<p>I'll be a freshman this fall and I'm interested in Greek life at Michigan but I don't really know where to start. Can someone help break down the fraternities for me?
For example: Interests, type of people, how exclusive it is, etc.
Thanks!</p>
<p>Well the Michigan Greek system is broken down into 4 councils: The Inter-fraternity Council (IFC), the Pan-Hellenic Council, the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). The first two councils are comprised of mainly Caucasian males and females with some multicultural groups mixed in, whereas the last two councils are comprised of mainly minority males and females (MGC) and blacks (NPHC).</p>
<p>During Festifall you will have a chance to see the many organizations and what they do. They usually throw events during the first few weeks of the semester to attract students. I know that in the IFC and Panhel, students must choose three or so organizations to rush and if they get picked they can decide on which organization they would ultimately choose to pledge (This is what I have heard). In the MGC and NPHC intake is different and because there is a smaller population of minorities on campus, many fraternities and sororities in these councils tend to pick which students they want and it ultimately depends on the student to decide which organization they would like to pledge.</p>
<p>There are also business fraternities, law fraternities, and other fraternities for other professions such as chemistry for example. Each of these groups have their own rush/pledge processes. These groups are not exclusive, but once you become a member it may seem that they are exclusive. People in these organizations usually hang out with each other, throw parties, community service events and it’s a great way to become a leader on campus, as well as to increase your network. There are many types of people in fraternities, but people would label frat boys as preppy, cocky, etc. It all depends. Many of these organizations have their stereotypes and reputations on campus.</p>
<p>Many of the fraternities that have frat houses will throw parties at the beginning of the semester. You could go to one of those parties and talk with some of the members of the frat and gain a better perspective that way. It is also a great way to meet new freshman and upperclassmen. </p>
<p>The pledge process is usually specific to each organization and is usually kept under wraps. </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>That helped so much, thanks for taking the time to reply.</p>
<p>When does the pledgeship take place if you Rush in the Fall? Winter term? Sophmore year? What months?</p>
<p>Pledging takes place in the Fall and Winter. The length of the pledge process varies by organization, but there is a general time frame. Just know that pledging is like taking another four or five credit class. Be ready to spend at least 12 hours a week or more pledging. Usually students take a lighter course load if they can when they decide to pledge. 12 -14 credits would be ideal. Just make sure it is something you want to do. Dropping out of the pledge class is highly unfavored and you will be looked down upon for doing so.</p>
<p>Some organizations, specifically in the MGC and NPHC can only take students who are second semester freshman or higher and in some cases 1st semester sophomore or higher. Most IFC and Panhel organizations can take freshman at any semester I believe, but most usually take second semester freshman. It is better to pledge as a second semester freshman so you have an idea of how to manage classes in college. Having good time management skills is essential and it usually takes about one semester to get accustomed to the college course load.</p>