Greek Life

Between 26-35% of our undergraduates become members; this varies throughout the year because of recruitment, graduation, etc.

Butler observes deferred recruitment, meaning that students may not join a fraternity or sorority until after successful completion of 12 or more credit hours with a minimum grade point average. For first year students, the first opportunity is in January during formal recruitment.  All chapters that are part of the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association extend invitations to membership during this time. Individual chapters may also participate in informal recruitment during either the fall or spring semesters if the chapter is interested and eligible to expand membership.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters, the historically Black fraternities and sororities, conduct recruitment, or intake, independently. For more information about a specific NPHC organization, contact the Office of Greek Life.

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 Council or Panhellenic Association  chapters. Advanced registration is required, as is academic eligibility.  Participants return early from the holiday break and attend events at all fraternities or sororities during this time.  At the conclusion, a student may be invited to join a chapter.

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.

Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association-member chapters may conduct open recruitment.  This can occur in the spring (following formal recruitment) and/or the fall. Participation is at the decision of the chapter if the organization 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 and have attained a minimum GPA to participate in these informal recruitment periods.

Joining a Greek chapter usually increases a student's 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.

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. Review Butler University's definition of hazing on the Greek Life website. 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.

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 consuming 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.

Make no mistake - members of Greek organizations will have some mandatory commitments, such as chapter meetings. 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, 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.