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 Office
of Fraternity and Sorority Life web page) for more information about
the four councils.
How can I
join a sorority or fraternity?
Fraternities and sororities organize a process of meeting people and
building relationships. This process is called membership intake, recruitment,
or rush. This process offers each student the opportunity to meet other
people on campus and learn what each fraternity or sorority has to offer
its members. Each of the four councils follows a slightly different
schedule and process for membership recruitment. Contact the Office
of Fraternity and Sorority Life or the leadership of any of the four
councils for more information.
How many students
are involved in fraternity/sorority life at UVa?
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 UVa 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 UVa
have a deferred recruitment system for the IFC and the ISC?
The UVa 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?
UVa does not condone hazing in any form.
Please visit the
hazing web site (http://www.virginia.edu/ofsl/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
the Office of 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.
