How to Join

• Why should I join? What aspects of the chapter encouraged you to join?
• What are the financial obligations of a new member? Are there any additional costs members are required to pay beyond the listed fees?
• How long is the new member program, and how much time should I devote to it?
• What is the percentage of new members that get initiated in your fraternity or sorority?
• What other campus organizations have you had an opportunity to participate in as a result of your fraternal experience?
• How does your chapter promote scholarship?
• In what ways is your chapter involved with philanthropies and community service?
• What types of activities are planned with other Fraternities & Sororities?
• What is the availability of housing, and what are the rules pertaining to living in the sorority/fraternity house?

• You must narrow your choices and ultimately decide which group you wish to join. The organization that is best for your friends or family may not be the best one for you.
• Think about why you want to join a Fraternity or Sorority. Are these qualities present in the groups that you are considering?
• Find the organization in which you feel most comfortable. Why do you feel comfortable in that particular group?
• Take a look around you. The men or women that you are standing with could be your brothers or sisters. What qualities do you share with these people? Do you feel comfortable with them?
• Ask questions! Get to know everything you can about each organization.
• Most importantly, be yourself! Many diverse organizations want to know you.

There are numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills within the Fraternity & Sorority community. Many students acquire the skills and practical experience that can benefit their future careers. Each chapter typically has both an executive board and an assistant board. Often, members can start holding positions as early as their first year of membership. Many of these roles carry significant responsibilities.

For example, as treasurer, you would be responsible for creating, delegating and managing a budget of up to $50,000 annually. In any of these positions, you would gain valuable experience in organizing large events, budgeting, creating publicity, public speaking and time management.

Beyond the chapters, there are additional leadership opportunities. You can participate and develop leadership skills through the Multicultural (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC), Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils (IFC). These councils are the governing boards of the fraternity and sorority communities and provide platforms for discussion and information exchange. This allows you to gain leadership experience and connect with members from different chapters. 

All fraternal organizations were founded on a "strong tradition of high academic standards." First and foremost, students at William & Mary are here to be students, and the Fraternity & Sorority community recognizes, respects and works to promote its members' academic success.

There are numerous resources available within individual chapters and through the councils to encourage and support academic achievement. Some programs here at William & Mary within the Fraternity & Sorority community include, but are not limited to, study incentives, mentor programs, study hall hours and efforts to build rapport with the university's faculty.

The William & Mary community is committed to service, and this love for others flows to, from, and within the fraternal community. Each chapter sponsors a philanthropy individually, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Camp Fantastic, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and Service for Sight. Many chapters also support local organizations. Throughout the year, each chapter hosts various philanthropy events, including KD Campus Golf, Kappature the Flag, Dunk-a-Theta, Delta Phi Croquet and Sig Ep Bubble Soccer.

Annually, the four Councils co-sponsor the Arc Carnival. The Arc helps clients with intellectual disabilities, and each client is paired with a student buddy to enjoy an afternoon of fun, games, dancing and food! In fall 2007, the Fraternity & Sorority community officially adopted the Arc as its all-community philanthropy after an 8-year partnership with the organization. The partnership started with a 5k that raised $500 for the Arc. Additionally, our members participate in monthly activities with Arc clients.

Albert Einstein said that, "only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Amid the demanding academics at William & Mary and the adjustment to the "real world," our members still find time to help those in need. The Fraternity & Sorority community echoes Einstein's words by encouraging its members to give of themselves freely and sincerely to others and to each other.

Community-wide events, athletic games, mixers, formals, date parties, chapter events, chapter retreats, intramural sports and many fun-filled days make the social scene at William & Mary unforgettable. As a member of the Fraternity & Sorority community, you'll develop a special closeness with your sorority sisters and fraternity brothers that can turn into lifelong friendships.