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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University will allow more than two dozen traditional Greek fraternities and sororities to apply for approval as affiliate participants in the university's first year student experience program that will require full-time freshmen to live on campus beginning fall term 2013.

"The first-year student experience program is being launched by Oregon State to help foster greater academic success among freshmen; improve student retention and six-year graduation rates; better connect new students with campus resources; and help build a stronger sense of community among students," said Sabah Randhawa, OSU executive vice president and provost.

Larry Roper, vice provost for student affairs, said the university is committed to achieving greater student success.

"Each on-campus residence hall and co-op hosts a writing and math tutor program each week, as well as frequent academic success programs, workshops, seminars and events. Additional on-campus services also are readily available for students, including academic success centers," Roper said. "First-year students who live in residence halls or co-ops managed by the university typically earn higher grades than those who live off campus."

Steve Clark, vice president of university relations, said the university is launching the affiliated first-year housing program with fraternities and sororities with an eye on the past, while requiring even greater attention on student safety and success.

"Oregon State has opened the Affiliated First-Year Housing Program to 25 traditional Greek system fraternities and sororities based upon the historic relationship the university has had with these houses over the years," Clark said.

The fraternities and sororities eligible to apply for affiliate status are Acacia; Alpha Chi Omega; Alpha Gamma Delta; Alpha Gamma Rho; Alpha Phi; Alpha Sigma Phi; Alpha Tau Omega; Chi Omega; Chi Phi; Delta Chi; Delta Delta Delta; Delta Gamma; Delta Upsilon; Kappa Delta; Kappa Kappa Gamma; Lambda Chi Alpha; Phi Delta Theta; Phi Gamma Delta; Phi Kappa Psi; Sigma Alpha Epsilon; Sigma Chi; Sigma Kappa; Sigma Phi Epsilon; Tau Kappa Epsilon and Theta Chi.

To participate in the affiliated first-year housing program, eligible fraternities and sororities must first apply to be included as an approved housing facility and then undergo an evaluation that will determine whether applicant houses provide safe, healthy and educationally beneficial housing and programs consistent with the first-year student experience that OSU will provide in on-campus residence halls and co-ops, said Clark.

Eligible fraternities and sororities requesting inclusion in the affiliate first-year housing program must submit a letter of intent by April 1, 2013. Following a review of all required conditions, a fraternity or sorority may be granted approval as an affiliated first-year housing program for fall term 2014. Meanwhile, during the 2013-14 academic year, freshmen will be allowed to live in fraternities and sororities that are eligible to apply.

Each Greek house that applies must pay an annual $10,000 application fee, and if approved must pay an estimated $15,000 annual program participation fee to cover the university's expense of providing facilities coordination; facilities inspections; housing coordination; and the employment of a student success coordinator, who will work with Greek houses participating in the affiliated first-year housing program. The actual cost of the program fee will be determined by how many Greek houses participate in the affiliate first-year housing program, Clark said.

Among other things, an application will be reviewed based upon a Greek house's proof of insurance; compliance with local and state housing and food services requirements; risk management programs; good standing as an OSU club and student organization; good standing within the Corvallis community; furnishings and safety features within the Greek house; academic support services for students; and programs that comprehensively support student success.

"The educational programs within approved fraternities and sororities will be created and managed in consultation with a student success coordinator that the university will hire as part of this affiliated first-year housing program," said Clark. "The student success coordinator will work closely with the approved Greek housing units to develop programs specific to the needs of each housing unit and their OSU student members."

Clark said the programs would include:

• Events and services that promote healthy and productive campus engagement;
• Access to academic support services;
• Opportunities for student members to participate in civic and global engagement;
• And programs that encourage member behavior that respect both individual and community interests and resolve conflicts.