Fraternity and Sorority Life at UT Arlington

BE YOU. WITH US.

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S AT A R L I N G T O N

LIVE LIFE

LOUDER

Open book, shut book. Sleep.

Class. Open book, shut book. Sleep. Class. Repeat.

This is your college experience on autopilot, turned down to low. It’s background noise. But you don’t want a background noise kind of life. Fraternity and Sorority Life at The University of Texas at Arlington offers students a way to get engaged, involved, and connected to the full college experience. It’s life turned

“organization that does positive I wanted to be part of an

things for the community and find a group of brothers that would lift

up to 11 and rendered more vibrant and dynamic. Membership in a Greek organization helps you get everything

each other up and hold each other

you can from UT Arlington while

accountable. I've found that and

you’re here, and it prepares you for

more. I've developed my leadership and communication skills, found a great group of friends, and I'm more than prepared for everything the

”

future holds.

- Daniel Leichman, Advertising Alpha Phi Alpha

what the real world has to offer when you graduate.

GO ABOVE

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

You’ve got high hopes

Approximately 85% of the top executives in Fortune 500 companies are fraternity and sorority members.

t

AND BEYOND

t

U.S. government studies show that 71% of fraternity and sorority members graduate, while 50% of non-members graduate.

and big plans for

t

71% of those listed in Who’s Who in America are in a fraternity and sorority.

an amazing college

t

80% of the Supreme Court Justices since 1800 have been fraternity or sorority members.

experience. We can deliver. Fraternity and Sorority Life at UT Arlington offers a network of friends, support and stability, and a set of guiding values that will help you be the best version of you while you’re having the greatest time ever.

Build your Network

have Fun

Connect with people in your chapter, the fraternity and sorority community, and alumni. These invaluable connections will serve you well as you set about landing your first post-college job.

Want to fill up your social schedule? Join a fraternity or sorority and you’ll have access to more social events than you’ll ever be able to attend.

Learn to lead With many opportunities to develop your leadership abilities, you’ll sharpen the skills that any potential employer seeks. Whether you’re holding an officer position in your chapter, heading up a volunteer event, or coordinating a community-wide activity, it’s definitely great résumé material.

join a community Fraternity and sorority membership provides an easy way to meet people, make friends, and join a community of more than 900 students at UT Arlington. Membership is for a lifetime, so you will always have sisters or brothers to rely on.

advancing TRADITION AND HONOR:

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE TODAY Since the first social fraternal organization was

and sororities as well as other culturally based

formed more than 230 years ago, a lot has changed

organizations. In more recent times, there

within the fraternity and sorority system. Now

has been a strong emergence of Greek letter

fraternities and sororities can be found in more than

organizations for members of the gay, lesbian,

800 colleges and universities across the country.

bisexual, and transgender community.

Along the way, the Greek system has grown to include traditionally African-American fraternities

SOMETHING to

Leadership Fraternity and sorority membership presents great opportunities for developing leadership skills and applying these skills in practical situations. Fraternities and sororities not only provide training on the principles of leadership, they are laboratories in which these principles can be tested. Each chapter is selfgoverned and offers its members the opportunity to maximize their leadership potential through chapter participation and campus involvement.

STAND FOR Fraternities and sororities are values-

driven groups that bring

brotherhood/sisterhood Each chapter is founded on the bonds of friendship, and chapter members consider their sisters or brothers family. These bonds are the foundation of the fraternity and sorority experience. And when each unique chapter comes together to form a larger fraternity and sorority community, members become part of a diverse, wellrounded group of individuals that strengthen the ideals of brotherhood and sisterhood.

out the best in their members. Each group has its own unique values and ritual that bond members together. Members are called to live according to tenets established by each organization. At UT Arlington, Greek groups generally focus on the following pillars.

academics Like any other student, fraternity and sorority students strive to graduate and achieve academic success. The fraternity and sorority community as a whole consistently exceeds the all-University grade point average.

community service and Philanthropy One of the most gratifying aspects of fraternity and sorority life is the satisfaction that comes with community service. Participation in service projects builds character through the realization of the needs of others. The fraternity and sorority community raised more than $50,000 and provided nearly 7,000 hours of community service to local and national non-profit organizations over the last three years.

getting involved Many fond college memories are formed through social interaction within the fraternity and sorority community. For many, the most important component of fraternity and sorority membership is the lifelong friendship. Social activities include chapter retreats, fraternity and sorority socials, all-fraternity/sorority events, and formal dances.

Most groups also participate in intramurals, including flag football, basketball, soccer, softball, and other sports, as well as campus traditions like Oozeball and Bed Races.

WE’VE GOT IT ALL:

FRATERNITY and SORORITY LIFE AT UT ARLINGTON

HAZING AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Hundred of years of history and tradition meet a dynamic and diverse student body at UT Arlington. The fraternity and sorority community is composed of more than 30 national and local organizations with four governing councils. At almost three percent of the student population, our Greek students are some of the most prominent and active figures on campus. They’re among the loudest supporters at spirit events. They’re leaders everywhere. And some of our best and brightest Mavericks claim a fraternity or sorority as home.

Do More The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office plans and presents several programs and events every semester for the fraternity and sorority community. In addition to educational programs, the office provides opportunities to network and learn from one another with social and athletic endeavors.

It is a time to celebrate being Greek and show chapter pride with the entire UT Arlington fraternal community.

Events have included fashion shows, field days, dance competitions, breakfasts for the deans and staff at the University, baseball tailgates, and service projects.

Individual Greek organizations also will plan and present several programs and events of their own. These gatherings are usually open to the general University community, although the groups host members-only events as well.

Other signature activities include National Hazing Prevention Week, which brings attention to and combats the national problem of hazing; Greek 101, a program designed to acclimate new members to Greek life; Greek 201, a program that brings the Greek community together to discuss an important risk management topic; and Emerging Leaders, a program that brings future community leaders together to help them network and develop leadership skills.

A highlight of fraternity and sorority activities is Greek Week. Each spring, the Greek community holds a week of competitive, philanthropic, and social events that are coordinated and planned by undergraduate student leaders.

greek housing Currently nine organizations have a house on Greek Row Drive. It is not mandatory to live in a fraternity or sorority house at UT Arlington; however, living with your fraternity brothers or sorority sisters enhances your college experience and provides a convenient, economical, and enjoyable way to develop memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Many chapter members choose to live together in on- and off-campus apartments.

Every national fraternity and sorority represented at UT Arlington has denounced and forbidden hazing. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is committed to creating a community that fosters a culture of care and concern for all members of campus.

The Greek community is expected to uphold University policies and successfully manage risk according to their national risk management policies. Fraternity and Sorority Life staff are available to assist. For more information on UT Arlington’s policy on hazing, visit uta.edu/antihazing.

Family connections Your family just got a lot bigger.

Active fraternities and sororities on campus are affiliated with one of the four governing Greek councils. These councils are the campus representatives for their

t College Panhellenic

respective national affiliations.

The first Panhellenic sorority was founded at UT Arlington in 1967. The sororities in this council belong to the National Panhellenic Conference.

For a complete list of active organizations and chapter websites, visit uta.edu/fsl.

UT Arlington Chapters

t Interfraternity Council

Most of the fraternities within the Interfraternity Council (IFC) belong to the North American Interfraternity Conference.

The first chapter in the IFC was founded at UT Arlington in 1967. For a complete list of active organizations and chapter websites, visit uta.edu/fsl.

Alpha Chi Omega

Delta Zeta

Epsilon Lambda Chapter

Iota Psi Chapter

Delta Delta Delta

Zeta Tau Alpha

Beta Epsilon Chapter

Zeta Sigma Chapter

UT Arlington Chapters

Alpha Tau Omega

Pi Kappa Alpha

Kappa Alpha Chapter

Eta Upsilon Chapter

“out of my shell and introduced me to

Beta Theta Pi

Pi Kappa Phi

Delta Rho Chapter

Delta Psi Chapter

everything campus life has to offer.

Delta Upsilon

Sigma Chi

Arlington Chapter

Theta Kappa Chapter

These days I’m volunteering to help

Kappa Alpha Order

Sigma Lambda Beta

raise domestic violence awareness,

UT Arlington Provisionary Chapter

Chi Alpha Chapter

developing my leadership skills, and

Kappa Sigma

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Theta Omega Colony Chapter

Texas Kappa Chapter

Joining a sorority helped bring me

making best friends who will be with me for a lifetime.

”

- Mikayla Bruer, Nursing Alpha Chi Omega

Phi Delta Theta Texas Kappa Chapter

t Multicultural Greek Council

life has made me a part “of Greek something bigger than myself.

My sorority has given me a voice, allowed me to show my strengths, and given my collegiate life a sense of purpose that I will take with me

�

after I graduate.

- Brianna Santana, Kinesiology Sigma Lambda Gamma

Most of the fraternities and sororities in this council are considered culturally based organizations. For a complete list of active organizations and chapter websites, visit uta.edu/fsl.

UT Arlington Chapters

Delta Alpha Omega Fraternity Alpha Chapter

Delta Alpha Sigma Sorority Alpha Chapter

Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity UT Arlington Colony Chapter

Delta Xi Nu Sorority Zeta Chapter

Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Epsilon Chapter

t National Pan-Hellenic Council

The fraternities and sororities found in this council are traditionally African American organizations. Founded in 1930, the over-arching National Pan-Hellenic Council has nine member organizations. For a complete list of active organizations and chapter websites, visit uta.edu/fsl.

UT Arlington Chapters

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Zeta Chi Chapter

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Lambda Chi Chapter

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Mu Beta Chapter

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Theta Chi Chapter

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Nu Iota Chapter

Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity UT Arlington Colony Chapter

Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority Beta Nu Chapter

Lambda Theta Phi Fraternity Beta Beta Chapter

Omega Delta Phi Fraternity Tau Chapter

Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority

FIND YOUR FIT

After Being Selected In general, after selection of new members for all chapters in all councils, new members will have meetings to learn about the history of the organization and other pertinent information about that organization. Some chapters will give new members a written or oral test on the information presented.

You belong here, where

Again, these are generalities. Each organization conducts its recruitment/intake process with current members and advisors only, so you will need to speak with current members to get more information as you continue the process of becoming a member.

friends are plenty and life is good. New freshmen and transfer students are eligible to participate in the council recruitment process during their first academic semester.

Established students at UT Arlington must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to join a fraternity or sorority. You must also register with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Chapters may have other requirements, but you must meet these minimum University requirements before moving on to the next step of the membership process.

Joining a Fraternity in the Interfraternity Council

Joining a Sorority in the Panhellenic Council

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) has a formal recruitment period in the fall and/or spring of each academic year. There is a week dedicated to learning about the current IFC chapters and meeting the men in the fraternities. Each chapter will host a series of activities throughout the week that interested students can attend. At the end of the week, chapters give bids (invitations to join) to potential new members. The last day of the week is Bid Day, when potential new members accept their bids and join their chapters. There is also a process called continuous open bidding in which a fraternity will issue a bid for a potential member to join the chapter outside the formal recruitment process.

Panhellenic has a formal recruitment period in the fall of each academic year. There is a registration process and a week dedicated to learning about the current Panhellenic chapters and meeting the women in the sororities. At the end of the week, potential new members are matched with current chapters. The last day of the week is Bid Day, when potential new members accept their bids and join their chapters. There is also a process called continuous open bidding in which a sorority will issue a bid for a potential member to join the chapter outside the formal recruitment process if space is available.

Joining a Multicultural Greek Council or National Pan-Hellenic Council Sorority or Fraternity The process for joining a sorority or fraternity in the Multicultural Greek Council or National Pan-Hellenic Council varies with each organization, but there are some similarities in the process. Students must first express interest in the organization. This can be done by attending events, talking to current members, and/or submitting an application if you are provided one. There may be other requirements that come later, such as providing an official transcript, but that will depend on each organization.

Chapters will select the students who they would like to join the organization that semester and conduct interviews or an interview-like process.

The University of Texas at Arlington • Fraternity and Sorority Life E.H. Hereford University Center • 300 W. First Street, Suite B160 • Arlington, TX 76019 P: 817-272-2963 • F: 817-272-2962 • uta.edu/fsl • fsl@uta.edu

UT Arlington Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

University Communications 12-332

@utafsl