2014

Guide to

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Fraternities and sororities have contributed to the UConn community for over 70 years. They challenge students to become better men and women and propel members to achieve more during their

time in college and beyond.

Fall 2014 Recruitment EventsWednesday, August 27th Go Greek Informational Session

5-6pm, Student Union Theatre

Wednesday, August 27th Go Greek BBQ6-7:30pm, Fairfield Way

Learn more about all registered student organizations by attending theWednesday, September 3rd Involvement Fair

2-7pm, Fairfield Way

This guide was published based on information available as of August 1, 2014. For current information and additional recruitment activities throughout the year, please visit:

greeklife.uconn.eduConnect with us on Facebook and Twitter: UConnFSL

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We’re Huge! The Greek 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!

We’re Involved! Greeks are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and organizations, more so than non-Greeks. And 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! On average fraternity and sorority members are more excited to learn than non- Greeks. Approximately 30% 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 the Dean’s list.

We Network! Fraternity men and sorority women have the opportunity to network through Greek 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.

We Serve Others! 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! Greek men and women are involved in a variety of campus activities, are often the most visible campus leaders and are 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.

We’re Forever! Greeks typically have greater school spirit and are more satisfied with their college experience. However, the fun doesn’t stop there. Membership in a fraternity or sorority is for a lifetime and there are many opportunities to stay connected beyond graduation.

Why choose fraternity or sorority?

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The four pillars reflect the values that members of the UConn fraternity / sorority community work to emulate.

Scholarship Academic excellence is a vital aspect of fraternity and sorority membership at the University of Connecticut. Scholastic standards are important for each chapter as well as the community as a whole. Programming, incentives, recognition and ongoing support help fraternity and sorority members pursue academic success. Academic achievement is the reason students are at UConn; fraternities and sororities are designed to help their members meet that goal.

Leadership Developing leaders today for life after college is an important part of Greek involvement. Fraternity and sorority members participate in a variety of programs that provide leadership development. There are many ways to be a leader in UConn’s Greek community, including chapter or council officer positions, national or regional leadership conferences, campus-based leadership opportunities and committee involvement.

Service Service is a meaningful pillar of fraternity and sorority involvement at UConn. It is perhaps the most personally rewarding of the pillars, as members are provided with opportunities to participate in hands-on volunteer work and implement philanthropic events to raise money for charitable organizations. The opportunities ensure that fraternity and sorority members will have an impact on their community and develop lifelong habits of giving back.

Brotherhood/Sisterhood Joining a fraternity and sorority is about building lifelong relationships that extend beyond ordinary friendships. Bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood are formed within an organization and provide UConn Greeks with a home away from home, mentorship, career networking and a sense of community at a large university. Fraternity and sorority members enjoy lifelong connections that can provide support and celebration in life’s significant moments.

The Four Pillars of Greek Life

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Interfraternity CouncilThe 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 IFC is responsible for advocating for member fraternities, encouraging self-governance among member organizations and coordinating recruitment activities. The council also works to provide educational programming, leadership initiatives, philanthropic and social events and involvement opportunities for fraternity members.

IFC fraternities recruit at the beginning of each semester and each fraternity hosts their own events for interested individuals. IFC promotes recruitment by distributing a calendar of all events as well as providing ways for interested students to learn more about fraternity membership.

For more information about IFC recruitment, visit: greeklife.uconn.edu/ifcTwitter: @UConnIFC

Interested? Please attend:

IFC InformationalTuesday, August 26, 2014, 7:30pmStudent Union Theatre

“My biggest regret as an undergrad is that I didn’t join a Greek organization sooner. Greek life has given me opportunities to grow as a person, find a family away from home and realize the importance of values and close friendship unlike any other organization I’ve ever been a part of.” – Arthur Atkin, iFC ViCe President oF reCruitment

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FIJIΠKA

SΦE TKE ZBT

AΔΦ AEΠ AKΛ BΘΠ KΣ

IFC Chapters Alpha Delta Phi AΔFChapter: Connecticut ChapterFounded: 1832 / Est. at UConn - 2008Philanthropy: Special OlympicsSymbol: Star and CrescentColors: Emerald and PearlTwitter: @ADPhiUConn

Alpha Epsilon Pi AEPChapter: Upsilon KappaFounded: 1913 / Est. at UConn - 1956Philanthropy: Make a Wish FoundationSymbol: LionColors: Blue and GoldTwitter: @AEPiUConn

Alpha Kappa Lambda AKΛChapter: UConn ColonyFounded: 1914 / Est. at UConn - 2014Philanthropy: Domestic Violence AwarenessSymbol: Coat of ArmsColors: Purple and GoldTwitter: @AKL_UConn

Beta Theta Pi BQPChapter: Zeta ChiFounded: 1839 / Est. at UConn - 1999Philanthropy: Holy Family Home & ShelterSymbol: DragonColors: Delicate Shades of Pink and BlueTwitter: @Beta_UConn

Kappa Sigma KSChapter: Epsilon ZetaFounded: 1869 / Est. at UConn - 1942Philanthropy: Military Heroes CampaignSymbol: Star and CrescentColors: Scarlet, White and Emerald GreenTwitter: @KappaSigmaUConn

Phi Gamma Delta FIJIChapter: Sigma KappaFounded: 1848 / Est. at UConn - 2013 Philanthropy: Red Cross; USOSymbol: Black DiamondColor: Royal PurpleTwitter: @PhiGamUConnPi Kappa Alpha PKAChapter: Iota ChiFounded: 1868 / Est. at UConn - 1993Philanthropy: Habitat for Humanity Symbol: Shield and DiamondColors: Garnet and GoldTwitter: @UConn_PIKE

Sigma Phi Epsilon SFEChapter: UConn SECFounded: 1901 / Returning to UConn - 2014Philanthropy: Big Brothers Big SistersSymbol: SigEp CrestColors: Purple and Red

Tau Kappa Epsilon TKEChapter: Delta GammaFounded: 1899 / Est. at UConn - 1952; 1990Philanthropy: Alzheimer’s Association Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute and Autism SpeaksSymbol: Equilateral TriangleColors: Cherry Red and Battleship GrayTwitter: @UConnTKE

Zeta Beta Tau ZBTChapter: Delta BetaFounded: 1898 / Est. at UConn - 2006Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle NetworkSymbol: DiamondColors: Medium Blue, White and GoldTwitter: @UConn_ZBT

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Intercultural Greek CouncilThe Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) governs the culturally-based and multicultural fraternities and sororities at UConn. The Council helps to unify these organizations, plans a variety of educational programming and provides leadership opportunities for members. IGC sponsors multiple events throughout the year, including their Field Day and Unity Retreat.

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/igcTwitter: @UConnIGC

Interested? Please attend:

Meet the GreeksThursday, September 11, 2014, 7-9pmStudent Union Ballroom

“Even though I joined my fraternity at a different school, I was welcomed by the Intercul-tural Greek Council community when I transferred to UConn. IGC gave me a better un-derstanding on how strong Greek Life is when you join and I’ve realized that not only did I join my fraternity but, I also joined a much larger family that I can rely on, wherever I may be, for support and individual growth. Though the Greek letters we wear distinguish-es our organizations, we all aim to uphold service, leadership, scholarship, brotherhood/sisterhood, and culture. Had I not join Greek Life I would not have met the influential people that have helped make me the person I am today.”

-steVen LeAn, iGC President

IFC Chapters Alpha Delta Phi AΔFChapter: Connecticut ChapterFounded: 1832 / Est. at UConn - 2008Philanthropy: Special OlympicsSymbol: Star and CrescentColors: Emerald and PearlTwitter: @ADPhiUConn

Alpha Epsilon Pi AEPChapter: Upsilon KappaFounded: 1913 / Est. at UConn - 1956Philanthropy: Make a Wish FoundationSymbol: LionColors: Blue and GoldTwitter: @AEPiUConn

Alpha Kappa Lambda AKΛChapter: UConn ColonyFounded: 1914 / Est. at UConn - 2014Philanthropy: Domestic Violence AwarenessSymbol: Coat of ArmsColors: Purple and GoldTwitter: @AKL_UConn

Beta Theta Pi BQPChapter: Zeta ChiFounded: 1839 / Est. at UConn - 1999Philanthropy: Holy Family Home & ShelterSymbol: DragonColors: Delicate Shades of Pink and BlueTwitter: @Beta_UConn

Kappa Sigma KSChapter: Epsilon ZetaFounded: 1869 / Est. at UConn - 1942Philanthropy: Military Heroes CampaignSymbol: Star and CrescentColors: Scarlet, White and Emerald GreenTwitter: @KappaSigmaUConn

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BΧΘ ΔEΨ KΦΛ ΛΑΥ ΛΘΑ

ΛΘΦ ΛΥΛ

ΜSΥ ΠΔΨSΛΥ

IGC Chapters Beta Chi Theta Fraternity, Inc. BCQChapter: Psi ChapterFounded: 1999 / Est. at UConn - 2012Philanthropy: Beating Heart DiseaseSymbol: Rampant LionColors: Black, Silver, and White Scope: South Asian Interest Twitter: @BetaChiThetaPSI

Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc. ΔEYChapter: Alpha Epsilon ColonyFounded: 1998 / Est. at UConn - 2011Philanthropy: Juvenile Diabetes Research FoundationSymbol: Asiatic LionColors: Navy Blue and SilverScope: South Asian InterestTwitter: @DEPsiAE

Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. KFΛChapter: SigmaFounded: 1995 / Est. at UConn - 2004Philanthropy: National Asian Pacific-Islander American Women’s ForumSymbol: PhoenixColors: Scarlet Red, White and Heather GreyScope: Asian InterestTwitter: @uconnkpl

Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. ΛAUChapter: XiFounded: 1985 / Est. at UConn - 2008Philanthropy: Sickle Cell AwarenessSymbol: Andean CondorColors: Red, Yellow, White and BlackTwitter: @Xi_LAU

Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. ΛQAChapter: KappaFounded: 1975 / Est. at UConn - 1992Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hole in Wall Gang CampSymbol: Seashell, Lady on the MoonColors: Burgundy and GreyTwitter: @LTAKappaChapter

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ΛΘΦ ΛΥΛ

ΜSΥ ΠΔΨSΛΥ

IGC Chapters Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. ΛQFChapter: LambdaFounded: 1975 / Est. at UConn - 1991Philanthropy: American Heart Asociation Symbol: Conquistador Colors: Brown & WhiteTwitter: @CTLambdas

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. ΛUΛChapter: Beta IotaFounded: 1982 / Est. at UConn - 2009Philanthropy: P.A.T.H.E Initiative (Providing Access to Higher Education)Symbol: Fraternal Shield Colors: Brown & GoldTwitter: @UConn_Elite

Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. MSUChapter: ConcordiaFounded: 1981 / Est. at UConn – 1999; 2010Philanthropy: The Girl EffectSymbol: Amazon WomanColors: Baby Blue and WhiteScope: MulticulturalTwitter: @ConcordiaMSU

Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. PΔYChapter: Omega Chapter Founded: 1994 / Est. at UConn - 2008Philanthropy: Big Brothers, Big Sisters of AmericaSymbol: DragonColors: Red, White and BlackScope: Asian InterestTwitter: @UConnPDPsi

Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. SΛUChapter: Alpha OmicronFounded: 1987 / Est. at UConn - 2011Philanthropy: LiteracySymbol: Black Persian Cat with Gold EyesColors: Black, Gold, Silver and RedTwitter: @SLU_AO

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Greek Opportunities

Involvement

Greek Alternative BreaksWhile many students may prefer to spend their breaks catching up on sleep, hitting the slopes, or laying on a sandy beach, students who participate in GAB trade in their tradition-al break and travel to assist a community in need. During GAB, students make an impact in a community by complet-ing manual labor or lending a hand in other tasks. Past trips include Indianapolis and Negril, Jamaica.

Greek Community Affairs BoardGCAB 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.

HuskyTHON - HuskyTHON Dance Marathon is a UConn’s largest student-run philanthropic event. Every 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(CCMC), part of the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Across the nation over 100 schools hold Dance Marathons to raise money for CMN. In 2014, HuskyTHON raised over $457,000 for CCMC. It is the largest student led philanthropy in the state of Connecticut and in the top 10 most successful dance marathons in the nation.

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PHOTO

Housing

Husky VillageConsistent with providing world-class 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 décor. The lit outdoor volleyball and basketball courts provide for numerous hours of community recreational enjoyment.

Greek TowerIn addition to Husky Village, several chapters are housed on floors in Towers Residence Halls. This provides chapters that are unable to live in Husky Village an opportunity to live together on campus. Each chapter has some ability to decorate their floor to make it unique to their organization.

Recognition

Fraternal Values SocietyThe Fraternal Values Society (FVS) is an organization that provides space for select fraternity and soroity members to examine and discuss fraternal values and identify ways to turn values into action. FVS aims to create a sustainable network within the UConn fraternity and sorority community for those who want their fraternal experience to be representative of the founding fraternal/ethical values of fraternities and sororities. Membership in FVS is considered an honor.

Gamma Sigma AlphaGamma 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 OmegaOrder 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 LambdaRho 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 Panhellenic women to join this honor society.

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National Pan-Hellenic Council The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is an umbrella organiza-tion 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, and the council co-sponsors an annual Step Show featuring teams from various NPHC chapters at UConn and the surrounding area.

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/nphcTwitter: @UConnNPHC

“It was the rich history and strong bonds that sparked my interest in the NPHC. Though all of the NPHC sororities and fraternities are historically African-American organizations founded on the basis of sisterhood and brotherhood, there is so much diversity within our chapters and in our organizations on an international level. I love knowing that I have sisters all over the world and that the Divine Nine is a family. It’s an honor to be President of a council with organizations that work yearlong to live out their principles on campus and beyond. I look forward to all the potential new members and to be a resource for them on their Greek journey.” - Goetti FrAnCois, nPhC President

Interested? Please attend:

Meet the GreeksThursday, September 11, 2014, 7-9pmStudent Union Ballroom

AKA IFQ FΒΣΣΓΡ

ΖFΒ

KΣ nFI

PKA

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NPHC ChaptersAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. AKAChapter: Lambda TauFounded: 1908 / Est. at UConn - 1977Philanthropy: Making Strides Against Breast CancerSymbol: Green Ivy LeafColors: Salmon Pink and Apple GreenTwitter: @LovelyLambdaTau

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. IFQChapter: Zeta ThetaFounded: 1963 / Est. at UConn - 2008Philanthropy: National Iota Foundation, Iota Youth Alliance, Afeya NjemaSymbol: CentaurColors: Charcoal Brown and Gilded GoldTwitter: @IotaPhiTheta_ZT

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. FBSChapter: Zeta LambdaFounded: 1914 / Est. at UConn - 1974; 2014Philanthropy: March of DimesSymbol: DoveColors: Royal Blue and Pure WhiteTwitter: @ZL_Sigmas

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. SGRChapter: Nu MuFounded: 1922 / Est. at UConn - 1993; 2007Philanthropy: Operation Big Book BagSymbol: PoodleColors: Royal Blue and GoldTwitter: @NuMu_SGRho

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ZFBChapter: Nu ThetaFounded: 1920 / Est. at UConn - 1976; 2009Philanthropy: Z-H.O.P.E., Storks Nest, National Education FoundationSymbol: DoveColors: Royal Blue and WhiteTwitter: @NobleNuThetaZPB

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ΑΧ Ω ΑEΦ

ΑΦΓΦB

Panhellenic Council The Panhellenic Council is a group of women elected to represent and oversee the Panhellenic chapters at UConn. The Council works hard to unite each of these groups and is charged with developing leadership opportunities, educational events, social interactions, community service and philanthropic events and advocacy for Panhellenic sororities. The Panhellenic Council meets weekly and is attended by delegates from each member chapter.

Ultimately, Panhellenic works to unite chapters, enhance the sorority ex-perience, strengthen values and establish common goals among members.

For more information, please visit: greeklife.uconn.edu/ucpcTwitter: @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 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/ucpc

Interested? Please attend:

Panhellenic Perk [Pre-Recruitment Event]Tuesday, August 26, 2014, 6:30-8pmStudent Union Lobby

Panhellenic Recruitment OrientationThursday, August 28, 2014, 7pm & 9pm Student Union Ballroom

“I am a better woman because I made the decision to join the Panhellenic community. I always knew I wanted to be in a sorority, but I didn’t know how much it would mean to me. Through Greek Life, I have made relationships that will last a lifetime, and formed connections with some of the most driven and motivated students on this campus. Greek Life gives you the opportunity to grow socially, academically, and philanthropically. Being Greek gives you the opportunity to be a leader. Joining a sorority has been the defining moment of my college career and has positively impacted my life ever since. I would not want to know a college experience without knowing what it is to be Greek.”

-ChristinA reese, PAnheLLeniC ViCe President oF reCruitment

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ΑΧ Ω ΑEΦ

ΑΦΓΦB

Panhellenic Chapters

Alpha Chi Omega AC ΩChapter: Kappa TauFounded: 1885 / Est. at UConn - Fall 2014Philanthropy: Domestic Violence AwarenessSymbol: Golden LyreColors: Scarlet Red and Olive GreenTwitter: @UConn_AXO

Alpha Epsilon Phi AEFChapter: Alpha XiFounded: 1909 / Est. at UConn - 1944; 2008Philanthropy: The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and SharsheretSymbol: Columns Colors: Green and WhiteTwitter: @AEPhiUConn

Alpha Phi AFChapter: Iota LambdaFounded: 1872 / Est. at UConn - 2008Philanthropy: Cardiac Care and ResearchSymbol: Ivy LeafColors: Silver and BordeauxTwitter: @AlphaPhiUConn

Gamma Phi Beta GFBChapter: Eta ThetaFounded: 1874 / Est. at UConn - 2012Philanthropy: Building Strong GirlsSymbol: Crescent MoonColors: Light and Dark BrownTwitter: @GammaPhiUConn

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KAΘ ΦΣΡ

ΠBΦ

Panhellenic Chapters

Kappa Alpha Theta KAQChapter: Gamma ZetaFounded: 1870 / Est. at UConn - 1942Philanthropy: Court Appointed Special AdvocatesSymbol: KiteColors: Black and GoldTwitter: @UConnTheta

Phi Sigma Rho* FSRChapter: ThetaFounded: 1984 / Est. at UConn - 2001Philanthropy: Girl Scouts of America and American Cancer SocietySymbol: Pyramid & StarColors: Wine Red and SilverTwitter: @UConnPhiRho

* Phi Sigma Rho, the Engineering Social Sorority, does not participate in the Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment process. Please visit http://uconnphirho.weebly.com/ for more information.

Pi Beta Phi PBFChapter: Connecticut AlphaFounded: 1867 / Est. at UConn - 1943Philanthropy: First Book, Read Across America,Champions are ReadersSymbol: ArrowColors: Wine and Silver BlueTwitter: @UCONNpiphi

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FAQs and “Did You Know?”

Did You Know?

44% of all US Presidents are Greek

42% of all US Senators are Greek

31% of all US Supreme Court Justices are Greek

24% of the US Congress are Greek

15% of Fortune 100 Executives are Greek

10% of all listed in Who’s Who are Greek

21.1 million Philanthropic Dollars Raised

And yet, Greeks make up

only 3%

of the US population

Source: North-American Interfraternity Conference: www.nicindy.org/

Will joining a fraternity or sorority adversely affect my grades? Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from a highly structured high school environment to the freedom of college. Greek membership can assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs that may include study partners, mandatory study hours and time manage-ment workshops. A student can also access the network of chapter members who already know how to use campus resources like the Homer Babbidge Library, Writing Resource Center, computer labs and academic advisors. Nothing, however, can take the place of a disciplined and academically-focused student to ensure success in college.

How much time 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. The time spent in this program should provide an opportunity to develop leadership and time management skills, learn about the history of the organization and develop friendships among the new member class as well as the rest of the chapter. Generally the program includes a weekly meeting, a project session, review material and scheduled study hours for coursework. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other events (philanthropic, service, social, initiation) throughout the year that are generally planned in advance in order to promote reasonable time management. As with any organization, the time commitment increases as a student assumes leadership responsibilities.

Aren’t fraternities and sororities expensive? Joining a fraternity or sorority does involve 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 the member-ship badge is often purchased. Many UConn Greeks cover the cost of chapter dues through a few weeks of pay earned during the summer. Contrary to common stereotypes, many chapter members work during the academic year and are financing portions of their tuition and/or housing expenses. Some organizations offer payment plans in order to help spread the cost over several smaller payments. More specific financial information can be deter-mined from talking with each chapter individ-ually.

Do I have to be of a specific ethnicity to join a cultural-ly-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 mem-ber organizations.

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What’s the buzz about alcohol?At the University of Connecticut, high risk binge drinking is addressed through educational programs and a partnership with the Wellness and Prevention Services Office. Fraternities and sororities are required to submit a notification form prior to any event where alcohol is served and are required to follow federal, state, UConn and their inter/national organization’s laws and policies. Chapters are restricted from using chapter funds to purchase alcohol. Instead, they use their funds to participate in non-alcoholic socials, intramurals, and other activities on campus. Many fraternity and sorority members choose not to drink at all.

If I join a Greek organization, can I still be involved on campus?Fraternities, sororities, and the OFSL encourage members to get involved across campus. The OFSL provides a program called Greek 101 for all new members. This seminar explains the opportunities available to new members within the Greek and larger UConn community. Students are encouraged to expand their involvement beyond their specific fraternity or sorority into the greater community by participating in numerous activities. Greek organizations are unique in the well-rounded and lifelong membership they provide, but they also believe strongly in encouraging members to use their leadership skills to benefit the larger campus and community.

FAQs continued…

What are these 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 Greek 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, admission 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 acqui-escence 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.)

Aren’t fraternities/sororities primarily social in nature? There is a social aspect to the Greek community, but the intent is to create members who will become con-tributing members of society. “Social” events include many education programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Family Weekend brunches, Homecoming and dinners, in addition to social gatherings and formals. Culturally-based chapters hold alcohol-free parties in University facilities to raise money for their service projects, and no events with alcohol are permitted in the Husky Village chapter houses. While the term “social” may conjure images of Animal House or Old School, this image is largely outdated and inaccurate.

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Greek Glossary:Active Member – A fully initiated, lifelong fraternity or sorority member who is active at the collegiate level.

Alumna/Alumnus – 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.

Chapter – A local group at an individual campus of the larger inter/national organization, designated by a special name.

Colony – A newly-formed group of members who have the intent of being chartered as a chapter by meeting inter/national headquar-ters 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.

Membership Intake – The process for some culturally-based fraternities and sororities to bring in new members.

Neophyte – 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) – A college woman who is participating in the Panhellenic recruitment process.

Recruitment – The IFC/Panhellenic process through which stu-dents become members of fraternities and sororities.

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:

A ALPHA (al-fuh)

B BETA (bey-tuh)

G GAMMA (gam-uh)

Δ DELTA (del-tuh)

E EPSILON (ep-suh-lon)

Z ZETA (zaey-tuh)

H ETA (ay-tah)

Q THETA (they-tuh)

I IOTA (ahy-oh-tuh)

K KAPPA (kap-uh)

Λ LAMBDA (lam-duh)M MU (myoo)

N NU (nyoo)

X XI (zahy)

O OMICRON (om-i-kron)

P PI (pahy)

P RHO (roh)

S SIGMA (sig-muh)

T TAU (taw)

U UPSILON (yoop-suh-lon)

F PHI (fahy)

X CHI (kahy)

Y PSI (sahy)

Ω OMEGA (oh-mee-guh)

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