Parents

Joining a fraternity or sorority can be an important part of a student’s Missouri State experience. Membership can provide opportunities for connection, leadership, service, academic support and personal growth.

We also know families and supporters may have questions about what membership involves. Whether your student is considering joining, participating in recruitment or intake, or is already a member, this page is designed to help you better understand the fraternity and sorority experience and support your student along the way.

Understand the Experience

What Can Students Gain from Fraternity & Sorority Life?

Fraternity and sorority membership is about more than joining an organization. Students have opportunities to build meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, serve others and become more connected to the Mo State community.

Community and Belonging

Fraternities and sororities can help students build friendships and find a smaller community within Missouri State.

Leadership Development

Members have opportunities to lead within their chapters, governing councils and organizations across campus while developing skills in communication, teamwork, decision-making and organization. They also get benefit for conferences and conventions that provide real world leadership experiences.

Scholarship

Academic success is an important part of the fraternity and sorority experience. Chapters establish academic expectations and may provide resources, recognition and support to help members succeed.

Service and Philanthropy

Fraternity and sorority members regularly give their time and talents to causes that benefit the Springfield community and organizations across the country.

Lifelong Connections

Membership can create friendships, mentorship opportunities and professional connections that continue well beyond graduation.

Getting to Know Our Community

Missouri State’s fraternity and sorority community includes organizations represented by three governing councils. Each council has its own traditions, membership processes and member organizations.

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council, or IFC, represents many of the fraternities at Missouri State.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, or NPHC, represents historically Black fraternities and sororities and supports their shared programs and community initiatives.

Panhellenic Association

The Panhellenic Association, or PHA, represents Missouri State’s Panhellenic sororities and coordinates recruitment, programming and community standards.

Students are encouraged to explore multiple organizations and learn about each chapter’s values, expectations and membership experience.

What Families Should Know

Joining a Fraternity or Sorority

Each council and organization has a different process for joining. Some students participate in a structured recruitment process, while others learn about membership through chapter events, informational meetings or an intake process.

Families can support students by encouraging them to learn about their options, ask questions and choose the organization that best aligns with their values and goals.

What does membership cost?

Membership includes financial obligations that vary by organization. Students may be responsible for chapter dues, national organization fees, programming costs and other membership expenses.

Costs may also be higher during a student’s first semester of membership.

Before joining, students should ask each organization for a clear explanation of its financial expectations.

Review the financial transparency sheets for each council by visiting their respective pages.

How much time does membership require?

Fraternity and sorority membership is a commitment. Members may participate in chapter meetings, service projects, educational programs, leadership activities, social events and other chapter experiences.

The amount of time required varies by organization and may be greater during a student’s first semester of membership.

Students should consider how membership will fit alongside academics, employment and other commitments.

What about academics?

Students are students first.

Fraternity and sorority organizations have academic expectations for their members, and many provide programs or resources to support academic success. Students should ask prospective organizations about GPA requirements, academic support and expectations for continued membership.

Support Your Student

Ask Questions. Stay Curious. Let Your Student Lead.

Choosing whether to join a fraternity or sorority — and deciding which organization is the right fit — is an important personal decision.

Families and supporters can play a valuable role by helping students think through their options while allowing them to take ownership of their experience.

Consider asking your student questions such as:

What interests you about this organization?
What values does the organization represent?
What are the financial expectations?
What is the time commitment?
What are the academic expectations?
What does the new-member experience include?
What leadership, service and professional-development opportunities are available?
Who would you talk to if you had a concern?

The goal is not to choose an organization for your student, but to help them make a thoughtful and informed decision.

Stay Informed

Health, Safety and Accountability

The well-being of students is an important part of the fraternity and sorority experience at Missouri State.

Students are expected to follow university policies, organizational expectations and applicable laws. Fraternity and Sorority Life also works with campus and community partners to provide education, prevention resources and support.