Most of our housed organizations maintain equity and manage the facilities through a House Corporation Board (HCB), while the University holds the title to the real estate and chapter houses. Our small group houses are leased and maintained through the University.
All major maintenance, renovation, or new construction projects for Student Organization Housing must be submitted for review, regardless of funding source (e.g., UA Borrowed Funds or Student Organization Funds).
Project Approval Process
Deadlines
Large scale projects (>$50K)
Submit at least one year prior to desired start date.
Will require programming and Board of Trustee review.
All Other Projects (<$50K)
At least one week prior to regularly scheduled PIR meeting.
Submission Process
For more information about the submission process as well as the Student Organization Project Initiation Request Form, please contact Jennifier Brown.
Construction Policy
Follow the Student Organization Construction Project Policy.
Project Initiation Request
Complete the Student Organization Project Initiation Request (PIR) Form by the stated deadlines.
Submit the project
Submit the project to the UA Student Organization Facilities Committee before any work begins.
Review Process
PIR Review Meetings occur on the third Wednesday of each month. The committee reviews all PIRs and provides recommendations to:
- The Vice President for Student Life
- The Vice President for Finance and Operations
Review Response
A formal Memorandum of Approval or Denial will be issued.
Project Guidelines and Special Considerations
Design Standards
Follow the Student Organization Housing Design Guidelines for renovations, additions, and new construction.
These guidelines supplement (but do not replace) the University Design Guidelines and Standards.
Visual and Safety Requirements
All projects that affect the visual appearance of the facility (e.g., landscaping) must be submitted for approval via the PIR form.
Notify Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) before starting any work that could activate the fire alarm system, such as:
- Spray painting
- Sanding floors
Additional Project Requirements
Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Surveys
Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Surveys are required for renovations, construction, or demolition. They are conducted by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).
EHS will coordinate survey scheduling with the House Director or a chapter representative.
Landscaping Projects
Landscaping projects must comply with the UA Campus Master Plan (2024) and UA Design Guidelines Part III – Civil and Landscape Standards + Details‘ Submit landscaping changes for approval using the PIR form before beginning work.
Unauthorized work may result in:
- Fines
- Removal and replacement of landscaping at the organization’s expense
Tree Care Policy
Per UA’s Facilities and Grounds Campus Tree Care Policy, abuse of trees is strictly prohibited. Violations will result in University-imposed fines on the chapter.
Violations includes:
- Climbing
- Use of ropes, hammocks, slack lines, zip lines
- Attaching nails, tape, or signage
University Oversight and Maintenance Responsibilities
The University of Alabama conducts various assessments and manages state-required inspections for all Greek chapter houses located on campus.
University-Owned Greek Housing Facilities
UA fully maintains the following university-owned Greek housing facilities:
- Two swing space houses
- Five small group Greek houses
Chapter houses
Chapter houses are primarily operated and maintained by their individual house corporations. They may request maintenance services from UA.
- Requests are reviewed and approved by the appropriate UA Facilities departments.
- All approved services will be billed to the chapter.
Inspections Managed by the University
The University coordinates the following inspections and assessments for all Greek chapter houses on campus. These inspections ensure compliance with state-mandated certification requirements for safety systems (elevators, boilers, etc.).
- Monthly fire sprinkler system inspections
- Annual elevator inspections
- Biennial boiler and hot water heater inspections
- Five-year property assessments
After-Hours Emergencies and Reporting
Emergency Maintenance (After Hours)
Call UA After-Hours Reporting Service at 205-348-6001
Service calls will be billed to the chapter
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
Phone: 205-348-0496 or 205-348-9494
Fire/Medical Emergencies
Phone: 205-348-5454 or 911
Reporting Maintenance by Facility Type
Swing Space Housing
Representatives in the university-owned swing space should report maintenance needs directly to OFSL Housing division.
Phone: 205-348-2693
Email: jhbrown6@ua.edu or vlmorris@ua.edu
Small Group Greek Housing
Residents should report maintenance needs to Housing and Residential Communities (HRC).
Phone: 205-348-6676
Online: HRC Work Order Portal