FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How many fraternities are there at Cal?

The University of California, Berkeley is currently home to 36 fraternities and 65 Greek organizations, with a membership of around 3,000 students, making up approximately 12% of all undergraduate students. Our Greek Community is incredibly diverse, offering membership in four different types of Greek organizations: 12 Panhellenic sororities, 36 IFC fraternities, 9 National Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities, and 8 Cultural fraternities and sororities.

What benefits does fraternity membership offer?

All fraternities pride themselves in their focus upon the four pillars of Greek membership: Friendship, Scholarship, Leadership and Service. Being a part of a fraternity means having access to an excellent support system to deal with the rigors of life at Cal. Most fraternities offer an academic program designed to enable members to succeed in the classroom. The Greek system also provides numerous opportunities to gain the leadership experience coveted by employers and grad schools. All fraternities host philanthropy events that benefit their respective charities, and the entire community comes together for different Greek-wide events. But above all, being in a fraternity is fun and members develop close friendships that will last a lifetime. Whether at a social event, brotherhood event or a philanthropy event, you can be guaranteed to enjoy yourself.

How much does it cost to belong to a fraternity?

Each fraternity is self-supporting from dues paid by its members. Financial obligations vary, depending on whether the chapter has a live-in house, a meal plan, social dues and national dues. Other costs related to membership in a Greek organization include one-time new membership fees to cover initiation expenses and establishment in the national organization. For chapters with facilities or houses, there may also be a live-out fee for members who choose not to reside in the house. Most organizations have payment plans as well as merit based and need-based scholarships. It is best to contact a fraternity directly to inquire about financial obligations. IFC fraternity housing costs are also very competitive with living in Berkeley or in the University’s residential dorms.

What is hazing? Do fraternities haze?

Hazing is prohibited by the State of California, the University of California, as well as the Interfraternity Council. Greek members are responsible for adherence to a self imposed Greek Social Code as well as an Anti-Hazing Agreement. There is a no-tolerance policy for hazing at UC Berkeley and any incidents are handled directly by Student Judicial Affairs. Fraternities attempt to instill leadership and confidence in their members. The new member education process should be viewed as one by which new members come to understand the chapter’s history, goals and management. These orientation programs will challenge and invite new members to become informed members and effective chapter leaders.

How will joining a fraternity affect my academics?

Greek letter organizations were originally founded to further scholastic achievement and opportunities for all members. This tradition holds true at the University of California, Berkeley. The Greek community helps provide a smooth transition from high school to university life. Individual chapters have developed their own scholarship programs to help foster as well as reward academic success. Many chapters employ study periods, test aids, test banks, tutoring/mentoring, and pairing up of members to study together.

What is the time commitment for fraternity or sorority membership?

Fraternity membership is a great opportunity for a well-rounded college experience. Members are usually required to attend certain functions such as weekly chapter meetings, annual recruitment events, new member initiations, some scholastic events and some community service events. Beyond these obligations, the time commitment one chooses to invest in their fraternity is at their discretion. Typically, members find themselves wanting to participate in more than the minimum obligations. Many choose to get involved with their chapter’s leadership by becoming an officer, joining committees, and planning chapter events. Attending social events, tutoring other members, joining Order of Omega, as well as attending extra philanthropy or community service projects, though not mandatory, are other ways of staying involved in one’s chapter. Fraternities also pride themselves on having members who are involved in other aspects of campus life. Whether a member of an NCAA sports team, an ASUC senator, a columnist for the Daily Cal or a member of other UC Berkeley student groups, fraternities acknowledge and support their members needs to get involved in activities outside of the Greek community. Many fraternity men also hold part-time jobs while staying involved in their chapter. In most cases, these are great ways to learn time management skills. The bottom line is that students will get out of their Greek membership experience as much as they want to invest in it.