Always Wearing Your Letters

Always Wearing Your Letters

Before deciding to go through with any of our recruitment processes at Oregon State, we ask you to please first watch this video explaining what being a part of the Fraternity and Sorority Community means to us. 
Think about the type of Greek experience you want:
  • Do you want a small chapter experience or a large one?
  • How much time are you willing to contribute to your experience?
  • How much are you able to pay for chapter dues?
  • Do you want to join a chapter that has a specific cultural interest or academic focus?
  • Do you want to live in a chapter house? Or would you prefer an unhoused chapter?
 
 
 Learn about the organization:
  • Check out the chapter profiles and/or inter/national websites.
  • Ask lots of questions. There are no foolish questions.
  • Clearly understand the obligations of being member, especially the financial obligation.
  • Understand the total cost of membership, including dues and room/board of membership (if applicable).
  • If the chapter has a house, clearly understand what your commitment to live-in will be as a member.
  • Examine the new-member program and ask what is expected of new members.
  • Learn about the chapter’s philanthropy and community service program of the chapter.
  • Understand the chapter’s academic requirements and support programs offered.
  • Seek out a chapter that is representative of your aspirations and values

 

Enjoy yourself!
  • Be yourself during the recruitment process. The chapters want to get to know you, just like you want to learn more about them. You don’t want to change who you are to get a bid or invitation of membership to a specific chapter and then not feel connected to them.
  • Get to know the other men and women going through recruitment. Some of them will be future brothers and sisters, and life-long friends.
  • Have a good time, visit all the chapters you can, and be friendly.
  • Have fun; enjoy the experience!
Make your own decision:
  • Your decision as to which chapter to join should be "your" decision; don’t be pressured by anyone else
  • The decision to join a fraternity/sorority is a life-long commitment. Be clear what you expect and what you are prepared to give to this commitment.
  • Seek out a chapter that you feel you can benefit from and can contribute your time, energy and talents for a lifetime
  • Don’t join a chapter just because your best friend from high school is a member. Think of this as an opportunity to branch out and know that you will be able to stay friends with those in other chapters. Join where you feel you would be happiest.
  • Beware of chapters who try and pressure you into a decision. When you finally reach a decision, make sure it is your own decision and not someone else's. There is no deadline for joining a chapter.
  • Ignore belittling and derogatory remarks you may hear.
 
 
 Understand the process:
  • If you decide to go through IFC or Panhellenic Formal Recruitment, be sure you know the rules. A copy of the rules will be given to each individual.
  • Familiarize yourself with chapter names and the Greek alphabet; it will make the recruitment process much easier to navigate! The explanation of the Greek Alphabet is located here.
  • For IFC Formal Recruitment, take advantage of the open houses. This is the only time you will be free to visit all chapters at your own pleasure.
  • For NPHC or MGC organizations, you may need a college GPA to be considered for membership.
  • Alcohol is not permitted at any recruitment activity. Play by the rules.