Academics
Succeeding in the classroom is important for every member in our sorority and fraternity community, with most organizations requiring a minimum GPA to join and remain in good standing. Organizations offer academic support such as study hours, study groups by majors, junior and senior mentorship, and connections to alumni for greater access to internships and practicums.
The sorority and fraternity community consistently has a higher average GPA than those not affiliated with a fraternity or sorority and our community is represented in all of UT’s colleges.
Enrollment Status
All participants in the recruitment or intake process for the four councils must be undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Students taking part in Road to Rocky Top Programs are not eligible to participate in recruitment/intake until they are fully enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville their sophomore year.
Minimum GPA
The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council suggest a minimum GPA to register for recruitment (2.75 for IFC and 3.0 for Panhellenic), but selection and requirements are determined by each individual chapter. Grades are determined by high school GPA, transfer cumulative GPA, or most recent college GPA.
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) sororities and fraternities require at least 12 hours of completed coursework and a 2.5 GPA in order to be considered for membership. Once initiated, all members of chapters are held to an academic standard determined by each chapter’s bylaws.
For-Credit Courses
Each spring semester, members at every level of leadership from all four councils join and focus on developing their skills through two for-credit courses offered specifically to students affiliated with the Greek community. These courses focus on leadership development theory, CliftonStrengths, current issues facing college students, and how students can apply their leadership practices in and out of their chapters.
Time & Participation
New members and active members have the ability to make their experience more impactful by taking on leadership roles, serving on committees, running for elected positions in their chapter or council, and many other opportunities. These are all options to go above and beyond; however most chapters will require a minimum level of participation to be an active member. These requirements will depend on the chapter, but most will hold weekly meetings for new and active members, ritual ceremonies, and philanthropic/service projects throughout the semester. Events are planned in advance so as to allow time to study, work, and uphold other commitments! Sorority and fraternity involvement is just one aspect of our members’ collegiate experience; so always remember that you are a student first.