frequently asked questions
It depends on the organization, but most can be joined by first-year students. While first-semester students are permitted to join organizations their first semester and many do, some students chose to wait a semester or more before joining an organization. Joining a fraternity or sorority is an individual decision and students should look to start the fraternity or sorority experience when they are ready.
A popular but important question to ask during the recruitment/intake process – the time commitment varies based upon the expectations of each organization. The amount of time a member wants to commit to the chapter is also a testament to how much the member wants to get out or contribute to the chapter. Many chapters would minimally expect members to be present for a weekly chapter meeting and a weekly chapter event (brotherhood/sisterhood, dinner, fundraiser, educational speaker, etc.), so two to four hours a week.
A strong benefit of fraternities and sororities is that relationships and connections to the fraternity/sorority are life-long. Unlike a student organization that you may choose to be a part of one semester and leave the next, fraternities and sororities do not have simple processes for removing membership, however, each organization does have a process should the need arise.
The required GPA varies for each chapter and each governing council. If you are concerned that your high school GPA, or for current EIU students your college GPA, may not be sufficient, ask during the recruitment/ intake process if you meet the minimum requirements.
There are many benefits of being in a fraternity or sorority. These benefits include, but are not limited to the following: leadership experiences (officer positions and conferences), academic support, friendships, mentorships, intramurals and team sports, community service, alumni networking, wider range of resources and connections on campus, lifelong memories, philanthropic involvement, time management, life skills development and the potential to receive various scholarships.