FAQs for Families

Joining a fraternity or sorority provides many benefits that help students adjust to university life. Students can develop lasting friendships and enhance their leadership skills, which are vital for both academic and personal growth. Participation in various activities promotes academic success and students also engage in philanthropy and community service, cultivating a sense of responsibility and giving back to society. 

These groups offer students a home away from home, providing them with a sense of belonging and community. After graduating, students can stay in touch through a network of alumni who can help them in their future careers. 

Students at CU Boulder have several options to join fraternities and sororities that cater to a wide range of interests and needs.  

  • CU's Interfraternity Council (CUIFC) includes 10 fraternity chapters, with one official chapter house and many annex houses.
  • The College Panhellenic Council (CPC) has 11 sorority chapters, most with housing.
  • The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) has nine chapters of culturally based fraternities and sororities founded to support common identities, and members don't have to identify with the specific identity to join. MGC chapters have annex houses.
  • The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) includes nine historically African American Greek lettered fraternities and sororities which operate city-wide chapters. 

To support your student through the joining experience, ask them questions and encourage them to review information provided by chapters. This includes details about activities, finances, membership expectations and policies. You can also participate in family weekend events hosted by chapters and gather information with your student to help them review. 

Here are some questions to ask your student:  

  • What is expected of fraternity/sorority members?
  • What leadership opportunities are available to students as both new members and active members?
  • Does the chapter perform hands-on community service? If so, how often?
  • Does the fraternity or sorority require members to live in the facility (if housing is available)? If so, for how long?
  • What is the semester/annual expense associated with membership? How does this vary as a new member?
  • What type of member is the chapter looking for?
  • What values does this organization promote?
  • Is the organization officially recognized by the university? If not, why is this the case?
  • What is the time commitment?
  • If I view the chapter website, what does it say about the chapter? 

All fraternities and sororities at CU Boulder strictly prohibit hazing, following both school policies and their (inter)national organizations' rules.  

Hazing is defined as: 

Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the health, safety or welfare of an individual for the purpose of initiation, participation, admission into or affiliation with any organization at the university. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any abuse of a mental or physical nature, forced consumption of any food, liquid, drugs or substances, or any forced physical activity that could adversely affect the health or safety of the individual. Hazing also includes any activity that would subject the individual to embarrassment or humiliation, the willingness of the participant in such activity notwithstanding. 

Reports of hazing are taken very seriously and are managed by the Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) office. 

Costs for joining a fraternity or sorority can vary based on the organization and council. Housing costs may increase dues, and the first semester tends to be more expensive due to fees for the national organization, initiation, paperwork processing, badges and new member education materials. Dues also cover headquarters and chapter expenses, including philanthropic events, social activities, membership development and insurance. Many organizations offer payment plans and scholarships to help manage costs, so it's essential for both students and parents to be comfortable with the financial commitment. Visit the webpages for each council to learn more about financial information. 

Joining a fraternity or sorority can help support your student's academic success by providing various resources, such as tutoring, study groups and scholarships. Greek organizations often have higher GPAs compared to non-Greek peers and emphasize academic achievement by setting minimum GPA requirements and offering accountability within the chapter. This can positively affect your student's grades and overall academic performance.

After joining a Greek organization, your student will initially have weekly new member meetings and chapter meetings. They may also participate in various chapter and community events such as philanthropy, service, educational programming and social events. After the first semester, the level of involvement is up to the student, with many opportunities to be highly active or less engaged based on their preference. 

Living in a chapter house is not always required, as each chapter has its own policies (and not every chapter has an official house). If there is a live-in requirement, your student will be informed. The chapter house offers strong community bonding opportunities. Even if your student doesn’t live in the chapter house, they may make friends with other members and choose to live with them in a different residence. 

If you have questions about specific chapter activities (like move-in dates, housing concerns, parents weekend, chapter bills, etc.), you should contact the chapter president. You can find their contact information on their chapter page on our website. If you’re uncomfortable discussing an issue with a student, the Fraternity & Sorority Life office can connect you with an alumni advisor or their (inter)national headquarters.

The Office of Victim Assistance can also be a resource as well. They provide free and confidential support, consultation, advocacy and short-term trauma counseling to all CU Boulder students, graduate students, staff and faculty who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or life-disrupting event. They also offer support for those who are helping a friend, partner, family member or colleague through a traumatic experience.