Frequently Asked Questions   

How can I join a fraternity or sorority?
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 & Sorority Life or the leadership of any of the four councils for more information.

How do I learn what fraternities & sororities are REALLY all about?
There are two great websites that you should visit...

•   The Sorority Life: http://www.thesororitylife.com/
•    Fraternity Info: http://www.fraternityinfo.com/

If I am new to FAU, wouldn’t it be better to “get my feet on the ground” before I join a fraternity or sorority?
Adjusting to college life is often a confusing process. By joining a fraternity or sorority your first semester, you can have an immediate “family” of friends, all willing to help you cope with the hassles of college life and experiences you’ll face. However, it is important to note that several organizations don’t allow first year students to join, allowing for the adjustment to college life. It is important to ask the individual organization about their policies regarding joining the first year.

How do I learn about the fraternities and sororities at FAU?
All of the fraternities & sororities at FAU are nationally affiliated. GOOGLE them! It’s a great way to get to know the values of that organization. Your decision to join is for a lifetime, so it should be done with all seriousness. And-you can only join one!

If I go through recruitment/intake, do I have to join?
No. Recruitment/Intake is a time to see what fraternities and sororities can offer you. Going through this process and its functions does not commit you to join.

Will I have time to be involved in fraternity/sorority life?
Only you can answer that question, but make no mistake - members of fraternities and sororities will have some mandatory commitments, such as chapter meetings. While academic achievement is a primary focus, fraternities and sororities participate in a wide variety of activities, including socials, date functions, philanthropy events, Homecoming, Greek Week, and many other campus activities. Participation in these events is highly encouraged because it gives members an opportunity to meet students from other chapters and teaches the importance of time management

Also, remember that discussing time commitments for new members is an excellent topic of conversation during recruitment events!

If I join a fraternity or sorority, will I be expected to drink?
The decision to drink or not to drink is one that every college student must make for him/herself. Many students, both affiliated and non-affiliated, choose to abstain from using alcohol and find their college experiences just as enjoyable. Fraternity & Sorority Life at FAU has strict risk management policies which regulate the consumption of alcohol at events. Every fraternity and sorority educates its new members on these alcohol policies, as well as related issues of personal responsibility and safety.

What opportunities will I have to develop my leadership skills?
Fraternity & Sorority life will offer you the opportunity to excel both within your chapter and on campus. All members are encouraged to take an active role within the chapter ranging from serving on committees to committee chairmanships to executive offices. In addition, there are over 100 student organizations in which you can become involved. Members are involved in nearly every aspect of these activities and can encourage fellow fraternity and sorority members take active roles in campus leadership.

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, t-shirts, etc.

What’s the deal with the governing councils? I don’t get it!
All organizations, under the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life umbrella, fall into one of four representative councils. Each council provides services to their respective chapters, in addition to working collectively to coordinate programming for the entire fraternity and sorority community.

The governing councils at Florida Atlantic University are:

Interfraternity Council (IFC) : This council is the representative body for the traditional men’s fraternity chapters. Organized IFC Recruitment Week is held every Fall & Spring semester.

College Panhellenic Association (CPA) : This council is the representative body for traditional women’s sorority chapters. Panhellenic Formal Recruitment is held every Fall semester.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) : This council is the representative body for the historically African American fraternity & sorority chapters. Intake processes differ from chapter to chapter, so please contact each organization directly.

Multicultural Greek Council (MGC ): This council is the representative body for the culturally based Multicultural fraternity & sorority chapters. Intake processes differ from chapter to chapter, so please contact each organization directly.

More Information on our individual fraternity & sorority chapters can be found at www.fau.edu/fslife