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Join A Greek Organization

Why join a Greek Organization?

It promotes personal growth within a more intimate circle of friends while enrolled in college.  Fraternities and sororities support students who share a common set of ideals, such as academic excellence, character and leadership development, community building, philanthropy, and service.

Additionally, a Greek organization can provide networking opportunities with individuals in their chosen field, frequently providing alum ways to remain involved with the college community.  The ties to Greek life are typically close, so former members may be more inclined to offer advice or even facilitate an internship with their company.

Through Greek Life, students can build their resumes, develop and learn new skills, volunteer within the community, merge social and academic experiences, and make lifelong connections and friendships.

Recruitment

SUNY Canton’s Greek Life encourages an educational and welcoming approach to the recruitment and education of new members.

Recruitment starts at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters; Greek organizations actively promote their organizations and seek new members.  Typical events for recruitment may include meet and greet programs, game nights, ice breaker activities, and events in the dorms on campus or at Greek residences off campus.  It is recommended that you meet all Greek Organizations before beginning New Member Education.

Bids

On the last day of recruitment, Greek Organizations will offer potential new members a bid (invitation) to start New Member Education.  All potential new members must be approved for New Member Education by the Greek Life Coordinator and complete the mandatory Anti-Hazing training.

New Member Education

New Member Education (NME), also referred to as pledging, is a three to six-week period each semester where students invited by the Greek organizations are educated about the history and mission of the organization as well as have an opportunity to get to know the current members of the organization better.

Membership Eligibility

SUNY Canton students are eligible to participate in NME and become a Greek member if they meet the following requirements:

• Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00
  • If students are enrolled in the Equal Opportunity Program (EOP), they must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50
• Be at least a second-semester freshman
  • First-semester freshmen are not allowed to participate in New Member Education
• Must be able to fulfill the duties and responsibilities as a Greek member outlined in the Greek Council Constitution