Advising
All of the fraternities and sororities at Rider are chapters that are sponsored by national organizations. As a result, there are many regulations and expectations placed on the group and its members. As Rider embraces these groups for the benefits they provide, we feel that it is imperative that they receive proper advising and mentoring so that they can meet the standards and continually improve their offerings.
The Office of Student Involvement provides support and resources to each fraternity and sorority and is the link between the organizations and the administration. The Director of Student Involvement and Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life serve as the primary advisors to our chapters and governing councils. They also plan and execute the majority of the programs and events for our students in fraternities and sororities. Our extended staff includes members from the Residence Life, Campus Life, and Community Standards. Our staff provide experience, student development opportunities and one-on-one advising for chapters and individual members. Additionally, the Office of Student Involvement at Rider is unique in that it provides a live-in professional staff member for each of the five Greek houses on campus.
In addition, the Office requires that each chapter has a faculty/staff advisor from the university who works outside of our department as well as a key alumni advisor who lives and works in the area and is a member of the organization. The purpose of these advisors is to provide additional guidance and assistance to the groups about issues specifically related to their organization, to have additional mentoring opportunities and to give the students support for their activities.
Active Fraternities and Sororities
Each recognized fraternity and sorority works closely with the Office of Student Involvement to maintain the chapter in good standing. Through the standards and expectations process, chapters are evaluated annually with regard to a comprehensive set of standards that resonate with Rider University’s values, its Strategic Plan and recommendations from the Presidential Task Force on Alcohol, Personal Responsibility and Student Life. Expectations fall into six major categories: academic achievement, leadership development, programming, chapter operations, risk management, and housing.
Chapters that fall below 75% in any specific category meet with the Office of Student Involvement staff to set goals in those areas for the upcoming year. Chapters that fall below a 75% overall score develop an action plan with the Office of Student Involvement to improve future performance.
Fraternity & Sorority Life Traditions and Events
There are many events that take place each year specifically for fraternities and sororities. The majority of these events are organized by students under the advisement of the Office of Student Involvement.
Fraternity & Sorority Leadership Education and Training
Leadership has always been a value held in high regard within fraternities and sororities. The Office of Student Involvement provides many opportunities for students to get involved and receive specialized training and transferable skills.