How to Join
Started in 1961, fraternities and sororities at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are mission-driven and values-based organizations. This is a community that fosters academic growth, philanthropic dedication, leadership skills, ethical behavior and lifelong relationships. For this reason, fraternity and sorority members at SIUE have higher GPAs, take leadership in the university community, and make a significant impact in the SIUE and Edwardsville community.
Being a fraternity and sorority member means embracing SIUE Fraternity and Sorority Life's pillars: community engagement, friendship, leadership and scholarship. When you join a fraternity or sorority, you will have an opportunity to make an impact on this campus and help to shape a changing world.
There are 21 fraternities and sororities governed by one of four governing councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the Panhellenic Council (PHC), and the United Greek Council (UGC).
- During your New Student Orientation, meet current members at the Fraternity and Sorority Life table.
- Attend Fraternity and Sorority Life sponsored events during Welcome Weekend.
- FSL Meet and Greet - First Year, First Night
- Fraternity and Sorority Life 101
- Ask current members about their fraternity or sorority experience
- Participate in membership recruitment or a membership intake process.
- Meet the Greeks will be held in October 2024, and students will have an opportunity to learn more about each of the organizations represented at SIUE, how to show interest, doing your research, and attending events. Visit the Get Involved site for more information.
Interfraternity Council (IFC) Recruitment
IFC fraternities recruit year-round, but we encourage you to begin the recruitment process early if you are interested in joining in the spring. Most people join during the first month of the semester. The IFC fraternity recruitment process at SIUE is designed to give both you and chapter members a fair and equal opportunity to become acquainted as friends. The recruitment process is designed to allow you to get to know the members in the different chapters.
Fall Recruitment
Fraternity recruitment begins early in the semester. Recruitment gives interested students the opportunity to attend a variety of events offered by different fraternity chapters, in order to find the best fit for them. Events are held throughout the week and prospective members may choose which events they wish to attend.
The registration fee to participate in IFC fraternity recruitment is $25.00 and is non-refundable. This fee covers recruitment technology, expenses, and logistics for the Interfraternity Council.
IFC Recruitment will be held Sunday, August 25 - Friday, August 30, 2024. Events will be held both on and off campus. Click the link below to register!
Fall 2024 IFC Fraternity Recruitment Registration
If you have any questions regarding IFC Fraternity Recruitment, please email Kyle Schmitz, IFC Vice President of Recruitment and Retention at kylschm@siue.edu.
Meet the Fraternities
This event, held on Sunday, August 25th, is required for any student interested in being offered IFC fraternity membership. During the event, attendees will learn about the six (6) different IFC fraternities, pick up recruitment schedules and meet members of these organizations! Click here to RSVP.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Membership Intake Proce
Thank you for your interest in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities and sororities at SIUE! Each National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity and sorority brings in members at various times of the year through a process called the Membership Intake Process (MIP). All organizations governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council have different requirements for membership. When organizations are looking to conduct a Membership Intake Process, many of them will host an informational meeting in which the criteria for membership are explained. Such meetings are usually publicized via flyers on campus or via the chapters social media page.
Meet the Greeks
NPHC and the United Greek Council will host a general informational called "Meet the Greeks" about all of our culturally-based organizations for students who have questions or are unsure about the membership intake process.
Meet the Greeks will be held on October 20 at 6:00pm, and students will have an opportunity to learn more about each of the organizations represented at SIUE, how to show interest, doing your research, and attending events. Visit the Get Involved for more information.
Things to Know
- NPHC fraternities and sororities typically do not accept a student for membership until the student has completed at least 12-24 hours of college credit with a minimum GPA requirement (set by each chapter). Prospective members must also demonstrate campus and/or community involvement.
- In the event that one is interested in joining a NPHC fraternity or sorority, one is strongly encouraged to show interest by attending chapter programs and events, getting to know members of that organization, researching information about the organization in which one is interested, and by attending an interest meeting or informational for the chapter in which one is interested in.
Panhellenic Council (PHC) Sorority Recruitment
Panhellenic sorority recruitment for the five Panhellenic Council sororities at SIUE takes place at the beginning of each fall semester. Panhellenic sorority recruitment gives interested students a chance to meet all five Panhellenic sororities and decide which organization would be the best fit for them.
Why Panhellenic?
Joining a sorority is about finding your people – those who will cheer you on and challenge you. Your future sorority sisters will be there to support you through the sorority experience and help you grow by exploring leadership, giving back to the community, and serving others.
“Sorority life at SIUE has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the BEST possible ways. In my time at SIUE I’ve met so many amazing people, made friends I couldn’t live without, and gotten support when life was rough. I never expected to be in a leadership position for my sorority or the Panhellenic Council, but my sisters helped me achieve both! I’m so thankful for this community, and my wish is that everyone can experience the love and authenticity I’ve felt from Panhellenic!!“ - Alyssa Mort, Panhellenic Council Vice President of Recruitment
Sorority is… coming together to make a difference. Panhellenic brings incredible people together to provide opportunities and support for us to do great things in our community!
Sorority is… fun! It’s about having your go-to girls, late-night study buddies, the sister who’s there when you just need ice cream (or a hug), and a mentor who inspires you to be your authentic self.
Sorority is… a community of support. To us, “sisterhood” means providing a family and a home away from home. Your sisters will always be there for you – from celebrating your wins, to tough conversations, and being a shoulder to lean on. Sisterhood is deeper than friendship and lasts far beyond the few years we’re in college.
Like what you’ve heard? Want to meet the SIUE sororities? Panhellenic Recruitment is where you find your people! Sign up by Wednesday, August 21st, 2024!
Fall 2024 PHC Sorority Recruitment Registration
There is a $45.00 registration fee for Panhellenic sorority recruitment. Registration closes at noon on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Primary Recruitment Expectations & Rules
Academic Guidelines: While the Panhellenic Council does not set or require a specific grade point average to join, all Panhellenic sororities at SIUE do set a GPA requirement for membership. The minimum cumulative grade point average requirement for our five Panhellenic Sororities ranges between 2.70-2.90. If you choose to register for Panhellenic sorority recruitment and you do not have a minimum cumulative GPA that is at least a 2.70, we would encourage you to adjust your expectations regarding the number of organizations that will be able to offer you membership.
Financial Responsibility: Being a member of a Panhellenic sorority comes with a financial commitment. While you will learn more in-depth financial information during round one of recruitment, we want to be transparent that a student who joins a Panhellenic sorority will pay anywhere from $400.00 to $941.49 during her first semester, depending on the organization. The first semester of membership is the most expensive in terms of cost and each sorority manages finances differently; however, one common trend among all of our groups – there are payment plans available that many members take advantage of in order to pay their membership dues. We strongly encourage potential new members to ask all of their questions about finances during the first round of recruitment so they have a good idea of what they are paying for with their membership dues.
Please make arrangements to attend as many nights of recruitment as you possibly can. Missing multiple recruitment events may harm your chances of receiving a bid to join the sorority of your choice. We ask that you please limit your outside commitments, beyond classes. Do not skip any academic courses for recruitment.
Recruitment Rounds
- Detailed Recruitment Schedule [pdf] Coming soon!
PNM Orientation: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
This is for all potential new members (students going through recruitment) to meet your Recruitment Guides, while also learning about the primary recruitment process and what you can expect. Tentatively scheduled from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m.
Open House/Sisterhood Round: Thursday, August 22, 2024
During this round, you will have an opportunity to spend time with each of the five Panhellenic sororities on campus and meet with the members. This round is meant for you to learn more about each organization, while also getting your questions answered. You will learn more about the finances for each of the organizations during this round. Tentatively scheduled from 5:30p.m. to 9:00p.m.
What to Wear: This is a relaxed environment where casual attire is suggested. We will be providing you with a Sorority Recruitment T-Shirt for you to wear for this round. It is recommended to wear jeans or shorts with comfortable shoes or sandals.
Philanthropy Round: Friday, August 23, 2024
During this round, you will visit up to four organizations. You will learn about each organization's philanthropic event and the national and local philanthropic partners they support. This round is an opportunity to get to know the organizations on a deeper level so don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Tentatively scheduled from 4:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.
What to Wear: This round's attire is more business casual. It is recommended you do not wear jeans, but do wear a nice blouse with dress pants or a skirt, or you can wear a dress. Remember to pair this outfit with business casual dress shoes.
Preference Round: Saturday, August 24, 2024
During this round, the final round of recruitment, you will visit up to two organizations. This round provides the most insight into the meaning of sisterhood and the benefits the sorority has to offer. Following this round, you will select the organization(s) you would consider joining.
What to Wear: Given this is a very special round, a nice cocktail or semi formal dress and heels are the most appropriate. Tentatively scheduled from 11:00a.m. to 5:30p.m.
Bid Day: Sunday, August 25, 2024
Bid Day is one of the most exciting days of the year. This is the day you will find out if a chapter has invited you to join their organization!
What to Wear: You should wear a t-shirt, jeans or shorts, and comfortable shoes. A t-shirt will be provided for all new members. Tentatively scheduled from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00p.m. (Individual chapter activities will be held after bid are distributed.)
General Guidelines
- Potential new members (PNMs) should not have any pre-recruitment conversations with any undergraduate or alumnae sorority members.
- During Panhellenic sorority recruitment, PNMs may not have any contact (beyond casual contact and conversation) with any undergraduate or alumnae sorority members or fraternity members outside of primary recruitment.
- A PNM shall not buy anything for a sorority member. A sorority member shall not buy anything for a PNM.
- We strongly encourage you refrain from outside social activities and work commitments (if possible) during sorority recruitment.
- The use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited and will result in the immediate removal of a potential new member from the recruitment process.
Mandatory Acceptance Policy
The SIUE Panhellenic Council has a mandatory acceptance policy. This means a potential new member is required to attend all chapter events on their schedule for each round they are invited back to. Potential new members may not "pick and choose" the chapters they wish to attend on their schedule. If a potential new member chooses not to attend a chapter on her event schedule, then she will be removed from the recruitment process. Mandatory acceptance only applies to event invitation attendance and not to preference card signing.
Reality of Recruitment
Panhellenic sorority recruitment is a mutual selection process based on both chapters and potential new members narrowing their choices throughout the week. While you may not receive invitations from your top choices, all of our Panhellenic organizations at SIUE have great experiences to offer students. The Panhellenic Council and SIUE encourage all students to keep an open mind throughout the process.
Signing & Accepting A Bid
In signing a preference card on the last night of recruitment, a potential new member is making a binding agreement that they will accept a bid from those sororities they list, in order of preference, on their card. The card they sign is known as a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) and they will learn more about this on the last day of sorority recruitment. Furthermore, should a student refuse to become a new member of a Panhellenic sorority they have preferenced, they will be unable to join another Panhellenic sorority at SIUE for one calendar year.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about the five Panhellenic organizations at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
If you have questions, please call us at 618-650-2686 or contact Alyssa Mort, Panhellenic Council Vice President of Recruitment.
United Greek Council (UGC) Fraternity & Sorority Membership
Each United Greek Council fraternity and sorority brings in members at various times of the year through a Membership Intake Process (MIP) or recruitment. All organizations governed by the United Greek Council have different requirements for membership. When organizations are looking to conduct a Membership Intake Process or recruitment, many of them will host an informational meeting in which the criteria for membership are explained. Such meetings are usually publicized via flyers on campus or via the chapters social media page.
Meet the Greeks
NPHC and UGC will host a general informational called "Meet the Greeks" about all of our culturally-based organizations for students who have questions or are unsure about the membership intake process.
Meet the Greeks will be held on October 20, 2024 at 6:00pm, and students will have an opportunity to learn more about each of the organizations represented at SIUE, how to show interest, doing your research, and attending events. Visit the Get Involved for more information.
Things to Know
- In the event that one is interested in joining a UGC fraternity or sorority, one is strongly encouraged to show interest by attending chapter programs and events, getting to know members of that organization, researching information about the organization in which one is interested, and by attending an interest meeting or informational for the chapter in which one is interested in.