IFC Recruitment

Joining an IFC Fraternity

Freshmen men interested in pledging during their second semester should meet as many fraternity members during the fall semester and learn about the various activities sponsored by each chapter. The more people you meet in fraternities, the more options are likely to be available to you at the conclusion of the process. You should also keep in mind that friends made during your freshman year at Vanderbilt will be lifelong friends, regardless of fraternity affiliation.

Deferred Joining

Since 1973, Vanderbilt has had a deferred joining system. Under this system, students have the entire fall semester to adjust to college academics and living in a residence hall. There is also the opportunity to observe the Greek community. The advantage to deferred pledging is that students can make a more informed decision about whether to join a fraternity and which organization suits them best. Each group has its own character, but all have similar programs and activities. They all encourage academic achievement, community service, social activities, leadership development and strong friendships.

Pledging Information

The education period following recruitment lasts between 5-8 weeks. This time is used for brotherhood development and to teach new members about the history, traditions, structure, management and ritual of the chapter. While it is a serious time commitment, pledging should not interfere with classes or study time. Every chapter has a scholarship program that includes study hours for new members. Vanderbilt University and every International Greek organization prohibit hazing in any form during this new member education period. For more information about the laws and policies regarding Hazing, please click here.

IFC Recruitment Rules

Interested men participating in the recruitment process should be advised of the following rules and guidelines. It is the expectation of the Interfraternity Council and the Office of Greek Life that all student adhere to these policies in order to produce a successful recruitment period.

• Undergraduate males with a GPA of 2.3 or above that have completed at least 12 hours after the fall semester and who are not on disciplinary probation are eligible to participate in recruitment and receive a bid.
• All potential new members must register with IFC and the Office of Greek Life prior to joining a fraternity. Registration cards and $20 payment should me received at least one week prior to the New Member education period.
• Formal Bid Night takes place within one week of the start of the spring semester. Chapters will extend invitations for membership (bids) during this designated time.
• Fraternities will observe a Dry Recruitment practice seven days a week. No buying for or supplying alcohol to freshman or to rushees in any class. Actives will not use personal or chapter funds for this purpose.
• Transportation of potential new members to off-campus establishments where alcohol is the predominant reason for its existence and which require patrons to be twenty-one (21) years of age is prohibited.
• Fraternity members may not invite freshman to any recruitment activities during VUCept and other Orientation activities.
• Fraternity members may not go door to door to deliver invitations to events.
• Fraternities are required to register at least 2 alcohol free events during the fall semester other than those scheduled by IFC. These events should be registered with the IFC Recruitment Chair.
• Fraternity members may not pressure potential new members to rush their fraternity exclusively nor commit to one fraternity before Formal Recruitment.
• "Hot boxing" or excessive coercion upon a rushee to commit to a fraternity is prohibited.
• No alcoholic beverages may be given to freshman during rush rounds.