Frequently Asked Questions

Per the Greek Life and Student Societies Handbook, "to be eligible to go through recruitment, a Dartmouth student must have completed at least three terms of classes, have sophomore status, and be of good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above." Additionally, those intending to participate in recruitment are asked to complete anti-hazing education, have completed the First-Year Experience offered through Student Wellness, and acknowledge they understand the Expectations of Membership. 

Transfer students may also participate in recruitment given they meet the above standards. 

No. Guidance from NPC is such that because of the strain repeated and multiple virtual submissions would put on Chapter officers during recruitment and, subsequently the inability of new members to participate in new member activities/education, students cannot participate in formal recruitment while studying abroad. Exceptions for fully virtual recruitment participation will only be considered on a case-by-case basis for circumstances related to injury/accessibility.

There are countless benefits including: feeling a sense of community; leadership development opportunities; developing conflict resolution skills; volunteering; having a support system; anchoring one's sense of place amidst the D plan; and others outlined here: Benefits of Fraternities, Sororities & Societies | Greek Life and Societies.

Recruitment timelines vary by council, i.e., Gender-Inclusive, NPHC, Multicultural, Interfraternity and Intersorority For example, they each have different processes for identifying new members, checking eligibility and onboarding them. For the best information, visit the respective pages on this web site. Requirements may vary slightly, but at a minimum, students must have sophomore status and have at least a 2.50 GPA. Additionally, they must have completed requirements outlined by Student Wellness and are often asked to complete anti-hazing modules and a form related to Expectations of Membership. 

Here, again, this depends on what type of recruitment the student participated in. Sorority bid matching is done via an automated process called Release Figure Methodology, which is based on Chapter and Potential New Member rankings. A student's options if they did not receive a bid depends on if they are participating in fall or winter rush, if they maximized their preferences, if Chapters have met their quota, are allotted Snap Bids and other factors. We strongly suggest those wishing to participate in rush ask relevant questions related to setting preferences, denying a bid, etc. 

Interfraternity recruitment is undertaken solely by deliberation and a process called "Shakeout". If astudent does not identify a chapter to join, they can pursue recruitment during a future recruitment period. 

It's important for all students to know that there are numerous means through which to feel a sense of belonging at Dartmouth and countless communities they can join. 

As noted in the Hazing Policy, "Hazing is strictly prohibited at Dartmouth College, by both College policy and New Hampshire law. Dartmouth College is first and foremost an educational institution. College hazing prevention policies and response procedures for hazing incidents are based on that educational mission."

This page has more information regardig the instution's efforts pertaining to hazing prevention.

More specifcially, Greek Life and Student Societies facilitates programming, including guest speakers, to address hazing. And all potential new members of Greek Organizations are required to complete StopHazing modules. StopHazing is the leader in hazing prevention research and is dedicated to building research-based educational tools, such as this course, to prevent hazing and help students build healthy groups that foster belonging and amplify well-being.

If your student has expressed concerns about being hazed or hazing at a Greek organization, they can report it via one of the following means: 

• LiveSafe App
• Anonymous Reporting Form
• Hanover Police – (603) 646-2222
• Call Safety & Security - (603) 646-4000 (non-emergency number)

The First-Year Harm Reduction Policy is intended to promote first-year safety during the crucial first weeks of fall term while mitigating the related risks that Greek organizations assume when hosting first-year students during this time. Specifically, it states: From the first day of the return of Trip 'Section A' through noon on the Wednesday following Halloween every year, unless Homecoming is later, no Greek organization may allow First Year students to attend events at which alcohol is served. Furthermore, during this time, First Year students are only allowed in the physical plants of Greek organizations at GLC-approved events.

GLC First-Year Harm Reduction Policy | Greek Life and Societies

While Greek Life offers many benefitts, including a sense of belonging and a supportive community, there are countless other ways Dartmouth students can get involved, find support, and create community. 

For example, students can:

1. Explore and join student clubs and organizations that they may be interested in using the Dartmouth Groups online portal. There are over 200 student organizations at Dartmouth. 

2. Connect with the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC), which has many student groups dedicated to outdoor activities.

3. Reach out to the Center for Social Impact, where students can participate and find leadership opportunities in their many programs, including immersion trips, youth mentoring, local volunteering and much more.

4. Contact their House Community staff, House Professor, Resident Fellows and Undergraduate Advisors (UGAs) for support and to explore leadership opportunities in the community.

5. Engage with the Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL), who support many community-based student organizations and offer heritage and history celebrations, as well as leadership and educational training.

6. Reach out to staff and student leaders in the International Student Mentoring Program

7. Connect to the First Gen Office for career support, events and leadership opportunities for building community.

8. Attend one of many weekly wellness programs in the Student Wellness Center. (Click the "wellness" tab on the website and see many mindfulness, yoga and other activities to try for fun, connection, and well-being).

9. Connect with the Tucker Center to explore within their faith community, participate in interfaith programs, or access pastoral counseling. 

10. Access information about counseling support from Health Services and schedule an appointment if needed.

11. Meet with their faculty advisor or dean from the Undergraduate Deans Office (UDO) to explore other ideas, talk about their academics, and get support.

There are numerous resources for students navigating conflict within a student and/or Greek organization. If they feel it cannot be resolved by including organizational leadership and/or through civil discourse, they should contact a member of the Office of Greek Life, their Undergraduate Dean, their organization's advisor or a staff/faculty member with whom they are comfortable. If the conflict presents concerns around harassment or violations of the College's Community Standards, then they should immediately contact the Department of Safety and Security. 

We strongly encoutrage parents or guardians to empower their student to engage with the Office of Greek Life- or other relevant offices- to seek the information they might need or ask questions they might have. Otherwise, we have tried to populate these pages with all of the information one might need regarding recruitment, participation, etc. Additionally, Dartmouth's Director of Family Support and Engagement can be a helpful resource for clarification around policies and processes and to identify support systems on campus.