Looking at Sororities and Fraternities
How will my student benefit from joining a sorority or a fraternity?
Sororities and fraternities have been serving the University of Florida campus since 1884. These organizations are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, leadership, 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 students 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.
- National research has shown that involvement in sororities and fraternities increases students' chances of graduating from college.
- Membership in a sorority or fraternity is for a lifetime. Many alumni return to campus for football and other special events. Most chapters at UF have newsletters and special weekends for alumni. These activities promote lifetime friendships that extend beyond individual chapters and include members of the national Greek community.
What is the financial obligation?
While the costs involved in being a member of a Greek chapter vary, it is important to know that each organization does collect dues and some have initiation costs as well. The costs go toward International fees, chapter operating expenses and social functions. Financial obligations differ for men and women and among individual chapters. New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester.
Additional costs throughout the semester will go to meal plans, pictures, gifts, social events, T-shirts, etc. Several chapters at UF offer payment plans and scholarships for members who need financial assistance. While your son or daughter is participating in the membership intake/recruitment process, make sure that he or she asks about the financial obligations of membership.
