Greek Life

Greek groups gathered at the painted rock on McNichols Campus

Detroit Mercy has a rich and long-standing tradition of Greek Life on campus.

The Detroit Mercy fraternity and sorority community continues to promote the 100 years of leadership, scholastic achievement, service to the community and friendship.

Detroit Mercy features 11 Greek organizations, whose goal is to function as one cohesive unit with the campus and community, while continuously building "The Best Greek" community.

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    Detroit Mercy Greek Council

    The Greek Council was formed to have a body of representatives to oversee activities throughout all Greek Organizations on campus. Greek Council is also responsible for recruitment events hosted by all the Greek Organizations and also makes up the representatives for Greek Week, hosted every winter semester.

    Greek Council meetings are determined in the Fall of each academic year.

    Greek Conference: Will be announced soon!
     Time: TBA

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    Recruitment

    Recruitment is a term used in Greek Life for the process of attracting new members. This process happens during both semesters with organizations providing different types of events open to students.

    Upper class recruitment: Happens at the beginning of each semester. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to join a Greek Organization.

    Freshman recruitment: The first semester for freshmen students is restricted by deferred recruitment, which means for a certain period of time Greek organizations cannot recruit members. Freshman are required to have a minimum of 2.5 GPA in high school.

    Please note Architecture majors cannot join a Greek Organization during their first year at the University.

    Please contact us at studentlifeoffice@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1150 for further information regarding recruitment.

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    Greek Week

    Greek Week is usually set in April of each academic year and  will be determined by Greek Council. Details will be posted during the Winter Term of each year.
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    Greek Life Policies

    The Greek Life community provides opportunities for growth and excellence through academics, philanthropy, social interaction, and leadership.  It is also a great way to get involved in campus life and form lifelong relationships.

    To enhance the Greek Life experience, Detroit Mercy has established policies to make the experience safe while encouraging participation.

    Hazing Definitions

    Hazing is any action taken that produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule.  There are various types of hazing listed below.

    Subtle Hazing

    Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members/initiates and other members of the organization. Termed “subtle hazing” because these types of hazing are often taken-for-granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members/initiates on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. New members/initiates often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the organization. (Some types of subtle hazing may also be considered harassment hazing). Examples include, but are not limited to the following:

    • Assigning demerits
    • Deception
    • Deprivation of privileges granted to other members
    • Requiring new members/initiates to perform duties not assigned to other members
    • Line-ups and Drills/Tests on information
    • Socially isolating new members/initiates
    • Line-ups and drills/tests on meaningless information
    • Name calling
    • Requiring new members/aspirants to refer to other members with titles, so as to suggest subornation, inferiority, or second-class status
    • Expecting certain items to always be in one’s possession, or taking possession of one’s items without asking for permission
    • Expecting or requesting new members/initiates to be deprived of maintaining their normal class study or schedule 

    Harassment Hazing

    Behaviors that have the potential to cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group. It can be viewed as confusing, frustrating, and/or causing undue stress for new members/aspirants. (Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing). Examples include, but are not limited to the following:

    • Verbal abuse, including berating of individuals
    • Threats or implied threats
    • Asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
    • Stunt or skit events with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts
    • Expecting, requesting, or demanding new members/rookies to perform personal service to other members such as carrying books, running errands, cooking, cleaning, etc.
    • Sleep deprivation
    • Sexual simulations or stimulations
    • Expecting new members/rookies to be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness.
    • Demanding or expecting new members/rookies to harass others

    Violent Hazing

    Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional or psychological harm or trauma. Examples include, but are not limited to the following:

    • Forced or coerced alcohol, or any other drug consumption
    • Beating, paddling or other forms of assault or blunt-force trauma including striking with fists or any other objects
    • Branding
    • Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions
    • Burning
    • Water intoxication or over-consumption of food or other substance
    • Expecting abuse or mistreatment of animals
    • Public nudity
    • Expecting or demanding or assignment of activities that would be illegal (e.g., shoplifting) or unlawful or might be morally offensive to new members/initiates
    • Forced or required conduct that could embarrass or adversely affect the dignity of the individual
    • The intentional creation of cleanup work or labor for new members/initiates by other members
    •  Bondage
    • Abductions/kidnapping/holding against one’s will
    • Forced exposure to cold weather or extreme heat, regardless of appropriate protection
    • Participation in physical activities such as calisthenics, exercises or other so-called games

    Adapted from Loyola University New Orleans, The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University Hazing Education Initiative.


    DETROIT MERCY SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY POLICY

    The policy requires members to abide by all Federal, State, County, and Local regulations governing the use, distribution, and consumption of alcohol. It shall become effective for and enforced by all members and chapters of Student Organizations that are officially registered at Detroit Mercy.

    The Student Organizations are governed by the Student Code of Conduct and Guide to Residence Living. The University is not limited to the Fraternal Information and Programming Group (FIPG) http://www.fipg.org/ but may reference it as a guideline for social responsibility for Greek Organizations.

    The Social Responsibility Policy is designed to provide the safest possible social atmosphere for the members of student organizations and their guests, while allowing attendees to exercise the personal responsibility expected of students at Detroit Mercy.

    The following objectives are essential to achieving this aim:

    • To encourage social responsibility in all members of an organization.
    • To reduce the risks associated with alcohol misuse at social events.
    • To ensure the safety of everyone in attendance at student organization sponsored social events.
    • To support and educate member of student organizations about the importance of representing positive ideals and values that are defined by student organizations and role modeling positive attributes in social settings.

    ARTICLE I – SOCIAL EVENT CATEGORIES

    Restricted Events at Fraternity Houses

    • Events require a guest list.
    • Alcohol may be present for guests that are 21 years or over
    • BYOB rules should be enforced. BYOB is defined as one 1 six-pack of 12-ounce beers or one 1 four pack of wine coolers brought by a member or guest who is legally able to consume an alcoholic beverage. Distribution of alcohol is not permitted.
    • A ratio of 2 guests per member is allowed or the fire code capacity, which ever number is smaller.
    • The guest list must be submitted 48 hours preceding the event.

    Unrestricted Events

    • Event does not require a guest list.
    • Event is held on campus.
    • Capacity is determined by University Services for the space.
    • Alcohol permit and distribution must be organized through Metz with cost incurred by the Student Organization.
    • Faculty Moderator must be present at the event.

    Events Held Off Campus

    • Capacity is determined by venue.
    • If alcohol is present it must be purchased and distributed by a Third Party Vendor that is properly licensed with local and state authorities.
    • If the Faculty Moderator is present a guest list will not be required.
    • If a Third Party Vendor is disturbing alcohol and a faculty moderator is not attending a guest list is required.
    • The Student Life Office should be notified whether or not transportation is provided.
    • When alcohol is present the Student Organizations may designate a ratio of sober members for safety.
    • The above information should be provided to the Student Life Office at least 5 business days before the date of the event.
    • Events held off campus are subject to the Student Handbook Code of Conduct and Off Campus Incidents.

    ARTICLE II – ALCOHOL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

    Student Organizations that facilitate social events that may involve alcohol are required to provide proof that alcohol education has completed by organization members. Outside entities provide alcohol education such as TIPS Alcohol Training which may be reviewed using this link, https://www.tipsalcohol.com.

    Proof of completion should be on file with the Student Life Office by the third Friday of September and the third Friday of January.

    ARTICLE III - RISK MANAGEMENT

    A. Expectations – All Greek chapters are expected to know and follow their own chapter’s risk management policies in addition to FIPG and the Student Handbooks policies on Hazing, Alcohol Amnesty, Title IX, and Rights of the University for Off-Campus Incidents.

    B. All chapters must submit a copy of their chapter’s Risk Management Policies to be reviewed by Student Life Office and Public Safety. The Risk Management Policy should be turned in before the end of the Winter Term. Specifically, the first Monday of the second week of April which is considered dead week. The Risk Management Policies will be reviewed over the Summer so that organizations are prepared for the start of the following Fall Term.

    C. Student Organizations that are not Greek related are subject to policies stipulated by University Services and Public Safety for events held on campus. Social Events held at off campus establishments are subject to the policies of the establishment, the guidelines for events held off campus, and the Student Handbook, for Off Campus Student Conduct, page 123, or review the link http://udmercy.edu/life/policies/index.php.

    ARTICLE IV – EVENT NOTIFICATION

    A. All restricted events pertaining to the Fraternity Houses must be submitted to the Student Life Office and Public Safety. Registration includes submitting a Guest List with designation on the color wrist band to be used at the event. The list must be submitted 48 hours preceding the event. Please do not proceed with the event until you receive a confirmation from the Student Life Office through email.

    B. All events that are not restricted events held at Fraternity Houses should be scheduled on Detroit Mercy Live using the link: live.udmercy.edu.

    C. Student Life Office requires a 2 guests per member limit for restricted events at the Fraternity Houses or the fire code capacity if the event is smaller.

    D. Student Life Office should be notified 5 business days before off-campus events when a Third Party Vendor is being used and a Faculty Moderator is not present. A guest list, a ratio of sober members, and a statement clarifying if transportation will be provided is required in this situation.

    ARTICLE V – RESTRICTED OR OFF CAMPUS EVENTS

    A. All Third Party Vendors must be properly licensed by local and state authorities. For all events held on campus where alcohol is present the Third Party Vendor must be Metz.

    B. For Fraternity Houses, all guests must show 2 forms of identification being (1) Detroit Mercy Student ID Card and (2) State ID to note the date of birth before entry.

    C. For Fraternity Houses, at the point of entry, individuals under 21 will be designated with “X” in black marker across the entire back of their hand and wristbands will be given to individuals 21 and over. Wrist band color should be changed each week and reported to the Student Life Office for verification.

    1. There must be only one entrance into the event.
    2. Please refuse entrance to anyone who in the opinion of the Door Monitor may pose a threat to him/herself or others because of alcohol or other drugs. For safety concerns, contact Public Safety at (313)993-1123 immediately.
    3. Risk Managers should be seasoned members that have received training.
    4. No distribution of alcohol is permitted.
    5. No drinking or smoking apparatus should be permitted on the premises for any event.

    ARTICLE VI – VIOLATIONS, SANCTIONS, AND APPEALS

    A. Student Organization reported violations are subject to possible sanctions determined by the Code of Conduct and the Dean of Students Office.

    B. Each reported violation will result in a specified sanction.

    C. Any violation that occurs at the Event will be considered a violation by all sponsoring organizations.

    D. Upon the violation of any portion of this policy, the Dean of Students Office will decide appropriate sanctions. Sanctions will be published on the Student Life webpage.

    E. Sanctions

    1. Sanctions can be administered for any violation of any part of the Social Responsibility Policy.

    2. Types of Sanctions

    o Community Service
    o Probation
    o Risk Management
    o Letter to National Organization
    o Suspension in Abeyance
    o Suspension
    o Termination of Chapter

    ARTICLE VII – GOOD FAITH STATEMENT

    This policy cannot address all possible social situations that may occur. With this policy, any student organization violation of this policy’s intent will be subject to the Student Handbook’s, Code of Conduct and Guide to Residence Living. The University reserves the right to update this policy which serves as a “living document” and is also subject to the Student Handbook and the Guide to Residence Living.

    "Living Document", 07/2022

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    Greek Organization Disciplinary Status

    All definitions of sanctions are listed in the Student Handbook.

    Sigma Pi Fraternity Inc.,

    Charge Date: December 15, 2017

    Charges:

    • Providing alcoholic beverages to underage person
    • Failure to comply
    • Complicity

    Sanctions:

    Suspension, January 8, 2018 - January, 7, 2019

    Probation, January 7, 2019 - April 27, 2019

    Kappa Beta Gamma Sorority Inc.,

    Charge Date: December 15, 2017

    Charges:

    • Failure to comply
    • Complicity
    • Obstructing or interfering with the reprimand, discipline, or apprehension of another person

    Sanctions:

    Probation,  February 23, 2018 - December 15, 2018

    Discretionary Sanctions, February 23, 2018 - April 2, 2018 

    Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity Inc.,

    Charge Date: November 6, 2018

    Charge:

    • Violation of a contractual obligation

    Sanction:

    Warning, November 6, 2018 - December 15, 2018

    Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity Inc.,

    Charge Date: November 29, 2018

    Sanction: 

    Termination, effective after appeal March 13, 2019

    Student Life Office Statement, March 15, 2019

    On November 29, 2018 Kappa Delta Rho, Fraternity Inc., had been issued a temporary suspension due to allegations of violations of the alcohol and drug policies, hazing, offensive and improper behavior, disregard for safety of others, complicity, and failure to comply with contractual obligations. A Formal Resolution Conference with Executive Board members for the organization was held on January 17, 2019. The outcome was official termination of the student organization. Members were granted an appeal of the outcome, however, the termination was upheld as of Thursday, March 13, 2019.

    We regret that this was the decision as a result of repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct and we have great empathy for the students that were committed to the organization. We know that Greek Life provides a positive opportunity for growth and bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that are unique and not necessarily duplicated in other student organizations.
    I hope to provide clarity below on the purpose of sanctions and termination of a student organization.

    The purpose of sanctions is to provide a safe environment for members that participate in student organizations, the guests invited to events/activities, and the Detroit Mercy community, while also providing an opportunity for student organization development and rehabilitation that would improve sustainable change of behaviors and activities.

    Registered student organizations and interests groups are a privilege and we encourage students to participant in organizations that are officially recognized by the Student Life Office. We strongly encourage that students do not participate with organizations that are not officially recognized by Detroit Mercy.

    What does it mean to terminate a student organization at Detroit Mercy?

    Termination of Student Organization — Termination is permanent separation of a student organization from the university. Student Handbook, pg. 105

    The list below will provide specifications to the details of the termination.

    1. Prohibited recruitment or solicitation of students, organized meetings, or gatherings as Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity Inc.
    2. Prohibited to wear letters for Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity, Inc. on campus.
    3. Prohibited to plan activities or events or use of University facilities as Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity Inc.
    4. Prohibited philanthropy events planned as Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity Inc.
    5. Prohibited to petition for funds through Student Government Association or Greek Council.
    6. Prohibited in participating in social, intramural, or campus/Greek Life activities as Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity Inc.

    The Wellness Center will provide counseling services to the entire group of students that participated as members of Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity Inc.

    Respectfully,
    Student Life Office

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