Authority: Vice Chancellor and Dean for Academic and Student Affairs (DASA)

History: First Issued: August 2004. Last Revised: July 31, 2025

Related Policies:
NCSU REG11.35.05 – Code of Student Conduct
NCSU REG04.20.01 – Alcohol Regulation 
NCSU POL04.20.02 – Alcohol Policy 
NCSU POL04.20.05 – Illegal Drug Policy

Additional References:
Event Notification Form

Contact Info: Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life (919-513-2910)

1. Introduction

Fraternities and sororities provide a social environment that complements the rigors of the classroom schedule, and their social events can provide students with a well-balanced college experience when conducted in a responsible way. This rule establishes minimum requirements that fraternities and sororities recognized by the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life (“Chapters/Organizations”) must follow when hosting social events. This rule is designed to complement international/national organization policies and industry risk management standards.

2. Education

2.1 To host an event, an organization must first complete risk management education directed by the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life (“FSL”), including:

2.1.1 Specific members must attend the designated initial officer and organization training(s) (“Organization Training”) provided by FSL. For fall training, FSL will communicate the Organization Training dates to Chapters and Organizations when annual reports are distributed. For spring training, FSL will communicate the Organization Training dates to Chapters and Organizations prior to the last day of classes of fall semester.

2.1.2 Additionally, the Chapter/Organization members who attended the Organization Trainings must then train at least 51% of the membership of the Chapter/Organization (“Membership Training”) on the materials covered at the Organization Training before the Chapter/Organization may host an event. In order for education to be considered complete, Membership Training presentations must be recorded, show attendees and materials shared, and then be submitted to FSL.

2.2 After completing the required education training, an organization will be able to hold social functions starting on the day designated by FSL through the last day of classes for the semester.

3. Event Notification Form

For events where alcohol is present, whether on or off campus, Chapters/Organizations must submit an Event Notification Form to FSL.  The Event Notification Form must be submitted at least three (3) business days prior to the event. Major Events as defined by REG 11.55.02 Use of Space may require extended planning time.  The Event Notification Form is available here.

  4. Event Policy

In any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the Chapter/Organization, including those that occur on or off Chapter/Organization premises, the following rules apply:

4.1 The Chapter/Organization and its members and guests must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and the Code of Student Conduct.

4.2 No person under the legal drinking age may possess, consume, provide, sell or be provided alcoholic beverages. The Chapter and its members may not aid and abet the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person under the legal drinking age.

4.3 Chapter/Organization members and guests must follow all applicable laws regarding illegal drugs, and controlled substances. No person may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell, and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances while on Chapter/Organization premises or at any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the Chapter/Organization.

4.4 Alcoholic beverages must either be:

4.4.1 Provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or

4.4.2 Brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system.  BYOB systems set limits for the types and amounts of alcohol allowed relative to the length of the function and describe procedures for monitoring guests and the distribution of alcoholic beverages back to the guests who brought it.

4.5 The presence of alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) is prohibited on any Chapter/Organization premises or at any event, except when served at an event by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.

4.6 Unless served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor, common sources of alcohol (including bulk quantities such as kegs and party juice) are prohibited.

4.7 Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with Chapter/Organization funds or funds pooled by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).

4.8 Chapters/Organizations may not co-host or co-sponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol, illegal drugs or controlled substances (such as by example, having an “open bar”).

4.9 Chapters/Organizations may not co-host or co-sponsor an event with a bar, event promoter, or alcohol distributor; however, a Chapter/Organization may rent space at a bar, restaurant, or other licensed and insured third-party vendor to host an event.

4.10 Attendance by non-members at any event where alcohol is present must be by invitation only, and the Chapter/Organization must utilize a guest list system. Attendance at events with alcohol is limited to a guest-to-member ratio not to exceed 3 guests to every 1 member and must not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the Chapter/Organization premises or host venue.

4.11 Any event or activity related to the new member joining process (e.g., recruitment, intake, rush, etc.) must be substance free. No alcohol or drugs may be present if the event or activity is related to new member activities, meetings, or initiation into a Chapter/Organization, including but not limited to “bid night,” “Big/Little” events or activities, “family” events or activities, and any ritual or ceremony.

4.12 Chapters/Organizations, members, and guests may not participate in, permit, encourage, coerce, or glorify any activities involving the rapid consumption of alcohol, such as drinking games.

5. Permitted Social Events

Social Events hosted by Chapters/Organizations are limited to the following types of events. Events should only be held at a recognized Chapter House or host venue. Fraternity and Sorority Life lists all recognized premises on its website. Guest lists may not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the site regardless of the roster size and formula provided:

5.1 Date Function: a social event with a guest list that includes only members of the host Chapter/Organization and one guest per member.  (Maximum guest list = 2x roster)

5.2 Mixer:  a social event with a guest list of members from two host Chapters; closed to guests not on the host Chapters’ rosters.  (Maximum guest list = combined rosters)

5.3 Party:  a social event (e.g., band party) with a guest list of two (2) guests per member, but must not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the [Chapter/Organization] premises or host venue.  (Maximum guest list = 3x roster)

5.4 Special Event:  a social event with alumni, parents, or for a special circumstance.  Special Events are subject to this rule unless exceptions are made in writing by the Director of FSL.  To obtain an exception, Chapters/Organizations must notify the Director of FSL who will determine whether any requirements of this Rule may be waived for the special event.

5.5 Special Tailgate: A social event that occurs on a NC State Home Football Game date with an event location that is outside of the Fraternity and sorority tailgating area.

6. Informal Gatherings

Informal gatherings at a Chapter house are permitted and are not considered a social event subject to this rule.  A gathering is no longer considered informal when the number of non-member guests exceeds 30% of the occupancy of the house or when the gathering exceeds 25 people, whichever is larger. (i.e., for a 40 bed house, to be informal, cannot exceed 40 members + 11 non-member guests. For house with less than 25 beds, an informal event would be number of residents + non-members so long as doesn’t exceed 25)

7. Duration of Social Events

7.1 All social events held during the daytime must end by 9:00 PM of the same day.

7.2 Late night events, or those beginning after 9:00 PM, must end by 2:00 AM of the following morning (or the same morning if the late night event began after midnight).

7.3 Social events with alcohol may not last more than 4 hours. Tailgates must follow rules established by NC State Athletics.