FAQs
What are the advantages of membership?
Supportive friends, scholastic resources, leadership opportunities, sports competition, philanthropic projects, career opportunities and becoming a part of a national network. Fraternities and sororities are value-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship.
How do I determine which organization is best for me?
Joining a Greek letter organization is simply a matter of personal preference. Each organization has its own uniqueness and advantages. Before deciding to join a fraternity or sorority, we always advise that you do the necessary research to learn about the organization. Regardless, you should choose the organization in which you feel most comfortable with.
What is the GPA requirement?
College Panhellenic Council highly recommends a 2.5 GPA to go through recruitment but many chapters have a higher GPA requirement in place through their national organization. Interfraternity Council requires a 2.7 GPA to join. National Pan-Hellenic Council has a 2.5 GPA requirement but some organizations have a higher GPA requirement. Alpha Psi Lambda also requires a 2.5 GPA to join. The best thing to do is talk to the organization you are interested in and ask what the GPA requirement is to join.
How will my grades be impacted by fraternity / sorority membership?
Academic success is a key component to fraternity and sorority life. All fraternities and sororities at CCU place a value on the academic success of their members. A few of the ways that Greek organizations support the academics of their members is through minimum grade requirements for holding an office and being initiated into the chapter, study halls, providing workshops on study skills, test taking and time management. In support of these academic efforts, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life compiles academic information for organizations each semester. Chapters use academic information to assist students and to set minimum qualifications for initiation, involvement in chapter activities, and/or eligibility for officer elections. It is important to note that the average GPA collectively for fraternity / sorority members traditionally exceeds 3.0, so students are encouraged to achieve the highest GPA possible for the best opportunity of membership.
How much does it cost to join a fraternity or sorority?
Costs for joining a fraternity or sorority vary by chapter. Chapter dues are paid each semester and the money goes towards paying for local and national dues, membership development programs, as well as social fees, and some incidentals. Costs are paid directly to the fraternity/sorority. Most chapters offer payment plans for students, and scholarships may be available within the individual chapters as well. The University does not have a role in this process; the student deals directly with the chapter. It is important that the student asks questions so that they are able to understand where the money is going.
What is the fraternity and sorority life fee?
In 2017 the Board of Trustees approved a fee of $20 per semester for students who participate in fraternity and sorority life. The purpose of this fee is to provide the fraternities and sororities with a sustainable advising and programming model to create a membership experience that is congruent with both the university’s and the organizations’ mission, purpose and values. Similar fees have been implemented at institutions such as Clemson University, Ball State University, University of Tampa and the University of South Carolina. This fee will be assessed to affiliated students each semester through Student Accounts throughout the duration of their membership in a fraternity or sorority at Coastal Carolina University.
The majority of the fee will go to cover staff support in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. This will provide better advising for the chapters and councils as the community continues to grow. Council and chapter presidents will be involved in deciding programming initiatives made available through this fee.
When will I be charged the fraternity and sorority life fee?
Returning members will be charged when bills from Student Accounts are released in July and November for the upcoming semester. Current chapter rosters will be used to determine who is a member of an organization. During the first semester of membership students joining or transferring into an organization in the College Panhellenic Council (CPC) or Interfraternity Council (IFC), will be charged by Student Accounts October 1 and March 1. Students participating in the Membership Intake Process for National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) will be charged during their first full semester of membership due to the timing of Intake during the previous semester. If a student resigns or has its membership terminated in the middle of the semester, or if an organization is suspended by the University for violations of the Student Code of Conduct, the membership will not be charged the following semester and no refunds will be given.
If you believe you have been charged this fee in error, please contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, at greek@coastal.edu with the information below. Once we confirm with your chapter president that you are no longer a member of the organization, the charge will be removed from your bill.
- Name
- CCUID
- Organization
- Phone
- Reason you believe you were charged in error
What is the time commitment for being involved with a fraternity or sorority?
Being a member of a chapter can be a substantial time commitment. The time commitment is what you make of it. Some students put all of their time into their fraternity/sorority, while others divide their time between their chapter and experiencing other things on campus. There are some required events, but you can always choose which events you want to be a part of. And remember, scholarship is one of the shared values of all fraternities and sororities, so activities will not take away from the student’s academic career, as long as the student plans ahead. Fraternity and sorority students learn quickly how to manage their busy schedules, which will help them scholastically, as well as after graduation as they move into the workforce. The more time members spend with their fraternity brothers or sorority sisters at chapter activities, the more they will get out of their Greek experience. On average a member will spend 3-5 hours a week at required events and/or meetings.
Does financial aid cover any of the fees associated with being in a fraternity or sorority?
NO. Financial aid awards are handled directly through the University. Tuition, residence hall contracts (NOT fraternity and sorority fees), and other University fees are deducted from the amount you are awarded each semester. The remaining amount is then issued to you in the form of a check. You are then responsible for all payments to your fraternity or sorority.
What is XYZ fraternity / sorority like? What is the “best” chapter on campus?
All fraternities and sororities share the values of scholarship, leadership, service, and brotherhood/sisterhood. The CCU Fraternity and Sorority community is very strong, and all of the chapters fulfill their duties to achieve excellence in these areas. Each chapter has its own personality, and the student will sense in what chapter he or she would feel the most comfortable during the recruitment/intake process.
What is the policy on hazing?
University policy, state law, and individual fraternity and sorority policies prohibit hazing. If a student believes that he or she is being hazed, he or she should report it immediately to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, chapter advisor, University official, or a police officer. All reports of hazing are handled in a serious and timely manner.
Is there fraternity or sorority housing at Coastal?
No, at CCU we do not have or provide fraternity or sorority housing.
What is the role of the parents?
Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking question of your son or daughter as they meet people through the recruitment process. If parents ever have any question or concerns, please do no hesitate to contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
How do we find out more?
Contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at 843-349-2336, by email at greek@coastal.edu, or stop by our office in the Lib Jackson Student Union B201 and be sure to visit us at the Information Fair during your Summer Orientation or Organization Kick-Off.