Widely referred to as “Greek life,” fraternities and sororities are values-based groups that foster academic achievement and aid in developing students’ interpersonal and leadership abilities. Luke Mizus, a year 5/5 Engineering Management major, states, “I enjoyed the process of joining Beta Theta Pi. When I first joined, I felt like I could be myself more.” If you feel like exploring what the Stevens Greek community has to offer for yourself as an individual, there is a process you must follow to ensure you receive that desirable bid.
To be eligible to join a social fraternity or sorority at Stevens, students must have completed at least 12 credits at Stevens Institute of Technology, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 (this minimum value can depend on the organization), and have neither been on academic or judicial probation nor have received a loss of eligibility following a housing sanction. Transfer student eligibility is assessed depending on their situation. Before the start of their second semester at Stevens, first-year students are not permitted to join a fraternity or sorority. First-year students are advised to attend events like Meet the Greeks or chapter-specific activities so they can start considering joining a chapter.
If the requirements above are met, the second part of the process should be considered: the fall 2023 recruitment period. Fraternity and sorority chapters host various events at the start of the semester to inform prospective members about their missions and values. These occasions include bracelet making with Theta Pi, Mac’ n Phis with Alpha Phi, and an ice cream social with Chi Psi. These occasions allow students to interact with current members and discover how their ideals align with the chapter’s. Returning students have the chance to join these chapters during informal recruitment in the fall; however, not all chapters can partake.
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Stevens Panhellenic Council (SPC) have their own recruitment procedures. Each of the Cultural Greek Council’s (CGC) organizations has its own distinct processes. Students interested in joining a CGC chapter are urged to go to council functions and contact the chapters to learn about their recruitment procedures.
During the spring semester, some chapters utilize a three-day recruitment process. These days include round-robin day, philanthropy day, and preference day. On round-robin day, prospective members visit many houses owned by the fraternities or sororities and talk with members. The purpose of philanthropy day is for these students to further understand the chapters’ values and ensure their beliefs are aligned. Finally, preference day is when students declare their top choices. Later, students find out if they received a bid. A bid is a formal invitation to join a sorority or fraternity.
When asked to provide advice to students interested in Greek Life, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Kevin Grunder stated, “I encourage students to reflect on what they are hoping to gain out of a fraternity or sorority experience and stay true to yourself within your pursuits of membership.” It is essential to keep an open mind throughout the recruitment process, research the chapters Stevens has to offer, and ask as many questions as you can.
