Housing Policy

The following housing policies have been approved by Sigma Kappa national council to ensure the safety of all collegiate members and to protect Sigma Kappa property.

National Policy Handbook, VII. Risk Management for collegiate chapters, E. Housing Safety 

E.  Housing Safety Policy

1.    There shall be no conduct which is in violation of state law, college/university regulations, or Sigma Kappa national policy on Sorority property at any time.
    2.    All new members, collegiate members, and alumnae shall observe all house, lodge, suite, apartment, or Sorority room rules.
    3.    All facilities shall be in compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.
    4.    There shall be no possession or use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or firearms on Sorority property at any time.  Pets of any kind shall not be permitted on Sorority property.
    5.    Chapter participation in, or sponsorship of, any activities related to child care is not approved.  In addition, individual members are encouraged not to engage in activities related to child care on Sorority property.
    6.    The chapter property to include a house, lodge, suite, apartment, or room shall be locked at all times.  Propping open doors is strictly prohibited.
    7.    All chapters with housing shall schedule a disaster/fire drill at the beginning of each term to include practice of the posted evacuation plan.  
    8.    The use of candles, incense, halogen lamps/lights, or oil burning items, including lamps, on Sorority property is prohibited.  This includes common areas, individual member rooms, and outdoors.  Candles are also prohibited during recruitment and ritual events that are held on Sorority property.  Electric or battery candles are recommended.
    9.    There shall be no access to or occupation of fire escapes or roofs except for their designated purposes.
    10.    The Sorority property is not open to the public.  Non-members are allowed by invitation only and when accompanied by a member or new member.
    11.    Non-members shall be restricted to the public areas of chapter housing.  
    12.  Any member or new member who engages in disruptive, illegal, or otherwise unacceptable behavior may be asked by the executive council, the advisory board and/or the corporation board to move out of the sorority property within seven days and will forfeit her room and board for the duration of the contract.

National Policy Handbook, XII. Housing And Corporation Board Policies

XII.   HOUSING AND CORPORATION BOARD POLICIES

A.    Live-In Policy

All collegiate members and new members, unless college rules prevent, shall live in the sorority house when the chapter or corporation owns or rents a house, suite, or residence hall floor and there is space available.  

             

Procedure (live out)

1.     A collegiate member or new member wishing to live out of the house when the house is not fully occupied may do so under the following conditions:
        a.    She must submit a written petition to and receive approval from the chapter, advisory board, and the collegiate province officer.
        b.    She must pay the amount equivalent to the room rent each term to the house corporation in addition to adjusted local chapter obligations.  This amount is to be credited against the rent due to the house corporation from the chapter.
    2.    A member or new member not following this policy must withdraw or be expelled from the Sorority.  Her badge and membership certificate must be returned to national headquarters by the chapter, or the new member pin returned to the chapter.
    3.    Chapters not following this policy (XII.A.) are responsible for any resulting room rent for each term to the house corporation.

             

B.    Housing Policy for Withdrawn, Suspended, Expelled, and Depledged Members

Members who have withdrawn, been expelled, or placed on suspension under NPH V., and new members who have terminated their membership may not occupy chapter quarters.  A member or new member assuming a status listed above shall move off chapter property within seven days (or within the timeframe dictated by state or local laws) and forfeit her board and room payment for the duration of her contract.  

D.     Housing Policy for Members not in good standing

Any collegiate member, new member, alumna, or guest who does not remain in good standing with the Sorority or the college/university may be asked to leave Sorority property.  The advisory board and/or the corporation board reserves the right to refuse house occupancy to any applicant who has violated the Sorority standards, house, or university rules.