Membership
Recruitment and Intake
Our fraternities and sororities host recruitment and intake processes at various points throughout the year. For some of our councils, there are coordinated efforts near the beginning of the academic semesters as a way to get started. For other councils, efforts are planned and sponsored by each individual chapter. All students who would like to participate in the intake or recruitment process for any of our organizations must complete the registration or interest form, for that specific council. More information can be found below.
Past Materials
Recruitment Information by Council
IFC consists of 29 Fraternities geared towards man identifying and nonbinary/gender nonconforming students. IFC Recruitment is a time for potential new members to meet chapters and for chapter members to get to know potential new members in a relaxed setting. During this time potential new members should ask whatever questions feel pertinent, such as finance, scholarship, activities, housing, and time commitment. This is a time to find a chapter where you feel most comfortable and aligns with your personal values.
We encourage you to check out as many chapters as possible. See below for a variety of events hosted by IFC and the chapters to check out all of your options.
All men interested in receiving a bid from an IFC fraternity must fill out the UW-Madison Interfraternity Council Recruitment Registration form.
For a one-stop shop regarding all things IFC Recruitment, please view the IFC Recruitment Orientation.
IFC Fall 2026 Recruitment Dates:
- IFC Tabling:
- Thursday, September 3
- Open House:
- Saturday, September 5
- Monday, September 7
- IFC Chapter Events:
- Tuesday, September 8 – Thursday, September 10
- Monday, September 14 – Friday, September 18
- Tuesday, September 22
- IFC Bid Celebrations:
- Wednesday, September 23
- Bid Acceptance: If you receive a bid, you will receive an email with a Bid Acceptance form and a Bid Denial form. Please complete the appropriate form.
- Wednesday, September 23
To learn more about IFC, visit the IFC Council Page!
Follow the IFC Instagram, @IFC_UWMadison, to stay up to date on IFC!
MGC consists of 14 fraternities and sororities. All MGC organizations host their own intake. This means organization is responsible for their own unique recruitment processes and events, all of which welcomes people from various cultures, identities, and backgrounds. Chapters intake new membership throughout the year, and the new membership requirements and programs vary. If there is interest in a particular organization, contacting the organizations new membership/intake chair would be the first step.
If you are interested in gaining an insight on all of the organizations that belong to the Multicultural Greek Council, feel free to attend the numerous events sponsored by the MGC, as well as the various programs and activities held by its membership throughout the year. Please fill out the interest form below.
Fall 2026:
- Meet the Greeks: Monday, October 5
To learn more about MGC, visit the MGC Council Page!
Follow the MGC Instagram, @MGC_Madison, to stay up to date on MGC!
NPHC at UW-Madison consists of eight fraternities and sororities. All NPHC organizations host their own intake. This means that each organization is responsible for their own unique recruitment processes and events that occur throughout the semester. Chapters intake new membership, but the semesters vary, as well as the new membership requirements and intake programs. If there is interest in a particular organization, contacting the organizations new membership/intake chair would be the first step.
If you are interested in gaining an insight on all of the organizations that belong to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, feel free to attend the numerous events sponsored by the NPHC, as well as the various programs and activities held by its membership throughout the year. In addition, you can fill out the interest form below.
Fall 2026
- Meet the Yard: Friday, September 18
To Learn More about NPHC, visit the NPHC Council Page!
Follow the NPHC Instagram, @NPHCatUW, to stay up to date on NPHC!
PHA consists of 14 sororities (one is an associate chapter), that are geared towards woman identifying and nonbinary/gender nonconforming students. There are two different types of recruitment for our Panhellenic chapters.
Primary Recruitment
This mutual selection process is coordinated by the council officers and is designed to allow chapters the opportunity to meet interested women and for potential new members to have the opportunity to meet all of our chapters that participate in Primary Recruitment. At the start of Primary Recruitment, you will meet your Recruitment Counselor or “RC.” Recruitment Counselors are current students and members of one of our Panhellenic chapters. During the process, they support you from a neutral stance, ask and answer questions you may have, and serve as your main contact throughout Primary Recruitment.
We have four rounds of Primary Recruitment during the fall. During Round 1, you will visit with all of the NPC chapters. As the rounds go on, you will visit fewer chapters and narrow down your selection. After each round, you will use a program to enter your selections for the next round. Each chapter completes the same process for the women that attended their events that day. For the following round, if you and the chapter mutually select each other, you will receive an invitation back to that chapter. You may receive an invitation to any chapter that you visit during the previous round. Primary Recruitment culminates in Bid Day where we celebrate all of our new members and you get to meet all of your new sisters at each chapter’s Bid Day celebration.
Wondering what to wear? Recruitment attire becomes slightly more formal with each round, but comfort is key. The first round is casual with a provided Panhellenic T-shirt, while the second and third rounds are slightly dressier (think brunch or a casual outing). Preference Round is the most formal, with semi-formal attire encouraged. On Bid Day, dress comfortably and be ready to celebrate. You’ll likely receive a T-shirt from your new chapter.
Panhellenic Primary Recruitment Financial Transparency 2026. The numbers in this document are self-reported by each chapter and are subject to change. Please contact individual chapters for the most up-to-date information.
For a one-stop shop regarding all things Panhellenic Primary Recruitment, please view the PHA Recruitment Canvas Course.
Please note: Many NPC organizations have removed legacy status as a component of the primary recruitment process. Recommendations are NOT required for either of the recruitment opportunities on our campus.
Fall 2026 Primary Recruitment Dates:
- Round One: Saturday, September 5
- Round Two: Monday, September 7
- Round Three Day One: Wednesday, September 9
- Round Three Day Two: Thursday, September 10
- Preference Day One: Monday, September 14
- Preference Day Two: Tuesday, September 15
- Bid Day: Wednesday, September 16
Informal Recruitment
After Primary Recruitment and during the spring semester, chapters that are eligible to continue to recruit new members may conduct a process known as Continuous Open Bidding (COB). Not all of our chapters will be eligible to COB. This informal process is coordinated on a chapter basis, but you can contact Panhellenic to get more information on the chapters that are participating and when they are hosting events. We also recommend following Panhellenic’s social media to stay connected.
Alpha Omega Epsilon is a STEM professional social sorority and Associate Chapter of PHA. Alpha Omega Epsilon does not participate in the primary recruitment process. To learn more about Alpha Omega Epsilon, check out their Instagram page @a.o.e.wisco.
To learn more about PHA, visit the PHA Council Page!
Follow the PHA Instagram, @PHA_UWMadison, to stay up to date on Panhellenic!
Recruitment and Intake Tips
Participating in the recruitment or intake process can feel daunting. Please use the resources below to learn more about what to expect, questions to ask, things to consider, and other tips regarding joining the fraternity and sorority community.
When exploring membership in a fraternity or sorority, it is important to explore a variety of things to ultimately find the right fit for you. Here are some examples of things to think about:
- Types of organizations (cultural, academic/professional, religious, etc.)
- National organization, mission, purpose, and values
- Expectations of members
- Chapter size
- Cost
- Housing options
- Chapter recognition status
To learn about our organizations, we recommend seeking information around the following topics. You can do this by asking questions, exploring websites and social media, or attending interest meetings.
Academics
- How does the chapter support academic achievement?
- Are there academic requirements for membership?
- What resources are available to support academic success?
Brotherhood/Sisterhood/Siblinghood
- What kinds of activities do you enjoy with your brothers/sisters/siblings?
- How often does the chapter host brotherhood/sisterhood/siblinghood events?
Leadership
- What leadership opportunities exist within the chapter?
- What education and development programming does the chapter implement?
Service & Philanthropy
- How does the chapter engage with service and philanthropy?
- What organizations does the chapter support?
- What types of events does the chapter plan for fundraising and raising awarenes
Take time to learn about multiple organizations – don’t limit yourself before you’ve explored all of the options.
Ignore stereotypes and misconceptions.
Ask questions! This is the time to ensure all of your questions are answered before choosing an organization that best fits your needs.
Trust your gut – you will likely know which organization is the best fit for you.
Ask for help! Our staff and council leaders are here to support you as you navigate these processes, feel free to reach out with questions or to talk about your options.
Will I need to move in early to participate in recruitment or intake?
- No, all joining opportunities start after students have moved in.
How much of a time commitment is joining a fraternity/sorority?
- As a new member, your requirements will likely include weekly meetings, brotherhoods/sisterhoods/siblinghoods, community service projects, and other social events. Most FSL members find plenty of time to balance Fraternity & Sorority Life with their studies, jobs, and other student organizations.
Do affiliated members have friends in other fraternities and sororities and outside of Fraternity & Sorority Life?
- Yes! Joining a fraternity/sorority does not mean that you have to lose the group of friends that you already hang out with. Many FSL members would agree that some of their best friends are in different chapters from their own or not in Fraternity & Sorority Life at all! Chapters encourage their members to be active on campus in areas outside of Fraternity & Sorority Life, such as intramurals, student government, service organizations, and more.
Should I still go through Recruitment/Intake if I’m unsure whether Fraternity & Sorority Life is for me or if I’m unsure that I can even afford to pay for membership?
- Participating in Recruitment and/or attending informational meetings are perfect opportunities for you to explore the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community and see how it could enhance your college experience. It’s a chance for you to decide if being in a fraternity/sorority is worth the financial investment. We encourage you to participate in Recruitment/Intake even if you’re a bit unsure. Talk to the chapters you visit about payment plans and scholarships they offer.
Will I have to live in a chapter facility?
- Depending on the chapter, live-in requirements may vary, especially based on whether the chapter has a facility. We recommend asking each chapter directly to better understand their specific expectations. Living in a chapter facility can be a great option if you’re interested in that housing component. However, you can still have a meaningful and fulfilling experience in Fraternity & Sorority Life even if your chapter does not have a facility.
For more FAQs, visit our FAQ page.
Chapter Expectations
Values
Organizations expect their members to align themselves with the values of the organization.
GPA Requirements
Chapters may expect members to maintain a certain GPA, usually decided on by the national organization.
Facilities
If an organization has a chapter facility, it is possible they may have live-in expectations for their members. These expectations vary, so we suggest students ask about the chapter’s live-in expectations during recruitment.
Financial Responsibility
Each chapter determines their own membership dues based on factors like chapter facility, chapter events, supply costs, organization conferences, etc. Chapter dues are typically charged each semester.
Time Commitment
Time commitment varies on the type of organization and what is mandatory for the organization to stay in good standing.
Most organizations have a weekly meeting and some required events throughout the semester.
If a student is on the executive board for a chapter or holds another leadership position such as a council leadership position – they will have a larger time commitment than a general member.
Community Contribution Fee
Overview
In spring 2019, the University of Wisconsin partnered with an external review team to conduct a program review of Fraternity & Sorority Life. The goal of this review was to observe current practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations for future action to elevate the fraternal experience on campus. Across all constituency groups, including students, the overall impression was that FSL was understaffed and underfunded, which lead to the conclusion that the existing model was preventing system-wide failure rather than proactively building the membership experience, fostering community among councils, sharing information with various constituency groups, and providing positive programming.
In order to expand the Fraternity & Sorority Life staff, campus shifted the existing funding model which included collecting money through IFC and PHA council dues. This process began in 2016. The new FSL Community Contribution Fee was announced in May 2020 to all FSL stakeholders. The new process collects a fee from all FSL students and allows for greater equity with a robust waiver process. IFC and PHA dues no longer collect money via their council dues. A waiver process is in place to assist those students who may have financial insecurity or be on campus as part of certain scholarship programs. This process is intended to be more equitable by spreading the cost across all four councils, and provide increased staff support to each council.
Waiver Process
Waivers are available to all FSL members. Waiver applications are reviewed twice a year. For active members, waiver applications must be received by July 1 for the fall term and December 1 for the spring term. Late waiver applications may not be reviewed until the following term. New members who accept a bid in the fall term have until October 15 to fill out the waivers. New members who accept a bid in the spring term have until March 15 to fill out the waivers.
Please note that waivers are only for the FSL Community Contribution Fee. They are not for chapter dues.
There are two waiver options based on the student’s circumstance:
- Students who are recipients of Bucky’s Tuition Promise, Bucky’s Pell Pathway, BANNER, or are Pell-eligible
- This is an automatic waiver. You do not need to take any steps to receive this waiver. We work with the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine who is eligible for the automatic waiver. If you are eligible, you will not see a charge on your account.
- Students facing financial hardship or insecurity, G.I. Bill recipients or any other reason for applying for a waiver application
- This waiver is a one-year waiver and students must reapply annually to maintain a waiver as needed.
- There is no limit to the number of waivers a student may receive.
If you believe you have mistakenly received the fee, please email the FSL office.
Contribution Fee FAQs
The funding collected from this fee supplements the funding provided by campus to employ the FSL Staff, cover operational expenses, and provide programming and education opportunities for fraternity and sorority members. This new model significantly increases the existing staffing levels and elevates Fraternity & Sorority Life to be a campus department, falling within the Leadership & Engagement area of Student Affairs.
For the Financial Hardship or Insecurity Waiver Application, there is a dedicated committee, of student affairs staff, who reviews the waiver application each semester. Should your waiver application be denied, you will receive a message with the reasoning or asking for additional information to be reviewed. If your application is denied, you are welcome to apply again for additional review.
If you received the fee, you are currently listed as an active member on a chapter roster. If you are no longer affiliated with a fraternity or sorority, please reach out to your former chapter – they need to inform our office of your departure. We cannot remove the charge until we get confirmation from the chapter president (or VP admin/record keeper) that you have left the organization. To speed up the reversal of the charge, instruct them to provide your name, the chapter name, date, and reason for no longer being a member.
If you are involved in a fraternity or sorority, you should still see it on your bill. The FSL fee is applied to your account on one line and removed on another. An example is available below. The only people who will not receive the charge are those that are eligible for the Automatic Waiver.
The FSL fee is applied to your bill before the semester begins. If you terminate your affiliation with your chapter before the term deadline to drop a course and receive a 100% reimbursement (this specific date is available on the academic calendar available via the Office of the Registrar – Enrollment>Dates & Deadlines) AND contact our office within that same timeframe, we can reverse the charge.