FAQs for Students & Families
Leadership, scholarship, service and friendship for life are some of the many benefits of joining a Greek organization. No matter what Greek organization you may join, members participate in programs that encourage academic success, offer opportunities to serve the community, lead their peers and develop deep friendships. Membership in a Greek organization lasts a lifetime, and members tend to have higher GPAs, are more likely to graduate, and develop a sense of belonging in their organizations and at the college!
Students may join a Greek organization during their first semester at the school. Regardless of the time at which a student wishes to join, the student must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at Rhode Island College
- 2.25 minimum cumulative GPA
Remember, these requirements are minimum standards, so interested students should ask each organization about their specific requirements.
Yes! Rhode Island College is a large commuter school, the majority of students involved in Greek Life are commuters. The chapters (i.e. Greek organizations) usually have their meetings on the same night each semester, and it is known before classes are scheduled.
Each organization is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first semester of membership, new members are assessed a number of one-time fees (pledge fee, initiation fee, badge fee, insurance). After the initial fees are paid, your student’s only required expenses will be their regular chapter dues. Though financial commitment is necessary, that commitment comes with many benefits. Most of the organizations will offer payment plans, allowing you to spread payments throughout the semester, which is about the amount you make working 3 or fewer hours per week.
In today's world, very few students can attend college without outside employment. Greek organizations recognize this and work with members to meet financial and attendance obligations.
Individual Greek organizations elect student officers to manage the day-to-day operations. These officers are assisted by volunteer advisors. Each organization is also responsible to report to their inter/national organization, which offers support, advice and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. Further, the college employs a professional staff person to oversee and advise all of the Greek organizations, train them on policies, and ensure they are maintaining a safe experience for their members.
Hazing is illegal, plain and simple. The college, along with the inter/national organizations that oversee our Greek organizations, prohibit this these activities. If you or your student is experiencing hazing, we encourage you to report it to the Center for Student Activities, the Dean of Students Office, or the anonymous hotline 1-800-NOT- HAZE. All credible allegations will be investigated, but the more details you are able to provide the better we can follow-up.
For example, to reporting, “My student is being hazed” without giving information about your student, the organization they are in, or what is occurring is hard to investigate. It is better to report, “My students is a member of Alpha organization, and my student said that last Saturday they were forced to drink large quantities of alcohol then do calisthenics.”
