Facts and Stats
More than one-third of Miami students are members of a fraternity or sorority, representing over 50 chapters across four governing councils.
About Fraternity and Sorority Life
For nearly 200 years, fraternities and sororities have played an important role in student life at Miami University. Known as the “Mother of Fraternities,” Miami is home to a vibrant fraternity and sorority community built on leadership, scholarship, service, and lifelong connection. Each organization contributes to a community rooted in shared values, personal growth, and student success.
History of Greek Life
Learn about the legacy of Greek life at Miami, including how fraternities and sororities have shaped the Miami campus we love today.
Staff
The Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is here to support you through the recruitment and membership experience.
More than Membership
Fraternity and sorority life at Miami offers opportunities for students to:
- Develop leadership skills
- Build lifelong friendships
- Serve local and global communities
- Connect with mentors and alumni
- Strengthen academic success
- Create meaningful college experiences
Every chapter offers a unique experience, allowing students to find a community that aligns with their interests, values, and goals.
The Five Pillars That Shape Our Community
Fraternity and sorority organizations at Miami are united by five shared pillars that guide the student experience and shape community expectations.
Scholarship and Learning
Each chapter commits itself to enhancing scholarship and learning within the chapter. As a result, members of Miami’s fraternities and sororities consistently earn GPAs above the campus averages for both men and women.
Service and Philanthropy
One of the most rewarding aspects of fraternity and sorority involvement is the opportunity to impact others. Each year Miami Greeks complete thousands of community service hours and raise significant funds through service projects and philanthropic fundraisers.
Leadership and Values
Miami’s Greek community is dedicated to developing strong, multi-faceted leaders. Fraternity and sorority life helps students discover their unique leadership potential by encouraging them to strive for positive change in their organizations and the community.
Community
The Greek community has been thriving for over 190 years at Miami, and it offers engaging opportunities that are hard to match elsewhere. Through fraternity or sorority sponsored service, philanthropy, athletic events, and speakers, students grow as individuals and community members.
Brotherhood and Sisterhood
At the heart of fraternity and sorority life are the relationships students build with one another. Chapters foster strong bonds rooted in friendship, support, shared values, and lifelong connection.
For many students, these relationships become one of the most meaningful parts of their Miami experience.
Mission
The Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life assists the Miami fraternity and sorority community in living out its shared values of scholarship and learning, service and philanthropy, leadership and values, community, and brotherhood and sisterhood.
Through collaboration with students, alumni, advisors, and campus partners, the office works to create an environment that supports student development, academic success, leadership growth, and a strong interfraternal community.
Explore Each Council
Panhellenic Association
Sororities participating in deferred primary recruitment during the spring semester.
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
Fraternities participating in deferred recruitment during the spring semester.
National Panhellenic Council
Historically Black fraternities and sororities using a chapter-based intake process throughout the year.
Multicultural Greek Council
Culturally based organizations offering chapter-specific intake and recruitment experiences.
How do students join a fraternity or sorority?
Membership processes vary by council and chapter.
- Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association chapters participate in deferred recruitment during the spring semester.
- National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) organizations use an intake process that occurs at various times throughout the year.
Once primary recruitment or intake is over and students have accepted a bid, they enter a new member period. Each chapter has different expectations for this period. The student will typically learn about their new chapter's history, rules, and traditions. Once the new member period is over, students will be inducted into full membership.
What is the time commitment involved?
The time commitment varies by organization and level of involvement. The first semester is the most time intensive as new members participate in their chapter’s educational program. Beyond the first year, members typically participate in:
- Weekly meetings
- Philanthropy and service events
- Leadership opportunities
- Social and community activities
Students are encouraged to balance chapter involvement with academics, wellness, and other campus experiences.
How much does fraternity or sorority membership cost?
Membership costs vary by organization and may include:
- New member fees
- Semester dues
- Housing or meal costs (if applicable)
- National organization fees
Chapters provide financial information during recruitment or intake, and students are encouraged to ask questions about dues, housing, and payment expectations before joining.
How does fraternity and sorority life support academic success?
Academic achievement is a priority within Miami’s fraternity and sorority community. Many chapters provide:
- Study tables
- Peer mentoring
- Academic workshops
- Scholarship opportunities
- Academic incentive programs
All chapters maintain GPA requirements for membership and encourage students to prioritize academic success. The all-Greek GPA is consistently higher than Miami’s all-student GPA.
Do members participate in service and philanthropy?
Yes. Service and philanthropy are important parts of fraternity and sorority life at Miami.
Each year, chapters support local and national organizations through fundraising efforts, volunteer service, awareness events, and community partnerships. Students contribute thousands of volunteer hours and raise significant support for charitable causes annually.
What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Fraternity and sorority life offers opportunities for students to build friendships, develop leadership skills, serve their communities, and grow personally and professionally.
Students can gain experience through:
- Leadership positions
- Academic support and mentorship
- Service and philanthropy
- Networking with alumni
- Educational programs and campus involvement
What are fraternity houses and sorority living spaces like?
Many fraternities at Miami have chapter houses off campus that include shared living spaces, dining areas, study spaces, and community gathering areas.
Sorority organizations have suites within residence halls, and some members may live within designated residence hall communities.
More on fraternity and sorority housing
Who supports and oversees fraternity and sorority organizations?
Fraternity and sorority organizations are student-led and supported by multiple layers of guidance and accountability, including:
- Chapter officers, elected by members
- Alumni advisors
- National/international headquarters
- Governing councils
- Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff
What are Miami’s policies on hazing?
Hazing is prohibited by Miami University, the State of Ohio, and all recognized fraternities and sororities.
Miami provides hazing prevention education and reporting resources for students, families, and community members. Students participating in new member education programs should expect activities focused on learning about the organization, building relationships, leadership development, and community involvement.
If you believe hazing has occurred, report concerns immediately through the university’s reporting resources.
Report Hazing Concerns >
How does the community approach alcohol and safety?
Miami’s fraternity and sorority community promotes responsible decision-making and risk reduction education related to alcohol and safety.
Chapters participate in educational programming and are expected to follow university, council, and national organization policies related to alcohol, safety, and event management. Each chapter holds seminars on responsible alcohol use. Miami's fraternity/sorority governing groups have adopted their own Greek alcohol policy, which all chapters adhere to.
Which organizations are recognized by the university?
Miami University maintains information about recognized and unrecognized fraternity and sorority organizations, as well as conduct history for each organization as well.
How can families support students interested in fraternity and sorority life?
Families can support students by encouraging them to:
- Explore organizations thoughtfully
- Ask questions during recruitment or intake
- Learn about chapter values and expectations
- Balance academics and involvement
- Make decisions that align with their goals and interests
Support Fraternity and Sorority Life
Your support helps create meaningful experiences for fraternity and sorority students at Miami University through leadership development programs, student recognition initiatives, community-building efforts, and educational opportunities.
Contact Us
Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
2026 Armstrong Student Center
550 E. Spring St. Oxford, OH 45056
