WelcometotheUniversityofRochesterandgreetingsfromFraternityand Sorority Affairs! As the Assistant Director of FSA and Advisor of the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), I'm thrilled to welcome you to our campuscommunity.
Startingcollegeisaexcitingadventure,andwe'reheretoensureyoufeel rightathome.OurMGCfraternitiesandsororitiescelebratediversityand culturalheritage,offeringyouaplacetoconnectwithlike-mindedpeers whoshareyourvaluesandbackground
Theseorganizationsgobeyondfriendship;theyprovideopportunitiesfor leadership,communityservice,andpersonalandprofessionalgrowth.By joining an MGC organization, you'll be part of a vibrant community that fostersunityandcelebratesindividuality.Whetheryou'rereadytoexplore MGCoruncertainaboutwheretobegin,weareheretosupportyou.
Again, welcome to the University of Rochester! Your journey here is abouttounfold,andwe'reexcitedtobeapartofit.
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) was established in the 1999-2000 academic year Each member organization of the MGChasaspecificculturalbasisorisfocusedonmulticultural idealsandinterests Whilecultureandidentityareimportantto everyMGCorganization,noneareculturallyexclusive
The organizations in MGC fall into four national umbrella groups:
NationalPan-HellenicCouncil
To learn more about joining NPHC organizations, visit FSA'swebsiteandwatchIntroductiontoBlackGreekdom rochesteredu/college/fsa/students/mgchtml
NationalAPIDAPanhellenicAssociation
NationalAssociationofLatinoFraternalOrganizations
NationalMulticulturalGreekCouncil
FollowMGConInstagram:ur_mgc
Fraternal organizations started as literary societies and have evolved into national and international organizations that provide academic support, personal and professional development, community service and philanthropy, and provide a supportive network for members. While fraternities and sororities share many commonalities,thereareafewthingsthatsetthemapart.
Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations. This means that the mission and purpose is grounded in a set of core values Organizational programs and initiatives are aligned with these values. Members who join these organizations aspire to live throughtheirvaluesonadailybasis.
Fraternityandsororitymembersbenefitfromthenetworktheyhave intheirchapterandthemoreextensiveorganizationalnetwork.Asa memberofanorganization,youcanexpandyournetworkamongst alumni/alumnae of the chapter, the network of the national or international organization members, and even members of other Greek-letterorganizations.
Upon initiation into a fraternity or sorority, you become a member forlife.Yourlifetimemembershipmeansyouarejoiningsomething bigger than yourself while also enjoying the privileges and opportunitiesaffordedtoyoubysuchorganizations.
As with all students at the University of Rochester, academic excellence remains a top priority of MGC organizations. All organizations have a minimum GPA requirement to join and remainactive FraternityandSororityAffairs(FSA)partnerswith the College Center for Advising Services (CCAS) to provide additionalsupportandresourcestochapters.
Being part of a fraternity or sorority challenges you to step outsideyourcomfortzoneandtakeonnewresponsibilities.This can lead to personal growth in areas such as time management, communication skills, and conflict resolution. Members of MGC organizations are actively engaged in leadership roles. Members have the opportunity to develop as leaders and learn skills through various positions These experiences can enhance your leadership and professional skillswhicharevaluablebothduringandaftercollege.
Fraternities and sororities have alumni networks that can provide valuable connections within your field. These networks can offer mentorship, internship opportunities, and even potentialjobprospectsaftergraduation.MembersofMGCalso benefitfromtherelationshipsbuiltwithmembersfromdifferent organizations.
MGC organizations often have a strong cultural or ethnic identity, providing members with a sense of belonging and connection to their heritage. Chapters empower members to embracetheirculturalheritageandidentities,fosteringasense of pride and confidence. These organizations celebrate diversity and foster a community that shares a common cultural background, promoting a sense of unity and understanding.
FoundedDecember4,1906,atCornellUniversity
Chapter:MuSigmaChapter,establishedJanuary22,1977
Motto:"Firstofall,Servantsofall–Weshalltranscendall"
Colors:BlackandOldGold
Philanthropy: A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Project Alpha, Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant andBall
Nickname(s):Alphas
AlphaPhiAlphaFraternity,Inc.developsleaders,promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing serviceandadvocacyforourcommunities.
musigmaalphas
musigmaalphas@gmail.com
FoundedJanuary15,1908,atHowardUniversity
Chapter:OmicronBetaChapter,establishedMay31,1986
Motto:"ByCultureandByMerit"
Colors:SalmonPinkandAppleGreen
Flower:PinkTeaRose
Nickname(s):AKA
AlphaKappaAlphaSorority,Incorporated®wasfoundedona missionoffivebasictenetsthathaveremainedunchangedsince thesorority’sinception.Ourmissionis
tocultivateandencouragehighscholasticandethicalstandards, topromoteunityandfriendshipamongcollegewomen, tostudyandhelpalleviateproblemsconcerninggirlsandwomenin ordertoimprovetheirsocialstature, tomaintainaprogressiveinterestincollegelife, andtobeof“ServicetoAllMankind.”
FoundedJanuary5,1911,atIndianaUniversity
Chapter:XiEpsilonChapter,establishedDecember7,1991
Motto:"AchievementinEveryFieldofHumanEndeavor"
Colors:CrimsonandCream
Nickname(s):Kappas,Nupes
TheobjectivesofKappaAlphaPsiare:
Tounitecollegemenofculture,patriotismandhonorina bondoffraternity
To encourage honorable achievement in every field of humanendeavor
To promote the spiritual, social, intellectual, and moral welfareofmembers
Toassisttheaimsandpurposeofcollegesanduniversities Toinspireserviceinthepublicinterest
FoundedJanuary13,1913,atHowardUniversity
Chapter:PiBetaChapter,establishedApril7,1984
Motto:"IntelligenceistheTorchofWisdom"
Colors:CrimsonandCream
Flower:AfricanViolet
Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, EducationalDevelopment,InternationalAwareness&Involvement, PhysicalandMentalHealth,PoliticalAwareness&Involvement
Nickname(s):Deltas
DeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Incorporatedisanorganizationofcollege educatedwomencommittedtotheconstructivedevelopmentofits membersandtopublicservicewithaprimaryfocusontheBlack community. The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta envisioned an organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and addressingthesocialissuesofthetime.
FoundedDecember26,1931atRensselaerPolytechnicInstitute
Chapter:PiChapter,establishedApril21,1996
Motto:"SemperParati,SemperJuncti"
Colors:Red,White,NavyBlue,andGold
Philanthropy:UNICEF
Nickname(s):Phiota
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity is committed to the development of professional leaders through shared experiences and fostered lifelong brotherhood. These men continuously promote the ideals of Pan-Americanism via intellectual dialogue, cultural awareness,andcommunityservice. rochesterphiotas pi@phiota.org
FoundedApril5,1979atRutgersUniversity,NewBrunswick
Chapter:DeiConsentesChapter,establishedApril20,2020
Motto:"LatinosSiempreUnidos"
Colors:BabyBlueandWhite
Nickname(s):TheUpsilons,L-S-U
We,thebrothersofLambdaSigmaUpsilonLatinoFraternity,Inc.strongly believethatmanyindividualsandcollectivesuccessescanbeachieved throughtheeffortsofaculturallydiversebrotherhoodofcollegeand universitymen,who,throughcloseassociationwitheachother,maintain honesty,commitment,respect,andtrust Themaintenanceofthese qualitiesisnurtured,inlargepart,throughthediversityofourcultures andthroughself-awarenessandself-respectAmongtheseresultsof actionstakeninthesestatesofbeingarethepromotionoffriendship and brotherhood, the development of individual character, the advancement of justice and opportunity and the acquisition of soundnessandexcellenceineducation.
FoundedNovember21,1981atRutgersUniversity,NewBrunswick
Chapter:DianaiaChapter,establishedMarch31,2018
Motto:"MujeresSiempreUnidas(WomenAlwaysUnited)"
Colors:BabyBlueandWhite
Nickname(s):SophisticatedLadiesofMSU,orTheMUs
Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated, strives to set forth positive image of all women and promote cultural awareness through a sorority in which sisters of every nationality, race, creed, and religion come together in one name to achieve academic excellence, unity among all women, and active participationinouruniversitiesandcommunities.
dianaia _ msu
dianaia@chapters.msu1981.org
FoundedFebruary19,1982atCornellUniversity
Chapter:OmegaChapter,establishedMay3,1997
Motto:"LaUnidadparaSiempre"
Colors:Brown,Gold,Red,andWhite
Nickname(s):L-U-L
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated primarily seeks to take a leadership role inmeetingtheneedsoftheLatinocommunitythrough academic achievement, cultural awareness, community service, and promotion of the Latino cultureandpeople.
AboutFoundedMarch23,1994,atUniversityatAlbany,SUNY
Chapter:IotaChapter,establishedDecember1,2000
Motto:"LeadfromtheFront"
Colors:RedandGold
Flower:YellowRosewithBaby'sBreath
Philanthropy:Combattingviolenceagainstwomxn
Nickname(s):SYZ,Sigmas
Our members are recognized not only as leaders, but as womxnwhoarewillingtobethefirst.SigmaSYZtersarestrong andindependentwomxnwhoarewillingtobeonthecutting edgeofinnovationandchangeinGreeklife.Thegoalofour organization is to provide a means for young womxn, particularlywomxnofcolor,togrowanddevelopwell-rounded skillsandambitionsforlifeaftercollege.
IotaChapterofSigmaPsiZetaSorority,Inc.
“Myfirstspringsemester,IfeltIwasmissingoutontheopportunitytogrowreal-life skills and connections in a welcoming and safe environment I found that with my sorority and MGC Through my time spent with SYZ, I have learned valuable leadership skills I have gotten the chance to meet so many like-minded people who have changed me for the better The system of Multicultural Greek Life has reallytaughtmeandallowedmetoexpressmyidentityandculture Itrulybelieve MGC and their rich history allow for the creation of shared experiences within the oftenloominganddistressingenvironmentofaPWI”
XiEpsilonChapterofKappaAlphaPsiFraternity,Inc.
“I became a part of MGC with the goal of reshaping the perception of Greek Life in college and contributing to the organization’s expansion
The cultural diversity and rich history brought by our MGC organizations enhances the social journey of minorities at PWIs throughouttheircollegeyears”
DianaiaChapterofMuSigmaUpsilonMulticulturalSorority,Inc.
“MGC is the best way to meet new people and create a familyawayfromhome.Ilearnedsomanyleadershipskills and things about myself. Overall, I know I helped the Rochester community through my involvement in the MulticulturalGreekCouncil.”
StephaunWard'19
MuSigmaChapterofAlphaPhiAlphaFraternity,Inc.
"Being a part of the Greek community meant fostering an environment for others to grow professionally, socially, and instinctively In that way, it taught me discipline, empathy, and the importance of community which I have used in my professionalandpersonallifetoachievesuccess."
Each organization has its own requirements and expectations for members At an interest meeting, you will learn more about the specifics of the organization that you are interested in joining Below is some general information about membership eligibility, recommendations, and general estimates of time commitmentandfinancialobligations
AttheUniversityofRochester,first-yearstudentsareeligibletojoinafraternityorsororityin the spring semester. Some organizations will want students to have a full year at the universitybeforejoiningtoensurethattheyareacclimatedtocollege.Althoughyouhaveto wait to join, now is a great time to start attending events and getting to know the various organizationsoncampus.
Most organizations maintain a minimum GPA requirement between 25 and 28 Once you areinterestedinanorganization,findoutwhattheirrequirementis SomeMGCorganizations will also want to see your commitment to community service A great way to start volunteeringisbyattendingchapters'communityserviceevents
Membershipintakeornewmembereducationcanrangefrom4-8weeksdependingonthe organization During this time, you will learn more about the national organization's history, purpose, the local chapter, and other things the national organization expects its members toknow Asacandidatejoininganorganization,youmayspendanestimated4-6hoursper week Once you are initiated, your time commitment will be dependent on the leadership positionorresponsibilitiesyouhavewiththechapter
Dues cover national fees for materials, programming, insurance, and expenses at the campuslevel.Eachindividualfraternity/sororitysetsandcollectsitsownmembershipdues.
As you research organizations, be sure to ask about associated costs. Some organizations may set higher new member fees and lower active member dues, while some may have moreconsistentcoststhroughoutyourundergraduatemembership.
Ex.1:Newmemberdues$1,200-1,800range;Activememberdues<$100persemester
Ex.2:Newmemberdues$350-500range;Activememberdues$150-250persemester
EachMGCorganizationhasanindependentanduniquemembershipselectionprocess.Tryto find a fraternity or sorority that reflects the values, goals, and objectives that are most fitting with your own. Attend events for the chapter you are interested in and get to know the members.Chapterswillhostaninformationalsessionorinterestmeetingwhereyoucanlearn abouttheirrequirementstojoin.
BeginbyresearchingtheMGCorganizationsthatarerecognizedattheUniversityofRochester. Looking through this booklet is a great start to learning basic information, but you should also look into the national website and social media of an organization to learn more. You should learn more about the organization's history, values, and mission/purpose as well as their philanthropicandserviceeffortslocallyandnationally.
If you are interested in an organization that doesn't currently have members on campus, connect with our advisor, jay skye (jay.skye@rochester.edu), to learn how to bring an organizationbacktocampusorestablishanewchapter.
EngageinconversationswithmembersoftheMGCchaptersyou'reinterestedin.Attendevents they host, follow their social media accounts, and get involved in their activities. This will help you understand the dynamics of the organization and whether it aligns with your values and interests. This will also build your connections on campus and help you build your network whetheryoudecidetojoinornot.Ifyouaren'tsurewheretostart,tryattendingeventslikethe Fraternity&SororityInterestSessionoraMeettheGreekseventhostedbyMGC.
Once you ' ve identified a fraternity or sorority that resonates with you, express your interest in joining.Youcanreachoutthroughemail,socialmedia,orbyattendingtheirevents.Introduce yourself, share your interest in the organization, and inquire about upcoming events or meetings.Beprofessionalinyourcommunicationwiththechaptertoensureyoumakeagood impression.
These sessions are typically called an Interest Meeting, Closed Informational, or Rush dependingontheorganization.Thesemeetingsaremeanttoprovidepotentialnewmembers withdeeperinsightsintotheorganization'shistory,values,andmembershipprocess.Attending this meeting is typically required as it helps candidates understand the expectations and requirementsforjoining.
Remember that expressing interest is just the beginning of the process. It's important to be genuine,respectful,andeagertolearnabouttheorganization.Thestepsthatfollowwillinvolve deeperengagementwiththechapter,participationintheiractivities,andapotentialinvitation toformallyjointheorganization'smembershipintakeornewmembereducationprocess.Keep an open mind and ask questions to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with yourpersonalandacademicgoals.