How to Join
The process of joining a fraternity or sorority is one of mutual selection. Fraternities and sororities use different methods to acquaint themselves with interested students and to allow prospective members to learn about the organization. The process to join depends on the type of fraternity or sorority, which are categorized below by the governing council that oversees each different type.
Each governing council is a student organization at VCU with responsibility for strengthening the community of the chapters under its purview. While that responsibility includes informing chapters and members of applicable university policies, the governing council does not enforce those policies. VCU’s Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity will investigate allegations of violations of the Student Code of Conduct by fraternities and sororities and will adjudicate such allegations based on the investigative findings. VCU does not authorize the governing councils to investigate or adjudicate a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
VCU sets eligibility requirements for all students who wish to join a fraternity or sorority. In order to be eligible to join, a student must satisfy the following requirements:
- Regardless of incoming credit status or prior affiliation, successfully complete twelve (12) credit hours at VCU. Credit hours transferred from a previous institution do not count towards this eligibility requirement.
- Have a 2.70 cumulative GPA or higher.
- Complete hazing prevention and bystander intervention training for potential new members.
Credits transferred from other institutions do not count towards the credit hour requirement. Individual chapters may set additional eligibility requirements for students who wish to join that chapter.
Students who are interested in joining and would like to know more about a particular chapter’s compliance with university conduct policies can read the Student Organization Conduct Report, which summarizes the findings of responsibility by all student organizations for violations of the Student Code of Conduct and includes a list of organizations that are currently unauthorized to operate as a student organization at VCU either following violation of the Student Code of Conduct or because of interim suspension.
Click Here to access the Student Organization Conduct Report
Students may report any contact by or activities of a fraternity or sorority that is unauthorized to operate at VCU. Click here to report hazing or other concerns.
For additional information about joining specific chapters, see the information below about each of the four governing councils and the chapters reporting to each one:
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the governing body that consists of representatives from Historically Black Fraternities and Sororities. The council's stated purpose is to promote unity and expose members to the “service for life” philosophy and foster leadership development and scholarship. Note that all NPHC organizations require a VCU GPA and some require 2nd year status to apply for the intake process.
The Multicultural Greek Council is the governing body that consists of representatives from the culturally-based fraternities and sororities. The Multicultural Greek Council encourages all students who are interested in a culturally-based fraternity and sorority experience to attend MGC events or the events sponsored by the MGC member organizations.
The Interfraternity Council is the governing body consisting of representatives from men's fraternities. The IFC’s stated purpose is to promote the shared interests and values of its member fraternities: leadership, service, brotherhood and scholarship.
The College Panhellenic Council is the governing body that consists of representatives from women's organizations that are part of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). The CPC's stated purpose is to promote value-based recruitment and allow each potential new member to meet an organization that aligns best with their personal values.
