1. What is the IFC?

The IFC (Interfraternity Council) is the governing body of the oldest and largest social fraternities on campus. They operate in alignment with the National Interfraternity Council (NIC) standards, which serves as an umbrella group for IFC chapters across the country.

2.  How does IFC differ from other Greek councils at NC State?

NC State has four Greek councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), which governs social fraternities; the Panhellenic Association (PA), which governs 11 large social sororities; the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), which governs 8 historically African American fraternities and sororities; and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), which governs 8 culturally based fraternities and sororities.

3. What is the difference between recruitment and rush?

Recruitment is the ongoing process by which fraternities introduce themselves to prospective members this happens 365 days a year. 

Rush refers specifically to the formalized recruitment week held in the fall (over Labor Day Weekend), during which you are invited to visit chapters and learn what each group has to offer.

4. What are the requirements to join a fraternity?

Students must be enrolled at NC State and work toward a degree. Each organization has their own GPA requirement.

5. Will I need to move in early to participate in IFC Recruitment?

No. Men participating in IFC recruitment are not required to move into residence halls early. No formal rush events are scheduled before PNM Orientation. Chapters are not permitted to request or require any PNM to arrive on campus prior to their selected move-in date.

6. What is a Potential New Member (PNM)?

A Potential New Member (PNM) is any NC State student who has officially registered for recruitment through the university. This designation does not guarantee a bid it simply indicates that you are participating in the formal process.

7.  Do I need letters of recommendation?

IFC fraternities do not require letters of recommendation. However, if you have friends or family connections to any chapters, it is encouraged to utilize those relationships. Keep in mind that a letter of recommendation does not guarantee a bid.

8.  How will I know which fraternity is right for me?

Each fraternity has its own mission, values, and culture. The best way to find your fit is to visit as many chapters as possible, keep an open mind, ask questions, and be yourself. The mutual selection process is designed to help both you and the chapters find the best match.

9.  Will Greek life interfere with my academics?

The NC State Fraternity and Sorority Life community takes academics seriously the All-Greek GPA is consistently higher than the All-Campus average. Every chapter has minimum GPA requirements and resources to help members succeed academically. Greek life is what you make of it.

10. What activities are fraternity members involved in?

Fraternity members participate in a wide range of activities including social events, retreats, intramural sports, community service, and philanthropic initiatives. Members are also active across campus in clubs, honor societies, student government, and more.

11.  What does it cost to be in a fraternity?

Each chapter is self-supporting. Members pay semester dues that cover association fees and chapter activities. The exact amount varies by chapter, and most offer payment plans when needed. Living in the chapter house is a separate cost from dues.

Want more information about semester dues (2026 Guidebook coming soon)

12.  What do dues pay for?

Dues cover the costs of fraternity membership including social events, leadership development, and other programs.

13.  Do all fraternities have chapter houses?

Most IFC fraternities have chapter houses near campus, but not all. Houses may be owned by the university, national headquarters, alumni, or an independent landlord. You should expect to live in during your 2nd year and you should expect to be on the meal plan even if you live out of the house.

All of the facilities in Greek Village are considered university housing so transfers between residence halls and apartments in University Housing to Greek Village chapter spaces are allowed without penalty. As early as your second semester, you could be a resident of our Greek Village.  In addition, all billing for rent, meal plans, and parlor fees (if applicable) are billed through the university. (financial aid, grants and scholarships will apply)

Want more information about the chapter house . Learn more >

Want more information about the meal plan Learn more >

14.  What is the new member process like?

Each fraternity has its own new member education program designed to teach new members about the organization’s history, values, and traditions. These programs are typically engaging and fun, culminating in initiation. The process usually lasts no longer than 8 weeks.

15.  Do Greek organizations haze?

Hazing of any kind is strictly prohibited by NC State University, national fraternal organizations, Federal and is illegal under North Carolina law. IFC chapters actively promote anti-hazing initiatives throughout the year, and violations are taken seriously at every level.

16. What if I’m not ready to join in the fall?

That is completely okay. Many students choose to get acclimated to campus life before committing to an organization. Fraternities accept new members in the spring semester as well, so you are not limited to fall rush.

 Is IFC recruitment safe for my student?

Yes. IFC Formal Rush is designed with student safety as the top priority. It is held over Labor Day Weekend specifically to avoid conflicts with the start of the academic year. The IFC works alongside NC State’s Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life to ensure all events are conducted safely and in accordance with university policy.

2.  Will recruitment interfere with my students’ academics?

No. IFC Formal Rush is intentionally scheduled over Labor Day Weekend to ensure it does not overlap with classes, exams, or other university obligations. We are committed to making sure your student’s academic success always comes first.

3.  Does my student need to arrive on campus early for recruitment?

No. No formal recruitment events are scheduled before Sunday, August 30th. Your students should follow their normal move-in timeline.

4.  What is the IFC and who oversees it?

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the student-led governing body for NC State’s social fraternities. The IFC operates under the guidance of NC State’s Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life and aligns with National Interfraternity Council (NIC) standards. There is institutional oversight at every level.

5.  What is the minimum GPA required to join a fraternity?

There is no minimum requirement. The NC State Greek community maintains an All-Greek GPA that consistently exceeds the All-Campus average, reflecting a genuine commitment to academic success.

Want more information about organizations grade reports Learn more >

6.  How much does fraternity membership cost?

Costs vary by chapter and cover dues, national fees, events, and programs. Most chapters offer semester payment plans. If your student is considering living in the chapter house, that is an additional expense. We encourage families to have open conversations with individual chapters about financial expectations before a bid is accepted.

Want more information about the chapter house . Learn more >

Want more information about the meal plan Learn more >

Want more information about semester dues (2026 Guidebook coming soon)

7.  Is hazing a concern?

Hazing is strictly prohibited by NC State University policy, all national fraternal organizations, Federal and North Carolina state law. Hazing is illegal in the state of North Carolina as, it is now considered a Class A1 misdemeanor. Additionally, IFC takes a zero-tolerance approach and actively promotes anti-hazing awareness and education throughout the year. If your students ever feel uncomfortable during any part of the process, they are encouraged to contact the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life immediately.

8.  What if my student is unsure about joining?

That is completely normal. Participating in recruitment does not obligate your student to accept a bid or join any organization. The process is designed to be exploratory. If your student decides it is not the right time, they can also consider joining in the spring semester or redo Formal Rush again the following Fall semester.

9.  How can I support my student through recruitment?

Encourage your student to keep an open mind, visit as many chapters as possible, and be themselves throughout the process. Remind them that the right fit will feel natural. If they have any concerns at any point, they should reach out to the the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

10.  Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

You are always welcome to reach out to the NC State Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life at fsl-department@ncsu.edu  or visit fsl.dasa.ncsu.edu for more information. Feel free to reach out to the Assistant Director who serves as the IFC Advisor Caylin Allen directly at cmmallen@ncsu.edu 

Glossary

PNM (Potential New Member): That is you. Any student who has officially registered for recruitment through the university is considered a PNM throughout the process.

IFC (Interfraternity Council): The student-led governing body that oversees NC State’s social fraternities. The IFC organizes and runs Formal Rush.

Rush: Another word for the recruitment process. IFC Formal Rush refers specifically to the structured recruitment weekend held each fall.

Chapter: The local version of a national fraternity at NC State. Each of the fraternities is referred to as a chapter.

Mutual Selection: The process by which both the PNM and the chapter indicate interest in each other. If both sides select each other, the PNM advances to that chapter in the next round.

Round: Each day of recruitment is a round. The number of chapters you visit gets smaller with each round based on mutual selection.

Pre-Bid: An informal, verbal expression of interest from a chapter. A pre-bid is not official, not binding, and does not guarantee anything. You are completely free to change your mind regardless of any pre-bid conversation.

Bid: A formal, official invitation from a chapter to join their fraternity. Bids are only extended through the formal process on Bid Day.

Bid Day: The final event of recruitment when chapters officially extend bids and PNMs choose which fraternity to join. It is a celebration!

Preference Round: The final round on Day 4 where you visit your top two chapters before submitting your final selection.

Rush Guide: A current fraternity member assigned to guide you through the recruitment weekend. They are your go-to person for questions, concerns, and support the entire time.

ICS Recruiter: The platform used to manage recruitment. You registered through it and will use it to enter your chapter preferences after each round.

FSL (Fraternity and Sorority Life): The NC State university department that oversees all Greek organizations on campus. Their staff supports IFC Recruitment and are available throughout the weekend and the rest of your academic career

Associate Chapter: A chapter that is newer or in a developing phase of their membership with the IFC. Associate chapters participate in recruitment and can extend bids just like full member chapters.

Full Member Chapter: A chapter that holds full standing membership with the IFC and has met all requirements for full recognition.

New Member Process: The period between accepting a bid and being officially initiated into the fraternity. Each chapter runs its own program, typically no longer than 8 weeks.

Initiation: The formal ceremony that makes a new member an official brother of the fraternity after completing the new member process.