What is a Greek Organization?
A Greek organization is a group of individuals of similar interest bonded together by common goals and aspirations. These bonds are created through rituals in which members participate. Rituals are based on common principles such as honor, friendship, truth, and knowledge. Each group works to instill and support these ideals in their members through their everyday activities. It is referred to as a Greek organization because the name consists of Greek letters that serve as a reminder of the values of the group. Fraternity is a name applied to all Greek organizations, but specifically men's groups, while sorority is the name applied to only women's organizations. [Back To Top]

How do you Join a Fraternity or Sorority?
This is a very nervous and exciting time as you prepare to send your son or daughter off to college. The Greek community shares that nervous excitement with you because recruitment is the time fraternities and sororities welcome new members into their family and the Greek community.

Fraternities and sororities organize a process of meeting people and making friends; this process is called recruitment. Recruitment introduces prospective members to the Greek community and gives unaffiliated students the chance to learn what makes fraternities and sororities unique organizations. Participating in recruitment provides students with the opportunity to meet members of the chapter as well as some alumni. Students who wish to participate in the recruitment process are not required to join any organization. [Back To Top]

If my child is considering Formal Recruitment, do we need to turn in our Residence Hall housing contract and deposit?
No. We ask that students participating in recruitment do not sign a residence hall contract. 95% of the students who participate in Formal Recruitment join a chapter. If for some reason they do not join, there will be room in the residence halls for them to move in to. There is a fee for breaking the contract. [Back To Top]

What is involved in being a New Member?
New members all experience a period of orientation. During this time your son/daughter will participate in weekly meetings to learn about the university and the chapter they have joined. Other events included leadership retreats, community service projects, and activities designed to build friendships among the new and the older members of the chapter. [Back To Top]

How much time does a Fraternity or Sorority take?
Research at the University of Idaho has shown that Greek affiliated students graduate with a higher grade point average than their peers. Greek members also report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Participating in a Greek organization is like any co-curricular activity; it requires a time investment. In addition, students in the Greek community at the University of Idaho have the opportunity for a well-rounded college experience that includes learning how to balance academics, work, campus involvement and social commitments.
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I'm Concerned about my Student's grades. What impact would Greek Membership have?
Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedom of college. Greek membership assists in that transition by offering scholarship programs that may include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. Your student can also access the network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills center, computer labs and academic advisors. Nothing, however, can take the place of a disciplined and academically focused student to ensure success in college. [Back To Top]

Who's in Charge?
Fraternity/sorority members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors.

In addition, fraternities/sororities are part of international organizations that offer support, advice and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. In addition, professional staff from the university are also employed to advise the Greek organizations. [Back To Top]

What's the Cost?
Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, your son/daughter's only expenses will be their regular dues. Greek living dues usually include lodging and meals and are comparable to other housing options. The average cost to Greek living is $5,000 per year for fraternities and $5,500 for sororities includig membership dues and room/board costs. [Back To Top]

How can your Son or Daughter benefit from Greek Living?
By having a support group to help make the adjustment to college easier and while making friends for life. [Back To Top]

• Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals.
• Learning leadership skills and hands-on opportunities to practice those skills.
• Encouragement to get involved on campus, the community, and to exercise their fullest potential.
• Opportunities to give of oneself through active participation in community service projects.
• Exposure to career opportunities through interaction with Greek alumni.

How many people live in the fraternities & sororities? What is it like?
Close to 1800 students live in the Greek Community, 500 of which are first year students. Fraternity/Sorority living is a community style of living. It involves a strong support system of brotherhood and sisterhood, creating a home-like environment.
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Is my son or daughter required to live in the fraternity or sorority their first year and for how long?
Yes, your student is required to live in the fraternity or sorority their first year. As soon as formal recruitment is over new members are assigned rooms and given time to get their belongings moved in. Each chapter has a different "live-out" policy and there is no magic number of years that a person is required to live in the house. Therefore we suggest assuming that your student will be asked to live-in all 4 years of their college career. [Back To Top]