Frequently Asked Questions

A Greek organization is a group of individuals of similar interests bonded together by common goals and aspirations. These bonds are created through rituals in which all members participate. Rituals are based on common principles such as honor, friendship, truth and knowledge, to name a few. Each group works to instill these ideals in their members through their everyday activities.

It is referred to as a Greek organization because the name consists of Greek letters. These letters serve as a reminder of the values of the group. Fraternity is a name applied to all Greek organizations, but specifically men's groups. Sorority is the name applied only to women's Greek organizations.

University recognized fraternities and sororities work closely with the University's Fraternity & Sorority Affairs Office. They are held accountable to University policies and are able to participate in Greek Life sponsored programs and events. Unrecognized fraternities and sororities do not have to follow University and Fraternity & Sorority Affairs policies and are not monitored by the University.

Greek Life provides students with various opportunities to be involved in their chapter, council, Greek Community, and university. Some of our top leadership positions on and off campus are held by fraternity and sorority members. The Greek Community also helps its members fine-tune their leadership skills by providing leadership retreats and workshop series. Apart from the university and the councils providing leadership opportunities to the membership, the organizations' national board also provides internships, scholarships, and leadership experiences.

Most importantly, the brotherly and sisterly bonds (family) that will form and memories that will be created is what usually separate Greek Life from other college organizations.

It all depends on your student’s priorities and time management skills. Like any other student organization on campus, fraternity and sorority members may have obligations to the organization (fundraising events, community service/philanthropy, chapter and committee meetings). Let us not forget the social nature of fraternities and sororities and college life in general. As long as your student dedicates time to study, attends class regularly, and uses university academic resources, his/her academics should not be compromised. Additionally, most fraternities and sororities have academic programs and encourage study hours for new members and members who may be struggling academically.

Fraternities and sororities are social organizations. However, they also dedicate time to their organizations' philanthropy and adhere to their mission, values and ideals.

Every chapter has their own requirements in regards to housing. Most encourage their chapter officers to live in. The university is not involved with live-in requirements, as it does not own the houses where the members reside. The organizations' housing corporations or alumni associations take care of filling the house.

This is good question and a decision that needs to be made by your student during the recruitment process. Every chapter is unique and founded on principles. We encourage you to speak with your student about his/her experience during the recruitment process.

CSU, Chico recognizes 30 different fraternities and sororities. Each of these organizations has different amounts of dues associated with membership. The amount is usually shared during the recruitment process. Membership dues may go towards national insurance, housing expenses, social events, philanthropic endeavors, and leadership workshops/retreats.

The California State University system has a zero tolerance for hazing (Title V California Code of Regulations). Any chapter who violates this policy will be given due process and if found responsible may be subjected to organizational and/or individual sanctions and discipline. It is also important to note that most fraternal organizations have adopted anti-hazing policies and have strict rules in regards to new member process.

University recognized fraternities and sororities are self-governing organizations that are required to adhere to their chapters', national organizations' (if national/international), councils', and the university's polices and regulations. In other words, the chapter membership is responsible for numerous standards and regulations. The chapters’ faculty/staff advisor, alumni advisors, and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs help the chapters meet these standards.