Greek @ U of M (As a Transfer)

Transfer Students
1

Hello, I will be transferring to University of Michigan Ann Arbor, from out of state for Fall Semester. I’ve been able to handle most of the logistics on my own and at this point just have a few things left I’m trying to figure out.

I know there is a fairly prominent Greek Scene at Umich. I’m leaning against it, mainly because I’m 25 and not willing to undergo the same hazing/initiation/whatever as a freshman would. That being said, I know I’ll be missing out on some opportunities. I know the top tier frats have great networks, and reputations among the rest of the community. So here are my questions:

  1. Can Transfers Even Pledge Frats?

  2. Is there any chance I’d be able to join one of the Frats as a more senior member, due to my age (I imagine the answer is no, just wondering)?

  3. Can people attend and be a strong part of Greek events without officially being part of a Frat?

  4. Is there a strong social life outside of the Greek scene?

I’m really just trying to get a feel here, so If you don’t want to answer all of those questions, or have some other helpful advice please feel free to share it.

2

This will depend on the school itself but I can give general advice on Greek life at most universities. For U of M specific, I’d post on their board.

1 - There is no rule that says that transfers cannot pledge. It depends on the fraternity in question on whether they’d accept you, however. Some fraternities prefer freshman for a variety of reasons, the most prominent reason being that they will be around and members for longer period of times than transfers. But again, that depends on the fraternity in question. Your age may be another problem as well - but once again, depends on the frat.

2- No. I am not sure what you are referring to when you say “senior member” but a senior member is someone who has been in there for multiple years which is not something given but something that simply takes time.

3- No.

4- That is a specific question for U of M that should be asked on their forum. I’d wager, as big as U of M is, that yes there is but cannot say for sure.

Congratulations on your acceptance to U of M!

3

You are 25. While you certainly will make friends with traditional-age undergraduates, it also is likely that you will be more at home socializing with other non-traditional-age undergraduates and with students in graduate and professional programs. So take advantage of any social and/or orientation events for non-trad students, and keep your eyes open for friendly grad students. At some colleges and universities, older students like you have the option to live in grad student housing. Check that out too.

4

Thanks, ya that is the other piece I didn’t mention. It just might not be age appropriate, it definitely doesn’t feel it. Its really the network piece that I’m interested in. And I’m actually going to be living in my own, but close to campus.

5

There are other networks that you might tap into more readily such as honors societies and major-specific fraternities. Once you get there and start settling in, you will get a notion of what is likely to work well for you.