Frequently Asked Questions........

How will the Greek experience benefit my student?

As a member of the Greek community on campus, your student will have the opportunity to get involved on campus and hold leadership positions not only within their respective chapter, but also in other student organizations. Fraternities and sororities are committed to academics, serving the community, raising awareness for their philanthropies, developing and strengthening leadership skills and forming lifelong friendships that will last well beyond the college experience.

Advantages include:

• A support group to make the adjustment to college easier.

• Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals.

• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience.

• Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus.

• Opportunities for active participation in community service and philanthropic projects.

How will joining a Greek organization affect my student's academic pursuits?

Fraternities and sororities serve as a great resource for students to achieve academic success. Many students often find that managing their time may be difficult when moving from a highly structured school environment to the freedom of college.

Individual chapters have scholarship programs designed to help their members with academics and provide incentives for performing well in the classroom. In addition, the national organizations have resources available to them to assist the chapter in meeting academic goals. The university also has resources available to all students to help them succeed.

The university has set a grade requirement for all students interested in joining one of the fraternities or sororities on campus. In order to be eligible to join Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the student must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative college GPA or a minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA. Grades are NOT rounded up in determining eligibility.

What are the social aspects of fraternity and sorority membership?

The Greek community at VCU is very active socially. As a result, the individual organizations are required to register all events – both on campus and off – with the Department of of Student Activities. All off campus events must have a Student Organization adviser present for the duration of the event. Most Greek organizations have social guidelines they must follow as outlined by their national organizations.

In addition, national Greek organizations have strict policies regarding alcohol consumption and VCU requires all events of student organizations to be dry. No alcohol is permitted at any organization event. In addition, all organizations must comply with local and state laws regarding alcohol. Violations of university policy will result in the organization being brought before the Student Organization Judicial Board and individuals may be brought before Judicial Affairs.

What is the financial obligation of my student?

Being in a fraternity or sorority is a financial investment. Each semester, fraternities and sororities collect dues. These dues cover local and national (if applicable) fees. These fees cover costs for recruitment functions, chapter expenses and social functions. Dues are different for each organization and they cover different things for different chapters. A new member can expect to pay higher dues for the first semester than in subsequent semesters.

Additional costs throughout the semester may include t-shirts, favors, pictures, etc. Payment plans are available for most Greek organizations and scholarships are offered by some of the councils for their members. Your student will need to ask about the financial obligations of membership during the recruitment process.

Is hazing a part of the Greek culture at VCU?

Sigma Alpha Epsilon and VCU both have a strict  policy regarding hazing that is consistent with the State Law of Virginia. Hazing includes, but is not limited to any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental/emotional stress. Hazing does not support the values of the Greek system nor VCU. Please see the following link to the t;a target="_blank" title="Virgnia Hazing" href="/uot;http:/www.stophazing.org/laws/va_law.htm">Virginia State Hazing Law, Sigma Alpha Epsilon's Policy on Hazing as well as VCU's policy on Hazing.

Who is actually in charge of the fraternities and sororities?

VCU has three full time professional staff members that directly advise the four councils. The Associate Director of Student Activities for Greek Life, Dr. Carolyn Whittier and the Coordinators for Fraternity & Sorority Life Neil Stanglein and Lauren Berman who advise the Interfraternity Council & Multicultural Greek Council and the  National Pan-Hellenic Council & Panhellenic Council respectfully.

Each individual fraternity and sorority has at least one student organization adviser that works with the chapter in guiding them throughout the year and attending their events and meetings. In addition, the officers of the individual chapters guide the day-to-day operations of the chapter and their national headquarters provide support and resources to the chapters in order to make them successful.

When does recruitment take place?

While VCU does not have an official recruitment time frame, recruitment will take place dependent upon the governing council of the organization that your student may want to join.  The Interfraternity Council officially beings recruitment in August, but can extend invitations all year.  VCU also has a zero tolerance for any recruiting involving alcohol.  No organzation shall provide any potential new members with alcohol at any time.  Students must meet the university grade requirements in order to join.  Your student will have the many opportunities during the fall semester to meet men and women involved in our Greek community through various functions and events.

The NPHC and MGC fraternities and sororities have a process called Intake for new members. This process is organized by the individual chapters of NPHC and MGC and the timing of this process is at the discretion of each group. If your student is interested in one of the NPHC or MGC chapters, they will need to contact them directly. Panhellenic and IFC both have a structured recruitment process, in which all of the chapters participate in a process together. Click here to review VCU recuitment guidelines for the Interfraternity Council.  This information and more can be obtained through the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office.

What is my role as a family member?

The best way to stay connected is to be involved! Ask as many questions that you would like to the organization as your student is meeting individuals through the recruitment process. Become involved in the parent and family activities You'll be glad you did!