Fraternity and sorority membership can be a meaningful part of the Rattler experience. At Florida A&M University, our organizations are rooted in brotherhood/sisterhood, scholarship, service, leadership, and unity and provide opportunities for students to build relationships, develop as leaders, serve their communities, and become part of traditions that extend beyond their time on the Hill.
Membership is also a significant commitment. Joining a fraternity or sorority requires an investment of time, finances, academic effort, personal responsibility, and accountability. Membership is intended to extend beyond college and should be approached as a lifelong affiliation—not simply as a social experience.
Before pursuing membership, take time to learn about the organizations represented at FAMU, understand their values and expectations (on the campus, local, state, and national levels), attend programs and informational events, and determine which organization—if any—aligns with who you are and who you want to become.
Disclaimer:
The Efferson Student Union and Activities, Fraternity and Sorority Life, nor the university, does not participate in the selection process of any of its fraternities or sororities. Their selection process is considered fair as it is supported by the international/national governing body, policies, and procedures. If you have any questions or concerns regarding selection, please direct them to the chapter advisor, chapter president, and/or the regional leadership of the organization.
The process of joining a fraternity or sorority varies by organization and governing council. Depending on the organization, the process may be referred to as Membership Intake Process (MIP), RUSH, Membership Education (ME), or a New Member Program, or something similar.
Each recognized chapter follows requirements established by its national or international organization in addition to FAMU’s requirements. The University provides oversight of the intake process, verifies student eligibility, establishes the authorized intake period, and monitors compliance with University policies and applicable laws. Individual chapters and their national or international organizations are responsible for membership selection.
At FAMU, regular membership intake is conducted during the University's approved intake period. Intake-related activities, including interest meetings, interviews, membership education, initiation, practices, and presentations, may occur only during the authorized period and after the chapter receives University approval.
The exact process varies by chapter and council. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee membership or an invitation to participate in intake/RUSH.
Students interested in seeking membership should begin preparing before the semester in which they plan to participate in intake.
***Please note that these requirements also apply to Progressive Black Men Inc. (PBM) and SISTUHS, Inc.***
At minimum, prospective members must:
Important: University eligibility represents the minimum standard to participate in the membership process. Individual organizations may establish higher GPA, service, academic, financial, or other membership requirements consistent with their national or international policies.
First-Time-in-College Students
Dual-enrollment, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or other college credits earned before high school graduation do not replace the requirement to complete 15 credit hours at FAMU. This requirement also applies to FTIC students who earned an Associate of Arts (AA) degree through dual enrollment or another accelerated program before graduating from high school. A student admitted to FAMU as FTIC remains subject to the FTIC eligibility requirements, regardless of the number of credits previously earned, possession of an AA degree, or academic classification upon admission.
Transfer Students
Transfer credits, including credits earned as part of an AA degree, may contribute to the student’s academic classification but do not replace the requirement to complete at least 12 credit hours at FAMU. This requirement also applies to students admitted to FAMU to pursue a second or additional degree, including students who have already earned an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or other degree from another institution. Previous degrees and transfer credits do not waive the FAMU credit-hour requirement. Please note that not all chapters/organizations within Fraternity and Sorority Life accept 2nd Degree-Seeking students for membership consideration. Check with the organization on membership criteria prior to applying.
Limited Organizational Exception
Progressive Black Men, Inc. and SISTUHS, Inc. may consider first-semester FTIC and transfer students for membership. Students considered under this exception must satisfy all other applicable University-established eligibility requirements and complete the required eligibility-verification process before participating in any membership intake or new-member activities. This limited exception applies only to the FAMU credit-hour and classification requirements stated above. It does not waive any other University, Fraternity and Sorority Life, academic, financial, conduct, safety, or organizational eligibility requirement.
Greek Assembly is a required first step for students seeking membership in a FAMU fraternity or sorority (Including Progressive Black Men, Inc. and SISTUHS, Inc.).
Greek Assembly is designed to help prospective members understand the fraternity and sorority experience before beginning an intake process. Sessions introduce students to University expectations, eligibility requirements, hazing prevention, financial responsibility, membership considerations, and the responsibilities associated with joining a Greek-letter organization. Various campus partners and chapters who are conducting intake, speak, and present information to the attendees.
Students seeking membership must attend at least one Greek Assembly Session during the applicable intake cycle. Attendance at Greek Assembly does not guarantee eligibility, selection, or membership.
For the Spring 2027 Intake Period, Greek Assembly sessions are scheduled for:
Registration and payment of the fee are required, professional attire is required, and entry is not permitted after the doors close.
Things to consider and know before the letters.
Be yourself. Protect who you are. Never compromise your morals, values, identity, goals, academics, or personal well-being simply to fit an organization. You should not have to change who you are to fit the organization; the organization should fit you.
Fraternity or sorority membership should add value to your FAMU experience, not take away from it. The right organization should provide opportunities for you to grow as a young adult, strengthen your leadership and service, expand your network, build meaningful relationships, prepare for life after graduation, and continue developing into the person you want to become.
Research. Explore. Ask questions. Budget. Reflect. Know the requirements. Understand the commitment. And most importantly, protect yourself and make the decision that is right for you.
Learn about each organization's history, values, mission, programs, membership expectations, and national or international structure. Research the local FAMU chapter as well as the larger organization.
Choose an organization because its values and purpose align with your own—not simply because of popularity, friends, family affiliation, or campus visibility.
Ask Questions
Attend programs and interest meetings and talk with current members, advisors, and chapter leadership.
Ask about:
There are no "bad" questions. You are considering a lifelong commitment, so take your time and make an informed decision.
Attend programs hosted by different chapters and councils. Meet members from multiple organizations and observe how organizations demonstrate their stated values through scholarship, service, leadership, and campus involvement.
Do not limit your research to social media or what you see at social events.
Membership requires a financial commitment.
Costs vary significantly by organization and may include application fees, initiation or new-member fees, national or regional fees, local chapter dues, insurance, conference or convention costs, apparel, programs, and other membership-related expenses.
Some costs may be one-time expenses, while others recur each semester or year.
Before accepting an invitation to membership, ask the organization for a clear explanation of:
“What will I be expected to pay before initiation, during my first year, and each year after that?”
Understand the Financial Commitment: First-semester membership costs are often higher due to initiation and other one-time expenses. Depending on the organization, initial costs may range from approximately $500 to $2,500 or more. Be sure to ask about all anticipated expenses beyond regular chapter dues so you understand the full financial commitment. Ask the chapter if their organization offers scholarships or payment plans for membership. All chapters are different. What’s done in one may not be an option in another.
Plan ahead. Budget wisely. Save your refund.
Ask Yourself Before Seeking Membership
Before pursuing membership in a FAMU fraternity or sorority, take time to honestly consider:
Remember: Fraternity and sorority membership is not for everyone—and choosing not to join is okay. The goal is not simply to become a member. The goal is to make an informed decision that is right for you.
There is no single cost to join a fraternity or sorority at FAMU. Each organization establishes its own financial requirements, and costs may vary by chapter, council, semester, and membership status.
Prospective members should expect potential expenses such as application or intake fees; initiation fees; national, regional, or local dues; chapter dues; insurance or risk-management assessments; conferences or conventions; apparel and paraphernalia; programs, activities, and other organization-specific expenses.
The initial membership period may involve higher costs because some organizations assess one-time initiation or new-member fees in addition to regular dues. Prospective members should ask for financial information before accepting an invitation to membership and should not assume that another member's previous costs will reflect current expenses.
FAMU does not establish or collect individual chapter membership dues. Questions regarding specific membership costs should be directed to the chapter and/or its authorized advisor, Chapter President, or Intake/RUSH chair, or national/international organization.
Eligibility does not equal membership.
Meeting FAMU's minimum eligibility requirements means that a student may be eligible to participate in an approved membership process. It does not guarantee an application, interview, invitation, acceptance, or membership.
Chapters may maintain additional membership requirements established by their national or international organizations. Membership decisions are made by the organization in accordance with its authorized selection procedures. FAMU verifies University eligibility and provides oversight of the approved intake process but does not select individual members.
"I meet the _____ requirement(s)" DOES NOT EQUAL "I should have been selected."
FOR THE FLAME. FOR THE STANDARD. FOR THE LEGACY.
All membership activities must be conducted through an approved, authorized membership process.
Learn MoreStudents should never be asked or expected to participate in unauthorized activities as a condition of membership..
FAMU, ESUA, and FSL do not select members on behalf of individual fraternities/sororities, or groups.
Learn MoreFAMU's role is to establish University eligibility requirements, verify student eligibility, authorize intake periods, and provide oversight for compliance..
Newly initiated members become part of the larger FAMU-FSL community and are expected to uphold community standards.
Learn MoreNew members also participate in New Member Academy (NMA), FAMU's leadership and development experience for newly initiated members..
