Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life & Leadership
How to Join Fraternity & Sorority Life
Joining a Fraternity or Sorority
Roughly 30% of all Miami students are members of Greek organizations on campus. The three Governing Councils operate coduct recruitment independently of one another. For please click the following links to find out more about each process:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GREEK LIFE AT MIAMI:
- What is Recruitment? Recruitment, formerly known as Rush, is the process by which fraternities and sororities on campus introduce themselves to prospective members. During this time, and throughout the semester, you are invited to visit the chapters to learn what each group has to offer. Joining a fraternity or a sorority is a big decision and it should not be "rushed."
- How do I join a fraternity or sorority? Anyone interested in becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority is encouraged to attend information sessions and Mega Fair during the fall semester. This will provide prospective members an opportunity to find out more about the Fraternities and Sororities at Miami and the Recruitment process. First year students may join a fraternity or sorority during their second semester. By waiting a semester, students have an opportunity to get acquainted with the campus and transition to college life before making big decisions about fraternity and sorority membership. Please note that there are general expectations and requirements that prospective members must meet before joining a chapter. For example, those participating in the recruitment process must meet the minimum Grade Point Average set by each of the Governing Councils.
- Don't Greek organizations take up a lot of time? Fraternity/Sorority membership requires time commitment from 2 to 8 hours a week. Whether it be a community service project, planning an event, or regular weekly meetings, members have learned to manage their time wisely with other commitments such as schoolwork, a job, and significant others.
- What effect will being in a Greek Organization have on my grades? The Miami Fraternity/Sorority Community prides itself on high standards of academics. The All-Fraternity/Sorority GPA last semester was a 3.11. Fraternities and sororities offer study halls, tutoring programs, grade point requirements, and other programs to help meet the academic needs of their members.
- What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority? Supportive friends, leadership opportunities, philanthropic projects, community service, career opportunities, and becoming part of a worldwide network. This only begins the description of how being in a fraternity/sorority will positively affect your life; and membership is for life!
- Isn't there a lot of alcohol and substance abuse associated with fraternities and sororities? True, the social aspect of Fraternity/Sorority Life is one of the major reasons that students get involved, however alcohol and substance abuse is not tolerated. Most organizations have mandatory educational sessions on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, and precautions are taken at all events to ensure a safe environment.
- Don't Greek organizations haze? Physical and mental hazing is banned by the University, the national fraternal organizations, and by the laws of the State of Ohio. Fortunately, most fraternity/sorority members recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations. Hazing will not be tolerated at Miami University.
- What does it cost to be Greek? Every fraternity and sorority is self-supportive. Each chapter and its national headquarters determine the monthly/semesterly dues and membership fees. Some chapters also include a one-time association and initiation fee. Many chapters offer a payment plan.
- Do all fraternities and sororities have chapter houses? ? Most fraternities have chapter houses in close proximity to the campus. An alumni corporation or an independent landlord owns some of the chapter houses. The national sororities of NPHC and Panhellenic Association have Sorority Suites within the residence halls where they hold chapter meetings and other functions.
- What activities are Greeks involved in? Fraternity/Sorority members participate in many activities on campus and in the community. Members enjoy social functions, retreats, athletics, mixers, and informal get togethers. Chapters are active in all areas of campus life and activities. Furthermore, members are strongly encouraged to take part in other clubs and organizations. Fraternity/Sorority members are the leaders in many campus clubs and organizations. This helps to make members well rounded students as well as leaders in the many facets of campus life.
- I'm interested, but I'm still not sure. Visit our office web site (www.muohio.edu/FSLL), individual chapter web sites, or feel free to call the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Leadership at (513) 529-1462. We are here to help you!