Parent/Guardian Information
As your student prepares to attend Appalachian State University, they have many options to become involved in campus life, and becoming a part of our fraternity and sorority community is one of them! The Office of Campus Activities wants to make sure you know the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority.
As a parent/guardian, you should take time to learn more about the fraternity/sorority community at App State to help your student make the best possible decision. Ask the organizations questions and review the benefits of recognized organizations vs the risks of unrecognized organizations.
Your student can get involved by attending many of the Welcome Week activities hosted by our fraternity/sorority community and following us on Instagram. If your student ends up joining an organization, you can also get involved by taking advantage of opportunities such as Family Weekend and other chapter-sponsored parent activities. To learn more or if you have any questions, please contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life or visit the Office of Campus Activities.
Benefits of Membership
Joining a fraternity or sorority offers students a supportive community that enhances their college experience and personal growth. Membership helps students build lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and find a sense of belonging on campus. Each chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/service, and financial responsibility in their members.
Academics is also a top priority in the fraternity/sorority community. Chapters have academic requirements to join and maintain membership and emphasize academic success through peer support, workshops, and other campus resources. You can view chapter-by-chapter academic rankings by dowloading our grade reports.
Beyond college, fraternity and sorority membership opens doors to a vast network of alumni and professional connections. Many members find career opportunities, mentorship, and community through their organization long after graduation. Service and philanthropy are also central to the experience, with students actively supporting causes like Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, Alzheimer’s Research and Literacy, Adopt-A-Street, and Habitat for Humanity.
Membership Expectations
Joining a fraternity or sorority is a meaningful commitment. The first semester typically involves a new member education program, where students learn about their organization’s history, develop leadership and time management skills, and develop friendships. After initiation, members attend weekly meetings and participate in events such as service projects, educational workshops, and social activities, all planned in advance to support academic balance.
Financially, membership is an investment in your student’s campus experience and future. Dues support chapter operations, leadership programming, and national affiliation. Most chapters offer scholarships or payment plans, and many students work part-time to help cover costs. App State’s fraternity and sorority community is committed to affordability and accessibility for all students.
Policies & Safety
Appalachian State University maintains strict policies to ensure a safe and respectful fraternity and sorority experience. Hazing is not tolerated under any circumstances. Alcohol use is regulated by both University guidelines and inter/national organization policies that determine who can consume alcohol (21+), as well as how much and what kind of alcohol can be present at registered events. Harm prevention and reduction practices are in place to promote a safer, more beneficial environment for members.
Recognized vs Unrecognized Organizations
It’s also important to distinguish between recognized and unrecognized organizations. Recognized organizations are in good standing with the University and are closely monitored, advised, and supported by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Campus Activities. These organizations have access to campus resources, participate in University-sponsored events like Greek Week and the FSL Leadership Summit, and are held to high standards through the Standards of Excellence and ATLAS programs, which emphasize scholarship, service, leadership, harm prevention, and inclusion.
In contrast, unrecognized organizations are not affiliated with the University. These groups have lost recognition due to failure to uphold standards, social misconduct, and/or hazing, and are not supported by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. These groups are prohibited from using campus resources or facilities, participating in FSL programs, or engaging with our governing councils or any recognized organizations. Their activities, including recruitment and social events, are not monitored or held accountable to campus policies or regulations, and many have also lost recognition from their national organizations.