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Student Involvement

Frequently Asked Questions

Between 8-10% of our undergraduates become members; this varies throughout the year because of recruitment, graduation, etc.

Recruitment is the name given to the fraternity/sorority selection process; it has been referred to as rush, as well as intake. Recruitment is a mutual selection process during which students interested in joining a fraternity/sorority have the opportunity to visit the various chapters, meet some of the members, and learn more about the organizations ideals.

Formal recruitment refers to a designated period in early part of the fall semester when interested men and women participate in organized recruitment events designed to introduce students to all Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council member chapters. Advanced registration is required.
Cultural Greek organizations or NPHC chapters typically do not participate in Fresno State's IFC or Panhellenic formal recruitment by choice. These chapter maintains a separate recruitment calendar.

No, while there is, potentially, a place in the Greek community for every student, membership in a Greek organization is a personal decision. Joining a fraternity or sorority may not be for you.

Open recruitment can occur in the fall (following formal recruitment) and/or the spring. Individual chapters may choose to participate in recruitment at these times if the chapter is below its desired number. Each chapter is responsible for planning and publicizing its own open recruitment events.

Joining a Greek chapter usually increases a student’s chance for academic success. Most chapters have strong academic programs which help foster, as well as reward, academic achievement. Many chapters observe study hours and encourage study groups and tutoring. Often, students are encouraged to set academic goals for the semester. Scholarship opportunities are also available in many organizations.

California state statutes, Interfraternity, Panhellenic and NPHC policies, national/international organizational policies and University policy all prohibit students from engaging in any activity that may be considered hazing. Fresno State’s statement on hazing is available for your review. Fresno State does not tolerate hazing. Instead, new members develop bonds with and learn about their chapter through educational programming, chapter events, and philanthropy projects. Greeks have learned that members are much more productive and enthusiastic when they are positively motivated and educated, rather than hazed and demoralized.

The decision to drink or not to drink is one that every college student must make for him/herself. Many students, both Greek and non-Greek, choose to abstain from using alcohol and find their college experiences just as enjoyable. The Fresno State Greek community has a strict alcohol policy which regulates the consumption of alcohol at events. Every fraternity and sorority educates its new members on these alcohol policies, as well as related issues of personal responsibility and safety.

Make no mistake - members of Greek organizations will have some mandatory commitments, such as chapter meetings and other activities. “Time commitments for new members” is an excellent topic of conversation during recruitment events! While academic achievement is a primary focus, fraternities and sororities participate in a wide variety of activities, including socials, date functions, service projects, philanthropy events, Homecoming, Greek Week, and many other campus activities. Participation in these events is highly encouraged because it gives members an opportunity to meet other students and teaches the importance of time management.

Greek life will offer you the opportunity to excel both within your chapter and on campus. All members are encouraged to take an active role within the chapter ranging from serving on committees to committee chairmanships to executive offices. In addition, there are over 250 student organizations in which you can become involved. Greek members are involved in nearly every aspect of these activities and can encourage fellow Greek members take active roles in campus leadership.