Frequently Asked Questions

Potential New Members (PNMs) go through a recruitment process called continuous open bidding (COB), during which they explore the fraternity and sorority life (FSL) at WU to determine which one is the best fit for them. Recruitment events consist of learning about the distinct values of each chapter, forming relationships with the current members, and deciding whether or not to join the FSL. Not all PNMs will choose to become members, and each chapter wants to make sure the PNM is a good fit for their group as much as the PNM wants to find the right group to join.

At Willamette, recruitment occurs via year-round Continuous Open Bidding (COB). All students are eligible for recruitment, regardless of their year. Rather than having a formal recruitment week, informal recruitment events are held periodically throughout the year to give potential new members (PNMs) the opportunity to learn more about each chapter and get to know the current members.

Each chapter has unique values and philanthropic causes that separate it from the others. Some chapters may have evolved over time to represent a particular student interest, culture, or academic focus. A group’s values and philanthropic priorities can often be a decision point for potential new members (PNMs) looking to join the fraternity and sorority life (FSL) community, and talking with members in each chapter during recruitment events can offer insights into their group and its unique culture.

As with other extra-curricular activities, the more time and effort you contribute to your fraternity and sorority life (FSL) experience, the more benefits and integration you’ll experience. Each group holds at least one “chapter” meeting each week. Optional activities such as holding a leadership position, attending social and community events, or participating in various projects will vary within each individual chapter. With time management, your FSL activities should fit into your weekly schedule and allow plenty of time for classes, studying, family, work, and participation in other campus activities and sports. Membership in a fraternity or sorority may even help members improve their time management skills!

The expenses of a fraternity or sorority will vary depending on the chapter. Chapter dues are largely set by the national organizations and paid by each member to cover national insurance, leadership development opportunities, programming offerings, and national fees. Additionally, the first year of membership may cost more than the following years due to one-time fees related to initiation, education materials, and paraphernalia/apparel. Membership dues in a semester may range from $300 to $500 at Willamette depending on chapter operations. Most organizations offer payment plans for members, and some organizations offer scholarships that members may apply for. Financial transparency is a priority for the chapters at Willamette, and potential new members (PNMs) are encouraged to ask questions about membership costs before joining in order to fully understand the financial expectations of membership.

Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Once a common tradition, hazing has been banned by all national fraternity and sorority organizations and institutions of higher education. Willamette has a zero tolerance policy regarding hazing, and will quickly investigate any claim of hazing on campus. Fraternities and sororities are acutely aware of the dangers of hazing in any form and are committed to rejecting hazing activities in any of their chapter operations or pledging and initiation processes.

Fraternities and sororities at Willamette do not host events at which alcohol or drugs are permitted. Attending parties or utilizing substances is an individual decision, and is not condoned by the FSL community. Whether the stereotype of partying is encouraging or discouraging for you to join a chapter, it is important to know that this is not part of the FSL culture at Willamette.

Yes! Chapters encourage their members to participate in other campus programs, sports, and clubs. The wide variety of member involvement enriches each chapter, and members often find out about other activities on campus through their peers within the fraternity and sorority life (FSL) community. It’s also a good way to reach other potential new members (PNMs) and show involvement and pride in the university.

Academic excellence is an important value for the fraternity and sorority life (FSL) community at Willamette. Although there is not a specific grade-point average required to participate in recruitment, each fraternity/sorority is at liberty to decide the minimum requirement for joining and maintaining membership. The intention of fraternities and sororities is to provide support and assistance in a member’s academic career. These organizations should help improve their members’ academic performance by providing resources, academic support programs, and incentives for success.

At this time, none of the fraternities or sororities at Willamette have on campus housing and there are no housing requirements.