Photo courtesy: Planned Parenthood
Incoming freshmen and transfer students at Florida A&M are strongly encouraged to join
organizations on campus.
The organizations help students get more involved in their majors and pave a way into their careers.
Many students who are involved in these organizations say they are grateful for the
opportunities but have expressed concerns regarding the cost to become a member.
According to an article on the website Frank.com, The Cost of Sororities and Fraternities
students pay an average of $50-$600 for an entry fee and $200-$1000 per semester to remain
an active member in their organizations. Usually these funds go to necessities for the
organization such as hosted events, t- shirts, rent for spaces on campus, and subscriptions to
graphics for promotions on social media.
The cost seems fair to some students, but many students feel like they are missing out on that
experience because of their financial insecurities.
Mya Cuningham, a environmental science freshman, wants to join an organization tied to her
major but doesn’t think she can afford it.
“I want to join but I don’t know if I will find the money on time, groceries alone is already $100.”
Graduating sociology senior Trenece Jones is the vice president of the Generation Action
organization at FAMU. Jones said Generation Action is supported by Planned Parenthood.
“Generation Action receives a small fund from Planned Parenthood every month and this helps
us do giveaways for students on campus and pay our guest speakers. This also helped us avoid
entrance fees for students who are interested,” he said.
Jones said it is a priority for his organization to find funding for members so everyone can have
a chance in get involved.
“We understand most of our members struggle financially and we don’t want them to have
another bill to worry about.”
Generation Action was able to pay for its editorial board to attend a conference in Dallas
for Sisters Songs “Lets Talk About Sex” conference.
Some organizations can’t find ways around not funding students due to high demands on
frequent conferences and events. That being said, because they require students to pay an
entrance fee, organization leaders work hard in making sure students receive as much benefits
as possible.
FAMU ABJ is an organization in j-school that is designed to help Black journalists network
through the parent organization, NABJ. The entry fee is $50, which helps cover the cost to invite
guests to the school. Some of these guest are alumni but there have been journalists from ESPN
and CBS who came and spoke to members of ABJ at FAMU. Students who are active members
in ABJ said their fee was worth it.
Students have multiple options when picking an organization. They are strongly encouraged to
look into the requirements ahead of time and plan accordingly.