Joining a Fraternity or Sorority

Benefits of Membership

Scholarship

Fraternity and Sorority Life supports University of Lynchburg’s mission of providing a quality education by placing priority on academics. Each chapter has a scholarship chair who provides programs and support for members. Each governing council recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals and chapters in the area of scholarship. Greek leaders are committed to their education, as reflected by the 2.5 QPA requirement to become a member.

Brotherhood and Sisterhood

Loyal and trusting companionship is one of the founding principles of fraternities and sororities. Greek brothers and sisters share a bond through their chapter ritual and pride themselves on their diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Diversity builds strength and character and brings members closer together in an effort to embrace each other’s ideas and to learn more about one another.

Leadership

Popular culture is a huge staple for those that are members of fraternities and sororities. A large percentage of political figures are members. Greek leaders at University of Lynchburg are exposed to a variety of leadership positions within their organizations. Greek leaders are involved with key organizations on campus such as Residence Life, Student Government Association, Student Activities Board, Connection Leader Program, etc. Skills are learned through working with individual members, committees, college administration, faculty, and staff.

Service

Service opportunities that allow chapters to work together have been a long-standing tradition of the College. Each chapter conducts its own charity fundraisers, as well as numerous community service projects each semester. Working together on such projects not only benefits worthy causes, but also fosters personal growth and greater unity among chapter members. Recently, chapters at University of Lynchburg contributed to the following organizations: American Heart Association, Special Olympics, Child Abuse Prevention Center, Relay for Life, American Legion, ALS Association. In one year, fraternities and sororities contributed over 8,000 of volunteer hours.

Social

Fraternities and sororities provide the opportunity for social development through social activities that help develop qualities of exemplary manners, confidence, personality, and public speaking skills. Fraternity and Sorority Life greatly enhances the college experience by providing companionship, brotherhood and sisterhood, and member development opportunities.

How to Join

If you are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, there are several general requirements. Specific fraternities or sororoties may have additional standards, like a higher GPA requirement, for example.

You’re eligible to join a fraternity or sorority at the University of Lynchburg if:

You are a high school graduate
You’ve completed 12 hours of college credit (this is “deferred recruitment,” meaning you’ve completed a semester of college – first-year students wait until the spring semester of their first year)
You maintain a minimum cumulative QPA of 2.5. Some chapters have their own QPA requirements. These requirements are listed below:

Panhellenic Sororities	Inter-Fraternal Council
Kappa Delta: 2.75 Alpha Chi Omega: 2.75 Alpha Sigma Alpha: 2.75 Sigma Sigma Sigma: 2.75	Sigma Phi Epsilon: 2.65 Sigma Nu: 2.5 Phi Kappa Tau: 2.65
National Pan-Hellenic Council
Alpha Psi Lambda: 2.5 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.: 2.5 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. 2.5

Recruitment

Recruitment is when you get to find out more about the fraternities and sororities. The recruitment period varies among the fraternities and sororities and their governing councils.

The Interfraternity Council hosts an orientation event before the recruitment period begins, offering all chapters within IFC the opportunity to share information regarding their process, fraternity, and membership. During the week of recruitment, each chapter holds their own events for prospective members. Then, chapters hold their own invitation-only events for prospective members. The following day, chapters hand out membership bids. If you receive a bid, you have the opportunity to accept, defer, or decline membership.

The Panhellenic Council hosts open house events prior to the recruitment period, giving chapters a chance to showcase themselves and prospective members a chance to learn about the chapters. During the week of recruitment, interested women must attend events hosted by each sorority. Then membership bids are formally offered. If you receive a bid, you may choose to accept, defer, or decline membership.

The National Pan-hellenic Council conducts a Membership Intake process. This usually opens with an event hosted by each fraternity and sorority to provide information to interested students. Membership information specific to each fraternity and sorority is provided at these events. Once you choose a chapter and make an application, there is a more formal period for intake.

Hazing Information

University of Lynchburg expects all student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, to encourage an atmosphere of learning, social responsibility, and respect for human dignity and to provide constructive development opportunities for members and aspiring members.

The College upholds a firm policy against hazing and any other situation or event in which students or others are in danger of harm.

Greek Life FAQs

Do I have to live in the fraternity/sorority house after I join?

You are not required to live in the fraternity/sorority house as a member; the house is simply another option for you. You may still live in an on-campus residence hall or commute from off campus.

Does entering a fraternity/sorority affect my grades? Am I expected to maintain a certain GPA?

You’ll need to balance the time you devote to your fraternity or sorority with academics and other commitments like athletics or a job. Fraternities and sororities are committed to maintaining academic excellence, and each chapter holds their own standards for GPA levels. To learn about any chapter’s GPA requirements, contact the Office of Student Activities or a member of that chapter.

What are the requirements around community service? Do I have to take part in my fraternity or sorority’s philanthropy?

University of Lynchburg’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life requires that members complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service. Chapters may hold higher standards for community service and may require philanthropy involvement as well.

Are there costs associated with entering a fraternity or sorority?

Yes, there are costs for members of fraternities and sororities. These costs include membership dues and insurance. For many fraternities and sororities, the cost for first-time members are different as well. These costs also vary for each fraternity/sorority. For more information on costs, contact an officer of the fraternity/sorority you are interested in.