Fraternity and Sorority Life FAQs

A fraternity or sorority is an organized society dedicated to the intellectual, physical, and social development of its members, built around companionship and brotherhood or sisterhood. They are found on accredited college and university campuses across the United States and Canada.

Participating in any worthwhile activity requires an investment of time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through Greek life, you will learn to balance academic, work, campus, and social commitments.

Each fraternity and sorority is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments, your primary expense will be regular dues. Payment plans are usually available. During recruitment events, active members will explain the costs to help you make a sound financial decision.

Fraternity and sorority membership offers many practical benefits. Many chapters provide scholarship opportunities, loans, and other financial aid. There are numerous chances to develop leadership and interpersonal skills through officer positions, committee work, and seminars. Volunteering within the community establishes a pattern of lifelong service. And sororities and fraternities offer a lifetime of networking with members of all ages.

Managing time is one of the biggest challenges in the transition from high school to college. Fraternities and sororities can actually help with that transition — many chapters offer scholarship programs that include study partners, test-taking skill development, and time management workshops. That said, academic priorities should always come first, and membership may sometimes require you to make tough choices.

Batten University and all national sororities and fraternities oppose hazing and are committed to a membership education period that instills responsibility and commitment in new members. During your new member period you will attend weekly meetings, leadership retreats, community service projects, and activities designed to build friendships. These activities should never degrade you, and you should never be asked to engage in anything harmful, psychologically or physically. Learn more on our Hands Don’t Haze page.

Fraternities and sororities elect officers who manage day-to-day operations, assisted by members serving on committees and alumni who act as advisors. The Office of Student Engagement oversees all fraternities and sororities at Batten University.

Every fraternity and sorority expects its members to obey all local, state, and federal laws and to abide by the organization’s policies, guidelines, and standards. Each group allocates significant resources to educate its members about alcohol and substance abuse. Additionally:

• Alcohol is not allowed in any sorority chapter facility, house, lodge, or suite.
• Chapter funds may not be used to purchase alcohol.
• The illegal use and abuse of alcohol and controlled substances is not tolerated.

Batten University provides extensive guidelines for hosting social events, and chapters are expected to provide a safe environment for members and guests. If policies are violated, both the University and the national organization intervene with disciplinary measures and additional education.

Membership in a fraternity or sorority is a living and learning experience shared by people who hold common values and objectives. Chapter members develop a special bond built on those shared experiences. These friendships extend well beyond graduation and are nurtured through alumni activities and networking programs that offer continued camaraderie, service, and personal development.

Recruitment is a two-way process by which members of a fraternity or sorority chapter decide who they would like to welcome into their organization, while you — the potential new member — decide which chapter interests you most. It’s a great opportunity to meet active members and learn about their activities, values, and ideals. Participation in recruitment does not obligate you to join.

Everyone looks for something different in a chapter. While all chapters emphasize academics, some are also known for a focus on athletics, community service, or friendship. Look at all the chapters and evaluate which best fits your needs and interests. The choice is entirely yours.

Be yourself. You want to get a genuine sense of what the chapter is like, and they want to know the real you. Putting up a front doesn’t serve either of you.

Membership comes with real financial and time responsibilities. Make sure you understand the full financial obligation — costs vary by chapter but generally include quarterly local and national dues as well as one-time new member and initiation fees. You should also understand all membership requirements before initiation. Active members will be happy to answer your questions.

A potential new member becomes a new member by accepting a bid. As a new member, you will go through an education period that prepares you for active membership — learning your chapter’s history, goals, and how it functions. The length of the new member period varies by chapter. Once you become an initiated member of a national fraternity or sorority, you are ineligible for membership in any other. Requiring new members to engage in any form of hazing is strictly prohibited.