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The fraternity and sorority experience promotes individuals, organizational, and community development. It also has a lot of tradition. Many sororities and fraternities designate their organization by using letters from the Greek alphabet, which actually have special meaning to members. Every sorority and fraternity has unique mottoes, Rituals, and creeds which unite the members in sisterhood or brotherhood, growth, achievement, service to the community, responsibility, and leadership. All sororities and fraternities are based on values, ethics, and standards.

We know that students and families often have questions about sororities and fraternities. Below, we've provided some answers to frequently asked questions and resources.

What is Recruitment? Rush? Intake? Recruitment/rush/intake is defined as any sorority or fraternity activity that seeks to add new members to a chapter. Some Greek-letter organizations host recruitment throughout the year, while others have recruitment during a specified time period each semester or year. Regardless of when it occurs, any chapter activity that serves the purpose of adding new members to the chapter constitutes recruitment and must be in compliance with organizational policies, institutional rules, and state laws.
What are the benefits of joining? Benefits include building leadership skills, support with academics, and endless opportunities to engage in service. The fraternity and sorority experience is an excellent training ground for aspiring leaders. Many chapters organize training programs, host study hours, and offer a variety of educational resources. Some offer scholarships and awards to celebrate members' and non-members' academic successes.
When do students typically join? Most students join a sorority or fraternity during their first semester in college; however, recruitment is open to all students (transfers, sophomores, juniors, and seniors). NPHC organizations do require students to have an Arkansas Tech GPA and a certain number credit hours before joining.
How will joining a sorority or fraternity affect my student academically? Academic success is important to each sorority and fraternity. They organize study hours, schedule study skill workshops, and encourage the use of faculty office hours. All organizations have a GPA requirement to remain a member in good standing.
Which fraternity or sorority is the best one to join? There are 13 Greek-letter organizations on campus. Each organization provides unique experiences, emphasizes values, service, philanthropy, and leadership within the community. Who is the "best" is a personal choice and it should be based on where a student feels most comfortable.
What does it mean to be a New Member? The new member period is a time for students to bond with other new members, active members, and learn about the organization's history and goals. Some new member classes elect officers, hold weekly meetings, organize study halls, and plan activities.
  • Be supportive of your student's choice to join a sorority or fraternity.
  • Take the time to find out about the organization(s) your student is interested in.
    • Check out their local and/or national website.
  • If you have questions, call the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (479.968.0267)
  • Know the financial costs.
    • Determine who will pay and what limitations these expenses may impose.
    • For many organizations, one-time inter/national dues are paid during the first year. Expect the first year to be the most expensive.
  • Know the names and phone numbers of the organization president, new member educator, big sister/big brother, and organization advisor.
  • Expect to see many new t-shirts, photos, and fraternity/sorority paraphernalia.
  • Encourage your student to attend leadership programs sponsored by the Department of Campus Life.

Whether it's stress, illness, or roommate issues, college students may need help throughout their time at Arkansas Tech University. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Department of Campus Life, and Division of Student Affairs can provide support and assistance. We encourage you to reach out and contact us. We can connect students to the appropriate resources.

Call 479-968-0276 or visit the 2nd floor of Doc Bryan.