FAQ
How many FSILGs are at MIT?
MIT recognizes 38 living groups. There are 26 IFC fraternities (http://mitifc.org/), 6 Panhellenic sororities (http://web.mit.edu/panhel/www/), and 6 Independent Living Groups (http://web.mit.edu/lgc/).
How many MIT students are members of an FSILG?
There are approximately 1700 MIT students affiliated with fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups.
Who at MIT is Greek?
The FSILGs aren’t solely “Greek” as our population includes fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups. Our community is made up of students from all over campus and all over the world with varying interests and activities. Our members are scholars, leaders, athletes and artists, studying Courses 1 to 24, who live and learn together.
Why are FSILGs important at MIT?
FSILGs have a long and rich tradition at MIT. They have been part of the Institute fabric going back to just a decade after MIT was founded in Boston n 1861. Historically, FSILGs provided students housing options as well as social outlets. We are proud of the FSILG community's commitment today to providing a values-based education outside of the MIT classroom. These organizations providie their members with leadership skills and tools, service opportunities, lessons on good citizenship and community living, and the highest standard of scholarship and academic achievement on campus. FSILGs were the first living-learning laboratories on campus, and continue to be a relevant and valued piece of MIT student life.
How do I join an FSILG?
FSILG membership is open to matriculated MIT students only, and residency in FSILG homes is also limited to MIT students exclusively. Chapters participate in rush and recruitment activities each fall which provide unique opportunities for students to explore the many FSILG options. In addition, many FSILGs have joining opportunities year-round that students can take advantage of. More information can be found through the Interfraternity Council (http://www.mitifc.org/), Panhellenic Association (http://web.mit.edu/panhel/www/), or Living Group Council (http://web.mit.edu/lgc/).
What are the obligations of membership?
Each FSILG clearly outlines all member and new member obligations of membership. Financial and residency obligations vary, but participation in leadership activities and self-governance is a privilege for every FSILG member. Additional inquiries can be directed to any group or governing council for more information.
How much will FSILG membership cost me?
Membership in an FSILG does have financial obligations for chapter dues, chapter operations, house operations, social events, meal plans, and rent if applicable. Every FSILG makes financial obligation information available to members and new members, and payment plans are very often negotiated with members. Financial Aid packages can be adjusted to account for room and board costs of an FSILG, and additional inquiries can be directed to any group for more specific information.
May I visit a FSILG before I attend MIT?
Of course, please contact the Admissions Office and you can facilitate a visit through their large network of student hosts.
Where are FSILGs located?
Our 36 housed FSILGs are located primarily in Boston, which is home to 23 organizations. Another 11 are based Cambridge, and 2 are located in Brookline. The Division of Student Life has created a new map showing the locations of all student MIT residences.
Are FSILGs safe?
MIT is a very urban campus, and the inherent safety precautions that apply to a city campus also apply to the FSILGs. FSILG houses are equipped with security codes for members to enter the building, as well as alarms that alert to an open window or door. It is the responsibility of each member of the house to keep doors and windows locked, to deny entrance to strangers, and to secure personal belongings when leaving the house. In addition to building safety measures, MIT operates a SafeRide shuttle service that provides FSILG members a safe and reliable way to travel to and from campus. Every FSILG is serviced by a SafeRide route, and information can be found at http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/shuttles/schedules/saferide_2008-2009.pdf
How are FSILG houses maintained?
Every FSILG home is owned by a Corporation of Alumni from that organization. This means that since alumni function as landlords for the current members, they have responsibilities to the organization/membership and also to the physical facility. Every FSILG undergoes inspections, including Inspectional Services Department inspections from the city they are located in, health Inspections, Fire Code/Department inspections, as well as inspections of kitchen equipment, fire escapes, elevators, and roof decks, if applicable. MIT works in conjunction with our alumni to ensure that every FSILG is up to code and has current and valid inspection certificates.
Are there parties in FSILGs?
Many FSILGs will host social events throughout the year. Specifically, sororities and four of the ILGs maintain alcohol-free parties. Many fraternities and two of the ILGs may have social events with alcohol. These must be registered with the FSILG Office and follow guidelines set by the governing bodies that follow local and federal laws, as well as MIT policy for effective risk management and participant safety.
Is there alcohol use in FSILGs?
Some FSILGs maintain an alcohol-free living environment, meaning events are not held with alcohol and members do not consume alcohol on premises. However, the majority of our organizations advocate for the mature management of alcohol for members who are of legal drinking age. MIT supports these policies and provides education to members and to live-in Resident Advisors with regards to alcohol consumption. All FSILG parties with alcohol employ stringent risk management procedures to ensure member and guest safety as well.
Will joining an FSILG affect my grades?
Academic achievement is important to all FSILGs, and thus almost every FSILG has an active scholarship program, with attention focused especially on new members. FSILGs compile GPAs (grade point average) to track their own progress and also because they are requested by most fraternity and sorority inter/national organizations. MIT does not publish overall grades for each living group, nor does it publish class averages.
Will I be hazed?
By MIT policy, hazing is expressly forbidden at all MIT FSILGs. Every national fraternal organization also prohibits hazing, as do MIT’s own FSILG governing bodies - the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Association, and the Living Group Council. Each FSILG also signs an anti-hazing statement at the beginning of each academic year. Any hazing allegations are taken very seriously by the FSILG staff, and are promptly investigated fully. Concerns of hazing activities can be reported anonymously to fsilg-office@mit.edu.
Who can I speak to for more information?
For general questions about FSILGs, email fsilg-office@mit.edu, or call the main office line at 617-253-7546. We are happy to answer all inquiries for additional information.