group through reciprocal support and shared responsibility. This partnership is guided by the following agreements:

  • Communication: Chapter executive members and advisors are expected to stay in regular contact with OFSE staff and submit all required documents and forms by published deadlines.
  • Engagement: Chapters should actively participate in their governing councils, the fraternity/sorority community, and the larger campus community. Engagement includes, but is not limited to, attending meetings and events, promoting the organization, and participating in the standards program.
  • Leadership: Chapters will take part in leadership development opportunities and apply leadership skills to positively impact the campus community.
  • Membership: Membership is limited to full-time, undergraduate students enrolled at Wake Forest University. This applies to both recognized chapters and university-approved expansion or re-establishment efforts.
  • Community Wellness: Chapters are responsible for fostering environments that support Wake Forest’s Thrive vision for health and wellbeing. This includes complying with policies related to health and wellness, alcohol and other drugs, interpersonal violence, and hazing.
  • Compliance: All fraternity and sorority members will understand and abide by local, state, and federal laws, all WFU policies, including but not limited to the WFU Student Code of Conduct and other OFSE policies, and organizational guidelines.
    • If any external organizational policy conflicts with any provision of any University policy, the provision of the University policy shall control and prevail.