Notre Dame fraternities are a cornerstone of the university’s social and academic life. With over 30 fraternities on campus, there is a wide range of options available to students.

The first fraternity at Notre Dame was founded in 1842. Since then, fraternities have played a significant role in the university’s history. Fraternities have been at the forefront of many student movements, including the fight for civil rights and the anti-war movement.
There are many benefits to joining a Notre Dame fraternity. These include:
- Socialization: Fraternities provide a great way to meet new people and make friends.
- Leadership development: Fraternities offer many opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills.
- Academic support: Fraternities provide academic support to their members.
- Networking: Fraternities provide a great way to network with other students and alumni.
- Community service: Fraternities are involved in a variety of community service activities.
There are many different types of Notre Dame fraternities. These include:
- General fraternities: These fraternities are open to all students.
- Special interest fraternities: These fraternities are open to students who share a common interest, such as a particular major or extracurricular activity.
- Honor societies: These fraternities are open to students who have achieved a high level of academic achievement.
The process of joining a Notre Dame fraternity varies depending on the fraternity. However, there are some general steps that you can follow:
- Visit the fraternity’s website. The fraternity’s website will have information about the fraternity’s history, mission, and membership requirements.
- Attend a rush event. Rush events are held by fraternities to give students a chance to learn more about the fraternity and meet its members.
- Submit a pledge application. If you are interested in joining a fraternity, you will need to submit a pledge application. The pledge application will ask you about your academic record, extracurricular activities, and interests.
- Participate in the pledge process. The pledge process is a period of time during which you will learn about the fraternity’s history, traditions, and values.
There are over 30 fraternities on campus at Notre Dame. These fraternities have a combined membership of over 2,000 students. The average fraternity size is about 60 members.
Fraternities at Notre Dame are diverse. They represent a wide range of interests, backgrounds, and cultures. Fraternities are open to all students, regardless of their race, religion, or sexual orientation.
The Princeton Review ranks Notre Dame as one of the top 10 universities in the country for Greek life. Notre Dame fraternities have a strong reputation for academic excellence, leadership development, and community service.
Many Notre Dame fraternity alumni have gone on to achieve great success in their careers. These include:
- Pete Buttigieg: Former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
- Mike Pence: Former vice president of the United States.
- Tim Kaine: U.S. Senator from Virginia.
- Joe Donnelly: Former U.S. Senator from Indiana.
- Chris Coons: U.S. Senator from Delaware.
The cost of joining a Notre Dame fraternity varies depending on the fraternity. However, the average cost is about $1,000 per year. This cost covers dues, meals, and other expenses.
Most Notre Dame fraternities have their own houses. These houses are located on or near campus. Fraternities provide housing for their members, which can be a convenient and affordable option.
The culture of Notre Dame fraternities is diverse. Fraternities have their own unique traditions, values, and rituals. However, there are some common elements that are shared by all Notre Dame fraternities.
These common elements include:
- Brotherhood: Fraternities emphasize the importance of brotherhood. Members are expected to support and care for each other.
- Scholarship: Fraternities value academic achievement. Members are expected to maintain a high GPA.
- Leadership: Fraternities provide many opportunities for members to develop their leadership skills.
- Service: Fraternities are involved in a variety of community service activities. Members are expected to give back to their community.
Like all organizations, Notre Dame fraternities have been involved in some controversies. These controversies have included allegations of hazing, alcohol abuse, and sexual assault.
Notre Dame takes these allegations very seriously. The university has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing and sexual assault. Fraternities that are found to have violated university policy are subject to sanctions, including suspension or expulsion.
Notre Dame fraternities are facing a number of challenges. These challenges include:
- Declining enrollment: The number of students enrolling in college is declining. This is a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years.
- Changing student demographics: The demographics of college students are changing. More and more students are coming from diverse backgrounds. This is a trend that is also expected to continue in the coming years.
- Increased scrutiny: Notre Dame fraternities are under increased scrutiny from the university and the media. This is a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, Notre Dame fraternities are adapting and evolving. Fraternities are becoming more inclusive and diverse. They are also focusing more on academic achievement and community service.
Notre Dame fraternities are a valuable part of the university’s community. They provide students with a sense of belonging, support, and leadership development. Fraternities are also a source of tradition and history.
Q: How many fraternities are there at Notre Dame?
A: There are over 30 fraternities on campus at Notre Dame.
Q: What is the average size of a Notre Dame fraternity?
A: The average size of a Notre Dame fraternity is about 60 members.
Q: What is the cost of joining a Notre Dame fraternity?
A: The cost of joining a Notre Dame fraternity varies depending on the fraternity. However, the average cost is about $1,000 per year.
Q: Do all Notre Dame fraternities have their own houses?
A: Most Notre Dame fraternities have their own houses. These houses are located on or near campus.
Q: What is the culture of Notre Dame fraternities?
A: The culture of Notre Dame fraternities is diverse. Fraternities have their own unique traditions, values, and rituals. However, there are some common elements that are shared by all Notre Dame fraternities, including brotherhood, scholarship, leadership, and service.
Q: What are some of the challenges facing Notre Dame fraternities?
A: Notre Dame fraternities are facing a number of challenges, including declining enrollment, changing student demographics, and increased scrutiny.
Q: What is the future of Notre Dame fraternities?
A: Notre Dame fraternities are adapting and evolving. Fraternities are becoming more inclusive and diverse. They are also focusing more on academic achievement and community service. Notre Dame fraternities are a valuable part of the university’s community. They provide students with a sense of belonging, support, and leadership development. Fraternities are also a source of tradition and history.
Q: What are some of the steps involved in joining a Notre Dame fraternity?
A: The steps involved in joining a Notre Dame fraternity vary depending on the fraternity. However, there are some general steps that you can follow:
- Visit the fraternity’s website.
- Attend a rush event.
- Submit a pledge application.
- Participate in the pledge process.