Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine which organization is best for me?

Joining a Greek letter organization is simply a matter of personal preference. Each organization has its own uniqueness and advantages. Before deciding to join a fraternity or sorority, we always advise that you do the necessary research to learn about the organization. Regardless, you should choose the organization in which you feel most comfortable with.

When can I join?

Each chapter determines when they are ready to bring in new members to their organization. Many chapters have a recruitment or intake process in the fall quarter. However, some chapters require new members to have a college GPA before they join. That GPA may come from a student's time at UCLA or from their transfer institution. Many chapters recruit fall, winter, and spring quarters so please reach out to the chapter or council that you're interested in for more specific information. You can find more specific information by visiting our recruitment and intake information page.

Can I join if I am a transfer student?

YES! More than 10% of Greek members are transfer students. Find more information on our transfer student page. There are some deadlines to be aware of depending on the community you are interested in joining. Some councils have a more formal recruitment process where students must sign-up and register to participate in recruitment whereas others are more informal processes where interested students can participate as the events occur. You can find any deadlines for joining by visiting our recruitment and intake information page.

Do fraternities and sororities provide housing?

Only half of the fraternities and sororities have chapter facilities. The majority of organizations within the Panhellenic Council (Panhel) and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) have chapter houses adjacent to the campus which provide the opportunity for small group living. Since the membership recruitment process occurs during the quarter, new students should secure their own housing for the fall. Typically, freshmen live on-campus in residence halls, and many then move into fraternity and sorority houses their second year (residence hall contracts are on an annual basis).

Although the fraternities and sororities within the Asian Greek Council (AGC), Latinx Greek Council (LGC), Multi-Interest Greek Council (MIGC), and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) do not have chapter houses, many still live together in apartments adjacent to campus. The organizations within these councils hold events, meetings, etc. on or near the campus.

Do I have to live in the chapter house?

Less than half of the members of the Greek organizations within Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council live in the chapter houses in any given quarter; yet, most members do live in the chapter house for part of their tenure at UCLA. Most organizations require that members, except for students who are from the local area and potentially living at home, reside in the chapter house for a minimum of one year.

Is there summer housing available?

Some facilities are open in the summer to be able to rent short or longer term accommodations . The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life does not manage any of these properties so please contact them directly.

There is also a boarding house that is not affiliated with an active fraternity or sorority that is available to female students located at 632 Hilgard Ave. For more information please contact Kelly Green Koffman of the Phi Housing Corporation at aephihousing@gmail.com. You can also reach her by telephone at 310-476-9169 (o) or 310-849-5022 (c).

How much does it cost to be a member of a fraternity or sorority?

Given the experiences, membership within a Greek letter organization can provide lifelong benefits. Regardless, students should consider the costs when making the decision to join a fraternity or sorority. Each chapter is able to provide a detailed summary of their costs and fees prior to a student joining.

The average quarterly dues for culturally-based organizations are approximately $80, with an average one-time initiation fee of $100. The average quarterly dues for NPHC groups is $50 per quarter, with an average one-time initiation fee of $300.

What is the membership recruitment process?

Most organizations require their members to complete a probationary period, sometimes called their new member or aspirant period, prior to initiation for the purpose of orientation and member development. During this time you’ll learn the history, traditions and operating procedures of the organization and participate in activities to get to know the members and organization. Organizations use various terms to refer to their pre-initiates, including "pledge," "new member," "associate member," and "candidate." The duration of the new member period varies from four weeks to an entire quarter. Some organizations require new members to achieve a certain grade point average during their new member/aspirant quarter in order to qualify to be initiated.

All African-American-based Greek organizations affiliated with the National Pan-Hellenic Council have abolished the traditional "pledging" process and have implemented a new membership education program called "membership intake process" or simply "intake." The new-member period for NPHC organizations varies and includes nightly meetings.

What is hazing and is it permitted at UCLA?

Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Once a common tradition, hazing has been banned by all national fraternal organizations and institutions of higher education. UCLA rigorously enforces this policy, and organizations that violate the policy are subject to immediate suspension of campus recognition and privileges. Find more information on hazing, what it is, and how to report it, by visiting the Office of the Dean of Students' website or contact OFSL.

How much time does fraternity or sorority membership require?

Like most other extra-curricular activities, how much you get out of your involvement within your organization is related to how much you put in. On average, expect to contribute four hours per week for meetings and mandatory activities. Optional activities such as holding an office, attending social events, playing on an intramural sports team, or helping out with various projects will of course take additional time. With good time management, the activities within your organization will easily fit into your weekly schedule and allow plenty of time for classes, studying, work, and participation in other campus activities.

How will my membership within a Fraternity or Sorority affect my academics?

Academic achievement is a priority for our Greek community. Many organizations enforce grade point average requirements and offer study sessions, tutoring, and other programs to assist members achieve their potential. Students who take advantage of the academic support available and properly balance their time between academic and extra-curricular pursuits will find that their organization will enhance their academic performance. Several national studies have consistently found that retention rates are significantly higher for fraternity and sorority members than for unaffiliated students. In the Spring 2020 quarter, the combined GPA for all Greek letter organizations (3.823) was higher than the combined GPA for all undergraduate students (3.782).