Why should you join Greek life?
Greek life is often viewed differently than regular student organizations on campus. Greek life began as a secret society for young white men that aimed to promote a scholastic honor society. It has now transformed into supporting local and national organizations that better the community while forming long lasting bonds with the brothers/sisters/siblings that you gain during your time in college. These bonds last a life-time as our membership in Greek life continues after you graduate higher education. Besides being an amazing support system during your undergraduate career, it also allows to connect with vast alumni network that can help you in the professional workforce as well.
What is a cultural interest fraternity/sorority?
A cultural interest fraternity/sorority is a fraternity/sorority that has a special interest in a culture or a cultural identity(i.e. LGBT+ or APIDA) that typically aims to promote and advocate for that specific group. A cultural interest fraternity/sorority does not mean they limit their membership to that particular community. Their membership is open to those that show interest, complete their intake process, and uphold their core values.
Why Us?
The Multicultural Greek Council here at OSU strives to inspire culture, trust, support, understanding and friendship between its members, the Greek system, university and community. We shall unite the non-traditional organizations affiliated with Student Activities/Greek life to work towards diversity and multicultural awareness through our objectives:
- Serve all Multicultural Greek Council organizations as a support group in their events and communities.
- Encourage communication among chapters of the organization.
- Promote the cultures of all organizations represented by the Multicultural Greek Council.
- Promote high standards of scholarly achievement.
- Provide service to the campus and community.
- Inspire diversity and promote unity.
- Improve ties with other Greeks on campus.
- Create a strong voice and presence on campus.
Similar to the other councils on campus, Interfraternity Council(IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council(NPHC), and Panhellenic Association(PHA), we are a governing body over the chapters within us. As council, we strive to build connections between our chapters to help uplift the diversity on campus at Ohio State and off campus, within the greater Columbus community.
Do you haze?
No. The Multicultural Greek Council at OSU does not condone any form or behavior of hazing. Ohio State’s definition of hazing is:
“doing, requiring or encouraging any act, whether or not the act is voluntarily agreed upon, in conjunction with initiation or continued membership or participation in any group, that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm or humiliation. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, use of alcohol, creation of excessive fatigue, and paddling, punching or kicking in any form”
Is drinking required to join?
No. Drinking is neither required nor promoted by the sorority and fraternity community. Although social events involving alcohol do occur, they are not the central focus of any organization. Students that consume alcohol under the age of 21 jeopardize their fraternity/sorority membership, and open themselves to disciplinary action under the Ohio State Student Code of Conduct and state laws.
How to rush?
Each chapter has their own rush process and events. To learn more about the chapters, rush events, and cost to join, check out the chapters to learn more about them. Their contact info and social media will be listed so you can reach out to that chapter for more information or any questions you may have. Regardless of chapter, you must fill out this intent to join here.
Who can rush?
Anyone can join any sorority or fraternity. For example, we have APIDA and Latinx focus organizations but they are not exclusive and have open membership to anyone that upholds their values and finishes their intake process.
For all students, regardless of chapter or council that you are interested in, you must obtain at least a 2.5 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and have earned 12 college or university credit hours (excluding Proficiency (AP) or examination (EM) credits).
This is a minimum set by Sorority and Fraternity Life at OSU(SFL), some chapters may require a higher GPA but view those chapter’s specific requirement. Please do reach out to any of the Executive Board of MCGC or the staff at SFL (sfl@osu.edu) for any questions or concerns.