Q: What is the average size of the fraternities at Virginia Tech?
A: The chapters here at Virginia Tech range anywhere from 10 members all the way to over 100. The average size for IFC fraternities is around 40 men in a chapter.
Q: Does it cost a lot of money to join? Where does that money go?
A: Each chapter requires its members to pay dues each semester. Dues tend to cost about $400 a semester on average. A percentage of dues goes straight to each chapter's national organization which funds chapter supplies and often pays for national conferences. The rest of dues goes to pay for basic chapter functions like signing up for intramurals, hosting formal or semi-formal events, donating to philanthropies, funding recruitment, as well as maintaining a chapter house.
Q: What is the time commitment for being a member of a fraternity?
A: Many incoming students will find themselves facing more free time then they were used to in high school. Yet most freshmen who join Greek organizations find that becoming more involved helps to manage their time between classes and fraternity activities. Although many organizations have some mandatory events or meetings, many fraternity events are optional, especially the social events.
Q: What about pledging and hazing?
A: The pledge, or associate member, process tends to be one of the most rewarding periods of time for many college men. The process is far different than what you see in the movies. Men joining fraternities at Virginia Tech will become part of a smaller group, known as a pledge class, that tends to be their closest friends, even after college. Each class will have weekly meetings to learn the values and procedures of the chapter. Many pledge classes will participate in class fundraisers, class retreats, community service projects, as well as other activities to build relationships between their class and all of the brothers.
According to the IFC Bylaws, " No chapter, student, or alumnus shall participate in or condone any such activities. Hazing is hereby defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule."
Q: Can only freshmen join?
A: No. While many students seek membership during their freshmen year, any student fully enrolled at Virginia Tech can join a fraternity. Many men join their sophomore and junior years and since men become brothers for life, fraternity membership can be just as rewarding no matter what year you decide to join.
Q: What will I get out of joining a fraternity?
A: Fraternity life can be so beneficial to everyone. For many, joining a fraternity can help ease the transition between high school and college by helping them to get involved right away and meet countless new people. Not only do men become close with their brothers, they also have the opportunity to network with alumni, students, and university administrators. Also, by joining a national organization, you will have the opportunity to be connected to men across the country, which can open the door for many future career opportunies.
Q: Doesn't "social" fraternity mean parties all of the time?
A: Being a part of a social fraternity does not mean drinking and partying every weekend. Fraternities participate in many social activities other than parties. For instance, Homecoming week allows organizations to come together and interact with the Greek community through competitions, such as a float building contest for the parade. Many philanthropic events also allow organizations to work together and compete.
Q: How will my grades be affected by joining?
A: It is a proven statistic that many Greeks tend to have better grades than those who are non-Greek. Being a part of a Greek organization also allows members to find brothers who are either in the same major or have taken the same classes in previous years. Working with a brother is a great way to get extra help or ask questions about classes. Many fraternities also require their associate members to maintain a certain number of study hours during the pledge process.
Q: What kind of leadership opportunites are available?
A: Being in a fraternity opens countless doors for leadership opportunities all over campus. You will soon notice that Greeks have a tremendous presence in student activities at Virginia Tech. Many members of the Student Government Association, Class Leadership teams, Orientation Leaders, Academic Honor Societies, Club and Varsity Athetic Teams, and countless service organizations are also involved in a fraternity or sorority. Each chapter also offers many leadership positions, such as being an elected or appointed officer in the fraternity's executive board.
Q: What philanthropic opportunities do fraternities offer?
A: Every fraternity and sorority has a philanthropic organization that their fraternity sponsors and raises money or goods to support. Whether it is the Blacksburg Fire Department, the American Red Cross, Children's Miracle Netwook, Cancer Research, Juvenille Diabetes, Service for Sight or the Ronald McDonald House, there are countless ways for Greeks to support their community.
Q: What athletic opportunities are available?
A: Not only does the Interfraternity Council sponsor athletic tournaments, each chapter can also sign up teams for many of the intermural sports offered by VT Rec Sports. Many fraternities have teams in sports such as flag football, soccer, intertube water polo, softball, basketball, and even sports such as darts, billiards, and ping pong.
Q: There are so many different fraternities? How will I know which one is right for me?
A: The Interfraternity Council encourages potential new fraternity members to spend time getting to know as many fraternities as possible. There is definitely a perfect fit for everyone, but it is up to you to find that brotherhood. You can start by looking through the IFC website on the chapter profiles page, where every chapter is listed. You can also attend events such as Greek 101 at the beginning of each semester where every chapter will have a table set up to speak to interested men. Also, during the formal recruitment period, each chapter will host events open to anyone. Take the time to go to as many events as possible to meet many fraternities and look for the chapter that best fits you.