Purpose and Philosophy
The fraternity and sorority community at Lehigh University ("Lehigh" or "the University") has a long history and has served as an integral part of the Lehigh student experience. Lehigh has an interest in ensuring that its fraternity and sorority chapters and the fraternity and sorority community as a whole act in accordance with Lehigh's educational mission. This Recognition Policy ("policy") is meant to support that interest and to ensure that the highest level of operation and purpose exist within each fraternity and sorority chapter.
Recognition
Recognition is the formal process by which the University grants the ability for a fraternity or sorority to operate as an organization at Lehigh University. This Policy and its requirements apply to any fraternity or sorority chapter regardless of whether they are residential or non-residential, occupying University-owned housing or not, or are located on or off campus. Fraternity or sorority chapters that occupy University-owned housing will have additional obligations, as set forth in the General Provisions for Occupancy and the Lease Agreement. Recognition may be granted, modified, reviewed or withdrawn by the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee, consistent with the provisions of this Policy and other University policies including, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct. A fraternity or sorority chapter recognized by the University in accordance with this Policy is referred to as a "Recognized Chapter."
Legal Relationship
This Policy does not alter the legal relationship between the University and the individual fraternity or sorority chapter. Each fraternity or sorority is, and remains, an independent legal entity responsible for its own actions and for meeting its own legal responsibilities and obligations. It is understood that the University does not, by the act of recognition, assume any legal responsibility for the supervision or control of fraternity or sorority activities, but reserves the right to withdraw the privileges conferred by this Policy and to take other actions that are lawful and appropriate. Recognition pursuant to this Policy does not constitute an endorsement by Lehigh of a particular fraternal organization or its activities.