Welcome to the Social Operating Procedure, Event Application, and Alcohol Exemption Hub
This page is your one-stop resource for managing social events within the fraternity and sorority community. Whether you are a chapter leader, advisor, or member, this guide will help you navigate institutional policies, risk management practices, and ensure your events reflect the values of our community.
Social Operating Procedure (SOP) Overview
The Social Operating Procedure (SOP) provides clear guidelines for planning and hosting social events. It covers everything from event classifications and risk management to alcohol use and safety protocols. Following the SOP ensures that your events comply with local, state, and national regulations while supporting an engaging and safe chapter experience.
Key sections of the SOP include:
- Event classifications and registration requirements
- Alcohol management policies
- Risk management protocols
- Large-scale event guidelines
- Third-party event guidelines and procedures
Click [here] to download the full SOP and explore the details.
Click [here] for FAQs
Social Event Application
The Social Event Application is essential for registering all chapter events, both with and without alcohol. It replaces the former Alcohol Social Event Application and has expanded to cover various event types, ensuring appropriate planning and oversight.
Event categories include:
- Events with over 51% chapter participation
- Large-scale on-campus events requiring grounds crew support
- Gatherings with unaffiliated guests (social, service, or philanthropic) where alcohol is not accessible
- Events requiring travel beyond the Capital District (Troy/Albany, NY)
- Mandatory new member events requiring off-campus participation
Submit your event details through the Social Event Application [here] to ensure it meets all policy and safety standards.
Event Alcohol Exemption Procedure
The Event Alcohol Exemption Procedure provides chapter alumni with a structured process to request permission to serve alcohol at social events, in line with our community's safety policies. This procedure is required for any chapter event where alcohol will be served by a third-party vendor or available on-site (chapter property/within facility).
To be eligible for an alcohol exemption, chapters must:
- Have a positive Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) review, with no outstanding high-risk mitigation issues.
- Ensure that a live-in advisor will be present at the event and serve as a co-lead/event authority.
- Provide a written letter of approval from the chapter's national organization, if required.
- Submit Event Alcohol Exemption Request, including all relevant event details [here].
- Receive final approval from the Chapter Coach, ensuring the event meets all safety and risk management standards.
For further details on the Event Alcohol Exemption application process, required documentation, and FAQs, click [here].
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to the SOP, Social Event Application, and Event Alcohol Exemption procedure are designed to make event planning more transparent, safer, and more manageable. By adhering to these procedures, your chapter can ensure that all social events are responsibly hosted and in line with community expectations.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact FSC staff.