Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) at the University of West Georgia promotes academic excellence, leadership, community service, friendships, and social opportunities. Fraternities and sororities exist as a proven support network for a student as they embark on this new period of life. Close to a million students across the country currently are fraternity and sorority members. The Fraternity and Sorority Life community makes up 11% of the University of West Georgia student body.

The fraternity or sorority can help personalize the student experience at college by offering a scholastic support system, by providing hands-on experience in leading committees, managing budgets, and interacting with faculty and administrators, by exposing the student to potential careers thought educational programs and discussions with alumni; by offering the change to give back to the community through service projects; and by creating close friendships with men and women who will cheer him or her on when times are tough.

With all these opportunities available, it is no wonder that fraternity and sorority members tend to graduate from college at significantly higher rates than those not involved in fraternities and sororities.

There are over 150 organizations to choose from at UWG. Joining a fraternity or sorority offers a home away from home, with brothers and sisters of national and international families. The relationships that you build while a collegiate member will last far beyond your days at the university.

Hazing is Forbidden

New members of fraternities and sororities experience a period of educational orientation into their organization known as the new member period. During this time, students beginning their new member education process and other new members will participate in weekly meetings to learn about the university and the fraternity/sorority history.

They will also participate in leadership retreats, community service project, and activities designed to enrich their experience and build friendships among new and initiated members.

The University of West Georgia has a zero-tolerance to hazing policy and all fraternity and sorority headquarters forbid hazing and are committed to membership education period that instills a sense of responsibility and concern for all members.

Hazing Hotline: 844-784-7409

We focus on upholding the law.

Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternal values and ideals. All fraternities and sororities are expected to uphold state and city laws, and university, fraternity/sorority, and CPC/IFC/MGC/NPHC/(governing councils) policies regarding consumption of alcohol.

In addition, fraternities and sororities are not allowed to purchase alcohol for members or guests at any social function. Today’s fraternities and sororities strive to promote responsibility concerning alcohol.

Each fraternity or sorority is self-supporting through chapter dues charged to new members and initiated members. In the first year, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, expenses will be the regular dues which average between $55 – $70 per month.

National Pan-Hellenic Council organization dues vary with most onetime undergraduate membership dues ranging from $950 - $2,200.

Students often find it difficult to manage their time when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college life. However, the GPA among Fraternity and Sorority Life students has been consistently higher than the All University Student’s GPA.

Fraternities and sororities assist in the transition by offering scholarship programs that may include student partners, test-taking strategies, and incentives, along with time management workshops. You can network with members who already know how to use campus resources such as the library, tutors, computer labs, study lounges, and academic advising.

While Fraternity and Sorority Life organizations are concerned about members’ academic achievement, students are still ultimately responsible for utilizing the resources made available to them at UWG.

Participating in any worthwhile activity or organization always requires an investment of one’s time.

Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through his or her Fraternity and Sorority Life involvement, members will learn how to balance academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.

In order to participate in Recruitment, or Intake, a first-time university student must have a 2.0 UWG adjusted GPA from high school, and West Georgia (or transfer) students must have a 2.0 University GPA based on a minimum of 12 hours of non-developmental University work. However, both the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils suggest that a student have a minimum of 2.20 GPA because some fraternities and sororities cannot extend bids to students who have below a 2.20 UWG adjusted GPA.

Each chapter has their own guidelines however, and some have requirements as high as a 2.7 GPA. The average GPA required by NPHC chapters is a 2.5; however, some also require a higher GPA. No one placed in Learning Support Classes is eligible to pursue membership until they successfully complete all Learning Support Classes and earn a 2.00 based on 12 hours or more in non-learning support classes. A student must maintain full-time student status (minimum of 12 credit hours, 9 for summer) during his/her new member period.

The Center for Student Involvement and Inclusion administers these policies. If you have questions about them or would like to receive a copy of the complete policy governing Fraternity and Sorority Life Organizations, contact the Center for Student Involvement and Inclusion in the Campus Center.

Fraternities and sororities along with the leadership of their respective governing councils organize a process of meeting people and making friends. This is called “Recruitment” or “Intake.” This process introduces prospective members to current members of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community and gives unaffiliated students the chance to learn what makes fraternity and sorority life unique.

Panhellenic Council Recruitment including the following sorority chapters (Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, Kappa Delta and Phi Mu) hosts recruitment on the first week of classes.

Interfraternity Council Recruitment including the following fraternity chapters (Alpha Sigma Phi, Chi Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Nu, Tau Kappa Epsilon) occurs throughout the semester of school.

National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters including the following fraternities and sororities (Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta) host membership intake sessions during the fall and spring semester. Check campus announcements for specific dates for each organization.

Annual opportunities for new students to find out about Fraternity and Sorority Life and meet fraternity and sorority leaders include the “Get the Scoop on Fraternity and Sorority Life” and "Fraternity and Sorority Life Spring Preview" hosted by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. These events allow students to mix and mingle with the active chapters on campus and learn more about each organization.

• North American Interfraternity Conference
• National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated
• National Panhellenic Conference