Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get in touch with graduate chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta?

UAlbany is not affiliated with any Graduate or City-wide Chapters. Consult the yellow/white pages and look under their chapter names.

I’m attending UAlbany on a scholarship. Will Greek Membership help or hinder my grades?

The primary cornerstone of Greek Life is scholarship. The fraternity/sorority average is consistently above those of non-Greek men and women. However, only you can determine and achieve your academic standards. Some academic resources offered by chapters include study hours, tutors, study groups, and scholarships.

What are the benefits of joining a Greek organization?

A positive fraternity or sorority experience provides students with a compliment to their academics at U Albany and attends to their development as adults, by providing them with study groups, values-based programming, service opportunities, leadership positions, social outlets, lifelong friendships and a career network.  Most fraternities and sororities seek to uphold the tenets of scholarship, leadership, service, and brotherhood or sisterhood.  These values-based organizations challenge their members to instill these principles into their own lives through their activities and interaction with their collegiate brothers or sisters, and alumni.

How does the new membership process work?

Most chapters have a period of time, not to exceed seven weeks, where their newest members are exposed to the history, traditions, and values of the organization.  New members will typically be involved in leadership retreats, community service projects, and other activities that will offer them opportunities to better know the organization and its other members.  

It is important if you have concerns about the number or type of events required of a chapter’s new members that these concerns be communicated.  If you feel overwhelmed, please speak to your New Member Educator or Chapter President.   Chapters are expected to take steps to assist new members whenever possible.  As a resource, you may always contact Craig Brewer, Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.

Will I have to worry about hazing being a part of the new membership process?

UAlbany considers hazing a serious infraction of university regulations.  Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off university premises, that is harmful or potentially harmful to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate or its bearing on his/her membership status.  

Should you hear of ANYTHING that might be construed as a violation of the guidelines, please contact the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. Any information you may provide will be taken seriously and investigated fully.

I am interested in a group that is not listed among your active chapters. Why is it not affiliated with UAlbany?

Regretfully, in the past, organizations have chosen to leave the U Albany Greek community, foregoing university and council recognition and becoming disaffiliated with national fraternal organizations. As such, our active and recognized organizations cannot continue to support these groups or similar future groups through any type of activity due to a need to protect the character and reputation of our community, comply with national decrees, minimize financial liability and ensure the overall long-term best interests of the community.


Who do we contact if we have any questions or concerns about fraternity and sorority life at UAlbany?
Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions. Our number is (518) 442-5566.

Do the Greek organizations at UAlbany have housing?
None of our Greek organizations have official on-campus housing.

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