FAQ's

Information for Prospective Students

• How do I determine which chapter is best for me?

   Meet current members

  • Ask questions: What are your interests? What are your organizations values? What opportunities exist for you? How has your organization helped you grow? What is your philanthropy?
  • Attend an info session to learn more!

• What are the financial obligations?

  • Costs differ greatly from one org to another
  • Fees include new member and initiation fees as well as semester dues
  • Some organizations ask for up front payment while others allow for payment plans 
  • Consult each chapter you are interested to obtain updated membership costs

• Do Greek chapters provide housing?

  Housing is currently unavailable for fraternity and sorority chapters at CSUSM

• Is there hazing?

  • California State University San Marcos expects that all members of recognized student organizations will observe and fully comply with the State of California Educational and Penal Code requirements on hazing
  • All students are expected to adhere to regulations set forth by their respective regional/inter/national organization, the State of California, and the University concerning hazing
  • California State University San Marcos prohibits hazing by any recognized student organization
  • In order to foster positive relations within the CSUSM Greek community, all new members sign a no-hazing agreement upon joining a fraternity or sorority
  • Contact the University Hazing Education Team (UHET) with any additional questions or concerns

• How much time will I have to put into it?

  • Like most activities in college, you get out of it what you put into it
  • On average, members contribute about 3-4 hours per week to weekly meetings, projects and events
  • If you plan to hold a leadership position, expect to dedicate more hours

 Information for Parents & Families

• How can I support my student as they consider Fraternity & Sorority Life?

   Joining a fraternity or sorority is a making a lifelong commitment. We hope that parents/family members can act as a support network to encourage your student to take the time to find out more about the community. Asking questions will help them to think critically in deciding if Fraternity & Sorority Life is right for them and if so, which group. Provide them with more thoughtful questions, such as what values are fundemental to their fraternal experience? But also the practical questions, like how much will it cost?

• Will my student experience stereotypical fraternity or sorority that I see in the media?

  Just like with all stereotypes that exist, a lot of what you see is a caricature or drastically exaggerated version of the person/people depicted. And, there is a small level of reality. What we hope is that in almost any way possible our Fraternity & Sorority community is breaking these stereotypes and establishing new ones. Our six community-wide pillars are pretty fundamental in them accomplishing this end. Furthermore, we host a new member education in which we cover the core of these stereotypes through education on topics of alcohol/drugs, hazing, sexual assault, diversity/inclusion, and community development. We believe the way we bring students in as new members is vital to how they are set up for success in meeting the expectations of our unique Fraternity & Sorority community.

• What do I do if I have a question or concern?

  The chapter president should be able to address any of your questions. Each also has an advisor (non student, alumni) who can help. If they can not assist you or your questions/concerns are of a more personal or serious nature, please do not hesitate to contact Student Life & Leadership at 760-750-4970. There are university staff members who work directly with all fraternal organziations, interested students, and families, campus partners.

• What should I do if my student is interested in joining an org not recognized by CSUSM?

  All student organizations at CSUSM go through a recognition process which includes advisement, education, and expectations from the campus and CSU. Additionally fraternities and sororities (please refer to the Chapter Directory) are provided training/education and have policies/procedures from the University and their individual regional/inter/national groups around organizational and risk management. Your student may be recruited by a group not recognized by CSUSM or following policies outlined in the Student Organization and/or Fraternity/Sorority Handbooks. There are risks associated with affiliation of non-recognized organizations.  Please reference the recognized chapter letter for spring 2021 for the most up to date list.