FAQ

There are opportunities for students to join Greek-letter organizations immediately. IFC fraternities, especially those with living units, begin recruiting students in mid-May. First-year men have the option of living in a fraternity chapter house if the facility is a part of University Approved Housing. First-year students interested in joining Panhellenic sororities are required to live in a University residence hall, but may join a chapter during primary recruitment which occurs the week before classes begin. Most students joining Interfraternity Council fraternities and Panhellenic Association sororities will join before taking their first class. Culturally-Based Fraternities Organizations (CBFOs) and Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLOs) have open recruitment periods that are determined by each organization and have specific requirements that vary by organization. However, all CBFOs and BGLOs require interested students to be at least a second-semester freshman enrolled at UNL with a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average.

Intake is a process in which students interested in a specific Culturally-Based Fraternities Organization (CBFO) and Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO) go through to obtain membership. These chapter are a part of the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) or National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Each MGC and NPHC organization has a different Intake Process which is generally determined by their national corporate office. Each organization looks for specific qualifications in candidates that they must obtain before the application process begins. The goal of membership intake is to recruit, long-term, effective leaders into the chapter that will promote the building of a strong presence on a universities campus. There are three important components in the membership intake process for CBFOs and BGLOs. Generally, the intake process include:

• Application Process and Interview
• Orientation/Rush
• An in-depth education program
• Formal Initiation

Any student admitted to UNL as a first-time freshman is eligible to join an organization. Current UNL or transfer students must have a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average. Individual chapters may set a minimum GPA higher than UNL’s minimum requirement.

Some students worry that the extra social events and responsibilities of being in a fraternity or sorority will interfere with their time for academics. Joining a chapter is a time commitment, but one of the core values of the fraternity and sorority community is academic excellence. Our chapters recognize the importance of a quality education and take pride in making it a priority. Check out our community grade report. 

Chapters without living units have office space in the Nebraska Union and generally hold Monday night meetings on campus. Members live in University housing or off-campus.

Once you are admitted to the University, we encourage you to visit the UNL Fraternity & Sorority Life website. There is information on the webpage about each of our chapters where you can get additional information. The council (IFC, MGC, NPHC, PHA) social media pages also have a ton of information. 

To inquire about IFC Fraternity recruitment, click here!
To apply for Panhellenic Sorority recruitment, click here!

Panhellenic sorority recruitment days are long and hot! The attire during primary recruitment begins casual and gets progressively dressier. IFC fraternity recruitment is very casual. What you wear will depend on the activity you’ve been invited to attend. A pool party means swimsuit, sunscreen and flip flops. A BBQ probably means shorts and shirts. If you have questions, the chapter recruitment chair can tell you what’s appropriate. For Multicultural Greek Council or National Pan-Hellenic Council recruitment events, note these are formal events similar to a job interview. Students should wear business attire/business-casual.

A recommendation is an introduction and brief description of a student interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, written by a chapter’s alumnus or alumnae who has first-hand knowledge of the recommendations for potential members. Having a recommendation can be beneficial for a potential member but does not guarantee an invitation to join that chapter. Letters of recommendation are not required at UNL. 

IFC fraternities usually have room for incoming new members. If you join an organization that has a living facility and has room for you to move in right away, be sure to cancel your housing contract. The chapter may credit you for some or all of your forfeited deposit. You are encouraged to inquire with each of the groups about this possibility.

UNL fraternity and sorority community at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln includes students of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expression. We are athletes, activists, performers, student leaders, and fraternity and sorority members. The fraternity and sorority community is a microcosm of all of the overall university population committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus. If you identify LGBTQA and are interested about learning more about membership, please contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office.

Yes, international students can join fraternities and sororities. The Greek system is uniquely American, and often an unusual concept for international students. Fraternities and sororities are student organizations that have been part of the American college scene for more than two centuries. Being an international student in the Greek Community provides you a great way to meet other students and to be a part of uniquely American experience.

The simple answer is "Yes." Your athletic status should not be secret and most fraternity or sorority members may already know that about you. Be forthright about your rigorous schedule and obligated responsibilities and have it be something that they consider about your membership. You are not the first or last college student with a relatively inflexible and rigorous schedule. Being Greek will provide with a whole new set of friends and instant fans.

New Members may decide to leave an organization at any point prior to initiation and still be eligible to join another group on campus. While members may also choose to disaffiliate after initiation, at this point you would be unable to join another fraternity or sorority. It is important to use the recruitment period to get to know about the groups so you are certain about your decision and your fit in the group. The new member education process will also provide you with an opportunity to make sure you are ready to make a life-long commitment to the organization.