As we prepare for the start of final exams, the university's registered fraternities and sororities are putting finishing touches on plans for spring recruitment. If your student has been exploring the idea of fraternity/sorority membership, talk during the Winter Break might turn to the recruitment process and our community. If you aren’t familiar with Greek Life….or even if you are….the info below will come in handy when discussing the recruitment process.
Rutgers’ first fraternity opened its doors to students in 1845 and since that time the fraternity and sorority community has offered a unique opportunity to help students develop into the person they want to be. Our 80 registered fraternities and sororities anchor their membership experience in our Four Pillars of fraternity/sorority life: Leadership, Scholarship, Service and Friendship. Our membership doesn’t just last for four years, it lasts for a lifetime, so it is important for your student to reflect on why they want to join and what they hope to find.
IS FRATERNITY/SORORITY LIFE A GOOD CHOICE?
When asked how to determine if a fraternity/sorority experience is right for your student, we advise the following:
- Do your research. Rutgers recognizes 80 fraternal organizations. Better to learn a little about the chapters before starting to attend recruitment events. Check out the OFSA website for a list of recognized chapters, visit their national websites as well as the local chapter's Instagram.
- Consider the “type” of organization that might be a good fit. Is your student looking to explore their cultural identity? Perhaps join an organization where many members are in the same major? Learning about our Councils and their member organizations can make the recruitment process less overwhelming.
- Get Involved. Campus involvement is highly valued by our recognized chapters. Join a club, become involved with an academic organization, or play an intramural sport. Being involved in an activity, club or other organization helps our chapters learn more about what is important to your student and demonstrates the ability to manage your time outside the classroom.
- Focus on academics. Our All-Fraternity/Sorority Community GPA is consistently higher than the All Campus GPA. Your student should use all of the university resources available to them to have a strong fall GPA, not only to ensure success in the classroom, but to also establish themselves as a valuable candidate for membership.
IS MY STUDENT ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE
In order to join a fraternity or sorority, all students must register with the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs to ensure the student meets the following minimum academic eligibility requirements:
- Successfully complete at least twelve (12) credits at Rutgers University-New Brunswick or at any other accredited college, university or community college (including E credits, excluding AP credits).
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
- Be enrolled as a full-time, matriculated undergraduate student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Students who previously registered for recruitment must re-register for spring.
- Transfer Students: Students transferring to Rutgers from another two or four year institution are eligible to participate in spring recruitment, as long as the student met the above requirements at their previous institution. NOTE: You are considered a Transfer Student for only ONE semester. Once you have completed your first semester at RU and earned an RU GPA, you are considered a continuing RU student.
UNDERSTAND CHAPTER STATUS
A “Recognized” fraternity or sorority is one that is in good standing with Rutgers. All recognized fraternities and sororities have worked hard to earn their official status. These organizations have the privilege of using college facilities and equipment, tabling, posting, holding meetings and/or programs on campus, inducting new members that will be recognized by the university, and participating in campus events such as the Involvement Fair, Bed Races, and Dance Marathon. Check out the Fraternity/Sorority Report Card to see how the chapters performed over the last few semesters.
An “Unrecognized” fraternity or sorority is one which chooses to exist “off campus”, away from university policies and regulations. In many cases, these organizations seem to operate like recognized organizations, but they are NOT affiliated with Rutgers nor the national organization that once recognized their chapter. These organizations do not have any of the privileges recognized organizations have earned.
As a parent, it is important to understand that unrecognized organizations often do not carry insurance, have no monitoring of their financial collections/transactions, no longer undertake the day to day business of a fraternity/sorority (service activities, academic support, alumni networking, etc.) and are often no longer affiliated with the national organization.
“Closed” chapters are organizations that have violated one or more campus policies and have been directed to cease their operations for a designated period of time. While on this status, the chapter is not permitted to operate. Members may not represent their organization, attend OFSA/Council events or participate in OFSA/Council events in the name of their organization. These chapters may NOT recruit or induct pledges/new members.
QUESTIONS ABOUT RECRUITMENT?
We know parents/family members can have many questions, so check out the Parent/Family FAQs on our website. Encourage your student to READ the OFSA website carefully. If they still have questions, the student is welcome to email OFSA.
