Fraternity and Sorority Life
What letters will you wear?
Find your place in GW Fraternity & Sorority Life
At GW, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) is just one part of a balanced undergraduate experience. GW FSL is home to more than 1,300 students, 34 chapters, and four councils. FSL offers students the opportunity to create a home away from home while building lifelong friendships, developing leadership skills, and giving back to the community through service and philanthropy. With over 155 years of history, FSL is one of GW’s longest-standing traditions.
Communities & Chapters
- Intrafraternity Council
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Interfraternity Council (IFC)
The Interfraternity Council is the governing body for nine fraternities at GW. The purpose of the council is to promote fellowship within the Greek community and set standards and governing rules for the members of the chapters. IFC at GW was founded for the purposes of promoting fraternity life and providing a forum for the discussion of issues that affect fraternities and their members. Since 1858, IFC fraternities at GW have come together under the common bond of brotherhood to improve campus life and GW's surrounding community.
- Multicultural Greek Council
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Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
The Multicultural Greek Council at GW is currently home to seven cultural or identity based dynamic Greek-letter organizations who strive to maintain an all-inclusive and culturally diverse environment. At GW, MGC includes, but is not limited to member organizations of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), The National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC), and The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association (NAPA). Although each fraternity and sorority within MGC has an individual cultural or identity focus, none of the member organizations are culturally exclusive.
- Delta Lambda Phi Fraternity
- Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
- Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Inc.
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
- Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.
- Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
- National Pan-Hellenic Council
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National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (also known as the "Divine 9") serves to initiate, discuss, coordinate, oversee, and maintain programs and activities of its nationally recognized historically Black fraternities and sororities. With over 2 million members internationally, these organizations boast a diverse membership comprised of students, celebrities, and political and community leaders. Of its nine affiliate member groups, GW is host to seven organizations.
- Panhellenic Association
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Panhellenic Association (PHA)
The Panhellenic Association is the governing board for the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities and serves as a vital communication link between the eleven Panhellenic chapters on campus. The council works year-round to promote the positive ideal of sorority life at GW and contribute to the GW community through involvement, leadership, academics, philanthropy and community service. PHA helps its member chapters realize their individual goals.
Programming
- Greek Leadership Retreat
The Greek Leadership Retreat is at the beginning of each Spring semester. The retreat audience includes new members, council executive members, chapter presidents, chapter vice presidents, and intake/recruitment chairs from Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Panhellenic Association. Each year a theme is designated for the retreat and we ask students to think critically about the way they model leadership - using experiences, shortcomings, and lessons learned. We focus on team building activities, getting to know the different communities that make up Fraternity and Sorority Life, developing leadership skills, goal setting for the year, and so much more!
- Meet the Greeks
Meet the Greeks is an event held at the start of the fall semester where potential new members get their first chance to meet all the social Greek Fraternities and Sororities at George Washington University. This event is a great way for incoming first-year students to get to know our organizations and an informal environment as well as a great way for our organizations to advertise their values and accomplishments to the GW community.
- Greek Week
This tradition is one celebrated on many other campuses in addition to GW! It is a week of both meaningful programming and intentional relationship-building across the four councils. Past events include trivia, relay games, lip syncing, and community service initiatives.
- Greek Awards
Greek Awards is a community-wide celebration for fraternity and sorority leadership to honor their chapters’ yearly accomplishments. This is the culmination of the Fraternity and Sorority Recognition and Accreditation (FSRA) process.
Membership
Recruitment Requirements
In order to be eligible to accept a bid from any GW fraternity or sorority, potential new members must complete the Potential New Member Interest and Disclosure Form as well as the FSL 101 online education module.
- Membership Eligibility - All Councils
The recruitment/intake process by which you join a fraternity or sorority at GW will vary depending on the Council in which you are seeking to join an organization. Regardless of Council, all potential new members must meet the following requirements:
- Register for recruitment – complete the Potential New Member Interest and Disclosure Form. This form authorizes us to verify your grades and eligibility and share that information with an organization.
- Complete this FSL 101 online education module
- Have at least a college 2.0 GPA. Note that some chapters and/or councils may have higher minimum GPA requirements.
- Have completed at least 12 credit hours from an accredited college/university (AP/Dual enrollment courses do not qualify).
To better inform decisions related to organizational membership, the Division for Student Affairs publishes a list of student organizations with conduct violations (PDF).
- Member Requirements: New Member Days
New Member Days is a required education program for all new members of a social fraternity or sorority at the George Washington University. The program, hosted by the Office of Student Life, covers a variety of topics such as, but not limited to bystander training, alcohol/substance abuse, sexual assault awareness, diversity and inclusion, involvement beyond your membership, risk management, and hazing.
The goal of the program is for potential new members to gain a better understanding of the role that fraternity and sorority members play in the Greek community as well as how to make positive choices that will help improve the entire GW community. The New Member Days program must be completed by new members prior to initiation. The program will be offered several times in the spring semester.
Chapters and councils may have additional requirements for new members.
- IFC Recruitment
GW Interfraternity Council consists of 10 member chapters. There are two options for potential new members who want to join an IFC fraternity: Fall Formal Recruitment and Informal Spring Recruitment. The Interfraternity Council holds a formal recruitment process at the beginning of the Spring semester for the 10 fraternities and informal recruitment in the Fall semester and/or after formal recruitment has concluded.
Formal Recruitment: A structured process during which both potential new members (PNMs) and current fraternity members get to know each other throughout several rounds of recruitment events. In 2023, formal recruitment will take place in-person from January 30-February 10.
To participate in formal recruitment:
- Complete the GW PNM Interest and Disclosure Form
- Complete FSL 101 Online Module
- Register for IFC Recruitment
- Attend PNM Orientation
There is no fee associated with recruitment for 2023.
Informal Recruitment: Informal recruitment offered by some or all chapters in the Interfraternity Council, depending on whether the chapter has opted to recruit in the fall. During Informal Recruitment, men can attend virtual recruitment events with individual chapters, get to know individual brothers, and have the opportunity to join those chapters seeking new members.
- MGC Intake/Recruitment
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is home to seven unique chapters with members from different and diverse backgrounds. Most chapters will hold informational sessions in the fall and/or spring semesters. However, the best way to gain information about the recruitment practices of a MGC Chapter is to contact that chapter's representative and/or attend events hosted by the chapter.
Recruitment and intake can look slightly to drastically different depending on which organization you are interested in, therefore it is recommended that you contact MGC Board to sign up for general information about MGC Chapters.
- NPHC Intake
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), also known as "Divine 9," is home to 9 inter/national organizations. At GW, we currently have seven organizations which are all unique chapters with members from diverse backgrounds. Most chapters will hold informational sessions in the fall and/or spring semesters. However, the best way to gain information about the recruitment practices of a NPHC Chapter is to contact that chapter's representative and/or attend that chapter's events.
Recruitment and intake can look slightly to drastically different depending on which organization you are interested in, therefore it is recommended that you contact NPHC Board to sign up for general information about NPHC Chapters.
- PHA Recruitment
GW's Panhellenic Association consists of eleven chapters who are members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and one associate organization. There are two options for potential new members to join a Panhellenic sorority: Spring formal recruitment and semesterly informal recruitment processes. The Panhellenic Association holds a formal recruitment process at the beginning of the Spring semester for the 10 NPC-affiliated sororities and an informal recruitment process that some chapters participate in immediately following the conclusion of formal recruitment in Spring.
We encourage you to follow PHA on social media for recruitment updates.
Formal Recruitment: Formal recruitment (early spring): is a structured process during which both potential new members (PNMs) and current sorority members get to know each other throughout four rounds of recruitment events. Formal recruitment ends with Bid Day, where PNMs may receive an invitation to join one sorority (a bid). In 2023, formal recruitment took place in the University Student Center, from January 10-15. In addition to the All-Council Requirements listed above, requirements for Panhellenic formal recruitment include:
- Complete FSL 101 and the PNM Interest and Disclosure Form (above)
- Must register, pay the recruitment registration fee, and sign an Honor Code
- Be a regularly matriculated GW student within a degree-granting program
- Have completed at least 12 credit hours at an accredited college/university (excluding AP and dual-enrollment) by the time recruitment begins
- Never been an initiated member of any NPC member group
- Must be in good standing with the university
- Must move in prior to the beginning of spring classes for recruitment
- Plan on attending the PNM Orientation Session
Informal Recruitment (fall and/or following formal recruitment): Informal recruitment is offered by some or all chapters in the Panhellenic Association, depending on whether the chapter has opted to recruit. During Informal Recruitment, women can attend recruitment events with individual chapters and have the opportunity to join those chapters seeking new members. Requirements for informal recruitment include:
- Be a regularly matriculated GW student who has earned 12-credits at GW
- Did not sign a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) or a COB Membership Acceptance Binding Agreement within the last Formal Recruitment cycle or at another university
- Has not been initiated into an Panhellenic organization
- Must have completed FSL 101 virtual module or training before accepting a bid
- PNMs must meet their chapter GPA requirement
Resources
Sending a child to college is an exciting yet challenging time for any student, parent(s), family, and supporters. At GW, students have numerous opportunities to get involved outside of the academic experience, including joining a fraternity or sorority. It’s important for you, as a potential new member, parent, family member, or supporter, to understand the enriching and impactful experiences that fraternity and sorority life can offer.
What Does It Mean to Be Part of a Fraternity or Sorority?
While media stories often focus on extreme cases, they rarely highlight the positive aspects of fraternity and sorority life. Membership provides students with lifelong benefits, offering them a sense of belonging and community within GW’s dynamic campus environment. At a university in the heart of Washington, D.C., fraternities and sororities create a smaller, close-knit community for students amidst the larger university setting. Research consistently shows that involvement in Greek life enhances academic performance, increases graduation rates, and boosts career opportunities post-college.
Through fraternity and sorority membership, students:
- Develop Leadership Skills: Gain hands-on experience in leadership roles.
- Serve the Community: Participate in meaningful service and philanthropy projects in the local D.C. area.
- Focus on Academics: Join organizations that emphasize academic excellence and provide peer support.
- Build Professional Networks: Connect with GW alumni and national organization networks to support career growth.
- These benefits extend far beyond college, as membership in a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment to personal growth, community engagement, and connection.
What Should I Tell My Student if They’re Considering Joining?
Joining a fraternity or sorority is an important decision that should involve thoughtful consideration by both the student and their family. Since membership is a lifelong commitment and comes with financial and time responsibilities, here are some steps to help your student make an informed choice:
- Research Together: Explore the organizations available at GW and review their values, commitments to academics and service, and campus impact.
- Ask Questions: Encourage your student to speak with current members and attend recruitment events. Many families also find it helpful to connect with parents of current members to hear about their experiences.
- Discuss Expectations: Talk openly about time management, financial obligations, and the goals your student hopes to achieve through membership.
- Support Exploration: Encourage your student to explore a variety of chapters to find the organization that aligns with their values and interests.
By working together and having open conversations, you can help your student determine if joining a fraternity or sorority is the right fit for their college experience at GW.
Recruitment and Intake Base Requirements
The recruitment/intake process by which you join a fraternity or sorority at GW will vary depending on the Council in which you seek to join an organization. Regardless of the council, all potential new members must meet and/or complete the following requirements:
- Register for recruitment – complete the Potential New Member Interest and Disclosure Form. This form authorizes us to verify your grades and eligibility and share that information with an organization.
- Complete this FSL 101 online education module
- Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Note: some chapters and/or councils may have higher minimum GPA requirements.
- Have completed at least 12 credit hours from an accredited college/university (AP/Dual enrollment courses do not qualify).
IFC Formal & Informal Recruitment Information
GW Interfraternity Council consists of 10 member chapters. There are two options for potential new members who want to join an IFC fraternity: Fall Formal Recruitment and Informal Spring Recruitment. The Interfraternity Council holds a formal recruitment process at the beginning of the Spring semester for the 10 fraternities and informal recruitment in the Fall semester and/or after formal recruitment.
Formal Recruitment: A structured process during which both potential new members (PNMs) and current fraternity members get to know each other throughout several rounds of recruitment events. In 2025, formal recruitment will occur in-person from January 26 to February 4.
- To participate in formal recruitment:
- Complete the GW PNM Interest and Disclosure Form
- Complete the FSL 101 Online Module
- Register for IFC Recruitment
- Attend PNM Orientation
- Be a regularly matriculated undergraduate GW student within a degree-granting program with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Must be in good standing with the university
- Attend PNM Orientation
Informal Recruitment: Informal recruitment is offered by some or all chapters in the Interfraternity Council, depending on whether the chapter has opted to recruit in the fall. During Informal Recruitment, male-identifying students can attend virtual recruitment events with individual chapters, get to know individual brothers, and have the opportunity to join those chapters seeking new members.
MGC Formal & Informal Recruitment Information
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is home to seven unique chapters with members from different and diverse backgrounds. Most chapters will hold informational sessions in the fall and/or spring semesters. However, the best way to gain information about the recruitment practices of an MGC Chapter is to contact that chapter's representative and/or attend events hosted by the chapter.
Recruitment and intake can look slightly to drastically different depending on which organization you are interested in, therefore it is recommended that you contact the MGC Council for general information about MGC Chapters.
NPHC Formal & Informal Recruitment Information
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), or the "Divine 9," is home to 9 inter/national organizations. At GW, we currently have seven organizations, all unique chapters with members from diverse backgrounds. Most chapters will hold informational sessions in the fall and/or spring semesters. However, the best way to gain information about the recruitment practices of an NPHC chapter is to contact that chapter's representative and/or attend that chapter's events.
Recruitment and intake can look slightly to drastically different depending on which organization you are interested in, therefore it is recommended that you contact NPHC Council to sign up for general information about NPHC Chapters.
PHA Formal & Informal Recruitment Information
GW's Panhellenic Association is comprised of ten chapters that are members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). There are two options for potential new members to join a Panhellenic sorority: Spring formal recruitment or semesterly informal recruitment processes. The Panhellenic Association holds a formal recruitment process at the beginning of the Spring semester for the 10 NPC-affiliated sororities and an informal recruitment process that some chapters participate in immediately following the conclusion of formal recruitment in Spring. We encourage you to follow PHA on social media for recruitment updates.
Formal recruitment: Formal recruitment (early spring): is a structured process during which both potential new members (PNMs) and current sorority members get to know each other throughout four rounds of recruitment events. Formal recruitment ends with Bid Day, where PNMs may be invited to join one sorority (a bid). In 2025, formal recruitment is taking place from January 6 to 12, in the University Student Center. Requirements for Panhellenic formal recruitment include:
- Complete FSL 101 module
- Must register, pay the recruitment registration fee, and sign an Honor Code (within the recruitment registration portal)
- Be a regularly matriculated undergraduate GW student within a degree-granting program with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Have completed at least 12 credit hours at an accredited college/university (excluding AP and dual enrollment) by the time recruitment begins
- Never been an initiated member of any NPC member group
- Must be in good standing with the university
- Must move in before the beginning of spring classes for recruitment
- Plan on attending the PNM Orientation Session
FSL New Member Requirements
New Member Retreat:
The New Member Retreat is a required education program for all new members of a social fraternity or sorority at the George Washington University. The program, hosted by the Fraternity and Sorority Life team, covers various topics such as, but not limited to, bystander training, alcohol/substance abuse, sexual assault awareness, diversity and inclusion, involvement beyond your membership, risk management, and hazing.
The goal of the program is for potential new members to gain a better understanding of the role that fraternity and sorority members play in the Greek and GW communities, while also getting to know their peers. The Retreat is offered twice a year, and dates are communicated to chapter leadership months in advance. Chapters and councils may have additional requirements for new members.
The Spring 2025 New Member Retreat will occur on Saturday, March 29. New members from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 are required to attend.
2023 - 2024 Chapter Accreditation Results
Below are the Accreditation results from the previous year’s Chapter Accreditation process.
- Chapter of Excellence - Chapters with this designation have met all Chapter Responsibility Checkpoints and exceeded all or most of the additional expectations and standards outlined in the Fraternity and Sorority Recognition and Accreditation program, earning at least 90% of the possible allotted points.
- Noteworthy Chapter - Chapters with this designation have met all Chapter Responsibility Checkpoints and addressed all of the additional expectations and standards outlined in the Revolution Accreditation Program, earning at least 80% of the possible allotted points.
- Chapters receiving at least 70% of available points or higher will be considered accredited by the GW Fraternity and Sorority Life.
- Chapters receiving less than 70% of available points will be considered unaccredited and must meet a set of expectations correlating to the number of years unaccredited. They must also determine in partnership with the chapter’s staff advisor to meet individual needs.
IFC
- Alpha Epsilon Pi - Noteworthy
- Beta Theta Pi - Chapter of Excellence
- Delta Tau Delta - Chapter of Excellence
- Kappa Sigma - Accredited
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon - Accredited
- Sigma Chi - Chapter of Excellence
- Tau Kappa Epsilon - rebuilding
- Zeta Beta Tau - Chapter of Excellence
- Phi Gamma Delta - Noteworthy
MGC
- Delta Lambda Phi - Chapter of Excellence
- Kappa Phi Lambda - Chapter of Excellence
- Lambda Pi Chi - Chapter of Excellence
- Sigma Psi Zeta - Chapter of Excellence
- Lambda Theta Alpha - Noteworthy
NPHC
- Alpha Kappa Alpha - Chapter of Excellence
- Alpha Phi Alpha - Noteworthy
- Delta Sigma Theta - Chapter of Excellence
- Phi Beta Sigma - Noteworthy
- Zeta Phi Beta - Chapter of Excellence
- Omega Psi Phi - Accredited
- Kappa Alpha Psi - Accredited
PHA
- Alpha Delta Pi - Chapter of Excellence
- Alpha Epsilon Phi - Chapter of Excellence
- Alpha Phi - Chapter of Excellence
- Chi Omega - Chapter of Excellence
- Kappa Alpha Theta - Chapter of Excellence
- Kappa Delta - Chapter of Excellence
- Kappa Kappa Gamma - Chapter of Excellence
- Pi Beta Phi - Chapter of Excellence
- Sigma Delta Tau - Chapter of Excellence
- Sigma Kappa - Noteworthy
What to Expect When You’re Joining Fraternity and Sorority Life
Do you have more questions about Fraternity and Sorority Life? We encourage you to check out our Potential New Member and Families Quick Guide. It includes need-to-know information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding the recruitment and new member processes. Otherwise, you are welcome to contact our team at fsl
gwu [dot] edu