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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fall Formal Recruitment?

This describes the structured activity of IFC and Panhellenic. IFC concludes their activities with JUMP and Panhellenic concludes their program with the Introduction to Panhellenic. Please check out the Recruitment Section of this website for details and dates of Fall Formal Recruitment for both fraternities and sororities.

If I don’t participate in formal recruitment, can I still join a chapter?

Yes. There is Informal Recruitment for IFC and Continuous Open Bidding (COB) for Panhellenic the remainder of the academic year.

What are the best chapters?

The answer to this question is completely subjective. Before joining, a person should look at the academic performance of the chapter, alcohol status, and philanthropic contributions, along with any other qualities deemed important.

Is hazing permitted?

Oregon State University, IFC and Panhellenic all agree that hazing is unacceptable in the Greek Community. Should hazing be reported, it will be dealt with through the judicial processes of the Greek Community and OSU.

What are the costs of joining a chapter?

The Greek Experience is an investment in your student's future. The leadership skills, the academic assistance, and friendships will benefit your student beyond their college days. The perception that fraternities and sororities are only an option for the "rich" students is widespread and false. Greek organizations are quite affordable and fees go to services that will positively impact your student. To assist members, chapters may offer scholarships and grants. The cost to join will vary from chapter to chapter. There are three kinds of costs: one time costs (pledge & initiation fees), recurring costs (membership dues, room and board rates) and special costs (tee shirts, social functions, etc). Ask the various chapters specific questions about each area. You may also refer to the "Financial Information" section of this website for cost information on the various fraternities/sororities. We encourage all interested students to ask for financial information prior to joining.

What will students get out of Greek Life that they would not get out of any other college organization?

Coming to college is one of the major life changes that your student will go through. Joining a fraternity or sorority can help make the transition easier. Developing life-long friendships with the members in their chapter helps make the campus smaller. For many members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to the brother/sisterhood, every chapter promotes the values of enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/service, and financial responsibility in their members.

Will my student's academics be compromised if they join a Greek chapter?

Academics are a priority in the Greek Community. When students join, they become part of a larger group of students who value their academic goals at OSU. This group understands what the new member is facing and can provide support in many areas. Each chapter on campus has a scholarship officer who initiates programs within the chapter to encourage high academic achievement. There are various resources for members on campus such as time managment workshops, academic advisors, the career center, etc. Specific academic information about the chapters may be found elsewhere on this website under "Academic Achievement".

What is expected of an associate member?

The number one priority is to achieve academically. Secondly, associate members are expected to learn the local chapter history and national history as well as to get to know the current membership. The length of the associate membership period varies from chapter to chapter.

How much time does a chapter take up?

The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter but the first semester is the most time intensive as the new member goes through the chapter's education program. The time spent in this program will give your student the opportunity to develop their leadership and time management skills, learn about the history of the organization, develop friendships, and allow them to become involved with other organizations. After the initiation into the chapter, expectations will vary. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other mandatory events (philanthropies, service, and initiation) throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance. In addition to the weekly meeting, the more your student puts into the chapter, the more they will get out of being a member.

What is a Philanthropy or Service Project?

Greek members take it as part of their mission to support their national philanthropies (not-for-profit causes) financially and physically. Throughout the year, each chapter spends time fundraising and volunteering to help their particular philanthropy. The time spent together on these events is one of the many times that fraternity brothers and sisters can bond, while making a difference in someone's life.

Are fraternities/sororities primarily social in nature?

There is a social aspect to the Greek Community and these "social" events include education programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Dad's Weekend, Mom's Weekend, Homecoming, and dinner exchanges in addition to parties and socials. Today's Greek Communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating a safer, more beneficial environment for members. Each governing council has a risk managment and alcohol policy. In addition, each organization may have national rules to follow regarding the hosting of social events. All organizations sponsor education on alcohol misuse and abuse. Sororities do not permit alcohol in their facilities.

What is my role as a parent?

Take the time to find out more about the Greek Community at OSU. Ask questions about what each organization will offer your student and allow them to make the best decision for themselves. Check out any information your student gets in the mail over the summer related to Greek Life. Once your student joins a chapter, there will be opportunities for your involvement as a parent such as Mom's and Dad's Weekend activities, or joining the chapter's Mom's Club, etc.

How does my student get involved?

Your student will receive information about Recruitment in the mail. At the START sessions, there will be an interest session on Greek Life for students and parents. Check out the websites listed above. Recruitment and Membership Intake are mutual selection processes with the hope there's a place for everyone.