Greek Life at CNU is student-run with the support of a full-time professional in the Office of Student Activities. Our 7 recognized North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) fraternities are governed by the Interfraternity Council (IFC). The 3 recognized National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters are governed by the local CNU NPHC governing body. Lastly, the 6 recognized National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) chapters are governed by the College Panhellenic. Council offices are located in the Office of Student Activities on the third floor of the David Student Union.

By Council:  Panhellenic Council  |  Interfraternity Council  |  National Pan-Hellenic Council

For more information, please contact:

Frank Council, Director
Office of Student Activities
Christopher Newport University
David Student Union #330
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606

757-594-7260
franklin.council@cnu.edu

Recruitment provides the perfect opportunity for second-semester freshmen and upperclassmen to explore the Greek community. This is a great way to not only learn about opportunities available through Greek life but also to make new friends. The Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) groups each do things a little differently, but the recruitment process is basically organized events allowing chapters to meet prospective members.

What to Expect

In the fall semester, all CNU students are invited to attend the various on-campus events hosted by fraternity and sorority chapters. These can range from interest meetings to cookouts, volleyball tournaments to philanthropic activities. You may also casually meet a member of a fraternity or sorority in class or at the gym and begin to learn more about that person’s organization through everyday conversation.

While freshmen may not join a Greek organization until they attain 12 credit hours and a 2.4 minimum cumulative GPA (**) after high school, they may investigate and get to know what each group is about. A limited number of students with the minimum academic requirements may be offered membership during fall semester. Sororities in particular are limited on the number of spots available in the fall, so please do not be discouraged if you do not get an opportunity to join during fall term.

**All Panhellenic sororities and some IFC fraternities have a higher GPA requirement than the minimum listed above. Please contact the Office of Student Activities (3rd floor, DSU) with any questions about academic eligibility.

Spring term is quite different than fall due to more eligible students on campus and a more formalized process for joining. Panhellenic Council organizes sorority formal recruitment.  Panhellenic Formal Recruitment for Spring 2013 will be held from Sunday, January 13-Sunday, January 20.  If you are interested in going through formal recruitment, you must complete your registration by Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Panhellenic Registration

IFC recruitment consists of a series of events to help interested men get to know the various chapters recognized at CNU. Each fraternity will host events throughout the semester designed to assist interested men in finding a group who fits their expectations from a values-based fraternal experience.

NPHC intake involves a series of interest meetings to assist potential members as they explore what NPHC organizations have to offer and how they can grow as members of these organizations. Interest meetings can occur at any point in the academic year; however, intake typically begins at the start of each term.  More information about interest meetings will be seen through advertising methods around campus.

To learn more about how involvement in a fraternity or sorority can benefit you not just in college but for life, please check out recruitment at CNU! Feel free to contact the Office of Student Activities at any time, and we will make sure the appropriate council or chapter contacts you.

Questions to Ask a Chapter Member Before You Join:
  • Why should I join? What aspects of the chapter encouraged you to join?
  • What are the financial obligations of a new member? Are there additional costs that members are required to pay other than the fees listed?
  • Does your chapter offer need based scholarships or other payment plans?
  • How long is the new member program and how much time do I need to devote to it?
  • What is the percentage of new members that get initiated into your fraternity/sorority?
  • What other campus organizations have you had the opportunity to participate in as a result of your Greek experience?
  • How does your chapter promote scholarship?
  • In what ways is your chapter involved with philanthropies and community service?
  • What types of activities are planned with other Greek organizations?
  • Is it possible to maintain a part-time job and still have time to fulfill your commitment to the fraternity / sorority?
  • How will Greek Life benefit me in the future?
Advice to Help You With Your Decision:
  • You must narrow your choices and ultimately decide which group you wish to join. It is important to remember that you are making the choice. The Greek organization that is best for your friends and your family may not be the best one for you.
  • Think about why you want to join a Greek organization. Are these qualities present in the groups that you are considering?
  • Find an organization in which you feel comfortable. Why do you feel comfortable in that particular group?
  • Take a look around you. The men or women that you are standing with could be your brothers or sisters. What qualities do you share with these people? Do you feel comfortable with them?
  • Do you see yourself becoming a better person by joining this group?
  • Consider not only what you can gain from each organization but also what you can contribute.
  • Ask questions! Get to know everything you can about each organization.
  • Most importantly, be yourself! There are many diverse organizations that want to get to know you.

If you would like to discuss your decision further, please contact:

Frank Council, Director
Office of Student Activities
Christopher Newport University
David Student Union #330
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606

757-594-7260
franklin.council@cnu.edu

Unless otherwise indicated, links below open MS Word documents. PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

Order of Omega

The Order of Omega recognizes fraternity and sorority members who have attained a high standard of leadership, scholarship, and service in inter-Greek activities. We invite all CNU fraternity and sorority members of junior or senior status with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average to apply for membership.  All eligible fraternity and sorority members are invited to apply for the 2012-2013 induction class. Applications are due Monday, September 17, 2012 at 5 p.m. to the Office of Student Activities.

Academic Reports

For reports prior to spring 2010, please contact Frank Council, Director of Student Activities.

Greek Life Resources
Unless otherwise indicated, links below open MS Word documents. PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

Council Constitutions
Panhellenic Constitution
Interfraternity Council Constitution
National Pan-Hellenic Conference Constitution

Standards of Achievement for Greek Excellence (SAGE)
SAGE program packet (pdf)
SAGE Checklist Fall 2012
Event Documentation & Member Attendance

Chapter/Council Resources
Panhellenic Recruitment Counselor 2013 Application
Greek Policies & Procedures
Scholarship Resources

Greek Village Event Notification

FIPG (website) - risk management expectations

For questions or concerns regarding any of the above policies, procedures or resources, please contact:

Frank Council, Director
Office of Student Activities
Christopher Newport University
David Student Union #330
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606

757-594-7260
franklin.council@cnu.edu