Frequently Asked Questions
What is the financial obligation?
Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a
financial commitment associated with joining a fraternity or
sorority. The costs got toward the Inter/National fees, chapter
operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations
differ among individual chapters. New member can expect to pay
higher dues their first semester than in subsequent ones. .
What are the academic requirements for participating in
the recruitment process?
Sororities and fraternities serve as a great resource for students
academically, through study hours and tutoring programs. Academic
requirements vary with each council.
IFC:
There is no minimum GPA requirement for participating
in IFC recruitment. However, in order to receive a bid, you must
have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. If no college credits
have been earned yet, you must have a high school GPA of 2.5
Panhellenic:
Women participating in recruitment must be a
regularly enrolled, full-time student in good standing with
ETSU. Each chapter has a minimum GPA requirement for
membership. Women with a GPA below 2.5 have an extremely low
chance of receiving a bid.
NPHC:
To become a member of any of the NPHC organizations
at ETSU, undergraduate students must meet specific membership
qualifications and criteria. Potential new members should be
in good standing with the university, have good morals, strong
values, and campus and community involvement. Each affiliate
organization shall implement its own membership intake
process.
What are the social aspects of fraternity and sorority
membership?
Because the Greek community at ETSU contributes to the
social activity on campus, it has taken great strides toward
creating a responsible and safe environment for its members. All
fraternities and sororities have strict policies regulating the
consumption of alcohol for underage members and guests.
Organizations work closely with the Greek Life staff to conduct
safe social activities. All Greek organizations are held
accountable to the ETSU Alcohol Policy and Tennessee State Laws.
How will my student benefit from joining a fraternity or
sorority?
Sororities and fraternities have a history on campus dating back to
the school's founding. These organizations are rooted in founding
principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement,
community service, and life-long friendships. Greek organizations
are groups of men and women who come together to form a personal
network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and a mutual
pursuit of a well-rounded college education. Advantages include:
- A support group to help make the adjustment to college easier.
- Scholastic resources to help student achieve their academic goals.
- Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience.
- Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus.
- Opportunities for active participation in community service
projects.
Is there an alcohol policy?
Each sorority or fraternity on campus has a
(inter)national alcohol policy, which requires members to follow
all federal, state, and local laws, governing alcohol
consumption. In addition all of our chapters, housed or
un-housed, participate in educational programs about alcohol use
and abuse.
Is hazing a part of the Greek culture at ETSU?
ETSU has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is
consistent with Tennessee state law. Hazing includes any activity
that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation,
physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. Hazing is contrary
to the purposes of the Greek community and the University. Hazing
is not tolerated.
Who is actually in charge of the fraternities and
sororities?
Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day-to-day
operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by
alumni who act as advisors. Each chapter is also responsible to
their International organization, which offers support, advice, and
direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers.
At ETSU, the Office of Greek Life is located in the Student
Organization Resource Center in the Culp Center. Joy
Fulkerson is the advisor for all Greek-lettered
organizations. There are also two graduate assistants on
staff who serve the Greek community.