Becoming a Member
Since 1845, fraternities and sororities have provided generations of men and women with opportunities for friendship, community service, leadership training, athletic competition, scholastic support and personal development. Membership in each of our four councils offers similar, yet unique experiences. You may find chapters in several councils that are of interest to you, so you will want to explore the many opportunities to become familiar with their members and activities. No matter where your interest lies, we encourage you to look closely at our Greek Community and take advantage of the chance to enhance your undergraduate experience here at UM.
Panhellenic Association
All of Michigan's National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities participate in Formal Recruitment. Associate member chapters hold their own informal process at a time that does not conflict with Formal Recruitment.
Held during the fall semester, formal recruitment or "Rush" as it is commonly called, is the process by which women have the opportunity to explore all the NPC Panhellenic (Panhel) sororities. A limited number of sororities may hold informal recruitment events during the winter semester.
Formal recruitment is compromised of four sets of parties:
- Mixers are the time to get a brief look at each chapter and form a first impression of our sorority community as a whole.
- Second Set events will include tours of the sorority houses.
- Third Set events will focus on philanthropy, a fundamental value of sorority life.
- Preference Parties are formal events at which members express personal feelings about the meaning of their sisterhood.
As Recruitment progresses, sororities issue invitations and Potential New Members decide where they wish to visit again. At the end of this mutual selection process, sororities extend invitations to join (bids).
More information regarding Recruitment can be found in the Panhellenic Association section. Women interested in Formal Recruitment must register. See the link below for registration information.
Interfraternity Council
Men interested in joining an Interfraternity Council(IFC) fraternity may participate in an open, informal recruitment process. Traditionally called "Rush," this occurs at the beginning of the fall and winter academic terms and provides multiple opportunities for both fraternities and potential members to interact. Through a series of public information events and informal gatherings with individual fraternities, students have ample time to find the right organization for them. These events include:
- Mass meeting
- Fraternity Forum
- Fraternity open houses
- Individual chapter events
Students must register with IFC before the conclusion of these events. At this time, chapters will extend invitations to join (bids). Students must attend IFC Bid Day to receive their bid(s).
More information regarding Recruitment can be found on the Interfraternity Council's Recruitment page. Men interested in joining an IFC Fraternity should register. See the link below for registration information.
Multicultural Greek Council
Each fraternity or sorority within the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) holds individual recruitment events and has individual requirements for membership. If a student is interested in a specific organization he/she may contact a chapter's rush/new membership chair or attend a chapter-sponsored event. Students may also attend an MGC sponsored event in order to learn more about the council as well as the member organizations.
National Pan-Hellenic Council
Students interested in a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternity or sorority participate in a process called intake. NPHC holds various events throughout the year to introduce students to the different organizations. In the fall, the NPHC Ice Breaker takes place in early September. Also, in the fall NPHC sponsors an Open House where individual organizations present their objectives and disseminate information to prospective members. Each organization takes new members at different times throughout the year. Interested students should contact the group in which they are interested.
