Recruitment for the Interfraternity Council (IFC) is a semi-structured process. Students interested in joining an IFC Fraternity should make every effort to meet with each chapter and see where they feel the most genuine connection. To assist in this process, IFC hosts a variety of events that allow recognized fraternities and potential new members (PNMs) to meet. Even students who aren’t sure if they’d like to join an IFC Fraternity should attend recruitment events to learn more and make an educated decision.
Tulane does deferred recruitment, meaning students must have at least 12 credit hours to join a chapter. This leads to Tulane Fraternities having their larger classes in the spring semester. During the fall semester, IFC will be conducting a semi-structured recruitment process consisting of information sessions, council-sponsored events, and chapter events. While the main recruitment season for Tulane is in the Spring, it is important that students attend the Fall IFC Recruitment events to start getting to know our chapters in preparation for Spring Recruitment. Note, that if you have 12+ credit hours it is very possible to join one of our chapters in the fall as some do take fall membership classes.
All unrecognized organizations may be found here.
A bid is an invitation to join an organization. Tulane students may not join a fraternity or sorority until they’ve earned 12-credit hours and a 2.5 GPA, approved by Tulane. We believe it is important for students to adjust to college life before deciding whether to join a Greek organization. Deferring the process of bid extension and acceptance until this time allows the students to truly find the right fit.
In January, IFC holds its formal bid signing week that culminates on Bid Day. Although recruitment events are in full swing throughout the fall semester or even though a fraternity member says his fraternity will extend you a bid, it is important to note that fraternities may not extend official bids to first-year students until Bid Day.
What requirements must I fulfill in order to participate?
All requirements and their details can be found here.
How many members can each fraternity take each spring?
Interfraternity Council fraternities admit members they feel are a good fit, without any restrictions on the number they may take. In the last few years, IFC new member classes have ranged from as few as ten to as many as 35 members, with the average size being 20–25.
I registered for recruitment early in the fall so the fraternities would know I'm interested. Do I still need to go to their events?
Our fraternities use the registration system to help them keep track of everyone who is interested in fraternity membership, but they rely much more on the in-person interactions they have with students. They want to be sure they are really able to get to know the people they invite to join their organization. Students who simply register for recruitment and then don't attend any events – or only attend the bare minimum of events – are less likely to receive a membership bid.
I thought Tulane didn't allow recruitment until the spring; why are there recruitment events in the fall?
While Tulane doesn't allow students to join fraternities until the spring semester, we want those students to make an informed decision about whether to join a fraternity and, should they decide to do so, which one to join. Taking time throughout the fall to get to know members of each fraternity in relaxed, casual settings allows students to focus on academics without feeling pressure to rush into a decision about fraternity membership.
Do you make exceptions to the requirements to go through recruitment?
No. Our IFC chapters have a strong commitment to academic achievement; the all-IFC GPA is currently 3.346. Interested men should display a similar commitment and prioritize their academic responsibilities before seeking fraternity membership. Likewise, our fraternities and sororities expect members to hold themselves to higher standards of personal behavior than the average student might. Therefore students who are not in good disciplinary standing with the University are not eligible to join these organizations.
Fraternities that extend bids to students who do not meet the eligibility requirements to join will be subject to charges under the Code of Student Conduct.
What if I am trying to resolve an issue with a grade in a course (make-up exam, received an incomplete, petitioning to have a grade changed, waiting for transfer credits, etc.)?
All issues with GPAs or credit hours must be reconciled, with documentation provided to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Programs, by Friday, January 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. CST.
How much does it cost to be in a fraternity?
The first semester of membership is generally the most expensive because there are one-time, new-member, initiation, and badge fees. Costs in the first-semester average $600–$1500. Thereafter they range from $500–$1200 per semester.
Can I visit fraternity houses in the fall?
Absolutely, provided that you have been invited to do so. Fraternity houses are private residences that students live in; they are not open for people to wander into. Just as you wouldn't want someone you don't know walking into your family's home uninvited, you shouldn't enter a fraternity house uninvited. If you are invited to a fraternity house, either for a social event or other activity, you should not bring others along with you, unless a member has specifically told you that you may.
Can upperclassmen join fraternities?
Yes, though different fraternities have different practices about upperclassmen. Some chapters decide to take a new member class in the fall semester and provided that students meet the minimum eligibility requirements, they may join in the fall. However many fraternities only take new members in the spring.
