POTENTIAL NEW MEMBER FAQ'S

What time commitment is involved?

Sorority and fraternity membership requires between 2 to 8 hours a week. The first semester is the most time intensive, as new members participate in their chapter’s educational program.

Despite the time commitment, many members of the Greek community successfully manage their time wisely, balancing commitments such as schoolwork, employment, campus activities, and personal relationships.

How will being in a fraternity or sorority impact my grades?

Fraternities and sororities stand for excellence. All Greek organizations expect members to strive to fulfill their academic potential. Last semester, the All Fraternity/Sorority GPA was 3.29.

Fraternity and sororities offer study halls, tutoring programs, grade point requirements, and other programs to help meet the academic needs of their members.

What is hazing and do fraternities and sororities haze?

Hazing can be described as any incident or activity that may or may not cause mental or physical harm to a student looking to join an organization. Most sorority and fraternity members recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations. Hazing is banned by Miami University, the national fraternal organizations, and by the laws of the State of Ohio.

For information regarding hazing and Miami University’s No-Hazing Policy please visit the Policy page.

How much alcohol and substance abuse is associated with fraternities and sororities?

While the social aspect of sorority and fraternity life is one of the major reasons that students get involved, alcohol and substance abuse is not tolerated. To prevent alcohol and substance abuse, most fraternities and sororities require mandatory educational sessions on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. Additionally, precautions are taken at all events to ensure a safe environment.

How much does it cost to be a part of a fraternity or sorority and where does the money go?

Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment. The average cost for sororities is $653.43 for new members per semester and $382.33 for active members per semester. The average cost for fraternities is $488.20 for new members per semester and $574.71 for active members per semester.

Dues go towards inter/national fees, social functions, chapter operating expenses, and educational programs and initiatives. Please note that payment plans are available for all sororities and fraternities. 

For more information regarding the cost of membership please visit the Costs page on the Cliff Alexander site.

What housing options are associated with fraternities and sororities?

The national sororities of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Panhellenic Association have sorority suites within the residence halls where they hold chapter meetings and other functions. These living learning communities provide a shared living space for second year chapter members to live together in a sorority-centered experience on campus. Locations for sorority living learning communities vary annually.

Most fraternities have chapter houses in close proximity to campus. If eligible, second year fraternity men may live in their respective fraternity house in place of the second-year on campus residency requirement. The cost of living in the fraternity house varies from fraternity to fraternity. Additional information regarding cost of housing for fraternity houses can be found on the Costs page of the Cliff Alexander site.

I’m interested, but I’m still not sure.

Continue exploring the Fraternity and Sorority Life website, individual chapter sites, or feel free to call The Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at 513-529-1462. Email us at fsll@miamioh.edu. We are here to help you in any way possible!