FSILG Recognition Policy

I. Purpose

This policy outlines the process for the recognition, renewal, and withdrawal of recognition for Fraternities, Sororities & Independent Living Groups (FSILGs). It applies to all FSILG organizations, whether residential or non-residential, or operating on or off Institute property. Recognition enables organizations to affiliate with the Institute, enroll members, and access certain privileges. Recognition by MIT does not alter the legal independence of these organizations.

II. Definition of Recognition

Recognition is the formal process by which the Institute grants an FSILG the ability to:

• Operate on campus.
• Identify as affiliated with the Institute, including using the MIT name and logo.
• Recruit members from the student body.
• Access the privileges and benefits extended to recognized student organizations.

III. Eligibility for Recognition

To be eligible for recognition, an FSILG must:

1. Be a legal entity independent of the Institute.
2. Comply with federal, state, and local laws, as well as Institute policies, including non-discrimination and anti-hazing policies.
3. Align its purpose and activities with the Institute’s mission and community principles.
4. Be recognized by an inter/national organization.  The exception to this requirement is for those existing local fraternities which currently exist and Independent Living Groups.
5. Maintain insurance coverage meeting Institute standards.
6. Operate within the guidelines of the Institute’s governing councils (Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Association (Panhel), Living Group Council (LGC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)) and adhere to their policies.
7. Maintain an active student governance structure that includes an up-to-date constitution and/or bylaws.

IV. Levels of Recognition

1. Full Recognition: Granted to organizations that meet all of the requirement’s criteria and adhere to Institute policies. Fully recognized organizations enjoy the full benefits and privileges outlined in Section V.
   1. Probationary Status: An organization has fallen below the essential standards for full recognition as defined below in Section VI.A. 
2. Provisional Recognition: Conditional recognition granted for up to one year for:
3. Newly establishing organizations and/or approved interest groups.
4. Previously recognized organizations in the process of reinstatement.
5. Existing organizations that fall below only the membership standards required for full recognition.

V. Privileges of Full Recognition

Fully Recognized FSILGs may:

1. Use the Institute’s name and logo for identification.
2. Recruit and enroll eligible students.
3. Host and register events, including social functions, subject to relevant event policies.
4. Reserve space on campus.
5. Apply for Independent Resident Development Fund (IRDF) grants and loans, FSILG Office Retreat funding, and Panhellenic Association scholarship funding (if applicable).
6. Participate in Institute programs and events.
7. Apply for Institute & Council Awards.
8. Host admitted students during CPW and other special Institute visiting programs.

Provisionally Recognized FSILGs will receive limited access to the above privileges as determined on a case-by-case basis in advance and communicated to the FSILG by the Associate Dean of FSILGs.

VI. Requirements to Maintain Full Recognition

• Active Membership: MIT chapters must maintain a membership of at least eight undergraduate MIT students, and organizations that are chartered as city-wide chapters must maintain at least one MIT undergraduate student within its charter coverage. An exception to this provision may be granted by the Associate Dean of the FSILG Office or their designee for a specified period of time not to exceed one academic year.
• Governing Documents: FSILG organizations must maintain up to date Bylaws and/or a constitution that is in compliance with MIT policies and their inter/national organization, if applicable.  These documents must be uploaded into the organization’s Engage account.
• Membership Rosters:  The Organization Membership Management (OMM) form must be completed in full and submitted each academic term to the FSILG Office by the designated deadline. Membership status changes or housing changes must be updated on the OMM and submitted to the FSILG Office within 48 hours of the change.  FSILGs are also required to keep their organization’s Engage roster up to date as well.
• New Member/Associate Member Programs:  FSILGs that conduct New Member/Associate Member programs cannot exceed 8 weeks from the time a bid is accepted, including Institute Holidays and IAP, and initiation must be completed no later than the last day of classes within the semester the bid was accepted. Exceptions may be granted for religious holidays. Extending initiation or recognition of full membership for new members beyond a semester requires prior written approval from the Associate Dean of the FSILG Office and inter/national headquarters.
• Insurance Compliance: Provide proof of general liability insurance with a minimum limit of $2M per occurrence and $3M aggregate or other minimum amounts as may be required by the Institute. Coverage must specifically include protection for alcohol, hazing, and sexual abuse/assault/molestation.  MIT must be named as an additional insured. Both items must be evidenced via a certificate of insurance.
• Risk Management: Ensure compliance with risk management standards of MIT, the governing council, inter/national organizations, and city/municipalities.  Designated leadership must also sign an organizational Anti-Hazing Statement each year.
• Facilities (if applicable): All FSILGs with houses must remain current and in good standing on all city/municipality licensing, certifications, and inspections and meet all of the requirements laid out in the MIT Institute-approved housing policy.
• Advisor Engagement: Maintain one or more active alumni advisors who provide guidance on financial, operational, and compliance matters, and meet no less than 4 times per academic year with undergraduate members.
• Trainings & Meetings: Meet the attendance requirements of all House Manager Trainings and the annual FSILG Leadership Conference. Meet a minimum of once per month with FSILG Office staff during the academic year.
• Governing Council: Each FSILG must be affiliated with a coordinating governing council. The available councils are the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Association (Panhel), Living Group Council (LGC), or Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).
• Policy Compliance: Abide by all Institute, local, state, and federal policies, including non-discrimination and anti-hazing policies.
• Financial Standing: Remain in good financial standing, including timely payment of dues, fees, and other obligations, including monies owed to the Inter/National organization, through the FSILG Cooperative (FCI) and IRDF loans if applicable.
• Educational Efforts: Provide ongoing education for members on Institute policies, risk management, and organizational standards.
• Cooperation with Investigations: Cooperate fully with Institute or law enforcement investigations and comply with decisions from the FSILG office, governing councils, and the MIT Committee on Discipline (COD).
• Positive Contribution: Demonstrate ongoing positive contributions to the Institute community through events, service, and other activities.

A. Probationary Status

Organizations that fail to maintain all of MIT’S requirements for recognition, other than membership standards, will be placed on Probationary Status. Probationary Status is a formal designation that limits an organization’s access to privileges and resources while requiring corrective action. At the completion of each academic term, the FSILG Office will evaluate all currently recognized FSILGs to assess each organization’s compliance with the recognition requirements. Organizations determined to not be in compliance with the Full Recognition:

1. Will receive written notice that they have been placed in Probationary Status including outlining the specific deficiencies and required corrective actions.
2. May lose access to certain privileges, including but not limited to funding, Institute facility use, event hosting privileges, CPW hosting, recruitment of new members, or participation in Institute programs.
3. Must submit a corrective action plan approved by the FSILG Office, addressing the identified issues within a specified timeframe.
4. Will be closely assessed by FSILG staff and governing councils to ensure compliance with the corrective action plan.
5. Must demonstrate full compliance with all requirements in the designated time frame established by the FSILG Office to return to Full Recognition. Failure to do so may result in further sanctions, including withdrawal of recognition.

The FSILG office will notify the alumni corporation and advisors, the relevant council, the AILG Board, the IRDF Boards, and FCI when an organization is placed on Probationary Recognition.

Probationary Recognition will be lifted upon becoming compliant with all requirements needed for full recognition.

VII. Provisional Recognition

Current organizations unable to meet the active membership requirement will be placed in Provisional Recognition status for a designated period of time in lieu of Poor Standing. 

Provisional Recognition for current organizations is a temporary designation allowing organizations to:

1. Rebuild membership and address essential operational challenges under the guidance of Institute staff and advisors.
2. Conduct administrative activities such as officer elections, budget planning, and limited recruitment efforts, subject to Institute approval.

Organizations with Provisional Recognition must:

1. Develop and submit a plan for returning to Full Recognition within the designated period.
2. Comply with all Institute policies and maintain communication with Institute staff.

Failure to meet the requirements for reinstatement to Full Recognition by the end of the designated Provisional Status period may result in the withdrawal of recognition.

In addition, newly establishing organizations, approved interest groups, and/or previously recognized organizations in the process of reinstatement may be granted Provisional Recognition as a temporary designation to allow these groups to engage in the activities listed above for Provisionally Recognized organizations while working towards Full Recognition.

The FSILG office will notify the alumni corporation and advisors, the relevant council, the AILG Board, the IRDF Boards, and FCI when an organization is placed on Provisional Recognition.

VIII. Dormant Status

Organizations unable to meet the active membership requirement or other essential recognition criteria may be placed in Dormant Status. Dormant status is reserved for organizations that are otherwise in good standing but no longer have an active membership needed for organizational function. 

1. The FSILG office will notify the alumni corporation and advisors, the relevant council, the AILG Board, the IRDF Boards, and FCI when an organization is placed on Dormant Status.

IX. Withdrawal of Recognition

Recognition may be withdrawn for:

1. Failure to meet all recognition requirements.
2. Failure to adhere to Institute policies.
3. Disciplinary matters decided by the MIT Committee on Discipline related to violations of Institute Policies.
4. Loss of recognition by the inter/national organization.
5. Inability to meet specified requirements at the conclusion of a provisional period.

Organizations subject to withdrawal of recognition will receive written notice and an opportunity to respond. Reinstatement will require compliance with the reinstatement criteria outlined in Section XI.

The FSILG office will notify the alumni corporation and advisors, the relevant council, the AILG Board, the IRDF Boards, and FCI when recognition is withdrawn from an organization.

X. Reinstatement of Recognition

Organizations seeking reinstatement after a loss of recognition or dormant status must follow the procedures outlined in the FSILG Organization Extension Policy.

XI. Miscellaneous

1. The Institute reserves the right to amend or supersede this policy.
2. Unrecognized organizations are not permitted to affiliate with the Institute, recruit students, or access Institute resources, and may not be eligible for IRDF grants or new loans.

This policy ensures a consistent and equitable framework for the recognition and support of fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups at MIT, fostering a safe and inclusive campus community.