The Power of 2%

Since the founding of the American College Fraternity movement in 1776, fraternities have grown to symbolize leadership, independence, scholastic achievement and service to their various campuses and communities. Fraternity men represent a very small percentage, only 2% of the male population in the United States. However, that 2% is a very powerful group of individuals. Fraternity men have gone on to hold many of the top positions in our nation, from the business world to the political arena.

Approximately 80% of the top executives of Fortune 500 companies are fraternity men. 76% of current United States Senators and Congressmen are fraternity men. 100 of 158 cabinet members since 1900 have been fraternity men. 40 of 47 Supreme Court Justices since 1910 have been fraternity men. All but two United States Presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men.

It is certainly no surprise that today's college and university students express a keen interest in the Greek system. The opportunities are endless and the benefits speak for themselves. Each year thousands of young men enter the working world with the competitive advantage of fraternity experience and alumni contacts.

What is a fraternity?

A fraternity is a group of men (some are coeducational) who adhere to the same ideals and principles, work together toward common goals, and are bound together by rituals and the highest possible level of friendship. Fraternities strive to develop the individual talents of members and each member uses these talents for the benefit of the whole.

What are the benefits of joining a fraternity?

Supportive friends that last for life, leadership opportunities that stand out on a resume, philanthropic projects for an amazing cause, community service that strengthens character, career opportunities that are extremely profitable, and becoming part of a international network. There’s a reason why the overwhelming majority of Fortune 500 executives are Greek - it’s because as a fraternity man, you engage in an experience that strengthens the interpersonal and leadership skills that make you stand out in a crowd. This only begins the description of how being Greek will positively affect your life; and membership is for life! Our brothers have found very lucrative careers, admission into nationally-ranked graduate programs, and more after college thanks to the networking opportunities and skills being a fraternity man gives them.

Can I rush in the fall as a freshman?

Yes! According to Ohio State’s Sorority and Fraternity Life Office, a student needs 12 college credit hours at Ohio State completed before they can rush a fraternity/sorority. Some students do not reach this requirement until the spring semester of their freshman year, which is why students traditionally begin to participate in rush in the spring. However, several students come into college with transfer credit from other colleges, and as a result meet the 12 credit requirement - meaning they can rush in the fall. Many students opt to do this so they can reap the benefits of a fraternal experience sooner. If you came into OSU with classes through a dual-enrollment program (ex: College Credit Plus, KAP, etc.), this option is available for you. Note that credit via AP/IB testing does NOT count - the 12 credit hours must come from college courses.

What does it cost to be Greek?

Every fraternity and sorority is self-supportive. Each chapter and its national headquarters determine the monthly/semesterly dues and membership fees. Some chapters also include a one-time association and initiation fee. At Pi Lambda Phi, our dues are among the lowest of all fraternities and sororities on campus. While the costs vary by chapter, the yearly expenses to live in a fraternity or sorority house are comparable to the residence hall costs. In our instance, our 30-person chapter house is less expensive than Ohio State dorms.

Will joining a fraternity or sorority affect my academic success?

The act of joining will not have any effect on your GPA. Making good grades in college is the responsibility of the individual. What will affect your academic performance is your ability to manage your time well in addition to the amount of support you get from the chapter you join. This is something you should ask any chapter before you join. At Pi Lambda Phi, we understand that school is the primary responsibility of our members - why pay tens of thousands otherwise? That’s why we provide educational sessions on time management, resume writing, study skills, and more that have propelled us to the highest GPA on campus, as well as some of the most successful brothers on campus.

Being in a fraternity or sorority sounds like it takes a lot of time. Is this true?

Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through the Greek experience, you learn how to balance academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments. This is the reason why fraternity men are so successful. These men have time management skills that translate directly to the work force and result in better work, better quality, and better careers.

What is hazing?

Hazing at Ohio State is defined as an act that, as an explicit or implicit condition for initiation to, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization, could be seen by a reasonable person as endangering the physical health of an individual or as causing mental distress to an individual through, for example, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment; destroys or removes public or private property; involves the consumption of alcohol, other drugs, or other substances; or violates any of the policies of the university. Hazing is not permitted by any of the Greek councils at Ohio State.

We at Pi Lambda Phi take hazing allegations very seriously and will never participate in any form of hazing. We pride ourselves in being highly selective and having a low admission rate - we have no need for hazing to separate the excellent new members from the rest. If you suspect that hazing is happening in a Greek fraternity or sorority at Ohio State University, you may go online to submit a report at https://sfl.osu.edu/current_members/resources/, call the national anti-hazing hotline at (800) NOT-HAZE or call the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life at 614-292-8763. Every effort will be made to respect the confidentiality of complainants.

There are so many fraternities at Ohio State. How do I tell the difference between all of them?

One of the ways to assist with this is to visit each fraternity’s website to learn a little more about them. Other than that, the best way is to actually go to the various fraternity’s rush events and meet the guys.

What are “underground fraternities?” What about suspended fraternities? Why are they bad?

These are fraternities that have been kicked off campus because of refusing to follow safety guidelines and endangering their own members and/or the student community - typical crimes include drugging members of the public, extreme hazing, failing to comply with authorities, and more. These chapters have been stripped of all rights, have no presence in Greek affairs, are not allowed to participate in recruitment, are unable to host events with sororities, and typically have no support from their national headquarters. They live in the shadows, so their members do not receive benefits of actually being in the fraternity (insurance, career connections, alumni networking, conventions, awards, and much more).

Suspended fraternities are fraternities that have violated the code of student conduct but not to a degree that would get them banned from campus. They are allowed to have events but to a very limited degree and are under strict guidelines from the university. Typically, a fraternity that is kicked off starts out as suspended. To get a list of which fraternities have been kicked off campus or have been offenders of university guidelines, click here: Sorority and Fraternity Student Code of Conduct History.

If I get a bid, do I have to join?

Although the majority students who participate in recruitment decide to accept a bid from a fraternity, you are not required to join. Participating in recruitment and receiving a bid does not obligate you in any way.

Do all fraternities have chapter houses?

No, several fraternities do not have houses at Ohio State.

Do I have to live in the fraternity chapter house?

Living in the chapter house is up the individual chapter. There is usually never enough space in the house to accommodate all members at once, so each group has their own requirements - some use a live-in requirement for sophomores, some give priority to upperclassmen, and some are first-come first-serve. This is a good thing to find out during the recruitment process. Living in a chapter house is comparable to living in the dorms or in an apartment.

Alright, I’m interested. How do I sign up to rush?

Registration for fraternity (Interfraternity Council) recruitment is completed online. You may sign up by going to https://sfl.osu.edu/secure/join.