Frequently Asked Questions about Fraternity and Sorority Life

Good social life? Strong support system? Kinship? Tradition? Leadership? Networking? All are valid reasons, but the one cited most by members is the sense of community. Joining the fraternity/sorority community is one way to make a large campus seem smaller, friendlier, and easier to handle. It gives you a place to feel home at and people you can always count on.

Attend Fraternity and Sorority Life events. Talk to members one-on-one. Call the Office of Fraternity/ Sorority Life and Student Engagement at 724-357-2598.

In order to enter the recruitment process for a fraternity or sorority, the potential new member must be at least a second-semester freshman or have earned a minimum of 12 credit hours from IUP or have transferred with those hours and have a cumulative grade-point average of at least a 2.50. Look for signs around campus, watch social media, and check this website for regular updates.

No. While most strike a balance among social life, service, academics, campus, and community involvement, each has its own personality. Some are more sports-minded, others are the proudest of volunteer work or their high academic standards. Do not believe all you hear about fraternity and sorority life. All members of the community strive to uphold the integrity and values of both the Greek system as a whole and their individual chapter.

Grade point averages for fraternity and sorority members are about the same as for all students, and some chapters pride themselves on surpassing the average. When you visit them during recruitment, do not be afraid to ask chapters about their standards. Most chapters work with their membership to attain high grades through incentive programs and common study times.

There is a range, so ask the individual chapters. Some chapters have payment plans and financial aid for students in need. Dues for a fraternity or sorority are an investment in a place that will welcome you even after you graduate. Be certain to read the available literature about chapter dues. This will help you understand what is included and what fees may be additional.

A few are probably “right.” it is a feeling-out process. The trick is to narrow your options without limiting them. Keep an open mind, watch for cues, avoid preconceptions, and—just as you did in applying to college—consider several alternatives. Word-of-mouth can be informative, but gossip is not fact. Make your own judgment during recruitment. Where do you feel at home?

Not really. Those in position to compare, like faculty advisors, say members behave (and occasionally misbehave) no differently than other students. Fraternities and sororities are typically more involved, and therefore, better at managing their time. Yet, without letters on sweatshirts, fraternity and sorority students look just like everybody else.

Fraternities and sororities govern themselves (within guidelines from IUP and their national organizations), keep their own books, plan events, and manage their chapters. Community and business leaders often cite the fraternity/sorority experience as a valuable training ground for challenges in later life. The leadership opportunities available are plentiful. You can cater your experiences to match your personal or professional goals. Often you are able to take on a leadership role right after joining.

Many Greeks and non-Greeks remain close, especially if the share other interests. You would widen your circle of friends and contacts by joining a fraternity or sorority. And speaking of contacts, chapter alumni often come through with summer job offers and other career connections. As long as you are committed to your friendships, joining a Greek organization should never interfere.

That is up to you. The old cliché “you get out of it what you put in” is true! Membership in a fraternity or sorority is a commitment, but you are a student first at IUP. You need to decide how active you want to be, and communicate this to the chapter.

You will have company in many sororities and fraternities. The spotlight on alcohol-related issues of health, safety, and liability has fostered programs to reduce misuse within fraternity/sorority life. Greeks drink no more than the typical student and will never force you to drink.

Most members think so, because so much opportunity for interaction is built in to the community that goes beyond parties to include such activities as intramural sports, alumni events, conventions, and weekend getaways. Brotherhood and sisterhood events are common in most chapters and include weekly television or movie events, dinner, or even bowling.

The elitism issue is probably a throwback to days when there were fewer choices. As to conformity, you can make that call during recruitment. If all members dress and sound alike, draw your own conclusion. Being an individual is essential to your personal well-being and is a value of all fraternities and sororities. Look for a place you are comfortable as yourself.

Do not hesitate to call or e-mail us with any questions that you may have concerning Fraternity and Sorority Life. Our phone numbers and e-mail address are located here.