leave your legacy

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

FRATERNITYSORORITY LIFE

AND

Congratulations on your decision to further your academic career at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh! This University fosters anatmosphere and culture that truly has no limits. These next couple of years will be the most exciting time of your life. Our community offers a values-based lifestyle through service, academics, sports and brotherhood and sisterhood. With a University that thousands call home, you will certainly find an organization that can become yours. Your new brothers and sisters will receive you with open arms, and you will instantly find a system of accountability and support. For these reasons and so many more we hope you consider becoming involved with Fraternity and Sorority Life. Regardless of how far you will travel to Oshkosh, your chosenorganization will be your home away from home, just as your new found brothers or sisters will become like family. With 11 organizations on campus, we are certain that you will find that connection in joining Greek life. Our community was founded on the values of scholarship, leadership, friendship and service, and our members strive to live out these values every day. If it weren’t for the amazing opportunities that Greek life has given us, we would not be able to talk about what a life changing experience it is. Your experience at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will be the best years of your life, and we hope that this guide will provide you with a small glimpse into the ways in which joining Greek life can enhance your experience. We wish you the very best of luck on your college journey and look forward to meeting you in the fall!

welcome to uw oshkosh

Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh totals more than 450 undergraduate members, making up 4% of the overall student body.

Our community boasts 11 organizations. Each has their own rituals, traditions, and philanthropies, but they all strive to live by the four core values of scholarship, leadership, sisterhood/brotherhood and service. Fraternity and Sorority Life provides opportunities for personal and professional development, civic engagement, and academic enhancement while developinglifelong bonds with their peers. This occurs through a variety of civic engagement opportunities, educational programs,leadership development, and additional learning opportunities available at conferences offered both locally and nationally. The benefits of membership lasts long after graduating from UW Oshkosh. Fraternity and sorority alumni nationwide indicate that their membership was a vital component of their collegiate experience; and through alumni networking, they continue to receive long-term benefits from their fraternity and sorority affiliations.

why join?

My chapter has inspired me to become a successful leader and make the most of my time at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh! I have dedicated myself to my academics, leadership and bettering the community with the help of the Greek community.

Greek and

Kerry McCarthyGamma Phi Beta SororityPanhellenic Council Presidentmccark29@uwosh.edu

Austin KarrakerDelta Chi FraternityInterfraternity Council Presidentkarraa17@uwosh.edu go Titans!

go-Alyssa Scott, Alpha Xi Delta President

Hazing is a part of Greek life…All members of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh sign a no hazing pledge. For more information about hazing, check out our frequently asked questions.

historySince 1776, fraternities and sororities have been developing bonds in collegians that last a lifetime and create a home away from home. The experiences encountered in a Greek organization prepare you for life after college and put a vast network of alumni at your fingertips for job searching. Greek letter organizations came to UW Oshkosh in 1960. They have existed on campus for 56 years and have a rich history of developing students, creating change on campus, and producing a large number of alumni who remain connected to UW Oshkosh and their chapters beyond their time as an undergraduate.

Over 85% of the student leaders on some 730 campuses are involved in the Greek community.

Greek life isn’t that big…

Over 800 campuses in the United States and Canada participate in Greek life.

There are over 9 million Greek members nationally.

Greek life doesn’t benefit you in your future endeavors…Every U.S. President and Vice President, except two in each office, born since the first socialfraternity was founded in 1825, have been members of a fraternity. The 1st female US Senator was Greek.

Fraternity men and Sorority women get bad grades...A U.S. Government study shows that over 70% of all those who join a fraternity/sorority graduate, while under 50% of all non-fraternity/sorority persons graduate. Nationally the all fraternity and sorority GPA is higher than the overall collegiate GPA.

Greek life is too expensive…Less than 2% of an average college student’s expenses go toward fraternity and sorority dues.

All Greek life does is party...

850,000 hours are volunteered by Greeks annually. Over $7 million is raised each year by Greeks nationally. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, along with Greek chapters, host 5 alcohol alternative events like Titan Nights, sisterhoods/brotherhoods, Homecoming events, Winter Carnival, and Greek Week to name a few.

mythbusters

At UW Oshkosh, dues are approximately $300 per semester. These dues cover local operating costs, housing maintenance and upgrades, national obligations, sisterhood/brotherhood events, apparel, and much more. Students in each chapter vote on their budget each year. This transparency allows each student to feel comfortable with knowing where their money is going. It also provides great leadership experience operating not only personal budgets but the chapter’s budget as well.

One of the founding principles of each fraternity and sorority is giving of your time and talents to serve the community in which we live. Thousands of dollars and hours are donated annually by fraternity and sorority members across the world. Locally, the UW Oshkosh fraternity and sorority community has donated almost 15,000 hours and over $10,800 to numerous non-profit agencies just in the 2015-2016 school year! While each group has their own national non-profit organization they support, the entire community rallies behind Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and raises money for them as well. This past year, the community donated over $2,000 to help children in the Fox Valley area. In April, the entire campus came together to support the cause by administrators, faculty, staff, and students getting “pied” in the face with whipped cream in order to help raise money for the children. Not only are these events a lot of fun but they are for a good cause and make a big impact!

service & community engagement

Fraternities and sororities have a special bond they call brotherhood and sisterhood. While this is typically seen as a friendship from the outside, those inside these groups can attest that these relationships are so much more than that. Brotherhood and sisterhood is a relationship based on challenge and support. Your brothers and sisters will be there to encourage you to try new things by attending campus programs, get good grades, dedicate time to service and your community, and to realize the leadership potential we all have inside. They will also be there with programs to increase your leadership skills, a shoulder to cry on, a study buddy, someone to attend a campus event with, and in so many other ways. These groups are a vibrant part of the University, and you will see your fellow Greeks all across campus. It helps makes this campus feel like your home away from home. And, the best part of fraternity and sorority membership is that it lasts for a lifetime. We often see alumni coming back to visit during Homecoming and other special events with their brothers and sisters they met 50 years ago. They show us pictures of them standing up in each other’s weddings and sharing in the joys and sorrows that life brings together. Whether or not you are traveling to UWO with friendships already created, Fraternity and Sorority Life can provide a different experience that we hope you will check out!

sisterhood & brotherhood

our core values

Since joining Greek life in Spring 2014 my grades have improved tremendously. My sisters continuously push me as well as each other to succeed in school. Because of this support I have made the Dean’s List every semester since joining Greek life. Scholarship is an important value to me because it provides me with the opportunity to grow as a learner and advance in school. -Lindsey Day, Member of Aplha Xi Delta and President of Order of Omega

Fraternities and sororities were founded upon principles and values that are meant to develop strong moral character in their members. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, as well as individual chapters, provide membership development programs that will enhance your leadership ability and self-awareness. Our goal is to develop our members into strong young adults who are ready to head out into the world and can handle any experience that comes their way. Becoming a strong and confident adult is a process, and there is no better way to go through that than alongside brothers and sisters who are working as hard as you are. Students who choose to take on leadership positions within their chapters or in the community learn professional skills like organization, time management, conflict resolution, fiscal responsibility, public speaking, meeting management, and so much more. The experience that members gain from helping operate a national organization produces confidence and competence to lead in future endeavors. These organizations provide a network of thousands of alumni who are also there for each member to provide networking opportunities during and after college and model to how to be leaders in society.

leadership

Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic CouncilAt UWO there are two councils that provide leadership to the community - Interfraternity Council oversees all of the fraternities and Panhellenic Council oversees all of the sororities on campus. Each group, elected by their peers, provides support and education to all of their members. They coordinate volunteer events and fundraisers to support Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and work with campus administrators to create a vibrant campus and community. As an example, the councils worked hard this past year to create a strong partnership with our amazing athletics program! Their hard work earned them two awards during the Student Leadership and Involvement Awards for the 2015-2016 school year – Social Program of the Year for their Greek Week program and Publicity of the Year for their work with sorority recruitment.

Our community realizes that excelling in academics is the top priority for all students and being part of a fraternity or sorority helps promote excellence in the classroom instead of deterring from it. As a member of a fraternity or sorority, students are required to maintain a certain GPA in order to remain active in their chapter. After joining, most students find improvements in time management and study skills allowing them to achieve a higher GPA than before joining. There are a wide variety of academic advantages for community members like tutoring programs, peer advisement, scholarship initiatives like study tables, and incentives for high academic achievement. Recognition for high achievers is also a priority for the community. Students are recognized with awards throughout the year and at our Fraternity and Sorority Awards Ceremony.

scholarship

Order of OmegaOrder of Omega is an honor society for members of the fraternity and sorority community similar to National Honor Society in high school. Members of this society must be highly engaged in their campus community, dedicate time to service, maintain good academic achievement, and possess strong leadership skills. Students are able to apply in their junior and senior year of their college undergraduate career and go through an interview process with current members in order to be chosen and inducted. Students that are a part of the honor society make up the top 3% of leaders in the fraternity and sorority community and put on programs for the campus community on leadership development.

-Jamie Mikrut, Member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and Winner of the Outstanding Greek Scholar

Greek life has given me the skills in order to manage my high academic successes while still being socially engaged in the Greek and campus community. Scholarship, to me, keeps my eyes on the future, and upon graduation I know I will have a community that supports me, as well as an education that provides me with the necessary skill set required for success.

Sororities at UWO use a formal recruitment style to welcome new women into their chapters. Formal recruitment is a structured process so that you get the opportunity to meet every chapter on campus. This allows you to make an educated decision on whether or not you would like to join a sorority at UWO and which one you feel you fit best in. When you arrive on campus, there are events hosted by the Panhellenic Council that all sorority members attend so you can meet the women who are currently involved in each chapter. After that, the formal recruitmentprocess will begin so you can have time with each chapter to engage in deeper discussion and learn more about sorority life at UWO.

There is a registration process for sorority recruitment. There is an online form you need to fill out and a $15 fee (for which you get a few meals during recruitment and a t-shirt welcoming you to Fraternity and Sorority Life). Once you sign up, you will be assigned to a Panhellenic Recruitment Counselor (Pi Chi). These ladies are current members of the sorority community who temporarily leave their chapters to help you find your perfect fit. They have no contact with their chapter until recruitment is over so you can talk with them openly and honestly about your journey. They are trained to answer questions you may have and are there for you as you come to campus and navigate a new place! Need a friend to each lunch with – call your Pi Chi! Need someone to help you navigate the library – call your Pi Chi! Your Pi Chi is always ready and willing to help you out! If you have any other questions or concerns contact our Recruitment Affairs Director, Maddie Roque, via email at roquem58@uwosh.edu. To learn more about sorority recruitment, visit http://tinyurl.com/z4mb6pd.

Sorority Recruitment Information Nights Monday, September 12 • 5pm-6pmTuesday, September 20 • 6pm-7pmReeve Union Theatre, Room 307Want to learn more about the recruitment process? This is your chance to hear from Panhellenic Council officers and recruitment counselors, also known as Pi Chis, about what to expect. Attendance is suggested in order to go through the recruitment process, but not mandatory. After this night we will pair you with a Pi Chi to be with you for the recruitment process.

Meet the Sororities Event and House ToursSunday, September 18 • 3pm-6pmAlbee PatioJoin Sorority Life for a cookout where you will get to meet ladies from our five sororities. During this event you can also sign up to go with recruitment counselors for house tours where you will visit sororities and meet even more ladies.

Recruitment Starts!Thursday, September 22-Sunday, September 25Join us for a fun filled weekend where you will be able to get to know each chapter through recruitment rounds (if you plan on going home try to do it before or after this weekend). The recruitment rounds will be as follows: Sisterhood round, Philanthropy round, and Preference round. The weekend ends with the best day of them all Bid Day, where you will get to officially join your new chapter.

npc sorority recruitment

how to joinThree different membership recruitment processes exist for fraternities

and sororities to take in new members.

Being involved in Greek life has truly been life changing for me. I have met the most passionate and welcoming people through these organizations. Because of Greek life, I have created so many friendships and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

- Tess Reimer, President of Zeta Tau Alpha

Fraternities at UWO use an informal recruitment style to welcome new men into their chapters. Informal recruitment is very flexible and allows you to freely interact with each organization at a pace you are comfortable with. When you arrive on campus, there are events hosted by the Interfraternity Council that all fraternity members attend so you can meet the men who are currently involved in each chapter. After that, thefraternities will host individual events that you are welcome to attend. Every member of the fraternity community strongly urges you to visit and talk with several members from each chapter so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you would like to join the fraternity community at UWO and which chapter you feel you fit best in.

To learn more about fraternity recruitment, visit http://tinyurl.com/j9sj789.

Mystery EventMonday, September 5 • 8pm-11pmJoin Fraternity and Sorority Life outside of Reeve Union, near Polk Library, as we celebrate coming back to campus or coming to campus for the first time. Bring your friends, your roommate, or come on your own and meet the members in our Greek community as we celebrate our mystery event.

All Fraternity Cook OutWednesday, September 7 Horizon Amphitheater LawnYou survived your first day of college! Time to celebrate! Join the fraternity men for a cookout celebrating the first day of classes. For more information, visit the fraternity information table at Taste of UW Oshkosh.

Fraternity Life Information NightThursday, September 8 • 6pm-7pm Reeve Union Theatre, Room 307Come learn a little bit more about each organization, their history, their values, and so much more at this information night that is essential to the recruitment process!

Week of September 11-17 Individual Chapter EventsMonday, September 12 Bids may be given out to those who are not first semester freshman.

Friday, September 16 Bids may be given out to first semester freshman.

nic fraternity recruitment

I knew it was right for me, not only when they said I need to be a better man but also when I got to know the brothers with in the fraternity. I know that they would help me not only financially, but also with my academics. Also the kind of men they are makes it easy to say I want to be in the fraternity. They are all laid back and good people who are also looking for family. I love my brothers with all my heart and I know that they’ll be there.

- Gentlemen of Omega Delta Phi

Membership intake is the membership selection process conducted by multicultural fraternity and sorority organizations. Early in the fall semester, these organizations present information about their individual chapters for prospective members. Multicultural fraternities and sororities require academic achievement, typically completion of at least 12 hours of college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.5, community service, and good character of students interested in joining. Such requirements are designed to promote the advancement of strong and effective chapters. Each organization implements its own unique membership intake practice. To learn more about this recruitment style, email uwogreeklife@uwosh.edu with your name and questions and we will make sure to connect you with our multicultural chapters.

multicultural fraternity & sorority intake

What is the time commitment in joining Fraternity and Sorority Life?Time commitment generally varies from chapter to chapter. New member education focuses on learning the history and facts about the organization, developing leadership and time management skills, and spending time getting to know their brothers or sisters. Although it can be time intensive, it should not interfere with academic commitments. As an initiated member, the majority of your time will be spent in chapter meetings, studying, attending social activities, participating in philanthropy events, and doing community service.

Do sororities and fraternities haze?No chapter may participate or permit hazing activities in their organizations. You may have heard stories in the media or seen the Hollywood portrayal of hazing in Greek organizations, but please understand that these events are specific to those chapters and those campuses and that Hollywood takes liberties when creating their movies. UW Oshkosh (UWO) and the state of Wisconsin created policies and laws to protect our students from harm. There is a strict zero tolerance policy to fostering an environment where new members, or active members, feel threatened or demeaned in any way and the students in the community at UWO take this very seriously. All new member programs are submitted to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life each semester so there is nothing hidden for our new students and parents. All rituals and traditions are checked by the national offices to verify that they are followed exactly as their founders envisioned and that they are inclusive of all members. There is an open door policy for all students to come in and share ideas they have for future events to make sure that they follow the policy closely. All of these reasons are why the fraternity and sorority community at UWO continues to be a safe environment for all of its members.

What do I do if I go through recruitment and end up deciding Fraternity and Sorority Life is not for me?You are under no obligation to join a chapter just because you participate in recruitment. You are encouraged to participate in recruitment because it is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about the many aspects of Fraternity and Sorority Life and to meet new friends. You can also always come back to the recruitment process in a later semester if it isn't the right time for you.

How long does the new member period last?The length of new member periods, like many other things, differ from chapter to chapter. The new member period can last anywhere from four weeks to an entire semester because each chapter has a different new member program. This is one of the questions you’ll have to be sure to ask while going through the recruitment process!

If you have any other questions feel free to visit our website...

faq

reeve.uwosh.edu/greekor

contact our Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor, Angie Zemke, zemkea@uwosh.edu

tips for recruitment

Before you arrive on campus, do some research. Visit the University’s website at reeve.uwosh.edu/greek and research the local chapters. What types of community service do they do? What other campus organizations do they belong to? Get on the international organizations' websites. What are their missions? What types of leadership development do they offer?

During recruitment, take notes. Write down names, what you discussed and anything that will help you remember your visit after you leave each event. These notes will help when you make your decisions about accepting invitations to later events.

Keep an open mind. Be interested regardless of whether or not you think you like that specific chapter. You may decide after spending time with the group or meeting different members that you found a great fit for you.

Be polite. If you are not interested, you should still remain positive and thank them for taking the time to meet you and host these events.

Ask questions. This helps guide the conversation and is a sign of your interest. Develop questions in advance if you feel nervous.

Be mature in your decision making. Be realistic about which group you feel most comfortable with, and do not be swayed by others' opinions.

Dress correctly for the type of event you are attending. Some may require nicer clothes, some may just be normal every day clothes, and some may be athletic apparel. If you are not sure, reach out and ask someone! We are all here to make this process as smooth and easy as possible.

Be yourself. The men and women want to get to know you, not a pretend version of you.

Get plenty of sleep. You want to feel rested, so you can enjoy the conversations and the process.

Smile and have fun! Recruitment is meant to be an easy process and for you to get to meet many new people while connecting you to UW Oshkosh.

meet the fraternities

Beta Theta Pi~

BQP“beta”

National Founding............................................ August 8, 1839UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... December 4, 1991Philanthropy ...................................................... Christine Ann Domestic Abuse ShelterColors ................................................................ Blue and PinkNational Website .............................................. betathetapi.orgFacebook ........................................................... BetaOshkosh

Delta Chi~

DC“delta chi”

National Founding............................................ October 13, 1890UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... November 13, 1969, Re-colonized 2013Philanthropy ...................................................... The V Foundation for Cancer ResearchColors ................................................................ Red and BuffNational Website .............................................. deltachi.orgFacebook ........................................................... DeltaChiOshkosh

Delta Sigma Phi~

DSF“delta sig”

National Founding............................................ December 10, 1899UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... May 5, 1965Philanthropy ...................................................... American Red CrossColors ................................................................ Nile Green and WhiteNational Website .............................................. deltasig.orgFacebook ........................................................... DeltaSigEB

Omega Delta Phi~

WDF“o.d.phi”

National Founding............................................ November 25, 1987UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... May 27, 2006Philanthropy ...................................................... CASA for ChildrenColors ................................................................ Scarlet, Silver, and BlackNational Website .............................................. omegadeltaphi.comFacebook ........................................................... Omega Delta Phi (Alpha Omega)

Theta Chi~

QC“theta chi”

National Founding............................................ April 10, 1856UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... 1996-2009, Re-colonized 2016Philanthropy ...................................................... United Service OrganizationsColors ................................................................ Military Red and WhiteNational Website .............................................. www.thetachi.orgFacebook ........................................................... ThetaChiUWO

Sigma Pi~

SP“sigma pi”

National Founding............................................ February 26, 1897UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... April 27, 1985Philanthropy ............................................................Amazing Day Foundation for Suicide PreventionColors ................................................................ Lavender and WhiteNational Website .............................................. sigmapi.orgFacebook ........................................................... SigmaPiOshkosh

meet the sororities

Alpha Xi Delta~

AXD“a.z.d.”

National Founding............................................ April 17, 1893UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... December 11, 1965Philanthropy ...................................................... Autism SpeaksColors ................................................................ Double Blue and GoldNational Website .............................................. alphaxidelta.orgFacebook ........................................................... AXiDDeltaTau

Gamma Alpha Omega~

GAW“gammas”

National Founding............................................ January 25, 1993UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... October 29, 1999Philanthropy ...................................................... Big Brothers, Big SistersColors ................................................................ Navy Blue, Forest Green, and WhiteNational Website .............................................. gammaalphaomega.orgFacebook ........................................................... GAOTheta

Gamma Phi Beta~

GFB”gamma phi”

National Founding............................................ November 11, 1874UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... May 14, 1966, Re-colonized 1985National Philanthropy ....................................... Girls on the RunColors ................................................................ Brown, Mode, and PinkNational Website .............................................. gammaphibeta.orgFacebook ........................................................... UWOGPhiB

Sigma Sigma Sigma~

SSS“tri sigma”

National Founding............................................ April 20, 1898UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... April 11, 1987National Philanthropy ....................................... March of DimesColors ................................................................ Royal Purple and WhiteNational Website .............................................. sigmasigmasigma.orgFacebook ........................................................... UWOTriSigma

Zeta Tau Alpha~

ZTA”zeta”

National Founding............................................ October 15, 1989UW Oshkosh Founding .................................... November 22, 1997National Philanthropy ....................................... Breast Cancer Education and AwarenessColors ................................................................ Turquoise Blue and GreyNational Website .............................................. zetataualpha.orgFacebook ........................................................... ZTAUWO

Mystery Event Monday, September 5 • 8pm-11pm Meet Outside of Reeve Union, near Polk LibraryWhat will it be? Come prepared to meet new people, have fun, and get a little messy! Sponsored by Reeve Union Board and Fraternity and Sorority Life

Taste of UW Oshkosh and Student Opportunity FairTuesday, September 6 • 11am-2pmOutside Reeve Union, Polk Library and Dempsey Hall*Visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life Table

All Greek Information NightWednesday, September 7 • 6pm-7pmReeve Union Theatre, Room 307Learn about what Fraternity and Sorority Life at UW Oshkosh looks like! No pressure to join, just information on what Fraternity and Sorority Life has to offer and why we think you should join the community.

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Reeve Union748 Algoma Blvd.Oshkosh, WI 54901-3551

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