Fraternity & Sorority Life
Joining Johnson & Wales University's fraternity and sorority community is a great way for you to develop personally and professionally, while being supported by a close-knit social network of your peers. To join the fraternity and sorority community, simply join a currently recognized organization; Please see our list of currently recognized organizations below.
While all of these organizations are nationally or internationally affiliated, the University, by way of the Student Engagement department, oversees fraternities and sororities on campus. Fraternities and sororities also participate in community-led governance through the Fraternity & Sorority Council (FSC).
JWU Charlotte's Fraternity & Sorority Council (FSC) promotes the following vision statement:
"To be an inclusive and vibrant community in which brotherhood and sisterhood is exhibited through leadership, scholarship, and service."
As expressed in the FSC vision statement, the community adheres to five values:
- Brotherhood/Sisterhood: to expect and promote the best of each member through genuine interpersonal relationships.
- Leadership: to become involved and invested in the larger community; to exemplify the Wildcat Way.
- Scholarship: to be dedicated to "lifelong personal and intellectual growth."
- Service: to enrich and contribute to any community, near or far, via meaningful volunteer efforts.
- Belonging: to be aware of, accept, and appreciate the unique strengths that emerge within and between the diverse members of our fraterntiy and sorority community.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world.
Nationally Founded: December 4, 1906
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, while providing unity and friendship, and want to be a “Service to All Mankind.” As Alpha Kappa Alpha has grown, it has maintained its focus in two key arenas: the lifelong personal and professional development of each of its members; and galvanizing its membership into an organization of respected power and influence, consistently at the forefront of effective advocacy and social change that results in equality and equity for all citizens of the world.
Nationally founded: January 15, 1908
The mission of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority is to develop in women a social consciousness and a commitment to think and act for the greater good. They assure continuous development and achievement for women through individual attention and smart strategic growth.
Nationally founded: March 17, 1917
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa Alpha Psi proudly boasts of members who epitomize the very essence of Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.
Kappa Alpha Psi participates in community outreach activities to feed the homeless, provide scholarships to young people matriculating to college, serve as mentors to young men, participate in blood drives and serve as hosts of seminars for public health awareness to name a few.
Nationally founded: January 5, 1911
Kappa Sigma is focused upon the Four Pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service. As a values-based men’s fraternity, Kappa Sigma strictly forbids hazing and fosters meaningful college experiences by offering progressive membership development and pledge education.
Nationally founded: December 10, 1869
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Since its inception, the dynamic women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built and sustained a well-known and well-respected reputation for leading positive change to help uplift the community through sisterhood, leadership, and service. Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to service is expressed in its slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress.” The sorority has a proud history of providing positive and proactive community outreach nationally and internationally.
Nationally founded: November 12, 1922
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is a sorority based on scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood. The women of this organization encourage the highest academic standard and foster unity within their sisterhood. This sorority continues to show concern for the human condition nationally and internationally through different charitable works and philanthropy.
Nationally founded: January 16, 1920
Please direct any questions regarding our current or new organizations to Alyssa Toshimitsu.
It is important for students and parents to be as informed as possible regarding the costs associated with obtaining a college education. Understanding the financial obligations associated with fraternity or sorority membership is just as important.
Fraternity or sorority membership is a contractual agreement. When you join, you assume many financial obligations and it important to be aware of these obligations and take them into consideration. During recruitment/rush, a potential member should ask members about financial obligations and payment options. Each organization sets its own fees and the payment schedules.
The first term of membership is usually the most expensive, due to many one-time fees (headquarter fees, initiation fees, etc.). All organizations are willing to work with their members on an individual basis to create payment plans if necessary. These financial obligations do not include every expense for a member. Additional expenses (events/trips/conferences, apparel, etc.) may occur and the expectation of these expenses will be communicated by the organization.
For specific financial information before or during recruitment/rush, direct your questions to the organization of interest. You can also contact Student Engagement with any questions.
Whether you are looking for campus involvement outside of the classroom or the uniquely supportive style of friendship that a fraternity or sorority can provide, the fraternity and sorority community at Johnson & Wales University offers an enriching experience.
Being a member of a fraternity or sorority is about making lasting friendships, committing to a common set of ideals and enhancing your personal development.
If you are interested in learning more:
- Research the local and inter/national headquarter website(s)
- Talk to people who are involved in fraternities and sororities on campus
- Attend events sponsored by the Fraternity & Sorority Council (FSC)
This will help you choose the one that's right for you.
Membership Requirements
To be eligible for membership, you must:
- Have a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA (from JWU or another accredited college or university)
- Be enrolled as a full-time student
- Have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours (from JWU or another accredited college or university)
Transfer students may be required to provide an official transcript from their prior institution to the Student Engagement department to confirm their eligibility.
Online Students (full-time)
- Some JWU fraternities and sororities are now accepting JWU-Online Campus students to be considered for membership
- Eligibility is only available to JWU online students who live in Charlotte, NC or in the surrounding areas
- Fraternity and sorority membership is an on-campus commitment, so potential new members are required to meet the same standards as on-campus students. Online students must also meet a few additional requirements unique to online students.
- To learn more about online student eligibility, please contact the Student Engagement department
The Involvement Network
Learn more about the fraternity and sorority community by attending events or by following the Fraternity & Sorority Council on Instagram @JWUCLTFSL
- Each fraternity or sorority has its own page where they post information. You can ask questions and learn about organization values, etc.
- If you would like to express your interest in a Fraternity (man-identifying groups) or Sorority (woman-identifying groups) please complete THIS FORM. You may complete this form for each organization you are interested in.
For more information on how to join, contact Alyssa Toshimitsu.