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What are fraternities and sororities?

Sororities are social and professional groups for women. Fraternities are social and professionals groups for men. The word sorority is derived from the Latin word that means sisterhood. Similarly, the word fraternity is derived from the Latin word that means brotherhood. As a result, members of sororities and fraternities are often referred to as “sisters” and “brothers”.  

Sororities and fraternities each have their own colors, motto, and symbol. Sororities and fraternities also have one or multiple philanthropies that they support annually.

Why is it called Greek life?

Fraternity and sorority life is frequently called Greek life because of the use of Greek letters within their names. For example, the sorority Delta Gamma utilizes the letters D and G in the Greek alphabet.

Why fraternity and sorority life?

All aspects of fraternity and sorority life at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University have been designed to enrich and enlighten students in order to build better men and women.

Members have the opportunity to:

• Develop meaningful and supportive friendships
• Engage in leadership opportunities
• Participate in philanthropic projects and community service
• Be offered various career opportunities
• Create a worldwide network

Who can join?

Fraternity and sorority life is open to anyone who has an interest in joining the community. Sororities and fraternities provide an environment where the definition of what it means to be a member of a fraternity or sorority is inclusive of all ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú students and where the non-discrimination policy of the university is supported and enhanced.

What do the acronyms IFC, NPC, MGC, and NPHC mean?

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing body of fraternities at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University. For more information about IFC please visit the IFC page on the Cliff Alexander site. 

The Multicultural Greek Council is the newest governing board of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's fraternity and sorority community and is comprised of four Multicultural Greek-letter organizations. For more information on MGC please visit the MGC page of the Cliff Alexander site.

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is a national organization comprised of 26 member sororities, each of which is autonomous as a social, Greek letter society composed of both undergraduates and alumnae. For more information about NPC please visit the Panhellenic page on the Cliff Alexander site.    

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a national organization composed of four sororities and five fraternities whose membership is historically African American. For more information about NPHC please visit the NPHC page on the Cliff Alexander site.

How do I join a fraternity or sorority?

Anyone interested in becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority is encouraged to attend information sessions and Mega Fair during the fall semester. This will provide prospective members an opportunity to find out more about the fraternities and sororities at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and the recruitment process.

First-year students may join a fraternity or sorority during their second semester. By waiting a semester, students have an opportunity to get acquainted with the campus and transition to college life before making big decisions about fraternity and sorority membership.

Please note that there are general expectations and requirements that prospective members must meet before joining a chapter. Among these:

• Requirements must be met by the end of the fall semester prior to recruitment
• New member orientation course must be completed prior to the beginning of recruitment to be eligible to participate.  

From the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Student Handbook:

Requirements to Join

All Governing Councils, fraternities, and sororities may establish standards of membership including, but not limited to, credit hour and grade point average requirements. To affiliate with a fraternity or sorority, a student must have completed, at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University or other accredited institution of higher education:

1. One full-time fall or spring semester.
2. 12 college credit hours (does not include, AP, IB, dual-enrollment credit achieved in high school).
3. At least a 2.5 minimum, cumulative, grade point average for Panhellenic and NPHC organizations and at least a minimum 2.75 for Interfraternity Council fraternities. (Transfer GPAs cannot be combined – only the most recent college GPA received will be considered).
4. Only the fall 2024 GPA will count towards recruitment eligibility (for first year students). Cumulative college GPA will be reviewed for sophomores and above. Winter/J-Term 2025 grades will NOT count for any individual regardless of year in school.
5. The online education course prior to formally accepting a bid of membership.
6. Student eligibility will be verified through the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life prior to the chapter extending any form of invitation to membership. Only transcripts from the most recent institution attended will be considered.
7. Once membership has been gained to a fraternity or sorority, it is up to each chapter to determine an individual’s requirements to maintain membership.

What is Recruitment?

Recruitment, at one time known as Rush, is the process by which fraternities and sororities on campus introduce themselves to prospective members. During this time, and throughout the semester, you are invited to visit the chapters to learn what each group has to offer.

What are sprite dates?

Sprite dates are informal meetings between sorority/fraternity members and potential new members for recruitment purposes.

While sprite dates are a great way to get to know the various sororities and fraternities, individuals interested in fraternity and sorority life do not have to attend these dates in order to partake in the recruitment process.

What are recommendation letters and how are they used during women’s recruitment?

Recommendations are letters and forms regarding a potential new member that are sent to a sorority chapter before recruitment begins. These letters are used to learn more about a potential new member, with a focus on her high school activities and hometown involvement. Recommendations are typically written by graduated members (or alumna) of the sorority.

Please note that recommendation letters are not required for participation in women’s recruitment at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University. However, they provide a great way to introduce potential new members to a sorority before recruitment starts.

For more information regarding recommendation letters and the different recommendation processes for each sorority please visit the Panhellenic page on the Cliff Alexander site.

What time commitment is involved?

Sorority and fraternity membership requires between 2 to 8 hours a week. The first semester is the most time intensive, as new members participate in their chapter’s educational program.

Despite the time commitment, many members of the Greek community successfully manage their time wisely, balancing commitments such as schoolwork, employment, campus activities, and personal relationships.

How will being in a fraternity or sorority impact my grades?

Fraternities and sororities stand for excellence. All Greek organizations expect members to strive to fulfill their academic potential.

Fraternity and sororities offer study halls, tutoring programs, grade point requirements, and other programs to help meet the academic needs of their members.

What is hazing and do fraternities and sororities haze?

Hazing can be described as any incident or activity that may or may not cause mental or physical harm to a student looking to join an organization. Most sorority and fraternity members recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations. Hazing is banned by ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University, the national fraternal organizations, and by the laws of the State of Ohio.

For information regarding hazing and ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s No-Hazing Policy please visit the  page.

How much alcohol and substance abuse is associated with fraternities and sororities?

While the social aspect of sorority and fraternity life is one of the major reasons that students get involved, alcohol and substance abuse is not tolerated. To prevent alcohol and substance abuse, most fraternities and sororities require mandatory educational sessions on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. Additionally, precautions are taken at all events to ensure a safe environment.

How much does it cost to be a part of a fraternity or sorority and where does the money go?

Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment. The average cost for sorority dues is $663 for new members per semester and $410 for active members per semester. The average cost for fraternity dues is $724 for new members per semester and $647 for active members per semester.

Dues go towards inter/national fees, social functions, chapter operating expenses, and educational programs and initiatives. Please note that payment plans are available for all sororities and fraternities. 

For more information regarding the cost of membership please visit the Costs page on the Cliff Alexander site.

What housing options are associated with fraternities and sororities?

The national sororities of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Panhellenic Association have sorority suites within the residence halls where they hold chapter meetings and other functions. These living learning communities provide a shared living space for second year chapter members to live together in a sorority-centered experience on campus. Locations for sorority living learning communities vary annually.

Most fraternities have chapter houses in close proximity to campus. If eligible, second-year fraternity men may live in their respective fraternity house in place of the second-year on campus residency requirement. The cost of living in the fraternity house varies from fraternity to fraternity. Additional information regarding cost of housing for fraternity houses can be found on the Costs page of the Cliff Alexander site.

I’m interested, but I’m still not sure.

Continue exploring the Fraternity and Sorority Life website, individual chapter sites, or feel free to call the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at 513-529-1462. Email us at fsll@miamioh.edu. We are here to help you in any way possible!