The process of joining a fraternity or sorority is one of mutual selection. Fraternities and sororities use different means to acquaint themselves with interested students and to allow prospective members to learn about the organization. The process to join depends on the type of fraternity or sorority, which are categorized below by the governing council that oversees each different type.
Fraternity and Sorority Membership
While individual chapters may have additional requirements you must meet in order to receive an invitation to join, below are the basic requirements for all organizations:
- A full-time RMC student
- Must have completed in-person hazing prevention (“Adam’s Law”) training as a potential new member prior to being extended a bid or invitation of membership
- 3.0 Overall Grade Point Average for first year students with less than 12 credits earned at RMC
- 2.5 Overall Grade Point Average for students with an RMC GPA (Many organizations require a higher GPA)
Inter-Fraternity Council
The Inter-Fraternity Council governs the five (5) college fraternities on campus and the Theta Epsilon chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. The recruitment process for fraternities is open, meaning fraternities may extend invitations to join at any point during the academic year after the annual Activities Carnival provided those students have met all eligibility criteria for both the organization and Randolph-Macon College.
For Fall 2023, most fraternities will hold Recruitment events from September 17-23. However, chapters may hold events or distribute bids at any time once the semester begins and following the Activities Carnival on Friday, September 8, 2023. Those interested in joining a fraternity should reach out to chapters directly or contact the Student Engagement Center for more information.
Note: While not a member of the IFC, Alpha Phi Omega (co-educational service fraternity) distributes bids of membership to eligible students in the same procedure of IFC college fraternities.
For more information on how to join Iota Phi Theta, please see the Membership Intake/Experience section below.
College Panhellenic Council
The College Panhellenic Council holds their primary recruitment period during the fall of each year. CPC Recruitment is a mutually selective process with each chapter and potential new members participating in making decisions about where they may join.
Formal Recruitment registration information for Fall 2023 Formal Recruitment was released on June 2, 2023. Formal Recruitment will begin on Thursday, September 21 and conclude with Bid Day on Sunday, September 24.
Individuals interested in joining a Panhellenic Sorority and participating in the Formal Recruitment process must register via this link by Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Outside of the formal recruitment period, informal recruitment may be held through the Continuous Open Bidding (COB) process. Not all Panhellenic chapters are able to participate in informal recruitment each year, so interested students should take this into consideration as they consider sorority membership. Informal recruitment is chapter directed and not facilitated by the Panhellenic Council.
For more information on how to join Alpha Kappa Alpha, please see the Membership Intake/Experience section below.
Membership Intake/Experience
Membership Intake/Experience is a chapter specific process that organizational members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (e.g., Alpha Kappa Alpha, Iota Phi Theta, etc.) hold to bring in new members. “Membership Intake” is the process used by Iota Phi Theta and “Membership Experience” is the process used by Alpha Kappa Alpha.
While each organization has different requirements and processes, most NPHC groups encourage interested individuals to observe current members and educate themselves on the history and philosophies of each group.
There will be many activities throughout the year sponsored by the organizations. Whether one is already familiar with fraternities and sororities, or know nothing at all, it is important interested individuals get to know the members and organizations AND for the members to get to know you. Once an individual identifies the group they would like to belong to, they should attend an interest or informational meeting sponsored by the organization to begin the membership joining process.