The Membership Experience

What Fraternity and Sorority Membership Can Look Like

Joining a fraternity or sorority can become an important part of your UNM experience, but membership is not one single activity or event.

It includes relationships, responsibilities, opportunities, traditions, and shared experiences that develop over time. The experience will look different in every chapter, but members are generally expected to participate, contribute, support one another, and help strengthen their organization.

Finding Community

For many students, membership creates a smaller community within UNM.

Members build relationships through chapter meetings, shared traditions, service, campus involvement, social activities, leadership experiences, and everyday time spent together.

These relationships can provide friendship, encouragement, mentorship, accountability, and people who help make a large university feel more connected.

A strong membership experience should allow you to be yourself, build genuine relationships, and become more engaged in university life.

Growing Through Membership

Membership can provide opportunities to develop skills and experiences that extend beyond the chapter.

Depending on the organization, members may have opportunities to:

  • Lead programs, committees, or chapter operations
  • Practice communication, teamwork, and decision-making
  • Participate in service and philanthropy
  • Connect with alumni, advisors, and mentors
  • Build relationships with students in other majors and organizations
  • Receive academic support and encouragement
  • Attend conferences, retreats, or leadership programs
  • Become involved in councils, student government, and campus organizations
  • Build professional and lifelong connections

You do not need to hold an officer title to grow as a leader. Members contribute by taking initiative, supporting others, completing responsibilities, and helping the organization improve.

Understanding the Time Commitment

The amount of time required varies by chapter, semester, and level of involvement.

A typical week may include:

  • A chapter or new-member meeting
  • Committee or leadership responsibilities
  • Study hours or academic programs
  • Service or philanthropy activities
  • Social or community events
  • Council or university programs
  • Informal time with other members

The semester when you join may require additional time for new-member education or membership intake. Members who hold leadership positions or help plan major programs may also have larger commitments.

Before joining, ask what a typical week looks like, which activities are required, and how far in advance schedules are shared.

Membership should complement your UNM experience, not prevent you from succeeding academically, working, caring for yourself, or meeting other important responsibilities.

What Members Are Expected to Contribute

Fraternities and sororities are student-led communities. Their success depends on members who are willing to participate and follow through.

Members are generally expected to:

  • Attend required meetings and programs
  • Meet academic and conduct expectations
  • Pay required dues and fees
  • Communicate when conflicts or challenges arise
  • Participate in service and community activities
  • Support the chapter’s goals and values
  • Treat members and guests with respect
  • Complete assigned responsibilities
  • Follow University, council, chapter, and inter/national organization policies
  • Help create a safe and welcoming membership experience

Membership is not only about what you receive. It is also about what you contribute to the people and organization around you.

Balancing Membership With College Life

Fraternity and sorority members are also students, employees, family members, athletes, volunteers, and leaders across campus.

A healthy chapter should encourage members to maintain balance, communicate about conflicts, and ask for support when they need it.

Before joining, consider how membership will fit alongside:

  • Classes and studying
  • Employment
  • Family responsibilities
  • Health and wellness
  • Athletics or performance commitments
  • Religious or cultural obligations
  • Other organizations and leadership roles
  • Rest and personal time

There may be busy periods, especially during recruitment, major events, leadership transitions, or the new-member experience. Understanding those expectations in advance can help you plan realistically.

Your Experience Will Change Over Time

Membership often changes as students move through college.

A new member may focus on learning about the organization and building relationships. Later, members may mentor others, lead programs, serve as officers, participate in council leadership, or help shape the chapter’s future.

Some of the most meaningful parts of membership develop gradually through shared experiences, challenges, accomplishments, and the responsibility of supporting other people.

The goal is not simply to join an organization. It is to become an active member of a community and help leave it stronger than you found it.

Is the Experience Right for You?

Consider whether you are looking for a community where you can:

  • Build meaningful relationships
  • Contribute your time and talents
  • Grow academically and personally
  • Serve others
  • Accept responsibility
  • Learn from people with different experiences
  • Participate consistently
  • Help create a positive organization

No chapter will be the right fit for every student. Take time to explore your options and choose an experience that supports your goals, respects your responsibilities, and aligns with your values.

[Review How Membership Works]

[Read Before You Join]

[Explore Recognized Chapters]

[Review Costs and Financial Expectations]