Sorority and Fraternity Life Housing

Definition

Illinois state law defines sorority and fraternity houses as structures that provide housing for members of a social fraternity or sorority, exempt from taxation under Section 501(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 50(a)), the active membership of which consists primarily of students in attendance at a public or private institution of higher education. Sorority and fraternity houses at Illinois State are not owned or operated by the university. They are managed/owned by an alumni corporation or independent landlord.

Illinois State University further utilizes the following criteria to define sorority and fraternity housing:

1. The property serves as the official chapter facility of the fraternity or sorority and the address is registered with Sorority and Fraternity Life, a unit of the Dean of Students Office.
2. The majority of the bedrooms are inhabited by enrolled Illinois State University students.
3. The fraternity or sorority organization is recognized by and is in good standing with Illinois State University as determined by the Dean of Students Office.
4. The property complies with all State of Illinois and Town of Normal laws, regulations, and zoning ordinances.
5. Apartments that are part of a larger building with multiple units are not considered a housing facility.
6. The structure may also provide for other activities in addition to housing.
7. Any housing facility where Illinois State University students reside or participate in activities may be subject to the Code of Student Conduct.

University Housing Exemptions

University policy requires students to live in university housing their first two years out of high school. Students may apply for an exemption to live in a sorority or fraternity house for their second year. Many sororities and fraternities require their members to live in the house for at least one year during their membership.

Students who are required to live on campus as second-year students, are active members of a sorority or fraternity, and wish to reside in their organization's chapter house must apply for an exemption before July 15. Exemptions to reside in a fraternity or sorority house are only considered on a full academic year basis; they are not considered for the Spring semester only. The SFL exemption process is only used to aid in filling the chapter homes. Exemptions are not granted for members to live together in apartments off campus. The sorority or fraternity chapter must be in good standing with the University. Any exemption request to live in a sorority or fraternity on probation will not be granted.

Criteria for SFL exemptions:

• Student must have an established Illinois State GPA of 2.0 (most recent semester enrolled and cumulative)
• Student must complete the Hazing Prevention 101 and Brave and Bold Dialogues: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion online training
• Student must be listed as an active or new member on the chapter roster in Redbird Life
• Student must have completed a Bid Acceptance Form
• Student and the chapter must be in good conduct standing
• Interfraternity Council Specific Requirement- Chapter President, Risk Manager, House Manager + 3 Live-in Members must attend a fire/general safety prevention education program held in August.

Students SHOULD NOT sign their sorority or fraternity house leases until they are granted an exemption by University Housing Services. Exemptions are an opportunity and privilege and should not be considered an expectation.

Directions and timeline for applying for a University Housing exemption will be shared with the chapter presidents in the fall. It is a two-step process to be completed by both the president and the individual student.