Family Frequently Asked Questions

The fraternal experience at BGSU offers opportunities for members to grow as leaders, serve the community, excel academically, and prepare themselves for a career. Membership in a fraternity or sorority at BGSU can offer a home-away-from home and make the large University setting feel a bit smaller. Recognized chapters encourage members to maintain a high GPA, perform community service, become involved in student organizations, and ultimately become a campus leader.

When approached thoughtfully joining a fraternity or sorority can be a transformative experience for students. Through individual and group advising, educational offerings, collaborative partnerships, and connection points with new members, the Fraternity and Sorority Office intentionally work to create an experience where all members can contribute to the community in meaningful ways.

It is important for you to be involved in helping your student make the right choice when it comes to joining a fraternity or sorority. joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment that continues well after graduating college. Encourage your student to research all available organizations, attend informational sessions, and ask questions about chapter values, expectations, and culture. Utilizing local chapter and national websites are a great, convenient way to gather information. Discuss the lifelong commitment associated with membership and ensure your student feels aligned with the organization's mission and community.

BGSU seeks to promote a safe environment so members of our learning community may participate in experiences and activities without compromising their health, well-being, dignity and/or rights. Hazing can cause irreparable harm to victims, victims’ families and the University community. Hazing is against Ohio law, and BGSU has zero tolerance for any form of hazing.

BGSU has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing. Hazing is against Ohio law and university policy. The university promotes a safe environment where all members can participate in experiences without compromising their health, well-being, dignity, or rights. Students and families are encouraged to visit the BGSU Hazing Prevention and Education page to learn more about anti-hazing policies, initiatives, accountability processes, resources, and reporting mechanisms.

If you have concerns about hazing activities or behaviors, report them through one of the following options:

• Report to law enforcement: Call 911 or 419-372-2346.
• Report to the 24/7 hazing reporting line: Call 419-372-HAZE (4293).
• Report through See it. Hear it. Report it.
• Report in person to the Office of the Dean of Students: 303 University Hall
• Report to Human Resources: Call 419-372-8421.
• Report to Office of Parent and Family Programs: Call 419-372-0438 or email families@bgsu.edu.

BGSU’s alcohol policy applies to all registered student organizations, its members and any BGSU student. This policy applies to both on and off campus students. All students and families are encouraged to review the Code of Student Conduct.

To learn more about fraternity and sorority life, explore the websites of the national umbrella organizations that govern our fraternities and sororities:

• North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)
• National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
• National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC)

Additionally, visit BGSU’s How to Join page and engage in conversations with your student about the importance of participating in registered, active organizations. You can find a list of currently recognized organizations on the fraternity and sorority life website.

Each fraternity and sorority establish their own live-in requirements. It is important for students to ask chapters about hosing expectations during the joining process. Learn more about living in the Greek Village by visiting the housing guide.

Joining a fraternity or sorority is an investment in a student’s development. Fees required by organizations support chapter operational expenses, events, chapter functions, and national organizations dues. Costs vary by organization and may included a one-time new member and initiation fees.

Students are encouraged to ask questions about finances during the joining process to understand the financial obligations involved.

Time commitment differ among chapters. Generally, members attend weekly meetings and participate in philanthropy, community service, social, and chapter events throughout the semester. New members will have additional meetings to learn about their organization. Students should inquire about specific requirements during the joining process and share their new member education schedules with their families.

If you have further questions or need additional information, please contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at fsloffice@bgsu.edu or call 419-372-2343.