Training and Programs

The mission of the Ohio University Office of Sorority Life is to, in partnership with students, foster a positive, ethical, healthy, and equitable social values-based experience for all members of our community.

In an effort to help us reach our mission we have prioritized the following items:

  • Empowering students: We empower our students by supporting them in their fraternal experience; seeking a balance between the rights and responsibilities of the individual students, the organizations, and those of the University.
  • Prevention and harm reduction: The health and safety of all of our students is paramount. By implementing prevention and harm reduction strategies, we will strive to foster a community of care.
  • Education & development: We are committed to providing in-and-out of the classroom learning opportunities for personal development and growth.
  • Social justice: By creating and cultivating an open environment, where students feel included, this leads to the celebration of diversity and inclusion.
  • Partnership & collaboration: We work hard to develop meaningful partnerships with students, campus and community-based professionals and departments, headquarters staff, alumni, advisors, and other values stakeholders.
  • Advocacy: By engaging other stakeholders, we will advocate for support, resources, and awareness.

In effort to fulfill these priorities we have implemented the following programs and initiatives. Please browse the section below to learn more about our various programs and events held throughout the year.

Programs

OHIO Greeks 101

While each chapter has their own specific education and intake process, the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life requires every new member to participate in the SFL New Member Program. New members must complete this one hour program in order to complement their new member education process. Sessions are scheduled throughout the fall and spring semesters in an effort to educate community members on the standards and expectations of the office and community and have an understanding of fraternal values congruence.

Greek Leadership Retreat

While each chapter is encouraged to facilitate their own officer transition program, the Office of Sorority and Fraternity life is committed to preparing chapter presidents and council executive board officers in effectively leading their student organization. Through a day-long retreat, officers will be provided with basic leadership development, officer tools and resources to help them throughout their term as a chapter or council leader. This occurs the Friday or Sunday before school starts each semester.

IMPACT Weekend

It is our responsibility to begin to train the community leaders of the future. OSFL will host the North American Interfraternity Conference’s IMPACT program on an annual basis, given the availability of leadership development funds. Here, each chapter will be invited to send their an executive board member and an emerging leader for a weekend of community-building, challenging conversations, and action planning at our selected off-campus site.

Greek Day of Service

In partnership with the Center for Student Engagement, the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life will host one of the Jacoby Stocklen Fellows to develop, plan and coordinate monthly community wide service initiatives. Service is a founding value of almost every single sorority and fraternity and is at the basis of how our members lead. Throughout the year, each chapter spends time volunteering through highway clean-ups, blood drives, local food pantries, and more. The impact that our community can have as 8 % of the Ohio University student population is insurmountable.

Each year the Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life, in collaboration with the Women’s Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and United Greek Council will host a large-scale community-wide Day of Service for all sorority and fraternity members to participate in.

Educational Programming and Training Series

Sorority and Fraternity Life is committed to the continuous education of our members when it comes to issues of risk management and community development and safety. The PAWs for a Cause Series, Sober Monitor Training, and Hazing Prevention Training Modules assist us in creating a more educated, knowledgeable, and safe community.