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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Advisory Council for Fraternities & Sororities

Mission

The Fraternity and Sorority Advisory Council (FSAC) reports to the Vice President for Student and Campus Life (SCL), the Assistant Vice President of SCL, and the Director of Sorority & Fraternity Life on broad matters and community-wide planning for recognized fraternities and sororities at Cornell University.

Bylaws of the Fraternity Sorority Advisory Council of Cornell University

Purpose

These Bylaws provide the operating principles and selection process for the FSAC.

Objective

The FSAC's primary purpose is to advise and report to the Vice President of Student for Student and Campus Life on broad matters of policy, planning and administration relating to fraternities and sororities recognized by Cornell University. In addition, the FSAC assists with communications between the University and alumni of the recognized fraternities and sororities and leads action-oriented committee work to complement/enhance the strategic plan for the Sorority and Fratnerity Community. The FSAC serves at the pleasure of the Vice President for Student and Campus Life.

Membership

The membership of the FSAC consists of 10-15 members appointed by the VPSCL. Members have no voting rights. There will be representation from the following university constituencies

Alumni Council Presidents — 3 members

  • Alumni Interfraternity Council
  • Alumni Panhellenic Advisory Council
  • Alumni Multicultural Greek Letter Advisory Council

Undergraduate Student Council Presidents — 3 student leaders (attend meetings as needed)

  • Panhellenic Council President
  • Interfraternity Council President
  • Multicultural Greek Fraternal Council President

Alumni of the Cornell Sorority and Fraternity Community — up to 12 members

Administration — 3 members

  • VP for Student and Campus Life (as needed)
  • Assistant VP for SCL (co-chair)
  • Robert G. Engel Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life (as needed) and other SFL staff when needed.

Officers

There will be two officers, the Co-Chairs of the FSAC, appointed by the VPSCL. The Co-Chairs will work together to establish the agendas for the FSAC schedule of meetings. The Co-Chairs of the FSAC will manage the communication of the business of the FSAC to the membership. The Co-Chairs will also meet with specific individuals as needed and various undergraduate and graduate organizations, students, and Boards as appropriate in support of the Cornell Sorority and Fraternity community.

Appointment of Members and Officers

Nominations for membership may be submitted by current FSAC members and university administrators to the VPSCL or their designee for consideration. Appointments of all members and officers are the sole decision of the VPSCL.

New members are invited to join the FSAC by a letter from the VP of SCL. A member’s term may be terminated at any time for any reason by the VP of SCL or Co-Chairs. 

The Co-Chairs of the FSAC are appointed by the VP of SCL. Nominations may be solicited by the VP of SCL from the current members of the FSAC. One co-chair will be a staff member, and the other will be an Alumni member.  The Alumni Co-Chair must be an alumna/us of Cornell and have been an active member of a Cornell University recognized sorority or fraternity when a student.

Terms and Term Limits

The Alumni Chair of the FSAC will serve one four (4) year term. They may be asked to serve a second consecutive four (4) year term.

Members will be appointed for terms and term limits as follows:

  • Alumni Council Presidents – serve as long as they hold the office for their council.
  • Alumni – may serve 2 consecutive four-year terms. Must take a minimum of one year's hiatus before they are eligible to be considered for reappointment to the FSAC.
  • SCL Administrative staff – serve as long as they are in the position.

Committees and Action Teams

Committees and Action Teams will be created, as the FSAC's business requires the focused participation of a small group on a particular topic. Any committee created by the FSAC shall have a clear charge and timeline of activity, including a “sunset” date unless otherwise determined by the VP of SCL or key staff. The term of an action team will not exceed one year unless extended by the co-chairs. 

Distinguished Directors Emeritus–

Long-serving trustee emeriti who are no longer active with the FSAC, and served 2 consecutive terms, may be considered for the honorary title of FSAC Emeritus. FSAC Emeriti will receive the minutes of all meetings and FSAC-sponsored communications, and they will be invited to attend meetings when necessary and invited by the co-chairs. 

Meetings

The FSAC will meet at least five (5) times a year.  Two times a semester and once in the summer.  Two meetings, once a semester, will be hosted in person on campus. Meeting dates will be set three (3) months in advance. Minutes will be recorded and distributed to all FSAC members.  FSAC meeting attendance is by invitation only from the co-chairs.

Definitions

  • FSAC – Fraternity Sorority Advisory Council
  • SCL – Student and Campus Life
  • OSFL-Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life