Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2024
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Jesse Sealey
Abstract
Higher education institutions with Greek systems have different models of sorority and fraternity housing. There are two primary models incorporated into this study; some institutions have Greek housing incorporated into their on-campus residence halls, while other Greek housing is privately-owned by local House Corporation Boards or by the chapter’s national headquarters. The University of South Dakota follows the latter model, with each of their eleven chapters having a privately-owned chapter house. Research shows that with privately-owned Greek housing, there is an increased risk of substance abuse and sexual activity, while there are benefits of increased student involvement and leadership development. With this risk in mind, institutions may be seeking increased oversight of and partnerships with privately-owned Greek housing. This research uses the University of South Dakota as a model for a reciprocal partnership between privately-owned Greek housing and an institution. Notably, the University of South Dakota requires live-in Graduate Assistants or House Directors, the adherence to alcohol/substance policies, and other safety measures in privately-owned Greek housing in order for the chapter to receive “Greek Releases.” These releases are exemptions for second-year students to live in their Greek chapter house, rather than the South Dakota Board of Regents two-year on-campus living requirement. Greek chapters rely on the Greek Release process and the ability of second-year members to live in their house in order to remain financially solvent, which encourages their adherence to university policies. The partnership also allows the institution to implement programs that promote overall student success, including increased academic performance, role modeling, and safety measures. With qualitative data collected from interviews with university staff and representatives from Greek organizations, this research creates a prototype for higher education institutions seeking to build a reciprocal partnership with their privately-owned sorority and fraternity housing.
Subject Categories
Higher Education
Keywords
chapter house, fraternity, partnership, risk management, sorority, student success
Number of Pages
160
Publisher
University of South Dakota
Recommended Citation
Susemihl, Kelli L., "BUILDING A RECIPROCAL PARTNERSHIP: A CASE STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA AND ITS PRIVATELY-OWNED SORORITY AND FRATERNITY HOUSING" (2024). Dissertations and Theses. 227.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/227