Join
How can a student join a fraternity or a sorority?
It is first important to know that we have four governing councils here at the Capstone that oversee our 68 fraternities and sororities. More information on our four governing councils can be found on the Community and Council Overview. More specific information can also be found on council-specific websites and social media accounts.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
- Includes both fraternities and sororities
- Selection of New Members: a chapter-specific process called Membership Intake
Learn more on NPHC’s How to Join
The United Greek Council (UGC)
- Includes both fraternities, sororities, and co-ed fraternities
- Selection of New Members: each chapter has their own recruitment/rush/intake process
Learn more on UGC’s How to Join
The Interfraternity Council (IFC)
- Comprised of fraternities
- Selection of New Members: recruits through two primary methods
- The first informal method allows organizations to recruit members and extend bids for membership before the beginning of classes for the fall semester
- A structured recruitment process also occurs once men have arrived on campus for the fall semester
- Some chapters also recruit in the spring
Learn more on IFC’s How to Join
The Alabama Panhellenic Association (APA)
- Comprised of sororities
- Selection of New Members:
- Primary Recruitment: a formal process the week before the start of the Fall semester in which most orgs participate
- Continuous Open Bidding: an informal follow-up process
Learn more on APA’s How to Join
Cost
What is the average cost to join a fraternity or a sorority?
The financial obligations of joining a fraternity or sorority vary for each individual organization. Each individual chapter has their own set of dues and fees and payment system.
We recommend students ask about the financial obligations of an organization when participating in an intake, recruitment, or rush process.
The Financial Information page has the average financial information for each council broken down by the semester.
Contact
My student is a current member of a fraternity or sorority; what is the best contact information for their chapter if I have a question or concern?
If you have a question regarding specific chapter operations (including finances, housing, membership concerns), we recommend reaching out to the chapter directly primarily through the chapter president.
If you or your student needs assistance in receiving this contact information, you can contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and we can pass your contact information along to those individuals.
When should I contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life?
Our office provides oversight and guidance to the governing councils and the chapters within those councils. If you ever have questions about community-wide policies or a concern, you can always reach out to our office for our support.
Our office can always connect you with or pass along your contact information to a specific individual in a chapter or department as well. We want to be a resource for everyone and will do our best to address questions, comments, and concerns.
Safety
Is hazing permitted at the University of Alabama?
The University of Alabama is committed to maintaining a supportive, educational environment that seeks to enhance the well-being of all members of its community. The University of Alabama prohibits hazing, in any form, of any member of the University community. For more information, visit Hazing Prevention.
Reporting Hazing
The EthicsPoint Hazing Reporting Form, hosted by third party provider, Navex Global, allows for both anonymous and personally identifiable reports of Student Code of Conduct violations. Concerns can also be reported anonymously by calling the Navex toll-free hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 1-866-362-9476.
After processing the report, Navex will provide the information to designated University officials for appropriate action. Reports submitted to Navex will be handled promptly and discreetly. Retaliation of any kind will not be tolerated.
What policies and procedures are put into place to ensure the safety of fraternity and sorority events?
All student organizations on campus participate in event training and a registration program through The Source. Student organizations must also abide by the Social Event Guidelines to ensure a successful event that adheres to all standards and restrictions for events.