top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

What advantages will my student gain by joining a chapter that extends beyond their college years?

 

The enduring friendships formed within their chapter can extend well into the post-college phase, offering a lifelong experience. Joining now becomes an investment in your student's future. Regardless of their post-college destination, they can connect with an alumni chapter or fellow members of their fraternity or sorority in the area. Moreover, being part of Greek life provides access to national networks that can prove beneficial in securing employment or internships.

What constitutes a philanthropy or service project at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)?

 

Greek members at VCU view it as an integral part of their mission to provide financial and hands-on support to their national philanthropic causes, which are non-profit. Throughout the year, each chapter engages in fundraising, categorized as philanthropy, and dedicates man/labor hours to volunteer work, considered community service, to assist their designated philanthropy. Furthermore, within the Greek Community at VCU, various philanthropies and community service initiatives have been embraced, including Think Pink, American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, Make-A-Wish, Boys and Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Girl Scouts of America, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Habitat for Humanity, United Rehabilitation Services. Participating in these events not only fosters a sense of unity among fraternity brothers and sorority sisters but also allows them to make a meaningful impact in someone's life.

What does the new member period (previously known as 'pledging') entail?

 

Every fraternity and sorority member undergoes an orientation phase, during which your student and fellow new members attend weekly meetings. These sessions cover topics such as university and fraternity/sorority history, leadership retreats, community service initiatives, and activities geared towards fostering friendships among new members (pledges/associates/candidates) and initiated members. It's crucial to emphasize that ALL FRATERNITY AND SORORITY POLICIES STRICTLY PROHIBIT HAZING. Instead, they are dedicated to providing a membership education period that cultivates a sense of responsibility and commitment in new members. This phase is designed to help your student address concerns and navigate challenges they may encounter during their college journey.

What is Rush/Recruitment/Intake?

​

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) chapters engage in recruitment or Intake processes. Recruitment takes two forms: formal and informal. Formal recruitment typically occurs before the start of the fall semester each year for Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic (NPC) groups. This structured process enables your son or daughter to explore a diverse range of student organizations and activities. However, throughout the rest of the year, both men and women have opportunities to meet and interact with fraternity and sorority members. The Membership Intake process, a means to join an NPHC organization (the 'Divine Nine,' historically African American Greek Letter organizations), happens at various times during the year at the discretion of each organization. It is strongly advised that students thoroughly research NPHC organizations by visiting their websites and reviewing historical documents before reaching out to the respective organization.

Who is actually in charge of the fraternities and sororities?

 

At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and under the guidance of the Fraternity and Sorority LIfe Office staff Joe Wheeless, Director, Cierra Wilson, Assistant Director for CPC and NPHC, and Lyssa Rivera, Assistant Director for IFC and UGC. the leadership of fraternities and sororities is distributed among individual chapters. These chapters elect officers to oversee their day-to-day operations, supported by alumni who serve as advisors. Additionally, each chapter maintains a connection with its International organization, benefiting from support, advice, and direction provided by paid professional staff and regional volunteers. 

Is hazing a part of the Greek culture at VCU?

 

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) maintains a zero-tolerance policy against hazing, aligning with state legislation in Virginia. As the VCU Student Handbook outlines, "No student organization, individual student, or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as:

​

"Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off the campus premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; wearing of public apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities that are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual, or policy, or the regulations and policies of Virginia Commonwealth University, or applicable state and/or federal law(s)." (VCU Student Handbook)

​

What are the financial commitments?

 

Similar to various college involvement opportunities, joining a fraternity or sorority comes with a financial responsibility. These costs contribute to Inter/National fees, chapter operational expenses, and social events. The specific financial obligations may vary among chapters. Typically, new members can anticipate higher dues in their initial semester compared to subsequent ones. It is advisable for your son or daughter to inquire about the financial aspects of membership during the recruitment process.

What social elements are associated with fraternity and sorority involvement at VCU?

 

The presence of the Greek community at VCU significantly influences the campus's social landscape. Collaborative efforts between the University, Office of Student Activities, council executives, and national organizations aim to establish a responsible and secure environment for all members. Stringent policies are in place across all fraternities and sororities regarding the consumption of alcohol by underage members and guests. These organizations are held responsible and adhere to the guidelines outlined in the VCU Alcohol Policy and Virginia state laws.

How will joining a Greek organization influence my student's academic journey?

 

Historically, Greek-letter organizations at VCU were founded on principles emphasizing academic success and community. This commitment remains steadfast today. Members at VCU recognize that academic achievement is a central focus for university students. Greek organizations at VCU consistently strive for academic excellence by providing resources such as tutoring, academic advisors, study groups, scholarships, and awards. Chapter members are committed to supporting new students in adapting to university academics. Many chapters at VCU implement a reward system based on GPA, requiring prospective members to meet a minimum GPA for initiation and maintain it to stay active. Remarkably, the GPAs of Greek members at VCU traditionally exceed those of their non-Greek peers.

How will my student gain from joining a fraternity or sorority at VCU?

 

Fraternities and sororities at VCU are grounded in foundational principles that promote academic success, student engagement, community service, and enduring friendships. Benefits include:

  1. A support system to facilitate the transition to college life.

  2. Academic resources to assist students in reaching their educational goals.

  3. Development of leadership skills through practical experience.

  4. Encouragement to actively participate, remain involved, and maximize their campus potential.

  5. Opportunities for engagement in community service projects.

Moreover, national studies conducted annually consistently indicate that students opting to join Greek-letter organizations experience numerous positive outcomes, including:

  1. Greater likelihood of remaining in college compared to non-Greek students.

  2. Sorority or fraternity-affiliated college graduates tend to achieve greater financial success than their counterparts.

  3. Greek alumni exhibit higher levels of financial contributions and more frequent donations to their alma maters than non-Greek alumni.

  4. Greek students demonstrate increased campus and community involvement, with a higher likelihood of participating in volunteer and charitable organizations post-graduation.

​

bottom of page