Reality shows have shown the world what it's like inside some fraternities and sororities. Unlike those on MTV, Greek activities at UNM are regulated by the University.
Every time a Greek organization on campus wants to have a party or any social function where alcohol is present, they must first register it with the University's Greek Life Office.
They must pick a date, meet with UNM officials, make a guest list and hire security.
There can't be more than one registered event per weekend night and none on weekdays, said Allison Holcomb, Greek Life student activity adviser.
UNM's seven sororities are dry and are never allowed to have liquor on the property. Three of UNM's 12 registered frats are allowed to have alcohol - Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
"Fraternities owned by the University should never have alcohol," Holcomb said. "But privately owned residences where the fraternity owns the property have made decisions about the use of that property."
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According to UNM's Fraternity and Sorority Risk Management Procedures, guests must bring their own alcohol to parties when permitted. Such a party must be approved and registered seven days in advance by the Greek Life adviser.
Guests who are 21 must wear a wristband supplied by the University when alcohol is at a registered event. A single person can bring nothing more than a six pack of beer or four 10-ounce wine coolers. Kegs and hard alcohol are not allowed.
"Once the chapter turns in the form, Greek Life staff verifies the information," Holcomb said. "Three days before the event, the officers from that fraternity meet with us and give us their guest list."
Greek members are allowed no more than three guests each. Following the event, the signed lists are turned into the Greek adviser and kept on file in the Student Activities Center for two calendar years. All guests must be at least 18.
Although fraternities are not allowed to advertise parties, Kevin Goddard, president of UNM's Lambda Chi Alpha chapter, said his fraternity had problems with uninvited guests in the past. He said that isn't so much of a problem anymore.
He said driver's licenses and student IDs are checked at the door.
"Events are supposed to be private and limited to fraternity and sorority members," he said. "The registration process keeps it streamlined and safe."
UNM requires one sober monitor for every 25 guests, and at least four monitors at the event. There must also be three hired security guards on patrol.
Freshman Rachel Fitzwater, who is not Greek, was unaware of the rules.
"I don't know much about frats, but I think rules are good so they don't get out of control," Fitzwater said.
UNMPD is notified of all registered events by the Greek Life Office, but according to the Risk Management Procedures, parties must be over by 1 a.m. If a noise complaint is received, the party may be shut down.
