What is the process for joining a fraternity or sorority?
Rush is the process which introduces UAH men and women to the Greek community and enables chapters to recruit new members. Fraternity Rush is a fairly casual thing. Fraternities sponsor different events around campus and invite interested young men. This gives the fraternity a chance to check them out as well as it gives the recruits a chance to check them out. When a fraternity decides they want a young man to join they will extend him an invitation to join the fraternity, which is call a bid. If he accepts the bid he will become a pledge in the fraternity. Sorority Rush is a formal event sponsored by the Panhellenic Council.

When can a fraternity or sorority member live in the chapter house?
Because fraternity and sorority chapter houses have a limited amount of living space, many chapters have a set process for determining housing priority. Typically, members can live in the chapter house beginning the year after they join the fraternity or sorority. Occasionally, fraternities and sororities have empty spaces and invite members of their new member class to move into the chapter house.

What about scholarships?
Greek letter organizations were originally founded to further scholastic achievement and opportunities for all members. This tradition holds true at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The Greek system helps provide a smooth transition from high school to college life. Year after year, more students affiliated with fraternities and sororities graduate from UAH than non-affiliated students. Individual chapters have developed their own scholarship programs to help foster as well as reward academic success. Many chapters employ study periods, test aids, tutoring, and pairing of members to study together. In addition, the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council sponsor programs including guest speakers on topics such as study skills and time management.

What about hazing?
Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils Policies, University Policy, and Alabama State Statutes all prohibit students from engaging in any activity that may be considered hazing. Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; and/or which demeans, degrades, or disgraces any person regardless of location, intent, or consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action or situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student for admission into or affiliation with any student organization.

The University and Greek Councils take hazing very seriously. Any report of hazing is immediately investigated by the respective council in partnership with the University. If a chapter is found to have committed acts in violation of hazing policies, judicial sanctions are implemented. Penalties imposed on organizations found guilty of hazing include, but are not limited to: probation, suspension, dismissal from campus, and the loss of University recognition. In addition to chapter penalties, individuals can also be sanctioned for hazing. Penalties imposed on individuals found guilty of hazing include, but are not limited to: probation, suspension, and expulsion. Cases involving hazing or alleged hazing may be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for further prosecution. Sanctioning by the University does not preclude civil and criminal prosecution.

What are the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils?
The Greek councils are the governing bodies of the fraternity and sorority chapters on the UAH campus. The Interfraternity Council governs the 4 National Interfraternity Conference fraternities at UAH. It serves as the representative body which guides, supports, and develops the fraternity systems. The IFC groups include Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Sigma Nu.

The Panhellenic Council governs the National Panhellenic Conference sororities at UAH. It helps sets high standard in scholastics, service, and leadership. The sororities at UAH are Kappa Delta and Delta Zeta.