Group of students promoting their fraternity at a UWM Fraternity & Sorority Life event.

Fraternity & Sorority Life

The Fraternity and Sorority Community at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee fosters strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Guided by integrity and ethical conduct, we uphold the highest standards to ensure our actions reflect our values and positively impact those around us. This commitment fosters a culture of trust, respect, and accountability essential for personal growth and community cohesion.

Dedicated to making a difference, our members actively engage in community service and philanthropic efforts, striving to improve our campus, local community, and society. We take pride in our contributions and devotion to our Alma Mater, participating in university events and supporting the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s mission to provide exceptional education and opportunities for all students.

Communities Interest Form Resources

Glance at a Community

Our community is made up of almost 300 students who are involved with philanthropy, brotherhood/sisterhood, scholarship, leadership, and more. Here at UWM, our members are a part of one of our 20 chapters, associated with the following councils: Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPA), Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and Divine Nine (D9) organizations.

Community Councils

Join FSL

Recruitment vs. Intake

Recruitment: Utilized by Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPH) and Interfraternity Council (IFC), where potential members are given the opportunity to meet the chapters and its members, so that interested students can determine which best fits them. For more information about recruitment, reach out to the council or chapter contacts.

Intake: Utilized by Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and the Divine 9 (D9) chapters. Interested students are encouraged to attend event/programs and informational sessions hosted by the chapters. It is highly encouraged to do research about the history of the organizations, by utilizing national websites and books.

Interest Form

If you are interested in more information about joining a fraternity or sorority, please complete this form.

  • By submitting, I hereby confirm that all of the information on this form is correct. I understand that each organization has a different GPA requirement, dues, and other factors that may influence my eligibility in an organization, such as a minimum number of credits to join. I give Student Involvement permission to verify and release the above information to the fraternities/sororities participating in membership recruitment.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Resources

Commonly Used Terminology

  • Bid: A formal invitation to a be a member of a fraternity or sorority
  • Call/ Chant: A vocal sound used by members of Multicultural Greek Organizations or Divine Nine members. This is not to be repeated or copied if not a member of said organization
  • Chapter: The established individual fraternity or sorority under a council
  • Council: The student-led governing body for a collection of chapters. Here at UWM we have 3 active councils: CPH, IFC, and MGC
  • Divine Nine (D9): Nickname for the 9 chapters that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
  • Dues: The cost of membership collected by a fraternity or sorority
  • Initiation: Formal ceremony where potential new members join their organization officially. Each chapter has its own unique initiation.
  • Neophyte (Neo): A new member of a culturally based organization (NPHC & MGC)
  • Pledge: To join a Greek chapter and become an official member
  • Potential New Member (PNMS): A student who is interested in joining a fraternity or sorority and is going through the process
  • Probate: An official public presentation that welcomes new members of culturally based organizations (NPHC & MGC) that consists of knowledge learned and history of the organization and chapter.
  • Reactivating: When a fraternity or sorority is in the process of being recognized on campus, at UWM chapters must have at least 4 members
  • Strolling: Used within NPHC and MGC, when members move in sync whilst in a line. Do not attempt to copy movements or cut in the middle of such lines

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the requirements?
    • Students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to join Greek Life
    • Must be a part-time or full-time student at UWM
    • Some organizations require community service/ volunteering hours
  • What are the benefits?
    • Provides lifelong membership and community
    • Able to connect your student with past alumni/ae in a variety of job fields
    • Various opportunities including career-building, volunteering, philanthropy, networking, and more
  • What are the costs associated with membership?
    • All chapters have new member and initiation fees; amount varies chapter to chapter. This cost will cover membership expenses, philanthropy and event costs. Payment plans available and additional costs may vary.
  • What about hazing?
    • UWM has a strict anti-hazing policy, any students caught participating in it will be punished accordingly (Wisconsin Statue 948.51)
    • If you or your student suspects hazing may be occurring in their chapter, we encourage them to reach out to the Dean of Students Office or UWM Police Emergency
  • What is my role as a parent?
    • Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your student as they show interest in Fraternity & Sorority Life. Have them share information about the organization they are looking at joining.

Forms and Documents

Staff

Name Title Email Phone Location
Mareya, Ruvimbo
  • Manager of Greek Life & Leadership Programs, Student Involvement
mareyar@uwm.edu414-251-7803Student Union 380A