How to Join

Leadership and Academics
Clemson University’s IFC fraternity community is dedicated to building future leaders by providing numerous leadership opportunities. IFC men can be found in leadership positions across a variety of Clemson University student organizations and academic research departments. The IFC fraternities at Clemson University realize that excelling in academics must be the top priority for all students. The fraternity and sorority community consistently finishes at or above the University average. IFC fraternity life offers a wide variety of academic advantages, including discounted testing services for professional school entrance exams (GRE, LSAT, MCAT) as well as various academic requirements required to be an active member geared at keeping members successful in the classroom.

Brotherhood and Community Service
IFC fraternities were founded as a network of support for men who were going through a similar experience. An IFC fraternity is a great way to enhance the general college experience through brotherhood and friendship. One of the founding principles of each IFC fraternity is service to the community. During the 2024 calendar year, over $423,616 was raised for various philanthropic efforts and over 15,854 hours were provided to various community service efforts in the Upstate community.

Social Life
IFC fraternities stay busy with Homecoming, alumni weekends, Parents Weekend, formals and Greek Week. Social events give IFC fraternity men an opportunity to meet new and exciting people while building lifelong friendships. The social experience is an important part of the fraternal experience and chapters prioritize providing safe environments for these experiences.

Athletics
Intramurals are another exciting aspect of IFC fraternity life. Intramural activities are open to all students, but it is not uncommon for chapters to support multiple teams throughout the various tournaments hosted on campus. Athletics prove to be important physical and mental outlets for students, helping improve self-confidence and develop teamwork. Through intense competition, intramurals continue to help build brotherhood and school spirit.

Also known as Rush, Rush at Clemson University is intended to give interested individuals an opportunity to explore the vast array of IFC fraternities that differ in ideals, goals, chapter men and approach to fraternity life. Although all IFC fraternities may have the same general framework for success, each chapter offers unique experiences that all members to find the best environment for them to thrive and find success.

Pre-Rush Education
Pre-Rush Education is mandatory for all Clemson students wishing to join an IFC Fraternity. IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE THE PRE-RUSH REQUIREMENT BY THE APPROPRIATE TIME, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM RUSH. The current requirement is attending IFC Rush Orientation.  *Note: If you completed the requirements in a previous semester, you do not need to complete them again.

Recognizing the importance of academic scholarship at Clemson University, the IFC fraternities and IFC Executive Council require that continuing students have at least a 2.7 cumulative GPA either from Clemson, if a Clemson GPA exists, or from your previous institution if a Clemson GPA does not exist. An unofficial transcript is required and should be included in your recruitment registration to confirm GPAs from other institutions.

New students without a GPA from a university are considered eligible for IFC Recruitment.

Scholarship
Association sororities maintain high principles of exceptional scholarship, and the bonds of sisterhood provide valuable support for the academic ambitions of Association sorority women. For the last twenty semesters, the all-Association GPA has been consistently higher than the undergraduate all-women GPA. Chapters support their members’ academic endeavors through study halls and educational programs. Some chapters also offer rewards to challenge members to reach their full academic potential. Many Association sorority women also participate in the Calhoun Honors College and a variety of other honor societies.

Leadership
Association sororities value leadership and encourage members to get involved within their chapters, the Association council, and throughout Clemson’s campus. As a member of our community, you will engage with and have the potential to become a strong leader on campus. Each sorority provides positions and programs that allow members the opportunity to learn and develop a variety of leadership skills, from time management to communication. Members of our community also serve in groups like Student Government, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the IPTAY Student Advisory Board,  and a variety of other professional and honorary organizations. The leadership gained through your Association sorority experience will extend beyond your college years as you will have the potential to develop skills that are transferable to your future career.

Philanthropy and Service
In the 2023 calendar year, Clemson Panhellenic Association chapters raised more than $897,655.00 for a variety of philanthropies and completed over 54,500 hours of hands-on-service.

Clemson’s Panhellenic Community is proud to support GirlUP Greenville. GirlUP GVL helps girls reach their full potential and know their true worth and value. The Clemson Panhellenic community believes that every girl should have the chance to receive an education, reach their full potential, and understand their worth.

GirlUp GVL exists to serve under-resourced middle school and high school girls in Greenville, SC through experience, enrichment, and empowerment. Our donations this year are going toward GirlUP GVL to support their facility, as well as support their cause to help girls become strong and successful women. We depend on the circle of influence of sorority women to accomplish this important work. When every sorority woman, and those with whom she is connected, contributes to the GirlUP GVL Foundation in a meaningful way, our efforts will be transforming for generations to come. And the world will know the true power of a sisterhood of women.

Sisterhood
By joining a Association sorority, you will have the potential to create lasting friendships that are made stronger by the bonds of sisterhood. Chapter socials, sisterhood and philanthropy events will help you get to know your sorority sisters as well as members of other fraternal organizations. To build sisterhood, chapter members may meetup for fun activities like movie nights, service events, exercise classes and much more. Participating in these activities is a positive way to take a break from academics and get to know members of your chapter. Chapters also host other social events called “functions” each semester, many with fun themes. Association chapters and fraternities also pair up for events called “mixers.” At mixers, Association sisters are able to strengthen old and create new friendships across chapters.

For recruitment information, please check out the Recruitment Tab on the Clemson Panhellenic Website.

Fall Primary Recruitment is the main opportunity for students to join a Panhellenic sorority at Clemson University. It’s a structured, week-long process that allows potential new members (PNMs) to explore all 13 Panhellenic chapters, learn about their values and philanthropies, and find the chapter that feels like home. Recruitment includes multiple rounds, each helping students connect with chapter members and better understand each organization's values, sisterhood, and involvement. 

Registration for 2025 Fall Primary Recruitment will take place August 13-19, 2025. Registration will open on June 9, 2025, at 8 a.m. and close on August 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. New students participating in primary recruitment will move on-campus on August 12, 2025. Recruitment Dates:

August 13, 2025: PNM Convocation 

PNMs will meet their Pi Chi groups in Littlejohn Coliseum! During this time, they will get to know one another, learn about recruitment, and hear from a guest speaker! PNMs will then watch the videos that the chapters have created to learn more about each organization and make their first round of selections. 

At the end of the round, PNMs will utilize their PNM Companion App to rank their first ten preferences and rank their remaining three choices. It is important to note that ranking certain preferences does not guarantee that you will or will not be invited back to a specific organization. 

Attire for this round is casual. We recommend wearing athletic shorts and tops with tennis shoes! 

August 14-15, 2025: Round Two

Philanthropy Round takes place over two days and gives Potential New Members (PNMs) the chance to learn about the philanthropic organizations and causes each Panhellenic chapter supports, both locally and nationally. This round highlights the values and service efforts that are central to sorority life, and PNMs will discover how each chapter gives back through hands-on service, fundraising, and community engagement. 

This round offers PNMs the possibility of being invited back to up to 10 chapters. However, it is important to note that not all PNMs will receive a full schedule and it is more common to receive fewer than 10 invitations. 

At the end of the round, PNMs will utilize their PNM Companion App to rank their first six preferences and rank their remaining four choices. It is important to note that ranking certain preferences does not guarantee that you will or will not be invited back to a specific organization. 

Attire for this round is casual, but polished. Each PNM will wear the designation PNM shirt for Round 2. We suggest wearing comfortable shorts or skirts with the PNM shirt! 

August 16-17, 2025: Round Three 

Sisterhood Round showcases the unique sisterhood and values of each sorority. Conversations during this round allow you to develop deeper connections with the women in the chapter. You will have an opportunity to learn more about the membership expectations of the organization as well as the experience the special bond the women have within their sisterhood. 

During this round, PNMs may receive invitations back to up to 6 chapters. However, it is important to understand that not receiving invitations from 6 chapters is normal. 

At the end of the round, PNMs will utilize their PNM Companion App to rank their first two preferences and rank their remaining four choices. It is important to note that ranking certain preferences does not guarantee that you will or will not be invited back to a specific organization. 

Attire for this round is slightly more elevated than Round 2. Recommended attire includes a nice top and skirt, dress, or romper. 

August 18, 2025: Round Four

Preference Round is the final and most formal round of recruitment. During this round, PNMs may be invited to up to two chapters. It is not uncommon to only be invited back to one organization. Chapters will show a more serious side of the organization. This round should serve as your opportunity to have more meaningful conversations with chapter members. During this time, a chapter member may share with you how she made her decision and what her sisterhood means to her. 

After attending all events you were invited to, PNMs will rank their choices in preferential order with a member of the Clemson Staff. You may only rank the chapters whose events you attended and you may not go back and change their rank once it has been submitted. PNMs will also read and sign the MRABA, or the Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement. To learn more about the MRABA, please watch this video from the National Panhellenic Conference. 

Attire for this round is cocktail attire. We recommend a nice dress or jumpsuit that you would wear to graduation or a formal banquet.

August 19, 2025: Bid Day

This is an exciting day! Women who have submitted their preferences and signed their MRABAs will meet their Recruitment Counselor group at the Upper Intramural Fields. Everyone will then open their bids together and find out which organization is extending them a bid to membership. Then, PNMs can run home to their chapter and celebrate! 

Over the following few days, PNMs will then spend some time with her new organization and get to know her new sisters. 

No guests are permitted on this day, students only. This day is for the student to spend time with her new sisters. Parents and guests will have future opportunities to visit their student’s sorority, such as Family Weekend or Parents Weekend, an event typically hosted by each organization.

What is a Pi Chi?
A Pi Chi is a recruitment counselor. She is a junior or senior member carefully chosen from each chapter based on her enthusiasm for Clemson and sorority life, her objectivity and her dependability. A Pi Chi is sorority woman who has disassociated from her own sorority throughout the summer and during the week of recruitment so she can be an objective representative of CPA. She has also experienced recruitment on both sides and knows and understands what you are experiencing during recruitment. She can provide information about the week, help you find your way to recruitment-week events and provide a listening ear as you make decisions concerning sorority membership.

Is recruitment only for first-year students?
No, not at all. Sophomores, juniors and seniors, both continuing and transferring, are welcome to participate. Sorority life has many wonderful opportunities to offer all college women. 

What is a legacy? Do I have to be one to join a sorority?
A legacy is a close relative (usually a mother, grandmother or sister) of a member of a particular chapter. Chapters are not required to offer an invitation to a legacy any more than a legacy is obligated to join her relative’s sorority. It is important for a potential member to find a chapter with whom she feels comfortable. If you are not a legacy, this will not hinder your participation in recruitment.

What if I only want to be in a certain sorority?
While many potential new members enter their recruitment experience with one or a few chapters in mind, it is important to keep an open mind throughout the week. You should not make decisions based on stereotypes or the opinions of others. This is your decision and you should do what is right for you.

Do I have to follow the recruitment schedule and attend all events?
YES! The object of recruitment is to obtain the most information about chapters so you are able to make the best decision. You must attend all events to which you are invited. If you have a conflict (class, practice, etc.) and you are unable to attend, you must let your Pi Chi know as soon as possible. If you choose to skip events, you will be removed from recruitment.

For recruitment information please check out the Recruitment Tab on the Clemson Panhellenic Website.

• Registration opens June 9, 2025 and closes August 4,2025 at 11:59 p.m. No late registrations will be accepted. 
• Registration costs $175 and is non-refundable. 
• To register for recruitment, you will need your High School or College Transcript, headshot, and completed PNM Video. Please note that Clemson Panhellenic does not accept resumes on our registration. 
• While Clemson Panhellenic does not require a minimum GPA to participate in Primary Recruitment, each individual chapter has their own grade requirements. Your transcript is utilized to verify your unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Only the Clemson FSL staff have access to your transcript. Chapters will only be able to see your verified GPA. 
• Your registration is utilized as your first round of recruitment! Chapters will use your registration information and PNM Video to learn more about you to invite you back for your first round of recruitment! Take your time and be considerate of your responses. However, don’t stress!

Additional things to note for Registration: 

• Use Google Chrome and enable all cookies on your browser. We have found that this works best when submitting your registration. While other browsers may work, you might find that you will have trouble submitting your registration. Once you switch to Chrome and enable cookies, these issues usually resolve. 

• Prepare your resume information. Clemson Panhellenic does not accept resumes on our registration. However, there will be a few questions where you can list out your high school involvement and accolades. Please note that the registration system does not allow for copy and paste. If you try to copy and paste, your registration will not submit. Be prepared to type out your experiences! 

• Have your high school or college transcript ready! Make sure to email your high school or college for your full completed transcript. It must show all completed coursework! 

• Be prepared to answer some written questions. Our chapters use your registration to learn about you, your interests, and more! Be prepared to answer some thoughtful questions to showcase those things to the chapter. 

• Have your PNM Video filmed in advance.  You will be asked to submit the link to your PNM video on your registration form so make sure you have this filmed prior to beginning your registration. For more information on the video, please check out the Clemson Panhellenic Website! 

Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is an informal recruitment process that allows Panhellenic sororities at Clemson University to extend membership opportunities outside of the formal Primary Recruitment period. COB typically occurs after Primary Recruitment in the fall and continues into the spring semester, depending on chapter eligibility and available spaces.

This process is designed to be more relaxed and flexible, offering a great option for students who may have missed or opted out of Primary Recruitment, or who are just beginning to explore sorority life. It's important to note that not all Panhellenic chapters will participate in COB, as eligibility is often based on total chapter membership and available spots.

COB events are usually smaller and more casual, giving potential new members the chance to get to know sorority members in a more personal setting. These events can range from grabbing coffee with a chapter member to attending a sisterhood event such as cookie decorating.

Participation in COB is free. Panhellenic will host an event at the beginning of each semester to kick off the COB process. The COB interest form will be available for the 2025-2026 Academic Year on August 5th. Interested women need to only submit the form one time!

Alpha Omicron Pi is thrilled to join the Clemson Panhellenic community as the 14th Panhellenic organization on campus! Founded in 1897 at Barnard College, AOII is built on the values of character, dignity, scholarship, and college loyalty. With it’s international headquarters in Brentwood, Tennessee, AOII has grown to be home to thousands of members across the United States and Canada, united by a lifelong commitment to friendship, leadership, and service.

You’ll be seeing and hearing a lot about AOII as you arrive at Clemson. AOII will participate in the first round of Panhellenic recruitment, where you’ll be able to view their chapter video during Convocation along with the other chapters.

Following the first round, AOII’s recruitment events will begin on Wednesday, September 3rd. There will also be plenty of opportunities to meet members of AOII before their recruitment events, especially if traditional Panhellenic recruitment doesn’t align with your plans.

• Learn more about AOII 
• Fill out their interest form

Each NPHC fraternity and sorority brings in new members at various times of the year through a process called Membership Intake. These organizations are permitted to conduct intake based on the chapters schedule and/or their need for growth. Some organizations conduct intake each semester; others only do so once a year.

There is a 2.7 Clemson cumulative GPA requirement to seek membership in a NPHC Fraternity or Sorority. All NPHC fraternities and sororities also require a certain amount of credit hours prior to joining varying from 12 - 36 credit hours as determined by the fraternity or sorority's (Inter)National office. When organizations are planning to conduct Membership Intake, many of them will host an interest meeting in which the criteria for membership is explained. These are usually publicized via flyers on-campus and on individual chapters social media pages.

Network
MGC organizations create an environment in which all individuals from all walks of life can engage in productive conversations and encourage members to connect with individuals for their career path.

Unity
MGC strives to promote unity between organizations in addition to promoting unity across different councils through collaboration. We emphasize a sense of family and create a welcoming environment in which our members feel like they belong.

Diversity
as a MGC our main emphasis is focused on promoting cultural awareness across a range of different heritages. We embrace and are proud of the different organizations within our council that enhance the Clemson community.

Community Service
Our members give back to the community by fundraising for their respective philanthropies and volunteering. They inspire others and emphasize support for others in need.

Professional Development
organizations in the MGC develop future leaders and individuals who strive for academic excellence. Our members help create educational programs for the public, in addition to learning tools and skills necessary to excel in their career path and their daily lives.

All interested individuals must have at least a 2.7 GPA to join an MGC organization.

Joining an organization under the MGC requires your own research and personal experience. The decision of joining an organization should be your own to make.

Be yourself and express yourself, our members want to get to know who you are. We welcome everyone with open arms and open minds.

If you are affiliated with another organization and plan to join a MGC organization, you can only be a part of a business, honors, service or music fraternity/sorority.