Parent and Family Resources

Have questions? We can help! First, here's a quick orientation video for parents and family members from LaunchPoint about Fraternity & Sorority Life on a national level:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What will my student have to do to join a fraternity/sorority?

A: First, they will have to enroll in the recruitment process (for the Interfraternity Council or Panhellenic Association) or attend informational/interest meetings and events (for National Pan-Hellenic Council or Athenian Council). The recruitment and intake processes are different based on the council, but they base themselves around being introduced to current members and deciding which organization in which they feel that they "fit." Once selected for membership, students will go through a further education, orientation, and onboarding process within their chosen fraternity/sorority.

Q: Does it cost money to join a fraternity/sorority?

A: Yes. Joining a fraternity or sorority isn’t free, but it is well worth it. Cost varies from group to group, but membership lasts a lifetime! The average cost is around $425 per semester for IFC/PA organizations (not including housing, if available), with some additional one-time fees during the first semester of membership. NPHC membership averages to a one-time payment of $1800, and data is still being gathered for the Athenian Council. If interested in the Panhellenic Association, there is also a small fee to register to participate in recruitment.

Q: What about academics?

A: Typically, fraternity or sorority students' grades increase after joining a fraternity or sorority. With study groups, GPA requirements, required study hours, and the atmosphere of other people doing their work, your student should be influenced to excel in their classes. The average GPA of the fraternity/sorority community is regularly above a 3.0 and typically exceeds the average GPA of all undergraduate students! Over the last decade, the 1 and 2 year retention rates for FSL members have been 20% higher than the ISU average, and 4 and 6 year graduation rates have been significantly higher.

Q: Will my student be required to live in fraternity or sorority housing?

A: Not all fraternities and sororities have a recognized facility, and live-in requirements depend on the organization. Be sure to encourage your student to ask these questions during a recruitment process. If the organization has a facility, your student will want to live in the fraternity or sorority housing to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. Encourage your student to talk to the members who currently live in the fraternity or sorority housing (if available) for more information about what it's like to live there.

Q: Will my student be hazed?

A: Hazing is prohibited at Indiana State University and by all inter/national fraternities and sororities. Those who believe they are being hazed, have witnessed hazing in any form, or have questions of what constitutes hazing should contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life (812) 237-3850, the Office of Student Conduct & Integrity (812) 237-3800, and/or the Inter/National Headquarters of the specific group involved. Anyone may also submit a General Conduct Incident Report via Student Conduct & Integrity.

Q: What are the benefits of membership?

A: In addition to increased academic performance and graduation rates, fraternities and sororities at Indiana State University provide a sense of belonging on campus for members. In addition, members receive real transferrable skills that can be used in their future career, along with a built in network of alumni and advisor support. According to Gallup research on the experience and outcomes of fraternity and sorority members in college, work, and life, Gallup found that individuals affiliated with a fraternal organization had great college experiences, felt more prepared for life after college, and are more likely to be thriving in their wellbeing. You can read the full Gallup report here: 

fraternity-and-sorority-outcomes-gallup-2021.pdf

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact:

Kristen Kardas
Director, Fraternity & Sorority Life
Kristen.Kardas@indstate.edu
(812) 237-3852

Organizations at ISU

There are 28 social Greek-letter organizations at Indiana State University in four governing councils: Athenian Council (AC) Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Association (PA).

By clicking on the name of each organization, you can explore their inter/national websites to learn more. 

PLEASE NOTE: Organizations that are listed as inactive/unrecognized organizations are no longer active at the University. Students are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED from joining any organization that is listed underneath an unrecognized heading.