2013-2014
Fraternities and sororities have contributed to the UConn community for over 70 years. They challenge students to become better men and women and propel members to achieve more during their time in college and beyond.
Fall 2013 Recruitment Events Wednesday, August 28th
Go Greek Informational Session
Wednesday, August 28th
Go Greek Luau BBQ
5-6pm, Student Union Theatre 6-7:30pm, Fairfield Way
Learn more about all registered student organizations by attending the Thursday, September 5th
Student Activities Involvement Fair
2-7pm, Field House
Check the Greek Life website for additional recruitment activities throughout the year.
greeklife.uconn.edu
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter: UConnFSL
—2—
Fraternities and sororities provide a home away from home and encourage unique and lasting friendships. Joining a fraternity or sorority exposes students to a large network of collegiate members and alumni that can help undergraduates transition successfully into college life and help them find internships and job opportunities. Studies show that Greek students are more likely to return to school after their first year in college than their non-Greek peers, indicating that Greek membership enhances a collegiate experience. Based on ancient Greek principles, fraternities and sororities exhibit their values in action by contributing to worthy causes in the community. Individual chapters host various fundraising events and contribute their time to benefit community agencies. As a whole, fraternities and sororities take advantage of the opportunity to give back and pursue this goal in a variety of ways. Greek organizations also constantly strive for academic success. The value of intellectual curiosity does not end when one earns a diploma; rather it is held throughout a lifetime. Fraternities and sororities develop ongoing programs and initiatives that are designed to help students achieve their academic goals throughout their college careers and beyond.
Why choose fraternity or sorority?
Greek members are some of the most involved students on campus and joining a Greek organization can open many doors to new experiences. Fraternity and sorority members are often the most visible participants in campus-wide events such as Homecoming and HuskyTHON. Members are encouraged to engage in the host of opportunities that the University has to offer, which can enhance students’ leadership, communication and management skills.
—3—
Scholarship
Academic excellence is a vital aspect of fraternity and sorority membership at the University of Connecticut. Scholastic standards are important for each chapter as well as the community as a whole. Programming, incentives, recognition and ongoing support help fraternity and sorority members pursue academic success. Academic achievement is the reason students are at UConn; fraternities and sororities are designed to help their members meet that goal.
The Four Pillars of Greek Life
Leadership
Developing leaders today for life after college is an important part of Greek involvement. Fraternity and sorority members participate in a variety of programs that provide leadership development. There are many ways to be a leader in UConn’s Greek community, including chapter or council officer positions, national or regional leadership conferences, campus-based leadership opportunities and committee involvement.
Service
Service is a meaningful pillar of fraternity and sorority involvement at UConn. It is perhaps the most personally rewarding of the pillars, as members are provided with opportunities to participate in handson volunteer work and implement philanthropic events to raise money for charitable organizations. The opportunities ensure that fraternity and sorority members will have an impact on their community and develop lifelong habits of giving back.
The four pillars reflect the values that members of the UConn fraternity / sorority community work to emulate.
Brotherhood/ Sisterhood
Joining a fraternity and sorority is about building lifelong relationships that extend beyond ordinary friendships. Bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood are formed within an organization and provide UConn Greeks with a home away from home, mentorship, career networking and a sense of community at a large university. Fraternity and sorority members enjoy lifelong connections that can provide support and celebration in life’s significant moments.
—4—
Interfraternity Council
A F AEP BQP KS
The purpose of UConn’s Interfraternity Council (IFC) is to govern and represent the interests of the general men’s fraternities, while also serving as a liaison to the campus community. The IFC is responsible for advocating for member fraternities, encouraging self-governance among member organizations and coordinating recruitment activities. The council also works to provide educational programming, leadership initiatives, philanthropic and social events and involvement opportunities for fraternity members.
IFC fraternities recruit at the beginning of each semester and each fraternity hosts their own events for interested individuals. IFC promotes recruitment by distributing a calendar of all events as well as providing ways for interested students to learn more about fraternity membership. For more information about IFC recruitment, visit: http://greeklife.uconn.edu/councils_ifc.html Twitter: @UConnIFC
Interested? Please attend:
IFC First Night Tuesday, August 27, 2013, 5-7pm Student Union Ballroom
“A college experience is incomplete without joining a fraternity. The bond that is created between you and your brothers is indescribable. The ability to share anything really; conversations, goals, activities, even life achievements with your fraternity brothers: your best friends, is invaluable. The multitude of leadership opportunities that Greek Life offers has given me the ability to grow as a student leader, and as a potential professional. My entrance into Greek Life has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I owe much of my success as a student to those who have inspired me to a join a fraternity. If you have the opportunity to talk to any fraternity man and ask them about their experience, I am positive they will say the same.” — Dan Bolson, IFC VICe PresIDent oF reCruItment
—5—
IFC Chapters Alpha Delta Phi
A F
Chapter: Connecticut Chapter Founded: 1832 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: Special Olympics Symbol: Star and Crescent Colors: Emerald and Pearl Twitter: @ADPhiUConn
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Chapter: Iota Chi Founded: 1868 / Est. at UConn - 1993 Philanthropy: Habitat for Humanity Symbol: Shield and Diamond Colors: Garnet and Gold Twitter: @UConn_PIKE
AEP
Chapter: Upsilon Kappa Founded: 1913 / Est. at UConn - 1956 Philanthropy: Make a Wish Foundation Symbol: Lion Colors: Blue and Gold Twitter: @AEPiUConn
Beta Theta Pi
BQP
KS
Chapter: Epsilon Zeta Founded: 1869 / Est. at UConn - 1942 Philanthropy: Military Heroes Campaign Symbol: Star and Crescent Colors: Scarlet, White and Emerald Green Twitter: @KappaSigmaUConn
Phi Gamma Delta
FIJI
Chapter: Sigma Kappa Founded: 1848 / Est. at UConn – 2013 Philanthropy: Red Cross; USO Symbol: Black Diamond Color: Royal Purple Twitter: @PhiGamUConn
SAE
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Chapter: Zeta Chi Founded: 1839 / Est. at UConn - 1999 Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Symbol: Dragon Colors: Delicate Shades of Pink and Blue Twitter: @Beta_UConn
Kappa Sigma
PKA SAE SΧ TKE ZBT PKA
Pi Kappa Alpha
Chapter: Connecticut Beta Founded: 1856 / Est. at UConn - 1943 Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network Symbol: Lion, Phoenix Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold Twitter: @SAEctBeta
Sigma Chi
SC
Chapter: Gamma Omega Founded: 1855 / Est. at UConn - 1943 Philanthropy: Huntsman Cancer Institute Symbol: Cross Colors: Blue and Gold Twitter: @SigmaChiUConn
Tau Kappa Epsilon
TKE
Chapter: Delta Gamma Founded: 1899 / Est. at UConn - 1952; 1990 Philanthropy: Alzheimer’s Association Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute and Autism Speaks Symbol: Equilateral Triangle Colors: Cherry Red and Battleship Gray Twitter: @UConnTKE
Zeta Beta Tau
ZBT
Chapter: Delta Beta Founded: 1898 / Est. at UConn - 2006 Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network Symbol: Diamond Colors: Medium Blue, White and Gold Twitter: @UConn_ZBT
—6—
Intercultural Greek Council The Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) governs the culturally-based and multicultural fraternities and sororities at UConn. The Council helps to unify these organizations, plans a variety of educational programming and provides leadership opportunities for members. IGC sponsors multiple events throughout the year, including their Field Day and Unity Retreat. IGC groups engage in membership intake at various times throughout the academic year. For more information about how you can join an IGC organization, contact each group directly. For more information about all IGC groups, please visit: http://greeklife.uconn.edu/councils_igc. html Twitter: @UConnIGC
Interested? Please attend:
Meet the Greeks
Thursday, September 5, 2013, 7-9pm Student Union Ballroom
“As I enter my senior year, I see that one of the best decisions that I made in college was joining my sorority and the Intercultural Greek Council. This council fosters the growth and unity of its members because of its dedication and commitment to cultural awareness and community service. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing our IGC family grow over the last few years and I am proud of all the leadership and support that is shown by each individual member of this council. Our family is very special and tight-knit and I look forward to the many new members that will be joining us in the coming year.” -Teri Chung, igC PresidenT
—7—
IGC Chapters Beta Chi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Chapter: Psi Chapter Founded: 1999 / Est. at UConn - 2012 Philanthropy: Beating Heart Disease Symbol: Lion Colors: Black, Silver, and White Scope: South Asian Interest Twitter: @BetaChiThetaPSI
BCQ
Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc.
EY
Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
KFL
Chapter: Alpha Epsilon Colony Founded: 1998 / Est. at UConn - 2011 Philanthropy: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Symbol: Asiatic Lion Colors: Navy Blue and Silver Scope: South Asian Interest Twitter: @DEPsiAE Chapter: Sigma Founded: 1995 / Est. at UConn - 2004 Philanthropy: National Asian Pacific-Islander American Women’s Forum Symbol: Phoenix Colors: Scarlet Red, White and Heather Grey Scope: Asian Interest Twitter: @uconnkpl
Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. LAU Chapter: Xi Founded: 1985 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: Sickle Cell Awareness Symbol: Andean Condor Colors: Red, Yellow, White and Black Scope: Latin Interest Twitter: @Xi_LAU
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
LQA
Chapter: Kappa Founded: 1975 / Est. at UConn - 1992 Philanthropy: Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Symbol: Seashell, Lady on the Moon Colors: Burgundy and Grey Scope: Latin Interest Twitter: @LTAKappaChapter
—8—
IGC Chapters La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. LUL Chapter: Beta Iota Founded: 1982 / Est. at UConn - 2009 Philanthropy: P.A.T.H.E Initiative (Providing Access to Higher Education) Symbol: Fraternal Shield Colors: Brown & Gold Scope: Latin Interest Twitter: @UConn_Elite
Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.
MSU
Chapter: Concordia Founded: 1981 / Est. at UConn – 1999; 2010 Philanthropy: Girls, Inc. Symbol: Amazon Woman Colors: Baby Blue and White Scope: Multicultural Twitter: @ConcordiaMSU
Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc.
P Y
Chapter: Omega Chapter Founded: 1994 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America Symbol: Dragon Colors: Red, White and Black Scope: Asian Interest Twitter: @UConnPDPsi
Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Senoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. SLU Chapter: Alpha Omicron Founded: 1987 / Est. at UConn - 2011 Philanthropy: Literacy Symbol: Black Persian Cat with Gold Eyes Colors: Black, Gold, Silver and Red Scope: Latin Interest Twitter: @SLU_AO
—9—
Greek Involvement Opportunities Greek Awareness Committee – The Greek Awareness Committee (GAC) is a Greek organization that promotes awareness amongst Greeks on the University of Connecticut’s campus through educational programs and discussion opportunities. GAC also plans and implements various awareness weeks such as National Hazing Prevention Week, Alcohol Awareness Week, and National Ritual Appreciation Week. HuskyTHON - HuskyTHON Dance Marathon is UConn’s largest
student-run philanthropic event. Every spring, hundreds of UConn students and dozens of student organizations form teams and pledge to remain standing for 18 hours to raise money for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC), part of the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Across the nation, over 100 schools hold Dance Marathons to raise money for CMN. In 2013, HuskyTHON raised over $343,000 for CCMC making it the largest student led philanthropy in the state of Connecticut and in the top 10 most successful dance marathons in the nation.
Greek Week - Each year the entire UConn Greek community comes together to celebrate fraternity and sorority life through a variety of events and programs. Teams of fraternities and sororities compete to be Greek Week champions, and all chapters enjoy the opportunity to honor their involvement through healthy competition, service and educational programming. Rho Lambda - Rho Lambda, the National Sorority Leadership
Society, recognizes outstanding leadership contributions made by Panhellenic sorority leaders. Rho Lambda honors the great work and outstanding character of those women who have served the Greek community and their own organization. UConn’s Rho Lambda chapter annually taps Panhellenic women to join this honor society.
Greek Peer Ambassadors - are a group of selected leaders
from throughout the Greek community that promotes the positive ideals of fraternity and sorority through outreach and peer education. The Greek Peer Ambassadors help promote Greek Life by representing all fraternaties and sororities at events and speaking with interested students about the benefits of Greek membership. Additionally, they serve as liaisons to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and support programs such as Go Greek Week and Husky Haulers.
— 10 —
Order of Omega - Order of Omega is a national Greek honor
society founded at the University of Miami in 1959. Junior or senior fraternity and sorority members are eligible for membership if they have excelled in academics and have exhibited service and leadership to UConn and the Greek community. At UConn, Order of Omega is responsible for programming a variety of community-wide leadership initiatives and new member programs.
Husky Village & Greek Housing - Consistent with providing high-quality residential options for students, UConn built and manages housing for fraternities and sororities. Husky Village is home to 300 fraternity and sorority members in 12 chapters near the north entrance of campus. Each house has a kitchen, chapter office, common living room, central air and a staircase that leads up to two more floors of bedrooms and baths. Each chapter has decorated their housing unit to provide unique and personalized décor. The lit volleyball and basketball courts provide for numerous hours of community recreational enjoyment. Additionally, several chapters have floors in the Towers Residence Halls. Fraternal Values Society – The Fraternal Values Society (FVS) is an organization that provides space for select fraternity and sorority members to examine and discuss fraternal values and identify ways to turn values into action. FVS aims to create a sustainable network within the UConn fraternity and sorority community for those who want their fraternal experience to be representative of the founding fraternal/ethical values of fraternities and sororities. Membership in FVS is considered an honor.
— 11 —
National Pan-Hellenic Council “The National Pan-Hellenic Council strives for unity, excellence and to make a difference. As a growing council we believe in our principles and stand firm in the commitment we made to NPHC, UConn and the communities we serve. The National Pan-Hellenic Council will continue to be leaders on our campus so we can make a difference in the lives of others.” - RichaRd Smith, NPhc PReSideNt Interested? Please attend:
Meet the Greeks
Thursday, September 5, 2013, 7-9pm Student Union Ballroom
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is an umbrella organization for nine historically black international fraternities and sororities. NPHC and its member organizations have a strong commitment to providing community service at UConn and in the local community. UConn’s NPHC hosts a number of educational, leadership and service opportunities and events, and the council co-sponsors an annual Step Show featuring teams from various NPHC chapters at UConn and the surrounding area. All of the “Divine Nine” organizations have had a presence at UConn at some point over the past 40 years and four are recognized today. The Divine Nine organizations, in order of their national founding, are as follows: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908) Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911) Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913) Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914) Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920) Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922) Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963) NPHC groups undergo a membership intake process by which organizations bring in new members at various times throughout the academic year. These organizations host informational sessions and NPHC hosts events for interested individuals to learn more about these groups. For more information on these organizations, please visit: http://greeklife.uconn.edu/councils_nphc.html Twitter: @UConnNPHC
— 12 —
NPHC Chapters Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
AKA IFQ SGR ZFB KS nFI
AKA
Chapter: Lambda Tau Founded: 1908 / Est. at UConn - 1977 Philanthropy: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Symbol: Green Enameled Ivy Leaf Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
IFQ
Chapter: Zeta Theta Founded: 1963 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: National Iota Foundation, Iota Youth Alliance, Afeya Njema Symbol: Centaur Colors: Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold Twitter: @IotaPhiTheta_ZT
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Chapter: Nu Mu Founded: 1922 / Est. at UConn - 1993; 2007 Philanthropy: Operation Big Book Bag Symbol: Poodle Colors: Royal Blue and Gold Twitter: @NuMu_SGRho
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
ZFB
Chapter: Nu Theta Founded: 1920 / Est. at UConn - 1976; 2009 Philanthropy: Z-H.O.P.E., Storks Nest, National Education Foundation Symbol: Dove Colors: Royal Blue and White Twitter: @NobleNuThetaZPB
SGR
— 13 —
Panhellenic Council “I am a better woman because I made the decision to join the Panhellenic community. I always knew I wanted to be in a sorority, but I didn’t know how much it would mean to me. Through Greek Life, I have made relationships that will last a lifetime, and formed connections with some of the most driven and motivated students on this campus. Greek Life gives you the opportunity to grow socially, academically, and philanthropically. Being Greek gives you the opportunity to be a leader. Joining a sorority has been the defining moment of my college career and has positively impacted my life ever since. I would not want to know a college experience without knowing what it is to be Greek.” -Monisha Rao, Panhellenic Vice PResident of RecRuitMent
The Panhellenic Council is a group of women elected to represent and oversee the Panhellenic chapters at UConn. The Council works hard to unite each of these groups and is charged with developing leadership opportunities, educational events, social interactions, community service and philanthropic events and advocacy for Panhellenic sororities. The Panhellenic Council meets weekly and is attended by delegates from each member chapter. Ultimately, Panhellenic works to unite chapters, enhance the sorority experience, strengthen values and establish common goals among members. For more information, please visit: http://www.greeklife.uconn.edu/ councils_panhel.html Twitter: @UCPanhellenic
Panhellenic Recruitment Panhellenic sororities participate in a formal recruitment process held at the start of the each fall semester. The process consists of four rounds of events that allow potential new members the opportunity to learn more about each of the chapters at UConn. During this process, potential new members will have the opportunity to ask key questions about each group and gain a deeper understanding about what membership in a sorority means. Disassociated and unbiased recruitment counselors will be there to support and guide potential new members through the process. To register for Panhellenic Recruitment, please visit: http://goo.gl/xYiHA
Interested? Please attend: Panhellenic Perk [Pre-Recruitment Event] Tuesday, August 27, 2013, 6:30-8pm Student Union Lobby
Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation Thursday, August 29, 2013, 7pm Student Union Ballroom
— 14 —
Panhellenic Chapters AEF
Alpha Epsilon Phi
Chapter: Alpha Xi Founded: 1909 / Est. at UConn - 1944; 2008 Philanthropy: The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Sharsheret Symbol: Columns Colors: Green and White Twitter: @AEPhiUConn
Alpha Phi
AF
Chapter: Iota Lambda Founded: 1872 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: Cardiac Care and Research Symbol: Ivy Leaf Colors: Silver and Bordeaux Twitter: @AlphaPhiUConn
Delta Gamma
G
Delta Zeta
Z
Chapter: Epsilon Pi Founded: 1873 / Est. at UConn - 1983 Philanthropy: Service for Sight and Aid to the Blind Symbol: Anchor Colors: Bronze, Pink and Blue Twitter: @UConnDeltaGamma Chapter: Gamma Beta Founded: 1902 / Est. at UConn - 1943 Philanthropy: Speech and Hearing and The Painted Turtle Camp Symbol: Roman Lamp Colors: Old Rose and Nile Green Twitter: @UConnDeltaZeta
Gamma Phi Beta
GFB
Chapter: Eta Theta Founded: 1874 / Est. at UConn - 2012 Philanthropy: Building Strong Girls Symbol: Crescent Moon Colors: Light and Dark Brown Twitter: @GammaPhiUConn
— 15 —
Panhellenic Chapters Kappa Alpha Theta
KAQ
Chapter: Gamma Zeta Founded: 1870 / Est. at UConn - 1942 Philanthropy: Court Appointed Special Advocates Symbol: Kite Colors: Black and Gold Twitter: @UConnTheta
Kappa Kappa Gamma
KKG
Chapter: Delta Mu Founded: 1870 / Est. at UConn - 1942 Philanthropy: Reading is Fundamental Symbol: Key Colors: Dark Blue and Light Blue Twitter: @UCONN_KKG
Phi Sigma Rho*
FSR
Chapter: Theta Founded: 1984 / Est. at UConn - 2001 Philanthropy: Girl Scouts of America and American Cancer Society Symbol: Pyramid & Star Colors: Wine Red and Silver Twitter: @UConnPhiRho
* Phi Sigma Rho, the Engineering Social Sorority, does not participate in the Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment process. Please visit http://uconnphirho.weebly.com/ for more information.
Pi Beta Phi
PBF
Chapter: Connecticut Alpha Founded: 1867 / Est. at UConn - 1943 Philanthropy: First Book, Read Across America, Champions are Readers Symbol: Arrow Colors: Wine and Silver Blue Twitter: @UCONNpiphi
— 16 —
FAQs and “Did You Know?” Will joining a fraternity or sorority adversely affect my grades?
Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from a highly structured high school environment to the freedom of college. Greek membership can assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs that may include study partners, mandatory study hours and time management workshops. A student can also access the network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources like the Homer Babbidge Library, Writing Resource Center, computer labs and academic advisors. Nothing, however, can take the place of a disciplined and academically-focused student to ensure success in college.
How much time is required to be a member of a chapter? The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter, but the first semester is time intensive as students participate in their chapter’s new member education program. The time spent in this program should provide an opportunity to develop leadership and time management skills, learn about the history of the organization and develop friendships among the new member class as well as the rest of the chapter. Generally the program includes a weekly meeting, a project session, review material and scheduled study hours for coursework. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other events (philanthropic, service, social, initiation) throughout the year that are generally planned in advance in order to promote reasonable time management. As with any organization, the time commitment increases as a student assumes leadership responsibilities.
common stereotypes, many chapter members work during the academic year and are financing portions of their tuition and/or housing expenses. Some organizations offer payment plans in order to help spread the cost over several smaller payments. More specific financial information can be determined from talking with each chapter individually.
Did You Know?
44% 42% 31% 24% 15% 10% 21.1
of all US Presidents are Greek
of all US Senators are Greek
of all US Supreme Court Justices are Greek
of the US Congress are Greek
of Fortune 100 Executives are Greek
of all listed in Who’s Who are Greek
And yet, Greeks make up only
Aren’t fraternities and sororities expensive?
Joining a fraternity or sorority does involve a financial commitment. The most expensive year of membership is the first year, during which a one-time initiation fee is paid to the inter/national organization and the membership badge is often purchased. Many UConn Greeks cover the cost of chapter dues through a few weeks of pay earned during the summer. Contrary to
million Philanthropic Dollars Raised
3%
of the US population Source: North-American Interfraternity Conference: www.nicindy.org/
— 17 —
FAQs continued…
What’s the buzz about alcohol?
What are these rituals that I keep hearing about?
A fraternity or sorority ritual is a sacred ceremony that reminds members of their founders’ vision and mission. A ritual emphasizes the inter/national organization’s values and the commitment that the member made when becoming a brother/sister. These rituals may be public or private, depending on the organization. Each fraternity or sorority has a ritual at different times throughout membership. These sacred ceremonies do not embarrass or hurt members.
What about hazing?
The University of Connecticut has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing for all student organizations. Hazing, or any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical abuse or sleep deprivation is entirely contrary to the values and purposes of Greek life. Fraternity and sorority members are educated on the dangers of hazing, how to report incidents and how to seek assistance by both University staff and officers of the inter/national organizations. “Hazing [is] defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations of this rule.”
At the University of Connecticut, high risk binge drinking is addressed through educational programs and a partnership with the Wellness and Prevention Services Office. Fraternities and sororities are required to submit a notification form prior to any event where alcohol is served and are required to follow federal, state, UConn and their inter/ national organization’s laws and policies. Chapters are restricted from using chapter funds to purchase alcohol. Instead, they use their funds to participate in non-alcoholic socials, intramurals, and other activities on campus. Many fraternity and sorority members choose not to drink at all.
If I join a Greek organization, can I still be involved on campus?
Fraternities, sororities, and the OFSL encourage members to get involved across campus. The OFSL provides a program called Greek 101 for all new members. This seminar explains the opportunities available to new members within the Greek and larger UConn community. Students are encouraged to expand their involvement beyond their specific fraternity or sorority into the greater community by participating in numerous activities. Greek organizations are unique in the well-rounded and lifelong membership they provide, but they also believe strongly in encouraging members to use their leadership skills to benefit the larger campus and community.
- Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code (Part III.B.6.)
Aren’t fraternities/sororities primarily social in nature?
There is a social aspect to the Greek community, but the intent is to create members who will become contributing members of society. “Social” events include many education programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Family Weekend brunches, Homecoming and dinners, in addition to social gatherings and formals. Culturally-based chapters hold alcohol-free parties in University facilities to raise money for their service projects, and no events with alcohol are permitted in the Husky Village chapter houses. While the term “social” may conjure images of Animal House or Old School, this image is largely outdated and inaccurate.
I’m interested, but I’m still not sure. Visit www.greeklife.uconn.edu, individual council and chapter websites, contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at 860-486-4710 or stop by Student Union 315. Family members can also learn more about fraternity and sorority life by visiting www.greeklife. uconn.edu/parents.html.
— 18 —
Greek Glossary:
Greek Alphabet:
Active Member – A fully initiated, lifelong fraternity or sorority member who is active at the collegiate level. Alumna/Alumnus – An initiated member of a sorority or fraternity who is no longer in college but is a lifelong member of the organization. The plural is alumnae (women) and alumni (men, or men and women). Bid – A formal invitation to join a particular fraternity or sorority. Chapter – A local group at an individual campus of the larger inter/national organization, designated by a special name. Colony – A newly-formed group of members who have the intent of being chartered as a chapter by meeting inter/national headquarters standards. Legacy – The brother or sister, son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter of a fraternity or sorority members. Each chapter has its own policies regarding legacies. Being a legacy does not mean automatic membership into that chapter. Nevertheless, special consideration is often given to legacies. Membership Intake – The process for culturally-based fraternities and sororities to bring in new members. Neophyte – The most recently initiated member of an IGC or NPHC organization. New Member – A person who has accepted a bid to join an IFC fraternity or a Panhellenic sorority. Potential New Member (PNM) – A college woman who is participating in the Panhellenic recruitment process. Recruitment – The IFC/Panhellenic process through which students become members of fraternities and sororities. Recruitment Counselor – A neutral member of a Panhellenic sorority who temporarily disassociates from her chapter to serve as an unbiased guide during Panhellenic recruitment. Stepping/Strolling – Creative and unique forms of artistic dance unique to some culturally-based fraternities and sororities.
— 19 —
A B G E Z H Q I K L M N X O P P S T U F X Y W
ALPHA (al-fah) BETA (bay-tah) GAMMA (gam-ah) DELTA (del-tah) EPSILON (ep-si-lon) ZETA (zay-tah) ETA (ay-tah) THETA (thay-tah) IOTA (eye-0-tah) KAPPA (kap-pah)
LAMBDA (lam-dah) MU (mew) NU (new) XI (zie) OMICRON (om-i-cron) PI (pie) RHO (row) SIGMA (sig-mah) TAU (taw) UPSILON (yoop-si-lon) PHI (fie) CHI (kie) PSI (sie) OMEGA (o-may-gah)
greeklife.uconn.edu 860-486-4710
— 20 —
student union, room 315 2110 Hillside road, unit 3008 storrs, Ct 06269-3008