men holding a Delta Upsilon flag

What is Fall Formal Recruitment?

Fall Formal Recruitment is a structured recruitment process that allows a student to take an in-depth look at most of the organizations within the Interfraternity Council. This event takes place the week before classes begin in the fall semester. Students begin by checking out 27 organizations throughout the first two days of Fall Formal Recruitment.  
 
While going through formal recruitment does not guarantee to get a bid from a fraternity, nor does it obligate a student to join, almost every student that goes through Fall Formal Recruitment does end up joining an IFC organization.  

My chapter has pushed me to become the best version of myself! From fostering amazing friendships to helping me grow professionally, the men in my fraternity have truly enhanced my college experience. I am very grateful to be attending Iowa State and being part of the fraternity community

Marcus

College is a great time to discover who you are, what drives you, and what impact you want to make on the world. Joining a fraternity is about finding your people – the brothers who will hype you up and encourage you to do your best. Your brothers will have your back as you realize your full potential. Throughout your fraternity experience, you’ll enhance your leadership skills, take part in community service, and have personal growth. The Interfraternity Council is your gateway to finding your place at Iowa State University.  

 

Fraternity is ... coming together to make a difference. Fraternities unite amazing men and provide platforms and support for us to create change in our community. We believe there is no other group at Iowa State that has the power to make as much as an impact as we do! 

 

Fraternity is ... so many memories! Joining a fraternity is about having your go-to-guys for great adventures, late-night study sessions, or getting food with your brothers. This group of individuals are looking to better you all the time. 

 

Fraternity is ... a brotherhood of support. Joining a fraternity is like having a family and a home away from home. Your brothers will be there to celebrate your victories, have those tough conversations, and provide support for you when you need it. Brotherhood runs deeper than friendship and it lasts for a lifetime.  

Registration for Fall Formal Recruitment is open through August 12th, 2025, if you have any questions on how to sign up for recruitment, please email us at ifcrecruitment@iastate.edu 

To participate in Fall Formal Recruitment, you must be an undergraduate man enrolled at Iowa State University and registered to participate in Formal Recruitment. The fee to participate in recruitment is $125 (registration fee, merchandise, and meals are included in this fee). You must pay the registration fee to register for recruitment. Please note that this fee covers the cost of operating Fall Formal Recruitment.   

We recommend you complete the form right away, so you do not forget about it.  
 
The registration link for Fall Formal Recruitment 2025 is: 
https://iastateifc.mycampusdirector2.com/  

August 16th, 2025: move in and Formal Recruitment Check-In/Orientation 

  • Time: Check in 12-5 at Carver Hall, Meet your Bro Gamma 6:30-8:30 at Carver Hall and Central Campus 

August 17th, 2025: Round 1, Day 1 (Meet the Bros) 

  • Meet 14 chapters from 9:00am – 5:00pm with your group from your residence hall. There will be an hour lunch break and plenty of time to find new friends! 

August 18th, 2025: Round 1, Day 2 (Meet the Bros) 

  • Meet 13 chapters from 9:00am – 5:00pm with your group from your residence hall. There will be an hour lunch break and plenty of time to find new friends! 

August 19th, 2025: Round 2 (Living Fraternally) 

  • Visit 10 fraternities from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Find out details about living in the chapter facility, the cost associated with living in, and the different living styles. 

August 20th, 2025: Round 3 (Values Day) 

  • Visit your top 4 fraternities from 11:00am – 6:00pm. This day is about diving deep and seeing if you can see yourself in that chapter throughout college and the rest of your life.  

August 21st, 2025: Interfraternity Council Bid Day 

  • Pick out the chapter you want to join and hang out with them for the rest of the day. 

August 21st – August 23rd, 2024: Destination Iowa State 

  • A series of events hosted by the university that allows you to meet more people through various activities. 

August 23rd , 2024: New Member Symposium  

  • An event that allows new members to learn more about the community and other members of the Interfraternity Council. You will learn about safety measures and what you can do to ensure you have a fun and safe college experience.  

Students living in the resident halls in Fall 2025 needs to complete an early move-in request through the housing portal to move in on August 16th, 2025. Students living off campus should secure a move-in date with their housing accommodations on or before August 16th, 2025. 

All meals are included in the Formal Recruitment Registration fee. You do not need to take any further action.  

My fraternity has been providing me with valuable academic support through various resources. I have formed lifelong friendships and I have built a strong network of connections that will continue to benefit me for a long time. The leadership opportunities have allowed me to take on new opportunities which allow me to enhance my skills along with my confidence. Without my fraternity, I wouldn’t be the person who I am today!

Evan

Frequently Asked Questions

During Formal Recruitment, men will stay in their residence hall. For those living on campus, the residence halls will be open for those participating in recruitment. For those living off campus, you need to confirm with your housing that you will be able to move in on time or find alternative housing for the duration of recruitment.  

You can move into your residence hall on August 17th starting at 9am. You must complete the early move-in form in the housing portal through the Department of Residence. Starting at 6:30, there will be an activity to meet your Bro Gamma and hang out with your recruitment group. 

You will eat at the ISU dining halls at set times and locations during recruitment. The costs are already built into your registration fee. After you register for Formal Recruitment, you are set! 

First year students typically live in the residence halls. You will move into your chapter facility during your sophomore and junior years at Iowa State! We recommend you talk to each chapter about their live-in requirement and when you can move in during recruitment.  

You should receive an email within 7 days after completing your registration. If you haven’t received this, we recommend checking your spam or junk folder. If you still haven’t received the welcome packet, please email us at ifcrecruitment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-1023 

Joining a fraternity offers a lot of benefits that student organizations don’t offer. Fraternities have a strong sense of brotherhood and lifelong connections. There are also alumni networking opportunities that can help with career opportunities and mentorship. Fraternities are a great place to meet people and enhance your social life. Fraternities specialize in giving leadership opportunities, joining an organization allows you to advance your leadership skills and hold leadership positions. Fraternities give back to the community through community service and philanthropic events. Last, but certainly not least, fraternities offer academic support through various things.  

When you sign a bid for membership to a fraternity you sign a non-hazing disclosure just like every member of the organization has signed. The Interfraternity Council hosts risk symposiums and many other council wide events that spread hazing awareness and ways it can be mitigated within our community. Students are encouraged to report any incident of hazing. 

Joining a fraternity has a time commitment, but it’s not a large one. You can expect weekly chapter meetings lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the week. Some other events include philanthropy events, community service, Homecoming, and Greek Week. There are many optional events like brotherhood events and social events. We encourage that you attend those because those events will help you get the most of your fraternity experience!