IFC fraternities provide many opportunities for socialization at UF, including brotherhood events, intramural sports, cultural awareness programs, and parties regulated by the IFC. In addition, IFC fraternities offer vast social networks where members can develop life-long friendships and strong support networks with other men of common interests. This social outlet can be especially important to men in their first and second year at UF as they become acclimated to college life. Community service and philanthropic activities are also an important component of IFC fraternity life.

The first semester of being in a fraternity is a big time commitment. The time requirement is approximately the equivalent to taking a 3-credit hour class. In joining a fraternity, members can choose to give as much or as little of their time as they desire; often, the more energy and time a member dedicates to his fraternity, the more that member gains from the experience. Even though this may seem like a large amount of time, during this time many programs are available that promote study skills and scholarship including study hours and tutoring sessions. Being involved in a fraternity does not preclude individuals from participating in other co-curricular activities or student organizations. In fact, many members are highly active in other organizations at the university. Make sure to ask about time commitment at each fraternity you visit.

There is nothing wrong with not receiving a bid from your first choice! In fact, this is quite common. It is important to explore all options and even visit chapters that you may not have initially considered. Just because one chapter was not a fit, doesn't mean you can't have a meaningful experience somewhere else.

After joining a fraternity, you will enter into an educational new member program for up to eight weeks. Programming differs from each chapter, as each fraternity has their own events and rituals. During this time, you will be educated in the Greek ideals of the chapter and community, while building a strong bond with the members of your new fraternity. Make sure to ask about the programs you will go through as a new member.

The University of Florida seeks to promote a safe environment in which students may participate without compromising their health, safety, or welfare, and as such takes hazing seriously. Hazing is prohibited by law in the state of Florida and in the UF Student Code of Conduct. The prevention of hazing is the responsibility of every member of the University community. To file a complaint, please contact Sorority and Fraternity Life at (352) 392-1671. For more information on the UF Anti- Hazing Policy, visit the Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution website.

Students who anticipate experiencing barriers to participating in programs and activities related to recruitment are encouraged to mention it where prompted in the recruitment registration form.

IFC fraternity chapters at UF have a wide variety of housing options. Some chapters have official chapter houses on and off campus in a variety of locations around the university area. Some fraternity brothers also may choose to live together in personal off-campus houses. The cost of living in official fraternity houses is usually less than or comparable to the market price of living in Gainesville. Chapter members have the option to live in these locations if they so choose. In addition, IFC fraternity houses offer economical and nutritious meal plans that range from use of a full- time cook to various catering services depending on the chapter.

Fraternities are only allowed to give a bid (an extension of membership) either verbal or physical during the week of formal recruitment in the fall. When a member of the fraternity extends a bid to you, you can: - Accept the bid - you are now considered a new member of the fraternity - Decline the bid - you are not interested in joining the fraternity and/or you are interested in exploring other options. If you want to decline a bid, please notify the chapter. - Hold the bid - do this if you are still unsure of your decision. A fraternity cannot force or coerce you into accepting a bid. If this occurs, contact the IFC Vice President of Membership (vpm@ufifc.org) You have until the end of the recruitment week to accept or decline a bid. If you do not accept a bid or you were not extended a bid by the end of the recruitment process, your name will be sent to chapters who are interested in continuing their recruitment process.

Things such as finances and time commitment to a chapter should be considered when narrowing your search. Consider each of the conversations you have with the members of the chapter during recruitment and see if their values align with yours. The more chapters you visit during recruitment, the more likely it is that you will find a community you will enjoy. While this may sound cliche, here is a fraternity on campus for everyone. Students who don't join at the end of the week or feel like they didn't find a match for them often have a very narrow search and did not explore every chapter on campus. Coming into the process with an open mind and being yourself will help you make a decision in the end!

The only aspects of recruitment that all students must plan to attend is the Orientation and house tours on 8/26 and 8/27. Reach out to VPM@ufifc.org if there is an extenuating circumstance (e.g. a family emergency) preventing your attendance.

The most important thing is to be yourself and dress comfortably! It will be hot, so it is recommended that you wear shorts (not gym shorts) and comfortable walking shoes along with a nicer shirt. Most students going through recruitment will wear some variation of khaki shirts and a polo.