How to Join
At Wake Forest University, joining a fraternity or sorority involves both council-wide and chapter-specific requirements. While each council and organization has its own process, all students must first meet the standard requirements set by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement.
In addition to these requirements, individual fraternities and sororities may set further expectations through their inter/national or regional offices.
Key things to know:
- Requirements vary, so be sure to review both your council’s process and the expectations of the organization you’re interested in.
- A registration fee is required to participate in the joining process.
- Some organizations may charge additional fees or have extra requirements beyond council standards.
Students interested in learning more about recruitment or intake with a fraternity or sorority are encouraged to complete the Fraternity & Sorority Engagement Interest Form.
Questions?
For questions about fraternities & sororities at Wake Forest, please contact:
fse@wfu.edu
Phone: 336.758.8020
Benson University Center, Suite 218
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Standard Membership Requirements
To join a fraternity or sorority at Wake Forest, all students must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement. Some councils may have additional requirements, outlined separately below.
Requirements Overview
Academic Standing
Interested students must have completed at least 12 credit hours as a matriculated college student (excluding AB/IB credits) and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Grade Release Form
Submit the Grade Release Form to verify eligibility based on academic standing.
Hazing Prevention
All students must complete online hazing education modules following registration.
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
IFC hosts Formal Recruitment for first-year and continuing students in the spring and for continuing students only in the fall. All prospective members must register and pay a non-refundable fee to join an IFC chapter.
Fall Recruitment
Fall recruitment is a chance for upperclassmen to explore joining a fraternity. The process includes meet-and-greets, social events, and interviews. To take part, students must complete the registration application, pay the registration fee, and meet the deadline.
Fall 2025 Formal Recruitment Dates
- July 8 – August 22, 2025: Recruitment Registration Period
- August 27 – September 3, 2025: IFC Fall Formal Recruitment
Important Details
- Chapter socials are by invitation only.
- You must attend the Recruitment Kickoff (or be excused) to be eligible to accept a bid.
Spring Recruitment
Spring recruitment is a chance for students to explore joining a fraternity. The process includes meet-and-greets, social events, and interviews. To take part, students must complete the registration application, pay the registration fee, and meet the deadline.
Spring 2026 Formal Recruitment Dates
- October 1 – December 5, 2025: Recruitment Registration Period
- January 14 – January 21, 2026: IFC Fall Formal Recruitment
Important Details
- Chapter socials are by invitation only.
- You must attend the Recruitment Kickoff (or be excused) to be eligible to accept a bid.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
NPHC organizations welcome new members through a process called Membership Intake. Each chapter sets its own timeline for intake, which may occur during the fall or spring semesters.
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
Panhellenic recruitment gives students the chance to explore joining one of Wake Forest’s eight social sororities. Recruitment occurs in two ways: formal recruitment, held each January before classes begin, and continuous open bidding (COB), which takes place year-round after formal recruitment.
Additional Membership Requirements
In addition to the standard membership requirements, students interested in Panhellenic recruitment must:
- Not have been previously initiated into an NPC sorority
- For Continuous Open Bidding (COB): not have received and declined a bid, or resigned before initiation, since the most recent formal recruitment.
Fall Recruitment (Continuous Open Bidding)
Important Note
First-year students in their first semester are not eligible for fall recruitment.
Membership Availability
Each semester, the Panhellenic Conference approves how many new members each chapter can recruit. Chapters with open spots may accept new members throughout the semester until those spots are filled. When chapters are recruiting, their information will be posted here.
Timeline
Bids may be distributed starting the third Monday after classes begin during Fall Recruitment (COB)
Process
Chapters can extend bids in different ways, such as hosting a COB event or reaching out directly to a potential new member (PNM). Bids may be offered at any time during COB until the deadline for final bids. A PNM may receive multiple bids or no bids.
Registration for COB is not required, but the Panhellenic Council can share contact information from interested students with chapters that have open spots. If you would like to be contacted, please submit the Fraternity/Sorority Life Interest Form. When chapters host COB events, this information will also be shared with students who submitted the form.
There is no registration fee for COB.
Spring Recruitment
Spring 2026 Panhellenic Recruitment registration opens October 1, 2025, and closes November 10, 2025. Formal recruitment requires a registration fee of $180. This fee covers early arrival accommodations, PNM shirts, and refreshments.
Please register using a computer, as the registration page may not work properly on a cell phone.
Returning to Campus
All PNMs will return to campus and move in on Monday, January 6, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Recruitment Timeline & Schedule
- Thursday, November 13, 2025: Virtual Potential New Member Assembly
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026: Move-In & Welcome Assembly
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026: Round 1 (Chapter Introductions)
- Thursday, January 8, 2026: Round 2 (Philanthropy)
- Friday, January 9, 2026: Round 3 (Sisterhood)
- Saturday, January 10, 2026: Round 4 (Preference)
- Sunday, January 11, 2026: Bid Day
Potential New Member Recruitment Booklet
Each PNM receives a recruitment booklet before the process begins. The booklet includes sorority profiles, an overview of the week, tips on what to wear, and space for notes. PNMs should bring the booklet each day to track schedules and notes. A digital version is available [here].
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are not required for joining a sorority. Many national organizations no longer accept them. If submitting a recommendation, follow the national organization’s instructions. Do not send letters to the WFU Panhellenic Conference or the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement, as they are not collected.
United Greek Council (UGC)
UGC organizations welcome new members through a process called Membership Intake. Each chapter sets its own timeline for intake, which may occur during the fall or spring semesters.