What will I get from fraternity or sorority membership that I would not get out of any other college organization?

Coming to college is a major life change. Joining a fraternity or sorority chapter can help make the transition easier. Developing lifelong friendships with other members helps make the campus seem smaller. For many members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to the brotherhood/sisterhood, every chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy, and community service.

How will joining fraternity or sorority benefit me after college?

The lifelong friendships you will make by being a member of a fraternity or sorority chapter will last into post-college years. Fraternity/sorority members have national networks for their member to use for careers and job re-locations. Membership in a chapter can be an investment in your future. Wherever you end up after college, chances are you will be able to find an alumni chapter or members from your fraternity or sorority in the area.

Will my academics be comprised if I join a fraternity or sorority?

Academic achievement is a priority for students in fraternities and sororities. When students join a fraternity or sorority, they become part of a larger group of students who value their academic goals at UConn. In order to join a chapter, individuals are required to have a minimum grade point average. Additionally, every fraternity and sorority has a scholarship officer who is responsible for initiating programs within the chapter to encourage high academic achievement. The scholarship officers of each chapter provide various resources for members, such as: tutoring, education programs, and awards/recognition.

What kind of community service and philanthropies do fraternities and sororities participate in?

One of the most gratifying aspects of fraternity and sorority membership at UConn is the sense of satisfaction and pride which comes with involvement in community service and fundraising events. Numerous community service and fundraising events are organized each year by fraternities/sororities to benefit worthwhile causes. Such projects help build moral character through the realization of the others’ experiences. Helping others will undoubtedly be one of the most rewarding experiences a student in a fraternity or sorority will have in college.

How much does it cost to be a member in a fraternity or sorority?

The fraternity and sorority experience is an investment in your future. The leadership skills, the academic assistance and the friendships will benefit you beyond your college days. Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment (i.e. membership dues), which varies by chapter (ranging from approximately $300-$800/semester). Each chapter is self-supporting through the dues paid by their members. Membership dues go to services that directly support the betterment of the chapter and the national organization. Most chapters offer members payment plans to assist in paying for dues. Chapters may also offer scholarships and grants to assist with membership dues.

How time consuming is joining a fraternity or sorority?

The amount of time involved in joining a fraternity or sorority will vary from chapter to chapter. For most organizations, the semester in which you decide to become a member will be the most time intensive period for you, as this is the time that the members will go through the chapter’s new member education period. The time spent in this program will give you the opportunity to develop leadership and time management skills, learn about the history of the organization, develop friendships with others in their new member class, as well as the rest of the chapter, and allow you to become involved with other organizations. After initiation into the chapter, the expected time commitment will vary. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other mandatory events (community service events, study hours, and initiation) throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance.

What is the anti-hazing policy?

Physical and mental hazing is prohibited by UConn, by the national organizations, and by the laws of the State of Connecticut. UConn fraternities and sororities recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations. UConn does not tolerate any form of hazing, whether intentional or unintentional. UConn works with alumni and chapter members in an effort to provide members with a positive and rewarding fraternity/sorority experience. Most new member periods are a fun way to learn the history of the chapter and national organizations, and a great way to make new friends. For additional information, please visit: https://community.uconn.edu/hazing-policy/

What is recruitment?

In the beginning of each semester fraternities and sororities will host a wide array of recruitment events organized by council. The College Panhellenic Council (CPH) offers a formalized recruitment process for its sororities each fall. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities typically host recruitment events during the first three weeks of classes. The culturally-based fraternities/sororities that are part of the Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) also conduct events at the start of the year for students to become more familiar with their organizations. Interested students are highly encouraged to attend recruitment events to better familiarize their selves with the UConn fraternity/sorority community.

How do I join a fraternity or sorority at UConn?

For more information about joining a fraternity/sorority, visit the Join Our Community page! There will be recruitment events during the fall semester. Any students who are interested in joining a fraternity/sorority are encouraged to attend!