Below you will find a list of questions which are often asked by students interested in membership of a Greek Organization.  Please feel free to direct any additional questions to members of individual chapters or the Office of Greek Organizations. 

How do I participate in Formal Membership Recruitment?
What are the requirements for joining a Greek Organization?
Can I rush in the spring?
If I go through Formal Membership Recruitment, am I obligated to join?
What if I only want to be in a certain fraternity or sorority?
What should I look at when deciding to join a fraternity or sorority?
What are the financial obligations of joining a chapter?
What are my obligations to the Organization?
Will I feel left out if I don't participate?
I don't want to pay for my friends, why should I join a fraternity or sorority?

How do I participate in Formal Membership Recruitment?

Information will be sent out by the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.  Interested students will be asked to register to participate in recruitment activities and pay a nominal recruitment fee of $15.00. The registration form must be returned to the Office of Greek Organizations with payment in order to be registered.

What are the requirements for joining a Greek Organization?

A potential sorority member must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.20 and be in good disciplinary standing with the college.  Some sororities requrie a higher GPA for membership.  A potential fraternity member must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 and be in good disciplnary standing with the college.  Sophomore students interested in living in their fraternity house during the spring semester must have a minimum GPA of 2.7. 

Can I rush in the spring?

Though most students decide to go Greek in the fall, some fraternities and sororities will decide to receive new members in the spring.  This decision is made by each chapter individually.

If I go through Formal Membership Recruitment, am I obligated to join?

No. Recruitment is a process of mutual selection; you have to want the organization as much as it wants you. If you receive a bid, you always have the option of declining the invitation.

What if I only want to be in a certain fraternity or sorority?

Keep an open mind and look at all the options available to you. No one can "guarantee" you a bid to a particular organization. Decide first if Greek life fits your lifestyle, then explore all the chapters to see what each one offers. If you are interested in Greek life (versus chapter life) and keep an open mind, there is a place for you in the Greek community.

What should I look at when deciding to join a fraternity or sorority?

The best tool for deciding which organization to join, is a full participation in rush events.  Attendance to these events will give you a good idea of the chapters practices, purpose and members.  Feel free to ask any and all questions that come up.  Read a list of common questions to ask. 

A wealth of useful information can also be found on our statistics page including membership numbers and average GPA's.  General information can also be found on the various organizations' landing pages found here.  Specific questions can also be directed via email to the chapter presidents.

What are the financial obligations of joining a chapter?

An important consideration in deciding whether or not to join a Greek organization must be whether or not you are able to meet the financial responsibilities. Both you and your family should be aware of the dues, fees, and other expenses. Membership can be expensive when you first join, as there are many one-time fees. If you have questions regarding the cost of a chapter, please feel free to ask members. They should give you straightforward answers and allow you to talk with the officer in charge of the finances.  Information on the costs of fraternity housing can be found here.

What are my obligations to the Organization?

As a new member, you will be required to agree to help fill the rooms in the chapter house before any member of the chapter will be permitted to live off campus, or to participate in the Gettysburg College housing lottery. This does not mean that you will automatically be living in the house, but it does mean that the needs of the chapter in fulfilling this obligation have to come first.  You will also be required to participate in a number of philanthropic and community service events throughout the semester.

All members have basic responsibilities but the level of involvement may vary. Those in leadership positions often have specific duties that require significant time commitments. Those members who elect not to have an office can tailor their involvement to their own schedule. For example, a member who wishes to be instrumental in planning an event may volunteer for the committee as a way to make his or her ideas known. However, a member who has other obligations at that time may simply attend the event in support of those who worked on it.

Will I feel left out if I don't participate?

Both students who are involved in the Greek community and those who have chosen to remain unaffiliated participate in a variety of Greek functions, including both social and philanthropy events. In addition, Gettysburg has many activities and organizations that attract all students, regardless of Greek affiliation, so there is no real stratification of students based on their types of involvement.

I don't want to pay for my friends, why should I join a fraternity or sorority?

Membership dues are not a payment for friends; they are financial contributions to the organization to pay for things such as social programming, special events, house maintenance and insurance. Membership in the Greek community offers a variety of benefits to all members, especially those who are willing to take the initiative and seek them out.

At the collegiate level, the bond of friendship that is formed amongst members lasts a lifetime. In addition, chapters offer the opportunity to participate in tutoring and academic support, philanthropy projects throughout the Greek community, and the chance to adopt both leadership and supporting roles within the chapter. As alumni/a, Greeks have in place a network of connections which can be utilized in everything from job searches to finding a friendly face in a new town.