For Prospective Members & Parents

Welcome to the fraternity and sorority community at the University of Virginia!

For over 160 years, our fraternities and sororities have offered a values-based experience that focuses on scholarship, leadership, service, and brother/sisterhood. Since the establishment of our first chapter in 1852, the fraternal community has grown to support 60 chapters which are governed by four distinct councils. Currently, membership in our fraternity and sorority chapters encompasses approximately 30% of UVA’s undergraduate population (nearly 4,800 students!).

Fraternity and sorority members enjoy not only the brotherhood and sisterhood inherent to membership in these organizations, but also a heightened focus on and increased opportunities for leadership and personal development, scholarship, and philanthropic service. In fact fraternity and sororities recently reported the following:

  • Completing over 70,000 hours of community service during the 18-19 school year;
  • Raising over 347,000 dollars for charitable and philanthropic causes during the 18-19 school year;
  • Achieving an all fraternity/sorority GPA of 3.75 for Spring 2021.

Each fraternity and sorority is also committed to cultivating its members beyond the classroom through leadership and personal development opportunities. Each chapter is student-run, and overseen by a governing council. Fraternity and sorority chapters at the University manage their own finances, properties, events, internal affairs, and communication with the University and greater Charlottesville community.

We invite you to spend some more time exploring our web site and learning more about the fraternity/sorority experience at Virginia. Beyond the information below, you can also review our frequently asked questions and specific policy information on this site. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best Regards,

The Fraternity and Sorority Life Staff

Greek Brochure

Prior to Joining

As a prospective new member or the parent of a prospective new member, here are some questions to consider before joining a fraternity or sorority:

  • What interests you in the fraternity or sorority?
  • What are the mission, values, and tenants of membership for the chapters you’re considering, and how do they align with your personal values?
  • What are the expectations of membership with respect to scholarship? Service?
  • What costs are associated with membership? Do you have the financial resources to join a fraternity or sorority?  What aid is available to you to help finance membership?
  • What time commitments are associated with membership and how will such commitments impact your academics and other extracurricular interests?
  • What are the GPA requirements for joining and maintaining membership? What is the average GPA of the chapter you are interested in joining?
  • If you join, are you expected to live in that chapter’s house? If the chapter has a house, is it well-kept and clean?
  • What alumni/ae connections are available through the organization?

Recruitment/Intake Process

Depending on the organization, each fraternity and sorority will have a specific recruitment process. The following links will provide detailed information on the recruitment/intake process:

Staying Involved

After your student has joined a fraternity or sorority, there are still ways that parents and family members can stay involved:

  • Learn about the fraternity/sorority by visiting the chapter’s website and the official website of the fraternity/sorority headquarters.
  • Review the fraternity/sorority mission, values, and tenants of membership.
  • Encourage your student to take advantage of chapter services, leadership opportunities, and scholarships.
  • Encourage your student to attend educational programs in the chapter and on the Grounds.
  • Find out the details of the financial obligations of the fraternity/sorority.
  • Encourage your student to take a leadership role in his/her chapter.
  • Attend chapter events such as Parent’s Formal with your student.
  • Know the grade requirements for new and active members.

Anyone with concerns about hazing and the well-being of our students is encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students/Fraternity & Sorority Life directly at [email protected] or 434-924-7430. Additionally, you can call the hazing hotline at 434-924-HAZE(4293) or visit our hazing website. Reports of Hazing will be handled with discretion and expediency to ensure the well-being of our students. For more information about hazing, visit the hazing page of our website.