FAQs

SO HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST?

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Just like any other campus organization, sororities offer many great opportunities but need funding in order to function. As a member, you will make payments to local and national dues, which may cover social events, house maintenance and usage fees, chapter programming, educational workshops, philanthropy participation, and sisterhood events. Each chapter has different costs and thus the payments vary from chapter to chapter. See the "Finances" tab under "Recruitment" or click the button to your right for more information. 

Payment plans and scholarships are sometimes available for students who wish to join but are limited by financial constraints. The quarter that you are a new member is generally the most expensive due to new member fees, initiation fees, and official products and insignia. After this initial quarter of membership, the cost will decrease.

Joining a fraternity or sorority is a financial obligation. Make sure to discuss this with your student prior to the recruitment or intake process so you can set a realistic budget. 

WHAT ARE THE COST COMPARISONS BETWEEN LIVING IN GREEK HOUSING VERSUS LIVING IN ISLA VISTA OR UCSB RESIDENCE HALLS?​

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Since many Panhellenic chapter houses are owned by their national organizations, many members find this housing to be much more affordable than Isla Vista. Many chapter houses offer accommodations not available in Isla Vista for living rooms, dining rooms, study rooms, kitchens, printers, laundry services and designated parking. Some Panhellenic sororities even offer meal plans for members living in the chapter house!​

• Average Panhellenic Chapter House Room and Board: 

  • $900 per month (9-10 month lease, average meals per week 12/5, includes all utilities)

• Average Residence Hall Room & Board:

  • $1,926 per month (nine month contract, average 14 meals per week, all utilities except phone, based on double occupancy room)

• Average Isla Vista, Goleta and Santa Barbara Housing: 

  • includes utilities (appx. $100/month) and food costs (appx. $150/month)​

    • Isla Vista: Studio $1250 per month, 1 Bedroom $1750 per month, 2 Bedroom $2650 per month

    • Goleta: Studio $1100 per month, 1 Bedroom $1600 per month, 2 Bedroom $2100 per month, Room in Home $700 per month

    • Santa Barbara: Studio $1250 per month, 1 Bedroom $1650 per month, 2 Bedroom $2500 per month, Room in Home $750 per month

DO SORORITIES HAZE?

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The University of California has a zero-tolerance policy in regards to hazing. Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Permission or approval does not make hazing acceptable, legal, or defensible. Once a common tradition, hazing has been banned by all national, local, and international fraternal organizations and institutions of higher education. The University of California, Santa Barbara strictly enforces this policy, and organizations found in violation are subject to immediate suspension of campus recognition and privileges, as well as negative legal repercussions.  

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CAN I LEARN MORE DURING UCSB ORIENTATION?

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Absolutely! Both Office of Student Life advisors as well as representatives from Panhellenic, Inter-Fraternity Council, and United Sorority and Fraternity Council will be hosting seminars during each summer orientation session to answer any questions you may have!  

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME COMMITMENT? WILL MY STUDENT STILL HAVE TIME FOR THEIR STUDIES?

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We anticipate your student will need to dedicate an average of 40 hours a quarter in addition to their studies to their Panhellenic membership. However, all Panhellenic chapters offer opportunities for study groups, access to student resources, and incentives for outstanding academic success.   

HOW DO I HELP MY STUDENT PREPARE FOR PRIMARY RECRUITMENT?

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You're in the right spot! Have your student study the "Recruitment Process" tab of this site and make sure they fill out the Recruitment Registration form completely by September 17th. Remind them not to stress about the outfits or superficial stereotypes, and it's important for them to be their most genuine self. UCSB practices a values-based recruitment, meaning we just want to get to know them in order to help them find their perfect home away from home. You do not need to hire a sorority recruitment consultant for your student. Please check out the following link to "A letter to Potential New Members and their caregivers" for more information. 

DOES MY STUDENT NEED A REFERENCE TO PARTICIPATE IN FORMAL RECRUITMENT?

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Nope, though references are a common practice amongst Panhellenic councils nationwide, UCSB Panhellenic does not collect references in order to participate in formal recruitment.  

SHOULD I NEED TO REPORT AN INCIDENT, WHO DO I TALK TO?  

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https://ucsb-advocate.symplicity.com/public_report/index.php/pid580505?

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE REFER TO THE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP (SEAL) OFFICE  WEBSITE:

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https://seal.sa.ucsb.edu/fraternity-sorority-life