Expectations of Membership

It's important for students to carefully consider these expectations and their personal goals when deciding whether to join a fraternity or sorority. Joining a Greek organization can be a fulfilling experience, but it's important to make an informed decision and understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with membership.

Financial Expectations

Financial obligations are a major consideration when joining a fraternity or sorority. It is essential that each member take responsibility for his or her commitment to a particular organization. Each organization has their own set membership fees. Typically, the first year of membership in a Greek organization is the most expensive due to the one-time new member fees.

Overview of types of fees

One-Time Fees
- New Member Fee: Covers costs for new member resources like manuals, notebooks, materials and new member pins.
- Initiation/Badge Fee: Covers costs for national dues, member badge/pin, etc.
Annual Fees
- Local Chapter Dues: covers the cost of various chapter activities like recruitment/intake, brotherhood/sisterhood activities, service projects, social functions and special events.
- Risk Management Fee: national insurance, risk prevention education and resources, etc.

Time Commitment

Joining a fraternity or sorority involves a weekly time commitment. The amount of time spent weekly with the organization varies with each member and organization. Be sure to ask about time commitments during the recruitment/informational process.

Overview of time commitments

Meetings
- Typically one meeting per week
Special events
- Social events, brotherhood/sisterhood events, Philanthropy events, Fraternity & Sorority Life/Council sponsored events
Service hours
- Most organizations have a required number of service/volunteer hours per semester
Individual commitments
- Leadership positions, committee involvement, event planning or special projects

Academic Standards

It is important to remember in order to be a member of a fraternity or sorority, you have to be a student first. That means upholding the academic standards of UNCW.

Organizations may have additional academic expectations that are unique for their members. Some organizations have academic excellence programs, which may afford or limit membership privileges based on academic achievement.

Example academic standards

GPA
- Maintain/achieve a set GPA for initiation
- Maintain/achieve a set GPA for full active membership
Study Hours
- Participate in required study hours in designated locations
- Participate in study or tutoring sessions for your major

Hazing

Hazing is strictly prohibited. No individual should ever be subjected to, or take part in, any form of hazing. Such behavior is unacceptable and has no place in building positive relationships or a healthy community.

Remaining silent or failing to act in the presence of hazing—whether through passive participation or by not reporting known or suspected incidents—contributes to the harm. Every member of our community shares the responsibility to foster a culture of accountability and care.

UNCW will respond to reports of hazing received from any source. When hazing complaints are received, the university will determine whether to proceed with campus disciplinary action, forward a report to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution as a criminal matter, or both. Individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily inflict or participate in hazing behaviors are subject to such action.

If you have any questions, call the Office of the Dean of Students at 910.962-3119 or visit the Stop Campus Hazing webpage.

Report Hazing Incident