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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the percentage of Butler students who belong to a social fraternity/sorority?

A: Between 28-38% of our undergraduates become members; this varies throughout the year because of recruitment, graduation, etc.

Q: How can I join a fraternity or sorority?

A: Recruitment is the name given to the fraternity/sorority selection process; it has been referred to as rush, as well as intake for the citywide chapters. Recruitment is a mutual selection process during which students interested in joining a fraternity/sorority have the opportunity to visit the various chapters, meet some of the members, and learn more about the organizations ideals.

Students must have successfully completed 12 hours and have attained a minimum GPA to participate in recruitment. Students may participate in either the formal or informal recruitment periods.

Q: What is Formal Recruitment?

A: Formal recruitment refers to a designated period in early January when interested men and women participate in organized recruitment events designed to introduce students to all Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council member chapters. Advanced registration is required.

Citywide chapters typically do not participate in Butler's IFC or Panhellenic formal recruitment by choice. Each citywide chapter maintains a separate recruitment calendar. Contact information for each of the citywide chapters is available from the Office of Greek Life.

Q: If I participate in Formal Recruitment, do I have to pledge?

A: No, while there is, potentially, a place in the Greek community for every student, membership in a Greek organization is a personal decision. Joining a fraternity or sorority may not be for you.

Q: What is Open Recruitment?

A: Open recruitment can occur in the spring (following formal recruitment) and/or the fall. Individual chapters may choose to participate in recruitment at these times if the chapter is below its desired number. Each chapter is responsible for planning and publicizing its own open recruitment events. A Butler student must have successfully completed a minimum of 12 credit hours to participate in these informal recruitment periods.

Q: Will joining a fraternity or sorority hurt my academic career?

A: Joining a Greek chapter usually increases a students chance for academic success. Most chapters have strong academic programs which help foster, as well as reward, academic achievement. Many chapters observe study hours and encourage study groups and tutoring. Often, students are encouraged to set academic goals for the semester. Scholarship opportunities are also available.

Q: Do fraternities and sororities haze?

A: Indiana state statutes, Interfraternity, Panhellenic and NPHC policies, national/international organizational policies and University policy all prohibit students from engaging in any activity that may be considered hazing. Butler University's statement on hazing is available for your review. Butler University does not tolerate hazing. Instead, new members develop bonds with and learn about their chapter through educational programming, chapter events, and philanthropy projects. Greeks have learned that members are much more productive and enthusiastic when they are positively motivated and educated, rather than hazed and demoralized.

Q: If I join a Greek organization, will I be expected to drink?

A: The decision to drink or not to drink is one that every college student must make for him/herself. Many students, both Greek and non-Greek, choose to abstain from using alcohol and find their college experiences just as enjoyable. The Butler University Greek community has a strict alcohol policy which regulates the consumption of alcohol at events. Every fraternity and sorority educates its new members on these alcohol policies, as well as related issues of personal responsibility and safety.

Q: If I join a Greek organization, how much time is involved?

A: Make no mistake - members of Greek organizations will have some mandatory commitments, such as chapter meetings and other activities. Time commitments for new members is an excellent topic of conversation during recruitment events! While academic achievement is a primary focus, fraternities and sororities participate in a wide variety of activities, including socials, date functions, philanthropy events, Homecoming, Greek Week, and many other campus activities. Participation in these events is highly encouraged because it gives members an opportunity to meet students from other chapters and teaches the importance of time management.

Q: What opportunities will I have to develop my leadership skills?

A: Greek life will offer you the opportunity to excel both within your chapter and on campus. All members are encouraged to take an active role within the chapter ranging from serving on committees to committee chairmanships to executive offices. In addition, there are over 100 student organizations in which you can become involved. Greek members are involved in nearly every aspect of these activities and can encourage fellow Greek members take active roles in campus leadership.