Why do people join fraternities and sororities?
A. Social opportunities, philanthropic projects, community service, tradition, career networking, and becoming part of an international organization are all reasons mentioned for becoming part of the Greek community, but the one cited most often by members is the sense of brotherhood/sisterhood. After all, you don't have to join a fraternity or sorority to have a great social life in the University. You don't have to pay dues to a Greek letter organization to volunteer or raise money for a cause. You don't have to belong to the Greek community to acquire the personal development and study skills to succeed at the University. The element of brotherhood/sisterhood is nonetheless a difficult attribute to convey to men and women interested in joining the Greek system. It is a feeling of togetherness, support, and teamwork. It is companionship, personal discovery, challenge, and awareness.
Joining a Greek organization is one way to make East Carolina seem smaller, friendlier, and easier to handle — it gives you a place and people to count on. Fraternities and sororities endeavor to enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what Greeks strive to live by every day.
How do I know which is the best fraternity and sorority for me?
A. Each organization is founded on different beliefs and values. Whether to join a large or small chapter; a newly-formed or old chapter; a chapter geared mainly toward athletics, academics, campus involvement, or a more diverse, well-rounded chapter; is simply a matter of personal preference. Each organization has its own advantages. Selecting a fraternity or sorority is like choosing friends — pick the group with which you feel most comfortable.
During recruitment or membership intake, the organizations you visit should be informing you of the benefits of their particular organization. As you attend the various events, it is important that you ask the questions that are important to you: costs, activities, scholarship, philanthropy, etc. If a group talks more about the other groups than itself, be aggressive and ask about that group. But, perhaps most important, make the decision on your own. Even though your roommate, best friend, or the group you attend events with has decided on a particular fraternity or sorority, you do not have to. Your friends should always be your friends, the choice of the sorority or fraternity is completely yours. It is a decision you will have made for a lifetime.
How do I join a Greek organization? What is the criteria to join?
A. To be eligible for Panhellenic sorority and IFC fraternity recruitment, a first semester student must enter with a 2.5 high school G.P.A. Upperclass students must have minimum G.P.A.'s established by individual organizations, minimally a 2.25. However, it is important to remember that some fraternities and sororities may require higher academic eligibility requirements. NPHC organizations typically require students to have completed their first year of college and have a 2.5 GPA. Fraternities and Sororities are also looking for prospective members that are well rounded both academically, socially and who have a demonstrated a record of public service.. Prospective members that are involved in student organizations and have outside interests are more attractive to the Greek community during recruitment activities. All students interested in joining a fraternity and/or sorority (only for IFC and Panhellenic groups) must fill out an online Recruitment application. Once you have filled out an application you will be contacted by a representative from the Greek community to invite you to attend events on campus sponsored by the Greek community.
The recruitment process for our historically black Greek organizations is called Membership Intake and occurs at various times throughout the fall and spring semesters. The individual organizations will advertise informational and interest meetings. After researching which group best fits your needs, attendance at the interest meeting is the best way to express your desire to join a group. Eligibility for affiliation with a NPHC group varies with each organization.
