Fraternity & Sorority Involvement
209B University Center
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
Phone: 406-243-2005
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E-mail: UC Web
Greek Life offers students a unique opportunity to lead a balanced college life with a focus on academics, brotherhood/sisterhood, community service, leadership and responsible social interaction. Greek Life allows students to make meaningful and lasting friendships with individuals who share similar ideals and common purposes.
Currently there are 4 sororities and 6 fraternities. Where do freshmen live? Freshmen are required to live on campus unless they have a permanent family residence in Missoula. However, under special circumstances Residence Life may allow special permissions to live off campus. You can contact Residence Life at (406) 243 – 2611.
Each chapter has different financial requirements, but the average cost to live in a fraternity is $2,593.33 and new member fees are $327.00 per semester. The average sorority live in cost is $2,844.25 and new member fees are $548.75 per semester.
Members of UM Greek Life are involved in a variety of different activities on campus. Some of these activities include:
- ASUM Senate
- Campus Crusade for Christ
- Club Sports
- Campus Recreation
- Davison Honors College
- Honor Student Association
- Intramural Sports
- Mortar Board
- Order of Omega
- Peer Advising
- University Choir
- Varsity Sports
Individual chapters have different requirements for community service events and hours. Chapters usually require anywhere from 10-30 hours of community service each semester. Community service hours can be obtained through individual volunteer hours or through community service events the chapter participates in as a whole.
Most chapters have at least one function each semester. Functions can range from formal dinner and dances to bowling nights to movie nights. Although there may not be functions every weekend, Greeks hang out with each other on a weekly basis with game nights and going to sporting events.
While members live on campus they should have a campus meal plan. New members and current members typically have dinner with their chapter on the nights of their formal meetings, but are welcome to come eat some nights during the week with their chapter. While living with the chapter most members do not have a school meal plan. However, an alternative to eating on campus while away from the chapter for long days of class is a commuter meal plan which is flexible and convenient.
Being a member of a Greek chapter gives all the opportunities for success, friendship and personal development one needs to succeed in and after college. There is always someone in the chapter who is willing to be a study partner, go to the gym, go skiing, watch a movie with and be there to listen. While UM Greek Life strives to give students the resources they need to succeed academically with study tables and tutoring options, there is always time for late night ice cream runs, movie marathons and having fun. Additionally, being in a Greek chapter gives members network tools throughout the community and nation.
Formal recruitment is at the beginning of fall semester and runs for one week. For sorority recruitment, at the beginning of the week potential new members and current chapter members are given the opportunity to meet and talk in a neutral setting like the University Center. In the days following the initial meet and greet potential new members take tours of the chapter houses and learn more about the financial obligations and requirements of each chapter. From here potential new members will select their two preferred houses and visit them for a more in-depth look at the chapter and visiting time with the current members. Finally, to conclude the week current chapter members gather for Bid Day at a place like the Oval, Washington-Grizzly Stadium or Gallagher Business Building lawn to welcome the new members to their chapter. Fraternity recruitment is run similar to sorority recruitment with informal meet and greets, house tours and many chances to hang out with the current fraternity members. For more information on recruitment, click HERE.
Alumni of the Greek system provide a critical support system for the current chapters. Not only by funding activities and chapter necessities, alumni offer valuable advice to current chapter members. Being able to talk to someone who was a member of the chapter years ago, ask for help, and make great networking connections with is a huge part of how alumni serve the Greek community. Also, alumni members of UM Greek Life make up the Greek Task Force which provides scholarships, training and guidance for current Greeks as well as resources to better individual members and chapters as a whole.
Greek chapters participate in the UM Homecoming Day Parade, Greek Week and other individual chapter events. Some of the events that happen during the year are:
- The Ivy Ball
- Mr. CASAnova
- Anchor Slam
- Derby Days
- Kite and Key
- Days of Thunder
- Queen of Hearts
- Sapphire Ball
- White Rose
Time commitments vary depending on the individual chapters. However, most chapters require members to be present at their formal meetings once a week, which usually take between an hour and 90 minutes and various hours of community service are also required. If you wish to further your experience in Greek life, becoming a member of Panhellenic Council or Interfraternity Council and/or holding an executive office position within your chapter are great ways to become more involved.
For additional information about sororities, please go to this website: http://www.thesororitylife.com/