FAQs for Students & Families
Greek Lettered Organizations are a great way for students to make an easier transition into college from home, parents and high school friends. For most students, FSL becomes a home away from home. It becomes a place where close, lifelong friendships are created. These groups emphasize leadership, scholarship, service, and fellowship among other important values.
Students may join a fraternity or sorority at any time during their undergraduate experience at RIC.
Each fraternity and sorority at RIC has its own unique identity, values, and traditions. When making the decision on which one is the best fit for you, here are some questions that can help aid in that process.
- What type of experience are you looking for?
- What are the values of the organization? How do they align with your personal values?
- How much are dues and fees?
- How did you feel while attending chapter events?
- What is the chapter’s philanthropy? What type of service do they do?
- How will membership in the specific organization benefit you?
Expectations and requirements are different for each organization, and you should ask about these during recruitment. Typically, fraternities and sororities have expectations and requirements related to the following: GPA/grades, dues, attendance at chapter meetings, involvement in community service, involvement in chapter education and events, and general personal conduct.
Your experience is what you make of it! Our members know that what you put into the experience is what you will get out of it. We often see students participating in various committees or leadership positions within their organization. We encourage students to find a healthy balance between involvement in their chapter, involvement in other clubs or organizations, and their academic responsibilities.
Students must meet the following three requirements to join a Fraternity or Sorority at RIC:
- Be enrolled as a student at Rhode Island College.
- Hold a 2.25 minimum cumulative GPA.
- Meet any requirements held by the specific organization in question.
Absolutely. Rhode Island College is a predominantly commuter campus, and many students involved in fraternities or sororities are commuters. Commuting is in no way a barrier to joining.
Each organization has their own dues structure, so it is best practice to inquire about the cost to any organization you are interested in joining. Though financial commitment is necessary, that commitment comes with many benefits. Most organizations will offer payment plans, allowing you to spread payments throughout the semester instead of making the dues payment in full at once.
Yes, chapters encourage their members to participate in other collegiate programs, sports, and clubs. Our members are part of a wide array of different on campus activities, including athletics and leadership. Members also hold jobs during their time in organizations, ad are able to balance these commitments with their commitments to their organizations.
Individual fraternities and sororities elect student officers to manage day-to-day operations. These officers are assisted by volunteer advisors. Each organization is also responsible for reporting to their national headquarters, which offers support, advice and direction through professional staff and regional volunteers. Further, the office of Student Engagement & Leadership Development aids in overseeing and advising all of the fraternities and sororities, training them on policies, and ensuring they are maintaining a safe experience for their members.
Hazing is illegal, plain and simple. The college, along with the national organizations that oversee our fraternities and sororities, prohibit these activities. If you or your student is experiencing hazing, we encourage you to report it to the Office of Student Activities, the Dean of Students Office, or the anonymous hotline: 1-800-NOT-HAZE. All credible allegations will be investigated, but the more details you are able to provide, the better we can follow up.
If you have done research on our groups but don’t see one for you, feel free to contact Student Engagement & Leadership Development to find out about any new groups coming to campus or to discuss bringing a new organization through our Expansion process. In full transparency, it can take quite some time to bring a new organization to campus, but it’s not impossible!
