The value of Fraternity and Sorority Life for students who choose to participate is the melding of almost every segment of the campus community into one cohesive program. Fraternities and sororities promote the experience of self-governance, leadership development, academic achievement, community service, social opportunities and friendship.
We strive to create a unified greek community through positive relations with UMSL's staff, faculty, administration and all FSL and non-FSL student organizations.
If you think you may be a good fit or have any other questions, we are here for you.
Our Fraternity & Sorority Community grade reports assess the academic performance of the community collectively. These reports serve as a tool for accountability and transparency, as they provide insights into the academic culture and standards within UMSL's Fraternity & Sorority Community.
The fraternity and sorority community at the University of Missouri – St. Louis is comprised of 11 (inter)nationally affiliated fraternity and sorority organizations. Many students find that joining a fraternity or sorority provides them a home away from home and a foundation upon which to build a new and exciting future. In addition, the University of Missouri – St. Louis Greek community opens many doors by providing leadership, academic, service, social and interpersonal opportunities. The decision to join a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment with an organization that stands for the best things college has to offer.
The fraternities and sororities at the University of Missouri – St. Louis provide support, encouragement, and friendships that last a lifetime. Fraternity and sorority membership offers many practical benefits to its members. Most groups offer scholarships, loans, and other financial aid to members. Members have numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills by attending seminars, holding officer and committee positions within the chapter, and serving as a role model for younger members. Through volunteering in the community and on campus, members of fraternities and sororities develop the self-worth that comes from serving others. After graduation, students have access to alumni networks to support their post-college transition.
Fraternity/sorority membership can be a valuable experience, regardless of whether the student is living at home, in a residence hall, or in an off-campus facility. Off-campus students find fraternity/sorority membership provides them with people to hang out with between classes to study, and a support group of friends.
Joining a fraternity or sorority gives you the opportunity to meet like-minded people that you can truly count on. Transfer students are welcome to join an organization.
The financial commitment varies by organization and council. The first semester is typically the most expensive because it includes fees for (inter)national organizations (initiation, paperwork processing, badges) and new member education materials. Membership dues over a students’ time in the organization support (inter)national insurance costs and other headquarters fees and funds chapter experiences (academic workshops, social events, community service interests, etc.). In most cases, payment plans are available to assist students. We encourage students to ask good questions about financial commitment as they explore membership to fully understand the financial undertaking of joining a fraternity or sorority.
Greek-lettered organizations were founded on the principle of academic achievement. Scholastic success is in the student's favor when you factor in help from fellow brothers and sisters, study sessions, workshops about study skills, test-taking strategies, time management, and class scheduling assistance. Each fraternity or sorority provides some form of scholastic assistance to its members; tutoring, awards, and academic scholarships are just a few of the many incentives used to challenge members to reach their highest academic potential. Ultimately, the responsibility for succeeding in the classroom is up to the individual student. But, with the broad range of resources and incentives provided by the fraternity/sorority and the university, students can better achieve their academic potential.
One of the tremendous assets of affiliation with a fraternity/sorority is the nationwide network of alumni/ae members of the organization. As a student prepares for entry into the career world, alumni/ae members can assist in job placement through their knowledge of where jobs are and who is hiring. In addition, the fraternity and sorority experience will assist students in developing transferable skills that will be needed in the professional world, such as management, leadership development, communications, and more!
While there are certain attendance requirements, a well-balanced schedule is encouraged for all members. Through involvement with the chapter, students will learn to better manage their time by balancing academics, work, and other commitments. Academic commitments are the first priority and many members hold student jobs as well. Fraternities and sororities are conscientious of the full schedules that most students have and offer flexibility as much as possible, but students should be prepared to dedicate time to their fraternity/sorority experience. Students discover that the effort they invest in their membership directly corresponds to the quality of the membership experience they receive.
The University of Missouri – St. Louis states that any and all forms of hazing by any member shall be banned. The University of Missouri – St. Louis is opposed to any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. University of Missouri-St. Louis regulations and laws of the State of Missouri forbid hazing.
The University of Missouri – St. Louis prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages in membership recruitment and Bid Day festivities. Each chapter at the University of Missouri – St. Louis abides by Missouri State Law and forbids all alcohol use by members under the age of 21 years at any and all chapter functions. The use of alcohol during recruitment is strictly prohibited.
Hazing Prevention at UMSL View the Community Conduct History
