For many parents and family members, fraternity and sorority life can be a bit of a mystery. New experiences can be overwhelming at first. Here are some of the most common questions we receive from family members.
When can my student join a fraternity or sorority?
First year students must wait until their second semester to join. Transfer students may join during their first semester at Monmouth. Recruitment (sometimes referred to as “intake”) takes place at the beginning of each semester. Regardless of the time at which a student wishes to join, they must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate student (12 credit hours) at Monmouth University.
- Successful completion of at least 12 credit hours at Monmouth or another college/university (Advanced Placement (AP) credits do not count towards the 12 credit requirement).
- A 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA (*PLEASE NOTE: the minimum GPA of 2.5 for new and current members is operating on a trail basis for the spring 2023 semester and will be reviewed by OSE at the end of the term to determine if it should remain or be increased).
- Attend a Fraternity/Sorority Life 101 session and a council orientation
- Complete Not Anymore Training
- Complete an online policy quiz
Remember, these requirements are minimum standards, so interested students should ask each organization about their specific requirements and the Office of Student Engagement for additional requirements to join.
What is the difference between a recognized and unrecognized fraternity/sorority?
University recognized fraternities/sororities work closely with the Office of Student Engagement. They are held accountable to University policies and are able to participate in Greek Life and University-sponsored programs.
Unrecognized fraternities/sororities are subjected to University policies as individual students under the Student Code of Conduct, but not organizational policies as prescribed by the University. They are not monitored by the University. We strongly discourage students from joining these organizations. Visit our “Chapters” page on the website or the “Councils and their Chapters” tab for a full list of recognized fraternities and sororities.
What is the cost associated with joining a fraternity/sorority?
The cost for each organization is different. The on-line chapter profiles provide this information for each organization; however it may change each semester. Your student should ask the organization what the financial obligation is before accepting a bid to an organization.
What about hazing?
Monmouth University has zero tolerance for hazing. Hazing is against the law in New Jersey. It is also a violation of the Monmouth University Student Code of Conduct. It is a policy violation for every recognized fraternity and sorority on our campus. Any chapter who violates this policy may be subjected to organizational and/or individual sanctions and discipline.
If you believe your student is the victim of hazing, we urge you to report your concerns immediately to the Associate Director of Student Engagement for Fraternity and Sorority Life at 732-263-5319.
Other reporting mechanisms include:
- The Office of the Vice President for Student Life & Leadership Engagement at 732-571-3417
- The Office of the General Counsel at 732-571-3598
- Monmouth University Police Department (MUPD) at 732-571-4444
- Contact the National Organization
- Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-668-4293
Who can my student talk to if they have a problem while they are a new member?
There are several people your student can speak with if they have problems or questions:
- Chapter Advisor (An adult advisor to the organization who is a member of the fraternity/sorority. They may or may not be an alumni from Monmouth University)
- Faculty Advisor (a faculty/staff member at Monmouth who serves as a mentor for the organization)
- Chapter President (the student elected by the organization for the semester/year to lead the membership)
- New Member Educator (the student elected to administer the new member program)
- Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
What oversight of activities is done by the University during the New Member Process?
Each chapter is required to submit a new member education/intake plan to our office. This is then reviewed with the new member educator before the new member process begins, as well as twice during the process. During the new member/intake process, new members may receive an email asking them to meet with a staff member from our office to check in and see how they are enjoying the process. All new members and new member educators must also attend a new member education seminar, which is led by staff members from our office. Any student who decides to leave the new member process must also participate in an exit interview.
Does Monmouth have Fraternity and Sorority housing?
No. There are no fraternity or sorority houses on or off campus; however, members from the same organization may choose to live together off campus. These houses are not considered official fraternity or sorority houses.
How do we learn more about the organizations at Monmouth?
There are many ways to learn about the recognized organizations. Please browse our website and view the chapter profiles for all organizations. The chapters listed on our website are the only chapters recognized by the University. You may also consider viewing the recent academic reports, Greek Excellence Report, or contacting the Office of Student Engagement.