Fraternity Life at CU

Fraternity Life Sigma Chi | Kappa Sigma | Omega Psi Phi Phi Beta Sigma | Kappa Alpha Psi

CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY Office of Greek Affairs

Table of Contents Welcome Letter More Than Our Letters Our Community at a Glance Greek Councils

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What to Expect as a New Member 7 Kappa Sigma Fraternity Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Sigma Chi Fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. How Do I Join?

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FAQs Greek Speak Greek Alphabet

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Cumberland University Greek Life @mycugreeklife @cumberlandgreeklife cumberland.edu/greek-life/fraternities

Welcome to Cumberland!

I am excited to see the next generation of men who are up to the challenges of being a fraternity brother and upholding the expectations of what we have all set ahead of you. When I first came to Cumberland University, I was interested in being apart of a fraternity and ended up finding more than that. I found a group of men that I could call my family for life. I have had loyal brothers ever since I came to CU, men who were there for me when I needed help. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunities that have been given to be while I have been at CU and within my fraternity. I know if you choose to join, you will see your opportunites expand too. I am very excited to see what comes next and can't wait to meet you!

Josh Woodward

Greek Council President

We're more than our letters.

Greek Life has been viewed as parties and social settings, but we are so much more than that.

Fraternities are brotherhoods which contain members who carry their letters with pride.

Fraternities came about to build friendships, provide networking opportunities, and grow leaders.

Our Fraternities harp on community service, scholarship, and a plethora of other life long qualities every man should carry. They mold boys into men in one of the best ways possible. We set the bar for leaders on and off campus. It is made top priority that we as fraternal men answer the calls of the world when in need.

Across our campus, you will find fraternity men who excel in athletics, SGA, RAs, Student Ambassadors, and so much more. It is not about the trophies, but about the love and care we can show to our community. When you choose to join a fraternity, join for the qualities and principles that mean the most to you.

Brandon "BGreat" Taylor Omega Psi Phi President

Our Community at a Glance The average GPA of a sorority or fraternity member at CU is a 3.0.

66% of Greeks live off campus.

50% of Greeks are on TN Promise or TN Promise graduates.

On average, our Greeks complete over 1,900 service hours and raise over $4700 a year for our philanthropies.

35% of Greeks play varsity athletics, representing: Cheer/Dance, Cross Country, Tennis, Bowling, Volleyball, Golf, Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Softball teams.

52% of Greeks work either part or full time off campus.

All Greek Council The Greek Council is the deliberative and legistlative body of Cumberland's Greek System, meaning that concerns related to Greek Life, in general, at the University should be brought to this organization and discussed with representatives. The Council may discuss and express its views about any matter affecting the University's Greek System. The Greek Council is the appropriate forum for the discussion and recommendation by Greek Organizations about any University policies or practices affecting fraternities and sororities at CU.

Greek Councils All Greek Council National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NHPC) The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the governing body for the "Divine Nine" historically African-American fraternities and sororities. NPHC aims to unify the 5 organizations represented on CU's campus through an emphasis on community service, academics, leadership development, and collaboration.

Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Phi Beta Sigam are proud members of NPHC.

What to Expect as a New Member As a new member of a fraternity, your first semester acclimates you to fraternity life at Cumberland University. Once you receive an invitation for membership, you will be required to attend regular new meetings until initiation. These programs educate you about the history, traditions, and rituals of your chapter and teach you how to live out chapter values in everyday life. You will have a selected member of your chapter chosen to guide you through your time.

Your chapter will begin to feel like your home. Depending on which organization you choose, the experience may be a little different. Kappa Sigma and Sigma Chi will immediately invite you to attend regular events. Our NPHC organizations following the traditions of their organizations in keeping membership secretive until after a new member presentation.

Academic Obligation At the heart of our organizations is academic excellence. Many organizations offer study hours and opportunities for scholarship. As a new member, make sure to take advantage of academic opportunities your chapter offers you. It can be easy to get caught up in the social environment of your chapter; as a new member it should be one of your top priorities to contribute to your chapter's academic success.

Financial Obligation The first semester in a fraternity, your dues and fees will be higher than those of active members. This is because many chapter have one time national and local fees that members must pay upon gaining membership to the organization. All members are required to pay the required dues. Some organization function on semesterly payments while others do up front sums. You should take to each individual organization for more information.

Kappa Sigma Fraternity National Founding: December 10, 1869 University Founding: April 9, 1993 Mission: The Fraternity should: complement and enhance the educational mission of the host institution, promote the ideal of brotherhood, actively contribute to the personal growth and development of its members, promote ethical behavior and decisionmaking, and encourage service to others.

Vision: Four Pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service Motto: A.E.K.Δ.B. Philanthropy: Military Heroes Campaign Colors: Scarlett, White, and Emerald Green Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5 High School or College @kappa_sigma_cu

Kappa Sigma - Theta Prime

@CUThetaPrime

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc National Founding: November 17, 1911 University Founding: January 13, 1996 Mission: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is committed to building a strong and effective force of men dedicated to our cardinal principles.

Principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift Motto: Friendship is essential to the soul.

Philanthropy: College Endowment Fund, Charles Drew Blood Drive, American Diabetes Association, Voter Registration, NAACP Color: Purple and Old Gold Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.75 College GPA and 24 completed college credits

@phidsquare1996

Sigma Chi Fraternity National Founding: June 28, 1855 University Founding: December 1872 & December 6, 2014 Mission: Develop value-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus, and community Values: Courage, Wisdom, Integrity, High Ambition, Self Control, Courtesy, and Fidelity Motto: In Hoc Signo Vinces Philanthropy: Huntsman Cancer Foundation Colors: Blue and Old Gold Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0 High School or 2.5 College GPA @sigmachi_cu

Sigma Chi at Cumberland University

@CUsigmachiNU

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. National Founding: January 9, 1914 University Founding: February 23, 2018 Mission: The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma are the Fraternity's most valuable resource and strength. They are the primary means by which the Phi Beta Sigma objectives will be achieved.

Values: Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service Motto: Culture for Service, Service for Humanity Philanthropy: Bigger and Better Business, Education, Social Action, and Sigma Beta Club Colors: Royal Blue and Pure White

Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5 College GPA and 12 completed credit hours

@cu_sigmas

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc National Founding: January 5, 1911 Local Founding: June 21, 2019 Mission: To unite college men of culture, patriotism, and honor, in a bond of fraternity. Encourage honorable Achievement in every field of human endeavor. To promote spiritual, social intellectual, and moral welfare to its members.

Motto: Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor Partnerships: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Colors: Crimson and Cream Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5 college with 12 completed college credit hours

@cu.nupes

How do I Join?

Rush and Intake Process

Sigma Chi and Kappa Sigma Each semester, the men of Kappa Sigma and Sigma Chi host rush weeks to gain new members.

Each organization will host multiple events throughout one given week where interested men are encourage to attend. Men can attend one or all events, but it is recommended attending as many as possible. At the end of each week, the organizations will host invite only events where membership invitations are given out.

Interested men should contact the individual fraternity for more information.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NHPC) Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Phi Beta Sigma conduct membership selection or "membership intake process" independently and at different times based on the need of their organizations.

The chapters will conduct an interest meeting that is business formal in nature.

Attending an interest meeting is mandatory to join, but all interest men are should attend without pressure to join.

Frequently Asked Questions What is a fraternity membership all about?

Fraternity membership is about building lifelong friendships with individuals that share your values and interests. Every organization participates in community service and learns about diversity and continually educates their members about leading healthier lives and leading with integrity. Joining a fraternity connects members with countless alumni and offers a career network that often benefits members as they enter into the workforce.

What are the university requirements for joining a fraternity?

You are eligible to join a fraternity at Cumberland University if: you are a high school graduate; unfortunately, dual enrollment students are not eligible. You are a full time student, enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. You maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Each organization may have additional minimum requirements. If you have a question about a certain organizations requirement you can go to the organization or Greek Affairs.

What is the difference in intake and rush?

The difference is in the way the process is handled. Rush happens both semester and follows the rules outlined to support Kappa Sigma and Sigma Chi. An intake process is held based on the needs of individual each organization and holds more discretion during the process. These groups follow the rules outlined by their Organization and the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

How do I know which organization is right for me?

The best way to figure out which organization is the best fit for you is to hold true to yourself and the values you hold most dear. Visit chapter websites, social media accounts, and get to know the member during recruitment. Think about what you want from a sorority experience and which organization has the potential to fulfill your most meaningful values. The opportunity to make the choice that is right for you belongs to you.

Sorority membership is a lifelong commitment, therefore, doing some research on the best mutual fit is important.

Will I be hazed?

There is a strict no hazing policy for all organizations under Greek Affairs. Any person that knows or suspects someone is being hazed is encouraged to contact Greek Affairs immediately.

“Hazing” refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.

What is the new member process?

The new member process is the time between being given a “bid” or “invitation to join” and initiation. During this period, new members often learn more in-depth information about the organization they are about to join through a formal new member education period.

Greek Speak Active: an initiated chapter member Alumnus: a member who is not affiliated with a collegiate chapter but has graduated in good standing.

Badge: the pin of an initiated member Bid: a formal invitation to membership Big: short for “big brother”. An active member who serves as a mentor for new members Chapter: a local group of the larger organization Cross: Initiated. The new member the "crosses" over from a pledge to a new member.

Initiation: the formal ceremony that brings a new member into full Greek membership.

Each chapter has a different set of requirements that must be met in order to be initiated Legacy: the daughter, granddaughter, niece, or sister of an initiated member of a chapter Little: short for “little brother”. A new member who is mentored by an older member of the organization Neo: An abbreviated term for the Greek word Neophyte, meaning beginner. A neophyte is someone who is new to the organization.

New member: a potential member who has accepted the bid of a sorority but not yet initiated.

New member period: the period of learning about sorority life prior to initiation.

Philanthropy: a service project sponsored by a chapter from which goods, money, and/or time are given to a charitable organizations.

Potential new member: a college woman who is interested in participating in recruitment Probate: Official public display of initiation often in the form of a step or show. This is the first time when newly imitated members of each organization are revealed to the rest of the campus.

Recommendation: a written letter or statement recommending a potential new member for membership (generally written by an alumna of the chapter).

Ritual: the ceremonies, values and traditions that each chapter holds dear and tries to practice in their everyday life.

Stroll: an informal form of stepping

Greek Alphabet A - alpha - al-fah B - beta - bay-tah đ?šŞ - gamma - gam-ah Δ - delta - del-ta Ε - epsilon - ep-si-lon Ζ - zeta - zay-tah Η - eta - at-tah Θ - theta - thay-tah I - iota - eye-o-tah K - kappa - cap-pah Λ - lambda - lamb-dah M - mu - mew

N - nu - new � - xi - zie O - omicron - om-e-cron Π- pi - pie P - rho - roe Σ - sigma - sig-mah T - tau - taw Y - upsilon - oop-si-lon ɸ - phi - fie X - chi - kie Ѱ - psi - sign Ί - omega - oh-may-gah