Greek Life

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fraternities and sororities haze?
No. Hazing is not only wrong but also illegal. Hazing is a crime under Texas law and under the University's Student Code of Conduct, it is a violation. All of our fraternities and sororities have their own anti-hazing policies. 

Students seeking membership in Greek-letter organizations should never be asked to engage in any behavior nor do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. This is considered hazing and will not be tolerated.

If at any time you feel as though you are being hazed, please contact the Office of Student Engagement or the Dean of Students Office. For additional hazing information, follow this link and scroll to the bottom of the page.

How do I go about joining a fraternity or sorority?

Our organizations take in members in different ways. For our National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) chapters, they will do a Primary Recruitment (sometimes called Formal Recruitment) once in the fall semester. If permitted those chapters may take members apart from primary recruitment in a process known as "Continious Open Bidding" or COB. These are typically activities that are more informal and give those who have been thinking about joining a sorority the option to check it out. Not every chapter may do COB, so it is best to check with the Office of Greek Affairs or contact the chapter via Patriots Engage first. 

For our National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters, they participate in a process called "intake" and intake is also a formal process. You will find out more information about the organization you wish to join, what their criteria for becoming a member is, and learn more about the overall process. If accepted the organization will let you know. For NPHC chapters, you can reach out  the Greek Affairs Office, or to the organization via their social media or Patriots Engage.

For our Multicultural Greek Council, they also participate in a process called intake. The organizations in MGC will most commonly host events where interested students can come and learn more about the organization and what it takes to become a member. MGC organizations will host events during the first few weeks of the semester, so keep your eyes on Patriots Engage for those. 

For our Men's Council chapters, it is a little different. These chapters engage in "continuous recruitment" sometimes called 24/7/365 recruitment. Continuous recruitment is more informal and men can join anytime as long as they meet membership requirements. Men's Council will typically host a recruitment week at the beginning of each semester for men who are interested to come and learn more about membership and get to know the members in the organization. Contact the Office of Greek Affairs or any one of our fraternities if you are interested in joining. 

You can find out more about fraternity and sorority opportunities on our how to join page. 

What are the grade and/or enrollment requirements to join a fraternity or sorority?

Individual fraternities and sororities do have a specific grade point average and credit hour requirements to join their organizations, so please check the Sorority Recruitment and Fraternity Recruitment websites for more information.

How much does it cost to join a fraternity or sorority?

Costs to join a fraternity or sorority vary from organization to organization. Typically, the fees the first semester a student joins are higher than subsequent semesters. Most fraternities and sororities have payment plans, and many members have part-time jobs on and off campus in order to help them pay their dues. Joining a fraternity or sorority at UT Tyler is affordable! Remember that you are joining a national organization and think of it not as dues or fees, but as an investment in your growth and development as a student, as a leader, and as a person.

Do I have to live in the fraternity or sorority house if I join?

Currently, The University of Texas at Tyler does not have any type sorority or fraternity housing.