A snapshot of the Clemson Fraternity/Sorority community shows that:
- Approximately 21% of the student body belongs to our social Fraternity/Sorority community
- All 37 organizations are internationally affiliated
- Fraternity/Sorority men and women lead the student community and serve as role models in service, leadership, and scholarship
- The opportunities and encouragement which Fraternity/Sorority letter groups provide is an invaluable reward for those who choose to join.
 The start of your student's college career is one of the most exciting times of his or her life. Your daughter or son will face many opportunities for involvement on campus, and fraternity and sorority membership can provide such involvement and a sense of community and friendship. Over two hundred years ago, fraternity and sorority life began on college campuses as a student movement that encouraged and fostered friendships, social interaction, and intellectual discourse. Today, Fraternity/Sorority organizations have built on that early foundation and serve as vehicles for service and philanthropic work, as a primary means for socialization of students, and as continuing networks for alumni. On the Clemson campus, our system has been in existence since 1970, and has grown to 88 chapters serving over 3000 students.
The Office Clemson Fraternity and Sorority Life
Clemson University is committed to providing the administrative and advising support needed to ensure that Fraternity/Sorority Life at Clemson is actively challenged and supported to be a campus community that all can be proud of. The Fraternity and Sorority Life staff, one full-time professionals and two graduate assistants, works daily with chapter leaders and the leaders of the seven councils. The charge of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is to:
- Advise the council leaders on matters of University regulations, council operations, and member services
- Address issues in a timely manner, through the development of programs on social etiquette, responsible behavior, and risk management
- Recognize notable achievements by chapters and their members by rewarding outstanding service, academic achievement, leadership, and programming
- Serve as liaisons to national offices, alumni, chapter advisors, and various campus departments
- Keep records related to the membership of Clemson chapters in regards to grade reports, recruitment trends, and service efforts
- Serve as a resource for chapter members
- Provide press and news services with information about the achievements and accomplishments of the Fraternity/Sorority community
How does Fraternity/Sorority membership help reinforce or create a sense of civic responsibility and service to others?
 Every school year Fraternity/Sorority men and women give hundreds of hours of service and raise thousands of dollars to support many different worthy causes. Most chapters support both local charities and their national organization's philanthropy. For some local projects, the involvement by the Clemson Fraternity/Sorority community is the largest single instance of volunteer participation in their programs. Clemson fraternities and sororities work with such causes and programs as: Habitat for Humanity, WORTHhouse, Helping Hands of Clemson, and different school mentoring and tutoring programs, to name a few. It is hard to drive for very long in the Clemson area without driving on a road "adopted" by a Fraternity/Sorority organization. Clemson Fraternity/Sororitys have made and continue to make a difference, both on and off campus, through organized service and dedicated philanthropy.
What about the stories I see on the evening news about fraternities and sororities around the country?
Nobody likes stereotypes, and over the years, Fraternity/Sorority women and men have been caricatured, lampooned, and portrayed in an unflattering manner by movies and television. This is not to say that members of the Fraternity/Sorority community have not committed heinous offenses against their peers; they have. Yet, when the number of students committing these acts is viewed in the context of the American Fraternal system, they represent less than one-one-hundredth of one percent of the total membership. The media does not play up the positive values of Fraternity/Sorority groups because they do not perceive these values to have "entertainment value," but those ideals are much more characteristic of Fraternity/Sorority life than is the "Animal House" caricature. Sororities and fraternities at Clemson, with the support of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, are committed to member education programs which instill commitment and pride in the organization, as opposed to the fear and negativity often associated with hazing and alcohol abuse.
How will Fraternity/Sorority membership provide social activities for my student?
 The social life of fraternity men and sorority women can be very rich and rewarding, with friendships made that can last a lifetime, and the development of social skills which will be useful to any adult. Fraternities and sororities provide activities which sharpen conversation techniques, conflict resolution skills, and promote poise and a sense of social grace. All of the Fraternity/Sorority letter organizations at Clemson advocate the legal, responsible use of alcohol by members, and both they and their national organizations, as well as the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff, work to ensure that this responsibility is taken seriously.
What are the costs associated with joining a Fraternity/Sorority organization and how much time is required of members?
It is important that each student who considers joining be aware of the expenses of both initially joining a group, and maintaining membership. Each chapter is self-supporting, funded largely by membership dues and some fundraising. Costs vary depending on individual national dues, insurance premiums, social fees, and house expenses, where applicable. Most chapters will provide a payment plan for members with special needs. Your student and you are strongly encouraged to ask about membership financial obligations.
As a parent, what should I do to support my son or daughter's decision to join a Fraternity/Sorority letter organization?
First of all, be supportive of that decision and encourage your student to find out as much as they can about a prospective group(s). Consult with your student as you feel comfortable about this decision, but in the end, let him or her make the choice for their membership. After that decision is made, talk with your daughter or son periodically and ask them about their Fraternity/Sorority experience. Feel free to contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff if you would like any additional information about a particular group.
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