Department of Campus Life
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Frequently asked
questions
- What is Fraternity and Sorority Life?
- What fraternities & sororities are at Clayton State?
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- What is the recruitment / selection process?
- How much does it cost?
- What is membership in-take?
- What is the University's Anti-Hazing Policy?
- How can fraternity & sorority Life benefit me?
- What if I want to join a group not at Clayton State?
- Are Auxiliary Organizations allowed on campus?
What is Fraternity & Sorority Life?
Fraternity & Sorority Life refers to the Greek letter societies, which make up the Fraternity and Sorority system. Fraternities are organizations for men, which are designed to promote scholarship and leadership, stimulate social interaction, and offer the opportunity for development of meaningful relationships. Sororities are organizations for women, which promote scholarship, service to campus and community, development of strong long-lasting friendships, and promotion of leadership opportunities.
Fraternities & sororities have a long history within American higher education. The first fraternity (Greek-letter organization) was founded at the College of William & Mary in 1776. Today there are over 100 fraternities & sororities at American colleges and universities and there are over two million members.
What fraternities & sororities are at Clayton State?
Currently, Clayton State has "10" recognized social / service fraternities and sororities:
Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Kappa Lambda,
Alpha Sigma Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega
Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta
and Sigma Gamma Rho.
Other fraternities & sororities will be considered based on student interest and
the organization’s desire to expand to Clayton State's campus.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Membership in a fraternity or sorority is open to any currently enrolled Clayton State students. Each organization has it's own minimum GPA and credit-hour requirement. For more information regarding requirements to join specific fraternities or sororities, contact the fraternity or sorority of choice. Contact information for every Clayton State recognized Fraternity & Sorority can located on the Fraternity & Sorority Life webpage.
What is the recruitment / selection process?
Fraternities & sororities will hold 'Information Seminars' also known as "Open House, Informationals or Rush" where interested students can learn more about the organization. Any enrolled student with an interest in joining a fraternity or sorority should attend the sessions.
Requirements for selection and membership will vary, depending on the organization. Recruitment activities may occur at the start of Fall or Spring Semesters and vary in
length. Students desiring membership may be asked to submit a membership application, participate in a personal interview with current fraternity or sorority members, and pay
a membership fee.
Following the submission of an application and personal interview, prospective members
are usually selected; but not always. Member selection is based on
the merit of the applicant. Some organizations may have different variations to their selection process.
For more information, contact the fraternity or
sorority of choice.
How much does it cost to be a member of a fraternity or sorority
Joining a fraternity or sorority does require a financial commitment. When students join an organization, they typically pay initiation fees which can vary depending on the particular organization. Some fraternities and sororities do require membership dues while in school. Fees and dues will vary by organization.
What is membership in-take?
Each fraternity and sorority has an individual in-take process that is designed to familiarize the student with the organization and its mandates and to acquaint the student with other members. The duration of the membership in-take process varies by organization, and ranges from one to several weeks in length. At the conclusion of the in-take process, the organization will hold induction activities which formally initiate the student as a member of the organization.
Rites and Ceremonies / Hazing
No Clayton State organization shall condone, encourage, or require unlawful acts by its members at any time. All organizations shall be responsible for observing all University regulations.
The University defines “hazing” as “any situation, circumstance, or environment created by an organization or group that is purposefully instigated to illicit mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule to aspiring members on or off university premises."
All rites and ceremonies of introduction, initiation, or orientation into college life which tend to allow unreasonable physical or mental suffering are prohibited. **Any orientation which in part takes place in public, which in any way involves persons outside the organization or is not confined to a single building must be approved by the Department of Campus Life prior to the ceremony.
Hazing may include (but is not limited to): paddling, caning, whipping, forced calisthenics, tattooing / branding, forced consumption (of any food, alcohol or related substance), coercion to perform dangerous acts, or the issuance of assignments that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual.
Hazing may also include any activity that would subject students to mental stress, such as: sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, conduct that result in extreme embarrassment, public servitude, giving money to older members of the organization, destroying public or private property, and performing unauthorized scavenger / treasure hunts.
Clayton State University strictly adheres to state legislation outlawing hazing. Students involved in any aspect of hazing are subject to both institutional disciplinary action and prosecution by local and state authorities.
Georgia Code Section Prohibiting Hazing (Code 1 98 1, Section 16-5-61, enacted by Georgia Legislature in 1988)
The appropriate legislation is reprinted below:
As used in this Code section, the term: "Haze" means to subject a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of the student, regardless of a student's willingness to participate in such activity.
"School" means school, college, or university in this state.
"School organization" means any club, society, fraternity, sorority, or group living together which has students as its principal members.
"Student" means any person enrolled in a school in this state.
It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition in gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization.
Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
How can Fraternity & Sorority Life benefit me?
Fraternities & Sororities Life can provide students with an enriching collegiate experience. Among the benefits, Fraternity & Sorority Life can provide students with leadership experiences, community service opportunities, and opportunities to develop friendships.
What if I want to join a fraternity or sorority that is not at Clayton State?
There are many different fraternities & sororities. While you may be set on particular fraternity or sorority, you are encouraged to check out the existing organizations on campus before making your final decision to join. Most fraternities and sororities offer a variety of benefits and opportunities, and embrace rich heritages and traditions.
If you desire to affiliate with a specific fraternity or sorority that is not at Clayton State, you should arrange a meeting with the Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator to discuss the organization of interest. The Fraternity and Sorority Coordinator will work with you to contact the specific organization's national headquarters in order to establish the guidelines to charter a chapter at Clayton State. In some instances, the national headquarters may not be interested in chartering a chapter due to the possibility of low membership.
After all of the specific steps (to be discussed during the meeting with the Fraternity and Sorority Coordinator), the Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator will work with you to get the organization recognized by Clayton State University. Please note: Even if the organization decides to charter a chapter at Clayton State, the organization still has to undergo formal recognition by the Fraternity and Sorority Council (FSC).
Are Auxiliary Organizations permitted at Clayton State University?
As of Thursday, March 16, 2006, CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY does NOT 'authorize,' 'recognize' or 'approve of' the existence of any Chapter affiliated Auxiliary Organization ('sweethearts, diamonds, little sisters/brothers, courts, kittens, etc'). Students are encouraged to report any solicitation of any fraternity & sorority to join an Auxiliary Organization ('sweethearts, diamonds, little sisters/brothers, courts, kittens, etc') to the Associate Dean of Students or contact the Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor immediately.
*Please note, Auxiliary Organizations are NOT the same as a Fraternity or Sorority and should not be considered and/or treated as such.