• Home
• About
• Chapters
• Photos
• Events
• Resources
• Questions
• Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my academics be compromised by joining a Greek lettered organization?
Is hazing considered a tradition among JMU fraternities and sororities?
Does it cost a lot to be a member?
Does being a member of a Greek lettered organization have benefits after graduation?
How do I get involved?
How do I know if I am the "Greek Type"?
How much time does a Greek Lettered Organization take? What if I work?
What is membership intake?
What organizations are parts of I.C.G.C. on this campus?
What is the difference between NPHC and IGC?
I want to join an NPHC group. What do I do?
How else can I get my questions answered about I.C.G.C. organizations?
What are the benefits of membership?
What kind of community service and philanthropies do Greek organizations participate in?
Who is actually in charge and who supervises the fraternities and sororities?
What are the requirements to join a Greek organization?

Q:Will my academics be compromised by joining a Greek lettered organization?

A: On the contrary, a central mission of all Greek lettered organizations is academic excellence. Fraternities and sororities understand that their members are students first and foremost. Fraternities and sororities offer study halls, tutoring programs, grade point requirements, and other programs to help meet the academic needs of their members.

 

Q: Is hazing considered a tradition among JMU fraternities and sororities?

A: Hazing has no place in any Greek-lettered organization. James Madison University will not tolerate hazing in any student organization. In addition, hazing is against the law in the state of Virginia. All fraternity and sorority members know that hazing is against their national policies, university policy, and the law. If you feel you are participating in inappropriate activities, you should contact the Center for Multicultural Student Services immediately (540-568-6636).

 

Q: Does it cost a lot to be a member?

A: Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting with revenue coming from dues paying members. When students join a Greek-lettered organization, they agree to pay dues and fees in order to maintain active membership.

 

Q: Does being a member of a Greek lettered organization have benefits after graduation?

A: Absolutely. Greek membership is a lifelong commitment. Once you are an initiated member, you remain a member for life. As such, each national organization has an extensive alumni network. As you know, in today’s job market, it is not only important what you know, but who you know. Being a fraternity or sorority member means having an immediate connection with thousands of other members. There are many successful Greek alumni all over the country who are always looking to hire the best and the brightest that our Greek community has to offer. In addition, there are graduate chapters that operate in most cities and metropolitan areas across the country. If you find yourself in a new city or country, you can start your networking with your brothers or sisters in the local alumni.

 

Q: How do I get involved?

A: The I.C.G.C. (Inter-Cultural Greek Council) affiliated groups are historically African-American, Latino, Asian and service based national Greek-lettered organizations. NPHC groups embrace a “service for life” philosophy. The groups currently active on campus will individually announce their membership selection/intake process during the semester. Students need to look for flyers around campus from the group they are interested in. I.C.G.C. will also host Meet the Greeks  during the month of September to answer any questions individuals may have about chapters represented under its council.

 

Q: How do I know if I am the “Greek Type”?

A: There is no “Greek Type.” Most of the stereotypes about Greek membership are myths. One of the strengths of JMU’s Greek Community is the diversity of the individuals who are members. Each organization consists of members who have varied interests, backgrounds, and ethnicities.

 

Q: How much time does a Greek Lettered Organization take? What if I work?

A: In addition to the organization’s philanthropic, social, and recreational functions, meetings and other activities, such as study halls, require about four to eight hours per week. Some organizations require more time than others. Be sure to ask questions regarding time commitments during your research. Many students at JMU hold full- or part-time jobs.

 

Q: What is Membership Intake?

A: Membership Intake is the process of selecting, educating and initiating new members into a chapter. This process is prescribed by the National organization.

 

Q: What organizations are parts of I.C.G.C. on this campus?

  Fraternities:
            Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
            Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
            Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
            Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.
    Sororities:
            Alpha Kappa Delta Phi
            Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
            Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
            Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Incorporada
            Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority          
            Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
            Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

 

Q: What is the difference between NPHC and IGC?
A: Both NPHC and IGC are individual councils united under CMSS’s governing umbrella for multicultural and service fraternities and sororities, Inter-Cultural Greek Organizations ( I.C.G.C.). NPHC stands for National Pan-Hellenic Council. NPHC serves as the national governing body for the traditionally African American Noble 9 organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. At JMU we have 8 out of the 9 chapters represented. All though these chapters are historically African American all chapters are nationally diverse in their membership.

IGC stands for Independent Greek Council. This council represents the traditional National Association of Fraternal Latino Organizations Inc. (NAFLO)  and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association (NAPA). The chapters represented under IGC are: alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Incorporada, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.  

 

Q: I want to join an NPHC group. What do I do?

A: I.C.G.C. groups have membership intake either in the spring or fall semester, and to be eligible for intake you have to have anywhere from 12 to 36 hours of completed coursework and a minimum of a cumulative 2.5 G.P.A.
IGC chapter’s membership selection process varies depending on the requirements of the chapter.

Specific requirements vary from organization to organization. Check out their websites, both local and national for more specific information. I.C.G.C. will also host their annual Meet the Greeks September 9, 2010 in Transitions to answer any questions individuals may have about chapters represented under its council.

Spend time researching the various I.C.G.C. organizations. CMSS has resources books that will help expand your knowledge of multicultural Greek letter organizations. Many organizations will have informational meetings during the first months, enabling you to learn more about all of the organizations. Look for posters publicizing their events in all of the campus residence halls and in the Center for Multicultural Student Services.

 

Q: How else can I get my questions answered about I.C.G.C. organizations?

A: On September 9, 2010, there will be an information session on Greek Life called “Meet the Greeks”. Representatives from the Inter-Cultural Greek Council will be there to address any questions or concerns you might have. During the school year, you can contact the Advisor of the Inter-Cultural Greek Council, Ms. Tenea Lowery, with questions or concerns.

 

Q: What are the benefits of membership?

A: The fraternity or sorority can help personalize your college experience by offering a scholastic support system; hands-on experience in leading committees, managing budgets, interacting with faculty and administrators; exposure to potential careers through educational programs; the opportunity to give back to the community through service projects; and close friends who will cheer you on through successes and provide support when times are tough. The bonds created between members will develop inter-generation friendships, support when moving to a new community or even a foreign country, and career networking possibilities throughout their lifetime.

 

Q. What kind of community service and philanthropies do Greek organizations participate in?

A: One of the most gratifying aspects of Greek life at James Madison University is the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with involvement in community service. Each year, individual chapters participate in community service projects ranging from volunteering at local shelters and soup kitchens to food and clothing drives. Helping others will undoubtedly be one of the most rewarding experiences a student in a fraternity or sorority will have in college.

 

Q. Who is actually in charge and who supervises the fraternities and sororities?

A: The fraternities and sororities at James Madison University receive multiple layers and forms of supervision and advisory support.

At the basic level, students elect their own officers from their members. These officers deal with the day-to-day operations of the organization. Each member learns cooperation and planning skills. All groups are governed by international headquarters, which establish chapter regulations and offers advice and direction through professional staff and regional advisors that visit the chapters at least once a year. Further, all chapters at James Madison have active chapter advisors that offer guidance to the officers and general chapter members.

From the university side, the Inter-Cultural Greek Council is the student governing board directly responsible for NHPC and IGC Greek-lettered organizations on under CMSS. It is composed of representatives from each fraternity and sorority on campus and is charged with setting and enforcing the rules and policies, has control over activities in which fraternities and sororities participate, incorporates a judicial system to settle disputes and disciplinary issues, and other duties. All Greek groups are required to be members of I.C.G.C. and work closely with the university.
The Greek-lettered Organizations under CMSS are directly responsible to Ms. Tenea Lowery – Assistant Director of CMSS and Greek Life coordinator who acts as a professional staff advisor to the CMSS Greek system. Parents, faculty, staff or students with concerns about Greek Life at James Madison are encouraged to contact Ms. Lowery at 540-568-6636.

 

Q. What are the requirements to join a Greek organization?

A: Each member organization must follow the set guidelines by their national headquarters concerning eligibility requirements for intake. James Madison University requires that every student must be a full time student with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and 12 JMU credit hours. However, each organization may have higher GPA requirements, as well as other requirements. Some organizations have different standards on whether or not they accept first year students to go through membership intake.