University of Michigan - Flint

University of Michigan-Flint

Greek FAQ's



What is a fraternity and sorority?

Fraternities (men) and sororities (women) are student associations - often referred to as secret, Greek-lettered societies. Fraternities and sororities have been part of the higher education landscape for almost two centuries. All fraternities and sororities at the University of Michigan-Flint are affiliated with a national/international organization. Social fraternities and sororities should not be confused with the many academic and honor societies that operate on campus. Both share the Greek-letter name and have some other similarities, but each serves a different function. It is possible for a student to be a member of a social fraternity/sorority and an academic or honor society.

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How does a student join a fraternity or sorority?

Each fraternity or sorority has some type of recruitment process. The Panhellenic (NPC) sororities conduct a formal recruitment at the beginning of the fall semester and informal recruitment in the winter semester. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)  fraternities and sororities will do recruitment or intake throughout the year. Most chapters or the governing councils will post flyers and create banners, sponsor information sessions on campus, have information on the web site, and promote events in The Michigan Times.
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Can anybody join a fraternity or sorority?

Greek membership is open to all full-time undergraduate students; however, fraternities and sororities do have a selection process, so it is best to check out every chapter to find the best match. Some chapters have requirements that must be met before one may be considered for membership: grade point averages, semester hours completed, an intake process, etc. Before you join, learn everything you can about the fraternity or sorority that interests you. Most national fraternities and sororities have information sites on the World Wide Web. An Internet search will give you information about the national organization as well as links to a specific campus' chapter.
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Am I limited to what chapter/system I may join?

Other than gender (fraternities are for men and sororities are for women), a chapter is open to membership of any interested university student who is in good standing and meets all the academic requirements. Interested students are encouraged to investigate as many chapters as possible in order to make a well-informed decision. The decision is for a lifetime, so it should be done with all seriousness. And-you can only join one!
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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.
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If I join a Greek organization, do I have to live in the chapter house?

Not every chapter on campus has a facility/house. For those with facilities, each one has its own housing requirements and processes. Only initiated members who at least have a second year or higher status may move into an approved facility.
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Will I have time to be involved in Greek 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.
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How much does it cost to be in a fraternity or sorority?

Each chapter sets its own fees for membership. There are usually national dues, an initiation fee, and local costs when one joins a chapter. Housing costs are comparable to on-campus costs but do vary from chapter to chapter. Most chapters will provide this information during the recruitment process.
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If I join a chapter, am I going to be hazed?

Hazing is a violation of the State of Michigan laws and university policies (see the Code of Student Conduct). Every national fraternity or sorority has banned hazing, and each chapter is obligated to comply with these regulations. Most chapters have a new member program (a.k.a. a pledge program) where new members learn what it means to be a member of the chapter.  Once the program is completed, new members are initiated into membership. In addition to the hazing policy, all university policies apply to the fraternity and sorority community.
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Will my grades be impacted by joining a fraternity or sorority?

Fraternities and sororities 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.
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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.
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Who oversees the fraternity and sorority system?

The Office of Student Life oversees the fraternity and sorority system on the campus. The office has advisors who work with the chapters and the governing councils. Most chapters also have their own volunteers that assist and advise them. National offices have staff and volunteers that visit the chapters at least once a year.

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Office of Student Life | 361 University Center - 303 East Kearsley St. | Flint, Michigan 48502
Phone: 810.762.3431 | Fax (810) 762-3023 | Dept.Student_Life@umflint.edu
 

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