Frequently Asked Questions

Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedom of challenge. FSL membership assists in that transition by offering scholarship programs that may include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management and study skill workshops. Students can also access the network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills center, computer labs, and academic advisors. Nothing, however, can take the place of a disciplined and academically focused student to ensure success in college

Hollywood rarely portrays an accurate depiction of the world, especially when it comes to college and social activities. Greek organizations do hold social events, but most of those do not include alcohol. Today's Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating a safer, more beneficial environment for its members. There are strict guidelines and procedures concerning the availability of alcohol at chapter events, and these rules are enforced by the inter/national organizations, the University, and internal chapter standards.

Chapters also host events regularly where alcohol is never permitted. These include educational programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Parent's Days, brotherhood/sisterhood retreats, and Philanthropy Week.

The time commitment varies chapter to chapter as well as where a student is in their membership. For example, a New Member goes through an intensive educational program to learn the ins and outs of the chapter before they are initiated. However, an Active (initiated) Member may attend chapter meetings once a week and participate in all other activities at will. As your student moves forward with the recruitment/intake process, encourage them ask the chapter what their expectations are for time commitment.

Texas State University as well as the State of Texas has zero tolerance for hazing. Reports of hazing are investigated through Student Involvement. Chapters found guilty of hazing may lose University recognition and their members may face possible legal ramifications. 

The cost of membership varies from chapter to chapter. Typically, the first semester of membership will cost the most as it includes New Member fees that the chapter must pay to the inter/national headquarters. If the chapter owns a house their dues may be higher as well. As your student moves forward with the recruitment/intake process, check with the respective councils for an up-to-date list of chapter dues and fees.

In order to join, the Dean of Students - Fraternity and Sorority Life office requires students to participate in either formal or informal recruitment and have a college or high school GPA of 2.5 to join a fraternity or sorority. However, chapters may have additional requirements in place.

Texas State University is home to 33 fraternities and sororities. Our Interfraternity Council (IFC) is home to eleven (11) men's fraternities, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) has eight (8) historically black fraternities and sororities, the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) supports six (6) culturally-based fraternities and sororities, and the Panhellenic Council is comprised of eight (8) sororities and women's fraternities.

Recruitment is the process that a student must go through in order to join a chapter on our campus. There are two forms of recruitment: informal and formal. Informal Recruitment is when a student has expressed interest in becoming a member of a Greek letter organization and has attended at least one information session. Formal Recruitment requires the student to express interest in becoming a member of a Greek letter organization and has completed the formal recruitment process sponsored by the respective council.

The term "Intake" is another word for Recruitment.

Leadership
The Greek organizations at Texas State are presented with many opportunities to learn leadership roles within the individual Greek organizations, executive boards, and councils. Texas State hosts several leadership events throughout the year focusing on the expansion of each Greek student’s potential and emphasizing the enhancement of their collegiate career.

Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Joining a Texas State Greek organization and building close, long-lasting relationships within the Greek family! The Greek community solidifies lifetime bonds and establishes a sense of belonging away from home.

Community Service
Giving to the community and charitable organizations is a top priority among the Greeks at Texas State! Besides contributing service time and money for those in need, Greeks also build connections within the community and the University in San Marcos. Many are involved and sponsor a variety of philanthropic events and activities including blood drives, mentoring, run/walks, and community clean-ups.

Scholastic Support
The Texas State Greek community thrives on a Standard of Excellence and maintaining academic success is a must. Greek organizations on campus encourage academic success and offer a wealth of academic resources. Many Greek organizations help students by keeping track of study hours, holding a minimum GPA, and giving scholarships and awards for their member’s efforts.

Networking
Joining a Greek organization will provide your student with many opportunities to build relationships with current members and alumni! All the networking possibilities can expand their career choices and increase their academic success.

Social Involvement
Your student can start their Greek memories right now by participating in All Greek Events, Homecoming, formals, intramural sports, sorority/fraternity mixers, various retreats, co-sponsored programs, spring break trips and so much more with your organization!

Yes, but not every organization has a house. A majority of our Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council chapters have houses members live in.

The Dean of Students - Fraternity and Sorority Life office requires all new members have a 2.5 college or high school GPA from the semester prior to their new member period. However, all chapters have their own GPA requirements which may be higher.

Absolutely not! Recruitment is open to any matriculated Texas State University student who is attending school full-time.

Student members elect their own officers who oversee the operation of the chapter on the college campus. The University requires all fraternities and sororities to have a Faculty/Staff Advisor to work with the chapter, this is in addition to an Alumni Advisor that is appointed by the organization's (inter)national office. The Dean of Students - Fraternity and Sorority Life office also has five staff members who work with the chapters and their governing bodies to make sure they are getting the most from their experience in a safe manner.