Common Questions

Everything you ever wanted to know about Greek life at SMU

From recruitment to intake and membership, everyone has a question about Greek life at SMU. The following are the questions we hear most often - but we know there are more. If you have a question that is not on this list, contact us via email or call the appropriate advisor.

Click on the underlined link below to see the common questions for that council.

Interfraternity Council questions

1. What are the requirements for joining an IFC group?

The Interfraternity Council's minimum requirements for joining a fraternity are as follows:
- Pass and complete at least 12 credits in the semester prior to joining
- 2.25 GPA in the semester prior to joining
- 2.25 cumulative GPA
- Not be on SMU judicial probation or higher
- You must register with the SMU Interfraternity Council online

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2. Do I need recommendations for IFC Recruitment?

Absolutely not. Recommendations are not required to join a fraternity. If you want to let a fraternity know that you are a legacy (related to a member/alumnus of a fraternity), indicate that on your registration form. If a member or relative still wants to send a recommendation letter, he can send it to the fraternity's attention at:

PO Box 750436
Dallas, TX 75275-0436.

It is the chapter's responsibility to secure a recommendation for each man who decides to go through recruitment if needed. If you would like to secure your own, please send all recommendations or letter directly to the chapter houses.

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3. Will I be required to live in the fraternity house?

Each chapter has a different policy for residency, depending on the capacity of their house. It is an obligation of membership to live in the chapter house if the chapter needs for you too. Most men that join during their first year move into the fraternity house as sophomores. Each chapter house has a commercial kitchen and meal plan for members. All houses with more than 8 residents are required to have a non-student house mother/house director. Room rates are on average $2000 per semester for double occupancy (sharing a room) and $3200 for a single. Meal plans are on average $1200 per semester.

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4. What are the deadlines for IFC registration?

For Formal Recruitment 2007: No registration forms will be accepted before August 18, 2006. All registrations must be received online by December 1, 2006.Only exceptions granted are for men who are transferring to SMU beginning Spring 2007. All transfer applications and transcripts are due by 12 noon, January 8th, 2007. All men, including transfers, are strongly encouraged to register during the fall semester. The registration fee is non-refundable.

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5. What do I wear for IFC Recruitment?

Fraternity recruitment is a casual week. You cannot go wrong with khakis and a collared shirt.

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National Pan-Hellenic Council questions

1. What organizations make up NPHC and which ones are active at SMU?

NPHC member organizations are:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Currently Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Zeta Phi Beta are active at SMU.

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2. How can I get more information on how to get involved with NPHC organizations?

You may get detailed information about each organization by visiting their individual web sites, attending an interest meeting held by each group on campus, attending each organization’s and/or NPHC functions, talking with current members or by contacting the NPHC advisor.  Each chapter conducts Membership Intake separately from the other organizations, so you need to keep a look out for when interest meetings or informational sessions occur.

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3. Are your organizations socially based?

No. The primary purpose and focus of member organizations is community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities. Each organization has devoted their resources to service in their respective communities, realizing that the membership experience of an NPHC organization goes beyond the social aspects of college life.

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4. What are the requirements?

Each member organization must follow the guidelines set by their national headquarters concerning eligibility requirements for intake. The University requires that every student must have at least 12 hours of coursework completed and a minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA. However, each organization may have higher GPA requirements, as well as a community service hour requirement.

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Multicultural Greek Council questions

1. Do I have to be a member of a minority population in order to join a Multicultural Greek Council fraternity/sorority?

No. Every chapter is open to anyone interested in learning more about his/her own culture and appreciating the cultural diversity of all people. Members represent every type of cultural, economic, and social background.

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2. Is service important to the Multicultural Greek Council chapters?

Service is an essential aspect to the MGC chapters. A minimum of 20-30 service hours per semester are required for members, not including weekly to monthly chapter programs.

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3. Is the MGC recruitment similar to the Panhellenic or Interfraternity Councils?

It is similar in terms of allowing prospective students to meet all of the chapters and providing opportunities to meet with the membership. The MGC recruitment process lasts up to four weeks during which prospective students attend various activities sponsored by the chapters that highlight their individual principles/values. You must register with the MGC prior to attending the events. There is no registration fee.

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Panhellenic Association questions

1. What are the requirements for joining a Panhellenic sorority?

The SMU Panhellenic Association's minimum requirements for joining a sorority are:

- Complete at least 12 units with a 2.5 GPA in the semester prior to joining
- Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Must not be on disciplinary probation or higher any point during the semester prior to recruitment 
- Must register online with the SMU Panhellenic Association. It is not necessary to register with your hometown Alumnae Panhellenic.  These groups may assist with the recommendation process but not the registration process.

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2. Do I need recommendations to go through Panhellenic recruitment?

It is the chapter's responsibility to secure a recommendation for each woman who decides to go through recruitment. If you would like to secure your own, please send all recommendations or letters directly to the chapter houses. 

Click here for addresses

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3. How can I find out about living in the Panhellenic House?

Panhellenic does not oversee that process. You must contact the housemothers at each of the houses and they will provide you with the needed information. Stop by and they will be glad to give you a house tour.

Panhellenic House I
3109 Daniel
Dallas TX, 75205

Panhellenic House II
3100 Daniel
Dallas TX, 75205

Please do not contact the Panhellenic office with questions about Panhellenic housing.  Only the housemothers can answer those questions.

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4. What are the contact addresses for the chapter houses?

Alpha Chi Omega—3020 Daniel, Dallas, 75205
Chi Omega—3014 Daniel, Dallas, 75205
Delta Delta Delta —3100 University, Dallas, 75205
Delta Gamma —3120 Daniel, Dallas, 75205
Gamma Phi Beta —3030 Daniel, Dallas, 75205
Kappa Alpha Theta—3108 University, Dallas, 75205
Kappa Kappa Gamma —3110 Daniel, Dallas, 75205
Pi Beta Phi—3101 Daniel, Dallas, 75205

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5. What are the deadlines for Panhellenic recruitment registration?

Recruitment registration will be available annually on June 1st. The deadline for registration is December 1st. For registration fees please visit the Panhellenic Recruitment page. Exceptions are granted only for women who are transferring to SMU beginning in that spring semester. All transfer registration and transcripts are due by 12 noon, the Monday prior to the start of the recruitment period. The registration fee is non-refundable.

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6. Where does an alumnae get a recommendation form?

All recommendation forms come from the alumnae's national sorority. They must contact the chapter's national office.

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