Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Awesome! Students must have a minimum of 12 West Chester University credits or 24 transfer credits and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to pursue recruitment or intake for a fraternity or sorority at West Chester University. This means first-semester students cannot join an organization. Here is an overview of the recruitment process by council:

NPHC and MGC

• Each respective chapter hosts interest meetings or “expresso” sessions where potential members can learn about the organization’s history, values, and expectations.
• Prospective members must meet eligibility requirements set by their national headquarters.
• Once selected, prospective members will go through new member education.

PHC

• Potential new members register for recruitment at the beginning of each semester.
• Fall is informal recruitment (COB) and Spring is formal recruitment. This means not all chapters take new members in the fall, but all do in the spring.
• Potential new members attend multiple days of events to determine which chapter is the best fit for them. It is a mutual selection process.
• Once selected, prospective members will go through new member education.

IFC

• Potential new members can register for recruitment at the beginning of both the fall and spring semesters.
• Chapters host multiple days of events to meet potential new members.
• Each chapter decides when and how many new members they will take.
• Once selected, prospective members will go through new member education.

Each chapter supports the personal development of new members by promoting community service, offering mentorship opportunities, and fostering lifelong friendships. Additionally, each chapter follows specific requirements for the new member experience set by its International Headquarters. Chapters must submit their plans to our office and work collaboratively with our staff, advisors, and national organizations to ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive new member experience.

Yes! The cumulative GPA for all fraternity and sorority members is 3.24 on a 4.00 scale—higher than the average GPA for all WCU undergraduate students. GPA requirements and academic expectations vary by chapter, and scholarship is very important to our councils. Many members are also involved in other campus organizations and clubs and still maintain strong academic performance. These built-in support systems contribute to student success.

Dues can range from $350 to $2,000. Each chapter’s financial obligations vary, but all strive for transparency so members can plan accordingly. For NPHC and MGC, chapter members pay dues at the start of the semester, and the amount typically covers the cost of national dues until you graduate.  Some people don't have to pay dues to their chapters. As for IFC and PHC, many organizations offer installment plans that allow dues to be paid throughout the semester. Dues support chapter events, programming, and member experiences.

There are no official fraternity or sorority houses at WCU. However, there are privately owned properties that fraternity and sorority occupy. Some fraternities host events in these privately owned spaces. Students are free to live wherever they choose, including with people who are not members of their chapter or fraternity/sorority life in general.

Absolutely! Each chapter has its own governing documents, traditions, policies, events, and identity. To maintain organizational operations and create lifelong members' memories, chapters have executive boards made up of several members. Positions vary by chapter but often include President, Risk Management Chair, Philanthropy and Community Service Chair, Recruitment Chair, and more. Members are encouraged to run for these positions to enhance chapter involvement and build leadership skills.

West Chester University does not tolerate hazing in any capacity. Within fraternity and sorority life, members are required to complete an anti-hazing educational module and sign an anti-hazing agreement at the start of every semester. Chapters cannot host social events until all members have signed the agreement, reinforcing our commitment to a hazing-free community. Students who participate in hazing face both individual and chapter-wide consequences. For more information on policies and procedures, visit our Resources Page.

Absolutely! Fraternity and sorority members consistently challenge themselves to make an impact—raising thousands of dollars for organizations such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Members also graduate with built-in professional networks of alumni who support their growth and success long after graduation—empowering them to make a lasting difference in their communities and beyond.

Chapters take different approaches to engaging parents and families. On a campus-wide level, families are encouraged to attend WCU’s Homecoming & Parents Weekend every October. Fraternities and sororities also host luncheons, receptions, and community events throughout the year. Talk to your student to learn more about their chapter’s family engagement opportunities. Click here for more on WCU’s Family Experience.

All councils and chapters have social media accounts, making it easy for friends and family to stay connected! Follow along on Instagram: @wcu_panhellenic, @ifcwcu, @nphc_wcu, and @wcu_mgc.

Every chapter has advisor(s) and alumni who support them and serve as mentors for chapter members. Members receive contact information for these mentors and are encouraged to seek their guidance as needed. Additionally, the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life is always here to help! We have a full-time staff dedicated to supporting FSL students, and you can find us in Sykes 238. Chapter members are welcome to visit us with  any questions or concerns that may arise throughout their fraternity or sorority experience at WCU.