FSL Educational Programming Fee

Executive Summary

The University of South Alabama is home to more than 20 active fraternities and sororities, with approximately 800 student members across four governing councils. Fraternity and sorority life contributes meaningfully to student retention, leadership development, and community engagement. With additional staff support and funding, we can better serve our students and align more closely with university priorities around student success, wellness, and campus involvement.

Supporting the Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) community—one rooted in strong traditions and alumni connections—requires a significant investment of time, staffing, and resources. As the South Alabama community grows, so do the needs of our chapters, councils, and affiliated students.

To better meet these needs, the FSL office will assess a $20 per semester fee to all students who are members of recognized FSL organizations. This fee will be billed directly to students’ university accounts and used to enhance educational programming, wellness and prevention efforts and leadership development. By creating a reliable funding stream for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, we reduce dependence on student council budgets and allow for more strategic and long-term support.

Programming and Support Fee Details:

• Amount: $20 per student, per semester (fall and spring only)

• Assessed to: All active members of recognized FSL organizations

• Fee oversight by: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

• Funds support: Educational and Leadership Programming

Context and Need

Fraternities and sororities play a valuable role in student life at South. They support leadership development, campus involvement, and community service. But as our community has grown, the support needed to sustain a safe, enriching experience has not kept up.

A Fraternity and Sorority Life Fee would provide dedicated resources to:

• Strengthen risk management and safety efforts

• Expand leadership and educational programming

• Create more consistent accountability across all chapters

Many universities across Alabama and the region have already adopted similar fees. This step allows South to better support our students, strengthen the FSL experience, and meet rising expectations from national organizations and our own campus community.

Contribution Details

This fee is required for all active members of recognized fraternities and sororities. Unlike general student organizations, FSL members receive tailored support from university staff, including:

• Direct chapter and council advising

• Targeted training and educational programming

• Data reporting and community-wide assessments

• Recruitment marketing and event logistics support

To ensure equitable access, students with financial hardship may submit a Fraternity and Sorority Life Fee Waiver Request. Waiver applications will be reviewed by staff, and not all requests are guaranteed to be approved.

Why is this showing up on my student bill?

By directly billing individual students, the university can ensure timely payment, greater transparency, and improved fiscal management. Funds will go directly to a university account dedicated to Fraternity and Sorority Life operations.

We are committed to transparency and will provide an annual summary of how these funds are used to support the community.

Financial Aid

Whether your financial aid or scholarships cover the FSL fee depends on your specific aid package. Some forms of aid may not apply to student fees. To confirm your situation, contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@southalabama.edu or call (251) 460-6231.