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Parents, Families, & Supporters

Fraternity & Sorority Life at Michigan State University

For more than 150 years, fraternities and sororities have been part of the Michigan State University experience, helping students build meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, serve their communities, and create a strong sense of belonging.

Today, more than 5,000 students are members of one of MSU's fraternity and sorority organizations. While each chapter offers a unique experience, all organizations provide opportunities for students to connect with others who share their values, interests, and goals.

Family members and supporters often ask whether joining a fraternity or sorority is the right fit for their student. The answer depends on the individual student. We encourage students to explore multiple organizations, ask questions, and determine whether membership aligns with their values, interests, goals, and financial circumstances.

Why Students Join

Students choose to join fraternities and sororities for many reasons, including:

  • Building friendships and finding a supportive community
  • Developing leadership skills and gaining real-world experience
  • Participating in service, philanthropy, and community engagement
  • Connecting with mentors and peers who support academic success
  • Exploring personal values and identity
  • Creating memories and relationships that extend beyond graduation

For many students, fraternity and sorority membership becomes one of the ways they make a large university feel smaller and more personal.

MSU's Fraternity & Sorority Community

Michigan State University's fraternity and sorority community is comprised of four governing councils:

Supporting Your Student

Families and supporters play an important role in helping students navigate their college experience.

We encourage you to:

  • Encourage your student to explore organizations that align with their values and interests.
  • Keep an open mind. No two fraternities or sororities are exactly alike.
  • Discuss financial expectations before your student accepts membership.
  • Talk openly about balancing academics, involvement, employment, and personal well-being.
  • Encourage your student to ask questions and make informed decisions.
  • Support your student's choice, whether they decide to join a fraternity or sorority or pursue other opportunities on campus.

Questions Your Student Should Ask Before Joining

  • What are the membership costs?
  • What is the expected time commitment?
  • What academic expectations exist?
  • What leadership opportunities are available?
  • What service and philanthropic activities does the chapter support?
  • What does the organization's culture look like?
  • Is housing available or required?
  • What support resources are available to members?

Academics, Leadership, & Personal Growth

Fraternity and sorority membership is intended to complement a student's educational experience.

Many chapters provide:

  • Academic mentoring and support
  • Study resources and accountability programs
  • Leadership opportunities within the chapter and governing councils
  • Professional development experiences
  • Community service and philanthropic involvement
  • Networking opportunities with alumni and campus partners

Students often gain skills in communication, teamwork, event planning, conflict resolution, and organizational leadership through their involvement.

Health, Safety, & Accountability

The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life works closely with student leaders, chapter advisors, alumni volunteers, national organizations, and the Office of Student Support and Accountability to support a safe and educational membership experience.

Members and organizations are expected to uphold university policies, council expectations, and applicable inter/national organization standards. When organizations are found responsible for violating these policies, they are held accountable through the Student Organization Conduct Process. You can view chapters who have a conduct status on the Chapter Status page. We'd also encourage you to view MSU's Campus Hazing Transparency Report for more information.

Students are encouraged to seek support, ask questions, and report concerns whenever assistance is needed.

Understanding Membership Costs

Membership expenses vary by organization and may include:

  • Chapter dues
  • Inter/national organization fees
  • Event and programming expenses
  • Apparel and membership materials
  • Meal plans or housing costs (if applicable)

Costs are often highest during a student's first semester of membership because of one-time new member expenses. Students should ask detailed questions about membership costs before accepting an invitation to join an organization.

Housing Opportunities

Many IFC fraternities and Panhellenic sororities maintain chapter facilities where members may have the opportunity to live during their undergraduate experience.

Michigan State University requires most second-year students to live on campus. Through the university's Group Housing process, fraternities and sororities may be approved to house second-year students. Students who are members of an approved organization may be eligible to apply for an exemption to live in their chapter facility.

For more information about Group Housing, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my role as a parent, family member, or supporter?
One of the most important things you can do is encourage your student to make an informed decision. Help them explore organizations, ask questions, discuss financial commitments, and reflect on their goals and values. Ultimately, membership should be a choice that supports their college experience and personal growth.

How will my student benefit from being in a fraternity or sorority?
Membership can provide students with:

  • A built-in support system during the transition to college
  • Opportunities for leadership development
  • Academic resources and peer mentorship
  • Community service and philanthropic involvement
  • A sense of belonging and connection at Michigan State

Experiences vary by organization, but many students find that membership helps them build meaningful relationships and develop valuable life skills.

Is joining a fraternity or sorority required?
No. Joining a fraternity or sorority is completely optional. Students can have a successful and meaningful Michigan State experience with or without fraternity and sorority membership. Michigan State is also home to over 1,000+ student organizations that can also complement your student's Michigan State experience.

When can my student join?
Recruitment and intake processes vary by council and organization. Some organizations recruit primarily at the beginning of the academic year, while others may welcome new members throughout the year. Students should explore their options and connect with organizations that align with their interests and goals. Our How to Join page is a great place to get started.

What if my student decides membership is not for them?
That's okay. Fraternity and Sorority Life is one of many involvement opportunities available at Michigan State. Students should choose experiences that align with their goals, interests, values, and desired college experience.

Will my student be required to live in a chapter facility?
Not necessarily. Housing opportunities vary by organization. While many IFC and Panhellenic chapters operate chapter facilities, living in the facility is not always required and availability may vary.

Contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life
We have a team of talented staff who are are happy to answer questions from students, families, supporters, and prospective members.

Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life
Student Services Building 339
Email: fsl@sle.msu.edu 
Phone: 517-353-7748

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