Sending a child or family member to college can be a challenging and stressful time in a parent's or family member's life. While at Winthrop University, your child will encounter many opportunities to become involved outside of their classroom experience. It is important that you be educated about the enriching experience that your son or daughter will find by being involved in a fraternity or sorority at Winthrop University.
Fraternities and sororities provide students with a supportive community that fosters friendship, leadership development, academic success, service, and career readiness. At Winthrop, fraternity and sorority membership helps students build meaningful connections while developing skills through leadership opportunities, community service, and engagement with alumni networks.
Representing almost 10% of the Winthrop student body, the fraternity and sorority community offers students opportunities to enhance their college experience through academic support, hands-on leadership experience, professional networking, and lifelong friendships. Through these experiences, members develop valuable skills and connections that support their succcess both during college and beyond graduation.
New fraternity and participate in a new member education process designed to help them learn more about the organization they are joining. Through educational programs, leadership development, community service, and relationship-building opportunities, students learn about their organization's values, history, and expectations.
Winthrop University and its fraternities and sororities maintain a strict no-hazing policy. Hazing is prohibited by university policy and South Carolina law, and all new members receive education on hazing prevention, reporting procedures, and available resources.
Student safety is a top priority. Recognized organizations must follow university, inter/national organization, and state risk management policies. Chapters are supported by alumni advisors, faculty/staff advisors, and university staff, and are held accountable through the Dean of Students Office. Information regarding organizational conduct findings and sanctions is publicly available through the Organization Conduct & Disciplinary Status page.
Hazing is both against university policy as well as state law. Hazing is defined as "Doing, requiring or encouraging any act, whether or not the act is voluntarily agreed upon, in conjuction with initiation or continued membership or participation in any group, that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm or humiliation. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, use of alcohol, creation of excessive fatigue, and paddling, punching or kicking in any form" and will not be tolerated.
Fraternities and sororities help students navigate the transition to college by providing academic support, mentorship, and resources that promote success. Members can benefit from study groups, academic programs, time management strategies, and connections to campus resources and experienced peers. While students remain responsible for their own academic performance.
Fraternity and sorority members gain hands-on leadership experience by serving as officers and committee members responsible for chapter operations. Chapters are supported by alumni advisors, inter/national organizations and university staff, including the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life staff, who provides guidancce, education, and general oversight.
Membership costs vary by organization and may include dues, fees, apparel, and participation costs for events and programs. Because each fraternity and sorority sets its own membership expenses, students are encouraged to ask about financial obligations during recruitment or intake process. Many organizations offer payment plans and other options to help make membership accessible.
Fraternity and sorority membership requires a time commitment, but it also helps students develop skills in time management, leadership, and balancing academics, work, and involvement. Many members successfully participate while maintaining part-time jobs and other responsibilities.
Families can support students by learning about the organizations they are considering, reviewing membership expectations and costs, and encouraging them to make an informed decision. Since fraternity and sorority membership is a significant commitment, students and families should discuss options together and utilize chapter and national organization websites to gather information.
There are several great ways to learn more about fraternity and sorority life, especially if you are new to it. A good starting point is to explore educational guides and parent-focused resources that break down what membership actually looks life, including values, expectations, and the student experience. The following resources may be helpful:
In addition, most universities (including Winthrop) provide their own Fraternity & Sorority Life webpages, recruitment information sessions, and staff contacts who can answer questions directly. Talking with current members, advisors, and campus professionals is also one of the best ways to get an authentic picture of the experience.
Fraternity and sorority recruitment or intake gives students the opportunity to meet members,explore different organizations, and find the community that best fit their interest and goals. Students are encouraged to ask questions, attend events with an open mind, and compare options. Eligibility requirements vary by organiziation, and students must meet Winthrop's minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. Individual groups may have higher GPA requirements. Students are encouraged to begin learning about and attending Greek life events early.