HomeMy WebLinkAboutLocal reporter_ fraternity and sorority questionsFrom:Courtney Leigh Kienow
To:McDonald, Whitney; Tway, Timothea (Timmi); Hermann, Greg
Subject:Local reporter: fraternity and sorority questions
Date:Thursday, November 21, 2024 2:06:26 PM
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Hi Whitney, Greg and Timmi,
A local reporter reached out with a series of questions regarding fraternities and sororities. We
put together the below response and I wanted to share it with you as we continue to work
together on some of these issues. Here is the response:
Answers to some of your questions can be found in Cal Poly’s AB 524 Report. This annual
report is part of the requirements of California’s Campus-Recognized Sorority and Fraternity
Transparency Act, which requires an annual report be sent to the campus community with
information about members and their conduct, including grade-point averages, community
service hours and sanctioned events.
The 2023-24 report includes a list of recognized fraternities and sororities, as well as the
addresses of affiliated chapter houses. Since this report was published, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,
Inc. joined the community in the fall.
Cal Poly does not register or sanction fraternity or sorority houses. They are privately owned
and operated. Fraternities and sororities are required to notify the university about their events
off campus, which includes events with and without alcohol, at a residence or off-site facility
(i.e. a restaurant, Vet’s Hall, etc.) In the notification process, Cal Poly reminds the event
organizers about their obligations for safety; adherence to university policies and federal, state
and local laws; and that they must also ensure they are in compliance with city ordinances
around noise and zoning. Cal Poly does not approve or deny parties.
Cal Poly does not submit fraternity/sorority events to cities where they take place, as the
university is not the host of the events. The responsibility for items such as permits falls to the
event hosts, as well as for any other stipulations outlined in their lease agreements,
conditional use permits, or contracts with a venue they are utilizing. Where a fraternity or
sorority holds events or parties varies by chapter and by year.
When Cal Poly is notified of violations of the Student Code of Conduct or Recognized Student
Organization Code of Conduct, it investigates such allegations.
Where organizations might operate houses is a matter between the City of SLO and the
property owners, residents and organizations. While the university has offered assistance in
connecting city staff with the appropriate organization contacts to make progress on a
resolution when concerns arise, the nature of these houses and the applicability of City
restrictions is not within Cal Poly’s purview.
Student organization housing (which includes fraternities and sororities as well as other clubs
and organizations) remains in the Cal Poly Master Plan, although the timeline is unknown at
this time. Even with on-campus student organization housing, it is not realistic to expect all
fraternity and sorority chapters, houses, or members to then live on campus. As new chapters
continue to join the community, we do not expect to build a new house on campus for each
organization. We also expect there are some organizations who are excited and willing to
support an on-campus facility, and others who will not be ready to do so for a variety of
reasons.
Cal Poly is strongly committed to continued work with the City of San Luis Obispo to address
issues of concern in the neighborhoods. As an active member of the community in which Cal
Poly students, staff and faculty live and learn, the university is committed to being a good
neighbor.
Sincerely,
Courtney
Courtney Kienow
pronouns she/hers (why is this important?)
Director of Community Relations and Economic Development
Office of the President
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA
_____
office 805-756-6000
direct 805-756-6098
www.calpoly.edu