Recruitment
Interested in participating in fraternity or sorority recruitment? Visit the council recruitment page to find out about how you can join one of our organizations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the time commitment?
- Where would I live?
- How much does it cost to join a fraternity or sorority?
- What about hazing?
- How can I join a sorority or fraternity?
- If I go through recruitment, do I have to join?
What is the time commitment?
The amount of required time to be a member of a fraternity or sorority can be significant. Sororities and fraternities both have new members go through a new member education program which varies organization to organization. This is a period to learn about the history and core values of the organization while strengthening bonds with current members and pledge class brothers or sisters. Expect to have at least one pledge class meeting, a full chapter meeting, and one or two social and/or philanthropic events a week. Please be aware that many members of fraternities and sororities are student athletes, hold jobs, and earn some of the top GPA’s at the school. With proper time management, it is more than possible to join a fraternity or sorority
Where would I live?
Many fraternities and sororities at IWU have a chapter house where a majority of their members live. All chapter houses are located on or nearby campus (view campus map). It is generally expected that new members will begin living in their chapter houses the year after their initiation.
How much does it cost to join a fraternity or sorority?
Joining a fraternity or sorority will have a cost, and each chapter varies in the particular amount of dues. These dues are paid to the organization and help pay for activities such as special programming, brotherhood / sisterhood events, dances, formal dinners, and alumni gatherings. Additional costs may include a one time initiation fee, t-shirts, and insurance policies. The money spent, however, should be viewed as an investment for you or your student’s future success. Room and Board costs the same as living in a residence for all social fraternity members because the University owns their chapter houses. Sororities and the men’s music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha, own their housing facility and so living costs will vary chapter to chapter. When considering joining a particular fraternity or sorority, ask them to be upfront about all costs incurred during the school year.
What about hazing?
Hazing is considered forcing someone do anything against their will. This can include drinking alcohol, public humiliation, and physical abuse (view IWU Anti-Hazing Policy). Illinois Wesleyan does not tolerate hazing; fraternities or sororities caught doing so will go through the judicial process. Anyone who thinks themselves as a victim of hazing is encouraged to contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and the matter will be handled discreetly.
How can I join a sorority or fraternity?
For sororities, you will need to participate in formal recruitment. For information about this process, click HERE. For fraternities, you will need to attend various events for the chapters you are interested in joining.For information about this process, click HERE.
Use the recruitment period to get acquainted with current members, ask lots of questions, and make new friends. After either the formal process or attending a few events, the organizations will determine who to invite into their brotherhoods / sisterhoods. If you receive one of these invitations, or “bids”, you have the option to accept or decline. It’s that easy!
If I go through recruitment, do I have to join?
No. Recruitment is a time for prospective members to decide if fraternity or sorority membership is right for them. An individual may be offered to join several different chapters, but at no point is that person obligated to accept those offers.