Approximately 28 percent of the undergraduate student population is a member of a fraternal organization. However, the community is slightly smaller in the fall semester since formal recruitment for ISC and IFC occurs in the spring semester.

UVA is currently home to 53 chapters, governed by four distinct councils: the Inter-Sorority Council, the Inter-Fraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Multicultural Greek Council. Specific chapter information can be accessed by visiting the website of the respective governing council.

Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations that focus on scholarship, leadership, service, and brother/sisterhood. By joining a fraternal organization, students are afforded sisterhood or brotherhood opportunities that often become life-long friendships, as well as expansive contact networks during and after their undergraduate careers. Fraternities and sororities at UVA also spend vast amounts of time and effort contributing to the greater Charlottesville community and to charitable causes through participation in philanthropic events, service, and fundraising. Membership in the fraternity and sorority community also affords students unique leadership opportunities as each of the chapters and each of the governing councils is led by students.

Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a fraternity or sorority. The costs go toward council and national fees, chapter operating expenses and social functions. Students and alumni set the fees for membership in any given chapter, and those fees can be put toward national organization fees, operational expenses, philanthropic endeavors, insurance, retreat costs, social expenditures, scholarship funding, and parent and alumni functions. All prospective new members are highly encouraged to inquire about membership costs during the recruitment process. Be aware that additional costs may be incurred throughout the semester for gifts, pictures, social events, t-shirts, etc.

The Inter-Sorority Council and Inter-Fraternity Council waive recruitment registration fees no questions asked to allow more students to participate. Many chapters also offer scholarships - contact individual chapters for details. In addition, the Cavalier Fund provides grants to help cover membership costs for eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need.

Only you can answer that question. Being a member can be a substantial time commitment. In any given week, it is likely for a member to have one chapter meeting, one new member meeting during the first semester of membership, one committee meeting and one to two social or community service activities. Additional expectations like recruitment events or intramural sports may be of interest to you as a fraternity or sorority member.

Each chapter has a minimum requirement for attendance at chapter meetings, philanthropic and service events, and social events, but members can also choose their level of involvement in their chapters as well. There are endless opportunities for time with your chapter and other members of your fraternity or sorority, but they are by no means required. All students are encouraged to put their academics first, as scholarship is a top priority for each of our chapters. Members of most organizations are required to maintain a high minimum GPA to enter into and remain a part of the chapter, and many chapters also offer tutoring and study hall services as resources to their members in order to help them succeed academically.

Informal recruitment for transfer, second-, and third year students begins each fall for the Inter-Sorority Council (ISC) and Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC). Formal recruitment for both councils takes place in January.  Learn more about the ISC process here and the IFC process here.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) organizations may elect to conduct membership intake in the Fall and/or Spring Semesters. NPHC hosts a fall “Meet the Greeks” session to introduce all active chapters.  Students interested in NPHC or MGC membership should attend chapter events, engage with members, and research organizations thoroughly.  Their membership intake processes are often discreet and differ from IFC or ISC rush/recruitment.

All interested students are encouraged to contact Fraternity and Sorority Life at [email protected] or the appropriate council directly to learn more about becoming a member.

No. Recruitment is a time to see what fraternities and sororities can offer you. Going through recruitment or rush does not commit you to join.

Service is a cornerstone of the Greek community at UVA, and each of our sororities and fraternities are dedicated to one or more philanthropic causes or organizations. Some of those causes include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Prevent Child Abuse America, Boys and Girls Club, First Book, and Charlottesville Mental Health Association. Additionally, students within the Greek community are involved in a number of activities around Grounds, including Madison House, Honor, various a cappella groups, Student Council, Alternative Spring Break, Dance Marathon, and Habitat for Humanity.

All fraternities and sororities are expected to comply with the policies and regulations concerning alcohol that are outlined by the University, the respective Governing Council, and the inter/national organization of the fraternity/sorority. Additionally, all fraternities and sororities are required to attend an educational program on alcohol and substance abuse during each academic year.

UVA does not condone hazing in any form. If you would like to learn more about our stance against hazing, please visit the hazing website for more information about the University’s policy. All potential new members of fraternities and sororities are required to participate in Hoos Against Hazing training prior to participating in the rush/recruitment/intake process. Additionally, all fraternal organizations must complete hazing education programming yearly.