Q: A. What is a 'Greek' organization?

A: There are actually several different types of fraternities and sororities, sometimes referred to as Greek-letter organizations; social, honorary, service, and pre-professional are all examples. Fraternities and sororities may be defined as a group of individuals joined together by common goals and aspirations. Fraternities and sororities were founded on the ideals of, among many things, sisterhood/brotherhood, loyalty, and service. The Greek letters that represent these organizations names are meant to remind members of their founding ideals. All of Syracuse University?s fraternities and sororities are chapters of (inter)national organizations.


Q: B. What are the different fraternities and sororities chapters at Syracuse University?

A: All of the fraternities and sororities at Syracuse University are chapters of inter/national organizations. Each chapter falls under one of five governing councils: Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC), Latino Greek Council (LGC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Conference (NPHC), and Panhellenic Council (PC). All Syracuse University recognized fraternities and sororities are a part of one of these councils and are held accountable to their policies, rules, and regulations. To see a full listing of social Greek-letter organizations at Syracuse University, click here.


Q: C. How do I join a fraternity or sorority?

A: There is a different process for joining organizations, depending on the council under which the organization falls. Panhellenic Recruitment For first year students and sophomores, Panhellenic (PC) Spring Recruitment begins at the end of the Fall semester. At this time, interested students may sign up to participate in the recruitment process. The sign up process continues after Winter break until the formal recruitment period begins in late January. The formal recruitment period is just over a full week of organized activities through which twelve national sororities introduce themselves to potential new members. During this time, students participating in the process meet with all twelve sororities, so that they can learn more about each chapter. PC utilizes a quota system that sets the maximum number of new members that may be permitted to join individual chapters. While it is infrequent, it is possible for some women to not receive an invitation to join any chapter following participation in Spring Recruitment. In this case, chapters that have not yet filled their membership openings may extend offers of membership to women not yet chosen either at this time or throughout the academic year. Once offers are made by the chapters and accepted by the new members, the decisions are final. IFC Recruitment IFC fraternities recruit members year round. Although the Inter-Fraternity Council sponsors a formal rush program at the beginning of the spring semester, an informal program is offered to sophomore, junior and seniors during the fall semester. Fraternity Rush involves a series of non-alcoholic events sponsored by each chapter. During this week, fraternities sponsor formal information sessions during which brothers and alumni discuss the unique aspects of their fraternity with prospective members. Rush is a mutual selection procedure for joining a fraternity. It is a time for students and parents to ask questions, and for the fraternity to define financial obligations, time commitments, and membership requirements. Participating in Rush does not obligate a person to associate with any organization; whether or not the potential new member decides to join a fraternity, it is a great way to meet people and get acquainted with co-curricular life at the University. NPHC, LGC, and MGC Intake The process by which students join the predominantly African American, Latino/Latina, and Multi-cultural Greek letter organizations is called intake. During this process, chapters will hold interest meetings, called Informationals. Through a series of Informationals, interested students learn about the history, activities, philosophy, and policies of a chapter. Based on mutual interest and suitability of the potential new member, the chapter will then extend a membership offer. Those who accept the offer will then go through Intake, the membership process, to become full-fledged brothers and sorors (sisters). Please note: Although Delta Lambda Phi falls under MGLC, the fraternity?s recruitment process is similar to IFC rush.


Q: D. When can I join? Can I join my freshman year?

A: Syracuse University operates under a ?deferred rush? system, which means students are not eligible to join a fraternity or sorority until their second semester freshman year. Although each governing council has a different recruitment and membership intake process, all students participating in those processes must be at least a second semester freshman.