Why join a Fraternity or Sorority?
LEADERSHIP - As a member of a fraternity or sorority, you'll gain leadership skills through chapter development, officer roles, governing opportunities, and training programs. Membership in one of our organizations provides students with practical, marketable leadership experiences.
SERVICE - Our organizations give back to our local community via hundreds of community service hours and philanthropy projects each year. Working together with your brothers and sisters to have a positive impact on others is one of the most rewarding parts of membership.
SCHOLARSHIP - Fraternities and sororities serve as great resources for students through study hours, tutors, and group work. We require a minimum GPA of 2.50 for our members, and expect that members make academics a priority. We provide outreach and support to students who are struggling academically, and recognize the achievements of our outstanding student scholars.
BROTHERHOOD & SISTERHOOD - Fraternities and sororities provide members with a family experience while here at college. Our members share a strong bond and deep friendship that only a fraternity or sorority can provide. Students who join gain lifelong friendships that extend far beyond their time at New Paltz.
How can I learn about fraternities and sororities at New Paltz?
The decision to join a fraternity or sorority is an important one. It's a lifelong commitment, and each organization has different missions and values, so it's essential to find the organization that is right for you! Get to know our recognized fraternities and sororities by clicking HERE.
Our chapters participate in the Club & Involvement Fair, held during the second week of classes each semester.
Each semester the United Sorority and Fraternity Association hosts an event called "Fraternity & Sorority Night," which is a showcase of every organization. Attending this event is a great way to meet representatives from our Fraternities and Sororities and learn more about our community.
Review our Letter to Prospective Members for more information about our policies and procedures.
How Do I Join?
At New Paltz, we have a diverse fraternity and sorority community. That means each organization recruits new members differently. Some chapters hold RUSH events during the first few weeks of classes. RUSH events are open to all students who want to learn more about that organization. Some chapters hold general interest meetings (GIs) at any time during the semester. Interested students can attend a GI for any organization. Learn more about all of our fraternal organizations on Engage.
New member education is the process in which new members are initiated into the chapter. There is a window of time each fall and spring semester where chapters can educate and induct new members into their organization. The college has a non-hazing policy that is strictly enforced. Before a student begins the new member education process, they meet with a representative from the Center for Student Engagement to review the new member education policies and expectations.
Am I Eligible to Join?
At New Paltz, the privilege of joining a fraternity or sorority is available to students who demonstrate strong academic success. According to the college regulations, a student is eligible to become a new member if he/she:
- Has earned 12 credits at SUNY New Paltz. (Therefore, first-year students are ineligible to be New Members during their first semester.)
- Is a first-semester transfer student, with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher at his/her previous institution.
- Has a GPA of 2.5 or above and has successfully completed 12 credits at New Paltz.
- Meet the academic requirements of the individual organization. Some fraternities and sororities require a GPA of higher than 2.5 to join. Check with the individual organization for minimum GPA requirements.
