Frequently asked questions

What is Recruitment?
Recruitment or Intake, is the process by which fraternities and sororities positively promote their organization with the intention of gaining interest of potential new members joining an organization. Throughout the semester, the organizations will invite you, a potential new member, to visit the chapters to learn what each group has to offer. Joining a fraternity or a sorority is a big decision and utilizing all the events listed as recruitment events will help you in your decision making process.

How do I join a fraternity or sorority?
Anyone interested in becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority is encouraged to talk with current members to see what it is like to be in a Greek Letter organization. Prospective members must also complete all nights of the recruitment process in order to receive a bid (an invitation to join) from a sorority or fraternity. Please note that there are general expectations and requirements that prospective members must meet before joining a chapter. For example, those participating in the recruitment process must meet the minimum Grade Point Average set by the Office of Student Life.

Don't Greek Letter organizations take up a lot of time?
Fraternity or sorority membership can take as much time as one wants to invest. Whether it be a community service project, sporting event, social function, event planning, or regular weekly meetings, members have learned to balance their time wisely with other commitments such as schoolwork, a job, and significant others.

What effect will being a Greek Letter Organization have on my grades?
The Occidental College Greek Council prides itself on high standards of academics. The All-Fraternity/Sorority GPA last semester was 3.284. Fraternities and sororities often offer study halls, tutoring programs, grade point requirements, and other programs to help meet the academic needs of their members.

What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Supportive friends, leadership opportunities, philanthropic projects, community service, career opportunities, and becoming part of a community network are just a few of the numerous answers men and women give about their experiences. This only begins the description of how being in a fraternity or sorority will positively affect your life; and membership is for life!

Isn't there a lot of alcohol and substance abuse associated with fraternities?
While the social aspect of fraternity and sorority life is one of the major reasons that students get involved, alcohol and substance abuse is not tolerated. All organizations have mandatory educational sessions on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, and precautions are taken at all events, including event registration, to ensure a safe environment. The fraternity and sorority community takes risk management very seriously. Members are educated through a variety of programming as to what constitutes high-risk behavior and what they can do to make intelligent choices. New members, as well as current members, receive education about responsible alcohol use, sexual assault prevention, eating disorders and other topics of importance to the safety of those in our Occidental and Greek community. Finally, no individual is forced to consume alcohol to be part of a fraternity or sorority. Each member is expected to make that decision themselves.

Don't Greek Letter organizations haze?
Physical and mental hazing is banned by the College, the Greek Council, and by the laws of the State of California. Fortunately, most fraternity/sorority members recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations. Hazing will not be tolerated at Occidental College.

What does it cost to be in a fraternity or sorority?
Every fraternity and sorority is self-supportive. Each chapter and its local or national headquarters determine the monthly/semesterly dues and membership fees. Some chapters also include a one-time association and initiation fee. Many chapters offer a payment plan.

Do all fraternities and sororities have chapter houses?
At Occidental, there is a mix of fraternities and sororities that have officially recognized houses. Some organizations choose not to have houses, while some are in the process of trying to obtain a house. However, the house does not make the chapter. The majority of fraternity and sorority members do not live in the chapter houses.

What activities are fraternity and sorority members involved in?
Fraternity/Sorority members participate in many activities on campus and in the community. Members enjoy social functions, retreats, athletics, mixers, and informal get togethers. Chapters are active in all areas of campus life and activities. Furthermore, members are strongly encouraged to take part in other clubs and organizations. Fraternity/Sorority members are the leaders in many campus clubs and organizations. This helps to make members well rounded students as well as leaders in the many facets of campus life.