Frequently Asked Questions


There are many benefits to joining a fraternity or sorority at the Augusta University. Fraternity men and sorority women have the opportunity to be connected as a part both a local chapter and an inter/national organization. Sororities and fraternities give students many opportunities build their leadership skills and to take on leadership roles within the chapter and the governing councils. Additionally, the supportive network of peers on campus helps boost academic performance, connection to the campus community, and provide opportunities for community service.

Cost to be a member of a fraternity or sorority can vary greatly by chapter, but it is important to know ahead of time that there is some cost associated with being a member of a Greek organization. The dues go toward inter/national fees, chapter operation costs, social functions, among other miscellaneous costs. New members should expect to pay higher dues their first semester due to initiation fees. When in doubt, ask chapters you are interested in about their dues before you commit to their chapter.

Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires a time investment. The old saying “you get out of it what you’re willing to put into it” couldn't ring more true. Most of our fraternity men and sorority women are successfully balancing academics, a part-time job and a social life alongside chapter membership. While there are definitely some mandatory commitments that are set well in advance (i.e. weekly meetings, community service projects, new member education, etc.), a student can be as involved as they choose to be. Time requirements vary from group to group depending upon how ambitious of a programming calendar the chapter has. In our experience, the students that are most active and involved are usually the ones most satisfied with their decision to join a fraternity or sorority.

It should be noted that although the time commitment can be time intensive, a Greek organization should not interfere with your academic commitments.

Sororities and fraternities enjoy spending time with each other through social events like brotherhood/sisterhood retreats, formals, homecoming, themed events, CREW events, etc. Fraternity and sorority members are dedicated to their academics at Augusta University but also believe in rewarding themselves with opportunities to socialize and enjoy each other’s company.

Although the media often negatively depicts Greek Life, it is important to know that Augusta University is extremely committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure that any organization on campus adds to the educational value of a student’s college experience. Greek organizations at Augusta University are required to follow alcohol and risk management policies in according with the state, local, and federal laws, which are enforced by University administrators and chapter advisors as well as the members themselves.

Each sorority or fraternity on campus has inter/national alcohol policies, which require members to follow all federal, state, and local laws, governing alcohol consumption. The University also has policies for all students regarding alcohol consumption and drug. Events that are registered with the Office must follow both the University policies, as well as the inter/national organization policies for risk reduction. There may be events hosted by fraternities and sororities (date parties, formals, tailgates, etc.) where alcohol is present, but these events must follow firm guidelines about risk reduction and safety. All recruitment and new member activities should be alcohol free.

Recruitment is the time when fraternities and sororities seek and recruit new members.  Each council or individual organization may conduct recruitment. During this period, interested students have the opportunity to visit organizations and see what each has to offer. 

Membership intake is the new member orientation and initiation program used by chapters of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. This process is organized by each chapter individually, but includes selection of candidates, education about the organization, and ends with initiation and full membership in the organization. 

Formal recruitment is the structured recruitment process organized by Panhellenic and IFC. Panhellenic hosts formal recruitment in the Fall term only, while IFC hosts a formal recruitment at the start of both semesters. Formal Recruitment is planned by the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils to help all of the men and women interested in joining a fraternity or sorority learn about all of the chapters of those councils. More information about formal recruitment for Panhellenic can be found here and for IFC can be found here.

Yes. There is Informal Recruitment for IFC and Continuous Open Bidding (COB) for Panhellenic the remainder of the academic year. You can express your interest in COB by reaching out to the councils and chapters. NPHC and UGC organizations host recruitment and intake on their own schedules, and do not organize a formal recruitment program.

No. Chapters within the National Pan-Hellenic Council are open to students of all ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. 

NPHC organizations were founded by African Americans for the purpose of providing students of color with an opportunity to find support systems and encouragement in higher education. Membership in these organizations are now open to students of any background, but still include an inter/national focus on initiatives that benefit minority and African American communities.

 

No organization may participate in the activity of hazing. Hazing is any activity undertaken by a group or organization or a member of that group or organization in which members or prospective members are subjected to activities which harass, intimidate, physically exhaust, impart pain, cause undue metal fatigue or mental distress, or which cause mutilation or alteration of the body or parts of the body. Such activities include but are not limited to – tests of endurance, submission of members or prospective members to potentially dangerous or hazardous circumstances, activities which have a foreseeable potential for resulting in personal injury, or any activity which by its nature is so profound that it would have a potential to cause severe mental anxiety, mental distress, panic, degradation, or public embarrassment. Registered organizations and groups shall be permitted certain initiation ceremonies and activities, which when examined by the ordinary University student, would seem reasonable under the circumstances and justified in view of the purpose for which they are conducted. It shall not constitute as a defense to the charge of hazing that the participants took part voluntarily, that they voluntarily assumed the risks or hardship of the activity, or that no injury in fact was suffered.