FAQs About Joining

Fraternities and sororities were first founded in the late 1700’s as opportunities for students to gather outside of the classroom to debate and discuss their coursework free from professors and other administrators.  As these literary societies evolved over time, friendship, campus leadership, and service to others also became part of their organizational mission.

These concepts of leadership, scholarship, service, and friendship for life still exist in today’s fraternities and sororities.  No matter what fraternity or sorority a student may join, they offer opportunities for members to participate in programs that encourage academic success, serve the community, lead their peers and develop deep friendships.  Membership in a fraternity or sorority lasts a lifetime. While membership in other student organizations terminates upon graduation, fraternity/sorority membership goes with students as they complete their college education and begin their life’s work.

First-year students must wait until their second semester to join.  Transfer students may join during their first semester at Rutgers. Some organizations host recruitment (also referred to as “rush” or “intake”) which takes place within the first three weeks of each semester. Others host various programs and informational sessions and attending them is a great way to show you are interested in the organization. Regardless of the time at which a student wishes to join, he or she must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Completion of twelve (12) college/university credits (from Rutgers University or accepted from another college/university)
• Achievement of a 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Maintain a full-time student credit load (12)
• Remember, these requirements are minimum standards, so interested students should ask each organization about their specific requirements.

The new member process can take no longer than eight weeks as per Rutgers University policy.  You should receive a calendar of events from the New Member Educator (the student charged with the responsibility of administering the new member program) at their first meeting.

Typically you can expect to have a weekly meeting with the rest of the students who are joining and the New Member Educator.  At these meetings, students usually participate in team building activities, learn fraternity/sorority history, organizational structure, talk about the requirements they must meet in order to become an initiated member, etc.

Most new members participate in an academic program through the organization (tutoring with an older member, attending study hours at the library, submitting copies of their grades throughout the semester).  They might also do community service, attend some sort of leadership programming (a retreat, workshops, educational speakers) and sometimes attend social events hosted by the organization.

Fraternities/sororities are NOT funded by the University. Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. 

In the first semester of membership, pledges/new members are assessed a number of one-time fees (pledge fee, initiation fee, badge fee, insurance). The typical pledge/new member will need between $500 – $2000 for their first semester of membership.

After the initial one-time fees are paid, you can expect to pay an average of $300 – $500 per semester in dues/fees/activities expenses. Remember, these are averages. We highly recommend that you ask each chapter about their financial requirements so you have specific information when making your membership decisions.

Rutgers University has a zero tolerance for hazing. Hazing is against the law in New Jersey.  It is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. It is a policy violation for every recognized fraternity and sorority on our campus. Any chapter who violates this policy will be given due process and if found responsible may be subjected to organizational and/or individual sanctions and discipline.

 If you believe you or a friend is being hazed, we urge you to contact Fraternity & Sorority Affairs (greeks@camden.rutgers.edu) or the Office of Community Standards (856-225-6050). You can also make an official or anonymous report via the online Camden Student Concern Report.

 Who can I talk to if I’m concerned about my new member experience?
There are several people you can speak with if they have problems or questions:

• Chapter Advisor (an adult advisor to the organization who is a member of the fraternity/sorority)
•  Chapter President (the student elected by the organization for the semester/year to lead the membership)
• New Member Educator (the student elected to administer the new member program)
• Office of Fraternity/Sorority Affairs
• Contact info (phone and email) for the Advisor, President, and New Member Educator should be given to the new members at the first meeting of the new member program.  This info can also be obtained by contacting the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at greeks@camden.rutgers.edu.

University recognized fraternities/sororities work closely with the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs. They are held accountable to University policies and are able to participate in Greek Life and University sponsored programs.

Should you come across an organization that is not recognized on the Rutgers Camden Campus we strongly advise against joining these as they are not subject to University policy nor are they monitored by the University. Additionally, you would not be permitted to host programs or participate in campus activities on behalf of the unrecognized organization. Visit our “Chapters” page for a full list of all recognized and fraternities and sororities.

Occasionally, students feel it necessary to quit their new fraternity or sorority.  It may be that the time commitment proves to be challenging, the financial obligation is too expensive or the student believes he or she has made the wrong choice in organizations, etc.)  If the student has made a choice to quit, you can do so by speaking with the Chapter Advisor, Chapter President or New Member Educator.

Some organizations hold an “exit interview” to find out why the student is leaving, others may have paperwork for the organization that the departing new member must complete.  Either way, the student can leave the organization but should understand that in most cases any money that has been paid to the group cannot be refunded and that the organization will likely ask for certain items to be returned,  like a new member manual of information or the new member pin.

Again, the maximum time for an organization to administer a new member program is 8 weeks.  At the end of the 8 weeks, the new members must be initiated, which means that they must participate in the formal ceremony that confers full membership on him/her.  The date of the initiation ceremony is not to be a secret from the new members or their families.

• Take the time to find out more about the Greek community at Rutgers. Ask questions about what the organizations will offer your son/daughter and allow them to make the best decision for themselves.
• Once your son/daughter joins, continue to be observant and ask questions.  Here are a few suggestions to help ease your son/daughter’s transition to both the University and their new fraternity or sorority.
• Encourage him/her to attend programs sponsored by their new chapter and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs.
• Know the name and contact information for the chapter president, new member educator, and chapter advisor.
•  Ask for details about the financial aspect of membership.  If you are providing financial assistance, you have the right to know.  Many one time fees are paid during the first semester of membership, so expect the first few months to be the most expensive.
• Stay in touch with phone calls, emails & text messages.
• Attend Parent/Family weekend activities as well as other special events sponsored by the chapter.
• Expect to see numerous new t-shirts, photos, and Greek paraphernalia.
• Encourage your son/daughter to be a part of the University community and to take advantage of its many resources.