We’ve received a lot of questions over the years, so we’ve compiled and answered our most common questions! If you have a question that is not answered below, you can email our office or call us at 608.265.9019.
Transfer Students
Can I join if I’m a transfer student?
Yes! We have transfer students in our community! If you are interested in learning more about how to join, then check out our Recruitment & Intake page.
I’m already a member of an organization and there is a chapter on campus. How do I join?
All you need to do is directly contact the chapter! From there, they will let you know what they need from you.
I’m already a member of a fraternity/sorority, but they are not active on campus. What are my options?
Option 1: Explore Membership Policies
If your fraternity/sorority is not on campus, some of our organizations may be willing to consider you for membership. You will need to directly ask the organizations about their membership policies.
Option 2: Expansion
If you are not interested in trying to join another organization or cannot join another organization, expansion is an option. Please visit our expansion page to learn more about how to bring your organization to campus.
Student Questions
Do I have to live in a chapter facility in order to join?
Depending on the organization you are interested in joining, they may live-in requirements. We advise asking the organization(s) you are interested in, if they have a chapter facility and if they have live-in requirements.
Can I still have a fulfilling experience if I join a chapter that doesn’t have a chapter facility?
Yes! Plenty of organizations don’t have chapter facilities but still have opportunities to have social interactions with other chapters, build brotherhood/sisterhood/siblinghood bonds, engage in philanthropy and service, develop personally and professionally, and support each other in your academic endeavors. Your fraternity/sorority experience is what you make of it!
Parents/Families
Who owns and operates the chapter facilities?
Chapter facilities are owned and operated independently from the institution. The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life does provide guidance that aligns with on-campus housing, however, each facility is led by a group of volunteers, alumni, or the national organization, not the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Should you have any questions or concerns related to a facility, please contact the house corporation board. If you do not have their contact information, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life can help you in connecting with someone.
Does FSL have a parents weekend?
No, Fraternity & Sorority Life does not coordinate a parents weekend. You will need to ask your student if their chapter hosts a weekend.
How do I support my student through the recruitment/intake process?
Here are some suggestions to help ease your student’s fraternity/sorority experience:
- Be happy and support of your student’s choice of fraternity/sorority
- Encourage them to attend programs sponsored by the chapter and the office.
- Know the name and contact information for the chapter president, new member educator and chapter advisor
- Ask for details about the financial aspect of membership.
- Stay in touch with phone calls, emails, and text messages
- Encourage your student to be a part of the University community and to take advantage of its many resources.
What is this fee on my student’s tuition bill?
A $30 FSL Community Contribution Fee will be applied to those participating in Fraternity & Sorority Life each semester. This funding 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. There are two waivers available, one for students that are scholarship or pell eligible, and one for students facing financial hardship. Visit the Membership Expectations page to learn more.
How do I pay my student’s chapter dues?
Our office doesn’t control chapter dues. All questions regarding chapter dues should be directed to the organization.
Can my student live in the chapter facility as a first-year student?
Your student will likely not have the opportunity to live in a chapter facility as a first-year student.
How do I support my student while they are in a fraternity/sorority?
Check in with your student and learn more about their experience with their new chapter. If things are going well, you should notice your student continues to feel more adjusted to college life, connected with their peers, and finding the support they need from the people around them. Unfortunately, there are students that don’t have this same experience. Notice changes in your student – behaviors, attitudes, etc. – and provide support and reach out to help. Our staff is available to talk with you or your student about their experience and connect them with campus resources.