Sorority and Fraternity Life

Fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women) are student organizations, often called Greek-letter societies. UMass Amherst’s first fraternity was founded in 1869, and the first sorority in 1916. While most chapters are nationally affiliated, UMass hosts a few local chapters. These social organizations are distinct from academic or honor societies, though a student can belong to both.

Each fraternity or sorority has a recruitment process. Panhellenic sororities hold formal recruitment in the fall and informal recruitment in the spring. IFC, NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities recruit year-round. Recruitment is advertised through flyers, information sessions, and social media. Fill out this form to receive notifications about upcoming recruitment events. 

Fraternity membership is open to all full-time undergraduates, with some chapters accepting students from other schools in the Five College system. Each chapter has its own selection criteria, such as GPA and credit hour requirements. It’s important to research chapters to find the best fit. If you’re not invited to your preferred chapter, you can try again in the next recruitment period.

Greek organizations are open to those who meet academic and chapter-specific requirements. Generally fraternity membership is open to students who identify as men and sorority membership is open to those who identify as women.

Not all chapters have houses, and first-year students cannot live in chapter facilities. Only initiated members with at least sophomore status may live in chapter houses, if available.

Each chapter sets its own dues and housing fees. National dues, initiation fees, and local costs are typically involved. Housing costs are similar to on-campus rates but vary by chapter. These details are provided during recruitment.

No! Hazing is strictly prohibited by Massachusetts law and university policy. All fraternities and sororities enforce no-hazing policies. Chapters typically have a new member program (lasting 4–6 weeks) to help new members learn about the organization before initiation.

The Office of Fraternities and Sororities, part of Student Engagement and Leadership, oversees the Greek Life community. The office provides support and guidance to chapters and governing councils. National organizations also send advisors to visit chapters regularly.