FAQ

 

 

what is rush?

Formal Recruitment, colloquially known as "Rush", is the official period during the second and third weeks of September where potential new members (PNMs) are able to become acquainted with members of different Greek Letter Organizations on campus. During the first month of the new academic year, the 11 chapters of UBC Fraternities host a series of formal and informal meet and greets, open houses, and events for PNMs to learn more about each fraternal organization.

The official IFC Recruitment period comprises of First Rush, Second Rush, Formal Rush, and Bids Day.

First Rush and Second Rush are open houses where PNMs may visit each house and learn more about membership and the organization. Dress code: Casual.

Formal Rush (by invitation) is the final round of Formal Recruitment - similar to First and Second Rush, which typically takes place at a venue outside of the Chapter House. Dress code: Formal.

 

when/where is rush?

The following dates are the official IFC Sponsored Recruitment Events.

First Rush // Fraternity Village*, 2880 Wesbrook Mall

Thursday, September 14th, 2023 @ 6PM-10PM

Second Rush // Fraternity Village

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 @ 6PM-10PM

Formal Rush [By Invitation] // Various Venues at UBC/in Vancouver

Thursday, September 28th, 2023 @ 7-11PM

Bids Day // AMS Student Nest, 6133 University Blvd.

Friday, September 29th, 2023 @ 10AM-2PM

*Houses outside of the Fraternity Village will be present in the courtyard and will provide transportation for PNMs for house tours.

Some chapters may do an informal recruitment in the Spring, but these are at the discretion of each organization.

 

how much does IT COST TO JOIN?

All members of IFC Fraternities pay membership dues annually. These vary from chapter to chapter, averaging approximately CAD $800-1200 per member [per year]. Membership dues are broken down into following:

  • New Member Fees

  • International Dues

  • General Operations

  • Social Events (Semi Formal, Formal)

  • Athletic Program

  • Philanthropy/Community Service

  • Parlour/House Maintenance

New members have the option and flexibility of paying dues on an annual, semesterly, or monthly basis. Alternative payment plans can be arranged to suit your needs. There are also numerous scholarships available within each chapter, as well as through each chapter’s international organization.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING A FRATERNITY?

UBC Fraternities provide members with a strong support system of over 900 young men, committed to the shared values of leadership, service, scholarship, and brotherhood. Joining a Greek Letter Organization comes with leadership opportunities, scholarship opportunities, subsidized housing, meal plans, access to a vast international alumni base, networking opportunities, as well as personal growth and development. 

WHAT IS PLEDGING LIKE?

Each of the 11 Fraternities have a new member education process (colloquially known as “pledgeship” or “pledging”), where new members learn about the organization’s history, traditions, values, as well as expectations and responsibilities that come with being a member of the organization. The pledge process varies in length from chapter to chapter, generally lasting several weeks prior to being formally inducted into the Fraternity. UBC Fraternities has a zero-tolerance policy on hazing. Any reports of hazing are encouraged to be directed to the Interfraternity Council.

what are the time commitments associated with joining? Will this negatively affect my grades?

Joining a fraternity does have time commitments (similar to other clubs/organizations on campus), which vary based on how much you want to get involved. Many of our members pursue other commitments such as varsity athletics, AMS clubs, and work part-time while being in a fraternity. Time commitments are generally ~5 hours a week on average.

Potential new members and current undergraduates are required to maintain a minimum GPA in order to join a fraternity and stay active. This, again, varies per chapter, but is generally around a 65% minimum. Studies at various universities have also shown that the All-Greek, and All-Fraternity average GPA is typically higher than the Undergraduate and All-Male average GPA.