Join Fraternity and Sorority Life

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 licensed 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.

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!

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 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 Center for Student Involvement.

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.

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.

Why FSL?

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!

Why FSL?

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!