A: Western Carolina University’s Greek Community is composed of 19 fraternities and sororities. These include IFC fraternities, CPC sororities, and NPHC member fraternities and sororities. The governing organizations at Western are the Interfraternity, Panhellenic, and National Pan-Hellenic Councils. Each governing body has specific guidelines and requirements related to the recruitment of new members. Additionally, each member organization has additional requirements of students seeking membership in their specific organizations. Recruitment (also known as member intake) is a period of time during which interested students can learn more about the requirements, expectations, and responsibilities of joining a Greek-lettered organization. Recruitment traditionally takes place at the beginning of each semester and can extend throughout the term depending on the needs of each fraternity and sorority. Some of the governing councils coordinate a very structured recruitment period during certain semesters while at other times the recruitment or intake process is relatively unstructured with groups individually conducting activities. During the fall semester, IFC Fraternity and CPC Sorority recruitment will be conducted for upper-class students with at least 12 hours completed at Western and with a cumulative 2.50 grade point average. National Pan-Hellenic Council member fraternities and sororities will conduct membership intake at various times during the academic year for students who have completed at least a full semester at WCU and have a 2.50 G.P.A. Fall recruitment includes structured and unstructured activities. Students interested in participating in recruitment can stop by the Greek Life office located in the University Center or look for advertising around campus.
WCU’s Greek system operates under a deferred recruitment system for the IFC and NPHC organizations. This means that all students seeking membership in these fraternities or sororities must first have attended the University for a period of at least one semester and have completed at least 12 hours on the main campus of Western Carolina University. Additionally, students must meet a minimum grade point average of at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA. These are the requirements of the governing councils and the University, but individual organizations might have additional requirements which exceed these. These requirements mean that first-semester freshmen students are not permitted to participate in recruitment or eligible to pledge or associate with these organizations. Transfer students are permitted to participate in recruitment their first semester and must provide a copy of transcripts to the Greek Life office.
Q: What are the responsibilities for membership in a Greek organization?
A: Commitment to the principles, values and standards, for which the national organization was founded upon. Participation in chapter activities such as meetings, educational/leadership programs, community service events, and social activities. All of our Greek organizations have a minimum grade requirement in order to be in good standing as a member. Those grade requirements vary by organization but all are above a 2.0.
A: Dues vary widely from chapter to chapter and are typically higher the first semester of joining. As you get to know Greek members on campus, be sure to ask them specific questions related to the financial obligation for their individual organization. Q: What is the time commitment involved with membership in a Greek organization?
A: Greek membership requires a substantial time commitment from every member. However, the more time a member spends with the members in their organization and at chapter activities the more benefits a student will receive from their membership. Just like any other activity, the amount of time and energy you put into your Greek membership, the more you will get out of the experience. Through Greek involvement, students will learn how to balance their academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
Q: Will joining a Greek organization affect my academics?
A: Academics are the first and foremost priority of WCU students. Each chapter provides scholastic assistance designed to help each individual member achieve his or her academic potential. Often students may find it difficult to transition from a highly structured high school academic environment to the freedoms of college. Greek organizations assist in the transition by offering scholarship programs, tutoring, and educational programs about time management. In addition, the all-Greek grade point average is consistently higher than the undergraduate all men's and women's average.
Q: What are the costs of joining a Greek chapter?
A: Each Greek organization is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership a few one-time expenses are assessed for membership and initiation. After those initial payments are made, a student's only expense is the regular dues. Most of WCU's Greek chapters also offer housing. Greek housing is competitive with other housing options on WCU's campus, such as residence halls or apartments. Scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans are usually available from individual chapters.
Q: Are Greek chapters like those shown on MTV's Fraternity/Sorority Life?
A: No. The Hollywood portrayal of Greek Life is unrealistic and negative. In reality fraternities/sororities are values-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship.