Upon deciding to join a fraternity or sorority, the next step is to determine which method of recruitment will provide you the options you seek. Methods of recruitment can vary; therefore, take a look at our listing of definitions below to become familiar with some of the language used when participating in the recruitment process.
Recruitment
Methods of recruitment and intake
Informal Recruitment
The majority of fraternities and sororities at Illinois engage in informal recruitment or intake throughout the year. This method of recruitment can occur during the fall semester, spring semester, summer or an ongoing basis throughout the year. Certainly based on the preference of an organization, it is important to ask questions of organizations you are interested in joining to see when they will be open for membership.
Some fraternities and sororities will host events ranging from informational sessions where you can learn more about the organization to general social events such as service events, cookouts, house tours (if a chapter has an official facility), and/or game nights. Your attendance at these events is optional unless otherwise indicated. However, regardless of the event, the most important thing you can do as a prospective members is to meet as many of the members as possible and begin getting to know them. The concept of "people join people" emphasizes the importance of finding a good fit.
Formal Recruitment
A select number of our organizations collaborate and host formal recruitment once a year on campus. These organizations, primarily know by their national affiliation with the National Panhellenic Conference or NPC, consist of women’s fraternities and sororities. Formal Panhellenic Recruitment is coordinated by the Panhellenic Council and is held at the start of every fall semester. Women seeking to join one of the 19 Panhellenic organizations are encouraged to register for formal recruitment.
Get more information about registering for Formal Panhellenic Recruitment.
Joining a social fraternity
Interested in joining a fraternity in IFC?
Men interested in joining may participate in an open informal recruitment process. This traditionally begins at the start of the fall and spring semesters, and each organization typically provides multiple opportunities for current fraternity members and prospective members to interact. Either through an open house, individual chapter events or even informational meetings, students are provided with ample time to find the right organization.
Many of our social fraternities have chapter facilities where some of the current members live. Most fraternities are housing members starting their second year of membership, many fraternities will require members to live in the chapter house while an undergraduate member. Be sure to ask about any live-in requirements if a chapter has a facility. To see a listing of chapters with housing, check out our listing of Fraternities and sort by "Has a Chapter House/Facility."
Joining an organization with an academic affiliation
Interested in joining an organization with an academic affiliation?
Illinois is home to a variety of fraternal organizations with an academic affiliation. Unlike honorary Greek-letter organizations which are co-ed and are based out of a college or school, our academically affiliated organizations are traditional social fraternities and sororities. Students may be a member of both a social academic affiliated fraternal organization and an honorary.
All fraternities and sororities with an academic affiliation conduct informal recruitment. However, prior to seeking membership, we would encourage you to contact an organization in which you are interested to determine if you must be enrolled as a specific major to join.
Academically affiliated organizations at Illinois are members of either the Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Council.
Joining an organization with a cultural affiliation
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is home to more than 30 culturally affiliated fraternities and sororities, many of which have a rich history on our campus. The first cultural fraternities and sororities were established at Illinois more than 100 years ago and continue to be a vital part of student life.
Cultural affiliations reflect a historical aspect on which an organization was founded. Pride, respect and an appreciation for the culture are expectations for members who chose to join one of these organizations. Our chapters provide a number of options for those interested in the intersection of culture and fraternal organizations. Our cultural organizations are affiliated with the following cultures:
While these organizations place an emphasis on their respective cultures, their membership is not exclusive to students who identify with the particular culture. Membership is open to any student who is interested in joining.
Learn more about Getting Started with the Basics.
For almost 150 years, Illinois has been home to fraternities and sororities. With a student population consisting of more than 7,000 undergraduate students in more than 90 fraternal organizations, fraternities and sororities are considered an integral part of student life.
Recruitment and finding the right organization
Recruitment and membership intake
The majority of fraternities and sororities at Illinois engage in informal recruitment or membership intake throughout the year. This method of recruitment occurs during the fall semester, spring semester, summer or ongoing basis throughout the year. Certainly based on the preference of an organization, it is important to ask questions of organizations you are interested in joining to see when they will be open for membership.
Some fraternities and sororities will host events ranging from informational sessions where you can learn more about the organization to general social events such as community service, cookouts, and/or game nights. Your attendance at these events is optional unless otherwise indicated. Regardless of the event, the most important thing you can do as a prospective member is to meet and get to know as many of the current members as possible.
Important things to know
- Cost
Dues typically cover national fees for materials, programming, and insurance while local fees cover expenses at the campus level. Each individual fraternity/sorority sets and collects its own membership dues; therefore, while looking into which organization is right for you, be sure to ask about associated costs. All organizations should be able to provide you with a list detailing how your dues are expensed. - Time Commitment
Membership intake or new member education can be anywhere between 4-12 weeks depending on the organization. During this time, you’ll learn more about the national organization and its history, the local chapter, and other items each national fraternity/sorority expects its members to know as a condition of membership. A good estimate for time to set aside would be around 4-5 hours a week. Once initiated, your time commitment with the chapter is what you make it to be.
Joining an organization with a religious affiliation
Interested in joining an organization with a religious affiliation?
Fraternities with a religious affiliation conduct informal recruitment. However, sororities with a religious affiliation participate in Panhellenic Formal Recruitment.
Religiously affiliated fraternal organizations are not exclusively for those who identity with a particular religion. Fraternities and sororities with a religious affiliation are members of either the Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Council.
Do not join
What organizations we would recommend you not join …
Unfortunately, some fraternities and sororities engage in behaviors inconsistent with the expectations and policies of the institution and/or national organization. While many organizations that lose recognition for conduct violations will typically close the chapter, some may continue (with Headquarters' support) to operate normally and will still recruit members. Other organizations might voluntarily end their relationship with the University of Illinois and may continue to operate.
Fraternity & Sorority Affairs urges students and their parents/family members to avoid groups currently functioning without university recognition. To see the current listing of organizations that have had their recognition revoked or have ended their relationship with the university visit our Organization Statuses page. Also, you’ll see a listing of recognized organizations that may have been sanctioned with a specific status due to lesser behaviors that have not warranted revocation of recognition.