Welcome to Greek Life at Baylor!

Your student has decided to embark on a new journey in life college! Baylor University abounds with opportunities for involvement and new experiences which will help your student become more acclimated to the campus and student life. One way to get involved on campus is through membership in one of Baylor's sororities and fraternities. The Baylor Greek system is comprised of four governing councils that the national fraternities and sororities belong. The Panhellenic council represents the nine national sororities, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) represents the seven traditional African American fraternities and sororities, the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) represents the six traditional Asian and Latino fraternities and sororities and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) represents the 14 national fraternities on campus. In addition, there are three local fraternities and two local sororities.

Students can feel overwhelmed when coming to campus and getting acclimated to a new environment and roommates. Baylor allows students to take the first semester of their freshman year to adjust to campus life before making the decision to "Go Greek."

Questions Often Asked

How will the Greek experience benefit my student?

As a member of the Greek community on campus, your student will have the opportunity to get involved on campus and hold leadership positions not only within their respective chapter, but also in other student organizations. Fraternities and sororities are committed to academics, serving the community, raising awareness for their philanthropies, developing and strengthening leadership skills and forming lifelong friendships that will last well beyond the college experience.

Advantages include:

• A support group to make the adjustment to college easier.

• Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals.

• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience.

• Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus.

• Opportunities for active participation in community service and philanthropic projects.

How will joining a Greek organization affect my student's academic pursuits? 
Fraternities and sororities serve as a great resource for students to achieve academic success. Many students often find that managing their time may be difficult when moving from a highly structured school environment to the freedom of college.

Individual chapters have scholarship programs designed to help their members with academics and provide incentives for performing well in the classroom. In addition, the national organizations have resources available to them to assist the chapter in meeting academic goals. The university also has resources available to all students to help them succeed. These resources can be found at the Paul L. Foster Success Center.

Recruitment at Baylor is deferred for the freshmen until the second semester. This is to give students the opportunity to adjust to college life and become academically grounded. The university has set a grade requirement for all students interested in joining one of the fraternities or sororities on campus. In order to be eligible, the student must have completed 12 Baylor hours and have obtained 2.5 cumulative GPA. If a student is transferring to Baylor in the fall or spring, they will have to transfer in 24 hours and have obtained a 3.0 on all transfer work. All transfer hours are calculated in determining the 3.0 GPA required for transfer students. The Panhellenic sororities have set a higher GPA requirement for women interested in participating in recruitment. Women must have a 2.75 cumulative GPA and 12 completed Baylor hours. Grades are NOT rounded up in determining eligibility.

What are the social aspects of fraternity and sorority membership?

The Greek community at Baylor is very active socially. As a result, the individual organizations are required to register all events – both on campus and off – with the Department of of Student Activities. All off campus events must have a Student Organization adviser present for the duration of the event. Most Greek organizations have social guidelines they must follow as outlined by their national organizations. In addition, national Greek organizations have strict policies regarding alcohol consumption and Baylor requires all events of student organizations to be dry. No alcohol is permitted at any organization event. In addition, all organizations must comply with local and state laws regarding alcohol. Violations of university policy will result in the organization being brought before the Student Organization Judicial Board and individuals may be brought before Judicial Affairs.

What is the financial obligation of my student?

Being in a fraternity or sorority is a financial investment. Each semester, fraternities and sororities collect dues. These dues cover local and national (if applicable) fees. These fees cover costs for recruitment functions, chapter expenses and social functions. Dues are different for each organization and they cover different things for different chapters. A new member can expect to pay higher dues for the first semester than in subsequent semesters.

Additional costs throughout the semester may include t-shirts, favors, pictures, etc. Payment plans are available for most Greek organizations and scholarships are offered by some of the councils for their members. Your student will need to ask about the financial obligations of membership during the recruitment process.

Is hazing a part of the Greek culture at Baylor?

Baylor University has a strict policy regarding hazing that is consistent with the State Law of Texas. Hazing includes, but is not limited to any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental/emotional stress. Hazing does not support the values of the Greek system or Baylor University. Hazing is not tolerated and if you feel your student may be the victim of hazing, you need to contact the Department of Student Activities or use the Anonymous Hazing Reporting Form.

Please see the following link to the Texas State Hazing Law and Baylor's policy on Hazing.

Who is actually in charge of the fraternities and sororities?

Baylor University has two full time professional staff members that directly advise the four councils. The Associate Director of Student Activities for Greek Life advisers the Panhellenic Council and the Multicultural Greek Council and the Coordinator for Greek Life advises the Interfraternity Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. In addition, there are two graduate assistants that assist the full time staff members in working with the councils. The Director of Student Activities and the Dean for Student Development also work closely with the fraternities and sororities.

Each individual fraternity and sorority has at least one student organization adviser that works with the chapter in guiding them throughout the year and attending their events and meetings. In addition, the officers of the individual chapters guide the day-to-day operations of the chapter and their national headquarters provide support and resources to the chapters in order to make them successful.

When does recruitment take place?

Baylor University has deferred recruitment. This means that freshmen cannot join a Greek organization until the second semester of their freshman year. Students must meet the university grade requirements in order to join. The Panhellenic sororities have a higher grade requirement to join. Your student will have the many opportunities during the fall semester to meet men and women involved in our Greek community through various functions and events. The NPHC and MGC fraternities and sororities have a process called Intake for new members. This process is organized by the individual chapters of NPHC and MGC and the timing of this process is at the discretion of each group. If your student is interested in one of the NPHC or MGC chapters, they will need to contact them directly. Panhellenic and IFC both have a structured recruitment process, in which all of the chapters participate in a process together. This information and more can be obtained through the Department of Student Activities.

What is my role as a family member?

The best way to stay connected is to be involved! Ask as many questions that you would like to the organization as your student is meeting individuals through the recruitment process. Become involved in the parent and family activities You'll be glad you did!