Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes the fraternity and sorority community at the University?
The fraternity and sorority community consists of four councils - the Inter-fraternity Council (IFC), the Inter-sorority Council (ISC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Please see their individual web sites (linked from the Fraternity and Sorority Life web page) for more information about the four councils.
How many students are involved in fraternity/sorority life at U.Va.?
Approximately 30 percent of the undergraduate student population are a member of a fraternal organization. However, the community is slightly smaller in the fall semester since formal recruitment occurs in the spring semester.
When does recruitment start at U.Va. for the fraternities and sororities?
Informal recruitment for transfer and second year students begins in the fall semester of each academic year for the Inter-sorority Council and the Inter-fraternity Council. The National Pan-Hellenicl Council begins recruitment with a "Meet the Greeks" session in the first weeks of the fall semester. The various organizations of the Multicultural Greek Council recruit at different times throughout the year. You should contact the MGC directly to find out about the recruitment timeline of specific MGC organizations.
Why does U.Va. have a deferred recruitment system for the IFC and the ISC?
The U.Va. administration encourages "the first-year experience" and believes first-year students need time to adjust to college life without the time commitment of joining the organizations in their first semester. It is important for first-year students to focus on academic achievement, making friends, getting settled into college life, and to begin to make decisions about what types of student organizations they will want to become involved in while at the University.
Will my grades be impacted by joining a fraternity or sorority?
Sororities and fraternities serve as a great resource for students academically, through study hours and tutoring programs. Most chapters require a high GPA for initial membership into the organization and for remaining an active member.
Will I have time to be involved in fraternity/sorority life?
Only you can answer that question. Being a member can be a substantial time commitment. In any given week, it is likely for a member to have one chapter meeting, one new member meeting during the first semester of membership, one committee meeting and one to two social or community service activities. Additional expectations like recruitment events or intramural sports may be of interest to you as a fraternity or sorority member.
Does it cost a lot of money to join?
Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a fraternity or sorority. The costs go toward council and national fees, chapter operating expenses and social functions.
Be aware that additional costs may be incurred throughout the semester for gifts, pictures, parties, t-shirts, etc.
What about hazing?
U.Va. does not condone hazing in any form.
Please visit the hazing web site (http://www.virginia.edu/fsl/policies/hazing.html) for more information about the University's policy.
If you feel that you or someone you know is participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact Fraternity and Sorority Life. Calls will be handled in a discreet manner.
If I go through recruitment/rush, do I have to join?
No. Recruitment is a time to see what fraternities and sororities can offer you. Going through recruitment or rush and its functions does not commit you to join.
What is bid day?
Bid day is when the women and men who have gone through recruitment pick up their invitations to join a sorority or fraternity.