Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greek life a big deal at DePauw?
DePauw University has a long and proud history, and Greek life certainly plays a role in it. Two sororities were founded here, and our Greek system dates back to 1845 when a chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity was formed. Today, 70 percent of DePauw students belong to a fraternity or sorority, and we are proud to be one of just a few colleges in the country that have such a strong and flourishing Greek community.

What are the benefits to joining a Greek organization?
Greek organizations were founded on the principles of leadership, service, scholarship, and brother/sisterhood. Students today find that Greek life provides opportunities to get involved in the community and on campus, develop lifelong friendships, gain valuable leadership experience, and achieve success academically.

How do I join a fraternity or sorority?
Students can join a fraternity or a sorority at DePauw one of three ways. The majority of our members join as first year students during the formal recruitment process that takes place each February. IFC and Panhel sponsor these processes and each fraternity and sorority host events during a four day period that allows potential members the opportunity to get to know the members and determine which organization is the best fit for them. The second option for joining is called C.O.B. (continuous open bidding). In C.O.B., students can join a Greek organization during the fall semester (if they are a sophomore, junior, or senior) or after the formal recruitment process is complete in the spring under certain circumstances. There is no formal process for C.O.B.; each organization recruits independently if they chose to do so. NPHC does not sponsor a rush for the Historically Black Greek Lettered Organizations although they do host “Meet The Greeks” each fall so students can learn more about each chapter and ask questions about joining. Each fraternity and sorority recruits new members independently, and students can learn more by attending interest sessions, attending each organization’s functions, and talking with current members.

When is rush and recruitment?
During the 2008-09 school year, Panhellenic Recruitment will occur January 25th, 30th-31st and February 1st and IFC Rush will occur January 31st, February 1st, 6th, and 7th. The Historically Black Greek Lettered Organizations recruit independently and on their own timelines.

Why is recruitment deferred?
DePauw University made the decision to defer rush and recruitment in 1999. Since then, these processes have taken place during the second semester. Deferred recruitment allows first year students the opportunity to better acclimate to the University, adjust to college level course work, meet friends outside of the Greek system, join other campus organizations, and form a strong community in their residence halls before deciding if Greek life is for them. The decision to defer recruitment has been very well received by the students.

How much does Greek membership cost?
There are costs associated with Greek life, and it is important to get the facts BEFORE deciding to join. Financial responsibility is a serious point of membership. The University does not own or operate the Greek houses so each individual organization determines the costs for living in their facility. However, room and board in the chapter houses is, on average, very similar to what the University charges for students living in University owned housing. In addition to room and board cost, each chapter also assesses dues to their members. Dues support the chapter operational expenses, social functions, and national fees. New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester for additional national costs (pledging fees, initiation fees, badge cost, etc.). Additional (and often optional) costs through the semester may include t-shirts, pictures, etc. Most chapters offer payment plans and some even offer scholarships to help make financing Greek life reasonable for anyone who wishes to join.
2004-05 averages:
Sorority room and board average: $2,720/semester
Sorority dues average: $500/semester
Fraternity room and board average: $3650/semester
Fraternity dues average: $475
NPHC chapter dues average:

What are the requirements for joining a fraternity or sorority?
Any student wishing to join a fraternity or sorority on campus must meet the University, IFC/Panhel, and inter/national requirements for membership.
  • Women wishing to participate in formal recruitment must:
    Have a 2.5 G.P.A.
    Be free of University judicial probation
    Be at least a second semester first year student
  • Men wishing to join a fraternity must:
    Have a 2.25 G.P.A.
    Be free of University judicial probation
    Be at least a second semester first year student
  • Men and women wishing to join a NPHC organization must:
    Be in good academic standing with the University
    Be free of University judicial probation
    Be at least a second semester first year student meet all expectations of the inter/national organization for membership
Are recommendations needed for recruitment?
Women participating in the Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment may submit recommendations to individual sororities if they chose. Although some Panhellenic systems require recs, at DePauw it won’t adversely affect a potential member’s recruitment experience if she doesn’t have them. Alumnae wishing to submit a rec should obtain the proper form from a sorority’s headquarters and then submit the rec directly to the chapter leadership.

You can find recommendation forms at:
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Phi
Delta Gamma
Kappa Alpha Theta
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Pi Beta Phi