Frequently Asked Questions

• Will joining a fraternity or sorority interfere with academics?

  Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the structured environment of high school to the new-found freedom of college. Fraternity and Sorority Life membership assists the transition process by offering scholarship programs that include study partners, study hours, and time management workshops.

• How much time is required of a chapter member?

  The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter, but the first semester is time intensive as students participate in the chapter’s new member education program. Time spent in this program provides an opportunity to develop leadership and time management skills, learn about the history of the organization, and develop friendships. Each chapter has weekly meetings and other events (philanthropic, service, social, initiation) throughout the year that are generally planned in advance in order to promote reasonable time management. As with any organization, the time commitment increases as a student assumes a leadership position.

• How much does it cost to join a fraternity or sorority?

  Just like any other organization, joining a fraternity or sorority involves a financial commitment. However, the first year of membership is the most expensive with initiation fees, membership badge, chapter dues and other costs. Contrary to common stereotypes, many chapter members work during the academic year and are financing their tuition and/or housing expenses. Most organizations offer payment plans in order to help spread the cost out over several smaller payments.

• What are the rituals? What does it mean?

  Fraternity and sorority ritual events are sacred ceremonies that remind members of their founder’s vision and mission. Ritual emphasizes the international organizations’ values and the commitment that the member made when becoming a brother or sister.

• What about hazing?

  UNC has a no-tolerance hazing policy for all student organizations. Hazing or any activity that subjects members to embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical abuse or sleep deprivation is entirely contrary to the values and purposes of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Fraternity and sorority members are educated on the dangers of hazing and how to report incidents to both university staff and police officers.

• What about alcohol?

  Fraternity and Sorority Life understands the concerns with the general “college” culture and alcohol. Whether or not a student is a member of a fraternity or sorority does not necessarily indicate that they will be more or less likely to partake in that culture. Every semester, UNC Fraternity & Sorority Life partners with campus resources to educate chapter members on alcohol, hazing, and sexual assault. In addition, each governing council and chapter has specific policies on alcohol. Chapters also participate in nonalcoholic socials, intramurals, and other activities on campus. Many fraternity and sorority members choose not to drink at all.

• Am I required to live in a Chapter house when I join Fraternity and Sorority Life?

  Living in a chapter house might seem like a deterrent at first, but living in a house with your new brothers or sisters is a fun and exciting opportunity. For some chapters it is required to live at the chapter house at some time, but for others it is not. MGC and NPHC Fraternities and Sororities do not have chapter houses.

• What is your policy on gender and membership?

  Fraternities and sororities are single-sex, Title IX exempt organizations. Fraternity and Sorority Life’s policy on gender states that in order to join a sorority you must personally identify as female and in order to join a fraternity you must personally identify as male. However, some of our organizations use University Recognition (how you identify according to university records) in order to determine if you are eligible for membership.

• I heard Fraternity and Sorority Life emphasizes leadership. What opportunities will I have in Fraternity and Sorority Life?

  Every Chapter has their own internal leadership structure that allows several members to serve on their chapter leadership team. Fraternity and Sorority Life members are also prominent leaders in other campus organizations, including Student Senate, RHA, UPC, Club Sports, and more. It is also possible to run for positions within the governing bodies of Fraternity and Sorority Life that include Multicultural Greek Council, Panhellenic Council, and Interfraternity Council.