Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fraternity and Sorority Affairs do?
Fraternity and Sorority Affairs staff serves as advisors and consultants for the Black Greek, Interfraternity, Panhellenic and United Greek Councils, as well as for individual chapters. We work with a wide range of constituents to help undergraduate chapters of fraternities and sororities maximize their potential. Programs encourage academic achievement, diverse membership recruitment, leadership development, community service, risk management, and sound maintenance of physical facilities.

What is the purpose of fraternities and sororities?
Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations that are guided by a mission/purpose statement. Fraternities and sororities can provide a well-rounded college experience that aids in the development of personal and professional skills for members. All of our fraternities and sororities provide opportunities for friendship, leadership, scholarship, service, social and professional advancement with a respect to the diversity of individual members.

What is the Greek Community like at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign?
That is a tough question. We're a dynamic and diverse community of almost 100 organizations and over 6300 students. Each organization provides a forum for students to develop skills in a wide range of areas. The community is diverse and each organization that is a part of the community has their own identity and facilitates their mission and values in different ways with varying levels of success. We encourage you to look through individual websites to glean more information about chapters you have questions about. We also provide a lot of information on our site including academic reports, membership size, participation in activities, and other noteworthy areas. Check it out!

Why are organizations categorized as cultural, religious, professional AND social?
All of our organizations are social organizations meaning they assist persons who are members in developing interpersonal skills and interacting with a wide range of persons. If a group is culturally based, this means they also have a common interest of advancing that specific culture as a part of their mission. This does not mean they do not permit persons not of that culture into their groups, it simply means that persons interested in that organization should also be interested in that specific cultural or celebration of multiculturalism. If a group has a religious affiliation, then that group was founded for that specific denomination. It is important to note that when fraternities and sororities were first a part of higher education, the campuses were mostly white males with affluent backgrounds. That is not the case today. All of our organizations welcome persons of all cultures, religious denominations, as well as many other "types" of persons. Our past reflects that of society where people were separated by their differences, today, our fraternities and sororities seek to find methods to unite people in a common mission while valuing their respective differences. The perception that fraternities and sororities are for rich Caucasian students is inaccurate and not based on the reality of today's campus life. If the organization is professionally based, then the majority of the organization will probably have a major or academic interest in that profession. This does not mean they do not welcome other degrees or academic pursuits, but they seek to unite their members in an intentional pursuit of a specific academic area. Our community is very dynamic and diverse; there is a place for almost anyone in the community! You just have to check out many of the options.

How do you join a fraternity or sorority?
Each organization practices their individual method. Some promote a year-round recruitment philosophy while others only recruit at specific times. Some host information sessions you can attend while others participate in a specific process for all interested members. If you are interested in membership in an historically African-American or culturally based organization (typically members of Black Greek Council or United Greek Council), then you should attend informationals and participate in programs they sponsor. We also encourage you to ask questions of members on campus to learn more about their organization. If you are interested in an Interfraternity Council organization, then you should attend some of their recruitment events. Watch for ads in the paper and check out their websites. Feel free to ask around to get more information. There are a lot of groups. If you are interested in a Panhellenic Council organization, then we encourage you to sign up for Panhellenic Formal Recruitment. You can get more information about each of these organizations by visiting the webpages for each council. Membership requires payment for the activities decided on by the organization. In addition, organizations that are nationally affiliated (meaning they are on more than just our campus) will require membership dues, initiation fees, insurance payments, etc. Housed organizations have comparable costs to other campus living options. The cost of membership is very reasonable considering all that you get as you invest in your future through the friends and experiences you create today. Feel free to ask questions to any member about financial obligations.