Fraternity and Sorority Life

Joining a fraternity or sorority at Ship will be one of the best decisions you ever make. Sororities and fraternities have a rich history at Shippensburg University dating back to the 1950s. These organizations are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Fraternities and sororities come together to form a personal network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and a mutual pursuit of a well-rounded college education. Advantages include:

• Build a sense of community and belonging on-campus
• Scholastic resources to help student achieve their academic goals
• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience
• Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus
• Opportunities for active participation in community service projects

Step One: Get to know the fraternities and sororities on campus!
Easy ways to do this are attending the fall activities fair or a Meet the Greeks event. Follow @Ship_Greeks or specific group social media accounts to keep up with upcoming events.

Step Two: Figure out what you want out of your experience.
While there are many similarities between all fraternities and sororities, they each have unique values and contributions. Reflect on what is most important to you and pursue an organization that shares your priorities and can help you be successful at Ship!

Step Three: Complete the Membership Agreement Form
Before you can be approved to join any organization, you must complete a Membership Agreement Form so that your eligibility can be verified and shared with organizations you are interested in.

Step Four: Participate in Recruitment or Intake
This differs based on which type of organization you are interested in. 

• IFC fraternities: In the first few weeks of each semester, IFC fraternities will host a week of recruitment events that anyone is welcome to attend. They will invite prospective members to interview and then extend bids for membership at the end of the week.
• NPHC and NALFO fraternities and sororities: Attend one or multiple informational meetings during the year to learn more about their organization and their intake (joining) process.
• Panhellenic sororities: The best time of year to join a Panhellenic sorority is by registering for spring recruitment. All sororities will host individual events that are open to all interested students. From there, registered potential new members (PNMs) and chapters will slowly narrow down who they are interested in throughout the week of events before finally offering bids for membership.

Fraternities and sororities also serve as a great resource for students academically through chapter-based academic success plans, study groups, and tutoring/mentoring programs. Many chapters also require a certain grade point average for initial membership into the organization and to maintain good standing within the organization. 

Unfortunately, individuals without complete information often define the image of fraternities & sororities. Movies and television shows have framed (often exaggerated) stereotypes as the norm. While fraternities & sororities do hold social events, these also take on many forms including brotherhood/sisterhood events, educational programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Greek Week, and date events.

Students elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees, so everyone is involved in and exposed to leadership positions. Each member learns cooperation, communication, and planning skills.

Each group is governed by its inter/national headquarters, which established their chapter’s regulations, and offers advice and direction through professional staff and volunteers.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff consists of professional staff that support the fraternity & sorority community, offering support, advice, guidance, and direction to governing councils, chapter officers, advisors, and general members.