The fraternity and sorority community at Colgate is composed of eight internationally affiliated organizations. Many students find that joining a fraternity or sorority provides them with a home away from home and a foundation for leadership, academic, athletic, service, and interpersonal opportunities. The decision to join a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment, with connections lasting long after graduation.
A student needs to be an active student in their sophomore year to be eligible to join a fraternity or sorority. There is a minimum academic standard to participate in recruitment, set by each governing council. All fraternities and sororities require a minimum 2.5 GPA to be eligible. Additionally, each individual organization is able to set a GPA standard higher than this prescribed minimum.
Each fall semester, the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils sponsor formal recruitment — an opportunity for eligible non-affiliated students to become acquainted with the various organizations. During formal recruitment, eligible non-affiliated students have the opportunity to visit all of the fraternities and sororities to meet the members and decide which, if any, of the chapters best suit their needs. The recruitment process is one of mutual selection in which fraternity and sorority members invite individuals to be a part of their organizations, and likewise, potential members select the chapters that are best suited for them. Recruitment at Colgate is alcohol-free: that is, no alcohol is allowed at any formal recruitment activity. Even if students are unsure about joining an organization, recruitment offers a great opportunity to meet new people.
Joining a fraternity or a sorority does have a financial commitment. The chapters are self-supporting through dues paid by their members. When a student joins a fraternity or sorority, they also agree to pay dues and fees while in school to maintain membership. Although chapters may make accommodations for special circumstances, students should discuss the financial obligations with their parents and families before deciding to join. Each chapter has different dues for membership that cover such expenses as chapter and national dues, dues to the governing council, social activities, resources, and other miscellaneous costs. Specific financial information for each organization is made available during recruitment.