FAQs: Families & Prospective Students

Please continue reading through some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQ) for additional information:

Values Congruence / Finding an organization that is a best fit

• Whether a large or small chapter, a culturally-based group or a general interest fraternity or sorority, a newly formed organization or one that has been established for many years, deciding where to join is a matter of individual alignment with the core values of a fraternity or sorority. Each organization is unique and adds vibrancy to the campus, community, and certainly its members. Take time to ask questions of the active members to determine where you have the strongest connection. It is absolutely about your own personal fit.

Time Commitment

• Like other co-curricular activities, how much you get out of your membership is related to how much you invest. On average, expect to contribute approximately four hours per week in meetings and other required activities/events. Optional activities, including holding an elected officer position, playing on an intramural sports team, helping with various service and community projects, or attending social events will add more time to your schedule. The activities in fraternity and sorority life should easily fit into your schedule, allowing ample time for classes, studying, work, and participation in additional campus activities.

Finances

• Membership in a fraternity or sorority does include requisite dues that may be paid to an inter/national headquarters organization and/or the local UIC chapter. These dues cover important costs for membership certification, educational materials, insurance, leadership conferences, paraphernalia, and local service and social events.
• Each organization uniquely sets the semester/yearly rates and patterns for dues collection, with a variable range from $50 - $500 per semester, depending on the size of the chapter and their intended function. Be certain to ask questions about dues and payment plans when meeting with active members of each organization for more information.

Zero Tolerance for Hazing

• Hazing has no place in the Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) community at UIC, nor in any student organization activity.  We work closely with all interested students, those in the process of joining as new members, active members, and advising networks to ensure that the membership experience in Fraternity and Sorority Life is healthy, positive, and uplifting with mutual support for academic and co-curricular pursuits.  Any actions that disrupt the health and safety of student life will be investigated.
• The Student Disciplinary Policy prohibits hazing, which is defined as: “To engage in actions that recklessly or intentionally endanger the health, safety, or to inflict bodily injury on any students in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in an organization (either registered or unregistered) associated with the University, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. The behavior is considered hazing if it is: (a) inconsistent with the purpose or protocol of the organization; (b) not sanctioned or authorized by the University; (c) humiliating, degrading, or risks emotional and/or physical harm; and (d) unreasonably interferes with academic or social activities or success. Silent participation or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are NOT neutral acts; they are violations of this section.”
• We encourage any member of the community to report hazing to the university, providing all known details of concern.
• If you have questions about remaining proactive to support the university’s zero tolerance stance, please email stophazing@uic.edu for additional information.

Housing

• At present, UIC does not have campus housing for individual fraternity and sorority chapters. As our FSL community continues to grow and identifies needs that align with key university priorities and learning outcomes, campus fraternity and sorority life staff will explore opportunities to develop fraternity and sorority living communities.

Other Topics

• If you have additional questions on any topic related to fraternity and sorority membership, please email uicgreek@uic.edu for additional support and feedback.