Q. Why should I join a
fraternity/sorority?
A. Joining a fraternity/sorority
has several benefits in a college experience as well as in one’s
life. Greek organizations are recognized for producing future
student leaders. Going Greek teaches lessons of responsibility,
time management, leadership, team-work, and so much more! In
addition, you are making numerous new friends and becoming actively
involved on campus.
Q. How do I join a
fraternity/sorority?
A. If you are interested in
joining a fraternity/sorority, you should attend activity fairs,
recruitment events, and/or informational meetings to get to know
the organization and its members. Once you have selected an
organization, and the organization has selected you, you can become
a new member. At this point, you will undergo the new member
education process. Upon completion, you will be initiated as a
member of the organization.
Q. How much money/time does joining
a fraternity/sorority cost?
A. Financial requirements vary
for each organization. New members sometimes have to pay a new
member fee, initiation fee, and pin fee. Once initiated, dues
apply, which can range depending on the organization. Once
you decide to join, the new member education process differs for
each group. The maximum amount of time for new member education is
six weeks if you are joining in the fall semester and eight weeks
if you are joining in the spring semester.
Q. Will I be hazed?
A. St. John's University
has a strict anti-hazing policy. Hazing includes any action that
may produce physical or mental discomfort, embarrassment, ridicule
or endangerment of a student or group of students. Hazing of any
kind is not condoned nor will be tolerated at St. John's
University. If at any time you feel you are being hazed, you should
contact the Greek Life Advisor.
Q. What are the requirements I need
to fulfill before joining?
A. You must be a full time
undergraduate student and have completed a minimum of 12 credits
and have a minimum 2.5 GPA before joining a fraternity or sorority.
First semester freshmen are not eligible for membership into a
fraternity/sorority. Upperclassmen and transfer students are
eligible to join a Greek organization as long as he/she is
registered as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits) and has a
cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.
Q. What about all of the
stereotypes?
A. Unfortunately, Greek Life has
been falsely categorized as a bunch of partiers, and as being
irresponsible and abusive individuals that haze, degrade, and
humiliate their members. In reality, Greeks are value-based
organizations dedicated to the development of character and
lifelong friendship, in addition to community involvement and
educational advancement.
Q. Will my entire life be the
fraternity/sorority after I join?
A. Greek members are encouraged
to be involved in other areas in addition to Greek Life. This means
being in other organizations, having non-Greek friends, and
participating in events aside from those in Greek Life. Joining a
fraternity/sorority does not mean giving up your life.
Q. What impact will the
fraternity/sorority membership have on my grades?
A. Greek organizations want
their members to excel in academics. This includes
fraternity/sorority study hours, tutoring, and other supplementary
academic programs. In addition to this, you can access a network of
fraternity/sorority members that already know how to use campus
resources such as the library, computer labs, and academic
advisors. Although many believe joining will negatively affect
their grades, it often does the contrary.
Q. Who should I contact if I have
any questions/concerns?
A. You should contact Chadwin
Sandifer, Director of Campus Life, at (718) 390-4443. He also can
be reached via e-mail at sandifec@stjohns.edu. Or,
you may stop by the Office of Student Life in Campus
Center.
Q. What is formal
recruitment?
A. Formal recruitment is a
process for fraternities and sororities at St. John's University.
It consists of several nights where you have the opportunity to
meet members of each organization to see which one exemplifies the
values that you agree with. At the end of formal recruitment, a
bid, meaning an invitation to join, may be extended to you from a
fraternity or a sorority.
Q. If I go through the formal
recruitment process, am I obligated to join?
A. Once you sign up and attend
formal recruitment, you have no obligation to join any
organization. If at any time you want to quit the process, you are
free to do so.
Q. What if I have work or classes
during one of the nights?
A. Please notify a member of the
Greek Council ahead of time if you have schedule conflicts. We will
usually be able to work with your schedule so you can still go
through the Formal Recruitment Process.