Frequently Asked Questions

Between 35–38 percent of our undergraduate students become members; this varies throughout the year because of recruitment, graduation, etc.

Recruitment is a mutual selection process during which students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority have the opportunity to meet members of various chapters and learn more about the organizations’ ideals.

Butler University observes deferred recruitment, meaning that students may not affiliate until they have successfully completed at least one semester of coursework in a degree program. The primary recruitment period for Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association chapters is in January during the week prior to the start of the spring semester. To participate, students must be academically eligible and may not be on probation with the University. Advanced registration is required. Eligible students may also participate in open recruitment during the academic year.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities and sororities will observe separate recruitment calendars. These organizations also require candidates to have successfully completed a minimum number of hours with a minimum GPA. For more information, contact the Office of Fraternity or Sorority Life.

During the year, each of our chapters will host events and activities a their chapter houses. Additionally, chapters will hold events on-campus to meet their members. If you are interested in visiting a house, coordinate with the chapter by attending a philanthropy event or joining members for a meal. During Orientation Week, students are encouraged to get to know their classmates by participating in Welcome Week activities while getting acclimated to the Butler campus.

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

Open recruitment can occur in the spring (following the primary recruitment week) and/or the fall semester. You may also hear this referred to as COB (continuous open bidding). 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.

Joining a fraternity or sorority 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.

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 does not tolerate hazing. Instead, new members develop bonds with and learn about their chapter through educational programming, chapter events, and philanthropy projects. Fraternities and sororities 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 affiliated and non-affiliated, choose to abstain from using alcohol and find their college experiences just as enjoyable. The Butler University fraternity and sorority 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.

Members of fraternities and sororities 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, 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.

Fraternities and sororities 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 150 student organizations in which you can become involved. Fraternity and sorority members are involved in nearly every aspect of these activities and can encourage fellow members take active roles in campus leadership.

To participate in recruitment activities, students must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of at least 12 credit hours
• Minimum cumulative GPA equivalent to either the minimum GPA requirement of the respective organization or the respective council (2.5 for Panhellenic chapters (please note many chapters may have a higher requirement), 2.5 for IFC chapters, NPHC chapters as per each organization’s requirement)
• Not on academic or conduct probation with the University

• Each fraternity/sorority property is owned by an alumni/ae corporation board or national corporation board. Housing contracts are between the student and house corporation.
• Only sophomores, juniors, and seniors may live in fraternity/sorority housing, as approved by the University.
• Housing availability for all members is not guaranteed. Each organization has an independent process for determining which members will receive the opportunity to live in its facility.
• All house corporations are required to employ a live-in house director.
• To support the educational mission of the University and residential environment of the surrounding neighborhood, chapters and their members must follow these guidelines:
  • Landscaping and house exteriors will be maintained on a regular basis.
  • Dumpsters and surrounding areas will be clean and sanitary.
  • Music and noise will be kept at reasonable levels and comply with local noise ordinances.
  • Business activities may not be conducted on chapter house lawns or in chapter parking lots.
  • The chapter and its members will respond appropriately to complaints.
  • Chapter members will be respectful of the rights of others who are trying to sleep and study.