Fraternity & Sorority Community

Welcome to the dynamic and vibrant world of Rensselaer's fraternity and sorority community! At the heart of our community, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Commons, along with unwavering support from the Alumni Fraternity & Sorority Council, provides essential guidance to foster a thriving environment.

Our dedicated council leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the fraternity/sorority experience. Tasked with planning communitywide events, programs, and serving as representatives on various committees, their commitment to the future of our community is unparalleled. Through their efforts, they ensure a positive and enriching experience for all members.

Governing Councils, including the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Sorority & Fraternity Council (MSFC), and Rensselaer Panhellenic Council, stand as pillars of guidance, oversight, and direction for our 29 active organizations. Additionally, our Professional Fraternities/Sororities community, encompassing three additional organizations, provides a professional space for these groups to flourish.

Within this diverse tapestry of organizations, students enjoy a plethora of benefits, including leadership development, self-governance, and the freedom to define their unique student experience at Rensselaer. Join us in embracing the spirit of camaraderie and growth within our flourishing fraternity and sorority community!

  • 3 GOVERNING COUNCILS (Social Organizations)
    • Interfraternity Council 
      • 22 Organizations 
    • Multicultural Sorority & Fraternity Council 
      • 4 Organizations 
    • Rensselaer Panhellenic Council 
      • 3 Organizations 

 

  • 1 PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY (Professional Organizations) 
    • Professional Fraternities & Sororities 
      • 3 Organizations 

Institutional Eligibility Criteria:

Rensselaer operates under a "deferred recruitment" system, meaning students are not eligible to join a social fraternity or sorority until their second semester of freshman year. However, students who transfer to RPI after having earned 12 transferable credit hours at another college or university are permitted to join a fraternity or sorority. Regardless of when a student wishes to join, before a candidate can go through recruitment/intake, they must meet the following membership eligibility requirements:

Eligibility Requirements

  • Potential new members must have earned a minimum of 12 credit hours.
  • They must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 or meet the organization’s specified minimum standard to join, whichever is higher, before receiving an invitation to join.
  • Transfer students to RPI must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the semester before affiliating at their previous institution and transfer at least 12 credit hours to be eligible. Verification is required before joining.
  • First-year January admits are ineligible until the following fall.
  • They must be in good standing with the university conduct process and not on university probation.

Note: An exception is made for our gender-inclusive fraternity within our Professional Fraternity/Sorority community who may extend membership to first-year students who lack a university established GPA.

Post Invitation/Bid Requirements

  • Attend FSC New Member Orientation

Affiliated Organizations

Alumni Fraternity & Sorority Council (AFSC)

The Alumni Fraternity & Sorority Council (AFSC) is a collective of alumni representing various chapters on campus. Functioning as a valuable resource for undergraduates, the AFSC serves dual roles—acting as a support hub alongside the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Commons and serving as a forum where alumni contribute their voices and offer solutions to address concerns that matter.

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