USC Fraternity & Sorority Life
How to Join
Your Trojan story starts here. Discover the fraternity or sorority experience that aligns with your values, interests, and aspirations.
Step 1
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
USC’s Commitment to the First-Year Experience
USC’s approach to fraternity and sorority membership eligibility grew from a broader institutional commitment to strengthening the student experience and providing incoming students with time to successfully transition to college life.
To give incoming students an opportunity to acclimate to USC, establish themselves academically, develop connections across the University, and become familiar with the broader campus community, in 2017 the university established revised membership eligibility requirements. Students entering USC directly from high school must:
Complete a minimum of 12 academic units.
Earn a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA.
Satisfy applicable University, council, and organizational membership requirements.
Students must meet the University’s fraternity and sorority eligibility requirements before participating in recruitment or membership intake. These expectations help students establish a strong academic foundation, become familiar with campus life, and make informed decisions about joining an organization.
- Establish academic success during your transition to USC.
- Learn about campus resources and involvement opportunities.
- Build meaningful friendships before joining.
- Explore every council and chapter.
- Choose the organization that best aligns with your goals and values.
* Transfer students must earn 12 academic units and earn a 2.50 GPA from a two/four-year accredited institution, to be eligible to join the fraternity/sorority community*
Why Deferred Recruitment?
USC utilizes deferred recruitment because students benefit from first experiencing college before making a lifelong membership decision. Your first semester is an opportunity to discover campus, build healthy routines, establish academic confidence, and explore the many opportunities available at USC.
Deferred recruitment encourages thoughtful decision-making, stronger chapter fit, improved academic performance, and a more meaningful membership experience. Rather than asking students to choose an organization immediately after arriving on campus, USC encourages them to first become Trojans and then determine which fraternity or sorority community best supports their personal and academic goals.
Find Your Community
Joining Each Council
Each council offers a distinct path to membership. Explore the process that corresponds with the organizations that interest you.
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
IFC fraternities participate in a structured spring recruitment process.
- Confirm eligibility.
- Register for recruitment.
- Meet participating chapters.
- Attend recruitment events.
- Receive and accept a bid.
- Complete new member education.
Panhellenic Council (PHC)
Panhellenic sororities participate in a mutual-selection primary recruitment experience.
- Confirm eligibility.
- Register for recruitment.
- Attend orientation and recruitment rounds.
- Meet every participating chapter.
- Receive a membership invitation.
- Complete new member education.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Each historically Black fraternity and sorority conducts membership intake independently.
- Confirm eligibility.
- Attend informational programs.
- Learn each organization’s history and mission.
- Build relationships with members.
- Follow the official intake process established by the chapter and inter/national organization.
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
MGC organizations welcome members through recruitment or intake processes unique to each chapter.
- Confirm eligibility.
- Attend chapter events.
- Learn about each organization’s values, history, and community.
- Participate in the official chapter recruitment or intake process.
Questions About Joining
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I join?
Students become eligible after meeting the University’s fraternity and sorority eligibility requirements.
Can first-semester students join?
USC uses deferred recruitment to allow new students time to establish themselves academically and socially before pursuing membership.
Can I learn about every council?
Absolutely. Students are encouraged to explore every council before deciding which community best fits their interests, values, and goals.
Add another chapter to your life’s story.
Explore the councils, connect with chapter members, and discover the fraternity or sorority community that feels right for you.