Fraternities & Sororities in the

US Universities

DEFINITION

Fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students

Synonym: “Greek letter organization”

Usually single-sex Considered as mutual aid societies, providing academic and social activities to their members

HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT

Phi Beta Kappa Society Roman and Greek themes Union Triad

› Kappa Alpha Society› Sigma Phi Society› Delta Phi

Miami Triad›Beta Theta Pi›Phi Delta Theta ›Sigma Chi

First national organization

RITUALS & SYMBOLS

Initiation ceremony Silent dinner Rituals:

› Passwords› Songs› Handshakes

Emblems:› Flags› Flowers› Badges› Crest

Motto which expresses the unique ideals of the fraternities

Apparels:› Shirts› Pants› Bags› Jewelry› Key Chains

Alpha Kappa Alpha

Kappa Psi

CONTROVERSY & CRITICISM

Hazing issues Exclusionary nature

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

CHAPTER HOUSES

Live together Meeting place Owned by the alumni corporation or some national organizations

Visitor restrictions

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Pi Kappa Alpha

Pi Kappa

ADVANTAGES

Fun Family House Connect with people

DISADVANTAGES

Time Money Stereotypes Temptation Kept out of other students