EHS partners with Fraternity & Sorority Commons (FSC) and FSC chapter leadership to conduct property reviews of FSC chapter houses each fall and spring semester.
These reviews play a vital role in supporting fire and life safety standards as well as helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for chapter residents, guests, and the surrounding community.
This page provides information about property reviews, chapter responsibilities, and helpful links to support chapters.
- Property Review Scheduling: EHS coordinates the FSC Property Review schedule each semester and communicates dates and times to chapter presidents, Housing Corporation representatives, and FSC leadership.
- Frequency: Property reviews are conducted each fall and spring semester.
For RPI-owned chapter housing, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control (NYS OFPC) will conduct a state-required inspection during the fall semester. EHS and FSC will conduct an FSC Property Review during the spring semester. - Notice: Chapters receive advanced notification of scheduled property reviews:
Fall 2025 FSC Property Review Schedule.
Property reviews typically cover a range of fire and life safety checks, which may include but are not limited to:
- Reviewing fire and life safety documentation (e.g., fire alarm system inspections, boiler certifications, kitchen hood cleaning, fire extinguisher records, and fire drill reports).
- Verifying clear exit paths and unobstructed egress routes inside and outside the building.
- Random testing of emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs.
- Confirming proper functioning of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Checking the placement and use of fire extinguishers.
- Educating chapters on prohibited appliances, overloaded outlets, or daisy chaining with unapproved power strips are in use.
- Advising on the safe storage of combustible and flammable materials.
- Housekeeping checks in kitchens, restrooms, and exterior areas for cleanliness and safety.
- Assessing the condition of walls, roofs, doors, and windows for safety hazards or openings.
Chapter presidents, risk managers and other chapter members play a key role in supporting safety and compliance by preparing for inspections and attending scheduled training. This includes keeping living spaces clean and free of hazards, checking that fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors, extinguishers and egress/exiting pathways are unobstructed and promptly addressing maintenance concerns. Attending training sessions helps occupants understand emergency procedures, safe living practices, and their responsibilities within the housing community. By actively participating, occupants help maintain a safe, comfortable, and compliant living environment for themselves and chapter members.
Responsibilities for chapter presidents and risk managers also include:
- Completing all required outside vendor inspections.
- Conducting regular chapter house fire drills and self-inspections.
- Assigning a chapter house safety officer or risk manager.
- Providing training for members on fire safety and the property review process each semester.
- Accompanying staff during property reviews.
- Following up on any findings or required corrective actions.
- Communicating with Housing Corporation and Alumni members regarding the property reviews.
- Fall 2025 FSC Property Review Schedule: Each semester, EHS coordinates the schedule for property reviews. The schedule provides the chapter name, location, date, and time, in order for each chapter to have the details they need to prepare.
- Fire Drill Form: In New York State, colleges are required to keep written records of all fire drills. The documentation must include the date, time, location, number evacuated, weather conditions during each drill, along with any notes on how it was conducted. These records must be kept on file and made available for review.
- Property Review Checklist: Chapter should use the Property Review Checklist to confirm all safety and maintenance requirements are addressed. Please note, this checklist is not all-inclusive but serves as a helpful tool in maintaining properties and preparing for the EHS Property Review.
- Training Presentation: Preparing for Fall 2025 Property Reviews: Chapter presidents, risk managers, and other student leaders participate in training each semester to prepare for property inspections and support safety and compliance. These sessions provide important updates and reinforce responsibilities for maintaining a safe environment.
If you have any questions about FSC Property Reviews, please contact EHS@rpi.edu.