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

Coming to college is one of the major life changes that you will go through. Joining a fraternity or sorority chapter can help make the transition easier. Developing life long friendships with the members in the chapters 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, and philanthropy/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 and sorority members have national networks for their member to use for careers and job re-locations. Membership in a chapter can be a life long experience that is 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 and 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. Fundraising events of many kinds are organized each year by fraternities and sororities in order to benefit worthwhile charities. Such projects help build moral character through the realization of needs of people who are less fortunate. 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, which varies by chapter (ranging from approximately $300-$800/semester). Each chapter is self-supporting through the dues paid by their members. Most chapters offer members payment plans to assist in paying for dues. Membership dues go to services that directly support the betterment of the chapter and the national organization. To assist members, chapters may offer various scholarships and grants.

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, expectations 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, as well as 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 and have eliminated it. UConn does not tolerate any form of hazing whether intentional or unintentional and works with alumni and chapter members in an effort to provide members with a positive and rewarding fraternity and 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. The Panhellenic Council offers a formalized recruitment process each fall. The IFC fraternities typically host recruitment events the first three weeks of classes. The culturally-based fraternities and sororities that are part of IGC and NPHC also conduct events at the start of the year for students to become more familiar with their organization. Interested students are highly encouraged to attend recruitment events  to better familiarize their selves with the UConn fraternity and 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 and any students who are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority or encouraged to attend the recruitment events.