Q: Why should I join a fraternity?
A: The introduction to college is one of the biggest life changes you will ever experience. Fraternities at CMU provide the undergraduate student body with a combination of not just a residential and community experience, but also a network to undergo personal and professional development. Developing these meaningful relationships with chapter members will make the campus seem smaller and more personal, and set you on a path to meet countless talented members of the student body. Chapters are also dedicated to establishing close circles of brotherhood and giving back to the Pittsburgh community through philanthropy. Most importantly, joining a fraternity develops strong leadership skills - 85% of all Supreme Court Justices since 1910 were in fraternities, 63% of United States cabinet members have been a part of fraternities and sororities, and 44% of all US Presidents were in fraternities.
Q: How do I join a fraternity?
A: During the 2nd and 3rd weeks of each semester, a period known as "Rush" occurs. During Rush, the fraternities at CMU host events to get to know the men interested in joining the fraternal community. These events range from casual meet-and-greets to larger social gatherings, giving potential members the chance to experience each chapter’s culture and values. At the end of Rush, chapters extend invitations, known as "bids", to those they believe will be a great fit for their brotherhood. Once a bid is accepted, new members enter a structured education period designed to introduce them to the chapter’s history, values, and expectations, while fostering bonds that will last throughout their college years and beyond.
Q: How do I decide which chapter is right for me?
A: We greatly encourage all students to attend recruitment events hosted by any organizations they believe they may be interested in! The best way to find your best fit will be to converse with the brothers in different chapters and get their firsthand perspectives. While each chapter does uphold similar values of academic achievement, brotherhood, and community service, you will find there is a lot to the organizations that make them differ.
Q: If I begin rushing do I have to join a fraternity?
A: Rushing is meant to be a process for new students to get introduced to our Greek communities and begin to see where they might best fit in. Rushing is by no means binding! If you are extended a bid by a chapter throughout the rush process you are under no obligation to accept it. You can always take time to reevaluate and make decisions when they are needed, rushing is just meant to be a way for undergraduates to make some initial introductions.
Q: How much time is required to join a fraternity?
A: The amount of time required to be a member of Greek life varies from chapter to chapter. One thing that will remain constant, however, is the semester in which you rush will be the most intensive period for you. This is due to the different education periods hosted by different organizations. The time spent in this program will help you develop leadership and time management skills, get you ingrained within your chapter’s history, help you develop bonds with the rest of your chapter, and allow you to begin to meet other organizations. After being initiated, time requirements will vary dramatically between different fraternities. Each will have weekly chapter meetings and some number of mandatory events, but apart from that you can increase or decrease your time commitment based on the type of leadership you would like to engage in within your chapter.
Q: How much does it cost to join a fraternity?
A: The Greek experience at CMU, with the hallmark leadership skills, academic assistance, and friendships associated with it, serve as an investment into your future. For that reason, joining a fraternity will carry with it a financial commitment. Each chapter is supported by the dues paid by its respective members, and thus will have a different cost associated with being a member. A large number of them will be able to provide financial assistance as well, if requested. We highly recommend reaching out to members within an organization to have a conversation if you have further questions!
Q: What kind of community service and philanthropies do Greek members participate in?
A: Every year, fundraising events of all kinds are organized and hosted by fraternities across campus to gather money for different non-profit organizations. Individual chapters will participate in community service projects ranging from Greek Sing and 1000+, to Rise Against Hunger and volunteering at food/clothing drives. Giving back to the Pittsburgh community is often one of the most rewarding experiences a student in a fraternity will have in college.