Recruitment
Recruitment is a time of mutual selection between students and chapters. Not only do the Greek organizations select new members, but your son or daughter selects a chapter with which they wish to be affiliated. Recruitment events for the Interfraternity Council and National Panhellenic Council chapters at GC are alcohol-free and are held during the beginning of the fall and spring terms. The National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters have intake processes which take place during the spring term.

Students who choose to participate in recruitment activities are under no obligation to join the Greek system. At the end of recruitment activities, the chapters extend formal written invitations (bids). If a student chooses to accept the bid, then he/she is affiliated with the chapter.         

Joining
Once a student decides to accept a bid from a Greek chapter, he or she is oriented to the chapter through meetings, philanthropic work, social events, and study sessions. Programs should be structured so as to not interfere with academic responsibilities. During this period, chapters designate new members differently. Terms used include pledge, associate or new member.  New member education should be informative and fun, therefore physical and mental hazing is not tolerated at GC. Georgia College & State University, national Greek organizations, and the State of Georgia prohibit hazing.    

Leadership
Membership in a Greek organization is one of the best ways to become involved at GC. Many of the Student Government leaders and officers of numerous other organizations are involved with the Greek community. Those members already involved in campus activities can assist fellow Greeks in taking an active leadership role on the campus. Not only can members participate in campus-wide activities, but also in many other leadership opportunities within each chapter and the respective Greek councils. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and report greater satisfaction with their overall college experience.  All Greek organizations are working examples of a democracy in action. This is often the first time that members are responsible for their own activities and living within their means. This provides an excellent opportunity to experience leadership and the responsibility of membership.   

Academics
Academics are important in Greek Life, and are stressed by chapters from recruitment to graduation. The resources that Greeks can provide include scholarship awards, study sessions, files of materials, and tutoring assistance. Many chapters and national Greek organizations recognize and reward their members' scholastic excellence.

Community Service
Community service and philanthropic projects provide chapter members with the opportunity to support many causes. Chapters support both the local and national charitable organizations from the Baldwin Service Center to the Children's Miracle Network.  Greeks work together on projects not only to serve the community but also to foster personal growth and greater unity among the Greek community.

Friendship
One of the most mentioned aspects of Greek Life is the friendship that exists between members of a chapter: undergraduate and alumni/ae. Greek Life promotes the development of close ties between members through living, studying, working, competing and having fun - together. These lifetime relationships go beyond ordinary friendships to become like that of a family.

Social
While academic achievement is the primary reason to attend GC, there is a time for social interaction. The Greek community always provides fun activities for its members. Social and recreational activities give you the opportunity to meet a variety of people and to strengthen the bonds of friendship at the same time. Fraternity and sorority functions, date parties and formal dances are examples of these activities. Participation in traditional events, such as Homecoming, Greek Week and philanthropic events, demonstrates Greek unity and spirit.     

Recreational Sports
GC is proud to have a strong intramural sports program, offering sports from football to golf. The overwhelming participation of the Greek students contributes to its success. In this arena, sororities and fraternities compete with one another and with non-Greek teams in a friendly and non-threatening environment.

Alumni Involvement
Greek alumni/ae play a major role in advising chapters. Each chapter has at least one advisor who helps with the day-to-day operations of the chapter.

Financial Responsibility
Since the inception of Greek-Letter societies, they have been self-sufficient. Each chapter and subsequent national office collects dues and membership fees from every member. Most groups have a one-time pledge and initiation fee, plus semesterly dues. Fees vary from chapter to chapter. Average pledge and initiation fees for men are $50 and $160 respectively, and for women $45 and $125. While going through recruitment, each student should ask about specific chapter fees.

A Family's Role
As a parent, you will have many questions concerning your student's involvement in a Greek organization. Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son or daughter throughout the recruitment process. Once your student is a member of a Greek organization, there are many opportunities for you to share in this aspect of his or her college life. Almost all of the chapters on campus host events such as family weekend or special mother/father functions. Chapters recognize that when your student comes to college, you, as a parent, also become a part of the University family!  Ask questions and get involved!  

Housing
The University does not currently have housing that is exclusive for the Greek life community.  Please check with the Department of University Housing for living arrangements.

Georgia College's Non-Hazing Policy