Fraternities and sororities are organizations of men and women represented by Greek letters. Each organization is characterized by a set of shared values, the organization’s unique history, and the support of certain philanthropic causes. Chapter members spend their time hosting events for the organization and for the La Salle student population, raising money for charitable causes, and enacting programs to support members’ personal and professional development.
Members are expected to attend a certain number of events, as well as weekly meetings. Many students in fraternity and sorority life are athletes, commuters, and are involved in other ways on campus, and chapters recognize this. We encourage students to ask chapters directly about time commitments and to develop time management skills prior to joining.
Every organization is different, but students can expect to pay dues once or twice a year. Dues are paid to the national organization, or to the chapter itself if the organization is local to La Salle University. Dues go towards programming, insurance, and other chapter operating expenses. Dues are discussed during the recruitment process. Some chapters provide scholarships that help qualifying members pay for dues. We encourage students to ask chapters about finances before and during the recruitment process.
La Salle is committed to mitigating the risks of hazing to ensure that all students have a safe and healthy experience. All members of fraternities and sororities are required to complete annual trainings covering what hazing looks like, the immense dangers of hazing, and how to prevent it. La Salle’s Code of Conduct requires students to report hazing immediately if they witness or experience it. Students can report hazing to the school using the General Campus Incident Report Form.
Fraternities and sororities do not have official houses at La Salle. Students in fraternities and sororities have the same housing options as all other students.
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Please note that some organizations have their own GPA requirements. We encourage interested students to ask chapters about their grade requirements directly.
Fraternities and sororities are committed to the academic success of their members. Chapters usually offer study hours, peer support, and/or academic success plans. On average, fraternity and sorority members earn higher cumulative GPAs than non-affiliated students.
There are a multitude of benefits for affiliated students. Being a part of a fraternity or sorority provides a support network of members and alumni, community service opportunities, leadership experience, and enhanced networking prospects. Many students find a strong sense of both community and individual empowerment through membership.
During the new member period, which occurs after accepting a bid or invitation to an organization, new members become acquainted with the organization’s history, values, purpose, and processes. New members become active members once they complete this process and are initiated. During this period, new members are not to be deprived of any privileges held by active members and should be treated with the same dignity given to active members.
Fraternities and sororities are overseen and supported by the Campus Engagement Center, specifically, the Director of Student Life & Engagement and the Graduate Assistant of Fraternity & Sorority Life. The Campus Engagement Center exists within the Division of Student Development & Campus Life. The support staff for fraternities and sororities can be contacted by via email at greeklife@lasalle.edu.