Fraternity and Sorority Life Frequently Asked Questions + Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Fraternity/sorority definition

At its core, a fraternity or sorority is a group of friends who share common values and ideals. Collegiate fraternal organizations have been around since 1776, and over time have evolved into the (inter)national organizations that exist today. All of the fraternities and sororities at Emporia State are national or international organizations, which means they have chapters at colleges and universities all over the country and the world.

Benefits of joining a fraternity/sorority

There are so many benefits to joining a fraternity/sorority. One of the greatest benefits is friendship. The friendships fostered in a fraternity/sorority are unlike any other. Because of the unique values, creeds, and rituals of Greek organizations, and the focus on building strong brotherhood/sisterhood, fraternity and sorority members are able to form friendships that last a lifetime. Many Greek alumni will tell you that their best friends, to this day, are people they met through fraternity/sorority membership. Greek membership also provides immense opportunities to develop leadership skills and life skills that will help you to be successful in college and in your life beyond graduation. As a fraternity/sorority member, you gain valuable experience through involvement in committees, leadership positions in the chapter and positions in the university fraternity and sorority life as a whole. Many go on to be successful leaders in business, education, government, and in the community.

Information on membership in a fraternity/sorority and maintaining grades

Fraternities and sororities are committed to academic excellence. Success in the classroom is your number one priority. Many students worry that their grades will suffer by joining a fraternity/sorority, but they soon find that is not true. Greek organizations have programs to encourage academic success that include things like minimum GPA requirements for membership, study groups, incentives for good grades, and in some cases, scholarship money for members who achieve academically.

Information on hazing

Fraternal organizations were founded on principles of friendship, scholarship, and service. Fraternities and sororities exist to cultivate a higher order of friendship – brotherhood and sisterhood – based on mutual trust, respect, and personal integrity. When you are initiated into a fraternity or sorority, you take an oath to live up to the values espoused by your organization. These values are at the core of who we are as fraternity men and sorority women. When we fail to live our organizations' values, we lose the value of our organizations. Hazing deters us from our true purpose. It does not foster true friendship, trust or respect, and in no way does it enhance the fraternal experience. Hazing is illegal and unethical. Fraternity and sorority chapters are held to a high standard of leadership and scholarship, whose members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the missions, values, and policies of both Emporia State University and the local and/or (inter)national organization. Therefore, actions or behaviors of any fraternity or sorority member that are not in alignment with these missions, values and policies will be taken seriously and will be addressed in an educational manner consistent with ESU policies.

Time commitments

Generally speaking, you will get out of fraternity/sorority membership what you put into it. Students who have the best Greek experience are those who take advantage of all that Fraternity & Sorority Life has to offer. All members are, at a minimum, required to attend their chapter's weekly meeting on Tuesday evenings, and are expected to participate in certain events throughout the year such as service projects, chapter retreats, etc. If you are worried you won't have time to be in a fraternity/sorority, consider this: many Greeks are also involved in other student organizations on campus, work a part-time, are full-time students, and make good grades, all while still having time to be actively involved in their chapter!

Costs of members in a fraternity/sorority

The cost is different for each chapter, but for most groups with a chapter house, living in-house is comparable to living in the Residence Halls. For chapters that don't have chapter housing available, members are able to choose where they live, whether that's their own house, apartment, or on campus. To learn more about the costs for each chapter, you can contact the fraternity or sorority chapter president or recruitment chairperson. One stereotype is that Greeks "pay for their friends." Just like any other organization, it costs money to run a fraternity/sorority. The money you pay to be a member goes toward keeping the organization running and providing events, programs, and services for the members of the chapter. Greek membership is an investment in your future. The friendships, leadership skills and career networking membership offers is invaluable - most Greeks will tell you that the benefits they receive vastly outweigh the cost of membership.

Living in the chapter house

All freshmen students are required to live in the Residence Halls their first year. After that, students can live in the fraternity/sorority house if chapter housing is available. Sororities that have a chapter house require their members to live in the house for a certain period of time. Requirements for sororities without chapter housing and fraternities vary. For more specific information, you may contact the fraternity or sorority chapter president.

Fraternities/sororities and media portrayals

The media does not always portray an accurate picture of fraternity and sorority life. Shows like ABC's "Greek" illustrate many of the positive aspects of Greek life, but also play on stereotypes that are not common in ESU fraternity and sorority chapters. Our Greeks are strong leaders on this campus who have earned the respect of the campus community through the many contributions they make through service and fundraising efforts and the leadership opportunities they provide. Being Greek is not about partying; it's about becoming a better person. It's about making life-long friends. It's about developing the skills necessary to be successful in life.

If you have additional questions

If you still have any questions about Fraternity & Sorority Life that were not answered on this page or on any of the Fraternity & Sorority Life web pages, you are welcome to call the Center for Student Involvement at 620-341-5481.