Not Your Average Frat House

Why joining a professional fraternity may be for you

—By Lily Kappa

Stepping through the doorstep of a large Tudor home with giant Greek letters posted on it, the old wooden floors creak loudly with age. The walls are adorned with professional awards, relics from the early 1900s, and pictures of the fraternity members past and present that have enjoyed this old home. Around 15 people live here, with many more traversing through every weekend—not for parties but for weekly chapter meetings. This is the house of the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE). 

Forget the classical image of a fraternity brother, and instead picture junior Sydney Richardson, a biochemistry student who enjoys spending her time with her fellow members of AXE. “One of my mom’s friends heard I was in a frat and jokingly asked me if I was throwing back beers,” said Richardson upon explaining the confusion between social and professional fraternities. Rather than throwing back beers, the members of professional fraternities like AXE partake in community service initiatives and hold social events. 

Between academic project teams and social Greek life organizations, professional fraternities fit right in the middle, balancing professional and academic opportunities with social events. These organizations boast a laundry list of reasons to join, but is it really worth the time and money required to become a member? Why do members choose to join professional fraternities, and how do these organizations serve their campus life? 

Dues: a financial obligation of joining a fraternity

Financial burden is one of the most common barriers for students joining social organizations on campus. Like many other clubs (and in particular other Greek organizations), most professional fraternities include dues as a requirement for membership. Though this is still a financial commitment, it may not be surprising to hear that professional fraternities typically have lower dues than social fraternities or sororities. According to Bank Rate, the average sorority costs between $1,000 and $4,750 per semester. In contrast, dues for AXE are $360 for new members and $60 for semesters moving forward. Professional fraternities may be a better option for students with financial need who still wish to enjoy the social benefits of a Greek organization. “I would never have been able to join AXE if the dues weren’t reasonable, and I am very grateful for the financial assistance they offer,” says Richardson. 

Addressing hazing concerns

With the word “fraternity” in the name, these organizations may have negative connotations leaving potential members with concerns. A quick Google search of college fraternities reveals many news stories regarding overuse of alcohol, hazing, and peer pressure—but are these stories representative of professional fraternities? “I think ‘frat’ is kind of a mis-name, because [professional fraternities] do not have the same goal as social frats,” says junior Audrey DeGuia, member of pre-health fraternity Mu Epsilon Delta (MED). When asked if her organization hazes, the answer was a clear no.

Like traditional fraternities, many professional fraternities have a “pledging” process. During their first semester in the fraternity, prospective members must learn the traditions and history of the organization before being initiated as an official member. Hazing is notoriously common during the pledging process for social fraternities, but professional fraternities take a much different approach. While social fraternities may consider their pledges to be at the bottom of the organization’s roster, the roles are often reversed in professional frats. “Everyone agrees that the best semester at AXE is your pledging semester,” says Richardson. “Members really want to get to know you, and you feel like royalty in the frat.” DeGuia agrees: “The pledging process was more fun than anything.” 

Professional opportunities

Most professional fraternity rushees want academic and career opportunities. These organizations introduce you to peers in your classes, host guest speakers, and most importantly create a network of peers in your field of interest. Richardson noted AXE’s database of lab opportunities, job openings, and career advice provided by current and past members. This network is not limited to students and alumni, as staff members serve as chapter advisors—university professors who advocate for the fraternity to University administrators and the national fraternity organization. The Alpha Chi Sigma advisor, Professor Brian Coppola, teaches organic chemistry, and even wrote the textbook that nearly all AXE members have tirelessly studied. When organic chemistry students seek out lab opportunities and letters of recommendation, only those in Alpha Chi Signam have a professional connection with the professor.

More than just a club

Though the professional development opportunities lie at the forefront of focus for professional fraternities such as Alpha Chi Sigma, there is an even deeper rooted sense of community. “A lot of people assume that it’s super nerdy, but that’s not what it’s like,” explains Richardson. Alpha Chi Sigma’s official house gives members a common place of gathering and serves as a core tenet of bonding. Even outside of the house, most members live with fellow members as upperclassmen—a testament to their close bond. 

A visit to Festifall might best demonstrate the social bond that professional fraternities form. Many organizations’ tables include poster boards with pictures of members together outside of formal events. On joining MED, DeGuia said, “It exceeded my expectations. I didn’t expect to build such close relationships. The social aspects blew me away, like bigs and little lineages.” A characteristic of social Greek organizations, big/little lineages are a process of selecting mentors, where current members act as “bigs” to be paired up with newly selected pledges. Bigs serve as a little’s first line of contact, guiding them through the process of joining the organization. Typically, these pairings are chosen with personality in mind, with the goal of fostering long-lasting friendships. Richardson listed the big/little process as her favorite part of joining Alpha Chi Sigma. 

Though professional fraternities may seem like little more than a good resume builder, a deeper look reveals their roots as secret organizations, with traditions from over 100 years ago for some. The first chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma was formed in 1902 at the University of Wisconsin, and 1916, the 26th chapter was founded at the University of Michigan. In over 100 years of membership, old traditions have been upheld and new ones created. Their initiation process is the same as it was in the founding year of their chapter. New membership, meanwhile, brings fresh perspectives to the organization, with new community service and social events each semester. This balance of tradition and fresh ideas is very characteristic of many other professional fraternities on campus, each with their own events and academic interests. For those wishing to join, it can be a very intense process, with social, professional, and community requirements, but for many, finding the right professional fraternity can mean career opportunities and friendships for life. DeGuia says, “Choosing to join MED has been the best decision I have made since coming to Michigan.”

Feature photo, The Alpha Chi Sigma House; Photo Credit, Lily Kappa