Join FSL

Vision and Purpose

Joining a fraternity or sorority provides an opportunity to gain a support group that will help transitioning to college significantly easier. Members cultivate friendships that will last a lifetime while deepening their connection to campus. You’ll receive access to resources to help encourage and achieve academic goals. Members can develop leadership skills with hands-on opportunities to practice and lead at many different levels within the FSL community. It is a way to maximize involvement on campus and in the community. Our students serve the community through active participation in service projects and philanthropy events. The network of alumni can help to develop priceless co-op and career opportunities. Overall, you’ll maximize the college experience while having a lot of fun!

How To Join?

Fraternity and Sorority Life at Northeastern University is home to four governing councils, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and Panhellenic Council (Panhel). The joining process differs across councils (and sometimes across chapters). Explore the tabs below to learn more about how to join each council.

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) hosts semi-structured recruitment (or rush). Recruitment kicks off with an IFC BBQ where potential new members have the opportunity to meet each chapter. Chapters participating in recruitment host a series of events to further meet potential new members and share information on their brotherhood. Potential new members are required to attend an IFC informational session hosted by the Council and Northeastern University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life staff. After the initial recruitment events, chapters will extend bids (invitation to membership) to potential new members. Please note that not all potential new members may receive a bid.

Students that do not participate in fall recruitment or do not receive a bid have the opportunity to participate in informal recruitment in the late fall and spring semesters. However, not all chapters participate in informal recruitment. Students and families that are interested in learning more about the Interfraternity Council can find more information on the IFC website and Instagram.

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) chapters host intake events at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Every chapter has its own intake process based on its individual chapter requirements. The Council holds a kick-off event at the start of each semester for prospective new members to learn about the different organizations and what each chapter has to offer. Intake requirements may include attending chapter events and information sessions, interviews, and achieving a minimum GPA. 

Students and families that are interested in learning more about the Multicultural Greek Council can find more information on the Council’s website and Instagram.

 

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters host membership intake on a semesterly basis. Interested students (aspirants) can meet the chapters at information sessions at the beginning of each semester. Aspirants are invited by chapters to learn more about their organization and the application process. To be considered for membership, aspirants must have achieved certain requirements set by chapters such as standards in academics, community service, and leadership. 

After an aspirant’s application is approved, they begin the membership intake process. The membership intake process varies by chapter as each organization holds its own guidelines and requirements. Please note that first years are not eligible to join an NPHC organization their first semester, as they must first obtain a collegiate GPA.  

Students interested in joining the National Pan-Hellenic Council can learn more about the intake process through the Council’s Instagram and individual chapter websites.

The Panhellenic Council hosts Primary Recruitment in the first few weeks of the fall semester. This consists of two full weekends (Saturday and Sunday) with recruitment rounds throughout each day. During Primary Recruitment, potential new members will meet current members from every Panhellenic chapter. They will learn more about the chapter’s philanthropies, sisterhood, events, and traditions. Potential new members and chapters participate in a selection process to prioritize finding their best fit.

Students that are not interested in or unable to attend Primary Recruitment may be eligible to participate in Continuous Open Bidding throughout the fall and spring semesters. Please note that not all chapters may be eligible to participate in COB. Students and families that are interested in Panhellenic Recruitment are encouraged to visit the Northeastern University Panhellenic Council website.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Students Interested in FSL

What are fraternities and sororities?

A fraternity or sorority is a social, values-based organization typically identified by Greek letters. Fraternities and sororities have been a part of institutions of higher education for over two centuries, and membership in a fraternity or sorority is considered to be for life. Membership in a fraternity or sorority will offer experiences with service and philanthropy, personal and professional development, academic excellence, and deep friendships.

How do you join Fraternity & Sorority Life?

Organizations conduct recruitment and intake events, activities, and informational sessions throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. These activities are meant to provide prospective members an opportunity to learn more about a respective organization and its members. The recruitment process is either council or chapter coordinated, depending on which organization you are interested in joining. Check out the section below for more information!

What is it like to be a New Member in FSL?

During their time as a new member, students will participate in educational workshops that focus on organizational history and make-up, as well as areas of personal development. They might also participate in pinning and initiation ceremonies based on the organization they are joining.

If you feel that you or someone you know is participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, or if you are aware of such activities occurring, you are encouraged to contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff in the Center for Student Involvement at fsl@northeastern.edu.

Is there Fraternity or Sorority housing?

Northeastern University does not have housing for fraternities or sororities. There is one fraternity, Beta Gamma Epsilon, that still resides in a fraternity house zoned and permitted by the City of Boston. Many chapter members live together, either on or off campus, but these accommodations are not officially recognized fraternity/sorority houses.

Are there costs associated with joining?
Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, your student’s expenses will be their regular dues. Each chapter has a different dues structure and thus finances will vary between chapters.
Who is eligible to join a fraternity or sorority?

All full-time matriculated undergraduate students enrolled in classes or co-op at Northeastern University who pay the Student Activity Fee, are eligible to join a fraternity or sorority. Per the Office of the Registrar, full-time enrollment for undergraduate students is at least 12 credits per term. Each fraternity and sorority at Northeastern University may have other requirements to join. Interested individuals should contact the appropriate governing council directly for information on how to join.

For Parents and Families

What are the benefits of joining a Fraternity or Sorority?

Joining a fraternity or sorority provides students an opportunity to find a sense of belonging in college and deepen their connection to campus. Members can benefit from engaging in community service, sisterhood and brotherhood events, alumni networking events, academic programming, mentorship opportunities, social events, philanthropy, and more.

How can I support my student in Fraternity and Sorority Life?
As a parent, we recommend that you support your student throughout the joining process. Joining a fraternity or sorority can be overwhelming, and we recommend that you serve as a sounding board for your student. It is important to be supportive and ask questions to your student about what they are looking for in a chapter, and allow them to determine where they feel most comfortable.

 

Please remember to keep an open mind. Just because a parent or family member was affiliated or not affiliated, does not mean that your student needs to make the same decision.

Please recognize that the chapters are different on every campus. Fraternities and sororities at Northeastern University may not have the same values or expectations as where you attended school. It is important that students choose the organization that feels right for them.

How much does it cost?
The financial obligations of joining a fraternity or sorority depend on the individual chapter. Costs of membership can range anywhere from around $30-$500 per semester. The semester you join often has a few one time costs, generally making your dues as a new member slightly higher than as an active member. Membership dues  include financial obligations such as inter/national membership fees, insurance, local dues to contribute to events and programming, and other assessments.  Additional costs throughout the year may occur such as purchasing t-shirts, attending social events, and contributing to philanthropies.

 

We recommend having a conversation with your student about expectations related to who will be financially responsible for the costs of membership.

Does Fraternity and Sorority Life provide housing for my student?
Fraternity and Sorority organizations at Northeastern University do not have on or off-campus houses, with the exception of one local fraternity. Members of organizations are not required to live together, but many affiliated students often choose to be roommates with their sisters or brothers!
Are there costs associated with joining?
Each chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, your student’s expenses will be their regular dues. Each chapter has a different dues structure and thus finances will vary between chapters.
What is Northeastern University’s policy on hazing?
Northeastern University has no tolerance for hazing. Find out more information about hazing prevention through the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. Please do not hesitate to contact the Center for Student Involvement if you have any questions about Fraternities & Sororities at Northeastern University, or to report concerns or policy violations.

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