First Fraternity House (2024)

Chi Psi Fraternity is the oldest fraternity at the University of Michigan, founded in 1845, just seven years after the establishment of the Ann Arbor campus. Continuously active since 1845, Chi Psi is the oldest fraternity, and the oldest student organization, at the University of Michigan. Chi Psi is credited with building the first fraternity house in the United States. In April of 1846 David James, E'49, and a few other brothers built a log cabin for the Alpha in what is now Forest Hill Cemetery. Prior to the building of this lodge, no other fraternity had ever possessed a building designated strictly for its own affairs. In deference to the efforts of these brothers, all Chi Psis refer to their houses as lodges.

Chi Psi played an integral role in fighting a bitter anti-fraternity movement during 1849 and 1850. In 1849, the faculty attempted to eliminate fraternities completely by invoking an old university rule. The rule mandated "that no student shall be or become a member of any society connected with the university whose constitution has not been submitted to and approved by the faculty." In other words, unless the fraternities divulged their secrets, their members could not be students. Even though the rule only applied to literary societies, the Board of Regents sided with the faculty and threatened to expel all fraternity members if they did not submit to the rule.

In response, the brothers of Chi Psi and another Michigan fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi, sought the support of the people of Ann Arbor and petitioned the state legislature to hold a new election for the Board of Regents. Ultimately, the fraternities wanted a Board that would dismiss the current faculty and remove the rule at issue. Mass meetings and newspaper editorials appeared all over Michigan in condemnation of "The Presumption of the Faculty of the University of Michigan."

While no legislation resulted from the fraternities' petition, and the faculty's victory seemed secure, a committee appointed to revise the Michigan state constitution provided for a new election of the Board of Regents. By 1850, the entire Board of Regents and all but two professors were dismissed from the university. The fraternities had secured their right to foster their brotherhood.

FAQs

What was the first frat house? ›

The first fraternity house seems to have been located at Alpha Epsilon of Chi Psi at the University of Michigan around 1846. As fraternity membership was punishable by expulsion at many colleges at this time, the house was located deep in the woods.

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How many people normally live in a frat house? ›

The average capacity for a fraternity house is 40 students, average capacity for a sorority house is 50 students. Fraternity and sorority housing is generally available the second year of membership and members are encouraged to live in the facility for at least one year.

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How hard is it to pledge a fraternity? ›

Though not hazing, pledging is still an intensive process of continuous learning and integration into fraternity life. You can expect to spend roughly six to twelve weeks as a pledge depending on your fraternity. Engage in philanthropic practices.

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Can you be in a frat and not live in the house? ›

If they are a member of a Greek organization, they are required to live in their fraternity or sorority house as a second year student. Although junior and senior members will not be required to live in the houses, it will be an expectation that they will, unless the chapter is at the required occupancy.

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Is frat house 1998 real? ›

The scenes were staged, and people were paid to act out scenes." Among the allegations was that the humiliated "pledges" in the film were actually Alpha Tau Omega members posing as pledges.

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Did Mark Zuckerberg join a frat? ›

Mark Zuckerberg

He didn't spend his entire time at Harvard working on Facebook. Zuckerberg got his first taste of networking as a brother of Alpha Epsilon Pi.

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Do frat houses make money? ›

In addition to membership dues, a fraternity chapter's finances may include small-scale fundraising campaigns for activities such as philanthropy efforts, and large-scale fundraising activities like garnering alumni donations for chapter house renovations.

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How expensive is it to be in a frat? ›

Like with sororities, the cost of joining a fraternity varies depending on the school and which frat you decide to join. Some fraternities might charge $3,000 per year while others could cost much more, depending on the school and whether you stay in fraternity housing.

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Is living in a frat cheaper than dorms? ›

You aren't typically required to live in the fraternity house, so you may not have to pay housing costs, but these costs are often cheaper than living in on-campus dormitories. Aside from these fees, there are also the incidental costs of joining a fraternity.

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Can you be sober in a fraternity? ›

If a student wants to be part of a Greek organization but isn't comfortable being surrounded by alcohol, there are sober fraternities and sororities that they can join to gain the benefits of community and networking. One of the most well-known sober fraternities and sororities is Alpha 180.

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What is the GPA for a fraternity? ›

In order to join an undergraduate chapter, a potential new member who has established a collegiate GPA shall have at least a 2.50 collegiate GPA. A member organization, at its discretion, may establish a policy on minimum GPA requirements for joining that is higher than a 2.50.

Is it smart to join a frat? ›

There are many advantages when it comes to joining a fraternity or sorority. Greek life is a great way to meet new people, gain leadership skills, and build lasting connections — and then there's also all the parties and events you'll be attending.