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FAQ’s

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Fraternities and sororities are unique organizations on campus. They are a student organization recognized by NC State, but also a local chapter of a national organization with undergraduate chapters at colleges and universities across the nation. First and foremost, they are values-based organizations that create opportunities for students to get involved in campus life.

More than 11% of the undergraduate students at NC State are members of fraternities and sororities totaling just over 3,000 members.

Students should consider time commitments when joining any organization on campus. Fraternity and sorority membership does require a commitment of time. You should count on your student participating in regular weekly meetings along with service projects, leadership programs, and social activities throughout the year. Like any activity, students need to strike a good balance with their commitments.

The greatest benefit to joining is finding a small group of students that help make a large campus feel like home. Students can take on chapter leadership roles, gain experience through community service, and get involved in campus leadership through their fraternity or sorority. And since membership is for a lifetime, these opportunities continue well past graduation.

Each organization sets its own budgets and dues so costs vary from chapter to chapter. Membership dues can range from $200 to $2000 each semester and each group includes different activities and fees in their structure.  It is important that your student ask for a detailed breakdown of costs from any organization they consider joining.

In addition to chapter dues, the university assesses a fee for each semester a student is an active member.  A welcome letter is sent to each new member at the time their first billing is submitted to the cashier’s office.

The Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life worked with student leaders for about 2 years to determine the best way to expand staffing and programming for the community. Through forums like Greek Leaders Retreat and Chapter Presidents meetings we gathered feedback about what kind of support was needed, and then presented proposals back to student leaders on what it would take to make that a reality. Letters of support from each council president were submitted in 2014 to university administrators during the approval process for the assessment of members each semester.  Any increase of that assessment is reviewed by student leaders for feedback prior to university approval. The assessment is currently $60/member/semester. We’ve been excited to add two new staffing positions to our Department and increase our programming budget to better serve students since implementation.

Currently 22 of our chapters operate a house for their members. Costs for housing (room and board) in fraternity and sorority houses tend to be consistent with similar costs for living in NC State residence halls. As with dues, it is important that your student ask for a detailed breakdown of costs. Chapters that do maintain a house will have a minimum of one-year residency in the house for all members.  Most also have mandatory meal plans and parlor fees associated with housing for both resident and non-resident members.

Alcohol is challenging issue for college students in general and for fraternities and sororities. Organizations receive significant training from both the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life and their national organizations regarding alcohol and risk management. All of our Panhellenic sororities and several fraternities prohibit alcohol in their chapter houses. Alcohol is not permitted in recruitment activities or new member education programs.

All chapters have a new member education program that is designed to teach them the history, traditions, values, and expectations of their organization. Hazing has no place in these programs and the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life works closely with each local chapter and national organization to set clear expectations for new member activities. This includes setting reasonable limits on time commitments, activities, and length of program. All members of the community, including new members, complete annual education requirements.  If you have concerns about that hazing may be occurring, please contact the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life and speak with a staff member.

Each sorority and fraternity at NC State is a local chapter of a national organization, which means they all have a governance structure that includes local and regional alumni volunteers and a national leadership structure. The Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life recognizes these undergraduate chapters and provides a level of oversight designed to promote a healthy experience for our students.

You should take an active interest in your student’s fraternity or sorority membership, just as you would with an academic program. You can help them make good decisions by listening and offering good advice. It is important to remember that your student is an adult and their membership agreement is between them and their organization and you can best help them by asking questions and helping them make the most of their membership.