Commonly Asked Questions
How will my student benefit from joining?
Sororities and fraternities are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and lifelong friendships. Greek organizations are groups of men and women who come together to form a personal network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and mutual pursuit of a well rounded college education. According to campus policies, each member of all organizations has certain expectations to fulfill which are as follows:
- One academic workshop per semester
- One on campus community Service project
- One off-campus community service project
- Four leadership workshops
- Two leadership retreats
What is the financial obligation?
- Sorority Dues: National Average: $230 (Sigma Sigma Sigma, Phi Sigma Sigma, Sigma Delta Tau)
- Sorority Local Average: $200 (Pi Delta Chi, Sigma Gamma Phi)
- Fraternity: $425 (only using Phi Beta Sigma and Phi Kappa Psi's information)
How will joining affect my student’s academics?
Sororities and fraternities serve as a great resource of students academically through study hours, tutors, and academically based workshops. There is a minimum 2.50 GPA required to participate in Greek recruitment and remain an active member.
Who is in charge of overseeing the fraternities and sororities?
Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day to day operation of the organization. These officers are assisted by advisors who are members of the Oneonta staff and/or faculty. Angie Eichler serves as the campus Greek Advisor.
How much of a time commitment is a fraternity or sorority?
Oneonta has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing this is consistent with New York State law. Hazing includes any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. Hazing in contrary to the purpose of the Greek community and the college. If you sense your student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of fraternity or sorority membership, you should contact the office of Greek Life immediately. The college will take immediate action against a Greek organization for violating the Code of Rights and Responsibilities for Greek Social Letter Organizations.
Is there a lot of alcohol and substance abuse associated with fraternities and sororities?
The social aspect of Greek life is one of the reasons many students get involved in fraternities and sororities; however alcohol and substance abuse is not tolerated. Most organizations have mandatory educational sessions on the dangers of substance abuse. SUNY Oneonta is committed to values which are contrary to inappropriate and dangerous behavior. The fraternity and sorority community has and will continue to be a supportive environment for its members to challenge and support students in making good choices, particularly when it comes to the social aspects of collegiate life.
When is my student eligible to join?
To join a Greek organization at Oneonta your son or daughter must be a full time student at SUNY Oneonta. They must have at least 12 credit hours at an institution of higher learning and a minimum GPA of 2.50. First semester Freshmen are not allowed to join a Greek lettered organization, but may come to recruitment events to learn more about the Greek organizations.
How will joining a chapter benefit my student after college?
The life-long friendships your student will make through their chapter can last into post-college years. Membership in a chapter can be a life-long experience. Joining now is really an investment in your student’s future. Wherever a member ends up after college, chances are he/she will be able to find an alumni chapter or other members of their fraternity or sorority in the area. In addition, Greeks have national networks for its members that could be helpful in finding jobs or internships.
Your Role as a Family Member:
- Encourage your son/daughter to attend as many campus events as possible during the fall semester. The best way to meet Greek members is by becoming involved.
- Be supportive and learn as much as you can about Greek Life by asking questions of your student as he/she begins the recruitment process.
- Keep in mind that there are financial obligations and determine who will be responsible for them.
- Allow your son or daughter to make their own decision. Don’t pressure them into joining a particular fraternity or sorority.
Statement on Unrecognized Organization
Being part of a fraternity or sorority can be one of the most rewarding experiences a student can have while at college. Unfortunately, there are some groups that are not affiliated with the State University at Oneonta that utilize the enticement of this experience to recruit students. We strongly discourage students from attending events or affiliating with any group that is not officially recognized by the college.
We are aware of the following unrecognized groups operating in the local area.
| Sororities |
Fraternities |
| Alpha Kappa Phi AKF |
Tau Kappa Epsilon TKE |
| Lambda Epsilon Phi LEF |
Sigma Alpha Mu SAM |
| Delta Sigma Tau DST |
Sigma Nu SN |
| Pi Phi Delta PFD |
Beta Chi BC |
| Sigma Phi Delta SFD |
Alpha Epsilon Pi AEP |
| Sigma Iota Kappa SIK |
Iota Tau Kappa ITK |
| Pi Phi Sigma PFS |
Sigma Tau Gamma STG |
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Zeta Sigma Delta ZSD |
If you concerned that your child is thinking about or is already in the process of joining an unrecognized organization, please contact the IGC office at 607-436-2052.
For more information on this topic, check out the "Recognized VS. Unrecognized" page.
**All unrecognized affiliations are not endorsed or supported by SUNY Oneonta, Recognized Greek Life, or by the community**
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