Fraternity and Sorority Membership: Expectations and Conversation Points

Taylor Lake in autumn, with Canada geese and dark blue sky and puffy white clouds in the background

This fall, 270 students have joined the fraternity and sorority community on campus. Through the five-week new member program, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Advising works with 91�鶹��Ʒ’s eight recognized chapters to provide workshops, training, and resources to make sure that each student has what they need to be a successful new member of their organization.

Our goal is to make sure that every new member knows their resources and feels a sense of belonging in their chapter. 91�鶹��Ʒ’s fraternity and sorority community values the growth of supportive networks, connecting with the local community, creating leadership opportunities, and fostering inclusive chapters.

If you have a student who is a new member coming home from Fall break, or you are chatting with them over the phone, here are some conversation topics that you could ask to support your student through this experience.

Tell me about the new people you’ve met: current members, other new members, chapter leaders, etc.  
What are some chapter events you are excited about?  
What philanthropy does the chapter usually do?
Are there any alumni or networking opportunities coming up? How can you connect with alumni?  
What has been the best part of your experience so far?  
What leadership opportunities are there? Would you be interested in any of them?

New Member Requirements

Each new member of a fraternity or sorority will be expected to complete requirements from both their individual chapter and from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Advising. Below are 91�鶹��Ʒ’s outlined expectations. New Member Form: This form confirms their membership with our office and with 91�鶹��Ʒ.

New Member Orientation: This program, facilitated by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Advising, will introduce students to the fraternity and sorority community, explore expectations of membership, and review campus resources.
Meal Plan Adjustment Form: This form allows new members of fraternities to reduce their on-campus meal plan and go on a partial in-house fraternity meal plan. The fraternity meal plan includes meals from the fraternity chef.  
Alcohol Skills Training Program: All new members and chapter members complete this training by the alcohol and other drugs counselor from the Shaw Wellness Center. 
Hazing Prevention/Violence Prevention: An online training on the Moodle educational platform for new members to review information and resources. 
Belonging, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workshop: A training completed by Office of Fraternity and Sorority professional and student staff.

In addition, each chapter will have weekly meetings, rituals, educational activities, and financial obligations specifically for their new members.

91�鶹��Ʒ prohibits hazing in all student organizations in accordance with New York State law. Hazing is an act of control over others that feels abusive or embarrassing and can be life-threatening. Hazing takes various forms, typically involving physical risks or mental distress through humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment. The University has a clear policy against hazing, and staff in the Division of the Dean of the College are always available if your student needs clarification on what constitutes hazing.

If at any point you are concerned or have questions about the new member process, please reach out to me. Your student may also report any incidents or concerns they have about the process or organization in general.

Please also know that, outside of our eight recognized fraternity and sorority organizations, there are many other kinds of organizations and extracurricular activities on 91�鶹��Ʒ’s campus. The site lists the more than 150 student organizations that can provide similar opportunities to all students.

— Snow is director of fraternity and sorority advising at 91�鶹��Ʒ.