GUIDE TO
Fraternities and sororities have contributed to the UConn community for over 135 years. They challenge students to become better people and propel members to achieve more during their time in college and beyond. Fall 2019 Recruitment Events Fraternity & Sorority Life Info Session Wednesday, August 28th, 5:00pm, Student Union Theatre Fraternity & Sorority Life Expo Wednesday, August 28th, 6:00-7:30pm, Fairfield Way Involvement Fair Wednesday, September 4th, 2:00-7:00pm, Fairfield Way To learn more about all registered student organizations and Spring 2020 Recruitment Events, please visit our website, greeklife.uconn.edu for more details.
This guide was published based on information available as of August 2019. For current information and additional recruitment activities throughout the year, please visit: greeklife.uconn.edu. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram: @UConnFSL
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Why choose a fraternity or sorority?
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WE’RE HUGE!
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WE’RE INVOLVED!
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WE SERVE OTHERS!
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WE’RE FOREVER!
Our community has one of the highest participation rates among all of the organizations at UConn. In recent years, fraternity and sorority membership has doubled and there are more chapters than ever before. Today, we are roughly 13% of the student population!
Members are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and organizations. The more involved individuals were in their fraternity or sorority during college, the more they are involved in their community post-graduation.
WE’RE DIVERSE!
Despite popular misconception, fraternities and sororities represent the rich diversity of the campus population. Members come from all different backgrounds and walks of life.
WE’RE SMART!
Approximately 40% of fraternity and sorority members achieve above a 3.5 GPA each semester. Many more members are inducted each year into honor societies and make Dean’s list.
WE NETWORK!
Fraternity and sorority members have the opportunity to network through alumni for job assistance and advice, internship exposure and experience, and general direction when entering the workforce. The majority of fraternity and sorority members are employed full-time after graduation.
UConn fraternity and sorority members participate in countless hours of community service efforts and contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to charitable causes.
WE’RE WELL-ROUNDED!
Fraternity and sorority members are more likely than all other college graduates to thrive in each of the five elements of well-being (purpose, social, financial, community, and physical).
WE’RE LEADERS!
Members of our community are involved in a host of campus activities, are often the most visible campus leaders and are some of the most enthusiastic supporters of University events like Homecoming, HuskyTHON, and intramural sports. Many fraternity and sorority members are ambassadors, mentors, resident assistants, tour guides, and student government officers.
Affiliated students typically have greater school spirit and are more satisfied with their college experience. However, the fun does not stop there. Membership in a fraternity or sorority is for a lifetime and there are many opportunities to stay connected beyond graduation.
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The Four Pillars of Fraternity & Sorority Life The four pillars reflect the values that members of the UConn fraternity/sorority community work to emulate.
SCHOLARSHIP
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The dedication to intellectual growth and academic excellence is a vital aspect of fraternity and sorority membership at the University of Connecticut. Programming, incentives, recognition and support from peers help fraternity and sorority members meet the scholastic standards held by their chapters and the broader community.
LEADERSHIP
Developing leaders today is an important part of the sorority and fraternity experience. Taking the initiative to create positive innovative change while being accountable to the community through a commitment to making decisions with integrity, ethics, and authenticity rooted in personal and organizational values. There are many ways to be a leader in UConn’s fraternity and sorority community, including holding chapter or council officer positions, being involved with the Greek Community Affairs Board, and serving on a variety of committees.
CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship is an active commitment to advocacy, diversity, and inclusion within our local and global communities that is grounded in social justice. It is a sense of personal, political, and social responsibility which aids in establishing respect among people. Members are provided with opportunities to participate in hands-on volunteer work and put together fundraising events for charitable organizations. These opportunities ensure that fraternity and sorority members have an impact on their community and develop lifelong habits of giving back.
FELLOWSHIP
Joining a fraternity or sorority is about building lifelong relationships that extend beyond ordinary friendships. It is a shared interest among individuals rooted in trust, unity, compassion, and appreciation of differences. The bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that are formed within each organization provide members with a home away from home, networking opportunities, and a sense of community at a large university.
Interfraternity Council 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 council works to provide educational programming, leadership initiatives, and philanthropic and social events for fraternity members IFC fraternities recruit at the beginning of each semester and each fraternity hosts their own events for interested individuals. For more information and to register for IFC Recruitment, please visit: greeklife.uconn.edu/ifc Instagram: @UConnIFC
“MY GREEK LIFE EXPERIENCE HAS GIVEN ME THE ABILITY TO DEVELOP MY LEADERSHIP ABILITIES, MEET NEW PEOPLE, GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, AND GET INVOLVED WITH UCONN IN A WAY THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE IN ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION.”
Interested? Please attend IFC First Night, August 30, 2019
– PETAR EFREMOV, 2019 PRESIDENT, INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL
IFC CHAPTERS
Alpha Delta Phi
Chapter: Connecticut Chapter Founded: 1832 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: Special Olympics Symbol: Star and Crescent Colors: Emerald and Pearl Fall 2018 GPA: 3.069 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.093
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Chapter: Upsilon Kappa Founded: 1913 / Est. at UConn - 1956 Philanthropy: Make a Wish Foundation Symbol: Lion Colors: Blue and Gold Fall 2018 GPA: 3.202 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.204
Alpha Kappa Lambda
Chapter: Gamma Pi Founded: 1914 / Est. at UConn 2014 Philanthropy: Domestic Violence Awareness Symbol: Coat of Arms Colors: Purple and Gold Fall 2018 GPA: 2.973 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.072
Alpha Sigma Phi
Chapter: Gamma Gamma Founded: 1845 / Est. UConn 1943; 2015 Philanthropy: RAINN; Big Brothers Big Sisters Symbol: Phoenix Colors: Cardinal and Stone Fall 2018 GPA: 3.080 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.108
Beta Theta Pi
Chapter: Zeta Chi Founded: 1839 / Est. at UConn - 1999 Philanthropy: Holy Family Homeless Shelter Symbol: Dragon Colors: Delicate Shades of Pink and Blue Fall 2018 GPA: 3.396 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.352
Delta Tau Delta
Chapter: Crescent Colony Founded: 1858 / Est. At UConn 2017 Philanthropy: Juvenile Diabetes Research Colors: Royal Purple, White, and Yellow Gold Fall 2018 GPA: 3.420 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.342
Phi Delta Theta
Chapter: Connecticut Gamma Founded: 1848 / Est. at UConn - 2016 Philanthropy: ALS Association (Lou Gehrig Disease) Symbol: Sword and Shield Colors: Azure and Argent Fall 2018 GPA: 3.184 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.222
Phi Gamma Delta
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Chapter: Connecticut Alpha Founded: 1901 / Est. at UConn 1956; 2014 Philanthropy: Big Brothers Big Sisters Symbol: Skull and Crossbones Colors: Purple and Red Fall 2018 GPA: 3.429 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.484
Zeta Beta Tau
Chapter: Delta Beta Founded: 1898 / Est. at UConn - 2006 Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network Symbol: Diamond Colors: Medium Blue, White and Gold Fall 2018 GPA: 3.210 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.248
Chapter: Sigma Kappa Founded: 1848 / Est. at UConn - 2013 Philanthropy: Red Cross; USO Symbol: Black Diamond Color: Royal Purple Fall 2018 GPA: 3.274 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.118
Pi Kappa Phi
Chapter: Kappa Omicron Founded: 1904 / Est. at UConn – 2016 Philanthropy: The Ability Experience Symbol: Starshield Color: White, Gold and Royal Blue Fall 2018 GPA: 3.182 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.139
Sigma Alpha Mu
Chapter: Epsilon Nu Founded: 1909 / Est. at UConn – 2014 Philanthropy: Alzheimer’s Association Symbol: Octagon Colors: Purple and White Fall 2018 GPA: 3.232 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.077
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Intercultural Greek Council The Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) governs the culturally-based and multicultural fraternities and sororities at UConn. The council works to unify these organizations through educational and social programming. It also provides a variety of leadership opportunities for its members. Some of the events the council sponsors throughout the year include: the IGC banquet, Neo Night and Senior Night. 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: greeklife.uconn.edu/igc Instagram: @UConnIGC Interested? Please attend IGC/NPHC Showcase, September 5th, 2019
IGC CHAPTERS
Beta Chi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Chapter: Psi Founded: 1999/ Est. At UConn 2012 Philanthropy: Be the Change, Heart Disease Symbol: Rampant Lion Colors: Black, Silver, and White Scope: South Asian Interest Spring 2019 GPA: 2.794
Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Chapter: Alpha Epsilon Founded: 1998 / Est. at UConn - 2011 Philanthropy: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Symbol: Asiatic Lion Colors: Navy Blue and Silver Scope: South Asian Interest Fall 2018 GPA: 2.471 Spring 2019 GPA: 2.918
Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Chapter: Rho Founded: 1998 / Est. at UConn - 2016 Philanthropy: Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Symbol: Butterfly Colors: Navy Blue and Silver Scope: Asian Interest Fall 2018 GPA: 3.295
Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc.
“COMING TO COLLEGE, BEING A MEMBER OF A FRATERNITY WAS NOT SOMETHING I EVER DREAMED I WOULD DO. LET ALONE HOLD ANY LEADERSHIP POSITION. HOWEVER, SINCE JOINING FRESHMAN YEAR, THIS UNIVERSITY HAS STARTED TO FEEL LIKE MY SECOND HOME. IN JOINING THE INTERCULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL, I HAVE BEEN WELCOMED BY PEOPLE FROM SIMILAR BACKGROUNDS AND OTHERS THAT ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. MOST IMPORTANTLY, IT HAS GIVEN ME THE ABILITY TO GROW AS A PERSON. I NOW HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO DEVELOP INTO THE INDIVIDUAL THAT I ASPIRE TO BE AND ACHIEVE GOALS LONG AFTER MY UNDERGRADUATE CAREER ENDS.” – LUIS PAULINO, JR., FALL 2019 PRESIDENT, INTERCULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL
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Chapter: UConn Colony Founded: 1998 / Est. At Uconn Philanthropy: Literacy Through Unity Symbol: Bengal Tiger Colors: Red, Black, and Silver Scope: South Asian Interest Fall 2018 GPA: 3.572 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.277
Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc.
Chapter: Upsilon Colony Founded: 1998/ Est. At UConn - 2018 Philanthropy: Cancer Awareness & Research Symbol: Royal Bengal Tiger Colors: Greek, Black, and White Scope: South Asian Interest Spring 2019 GPA: 2.796
Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Chapter: Sigma Founded: 1995 / Est. at UConn - 2004 Philanthropy: CARE; Feeding Children Everywhere Symbol: Phoenix Colors: Scarlet Red, White and Heather Grey Scope: Asian Interest Fall 2018 GPA: 3.216 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.099
Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Chapter: Xi Founded: 1985 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: Sickle Cell Awareness Symbol: Andean Condor Colors: Red, Yellow, White and Black Fall 2018 GPA: 3.105 Spring 2019 GPA: 2.932
Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Inc.
Founded: 1981 / Est. at UConn 2017 Philanthropy: National Marrow Donor Program Symbol: Dragon Colors: Royal Blue and White Scope: Asian Fall 2018 GPA: 2.657 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.019
Sigma Lambda Upsilon/ Señoritas Latina Unidas Sorority, Inc. Chapter: Alpha Omicron Founded: 1987 / Est. at UConn - 2011; 2019 Philanthropy: Literacy Symbol: Black Persian Cat with Gold Eyes Colors: Red, Black, Silver, Gold Spring 2019 GPA: 3.332
Theta Delta Sigma Society, Inc. Chapter: Vortex Associate Chapter Founded: 2001 / Est. at UConn - 2015 Philanthropy: Disadvantaged Youth Symbol: Wolf, Paw Print Colors: Light and Night Blue Scope: Multicultural, Gender-Inclusive Fall 2018 GPA: 3.433 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.405
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
Chapter: Kappa Founded: 1975 / Est. at UConn - 1992 Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hole in Wall Gang Camp Symbol: Seashell, Lady on the Moon Colors: Burgundy and Grey Fall 2018 GPA: 3.051 Spring 2019 GPA: 2.935
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. Chapter: Lambda Founded: 1975 / Est. at UConn - 1991 Philanthropy: American Heart Asociation Symbol: Conquistador Colors: Brown and White Spring 2019 GPA: 2.360
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.
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 and Gold Spring 2019 GPA: 2.402
Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.
Founded: 1981 / Est. At UConn: 1999 Philanthropy: To Write Love on Her Arms Symbol: Amazon Woman Colors: Baby Blue and White Scope: Multicultural
Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Chapter: Omega Founded: 1994 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America Symbol: Dragon Colors: Red, White and Black Scope: Asian Interest Fall 2018 GPA: 2.712 Spring 2019 GPA: 2.837
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National Pan-Hellenic Council 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. All of the “Divine Nine” organizations have had a presence at UConn at some point over the past 40 years and five 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: greeklife.uconn.edu/nphc Instagram: @UConnNPHC Interested? Please attend IGC & NPHC Greek Showcase, September 5, 2019
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NPHC CHAPTERS Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Chapter: Kappa Delta Founded: 1906 / Est. at UConn - 1975 Philanthropy: Project Alpha Symbol: Great Sphinx of Giza Colors: Black and Old Gold Spring 2019 GPA: 2.734
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Chapter: Zeta Lambda Founded: 1914 / Est. at UConn 1974; 2014 Philanthropy: March of Dimes Symbol: Dove Colors: Royal Blue and Pure White Fall 2018 GPA: 3.154 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.175
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Chapter: Nu Mu Founded: 1922 / Est. at UConn - 1993; 2018 Philanthropy: Project Reassurance Symbol: Poodle Colors: Royal Blue and Gold Fall 2018 GPA: 3.248 Spring 2019 GPA: 2.965
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
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 Fall 2018 GPA: 2.708 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.252
“BEING A PART OF FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE WAS NEVER SOMETHING THAT CROSSED MY MIND PRE-COLLEGE. WHENEVER I WOULD SEE GREEK LETTERS, OR HEAR ABOUT FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES, IN SOME FORM, I WOULD IMMEDIATELY ASSOCIATE IT WITH MOVIES LIKE ‘AMERICAN PIE.’ DISCOVERING MY ORGANIZATION, PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC., AND COUNCIL, NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL, I’VE REALIZED IT’S MORE THAN WHAT I’VE SEEN. IT’S A COLLECTIVE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WHOM I IDENTIFY WITH AND HAVE THE LIKE-MINDEDNESS TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY. AS NPHC PRESIDENT, I WANT TO CHANGE THE STATUS QUO OF THOSE MISCONCEPTIONS I ONCE HAD AND SPREAD AWARENESS OF WHAT OUR ORGANIZATIONS TRULY REPRESENT.” – NICHOLAS FURLOW, FALL 2019 PRESIDENT, NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL
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Panhellenic Council Ultimately, Panhellenic works to unite chapters, enhance the sorority experience, strengthen values and establish common goals among members. The council is charged with developing leadership opportunities, educational events, social interactions, community service and philanthropic events and advocacy for Panhellenic sororities. For more information, please visit: greeklife.uconn.edu/ucpc Instagram: @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 council’s 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: greeklife.uconn.edu/panhellenic-recruitment Interested? Please attend: Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation, August 29, 2019
PANHELLENIC CHAPTERS Alpha Chi Omega
Chapter: Kappa Tau Founded: 1885 / Est. at UConn – 2014 Philanthropy: Domestic Violence Awareness Symbol: Golden Lyre Colors: Scarlet Red and Olive Green Fall 2018 GPA: 3.454 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.482
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 Fall 2018 GPA: 3.395 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.431
Alpha Omicron Pi
Chapter: Lambda Lambda Founded: 1909 / Est. at UConn 2017 Philanthropy: Arthritus Research and Education Symbol: Sheaf Color: Cardinal Fall 2018 GPA: 3.176 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.321
Alpha Phi
Chapter: Iota Lambda Founded: 1872 / Est. at UConn - 2008 Philanthropy: Cardiac Care and Research Symbol: Ivy Leaf Colors: Silver and Bordeaux Fall 2018 GPA: 3.466 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.520
Delta Zeta
Chapter: Gamma Beta Founded: 1902 / Est. at UConn – 1943; 2017 Philanthropy: Speech & Hearing Symbol: Roman Lamp Colors: Rose and Green Fall 2018 GPA: 3.395 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.431
Gamma Phi Beta
Chapter: Eta Theta Founded: 1874 / Est. at UConn – 2012 Philanthropy: Building Strong Girls Symbol: Crescent Moon Colors: Light and Dark Brow Fall 2018 GPA: 3.414 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.508
Kappa Alpha Theta
Chapter: Gamma Zeta Founded: 1870 / Est. at UConn – 1942 Philanthropy: Court Appointed Special Advocates Symbol: Kite Colors: Black and Gold Fall 2018 GPA: 3.501 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.523
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Phi Sigma Rho*
Chapter: Theta Founded: 1984/Est. At UConn-2001 Philanthropy: Girl Scouts of America and American Cancer Society Symbol: Pyramid and the Star Colors: Wine Red and Silver Fall 2018 GPA: 3.407 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.481 * Phi Sigma Rho, the Engineering Social Sorority, does not participate in the Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment process
Pi Beta Phi
Chapter: Connecticut Alpha Founded: 1867 / Est. at UConn - 1943 Philanthropy: Literacy; Read. Lead. Achieve. Champions are Readers Symbol: Arrow Colors: Wine and Silver Blue Fall 2018 GPA: 3.360 Spring 2019 GPA: 3.435
“WHEN YOU JOIN A GREEK-LETTERED ORGANIZATION, YOU NOT ONLY GAIN BROTHERS AND SISTERS, BUT AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT. AT UCONN, OUR GREEK COMMUNITY IS DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE TO ALL. NO MATTER WHAT LETTERS WE MAY WEAR, WE COME TOGETHER TO SHARE THE VALUES OF SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, SISTERHOOD AND BROTHERHOOD. THE BEST DECISION I MADE IN MY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE WAS JOINING MY ORGANIZATION. IN JUST A SHORT WEEKEND, NOT ONLY DID I GAIN 100 SISTERS… I BECAME PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN MYSELF. THROUGH MY ORGANIZATION AND THE PANHELLENIC COUNCIL, I HAVE HAD VALUABLE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES THAT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF MY SISTERS. WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY, THERE ARE SO MANY ROLE MODELS TO LOOK UP TO THAT ARE INVOLVED IN COUNTLESS DIFFERENT FACETS OF THE UCONN COMMUNITY. OUR COMMITMENT TO PHILANTHROPY IS ONE THING I ADMIRE MOST BECAUSE IN BETWEEN ACADEMICS AND EVENTS OUR ORGANIZATIONS PUT ON, OUR MEMBERS STILL PRIORITIZE TIME TO GIVE BACK. THE PANHELLENIC COUNCIL COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT CIRCLE OF SISTERHOOD, RAISING FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO REMOVE EDUCATIONAL BARRIERS FOR WOMEN FACING POVERTY AND OPPRESSION AROUND THE WORLD. IN MAY OF 2020, 15 PANHELLENIC WOMEN WILL BE TRAVELING TO MALAWI, AFRICA TO BUILD A SCHOOL THROUGH CIRCLE OF SISTERHOOD. I AM SO PROUD TO BE A PANHELLENIC WOMAN AND AM LUCKY TO BE SURROUNDED BY SUCH INSPIRING SISTERS.” – ASHLEY YOUNG, 2019 PRESIDENT, PANHELLENIC COUNCIL
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Involvement Opportunities GREEKS AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT GASA is a program, in collaboration with the Women’s Center, for selected fraternity and sorority members to come together to discuss issues of gender, sexuality, violence, and privilege in a safe space. The mission of GASA is to analyze and understand how rape culture manifests and to work toward creating a safer campus environment for all.
GREEK COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BOARD GCAB exists to promote a spirit of cooperation among members of the fraternity and sorority community and to provide programs aligned with the shared values of citizenship (responsibility and service), friendship, leadership, and scholarship. Throughout the year, GCAB hosts events like Greek Week, Hazing Prevention Week, and Ritual Celebration Week. Any student with an interest in enhancing the Greek experience through purposeful programs is welcome to join.
GREEK INTERVARSITY Greek InterVarsity is an interdenominational campus ministry that fosters a supportive community for fraternity and sorority members to connect through faith. Students can participate in religious study, conferences, retreats, social gatherings, and an annual spring break trip (ServUp).
HUSKYTHON HuskyTHON Dance Marathon is UConn’s largest annual philanthropic event. Each 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, part of the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). In 2019, HuskyTHON raised over 1.3 million dollars for the kids of Connecticut Children’s. It is the largest student led philanthropy in the state and in the top 10 most successful dance marathons in the nation.
JEWS IN GREEK LIFE Jews in Greek Life (JIGL) is a committee sponsored by Hillel that organizes social, religious, and community service programs for all fraternity and sorority members. JIGL brings Jewish culture and connection directly to Greek students and works with Greek alumni to speak to current students on leadership, activism, career development, and issues impacting the Jewish community.
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Recognition GAMMA SIGMA ALPHA Gamma Sigma Alpha is the national Greek academic honor society. Senior Fraternity and sorority members are eligible for membership if they have excelled in academics and have earned at least a 3.5 GPA during their junior or senior year.
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.
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 sorority members to join this honor society.
ARÊTE AWARDS Each year, the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Development recognizes chapters and individual members of the community for their outstanding performance and positive contributions.
Fraternity and Sorority Housing HUSKY VILLAGE Consistent with providing quality residential living options for students, the University of Connecticut built and manages housing for fraternities and sororities. Located near the north entrance of campus, Husky Village is home to 12 chapters and 300 fraternity and sorority members. Each house has a kitchen, chapter office, common living room, central air, and a spiraling front staircase that leads up to two more floors of bedrooms and baths. Each chapter has decorated their housing unit to provide a unique and personalized dĂŠcor. The lit outdoor volleyball and basketball courts provide for numerous hours of community recreational enjoyment.
2019 ArĂŞte Awards Winners CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AWARDS Excellence in Academic Achievement Kappa Alpha Theta Excellence in Recruitment & Retention Theta Delta Sigma Excellence in Community Impact Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Excellence in Community Impact Pi Kappa Phi Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Delta Phi Lambda Excellence in External Relations Lambda Theta Alpha Excellence in Leadership Lambda Alpha Upsilon Excellence in Member Development Kappa Alpha Theta Excellence in Ritual & Values Phi Sigma Rho Excellence in Wellness & Safety Lambda Theta Alpha Excellence in Chapter Operations Zeta Phi Beta Most Improved Chapter Alpha Omicron Pi
Chapter of the Year (Fraternity) Alpha Kappa Lambda
Living the Ritual Jessica Howe, Alpha Omicron Pi
Chapter of the Year (Sorority) Delta Phi Lambda
Outstanding Chapter Advisor Kathryn Wojcik, Beta Theta Pi
Lindsay L. Sell Outstanding Panhellenic Woman Award Victoria DeTrolio, Alpha Phi
Outstanding Greek Senior (Sorority) Janet Zheng, Delta Phi Lambda
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL AWARDS Outstanding Chapter President (NPHC) Paris Pruitt, Zeta Phi Beta Outstanding Chapter President (IGC) Jomarys Morales, Lambda Theta Alpha Outstanding Chapter President (IFC) William Murtagh, Alpha Kappa Lambda
Outstanding Greek Senior (Fraternity) Ryan Padden, Beta Theta Pi Outstanding Council Officer Daniel Hamula, Alpha Delta Phi Greek of the Year (Fraternity) Jordan Hatten, Phi Beta Sigma Greek of the Year (Sorority) Alexandra Drummond, Kappa Alpha Theta
Outstanding Chapter President (UCPC) Riley Blumenfield, Phi Sigma Rho Outstanding Scholar Brianna Mancuso, Phi Sigma Rho Outstanding Greek Alumnus/a Angela Villella, Delta Phi Lambda Emerging Fraternity Leader Daniel Schwartzman, Alpha Sigma Phi Emerging Sorority Leader Karina Zhao, Delta Phi Lambda Outstanding Greek Volunteer Josie McCormick, Delta Phi Lambda
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Frequently Asked Questions WILL JOINING A FRATERNITY OR SORORITY ADVERSELY AFFECT MY GRADES? Membership at UConn offers students access to a variety of resources to that can assist them in their academic endeavors. Many chapters have academic programs that may include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. A member can also access the network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, the Writing Center, the Quantitative Learning Center and academic advisors. Nothing, however, can take the place of a disciplined and academically-focused student to ensure success in college.
HOW MUCH TIMES 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. These programs provide an opportunity to learn about the history of the organization and develop friendships among the new member class as well as the rest of the chapter. Generally, each chapter has a weekly chapter meeting and hosts other events (philanthropic, service, social, and initiation) that are generally planned well in advance.
AREN’T FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES EXPENSIVE? Joining a fraternity or sorority involves 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 a membership badge is often purchased. Some organizations offer payment plans in order to help spread the cost over several smaller payments. More specific financial information can be determined through talking with each chapter individually.
DO I HAVE TO BE OF A SPECIFIC ETHNICITY TO JOIN A CULTURALLY-BASED (IGC/NPHC) ORGANIZATION? Though the organizations within the IGC and NPHC may have a cultural emphasis or interest, membership is open to all students regardless of ethnicity. Students who value cultural awareness and community service are encouraged to consider IGC and NPHC member organizations.
WHAT ARE THE 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 Fraternity and Sorority 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, ad- mission 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.” - Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code (Part III.B.6.)
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Fraternity and Sorority Glossary ACTIVE MEMBER
MEMBERSHIP INTAKE
A fully initiated, lifelong fraternity or sorority member who is active at the collegiate level.
The process for some culturally-based fraternities and sororities to bring in new members.
ALUMNA/ALUMNUS
NEOPHYTE
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.
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)
CHAPTER
A college woman who is participating in the Panhellenic recruitment process.
COLONY
The IFC/Panhellenic process through which students become members of fraternities and sororities.
A local group at an individual campus of the larger inter/national organization, designated by a special name. 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.
RECRUITMENT
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.
Greek Alphabet
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