FAQs for Greek Life

A fraternity or sorority is a group of men or women formed by a brotherhood or sisterhood and common goals and aspirations who make a commitment to each other for life. The members that form a fraternity or sorority share their efforts, friendship, and knowledge. Together these members learn, grow, and make the fraternity or sorority, commonly called a Greek organization, stronger. Their common experience builds ties that last a lifetime.

Fraternities and sororities have been part of college campuses since the late 18th-century. These organizations are referred to as “Greek” because their names consist of Greek letters that serve as a reminder of the group’s values. Learn the Greek Alphabet.

Though there are many different fraternities and sororities, they all share common founding principles that may be of interest to any Piedmont student. Greek organizations enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what Greek members strive to live by every day.

Greek organizations are a great way to get involved and build relationships, and allows for students to make an easier transition into college life. For many students, Greek life becomes a home away from home. Lifelong friendships and memories are established. Greek Life supports the college mission and upholds important values.

Greek organizations have large membership networks — this helps in job seeking following graduation. Fellow members can give insight, career advice, etc. A member of a Greek organization will be welcomed by that group on any campus, and can typically join an alumni group for their organization in any city that they move to. It's not just while at college, it's for life! Relationships with alumni are one of the unique aspects of Greek membership. Opportunities for mentoring, career networking, fundraising and collaborating with alumni are some of the most meaningful experiences that last for years after college.

That depends! It's true that Greek life offers an enjoyable experience while at college, but the representation in movies and on TV is often exaggerated. Greek life provides academic and social life balance, as well as networking opportunities. Members understand when the time is right to work diligently and enjoy their time together.

Greek life has an academics-first emphasis, and members can help each other in the academic arena. Some chapters have study sessions, offer incentives based on GPA, doing well on exams, etc. There's likely to be someone to help in any given academic subject within an organization, where many members have had the same course or even professor. Fraternities and sororities understand that its members are students first.

Eligibility for new member processes different for each organization. All organizations evaluate candidates based on academics, character, involvement, and leadership potential.

Recruitment is the time when fraternities and sororities seek and recruit new members. Each council or individual organization may conduct recruitment. During this period, interested students have the opportunity to visit organizations and see what each has to offer. Look for signs around campus and updates to the Recruitment section of this website with dates and times concerning recruitment registration and information sessions.

The membership intake process is the process for which prospective members are educated about a chapter’s history, organization, and community service. It is the initial procedure for some historically African-American, American Indian, Latino(a), multicultural and other culturally-based fraternities and sororities.

A bid is an invitation from a fraternity or sorority to become a member of its organization.

Like most things in life, one will get out whatever they put into their Greek organization. The first year in a Greek chapter will take a little more time to learn about its history, organization and membership. Participating in activities to get to know the other members is a good way to enjoy the benefits of Greek life as well as meet new people. After the first year, students have usually figured out how much time they can put into the group without sacrificing their other commitments. During the remaining years on campus, a student can choose to participate more in their organization. This often means taking on leadership roles in their chapter.

Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting with revenue coming from members who pay dues. When students join a Greek-letter organization, they agree to pay dues and fees while enrolled at Piedmont University in order to maintain membership. While membership is affordable, some chapters are able to make accommodations for special circumstances, but students should discuss the financial obligations with you before they join.

Hazing has no place in any organization. Piedmont University will not tolerate hazing in any student organization. In addition, hazing is against the law in the State of Georgia. All fraternity and sorority members know that hazing is against their national policies, university policy, and the law. All reports will be taken seriously. You may choose to remain anonymous or identify yourself and ask for confidentiality. We greatly appreciate your care, concerns and insight. If you feel you or someone you know is participating in inappropriate activities, you should contact the Coordinator of Orientation and Greek life at 706-778-8500 x2834 or email at greeklife@piedmont.edu

The College’s organizations will receive training from the Student Affairs staff, as well as their national organizations, concerning alcohol and risk management. All of our organizations have strict policies regarding alcohol. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with organization funds or on the organization's behalf.

Yes, athletes are encouraged to join fraternities or sororities to become more involved on campus. There are no restrictions from athletes joining Greek-letter organizations as long as they are able to attend and participate in required events.

Members of fraternities and sororities on campus have several opportunities to get involved in leadership both in and out of their chapter.

At some point, most of our chapter members also had to have “the talk” with their families. If your parents have specific questions or concerns, we can help you answer them. There are numerous undergraduate leaders, alumni, fraternity/sorority inter/national headquarters staff, College administrators and even other parents who are more than willing to share their personal insights and experiences.