Family away from home.
Trinity University has seven local sororities and seven local fraternities that were all founded by Trinity Students. The Greek system at Trinity is full of a rich history that dates back more than 75 years.
Membership in a social fraternity or sorority is an enriching experience that offers:
- Personal, social, and emotional development
- Leadership opportunities
- Lifelong friendships
- Service opportunities
Recruitment
Trinity has a deferred rush and new member orientation period, which helps students first adjust to Trinity’s rigorous academic life before they get involved in Greek life.
In order to join a social fraternity or sorority, first-year students must:
- Have completed at least 12 credit hours at Trinity University
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (if not an athlete)
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6 (if an athlete).
Transfer students must have at least a sophomore standing to join a fraternity or sorority. The deferred rush system not only helps students focus on academics as they begin college, but also allows the students to meet the various Greek organizations without feeling pressure to commit right away.
New Member Orientation
All New Member Orientation programs are governed by several University and Greek Council policies, including for example:
- A three-week maximum on all orientation programs
- A nine-hour hands-off period each day during the school week
Orientation calendars are reviewed and approved by the Student Involvement Office. Check-ins with club presidents and new members occur routinely throughout the semester.
Anti-Hazing Policy
The purpose of Orientation is to educate new members about their fraternity or sorority and to bond the new members with the entire club, not to create unequal power differentials within the organization. As such, there is zero tolerance for hazing or for violations of other University and Greek Council policies.
Active Membership
Students are expected to maintain a GPA at or above a 2.0 to remain in good standing with the Fraternity & Sorority Life office. As a member of the FSL community, active members routinely participate in events that align with the five pillars of Greek Life: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Camaraderie and Inclusion. These include:
- Attending community service events
- Taking part in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum for Chapter Meetings
- Participating in risk management workshops
- Attending Standards events and Greek Unity activities
Academic Fraternity and Sorority Life Benefits
Fraternity and Sorority Life Students perform at higher rates than average Trinity Students. Some examples include:
7.12%
Higher Retention Rate
8.47%
Higher Four-Year Graduation Rate
~1/4
of FSL Actives make the Dean's List each semester
Helpful tips for Parents
Encourage your student to keep an open mind.
Students may hold different stereotypes about certain organizations or Greek life in general.
Encouraging your student to get to know fraternity and sorority members on an individual level is the best way to help them decide if they want to be involved with Greek Life.
Support your student.
Students need your support throughout the process of recruitment and New Member Orientation. Be supportive and learn as much as you can about the community by asking questions of your student as they meet members in fraternities or sororities.
Discuss finances with your student.
Have a conversation about the financial obligations of fraternity or sorority membership before your student joins an organization.
Because the organizations at Trinity are local, their dues are relatively inexpensive compared to national fraternities and sororities. Semester dues range from $200 to $400.
Affirm your student if things don’t go as planned.
An inherent aspect of fraternity and sorority recruitment is that it is a selective process. With that in mind, there is a chance your student will not receive a bid.
However, every year we have several sophomores and juniors join the Fraternity and Sorority Life community who did not receive a bid their first year.
Questions? Concerns?
Fraternity and Sorority Life
The staff of Student Involvement is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have about Greek Life at Trinity.
Contact Cleighton Schedule, Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Faculty and Alumni Advisers
In addition to the Fraternity and Sorority Life Staff, you may also contact the fraternity and sorority faculty and alumni advisers unique to your student’s organization.