Illinois State University Greek Life Community Viewbook

Illinois State Greek Life Community Viewbook

Welcome Dear Redbirds, Thank you for taking a look at our community's viewbook. We are very proud of the accomplishments of the students who join Sorority & Fraternity Life here at Illinois State. Greek Life students on our campus often achieve higher than the all-women's and all-men's average, are more likely to graduate, are more engaged in the university community, and are more likely to be successful after graduation.

Besides these significant benefits of membership, sorority and fraternity members on our campus find a welcoming home away from home, a support structure that lasts them throughout college, a supportive administrative unit in the university that provides dynamic education and training, and an enriching alumni experience.

Please consider membership, it will greatly enhance your college experience beyond anything you could ever imagine.

Sincerely,

Cedric Asiedu

Alexus Arzola

Jacob Rottinghaus Lexi Showalter

NPHC President UGC President IFC President CPC President

Why are we Sorority & Fraternity Life?

Unlike many sorority and fraternity communities in the United States, the sorority and fraternity community at Illinois State is a community that is rooted in equity and springs from an amazing story. It is the reason that we refer to Greek Life on campus as Sorority and Fraternity Life. Sororities and fraternities were not always welcomed at Illinois State. Historically, being a teacher's college, the university administration did not feel that there was value in having sororities and fraternities on campus, and so there was an unwritten rule banning Greek Letter Organizations (GLOs).

In 1942, a group of African-American women sought to challenge the status quo and form a local sorority named Sigma Beta Kappa. We believe that at the time the women sought affiliation with one of the Divine Nine organizations, but this information is lost to history. The rule not allowing GLOs on campus had been an unwritten rule, and these women challenged that unwritten rule. The administration made the women disband their organization. The university would formally write a policy banning social Greek Letter Organizations in their College Catalog starting in 1943.

In 1963, a collegiate woman, again identifying as AfricanAmerican, would ask the Dean of Women for permission to join an alumnae chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She would be granted permission and would become the first Greek, undergraduate woman on campus. She was not permitted to bring an undergraduate chapter to be recognized on campus.

In 1969, the university finally reversed it's stance on Greek Letter Organizations. The initial organizations to form on campus would be Tau Kappa Epsilon, Lambda Chi Alpha, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and our community would grow from there to over 2,200 students today. We are sorority and fraternity life here at Illinois State because if not for the pressure of AfricanAmerican women here at Illinois State, our community may very well have never been founded.

How to Join a Sorority or Fraternity

General Considerations

All chapters and some councils set specific academic expectations for students who seek to affiliate. The general minimum to even consider membership is a 2.5 GPA. For some experiences, this is a high school GPA, for others it is a cumulative college GPA. Students are eligible to join a Greek Organization starting their first semester at Illinois State, though some organizations may have rules against this.

All organizations can turn down and eliminate members for questionable moral character. Conduct unbecoming of a member is defined by each organization. Your actions reflect on your ability to join or remain in our community.

All organizations have financial obligations throughout the entirety of your undergraduate experience, many last past your undergraduate experience. Some chapters have live-in housing requirements as well.

Joining a Greek Organization is a lifelong commitment, and you should research choices and options before committing.

It is never too late to join a Greek Organization.

How to Join a National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapter Membership intake is the membership selection process conducted by Illinois State University's historically black organizations, which are overseen by the Illinois State University collegiate National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Our local NPHC is affiliated as a colony of the National Pan-Hellenic Council which was founded in 1930 as the governing body of historically black Greek Organizations, known today as the Divine Nine. Membership selection for NPHC groups is an individualized process that is different for each organization. Chapters choose the time when they will take new members. This process generally begins with an interest meeting followed by a period of membership education. The membership process culminates with initiation and a new member showcase, or "coming-out" show in which the organization's new members are revealed to the community.

NPHC chapters embrace a lifetime commitment to philosophy and aim to assure the continuance of academic achievement, political awareness, and community service. Additionally, NPHC affiliated fraternities and sororities typically do not accept a student for membership until the student has completed at least 12-24 hours of college credit with a 2.5-2.75 GPA depending on the organization. We strongly encourage those interested in the membership intake process to contact the respective NPHC organization for more information.

Every fall, both NPHC and United Greek Council join to host a "Meet the Greeks" which spotlights our Culturally Based Greek Organizations (CBGOs).

Requirements: Attend a Potential New Member Orientation.

Meet the minimum GPA required by each NPHC affiliate for membership (a 2.5 for most chapters; a 2.75 for others).

Have earned the required number of college credits to affiliate with the organization.

Demonstrate continual acts of community service and campus involvement.

Attend an interest meeting and meet all requirements of the application and membership intake process.

Helpful Hints: Find a community service outlet you are passionate about. Community service is a staple of the NPHC experience. Therefore, it is important to have a consistent service record.

Research each organization to see who aligns with your personal values.

Attend Chapter Events. A chapter cannot select you if they don't know you.

Get to know the members. It is important for them to know you personally and for you to know them personally.

Attend an Informational. This will give you basic information about the chapter, and will allow you to learn about how a particular chapter operates. During an informational, you will also learn about the criteria for membership.

Watch for advertising. Chapters advertise their informational events on social media and via flyers hung around the campus.

Be Prepared! Membership intake is not done every semester by every chapter. If you miss an intake period and don't have the required GPA or aren't financially ready to join, you may have to wait up to a full year or more before the next opportunity becomes available for you to join the fraternity or sorority you are interested in.

How to Join a United Greek Council Chapter Each United Greek Council (UGC) sorority and fraternity initiates new members at various times of the year through a process called membership intake. All organizations governed by the UGC have different requirements for membership and represent different multiethnic communities, and therefore their processes for membership intake differs between organizations. On our campus, our United Greek Council chapters are national members of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), and the National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC). Each organization conducts intake based on the chapter's need for new members.

Some chapters conduct intake once a semester; others conduct intake once a year. When organizations are looking to conduct membership intake, many of them will host an informational meeting in which criteria for membership is explained. These are usually advertised via fliers on campus and sometimes on social media.

Every Fall, both NPHC and UGC join to host a "Meet the Greeks" which focuses on spotlighting our Culturally Based Greek Organizations (CBGOs).

Requirements: Attend a Potential New Member Orientation.

Meet the minimum GPA required by each UGC chapter (a 2.5 for most chapters).

Have earned the required number of college credits to affiliate with the organization (this differs from 0-12 or more).

Demonstrate continual acts of community service and campus involvement; especially similar involvement as the students who are members of the organization you want to join.

Attend an interest meeting and meet all requirements of the application and membership intake process.

Helpful Hints: Find a community service outlet you are passionate about. You need to establish a record of service.

Research each organization to see who lines up with your personal values.

Attend Chapter Events. A chapter cannot select you if they don't know you.

Get to know the members. It is important for them to know you personally in order to apprise your character.

Attend an Informational. This will give you basic information about the chapter, and will allow you to learn about how a particular chapter operates. During an informational, you will also learn about the criteria for membership.

Watch for advertising. Chapters advertise their informational events on social media and via flyers hung around the campus.

Be Prepared! Membership intake is not done every semester by every chapter. If you miss an intake period and don't have the required GPA or aren't financially ready to join, you may have to wait up to a full year or more before the next opportunity becomes available for you to join the fraternity or sorority you are interested in.

How to Join an Interfraternity Council Chapter There are three ways to join an Interfraternity Council (IFC) Fraternity. IFC fraternities, which are both housed and unhoused chapters are historically members of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), though not all fraternities in this council follow the international governance of the NIC. These are the oldest "type" of fraternities that exist nationally, and were founded as allwhite organizations, though all sororities and fraternities now accept members of diverse backgrounds.

Typically, IFC organizes Formal Recruitment during the fall semester. There is a nominal fee to go through fall recruitment. However, it is the recommended option for all incoming and transfer students. Formal recruitment allows all students the opportunity to engage with all of our IFC chapters on campus, go to special events hosted by the IFC to learn what it's like to be a fraternity man, and make connections with other men going through formal recruitment.

Another option is to accept an "early bid" from a chapter prior to Formal Recruitment. If you do so, you are accepting a specific bid from that chapter, and will still have to pay the Formal Recruitment fee, but may miss out on the special events for other potential members.

The third option is informal recruitment, which takes place throughout the fall semester and spring semester in both a hosted and un-hosted format by chapters who seek to take members into their new member process. The typical IFC affiliation process lasts between 4-12 weeks.

Requirements: Have either a 2.5 cumulative High School or College GPA. Attend a Potential New Member Orientation.

Complete required SFL paperwork and educational programming.

Attend chapter events and get to know members of the chapter to increase your chances of a bid during recruitment.

How to Join a College Panhellenic Council Chapter The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) defines Primary Recruitment as the period of time during the academic year when events are held by each NPC sorority on a campus for the purpose of selecting new members. At Illinois State, Primary Recruitment occurs early in the Fall Semester. Primary Recruitment does have a nominal fee to sign up, and typically takes place over the course of two weekends in the month of September.

Outside of the process of Primary Recruitment, some sororities, based on their chapter size, will be able to participate in Continuous Open Bidding (COB), often called informal recruitment, outside of the Primary Recruitment period. It is important to recognize that the only way to have an opportunity to join all chapters at Illinois State is to engage in the Primary Recruitment process, not all chapters will be able to COB. It is advisable that transfer and new students sign up for primary recruitment.

Requirements: While there is no minimum GPA requirement to sign up for primary recruitment, it is advisable to have at least a 2.5 high school GPA or college GPA to go through primary recruitment Attend a Potential New Member Orientation.

Complete required SFL paperwork and educational programming.

Helpful Hints: Be yourself during recruitment. It doesn't help to try to be someone you're not just to try to join a chapter that you wouldn't fit in with later on.

Keep an open mind. Don't just listen to other people's opinions about a chapter, also think about how you feel when you are interacting with the members of a chapter.

Realize that recruitment is a process and that the best people to take advice from are your Rho Gamma, CPC Council Officers, and SFL Staff Members.

Recognize that just because "this is how recruitment works" at one campus, that things aren't always consistent on every campus.

If you feel like you don't want to continue the process, it is ok to withdraw from Primary Recruitment and consider the COB route later on or going through Primary the following year.

About the National Pan-Hellenic Council The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a council of 7 Black Greek Lettered Organizations at Illinois State University. Our goal is to enhance the quality of Greek Life at ISU as well as present opportunities for people in the community to grow, learn, and forge bonds with one another.

nphcisu_ https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu /organization/bglc

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

was founded on December 4, 1906

is a private, not-for-profit

at Cornell University in Ithica, New

organization whose purpose is to

York. The mission of the fraternity

provide assistance and support

is to build the intellectual and

through established programs in

economic status of the African

local communities throughout the

American community through

world. Delta Sigma Theta

community service, displaying an

Sorority, Inc. was founded on

unparalleled level of brotherhood,

January 13, 1913 at Howard

and reassuring young men that

University. The organization is a

they have something to contribute

sisterhood of predominantly

to society.

Black, college educated women.

eta_tau_alpha

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstat e.edu/organization/aphia

thetadeltadst

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/deltasigmat heta

Coming Soon....

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Alpha Psi was founded January 5, 1911 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. We believe in achievement in every field of human endeavor. It is the beautiful realization of a vision shared commonly by the late Revered Founders that enabled them to sow the seed of a fraternal tree whose fruit is available to, and now enjoyed, by college men everywhere,

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Fall 2021

regardless of their color, religion or national origin.

kanupes

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/kappaalpha psi

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho was

was founded on January 9,

founded November 12, 1922 at

1914 at Howard University. Phi

Butler University in

Beta Sigma Fraternity

Indianapolis, Indiana. It is the

Incorporated aims to advance

mission of Sigma Gamma Rho

the ideals of Brotherhood and

Sorority, Inc. to enhance the

Service; promote Education

quality of life for women and

and Scholarship; develop an

their families in the U.S. and

appreciation for our Culture

globally through community

and foster the ideals of what it means to be great man in society.

illinoisstatesigmas https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.e du/organization/phibetasigma

service, civil, and social action.

sigma_gammarho https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.ed u/organization/sigmagammarho

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ) is the

was founded January 16, 1920

first African-American national

on the campus of Howard

fraternal organization to be

University. We have 5

founded at a historically black

founders, which we call our 5

college. Omega Psi Phi was

Pearls, and 4 Principles which

founded on November 17, 1911,

are Scholarship, Service,

at Howard University in

Sisterhood and Finer

Washington, D.C.

Womanhood. The Lambda Epsilon chapter was chartered at Illinois State University on June 3rd, 1973.

pibetaques

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.e du/actioncenter/organization/O megaPsiPhiPiBeta

isu_zetas

https://redbirdlife.illinoisst ate.edu/organization/zphib 1920

About the United Greek Council The United Greek Council (UGC) at Illinois State University serves as a governing body that seeks to maintain high standards in the life of culturally-based fraternities and sororities by addressing, coordinating, and developing strategic programming. We also seek to unify organizations within UGC by promoting higher education, providing community service opportunities, and enhancing leadership abilities.

Furthermore, the UGC would serve as a liaison between other Greek councils, the University student body, and the administration and the surrounding community, thus meeting our individual and collective needs, voicing our concerns, and improving campus life.

ilstu_ugc https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/organization/ugc

Alpha Psi Lambda National Fraternity, Inc.

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Psi Lambda National

Gamma Phi Omega International

Fraternity, Inc. was established

Sorority, Inc. is a multicultural Latina

on February 11, 1985 at The Ohio State University. We work on

oriented organization at Illinois State University, established on April 17, 1991.

We strive to unite sisters in the

carrying out our five pillars

principles of achieving academic

which include: Familia, culture,

excellence, serving the communities in

academics, service, and

which we live and learn, preserving the

leadership.

sacred bond of sisterhood among women, and uplifting and advancing a

isuapsi https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/apsi

cultural awareness among Latinos and those in our global communities.

isu_gphio

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/isu_gphio

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.

Founded in 1989 at the State

Founded December 1, 1975 at Kean

University of New York in Albany,

College in Union, New Jersey.

New York, Omega Phi Beta Sorority,

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity,

Inc. values the development of ALL

Inc. is the FIRST nationally

women through sisterhood, diversity,

recognized Latino Fraternity. Our

leadership, service and academic

mission is to provide leadership in

excellence. Our philanthropy, raising

shaping the future of our Fraternity

awareness of violence against women,

and to raise the social and cultural

fuels us to make meaningful

conscience of the Latino college

contributions in our everyday lives.

student and community. Membership is open to ALL males, regardless of

isu_opbpsi

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/omegaphibe ta

race, culture or creed.

illinoisstate_lambdas https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.e du/organization/lambdas

Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Sigma Lambda Beta

Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. As the nation's largest and fastest

International Fraternity, Inc. is

growing multicultural sorority,

the largest Latino-based social

Sigma Lambda Gamma National

fraternity established on cultural

Sorority, Inc. believes that "Culture

understanding and wisdom.

is Pride. Pride is Success." Founded

Founded on April 4, 1986 at the

in 1990 at the University of Iowa

University of Iowa, the

with the principles of Academics,

organization is committed to

Community Service, Cultural

create and expand multicultural

Awareness, Morals and Ethics,

leadership, promote academic

Sigma Lambda Gamma strives to

excellence, advance cultural

provide opportunities for lifelong

awareness and service while

empowerment to all members.

influencing its mission amongst all dedicated collegiate men worldwide.

isu_betas

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/isubetas

gammas_ilstu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/slg

About the Interfraternity Council The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the local organization of the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC), serving as the umbrella group for all member fraternities. IFC guides supports, and develops the fraternity system through coordination of recruitment; maintenance of high social and moral standards; promotion of scholarship, philanthropy, and community engagement; and to serve as a forum for discussing questions of mutual interest and concern.

ilstu_ifc https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/organization/ifc https://sites.google.com/view/ilstuifc/home

Acacia Acacia is a social fraternity dedicated to bettering men

Alpha Epsilon Pi Alpha Epsilon Pi was founded

around campus while offering

November 7, 1913. Our values are

the ideal fraternal experience.

to foster and promote brotherly

We believe in creating leaders

love and to inaugurate a spirit of

and preparing them for life

cooperation and helpfulness.

after graduating from Illinois State.

acaciailstu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstat e.edu/organization/acacia

Alpha Sigma Phi

aepi_illinoisstate

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/aepi_illinois state

Alpha Tau Omega

Alpha Sigma Phi was nationally

Alpha Tau Omega is a social

founded on December 6, 1845.

fraternity based on leadership

Here at Illinois State University,

development, brotherhood, and

the Alpha Sigma Phi-Delta

social excellence. We were

Omicron chapter has over 100

founded on September 11, 1865.

active members.

isualphasigs

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstat e.edu/organization/alphasigm aphi

ato_isu https://redbirdlife.illinoisstat e.edu/organization/ato

FarmHouse

Lambda Chi Alpha

FarmHouse was nationally

Lambda Chi Alpha was founded

founded on April 15, 1905 and

on November 2, 1909. We are a

is a fraternity dedicated to our

social fraternity that aims to

motto – builder of men. The

help better prepare young men

fraternity is a college home in

for their lives after college. Our

which a man can be: creative,

seven core values include

share responsibilities, make

Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service &

lasting friendships, and express his inner self in an atmosphere of trust and understanding.

isu_farmhouse83

https://redbirdlife.illinoi sstate.edu/organization /farmhouse

Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

isu_lambdachi

https://redbirdlife.illinoissta te.edu/organization/lambda

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a social fraternity dedicated to developing brotherhood through music and advancing music in America. We were nationally founded October 6, 1898. The organization is open to all men with a passion for music.

You do not need to be a music major or be registered in a music course to be extended a bid.

pma_ilstu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstat e.edu/organization/sinfonia

Kappa Sigma

Phi Kappa Psi

Kappa Sigma, the world's largest

Phi Kappa Psi was founded on

Fraternity, was founded on

February 19, 1852 at Jefferson

December 10, 1869 on four

College in Canonsburg,

principles: Fellowship, Leadership,

Pennsylvania. We look for men of

Scholarship, and Service. Kappa

integrity and further develop their

Sigma strives to enhance the

intellect while enhancing their

individual, campus, and

community involvement. With a

community. The Kappa Sigma

legacy built on acceptance and

Military Heroes Campaign is

trust, each brother realizes his

committed to supporting ongoing

highest potential through a

care for our military veterans and

lifelong experience of service and

their families.

excellence.

ksigmaisu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/kappasigma

Sigma Chi Sigma Chi was nationally founded on June 28, 1855. Our mission is to develop values-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus, and community. In the pursuit of these high ideals, the Sigma Chi Fraternity is able to offer tremendous value in augmenting the collegiate experience and supporting the lifelong journey of each of its members.

isu_sigmachi

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/sigmachi

ilstatephikappapsi

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate. edu/organization/phikappapsi

Coming Soon....

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Sigma Nu Sigma Nu was nationally founded on January 1, 1869. The Mission of our chapter is: to foster a brotherhood united by the principles of Love, Honor, and Truth; to promote the growth of each brother’s intellect, character, and integrity; to encourage involvement in Illinois State University and the surrounding community; to instill in each member a lifelong sense of belonging and duty to Sigma Nu; and to recruit and train men who exemplify these ideals.

Fall 2021

Sigma Alpha Mu

sigmanuisu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/sigma_nu

Sigma Pi

Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in

Sigma Pi was nationally founded

1909. Our mission is to foster the

on February 26, 1897. Sigma Pi

development of collegiate men

takes pride in scholarship,

and our alumni by instilling

brotherhood and chivalry. Sigma

strong fraternal values, offering

Pi gives back to the community by

social and service opportunities,

hosting community service events.

encouraging academic

We also raise money for The

excellence and teaching

Amazing Day Foundation to

leadership skills.

promote mental health awareness.

sigmaalphamu_ilstu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.e du/organization/sigmaalphamu

sigmapi_isu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate .edu/organization/sigmapi

About the College Panhellenic Council The College Panhellenic Council (CPC) is the local organization of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), serving as the umbrella group for all member fraternities.

The purpose of the College Panhellenic Council shall be to develop and to maintain fraternity life and positive interfraternity relations within the University and Greek communities abroad at a high level of accomplishment.

isu_panhellenic https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/organization/ collegepanhelleniccouncil

Alpha Delta Pi

Alpha Gamma Delta

Founded on May 15, 1851, at

Alpha Gamma Delta is an

Wesleyan Female College in

international women's fraternity

Macon, Georgia, our sorority is rich

that was founded May 30, 1904.

with tradition and sisterhood. The

Alpha Gam's strive to attain a

Zeta Theta chapter of Alpha Delta

higher standard, thereby

Pi at ISU was established in 1973.

improving our lives, the lives of

Our philanthropy has brought us

those around us, and the

into a partnership with the Ronald

communities in which we live.

McDonald House Charities of

Together, we continually work to

Central Illinois in Springfield and

inspire the woman and impact the

most recently in Peoria.

world.

adpi_isu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.e du/organization/alphadeltapi

Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Omicron Pi is a sorority focusing on improving members lives at Illinois State University.

We do this through fun sisterhood events, academic support, and giving back to the community!

AOPI was founded on January 2, 1897.

alphagam_isu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.ed u/organization/alphagammadelta

Chi Omega Chi Omega is an intergenerational women’s organization founded on April 5, 1895. Our purposes include friendship, personal integrity, service to others, academic excellence and intellectual pursuits, community and campus involvement, personal and career development. Chi O's philanthropy

aoiibetanu https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.e du/organization/alphaomicronpi

is the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

chiomega_isu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstat e.edu/organization/chiomega

Delta Delta Delta Tri Delta is an assembly of women with shared values where you can be yourself. We are brave, bold, and kind. We are passionate about serving others and committed to becoming the best version of ourselves. Tri Delta was founded on November 27, 1888.

isu_tridelta https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu /organization/trideltaillinoisstate

Delta Zeta

Gamma Phi Beta

The Lambda Rho chapter of Delta

Gamma Phi Beta helps our

Zeta was founded on March 4,

members realize their full

1973 at Illinois State University. We

potential by offering forward-

are a proud sorority welcoming

thinking programs, tools and

those who carry the values of

opportunities to become engaged

sisterhood, leadership, service, and

leaders and contributors to the

scholarship. Our Chapter was

greater community. We were

founded nationally on October 24,

founded on November 11, 1874 at

1902.

Syracuse University in New York.

isudeltazeta https://redbirdlife.illinoisstat e.edu/organization/deltazeta

gammaphibeta_isu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.e du/organization/gammaphibeta

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Phi Sigma Sigma

Kappa Kappa Gamma is an

Phi Sigma Sigma was founded on

organization which seeks for every

November 26, 1913. Our mission is

member throughout her life bonds

to inspire the personal

of friendship, mutual support,

development of each member and

opportunities for self-growth,

perpetuate the advancement of

respect for intellectual

womanhood. Hence, we believe in

development, and an

creating an environment for our

understanding of and an

members that fosters friendship

allegiance to positive ethical

and offers a variety of

principles. We were nationally

experiences.

founded on October 13, 1870.

isukappa

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu /organization/kappakappagamma

phisigisu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate. edu/organization/phisig

Sigma Alpha Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among its members. The sorority was founded in January 26, 1978 at the Ohio State University by five women who wanted an alternative to the social Greek sorority system. We also recruit women outside of the primary recruitment process.

sigmaalpha_isu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate. edu/organization/sigmaalpha

Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma was founded on April 20, 1898 and exists to provide a lifelong sorority experience for women. Our sisterhood promotes a perpetual bond of friendship, develops strong womanly character, and inspires standards of ethical conduct.

trisigmaeo https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu /organization/sigmasigmasigmaeo

Zeta Tau Alpha

Zeta Theta Pi

Zeta Tau Alpha was founded

The purpose of Zeta Theta Pi is to

October 15, 1898 and was created

encourage fellowship between

to make a difference in the lives of

females based on the values of

our members by developing the

character, commitment and

potential of each individual. We

compassion in and encourage

foster strength of character by

leadership and involvement in the

emphasizing leadership

community in order to better the

development, service to others,

sister, the sorority, and society.

academic achievement and

Zeta Theta Pi is a local sorority

continued personal growth, with a

and was founded in the Spring of

commitment to friendship and the

2007 at Central Michigan

future.

University.

zta_ilstu

https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate. edu/organization/zetataualpha

zetathetapiilstu https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate. edu/organization/zetathetapi

Commonly Used Terms Advisor

An alumnus/alumna who serves as a resource for the active chapter and liaison between the alumni, university, and collegians.

Active Alumni

A fully initiated, dues-paying, undergraduate member of a fraternity or sorority.

Members of a fraternity who have graduated (Singular is alumnus).

Alumnae

Members of a sorority who have graduated (Singular is alumna).

Badge Bid

Also known as a pin, it is an item of jewelry given to members upon initiation.

An official invitation to join a Panhellenic or IFC organization given to potential new members.

Bid Day

The last day of IFC and Panhellenic recruitment where potential new members receive formal invitations to join a fraternity or sorority.

Big

An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who serves as a mentor to a New Member, guiding them through the new member program, initiation, and beyond.

Call

A yell used most commonly by NPHC and culturally-based chapters. Used to identify and greet brothers and sisters. Nonmembers are not permitted to use the call.

Crossing

Ceremony during which new organizations become active, organizations.

members of culturally-based life-long members of their

Continuous open bidding (COB)

A process in which an individual can be offered a bid after the formal recruitment process.

Chapter

A branch of a national sorority or fraternity established at a campus. Each will have its own name usually designated by Greek letters.

Chartering

When an establishing chapter receives official recognition from it's national office to have a chapter on a campus.

CPC

The College Panhellenic Council is the governing body for the 11 NPC sororities on campus, for Sigma Alpha, and for Zeta Theta Pi.

Culturally-Based

Fraternities and sororities that include appreciation of a particular culture.

Dues

the

celebration

or

The monetary costs of membership in a fraternity or sorority that are used to fund the costs of operations, events, and national fees.

Dry

A fraternity or sorority which does not permit alcohol on their house premises, and in some cases, does not allow the organization to host a party involving alcohol.

Formal recruitment

The process where IFC fraternities get new members. Potential new members sometimes tour each house, are invited to events and determine which chapter they would like to join. The old term is rush, which is no longer used.

Founders Day

An event celebrated by fraternities and sororities to highlight the founding of their organization and celebrate its history.

Hazing

IFC Intake Initiate

Any act performed by a member of any organization that is likely to cause harm or danger, cause public embarrassment or shame, compromise a person’s dignity, cause the person to be the object of ridicule, cause psychological harm, or is illegal. Hazing is against the law in all states and is against the principles of all fraternities and sororities.

The Interfraternity Council is the governing body for some of the men's fraternities.

Term for the process by which culturally-based organizations educate new members.

A person who has recently learned the ritual of a fraternity or sorority and is a full member.

Initiation

A ceremony where a new member becomes a full member of the organization. Initiation ceremonies are private and different for all organizations.

Legacy Little Line

The blood relative of a member defined differently by each organization.

Little Brother/Little Sister. Used to refer to the mentee that the Big Brother/Big Sister is matched with.

New member class of an NPHC or culturally-based organization.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

Refers both to the local and national coordinating body for historically African-American fraternities and sororities. Illinois State University will soon have all 9 of these organizations!

Neophyte

New member of a culturally-based organization. Also called a neo.

New Member Class

A group of new members who join at the same time. Also referred to as a pledge class or line.

New Member

Term for a person who recently accepted a bid or invitation to membership. Some organizations refer to new members as associate members or line members.

New Member Presentation

Presentation show for new members organizations. Also called a probate.

of

culturally-based

NIC NPC

Stands for North American Interfraternity Conference and is the national governing body of a majority of the men's fraternities.

The National Panhellenic Conference is the organization that governs 26 national women's organizations.

New Member Period

The time period where the new member learns about their new fraternity or sorority before initiation. Lasts from bid day until initiation. Formerly called pledge period.

Order of Omega

An honor society for Greek members who demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic achievement.

PNM

A potential new member is a student interested in joining an organization. Also called an aspirant by some groups.

Primary Recruitment

Primary recruitment is the main way of joining an NPC organization. It takes place early in the fall semester on Illinois State's campus.

Philanthropy

A charity or fundraiser that the fraternity or sorority supports. Can be national, local or both.

Ritual

A secret ceremony of a Greek organization. Also, the formal document that contains the secret principles and ideals upon which the organization was founded. Ritual elements are sacred to each fraternity and sorority and have been handed down through generations. Only initiated members may be privy to rituals.

Saluting

Saluting is a tradition common to many Latino-Greek Organizations. Salute/Saluting is a unique art of reciting information in a line formation. Put quite simply, it's "poetry in motion." Involves a line of members performing intense, in-sync, and sharp hand & body movements with greetings attributing to others, honoring past and current accomplishments, or cherishing the cultural history, heritage, and traditions of the entire organization.

Stepping

is a form of percussive dance in which the participant’s entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps and handclaps.

Strolling

Also known as ‘party walk(ing)’ An energetic, synchronized dance.

Typically, NPHC Organizational members move together in a line expressing pride for their organization. In this line, members may express their pride through use of their organization’s call, sign or historical information, ritual/custom dances, etc. All of this is done through movements that are unique to a particular organization.

Emulating or cutting in/through the line is considered a sign of disrespect.

United Greek Council (UGC)

The United Greek Council is the organization that governs some of the culturally-based fraternities and sororities on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions Is hazing a traditional practice in sororities and fraternities?

Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. All national fraternal organizations and institutions of higher education have banned hazing. Illinois State University and the Greek Councils rigorously enforce hazing policies, and organizations that violate them are subject to immediate suspension of campus and Greek Council recognition and privileges.

The Rituals of Greek organizations have nothing to do with hazing; they are not scary, shameful, or degrading. Although it is the most important part of membership, it is not hazing. If you suspect that hazing is happening in a Greek fraternity or sorority at Illinois State, contact Sorority and Fraternity Life immediately at (309) 438-3212.

How much time is required to be a member?

As with other extra-curricular activities, the more time and effort you contribute to your Greek experience, the more benefits and integration you’ll experience. Chapters hold at least one “chapter” meeting each week, typically hosted over the weekend. Optional activities such as holding an office, attending social and community events, or participating in various projects will vary within each individual chapter. With time management, your Greek activities should fit into your weekly schedule and allow plenty of time for classes, studying, family, work, and participation in other campus activities and sports.

Will joining a fraternity or sorority have a negative effect on my grades?

Academic achievement is a priority for all Greek organizations. Many organizations enforce grade point average requirements and offer study sessions, tutoring, and other programs to assist members to achieve their potential. Since the Greek chapters are composed of men or women from different years, with many different majors, and diverse interests, you can always find senior members who can mentor you through your academic courses.

Students who take advantage of the academic opportunities available and properly balance their time between academic and extracurricular pursuits will find that Greek membership will enhance their academic performance.

Several studies have consistently found that fraternity and sorority members tend to be significantly more likely to graduate from their program and report more satisfaction with their university experience than unaffiliated students.

Do I have to identify as a student of color to join a culturally-based fraternity or sorority?

No. Chapters within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and United Greek Council (UGC) are open to students of all ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds.

NPHC organizations were founded by African-Americans for the purpose of providing students of color with an opportunity to find support systems and encouragement in higher education. Membership in these organizations are now open to students of any background, but still include an inter/national focus on initiatives that benefit minority and African-American communities.

How much does it cost to join?

Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a fraternity or sorority. The costs go toward Inter/National fees, chapter operating expenses and social functions.

Financial obligations differ for men and women and among individual chapters. Additional costs throughout the semester may be for pictures, gifts, T-shirts, and other organizations' philanthropies etc. There may be payment plans available for students, as well as scholarships within the individual chapters. Averages are provided below.

IFC: $750 first semester, $750/semester out of house, $3000/semester in house NPHC: $900 first semester, $75/month after that CPC: $1000 first semester, $750/semester out of house, $3500/semester in house UGC: $350 per semester

When do students typically join?

Membership intake or recruitment are year-round processes, depending on the organization and council. Culturally-based organizations may take a line once a year or once a semester; this will happen after they advertise interest meetings (usually as part of a sponsored week of events).

Membership Intake Processes are secret between the organization and member.

IFC Formal Recruitment and CPC Primary Recruitment is a two-way process when fraternities and sororities are looking at you, and you are looking at fraternities and sororities. You are deciding which organization most interests you, which has the members you relate to the most, and where you feel the most comfortable. At the same time, members of the chapter are meeting you and other students going through recruitment. Chapters are looking at individuals who can contribute to their membership in terms of grades, activities, talents, and interests. It isn't a hard process and, once you're involved, you'll find you like it.

Contact Our Advisors

Sorority and Fraternity Life Unit of the Dean of Students Office

225 Bone Student Center Campus Box 2700 Normal, IL 61790-2700

(309) 438-3212

SororityFraternityLife@IllinoisState.edu https://deanofstudents.illinoisstate. edu/involvement/fraternal/

@ILSTUFSL

@ilstusfl

Sorority & Fraternity Life at Illinois State

Greek Alphabet

PUBLICATION OF

The Greek Councils of Illinois State