What are fraternities and sororities?
A fraternity and sorority is a group of men and women, respectively, or some are coeducational, who adhere to the same ideals and principles, work together toward common goals, and are bound together by rituals and the highest possible level of friendship. Fraternities and sororities strive to develop the individual talents of members and each member uses these talents for the benefit of the whole.
What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Supportive friends, leadership opportunities, philanthropic projects, community service, career opportunities, and becoming part of a national network. This only begins the description of how being Greek will positively affect your life; and membership is for life!
What does it cost to be Greek?
Every fraternity and sorority is self-supportive. Each chapter and its national headquarters determine the monthly/semesterly dues and membership fees. Some chapters also include a one-time association and initiation fee. Many chapters offer a payment plan. While the costs vary by chapter, the yearly expenses to live in a fraternity or sorority house are comparable to the residence hall costs, and in many instances are less expensive.
Will joining a fraternity or sorority affect my academic success?
The act of joining will not have any effect on your GPA. Making good grades in college is the responsibility of the individual. What will affect your academic performance is your ability to manage your time well in addition to the amount of support you get from the chapter you join. This is something you should ask about before you join. Educational sessions on time management, resume writing, study skills, and more are offered and encouraged.
What is hazing?
Hazing at Cornell is defined as an act that, as an explicit or implicit condition for initiation to, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization, could be seen by a reasonable person as endangering the physical health of an individual or as causing mental distress to an individual through, for example, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment; destroys or removes public or private property; involves the consumption of alcohol, other drugs, or other substances; or violates any of the policies of the university.
Hazing is not permitted by any of the 3 Greek councils at Cornell. If you suspect that hazing is happening in a Greek fraternity or sorority at Cornell University, you may go online to submit a report at http://hazing.cornell.edu, call the national anti-hazing hotline at (800) NOT-HAZE or call the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at (607) 255-2310. Every effort will be made to respect the confidentiality of complainants.
There are so many fraternities and sororities at Cornell University. How do I tell the difference between all of them?
One of the ways to assist with this understanding is to visit the web pages for the governing Greek councils. There are 3 governing councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Association (PA), and the Multicultural Greek Letter Council (MGLC). The web site for each of these councils is http://www.greeks.cornell.edu.
How do I register for Recruitment/Intake?
Registration for IFC and Panhellenic Recruitment is completed online. You may sign up for these events by going to http://www.greeks.cornell.edu. The MGLC conducts various types of recruitment events, usually held in the form of interest meetings or informational sessions. To preview and learn more about the MGLC organizations, look for information during the spring semester for the Meet the Greeks events. This event introduces potential interests to the 17 culturally based organizations.
If I go through Recruitment, do I have to join?
Although most students who participate in recruitment decide to accept a bid from a fraternity or sorority, you are not required to join. Participating in recruitment does not obligate you in anyway.
Being in a fraternity or sorority sounds like it takes a lot of time. Is this true?
Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through the Greek experience, you should learn how to balance academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
Do all fraternities and sororities have chapter houses?
No, approximately 50 of the 51 IFC fraternities have chapter houses and all of the PA sororities have houses. An alumni corporation or an independent landlord owns some of the chapter houses.
Do I have to live in the fraternity/sorority chapter house?
Living in the chapter house is up the individual chapter. There is usually never enough space in the house to accommodate all members at once, so each group has their own requirements - this is a good thing to find out during the recruitment process. Living in a chapter house is comparable to living in the dorms or in an apartment. Most chapters' fees include room and board. Information about costs can be obtained through the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. Also it is suggested you ask about this information during recruitment.
Are housing and meals required?
This is generally a tough question, because it depends. HOUSING: For the most part, our residential fraternities and sororities have a variety of choices and selection. For the most part, our fraternity men will choose to live in the house at any point during their college career, whereas most our sorority women will choose just to live in the house primarily during their sophomore year (but, not always). MEALS: Our fraternities and sororities have some type of live-in policy and various choices for a meal plan. This can vary from one chapter house to another. Some of these chapters have an option for members living out of the house; for example, requiring all members to purchase some type of meal plan for a weekly member dinner (or all dinners), etc. Most all of the houses have their own hired chef’s that prepare all the meals for them and are regulated by the laws of the state and inspected on a regular basis. If your son/daughter is currently on a meal plan and chooses to join a fraternity or sorority, please know that they have signed a contract with Dining Services and they will allow the student to drop down to the lowest available meal plan to accommodate an additionally required meal plan by the chapter house, but they will not cancel the current contract.
How do I get more information about fraternities and sororities? How do I contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs?
There are many sources of information available -- especially if you have access to the world wide web. You can go to the main OFSA website for more information. You can also call the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs (607-255-2310) or stop by (541 Willard Straight Hall). You can send us mail at:
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs
Cornell University
541 Willard Straight Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
o: (607) 255-2310
f: (607) 254-4734
e: greeks@cornell.edu
