Each sorority and fraternity at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is an emerging or established chapter of an international organization. These organizations are typically private, single-sex organizations and are recognized by the university to distinguish them from other fraternal organizations and/or Registered Student Organizations (RSOs).
Once you are ready to pursue membership, we encourage you to use the steps outlined below to approach the council or organization of your choice. Still unsure which council is right for you or how to navigate the joining process? Contact the Sorority and Fraternity Life staff for additional assistance.
Those seeking membership must be a full-time, fully enrolled student. Provisionally admitted students and students participating in the Road to Rocky Top Programs are not eligible for membership in any fraternity or sorority.
All students are welcome.
1. Research the councils, chapters, expectations, and costs
All students are welcome to participate in recruitment or intake. Students interested in participating in recruitment or intake should first and foremost learn about the process, research the organization, and most importantly, the expectations. Each chapter will have a threshold of requirements to be eligible for membership, such as a minimum high school or college GPA.
2. Register for Recruitment or Intake
Interfraternity Council Recruitment
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) consists of 22 men’s fraternities with over 150 years of history. IFC fraternities excel in academics, philanthropy, leadership, and programming, earning national recognition. Formal recruitment takes place at the beginning of the fall semester. The membership selection practices and procedures are determined by each of the chapters individually.
Multicultural Greek Council Intake
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) includes six culturally focused sororities and fraternities. MGC promotes cultural awareness, serves the UT community, and organizes social, fundraising, and service events. MGC determines dates for the intake process by each respective chapter. Typically, chapters will advertise and host informational meetings for students to attend.
National Pan-Hellenic Council Intake
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) consists of seven historically but not exclusively Black fraternities and sororities. They promote academic excellence, leadership, community service, and lifelong bonds, while engaging in campus activities. NPHC determines dates for the intake process by each respective chapter. Typically, chapters will advertise and host informational meetings for students to attend.
Panhellenic Council Recruitment
The Panhellenic Council is made up of 14 women’s sororities and has a rich history of over 120 years. The community is dedicated to promoting positivity, empowering women, and fostering an environment of unity, fairness, and support. Formal recruitment takes place at the beginning of the fall semester. The membership selection practices and procedures are determined by each of the chapters individually.
Continuous Open Bidding & 365 Recruitment
Panhellenic chapters take part in what is known as Continuous Open Bidding (COB) outside of formal recruitment. This process is heavily organized by the chapters participating, and not all 14 of the chapters will take part. Outside of IFC’s fall and spring recruitment, chapters practice 365 recruitment. This is the practice of recruiting year-round and is the sole responsibility of the chapter to organize; again, this practice is not required for all chapters.
Please note that the process of sorority and fraternity recruitment/intake is referred to as a mutual selection process. This means that there is no guarantee for membership, and each selection process is determined by the respective organization. The university, Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life, and the governing councils cannot interfere with selection processes or final decisions.
3. Complete New Member Health & Safety Module
The Health and Safety Module is required to be completed through Canvas Catalog by every new member in our community. Potential new members will receive a link in their registration confirmation emails for a Canvas module. This module will cover key health and safety issues facing college students (e.g., alcohol, drugs, hazing, mental health, and sexual misconduct) and important supporting resources and offices on campus. This module opens on June 1 and January 1 for all students who are interested in joining a chapter on campus in the fall and spring semesters, respectively.