Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More about Fraternity and Sorority Life at Washburn.
The Fraternity and Sorority Life community at Washburn strives for academic excellence and improved scholastic achievement. After all, the fraternity and sorority grade point averages are consistently higher than the all-men's and all-women's averages at Washburn! Every chapter understands its members are students first; therefore, academic incentives and recognition are given to those members who excel and improve their academic standing.

Each chapter has chosen a grade point average requirement that its members must maintain to be in good standing. Chapters offer academic assistance for their members such as individual assessments, study areas, high-speed Internet access, peer tutoring, and study groups.
Fraternity and sorority membership requires anywhere from 2 to 8 hours a week. Whether planning for a brotherhood or sisterhood event, a community service project, or regular weekly meetings, fraternity and sorority members have learned to manage their time wisely with other commitments like homework, boyfriends/girlfriends, and a job. This is also why so many fraternity and sorority members have succeeded in their lives.
Members participate in many activities on campus and in the community including social functions, retreats, athletics, mixers and informal get-togethers. Chapters are active in all areas of campus life and activities like athletic tailgating, Homecoming, WU in the community, and Awareness weeks. Furthermore, members are strongly encouraged to take part in other clubs and organizations. The Fraternity and Sorority Life community also holds leadership positions on student government (WSGA) and Campus Activities Board. This helps to make members well-rounded students, as well as leaders in the many facets of campus life.
At Washburn, the days of “Animal House” are long over. Our organizations pride themselves on social responsibility. Washburn University fraternity men and sorority women are held to strict standards of acceptable behavior. Actions that have a negative impact on the Washburn community are not accepted in the community. An internal governance structure ensures that members hold themselves to the highest standard.
Yes, we encourage you to live in university housing if you cannot sign a contract with a fraternity or sorority chapter facility. Many of our first year fraternity and sorority men and women reside in the Living Learning Center (LLC), Lincoln Hall, Kuehne Hall, West Hall or the Washburn Village. The University promotes living on campus, whether in a chapter house or with Washburn Residential Living, because it promote learning and involvement on campus.
The fraternities and sororities organize a mutual selection process that allows you to get acquainted with the community. This process is called "Recruitment." During this time, and throughout the semester, you are invited to visit the chapters to learn what each group has to offer. Participating in recruitment is a great way to meet new people and does not obligate you join a sorority or fraternity.
"Bid Day" is when you receive your invitation to join a sorority. The sororities utilize a mutual selection process where interested women indicate, in order, the organizations they are interested in joining and the organizations choose the women they are most interested in having as members. The selections are then matched together.

Women receive their bid (or invitation to join) in the Fall and Spring semesters .The men's fraternities use an open bid process where an interested man may receive a bid from any fraternity at any time of the year (including summer) as long as the interested male is registered at Washburn University. 

If you receive more than one bid, this gives you an opportunity to make an informed choice with no pressure. If you have any questions when making this choice, each chapter has a member who can clarify any questions or concerns.
To learn more about fraternity and sorority life at Washburn:

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Main Level, Memorial Union
1820 SW Jewell Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

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