Parents & Families
The 150-year tradition of fraternity and sorority membership at Illinois provides an immediate connection to a close-knit group of men and women, helping to make Illinois feel more like home. Fraternity and sorority members are some of the most active student leaders on campus and can introduce your student to a multitude of other student organizations and leadership opportunities. Participating in fraternity and sorority life is a great way to ensure a well-rounded undergraduate experience, and we hope it will be a part of that journey. We invite you to spend some time looking through this webpage and our other publications to learn more about the fraternity and sorority community at the University of Illinois.
Sincerely, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs
What are fraternities and sororities?
Fraternities and sororities are social clubs created with the intent of bringing likeminded people together. Initially created as philosophical societies, these organizations paved the way for students to organize around a set of common values. In addition, fraternities and sororities offer leadership opportunities, personal and professional development, engage in community services, and philanthropies while also focusing on academic success. For more than 150 years, Illinois has been home to social fraternities and sororities.
With a student population of more than 7,000 undergraduate students in more than 90 fraternal organizations, fraternities and sororities are considered an integral part of student life.
Where does my student start?
Joining a fraternity or sorority can be one of the most rewarding experiences your student can have as an undergraduate. Their association into membership of likeminded people with similar interests can flourish into lifelong friendships. Historically, students who are connected throughout their college years tend to graduate at higher rates and have an overall greater student life experience.
At an institution, such as Illinois, which has been home to fraternities and sororities for almost 150 years and has consistently hosted more organizations than any other campus in the country, searching for the right fit can seem a bit daunting. Our organizations offer a variety of options for any student who is interested in joining. From organizations that have a general social focus or a service-social focus to those affiliated with an academic major, culture, or religion, we believe the best way to navigate the community is to begin by narrowing your options.
What role do I play?
Learn as much as you can about the Illinois fraternal community and the organization your student is interested in joining.
Ask questions about what the organization will offer your student for them to make the best decision. Fraternities and sororities are different on every campus, so allow your student to choose the group with whom they feel most comfortable.
Your perception of the college experience will be different than your student’s; therefore, keep an open mind.
Once your student joins, continue to be observant and ask questions. Here are a few suggestions to help ease your student’s transition to both the University and their new fraternity or sorority.
- Be happy and supportive of your student’s choice of fraternity/sorority.
- Encourage them to attend programs sponsored by their new chapter and Fraternity & Sorority Affairs.
- Know the name and contact information for the chapter president and chapter advisor. This information can be found on the chapter’s page here on our site.
- Ask for details about the financial aspect of membership. If you are providing financial assistance, you have the right to know. Many one-time fees are paid during the first semester of membership, so expect the first few months to be the most expensive. Joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifetime commitment, both financially and personally. Utilizing local chapter and national websites is a great, convenient way to gather information.
- Stay in touch with phone calls, emails and text messages.
- Attend Parent/Family weekend activities as well as other special events sponsored by the chapter or by the office of New Student & Family Experiences (NSFE).
- Expect to see numerous new t-shirts, photos, and Greek letter paraphernalia.
- Initiation is a big day. Congratulate your student and acknowledge this important milestone in their fraternity/sorority membership journey.
- Encourage your student to be a part of the University community and to take advantage of its many resources.
Where can my student learn more?
Your student can learn more about each of our active chapters and their governing councils here.
Greek Parent Orientation
Created by LaunchPoint Consulting, this video was formed with parents, for parents to better understand fraternity and sorority life and learn more about the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority.