RESOURCES AND FAQs

Fraternities and sororities are organizations at colleges and universities that are usually designated by Greek letters. They are made up of individuals with similar backgrounds, interests, or values. All fraternities and sororities at Villanova are members of their respective national umbrella organizations, which are represented by the councils that they are a part of on our campus. 

• Bid: An invitation to join an IFC fraternity or a Panhellenic sorority

• Chapter: A local branch of an inter/national fraternal organization recognized by Villanova University

• Dues: Semesterly membership fees that fund organizational activities and expenses 

• Initiation: A ritual ceremony in which a new member becomes an active member of an organization

• Intake: The joining process for a culturally-based fraternal organization

• New Member/Neophyte: A member of a fraternity or sorority who has not yet been initiated

• Recruitment: The joining process for an IFC fraternity or a Panhellenic sorority

• Ritual: A private organizational ceremony

1. 2.7 cumulative GPA, although many chapters maintain their own GPA requirements
2. 12 completed collegiate credit hours (one full collegiate semester, AP/IB/Dual Enrollment credits will not count)
3. Good disciplinary standing with the University

PNMs must also complete bystander intervention training through the Office of Health Promotion before participating in any formal recruitment or intake process. 

• IGC: approximately $1,000 during the first semester
• IFC: approximately $800 during the first semester
• Panhel: approximately $700 during the first semester

Just as in any other time-intensive student organization, membership within a fraternity or sorority adds responsibilities to those that already exist, so potential members should educate themselves on the experience so they can make an informed decision about joining.

No. Students involved in fraternities and sororities have the same housing opportunities as non-affiliated students.

New member education is a time for new members to become better acquainted with their organizations’ history, values, traditions, rituals, resources, and members. This process typically takes between 6-8 weeks for our organizations and concludes with an initiation ceremony. New members have the same privileges as active members as soon as they are selected for membership in their organization.

Approximately 35-40% of Villanova students are affiliated with one of our organizations. 

Values in Action (VIA) program is a two-stage accreditation program. The purpose of the Values in Action program is to provide a comprehensive quality assessment of the fraternities and sororities at Villanova University while allowing the organizations to demonstrate the value they provide to the campus. This process is designed to ensure fraternities and sororities are committed to providing the highest quality experience to their members.

In the first stage, chapters submit a written report documenting the chapter’s efforts, including supporting documents. The second stage requires chapters to provide a presentation to a panel of evaluators, allowing the chapter to creatively demonstrate their achievements, provide further clarification from the written report, and positively interact with members of the Villanova community. Each stage of the program allows organizations to illustrate how they excel in the areas of: Chapter Operations, Ethical Leadership, Holistic Student Growth, Lifelong Sisterhood/Brotherhood, Community Engagement, and Goal Setting.

Hazing is strictly prohibited by Villanova University. Visit our Hazing Prevention page for information and policies. 

Feel free to reach out to us via email at ofsl@villanova.edu! Our staff monitor the account regularly and can direct your message to the appropriate staff member.