The media often shares stories of the extreme cases of fraternity and sorority life. Often, you are not told of the many life-long benefits to membership in a fraternity and sorority. At such a large university like the University of Iowa, membership in a fraternity or sorority offers a small community of friends away from home. Additionally, national research has shown that involvement in fraternities and sororities increases students' chances of graduating from college and their success after college. As a life-long member of a fraternity or sorority, students are offered the opportunity to develop as leaders, serve the local community and focus on academics, as well as their careers, by connecting with local alumni members of Greek-lettered organizations.

Since joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment, and there is an expense associated with membership, it should be a joint decision between student and parent. Consider sitting down with your student and researching all of the organizations that are available to join. You can view all our active and suspended organizations here.  Utilizing local chapter and national websites is a great, convenient way to gather information. Feel free to contact students who are currently involved, and their families, and ask them about their experience. In most cases, both students and families will speak candidly about their Greek involvement.

  • What is expected of fraternity/sorority members?
  • What leadership opportunities are available to students as both new members and active members?
  • Does the chapter perform hands-on community service? If so, how often?
  • Does the fraternity or sorority require members to live in the facility (if housing is available)? If so, for how long?
  • What is the semester/annual expense associated with membership? How does this vary as a new member?
  • What type of member is the chapter looking for?
  • What values does this organization promote?
  • Is the organization officially recognized by the university? If not, why is this the case?
  • What is the time commitment?
  • If I view the chapter website, what does it say about the chapter?

All fraternities and sororities at the University of Iowa are non-hazing organizations and allegations of hazing are taken very seriously. Hazing is defined as any intentional or unintentional reckless action or situation–with or without consent—that endangers a student or creates risk of injury, mental or physical discomfort, harassment, embarrassment, and/or ridicule—whether on campus or off campus—for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or as continued membership in a student organization or team recognized by the University of Iowa Student Government or by any other university sponsor.

Acts of hazing include, but are not limited to: compulsory alcohol or drug consumption; physical brutality; psychological cruelty; public humiliation; morally degrading activities; forced confinement; creation of excessive fatigue; required removal or destruction of public or private property; or any other activity that endangers the physical, mental, psychological, or academic well-being and/or safety of an individual. Any requirement imposed upon prospective, new, or current members which is not related to the organization’s purpose is discouraged and will become the subject of a university investigation once the practice is brought to the attention of Leadership & Engagement or the Office of Student Accountability.

To report hazing or to file a violation against any UI fraternity or sorority, please complete the Report a Concern Form, contact any Fraternity & Sorority Life staff member, or visit the Dean of Students Office.

Each organization has associated costs with membership and it is important that you and your student feel comfortable and informed with those costs. Fraternities and sororities are self-sufficient and are supported through the dues/fees paid by their members. Membership dues/fees may include local and national membership dues, room and board (if the organization has a structure), meals, and other one-time fees such as initiation or new member fees. The dues/fees are used to finance programs and support operating expenses, including scholarship incentives, liability insurance, social expenses, and national dues. 

Some chapters have structures that house members and we have found that the cost of living in a chapter structure is very comparable to the costs of living in the residence halls (room and board), and in some cases may even be cheaper.

Many chapters offer scholarships, payment plans, and other incentives to members to help with the cost of being a member. The chapters vary in the amount of dues and other expenses. Average costs for each of our four councils can be found here.

One of many concerns families have regarding their students' involvement with a Greek-lettered organization is academics. Fortunately, academic standing on campus is also a concern for the FSL Community; thus, the fraternities and sororities at Iowa offer tutoring, study halls, awards, and scholarships to ensure academic success. In order to function as strong organizations, all fraternities and sororities have GPA requirements for students to become members and to maintain membership.

We are very proud to state that our All Sorority Average and All Fraternity Average are consistently above the University Women's and Men's Averages. Please check out our chapter's scholarship reports.

However, responsibility ultimately rests with the members to take advantage of the opportunities made available to them. Services such as academic support services and tutoring are also available to help students achieve academic success while involved in co-curricular activities.

With fraternities and sororities at Iowa, there are some that have housing structures and some that do not. With or without a housing structure, each of our organizations build strong community and bonds among their members. While all fraternity and sorority structures are recognized student housing, their residential houses are not located on University property, are privately owned, and are considered "off campus housing". Each structure is owned and managed by House Corporation Board from either a local alumni board or the inter/national organization. A list of chapters with housing structures can be found here. 

For those organizations with structures, it is expected that there is some form of live-in requirement, usually in the student's second year of membership. Questions about the specifics of the organization's policies should be directed to that chapter during the joining process.

Questions about activities specific to a certain chapter (i.e. move-in dates or other housing issues, parents’ weekend, chapter bills, etc.) should be directed to the chapter president. You can find contact information for fraternity and sorority presidents on their chapter page here on our site. If you are uncomfortable discussing an issue with a student, the staff at Fraternity and Sorority Life can direct you to an alumni advisor, graduate advisor, or the inter/national headquarters

Fraternities and Sororities are registered student organizations and are subject to the Code of Student Life. Any violations of that code can be reported here.

The Office of the Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinator can assist you in locating resources. You can find numerous ways to access support from the options below for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. You can report an incident of sexual misconduct here.

he Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (EOD) implements diversity policies at the University of Iowa and supports the university’s compliance with federal/state laws and regulations and university policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, retaliation and sexual harassment by or towards any UI community member. EOD is charged with implementation of equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity policies at the University of Iowa. We serve as a resource to support the university's compliance with federal/state laws and regulations and university policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual harassment by or towards any UI community member. You can submit a concern to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity here.