Student FAQs
Why should I join a fraternity or sorority?
The reason for joining a fraternity or sorority differs for everyone. Here are some of the benefits of joining greek life:
- Alumnae/Alumni networks that help you land your dream job/internship.
- Become part of the largest student community on campus.
- Develop your real-world skills through trainings provided by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
- Trainings include: Leadership, Time Management, Career Development and much more!
- Numerous leadership opportunities.
- Make lifelong friends.
- Gives you the opportunity to give back to the community and raise money for people in need.
- Group participation in large scale events such as Greek Week, Homecoming and TCNJam.
What is the process of becoming a member?
After going through recruitment and signing a bid to an organization, you will have a hazing prevention meeting. You will learn about what exactly constitutes as hazing and what to do if you experience any form of it. Every organization, prior to accepting new members, must have their new member education plan approved by the Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life. The new member education process takes up no more than 15 hours per week and lasts a maximum of 6 weeks, although some organizations initiate you within a few days of receiving and signing a bid.
Is there a time commitment with fraternity/sorority membership?
Fraternity or sorority membership definitely requires a time commitment. Time commitments vary among the different fraternities and sororities, but students should expect weekly occurring meetings during the academic year. New member education tends to be a busy time for new and initiated members. Potential new members are encouraged to ask fraternity and sorority leadership this question for more specific information.
Is there a financial obligation?
There is a financial commitment associated with joining all fraternities and sororities. The costs of membership can vary by chapter and member, and may include dues for housing, meals, parlor fees, and programming. Chapters and their respective alumni corporations assess dues and fees per semester, and often work with an independent billing agency to do so. The College of New Jersey assesses a semesterly Fraternity and Sorority Life Involvement Fee of $45 for active undergraduate members of recognized fraternities and sororities. Please contact chapters directly regarding specific dues or billing questions.
Parent FAQs
How much does joining a Fraternity or Sorority cost?
Dues for each organization vary from group to group. For fraternities, dues range between $100-$500 per semester. For sororities, dues range between $100-$350 per semester. If there are financial issues, every organization has a treasurer that your son or daughter can talk with to form a payment plan.
Will my child be hazed?
Every new member is mandated to attend a hazing prevention workshop prior to beginning their membership. Here your student will learn about what exactly hazing is and what to do if they become a victim of hazing or know someone who is. Additionally, The College of New Jersey has a zero tolerance for hazing- it is a violation of the Student organization Code of Conduct, as well as New Jersey state law. If organizations or individuals are found responsible they will be adjudicated through the Office of Student Conduct. To learn more about the Student Organization Code of Conduct, please visit Office of Student Conduct’s Website.
New Jersey State legislature:
New Jersey State Anti-Hazing Law: A person is guilty of hazing, a disorderly person offense, if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, he knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates, or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury.
What are the benefits of joining a Greek Organization?
Almost all Greek Organizations at TCNJ are national groups. This means they have chapters located throughout the United States which allows for massive networking opportunities. In fact, a lot of members receive full time jobs or internships through the chapter’s alumni network!
On top of that, there are multiple leadership opportunities within greek life. This will transform your child into a future leader in the workforce!
Will being in a Greek Organization lower my child’s GPA?
Absolutely not! In fact, Greek students have a higher GPA than non-greeks and almost every chapter has some form of an academic or mentorship program to assist members in their studies.
- All Men’s GPA 3.0 v. All Fraternity GPA 3.1
- All Women’s GPA: 3.3 v. All Sorority GPA: 3.4
- All Student’s GPA: 3.2 v. All Greek GPA: 3.3
- 50% of Greek students earn a spot on Dean’s List