MIT recognizes 37 fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups (FSILGs). Of these, 25 are nationally affiliated fraternities, two are local, and one is coed. There are also five living groups, four of which are coed and one is for women only. All five women's fraternities (sororities) are nationally affiliated; four are residential. Most groups live in houses owned by the respective chapter's house corporation located off campus in the Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge communities. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) acts as the governing body for the fraternities, the Panhellenic Council represents the sororities, and the Living Group Council represents the living groups. In addition, there are several historically black fraternities and sororities, a Latina sorority, and a Latino fraternity at MIT.
The oldest fraternity on campus was founded at MIT in 1873. More than 40 percent of the undergraduate population is affiliated with a fraternity, sorority, or living group. The FSILGs play an active role on campus, and its members hold leadership positions in various clubs and organizations. FSILG members also take part in a number of intramural sports, as well as volunteer their time with many charitable and nonprofit organizations.
Each fraternity, sorority, or living group is self-governing, manages all its operations and maintenance, and develops its own academic, social, membership, recreational, and external policies and programs. These organizations provide a unique experience in leadership, community planning, and group interactions.
Each fraternity, sorority, or living group has a live-in resident advisor. Resident advisors serve as mentors, guides, and resources for students and act as a liaison betweeen the undergraduate chapter and MIT. Resident advisors are usually MIT graduate students.
MIT students have opportunities to learn more about each of the fraternities, sororities, and living groups throughout the academic year. The formal recruitment period for fraternities is usually held in September, and again in February. The formal recruitment period for sororities is held in September. However, many fraternities hold recruitment events year round. In addition, incoming students receive information about the FSILGs through summer mailings of brochures and booklets. For more information about FSILGs, contact the Fraternity, Sorority, and Living Group Office located in the Stratton Student Center, Room W20-549, telephone 617-253-7546, or email FSILG-Office@mit.edu.