Costs of Membership

Each chapter collects chapter dues from every member. Chapter dues go toward the programming and chapter operating expenses. Some organizations, particularly national organizations, also have a one-time initiation fee, plus termly or yearly national dues. Some chapters may also charge a parlor fee, which is an additional fee for the members who do not live in the house but use the facilities regularly. 

When you participate in the recruitment process, make sure to ask about the exact financial obligations of membership for each organization. Fees vary from chapter to chapter and whether the member lives in the housing facility. Chapters may also charge social dues. The undergraduate chapter treasurer can give you specific information and explain how their dues system works.

Chapter or "house" dues — programming and chapter operating expenses. Typically charged through college billing or the national HQ.

"Social" dues — for social events only. Social dues are not charged through college billing, they are charged separately to the member.

National dues — paid to the national HQ. May be included with chapter dues via college billing, or charged separately.

Rent in college-owned Greek houses is the same as current residence hall fees. 

Privately-owned Greek Life houses must charge a minimum of 85% of the residence hall room rent amount, and may charge more if they wish. There may also be extra fees such as: security deposits, cable TV, single room, parking etc. as in any rental housing arrangement. Rent must always be processed through college billing. Students residing in Greek chapters houses are required to purchase a meal plan.

Typically, students choose to live in a Greek chapter house in sophomore summer, for their senior year, and for part of their junior year, space permitting. Officers (President, Vice President, House Manager and Treasurer) are generally expected to live on the premises.

Please discuss all fees and charges with the chapter treasurer or alumni/ae advisor before you make any decisions. 

Occasionally, chapter officers may fine a member. Examples of when fines will be charged are: if a member does not turn up for house clean-up day, if an item of furniture is damaged, or if a key is lost. All fines will be charged via Dash, directly to the student's administrative Dash account. Fines and damages may not be charged via college billing. Students are always notified in writing before the fine is charged.

Students who receive financial aid are asked to meet with their Financial Aid Counselor to review their individual situation and options. Financial aid cannot be applied to any dues payments. If you are in need of assistance to reduce your dues please speak to the chapter treasurer or chapter alumni/ae advisor to ask if they may provide any assistance, either full or partial.