Why Join?
Speaking of Greeks....
- Scholarship
- Leadership
- Community Service
- Brotherhood
- Sisterhood
College- the time has finally arrived. Are you ready? Most students leave for college with unanswered questions going through their minds:
- Will I fit in and make new friends?
- Will I succeed academically?
- Will I be able to get involved in campus organizations and better my leadership skills?
- Will I find other people interested in the same things as I am?
- Will I get a good job when I graduate?
- Will I get lost in the crowd and become just another number?
These concerns are very common. Everyone likes to belong- to feel apart of something. Fraternities and sororities offer you the chance to meet people who share your interests and values.
Greek Life can help you find your niche on campus, offer resources to help you achieve your academic goals, encourage you to get involved in different campus organizations, let you play on that winning intramural team, and give you a groups of friends that cheer you on when you’re successful and who will support you when the going gets tough.
What is a fraternity/sorority?
Fraternities are Greek-Letter organizations for men; Sororities are Greek-Letter organizations for women. Both place emphasis on scholarship, leadership, community service, and social activities. Men and women are eligible for membership any time after their first semester is completed. Students must have completed 12 credits and a minimum of 2.3 overall GPA. Greek life is not for everyone- read on to see if it’s for you!
I’ve heard that fraternity/sorority members form really strong friendships… is that true?
You bet it is! The most important component of Greek Life is friendship. There’s always a brother/sister around to play a pickup game of basketball, to go on 2a.m. pizza runs, or to help you with a tough school project. You’ll never feel alone at college when you’ve got your fraternity brothers or sorority sisters around.
Why do fraternity men/sorority women call each other brothers/sisters?
It’s the sense of family that Greek Organization membership provides. These friendships are forever. Even after graduation, the bond of brotherhood/sisterhood keeps friendships alive. From the class of 1959-2010, you have something in common- the bond of friendship and memories.
What about volunteering my time to help others?
Helping others will make you feel good about yourself! Whether raising funds for a particular charitable organization or volunteering your time to help others in the community, you will see that human experience is an important part of the Greek experience. From dances, and philanthropies, to blood drives, service is fun and rewarding.
Sounds Great; How much time does it take?
Through your involvement with a Greek organization you’ll learn how to better manage your time and balance your academic work, and fraternity and sorority commitments. How much time you put into it, is how much time you’ll get out of it.
I want to succeed academically. Will fraternity/sorority membership help or hinder my efforts?
Getting good grades in college can be tough. It takes hard work, commitment, dedication, and knowing the right resources. In the fraternity/sorority you can use the network of members who have already taken advantage of campus resources. Some examples are: the library, math lab, and Career Services.
While you are ultimately responsbile for your own success, many opportunities offer studys halls, study hours, and study buddies, as well as award and incentive programs to help you achieve.
I was a leader in high school... Will I have opportunities to lead in the fraternity/sorority?
In Greek organizations, you’re in charge! Everyone in the organization is a leader, whether you’re an officer, a committee chair, or a committee member. Whether it is winning intramurals, planning a dance, or organizing a holiday party for community children, you’ll find everyone works together with lots of team spirit.
You will learn by doing. You’ll learn how to manage a budget, run effective meetings, speak in public and motivate others- skills that will help you in college and throughout life. Remember, it takes more than just a degree to get a job!
What happens during my first months in a fraternity/sorority?
You’re going to make a lot of new friends; friends you’ll soon call brothers/sisters. It’s an exciting time … electing officers… planning socials… going places… learning fraternity/sorority history… and getting to know more about yourself and your new brothers and sisters.
Does it cost a lot to be in a fraternity/sorority?
Membership fees vary from organization to organization. There are national fees; some are one-time fees, others are annual or semi-annual fees. Each chapter is self-supported by local dues paid by members.
Financial Information
Financial obligations are a major consideration when joining a fraternity or sorority. It is essential that each member take responsibility in regards to his/her commitment to a particular organization.
The first year of membership in a Greek organization is the most expensive due to the one-time fees every new initiate must pay.
Expected Fees:
New Member Fee- Pays for manuals, notebooks, materials, and pledge pins.
Initiation Fee- Covers cost for national dues, subscription to the national magazine, lifetime membership dues, and the initiation ceremony.
Social Dues- Fees each member pays which is budgeted into use for events such as rush, officer budgets, social service projects, social functions, and special events.
How do you go about joining a fraternity/sorority?
Fraternities and Sororities organize a process called recruitment. Recruitment offers you the chance to meet other people and learn about what each organization has to offer.
Each organization has its own unique programs and strengths, yet all primarily concerned with friendship, scholarship, leadership, and service to others. Just like researching, visiting and choosing a college, you should seek out the best fraternity/ sorority that best suits your personality, needs, and goals. You’ll find there is a fraternity/ sorority for everyone.
What about Hazing?
Hazing is absolutely forbidden. You don’t have to prove yourself. However, each organization does have expectations of its members. During Rush, you’ll want to ask each organization specific questions about what is expected of you as a new member.
Anti-Hazing Policy
California University adheres to state, local, and federal guidelines in all hazing matters. Our position on hazing is consistent with state prohibition on hazing activities. This prohibits all forms of hazing by all members of fraternities and sororities. Any infraction of state, local, or federal guidelines reported to a Greek Advisor or the Office of Student Development will be dealt with accordingly. Cal U has recognized the dignity of every individual and has expressed strong opposition to all forms of hazing.