Fall 2019 Rush Sign-Up
Information for Fall 2019 Recruitment
There are 26 recognized Fraternities within the IFC, each founded on a unique set of principles and values. Recruitment is a time where potential new members get the opportunity to meet members of each of these chapters in order to identify where they believe they best fit. Throughout this rush period, which is typically about 2 weeks long, we encourage those interested in joining an IFC fraternity to interact with as many fraternities as possible in order to find the fraternity they want to join. In order to join a fraternity at UMD, there are several requirements: 12 credits, and at least a 2.5 GPA. While 2.5 is the minimum for the council, individual chapters might have a different GPA minimum, such as a 2.75. Be sure to ask every fraternity you speak with about their specific membership standards.
For anyone considering going through recruitment during the Fall 2019 semester, here are the things you need to know:
- Before participating in events, make sure you create an account on Campus Director by Monday, September 2nd or you will not be permitted to join any fraternity.
- Recruitment officially begins with Meet the Greeks on Wednesday, August 28th. All recognized Interfraternity Council member organizations on-campus will be present for this event.
- In addition to chapter-specific events, every chapter will hold an open house at their facility, or other location if they do not have a chapter facility. These will be held on Wednesday, September 4th and Thursday, September 5th.
- If a chapter wants to offer you an invitation to join their chapter, they can do so beginning on Wednesday, September 11th. Bids must be returned and signed by Friday, September 13th.
Parent FAQ
FAQ
Joining a fraternity is a big commitment, and can be a confusing process. Here are some frequently asked questions to help students and families navigate the recruitment process:
- How much does it cost to be in a fraternity?
- Each specific chapter sets their dues for each semester. Contact the chapter directly to find out how much dues are on average.
- Do I have to live in the chapter house?
- It is not a university requirement that members live in a chapter facility, however individual chapters may have stipulations about members living in the house. For any chapter with a recognized facility (found on our Chapters page), there is a full-time professional house director living in the house to support the men and the facility.
- What are the academic outcomes of joining a fraternity?
- One of the positive outcomes of being involved in a fraternity is the ability to manage schoolwork, relationships with other people, and the hard work and leadership that is central to the experience. Traditionally, we have seen over time that all fraternity men’s average GPA is higher than that of all men at the University of Maryland.
- What support do fraternities receive from the university?
- Boasting a staff of 26 (the largest in North America), the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life is a dedicated team working to help steward the Greek community towards action that aligns with our values. The department includes 15 resident directors who live in chapter facilities, advisors who work directly with chapters and governing councils, a team dedicated to facility maintenance and growth, as well folks working on special projects for the community such as sustainability, sexual assault prevention, and diversity and inclusion.
