How to Join FAQs

Can I join as a first-semester freshman?

It depends on the organization; most can be joined by first-year students, but some organizations require a student have ASU college credits first. While first-semester students are permitted to join organizations their first semester and many do, some students chose to wait a semester or more before joining an organization. Joining a fraternity or sorority is an individual decision and students should look to start the fraternity or sorority experience when they are ready.

What is the time commitment?

A popular but important question to ask during the recruitment/intake process – the time commitment varies based upon the expectations of each organization. The amount of time a member wants to commit to the chapter is also a testament to how much the member wants to get out or contribute to the chapter. Many chapters minimally expect members to be present for a weekly chapter meeting and a weekly chapter event (brotherhood/sisterhood, dinner, fundraiser, educational speaker, etc.), so two-three hours a week.

If I join, how committed am I and for how long?

A strong benefit of fraternities and sororities are the relationships and connections to the fraternity/sorority are life-long. Unlike a student organization that you may choose to be a part of one semester and leave a next, fraternities and sororities do not have simple processes for removing membership, however, each organization does have a process should the need arise.

What is the minimum GPA requirement?

The required GPA varies for each chapter and each governing council. If you are concerned that your high school GPA, or for current ASU students your college GPA, may not be sufficient, ask during the recruitment/intake process if you meet the minimum requirements.

What are the benefits of being in a fraternity or sorority?

There are many benefits of being in a fraternity or sorority. These benefits include, but are not limited to the following: leadership experiences (officer positions and conferences), academic support, friendships, mentorships, intramurals and team sports, community service, alumni networking, wider range of resources and connections on campus, lifelong memories, philanthropic involvement, time management, life skills development, and the potential to receive various scholarships.

Will fraternity/sorority life interfere with my academics?

Academic achievement is your primary responsibility while at ASU. In addition to minimum GPA requirements, most chapters have an academic officer and a faculty advisor whose responsibilities include assisting members in achieving their academic goals and monitoring their academic progress. If necessary, they also help connect members with academic resources such as tutoring or mentoring to help members who are not meeting expectations. Many chapters also reward members for excelling in the classroom with discounted dues and scholarships.

What is the new member process?

The new member process, sometimes referred to as pledging or associate member process, consists of a defined period of time (typically between four-eight weeks) where new members meet brothers/sisters in the fraternity/sorority, learn about the history and values of the chapter and community, participate in service and philanthropy events, and . After completing the new member process, new members are initiated into the organization.

If I join a fraternity or sorority, can I join any other clubs?

Fraternity and sorority members are very involved in other clubs and organizations across campus and in the community. In fact, many chapters expect members to be involved in at least one organization outside of the fraternity or sorority. Many of the leaders of Undergraduate Student Government, Residence Hall Association, Programming and Activities Board, and other major student organizations are members of fraternities and sororities.

How much are “dues”? (What is the cost?)

Dues, also known as the semester fees, will range depending on the organization, so this is an important question to ask during recruitment/intake. The dues go to cover the activities, food, t-shirts, apparel, service, philanthropy, intramural, and any other event the organization has planned for the semester. The first semester generally costs more than other semesters because it includes one-time fees, such as a new member and initiation fee, which goes directly to the national organization. Some chapters offer scholarships for members with high GPAs, abundant community service hours, or for holding various leadership positions. If you are concerned about the cost, be sure to discuss payment options with the chapter treasurer or other officers, as many organizations are able to work with individual circumstances.

Do I have to live in the chapter house?

Living in a chapter facility is not required by the university. However, many chapters may have their own expectations for members to live in a chapter facility, which may include a lottery system if their are not enough volunteers. This is a great topic to bring up with the chapter during the recruitment process.

Am I guaranteed a bid?

Recruitment/intake is a mutual selection process, so while you are looking for an organization that is best for you, chapters are determining who they think will be best for the organization, so unfortunately, bids are not guaranteed.

If I am a Downtown, Poly, West, Graduate, or ASU Online student, can I join?

All students who are enrolled in undergraduate courses at ASU are eligible to participate in fraternity or sorority recruitment activities. Chapters are typically reserved for undergraduate members, but some national organizations have local alumni chapters that graduate students may be able to join. The majority of fraternity and sorority events/meetings do take place on the Tempe campus. If an ASU student is not in the immediate area, the distance may prove difficult for recruitment or membership expectations for the fraternity or sorority (ie. attendance requirements for brotherhood/sisterhoods, chapter meetings, chapter ceremonies and rituals, etc.).

I have a question that is not listed here?

Please contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life via email or phone at 480-965-6965.

If you are interested in receiving emails with important dates and events, submit the Fraternity & Sorority Life Interest Form