"I want to join a fraternity or sorority, now what?"

Interested in joining our community? Here's what's next:

  1. Attend an orientation session for the council you are interested in joining. Not sure which one? Check out our four councils ! We have three councils with sororities and three councils with fraternities. These orientation sessions are a broad overview of what to expect and what should be understood as you begin your journey in Fraternity and Sorority Life. *Attendance at orientation is mandatory for anyone seeking to join a fraternity or sorority. 
    1. Stay tuned for fall 2025 orientation dates!
  2. Learn about and participate in one of our councils intake or recruitment process. Each of our four council's joining processes looks different, so check out those you are interested in. It's important to do your research on the process for the council you are hoping to join. More information on each of our councils and their joining processes can be found on the pages below. There are student leaders for each council as well who can help answer questions and guide you through the process.  
  3. Sign the online Gold Card. It's a requirement that each new member sign the Online Gold Card. This includes information about the obligations of membership so make sure you have read it over closely! Once you have received and accepted an invitation to membership, you will receive an email to your UIowa email address containing information about completing the online Gold Card.
  4. Complete New Member Academy. This online course, housed on ICON, is a broad overview of what it means to be a member of a fraternity or sorority at Iowa. New Member Academy consists of six modules that introduce new members to concepts that are frequently discussed and used as topics of education across all chapters and councils. The modules are: Overview of the FSL Community, Academic Excellence, Health, Safety, and Wellness, Access, Opportunity, and Diversity, Involvement and Leadership Opportunities, and Bystander Intervention. 

Things to keep in mind:

  1. Do your research!
    • It's important to understand the obligations of membership in a fraternity or sorority. What is the cost? How many hours should I plan to commit? These answers can be found by talking with current members, checking out the Student and Family Guides, and through the council orientation. If you have any questions about what is expected of you as a member, it is vital that you ask!
    • Research chapters. Many chapters have their own local and national websites. Check out what the chapter stands for, what their values are, and what causes they support. We have linked all our organization's national websites here. Just click the chapter's name at the bottom of the page.
    • Check out the community scorecards. The scorecards give data and insight about each council and each chapter. The information given on the scorecards is an important aspect to consider when making your decision. 
  2. Keep an open mind
    • While it’s important to do your research, it's also important to keep an open mind. Each chapter has its own personality and getting to know the members is the best way to learn that personality. 
    • Take the time to get to know more than just one or a few chapters. There is a chapter for everyone and it is vital that you do your due diligence to find the best chapter for you!

Other ways to learn about us:

  • Talk to members of the community about their experience.
  • Stop by the Fraternity and Sorority Life tables at the Engagement Fair.
  • Participate in one of the recruitment/intake processes organized by the councils.