How to Join

How to Join

How to Join

Eligibility Requirements for Membership in a Fraternity or Sorority

Rowan University follows a deferred recruitment model, which means students must complete at least one academic semester before they are eligible to join a fraternity or sorority. This gives students time to adjust to college life, establish themselves academically, and explore campus involvement before making the commitment to membership.

Students must meet all University eligibility requirements and complete all required steps before joining a Greek-letter organization. Joining an organization without meeting eligibility requirements or completing required University processes may result in a new member policy violation and disciplinary action for both the student and organization involved.

How to Join a Fraternity or Sorority

Students interested in joining a recognized fraternity or sorority at Rowan should complete the following steps:

1.) Attend Potential New Member Orientation

Complete a required orientation session during the semester you plan to join. You can learn more about these sessions in the section titled Potential New Member Orientation (PNMO) below.

2.) Confirm Your Eligibility

After attending a PNMO session, you will receive an email from Fraternity & Sorority Life confirming whether you meet Rowan’s eligibility requirements for membership. This email should be shared with the organization you are interested in joining to confirm you meet institutional requirements. 

3.) Connect With Your Organization of Interest

Once you are confirmed as eligible, connect with the fraternity or sorority you are interested in and participate in its recruitment or membership intake process.

 More questions? Contact greeklife@rowan.edu!

Scroll below to learn more about Membership Eligibility Requirements, Potential New Member Orientation (PNMO), and Recruitment & Membership Processes for students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority at Rowan University.

Membership Eligibility Requirements

Institutional Requirements to Join

To be eligible to receive an invitation to membership, students must:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time, matriculated undergraduate student
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Have earned at least 12 college credits at Rowan University or transferred in with at least 12 completed college credits
Special Eligibility Circumstances
Some students may have additional eligibility requirements based on their enrollment status or prior credits:

  • Military credit: First-semester students with at least 12 credits earned through military service may be eligible to join even if they have not yet established a Rowan GPA.

  • EOF/RISE students: Students must complete at least 24 college-level credits and receive approval from their counselor before joining.

  • Rowan Choice/RCSJ students: Students must complete their two years in the Rowan Choice program, fully transfer to Rowan University, and meet all membership eligibility requirements before joining. Students currently enrolled in Rowan Choice/RCSJ are not eligible to join a fraternity or sorority.

Potential New Member Orientation (PNMO)

Interested in greek life?

Potential New Member Orientation (PNMO) is required for all students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority at Rowan University. Students must complete a PNMO session before they are eligible for membership.

PNMO is designed to help prospective members learn more about Fraternity & Sorority Life, understand University expectations, ask questions, and become familiar with the resources available to them before beginning a recruitment or membership intake process.

Please note: PNMO completion is only valid for the semester in which the student attends.

What Will Students Learn?

During PNMO, students will:

  • Learn about Rowan’s Fraternity & Sorority Life councils, values, and community structure
  • Review eligibility requirements for recruitment and membership intake
  • Understand University policies and expectations, including anti-hazing policies, conduct expectations, and student responsibilities
  • Learn about academic, wellness, leadership, and other campus resources
  • Gain a better understanding of what to expect throughout the membership process

Sessions

Students only need to attend one of the sessions below to complete the PNMO requirement. Pre-registration is encouraged for in-person sessions, as space may be limited. Pre-registration is required for virtual sessions so students can receive the Zoom link in advance.

  • Thursday, September 10 at 2pm - Student Center Room G54
  • Tuesday, September 15 at 5pm - Student Center Room G54
  • Thursday, September 17 at 11am - VIRTUAL
  • Friday, September 25 at 12pm - Student Center Ballroom
  • Tuesday, October 6 at 5pm - Student Center Room 129
  • Tuesday, October 13 at 10am - VIRTUAL
  • Tuesday, October 20 at 11am - Student Center Room 127
  • Thursday, October 29 at 5pm - VIRTUAL
  • Wednesday, November 4 at 3pm - Student Center Room 221A

RSVP for a PNMO Session here!

Unable to attend a session?

If you’re interested in joining an organization this semester but cannot attend one of the sessions listed above, email greeklife@rowan.edu. A member of our team will connect with you about your options for completing the PNMO requirement.

When you email us, use the subject line “I Missed PNMO - Now What?” so we can quickly identify your request and get you connected with the right next steps! Be sure to include the name of the organization you’re interested in joining as well. Once you’ve completed the PNMO requirement, we’ll be able to notify the organization that you’ve completed the necessary steps.

Recruitment & Membership Processes

Recruitment Process Overview

Recruitment and membership processes vary across Rowan’s four Greek councils. The best way to learn about a specific organization is to connect directly with its members and follow the chapter on social media for recruitment events, interest meetings, and other updates.

Below is a brief overview of each council and its recruitment or membership intake process. If you’re unsure where to start or would like to discuss your options, contact Fraternity & Sorority Life at greeklife@rowan.edu.

Interfraternity Council (IFC) Recruitment

IFC is home to Rowan’s men’s social fraternities. Chapters typically host a Rush Week during the first month of each semester, with individual events where students can learn about each organization’s values, history, philanthropy, and brotherhood. Students may attend events hosted by multiple fraternities. Follow individual chapters on social media for current recruitment schedules and contact information.

 Recognized IFC Fraternities

Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) Recruitment

MGC includes fraternities and sororities founded around cultural, multicultural, and identity-based missions, with an emphasis on community, advocacy, cultural awareness, academic success, and brotherhood/sisterhood.

Recruitment varies by organization and often begins with a formal informational or interest session. Chapters may use different names for these events, such as “Vino Blanco,” “eXpresso,” “Rush Week,” or “Ladies Night.” These sessions allow students to learn about the organization’s history, values, traditions, and membership expectations. Professional attire is typically encouraged.

Recognized MGC Chapters

National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Recruitment

NPC is home to our women's social sororities. This council has two types of recruitment: Continuous Open Bidding (COB) and Formal Recruitment.

Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is an informal recruitment process that may take place during the fall semester and again following Formal Recruitment in the spring. Participation varies by chapter based on available membership opportunities. 

NPC Formal Recruitment takes place each spring and requires advance registration, which opens in early December. This structured, multi-day process is typically held over a Friday through Monday weekend in February and gives students the opportunity to meet each of Rowan’s six NPC sororities.

  • Friday - Round Robin: Students meet all six chapters and get an introduction to each organization.
  • Saturday - Philanthropy: Students visit up to four chapters and learn more about their philanthropic causes, service efforts, and values.
  • Sunday - Preference: Students visit one or two chapters for a more meaningful and personal conversation about each organization’s sisterhood, values, traditions, and what membership could look like for them.
  • Monday - Bid Day: Students will receive a bid, are welcomed into their new chapter, and celebrate finding their home in the NPC community!

 Recognized NPC Sororities

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Recruitment

NPHC chapters conduct their Membership Intake Processes at different times throughout the year. Students interested in membership should attend chapter programs and formal interest meetings and follow organizations on social media for announcements.

Interest meetings provide information about an organization’s history, values, expectations, and membership requirements. Professional attire at these meetings are required. Organizations may also require other materials (letters of recommendation, service hours, etc.) as part of the application for membership.

NPHC organizations were founded within the Black/African American experience and share strong traditions of scholarship, service, leadership, culture, and community engagement. Membership is open to all students who meet an organization’s requirements and support its values and mission.

Rowan University is the only university in New Jersey with active chapters representing all nine NPHC organizations.

Recognized NPHC Chapters