FAQ's

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    What is Fraternity & Sorority Life?

    Fraternity and Sorority Life is the collective term referring to the fraternities and sororities on campus.  Each fraternity and sorority is a group of students bound together by brotherhood and sisterhood, common goals, and aspirations. 


    How do you join a Fraternity or Sorority?

    Requirements and procedures are different for each council and individual organizations.  As you get involved on campus, you will meet the members of the Greek community.  Let them know you are interested in learning more about the Greek community and they will direct you to the appropriate next step.  You can always contact Fraternity & Sorority Life to learn more about the opportunities and avenues to be recruited. 

     
    Am I allowed to use the term Greek to refer to members in fraternities and sororities?

    The simple answer is yes. However, our office is transitioning from the Office of Greek Life to Fraternity and Sorority Life to provide some clarity about what services our office provides. We will still refer to our population of students as the Greek community and use phrases such as Go Greek.


    What is recruitment?
    Recruitment is the time when fraternities and sororities seek and recruit new members. During this period, interested students have the opportunity to meet members, learn about each organization at UTA, visit organizational houses and see what opportunities each has to offer.  Look for signs around campus and updates to the Office of Greek Life website with dates and times concerning Recruitment and Orientation sessions.


    What is Membership Intake?

    The Membership Intake process is the process for which prospective members are educated about a chapter's history, organization, and community service. This process is typically utilized by the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Multicultural Greek Council.


    What are the requirements to join?

    Incoming freshmen are not allowed to join a Greek organization their first semester at UTA.

    Current UTA students are eligible to join as long as they have at least 9 UTA credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

    Transfer students are eligible to join their first semester with no UTA credit hours or UTA GPA. If a transfer student decides to join after their first semester, (s)he must meet the UTA eligibility requirements for current students.

    Individual organizations may have additional requirements that are set by their Inter/National organizations which may include a minimum number of earned college credits, GPA, campus involvement in Non-Greek organizations, as well as a proven commitment to values.

     
    What is a potential new member?

    A potential new member is a student that not currently a member or a Greek organzation.


    Are potential new members allowed to appeal the requirementsfor membership?

    No. We want to be sure that students understand that academic success is a tenet that Greek Life advocates for and looks for in new and current members. It is important that first semester freshmen understand the committment and balance needed to be a successful Greek student before joining and that students that are struggling academically work on improving their grades before adding any extracurricular activities.

     
    What types of Fraternities and Sororities are on campus?

    The Greek community at UT Arlington consists of a diverse group of local, international, national and regional organizations.  Fraternity & Sorority Life recognizes the following governing boards: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Panhellenic Council (PHC).

    Please click on current chapters tab to the left for a list of active Greek organizations.  

     
    How do I find my fit? 

    All Greek organizations strive for the ideals of leadership, Scholarship, Service and brotherhood/sisterhood.  In determining the right organization for you, research not only the UTA chapter but also the inter/national organization via their website.   Look at the motto, mission statement, founding ideals/principles and the philanthropic involvement of the organization.  This should ease the decision making process. 

    It is extremely important to meet as many of the members as possible. Be sure to ask about the founding values of the organization, what type of events the organization participates in, financial obligations, and what the organization is looking for in its members.

    Remember though, while you are looking for an organization that will fulfill your needs, the organization is also looking for members who will fit in with their values. The recruitment process is a mutual selection process. Be sure that you are comfortable with the organization and that they are comfortable with you before you join.


    What is a bid? 

    A bid is an invitation from a fraternity or sorority to become a member of its organization. 


    How much time is required to be a member?  

    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 Greek students 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 created.


    What are the benefits of membership and how long does membership last?

    Put simply, personal and professional development.  As a student, Greeks have the opportunity to be connected to a local, regional, international or national organization. Sororities and Fraternities allow students the opportunity for leadership positions within the organization and Greek Councils. Many organizations also provide members with seminars, conferences, and other developmental opportunities.

    Membership in a fraternity or sorority is lifelong. As a member, you can become involved locally, regionally, and/or nationally as a volunteer or a professional. Opportunities vary with organization, but they are definitely there.

     
    Is there a cost associated with joining a Fraternity or Sorority?

    There is a financial commitment associated with joining a fraternity or sorority. The costs go toward Inter/National fees, chapter operating expenses and social functions. Financial obligations differ for men and women and among individual chapters. Additional costs throughout the semester may be for housing, pictures, gifts, T-shirts, and other organization’s philanthropies etc. There may be payment plans available for students, as well as scholarships within the individual chapters.


    Is hazing associated with joining a Fraternity or Sorority?

    UT Arlington, as well as each fraternity and sorority, has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with Texas state law.  Fraternity and Sorority Life also requires the continual adherence of the FIPG, Inc. Risk Management Policy from all fraternities and sororities.  Hazing is contrary to the purposes of the Greek community and what we promote from Fraternity and Sorority Life. Hazing is not tolerated. If you feel that you or someone you know is participating in inappropriate activities or being treated inappropriately as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact Fraternity and Sorority Life at (817) 272-9234 or campus police at (817) 272-3003. Calls will be handled in a discreet and professional manner. 


    I would like to join an organization, but I can’t find the right chapter.  What do I do? 

    So you’ve done your homework and researched the existing chapters at UTA, but you haven’t been able to find “the one”.  Fraternity & Sorority Life welcomes new organizations by supporting open expansion.  Visit the expansion page on our website and read over the Fraternity and Sorority Life Expansion process for more information.  


    My parents do not like the idea of Fraternities and Sororities.  How can I offer them reassurance? 

    At some point, most of our chapter members also had to have “the talk” with their families. We encourage you to pass along the Fraternity & Sorority Life website url to them.  We had dedicated the Parent & Family page to explaining why joining a fraternity or sorority is beneficial to future. If your parents have specific questions or concerns, we can help you answer them. There are numerous undergraduate leaders, alumni, fraternity/sorority inter/national headquarters staff, University administrators and even other parents who are more than willing to share their personal insights and experiences. 


    Who is in charge of each organization?

    In business terms, think about each chapter as a local franchise of an inter/national corporation. Undergraduate members are elected to officer positions and manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni serving as advisors. The inter/national headquarters provides each chapter with oversight, support and guidance through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. Professional University Staff are also employed to assist, educate and monitor the activities of Greek organizations at UT Arlington.

     
    I’ve heard some Fraternities and Sororities described as “social”.  What does this mean?

    The term “social” should not be used synonymously to convey a “party” or “alcohol” atmosphere.   The purpose of “social” fraternities and sororities can vary greatly from the missions of “honorary,” “professional” or “culturally-based” groups. A “social” organization is characterized by providing opportunities for establishing personal relationships, making connections on campus, teamwork, civic engagement and career networking.


    Does UT Arlington allow chapter housing? 

    There are fraternities and sororities within IFC and PHC that do have privately-owned chapter houses.  This is not a requirement for UT Arlington.