How many students are involved in the Patterson Court Community at Davidson?
Approximately 35 percent of the student population is a member of a Patterson Court Organization. However, the community is slightly larger in the spring semester since formal recruitment occurs in the spring semester.

What organizations are represented within Patterson Court Community?
Davidson is currently home to 14 PC organizations and those are split between 3 different types of organizations: 6 IFC Fraternities; 4 NPHC Organizations- 2 Fraternities and 2 Sororities; 4 Women's Eating Houses. Please see the "Organization Page" for more information.

What are the benefits of membership in a fraternity or sorority?
Patterson Court Organizations focus on scholarship, leadership, service, and brother/sisterhood. By joining a Patterson Court Organization, students are afforded sisterhood or brotherhood opportunities that often become life-long friendships, as well as expansive contact networks during and after their undergraduate careers. Patterson Court Organizations also spend vast amounts of time and effort contributing to the greater Davidson and Charlotte community and to charitable causes through participation in philanthropic events, service, and fundraising. Membership in the Patterson Court community also affords students unique leadership opportunities as each of the chapters and each of the governing councils is led by students.

What are the expenses associated with membership? Are there any resources to help finance membership?
Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a Patterson Court Organization. The costs go toward council and national fees (when applicable), organizational operating expenses and social functions. Students set the fees for membership in any given organization, and those fees can be put toward national organization fees, operational expenses, philanthropic endeavors, insurance, retreat costs, social expenditures, scholarship funding, and parent and alumni functions. All prospective new members are highly encouraged to inquire about membership costs during the recruitment process. Be aware that additional costs may be incurred throughout the semester for gifts, pictures, social events, t-shirts, etc.

Many individual organizations offer scholarship funds for their members; you can contact individual organizations to inquire about what types of financial help they can offer their members.

Will I have time to be involved in Patterson Court?
Only you can answer that question. Being a member can be a substantial time commitment. In any given week, it is likely for a member to have one organization meeting, one new member meeting during the first semester of membership, one committee meeting and one to two social or community service activities. Additional expectations like recruitment events or intramural sports may be of interest to you as a Patterson Court member.

How much time does membership take? How will does it affect members' academics or GPA?
Each organization has a minimum requirement for attendance at organizational meetings, philanthropic and service events, but members can also choose their level of involvement in their organizations as well. There are endless opportunities for time with your organization and other members of your organization, but they are by no means required. All students are encouraged to put their academics first, as scholarship is a top priority for each of our organization. Members of most organizations are required to maintain a high minimum GPA to enter into and remain a part of the group, and many organizations also offer tutoring and study hall services as resources to their members in order to help them succeed academically.

When does recruitment start at Davidson for Patterson Court?
All organizations are able to host informal recruitment for transfer, sophomore and junior students begins in the fall semester of each academic year. Not all organizations participate in this option- so please check with the Patterson Court Office about organizations that are participating.

The membership process for first year students interested in IFC organizations or Eating Houses will occur from January 14- February 1, 2013. More information about the processes is available on the membership page.

Students interested in NPHC membership should contact the organizations directly to find out about the recruitment timeline of specific organizations.

If I go through recruitment/rush, do I have to join?
No. This is a time to see what Patterson Court Organizations can offer you. Going through recruitment or rush and its functions does not commit you to join.

Why does Davidson have a deferred recruitment system?
The college encourages "the first-year experience" and believes first-year students need time to adjust to college life without the time commitment of joining the organizations in their first semester. It is important for first-year students to focus on academic achievement, making friends, getting settled into college life, and to begin to make decisions about what types of student organizations they will want to become involved in while at Davidson.

What types of activities or philanthropic events do Patterson Court Organizations participate in?
Service is a cornerstone of the Patterson Court community, and each of our 14 organizations is dedicated to one or more philanthropic causes or organizations. Some of those causes include the Ada Jenkins, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, Aides Interfaith Network, and Carolina Breast Friends.

What role does alcohol play in these organizations?
All Patterson Court Organizations are expected to comply with the policies and regulations concerning alcohol that are outlined by Davidson, the Patterson Court Council, and the inter/national organization of the fraternity/sorority. Additionally, all Patterson Court Organizations are required to attend an educational program on alcohol and substance abuse during each academic year.

What about hazing?
Davidson does not condone hazing in any form.

If you feel that you or someone you know is participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a Patterson Court Organizations, you should contact The Patterson Court Office. Calls will be handled in a discreet manner. Our aim is to address all concerns about hazing and to ensure the well-being of our students.