Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Bid” and how do I receive one?
A bid is an invitation to join an organization’s new member program. Each chapter gives out bids through the Fraternity Recruitment process. If you are interested in receiving a bid from a chapter it is important to make your interest known by registered for recruitment.
*Fraternities CANNOT promise bids in advance. If you have been promised a bid over the summer, please contact the Office of Greek Life.
Who can participate in Fraternity Recruitment?
In order to participate in Recruitment, you must be a full-time, traditional student (12 hours or more) in good standing with Huntingdon College at the time of recruitment in September. Furthermore, you must register for recruitment, sign a grade release form and pay the required registration fee ($20). Registration will open June 1. Your fee includes your fee for a IFC and food during specific recruitment activities. You can apply online by going HERE.
Is there a grade requirement to participate in Recruitment and/or join a fraternity?
There is not a minimum grade point average to participate in Recruitment. However, each fraternity has a minimum grade requirement to be eligible for membership. Every fraternity strives to maintain a high chapter grade point average (GPA), therefore each must consider a man’s ability to adhere to the chapter's scholastic standards.
The average fraternity scholastic requirement on Huntingdon's campus is a 2.5 GPA.
Is there a financial commitment if I join a Greek organization?
Joining a Greek organization does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter’s financial requirements cover membership dues, facility fees, and national dues. Organizations’ fees vary, but the average fees assessed throughout the year are around $800.
If I am a student-athlete, will I have time for fraternity life?
We have student athletes in every Greek organization. We understand that athletics and academics are the priority, and we are committed to working with your schedule. At Huntingdon, it is not unusual for our student-athletes to involve themselves in other campus organizations. Greek Life provides student-athletes with an additional outlet for brotherhood, academic supervision, and activities to participate in during off-season.
Registered applicants are expected to attend Recruitment events (unless class/athletics interferes with participation). Potential members who are unable to attend due to an athletic or class conflict should report their absence to the Office of Greek Life ASAP.
Do I have to join as a first semester freshman, or can I wait until the spring or my sophomore/junior year?
We recommend joining a fraternity in the fall semester of your freshman year. The transition to college from high school can be difficult, and getting involved on campus, especially in a fraternity, can help to ease the transition. Also, many students point to their early involvement in a fraternity as a key factor in developing leadership skills and furthering their campus involvement. If you do decide to join a fraternity after your freshman year, chapters will take sophomore and upper class new members.
Are fraternities primarily social in nature?
There is a social aspect to the Greek community, but these “social” events include education programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Greek Week activities, & brotherhood events, in addition to swaps and socials. Today’s Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating safer, more beneficial environments for their members. Additionally, Huntingdon College is a "dry-campus" so our Greek activities never involve the consumption of alcohol. You will not receive the "animal house" experience at Huntingdon College.
What are the responsibilities for membership in a fraternity?
Commitment to the principles, values and standards, for which the inter/national organization was founded upon. Participation in chapter activities such as meetings, educational/leadership programs, community service events, and social activities. Payment of dues each semester is required to remain in good standing.
If I go through Fraternity Recruitment, do I have to join an organization?
Although most students who participate in Recruitment decide to accept a bid, you are not required to join. The average potential new member meets between 10 and 30 new people at the first event. This is an excellent chance to get acquainted with Huntingdon's most outstanding student population. By participating in Recruitment activities, you are by no means under any obligation. Most chapters do recruitment during the Fall and Spring semesters so if you decide not to join during your first semester, you will have many more opportunities after that to meet more people.
What about the use of alcohol and controlled substances, irresponsible behavior and hazing?
Every individual Greek organization expects its members to obey all campus, local, state and federal laws and to abide by the fraternity's policies, guidelines and standards. Most organizations allocate significant resources to educate its members about alcohol and substance abuse.
All events at Huntingdon are alcohol and substance free. Hazing is illegal in Alabama and is not tolerated by the Greek community, the College, or our Greek organizations' national headquarters.
A bid is an invitation to join an organization’s new member program. Each chapter gives out bids through the Fraternity Recruitment process. If you are interested in receiving a bid from a chapter it is important to make your interest known by registered for recruitment.
*Fraternities CANNOT promise bids in advance. If you have been promised a bid over the summer, please contact the Office of Greek Life.
Who can participate in Fraternity Recruitment?
In order to participate in Recruitment, you must be a full-time, traditional student (12 hours or more) in good standing with Huntingdon College at the time of recruitment in September. Furthermore, you must register for recruitment, sign a grade release form and pay the required registration fee ($20). Registration will open June 1. Your fee includes your fee for a IFC and food during specific recruitment activities. You can apply online by going HERE.
Is there a grade requirement to participate in Recruitment and/or join a fraternity?
There is not a minimum grade point average to participate in Recruitment. However, each fraternity has a minimum grade requirement to be eligible for membership. Every fraternity strives to maintain a high chapter grade point average (GPA), therefore each must consider a man’s ability to adhere to the chapter's scholastic standards.
The average fraternity scholastic requirement on Huntingdon's campus is a 2.5 GPA.
Is there a financial commitment if I join a Greek organization?
Joining a Greek organization does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter’s financial requirements cover membership dues, facility fees, and national dues. Organizations’ fees vary, but the average fees assessed throughout the year are around $800.
If I am a student-athlete, will I have time for fraternity life?
We have student athletes in every Greek organization. We understand that athletics and academics are the priority, and we are committed to working with your schedule. At Huntingdon, it is not unusual for our student-athletes to involve themselves in other campus organizations. Greek Life provides student-athletes with an additional outlet for brotherhood, academic supervision, and activities to participate in during off-season.
Registered applicants are expected to attend Recruitment events (unless class/athletics interferes with participation). Potential members who are unable to attend due to an athletic or class conflict should report their absence to the Office of Greek Life ASAP.
Do I have to join as a first semester freshman, or can I wait until the spring or my sophomore/junior year?
We recommend joining a fraternity in the fall semester of your freshman year. The transition to college from high school can be difficult, and getting involved on campus, especially in a fraternity, can help to ease the transition. Also, many students point to their early involvement in a fraternity as a key factor in developing leadership skills and furthering their campus involvement. If you do decide to join a fraternity after your freshman year, chapters will take sophomore and upper class new members.
Are fraternities primarily social in nature?
There is a social aspect to the Greek community, but these “social” events include education programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Greek Week activities, & brotherhood events, in addition to swaps and socials. Today’s Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating safer, more beneficial environments for their members. Additionally, Huntingdon College is a "dry-campus" so our Greek activities never involve the consumption of alcohol. You will not receive the "animal house" experience at Huntingdon College.
What are the responsibilities for membership in a fraternity?
Commitment to the principles, values and standards, for which the inter/national organization was founded upon. Participation in chapter activities such as meetings, educational/leadership programs, community service events, and social activities. Payment of dues each semester is required to remain in good standing.
If I go through Fraternity Recruitment, do I have to join an organization?
Although most students who participate in Recruitment decide to accept a bid, you are not required to join. The average potential new member meets between 10 and 30 new people at the first event. This is an excellent chance to get acquainted with Huntingdon's most outstanding student population. By participating in Recruitment activities, you are by no means under any obligation. Most chapters do recruitment during the Fall and Spring semesters so if you decide not to join during your first semester, you will have many more opportunities after that to meet more people.
What about the use of alcohol and controlled substances, irresponsible behavior and hazing?
Every individual Greek organization expects its members to obey all campus, local, state and federal laws and to abide by the fraternity's policies, guidelines and standards. Most organizations allocate significant resources to educate its members about alcohol and substance abuse.
All events at Huntingdon are alcohol and substance free. Hazing is illegal in Alabama and is not tolerated by the Greek community, the College, or our Greek organizations' national headquarters.
