THE FRATERNITY WAY
at GW
2017 - 2018 INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL AT THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Welcome to GW! An incredible number and variety of opportunities await you as you enter GW this semester and one of your greatest initial challenges will be the process of choosing what will make for your best possible student experience at GW and in Washington, DC.
Becoming a member of Greek Life at GW allows you to make this big campus a smaller place and ďŹ nd a family while you are away from home.
Once you select the 2-3 things that will be a large part of your time at GW, you will then have to learn how to balance and prioritize everything you want to do in college. College is a time when you can try new things and become the best possible version of yourself. With all of this in mind, we want you to make the most of your time at GW in the classroom, on campus, in the city, and around the world. One opportunity that exists for GW students is to become a member of our Greek Life community. Greek Life at GW is founded on five pillars: scholarship and intellectual development, service, active leadership, accountability, and community. This can be a unique aspect of your college journey and can be one of the many ways that you ďŹ nd your place at GW! Many of our students choose to make Greek Life a part of their time on campus and these chapters
1 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
are incredibly engaged in many aspects of life at GW. Our members and chapters are regularly honored with national awards and recognition and there are unparalleled leadership opportunities within this community. Becoming a member of Greek Life at GW allows you to make this big campus a smaller place and ďŹ nd a family while you are away from home. Fraternity and sorority members host events all across campus, on the National Mall, and in their houses throughout the year. Membership in Greek Life goes beyond the four years of college. It is a foundation for bonds that will last a lifetime. Welcome home and we look forward to all that you will do to make GW an even better place because of your contributions! Sincerely,
Tim Miller, Ed.D. Associate Dean of Students, CSE Division of Student Affairs
Dear Colonials: Welcome to GW! I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our university and talk to you about one of the unique opportunities you have access to as a college student — Greek Life. Here at GW, you will have the opportunity to join an institution that has been developing leaders for over one hundred years and a community that has thrived not only through service to each other, but to all who surround us. Like many of you, joining a fraternity was something entirely new for me. I was not sure if I was going to rush my freshman year. However, I ended up visiting multiple fraternities — the experience provided me with a group of brothers who have helped define my time at GW. The Interfraternity Council is the organization that represents the social men’s fraternities here at GW. Our expressed mission is simple: to advocate, collaborate, and educate. One of our most important responsibilities is the organization of our fall and spring recruitment events, which have drawn in countless students to the largest constituent of students at this university. Joining Greek Life is a fun and exciting opportunity, and we hope to see you during recruitment. As you will come to learn, fraternities create an environment for men to excel in academics, increase their campus involvement, and capitalize on countless leadership opportunities while participating in service to our communities. The skills acquired and the network
opportunities that will be available to you will not only guide you through your time at GW, but will stay with you through graduation and beyond. In order to learn what fraternity is the best fit for you, I highly encourage you to get out there and explore the opportunities offered across the numerous chapters that are established on our campus. Our recruitment process is open and casual, and you are free to visit multiple chapters during their open invitation events at the beginning of the process. Joining a Greek organization can be one of the biggest and most influential decisions you’ve made in your life. I encourage you to research, ask questions, and truly determine which chapter is best for you. Joining Greek Life has been an integral part of my undergraduate experience at GW, and I hope that you can partake in this experience as well. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me (hpease@gwu.edu) or any member of my IFC Executive Board. The entire Greek community looks forward to seeing what you will do at GW, and I hope you will register for IFC recruitment and join us this semester!
Harley Pease President, IFC hpease@gwu.edu
... fraternities create an environment for men to excel in academics, increase their campus involvement, and capitalize on countless opportunities ...
Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 2
About the Interfraternity Council The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at George Washington University is an afďŹ liate of the NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference, Inc. (NIC) and serves as the self-governing body representing fourteen men’s social fraternities on campus. Consisting of an executive board of seven members and the presidents of each fraternity, the IFC strives to promote excellence in all aspects of fraternity life and academic pursuits. Each fraternity has one vote on all issues and proposals brought before the council and each chapter president assumes the responsibility of being the primary communication link between the council and his chapter. The IFC is guided by an advisor to the Interfraternity Council, who is an experienced, full-time administrator in the Center for Student Engagement.
About GW Fraternities
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Chapter
Nickname
Beta Theta Pi Delta Lambda Phi Delta Sigma Phi Delta Tau Delta Kappa Alpha Kappa Sigma Lambda Chi Alpha Phi Delta Theta Phi Sigma Kappa Pi Kappa Alpha Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Sigma Nu Zeta Beta Tau
Beta DLP Delta Sig Delt KA Kappa Sig Lambda Chi Phi Delt PSK Pike SAE Sig Chi Sig Nu ZBT
Founded Nationally (Year) 1839 1986 1899 1858 1865 1869 1909 1848 1873 1868 1856 1855 1869 1898
Founded at GW (Year) 1997 2016 2015 1903 1894 1892 1991 2016 1899 1941 1858 1864 1915 1969
About the Greek Community The Interfraternity Council constitutes over a third of the Greek community at GW. Included in the community are the Panhellenic Association and Multicultural Greek Council and their member organizations. If you would like additional information about these councils, please contact the Center for Student Engagement at (202) 994-6555 or email engage@gwu.edu.
Panhellenic Association
Multicultural Greek Council
“Wherever you roam, discover your home"�
“Greek Unity and Cultural Diversity"
The Panhellenic Association (PHA), or "Panhel", is the governing board of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities and serves as a vital communication link between the Panhellenic chapters on campus. Panhellenic helps member chapters, of which there are currently ten, realize their individual goals and unites them under the halo of Greek tradition.
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) serves as the governing board for GWU's multicultural Greek organizations, such as our historically Black sororities and fraternities, our Asian and South Asian sororities and fraternities, and our Latino fraternal organizations. Each individual organization is unique and responsible for their own recruitment processes, with some organizations hosting recruitment every semester and others hosting it at more infrequent intervals. The Multicultural Greek Council currently consists of 4 fraternities and 8 sororities, and continues to expand to include more organizations in hopes of representing more communities on our campus. Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 4
IFC Executive Board
IFC Presidents
President Harley Pease, Delta Tau Delta hpease@gwu.edu
Vice President of Judicial Affairs Ellis Hammer, Kappa Sigma ellishammer@gwu.edu
Executive Vice President Taha Anwar, Kappa Sigma tanwar14@gwu.edu
Vice President of Public Relations Graciano Arroyo, Sigma Nu graciano@gwu.edu
Vice President of Recruitment Chris Ryan, Beta Theta Pi chrisryan@gwu.edu Vice President of Programming Joseph Timanovsky, Lambda Chi Alpha jtimanovsky@gwu.edu Vice President of Finance Reid Bradt, Sigma Chi rbradt@gwu.edu
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Beta Theta Pi Delta Lambda Phi Delta Sigma Phi Delta Tau Delta Kappa Alpha Kappa Sigma Lambda Chi Alpha Phi Delta Theta Phi Sigma Kappa Pi Kappa Alpha Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Sigma Nu Zeta Beta Tau
Ali Akbar David Lange Joe Marine Will Gibson Brad Ebersole Jacob Schafer Justin Molano Alexander Evers Jim Tronolone Eric Regenthal Blake Reinken Charles Ferrera Marquis Woods Devon Cantor
Visit gwifc.com for President contact information
Dear Colonials I remember when I first came to GW – like some of you I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go Greek or not. However, I ended up deciding to attend a few recruitment events and ultimately joined a fraternity. Being part of a fraternity provided me an immediate sense of belonging in a home away from home. This has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made during my college career and it all started by showing up at recruitment. Joining a social men’s fraternity is an incredible opportunity to be surrounded by a diverse population of men and women who share similar values and who are focused on impacting our campus and community. The fraternity experience at GW is not only fun but one that will provide you with the tools to succeed, grow, and help others. Fraternities are strong and supportive communities that really do bring out the best in those who join them. Whether it’s through
It's an exciting time to be a member of our GW fraternity and sorority family!
leadership opportunities, lifelong connections, or an emphasis on academics and philanthropy, men who go Greek find the experience tremendously rewarding. No matter where you go or what fraternity you accept a bid from, I promise you won’t regret it. We hope to see you during recruitment! Taha Anwar Executive Vice President, IFC tanwar14@gwu.edu
... men who go Greek find the experience tremendously rewarding.
It truly is an exciting time to be a Colonial and an even more exciting time to be a member of our fraternity and sorority family! Here at GW our Greek men and women are not only leaders on campus, but consistently rank as the most highly involved men and women within our GW community.
As the IFC Advisor, I strongly believe that by joining a fraternity or sorority you will be exposed to real-world experiences that will help build character and provide you with a set of skills that will be used well into your professional careers. So ... check out what our organizations have to offer, meet the men, get to know them, and ask them about what fraternity means to them—I promise you, you won’t regret it! Ethan Stubbs Area Coordinator, IFC Advisor ethan_stubbs@gwu.edu Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 6
Fraternity Recruitment The Interfraternity Council (IFC) conducts membership recruitment via a deferred recruitment process meaning that all students interested in joining an IFC fraternity must have first completed 12 GW credit hours, thus, transfer students are ineligible to participate in recruitment. In addition, all students must have a GW cumulative GPA of a 2.5 or higher in order to register as a potential new member (PNM). There are no exceptions to this policy. In order to facilitate the recruitment process, the IFC conducts a formal recruitment period for all interested students once they return to campus in the spring and an informal process in the fall, with some organizations taking advantage of an informal process following formal recruitment in spring.
Formal Recruitment FORMAL RECRUITMENT: Formal recruitment begins as a semi-open process, with men visiting only the chapters that interest them over the course of five rounds (days). Specifically, fraternities will organize various evening events/activities to allow PNMs a space to get to know the current members. In addition, chapters will educate all interested PNMs on their specific membership requirements. Chapters, via the IFC’s registration software Campus Director (CD), offer electronic invitations to PNMs to return to subsequent rounds should a mutual interest/connection be made. After the 5th (and final) round, fraternities have the opportunity to extend bids (invitations to join the fraternity). Bids will be extended electronically via CD at 12:01am the Saturday following the last round. To facilitate the formal recruitment process, chapters are separated into two recruitment groups (Group A & Group B). Each recruitment group is designated 5 specific calendar days of recruitment over a 2 week period. Chapters typically will choose to host semi-open recruitment events during three of the 5 days with the last 2 days typically being restricted (closed) to registered candidates ONLY. Chapters are separated into these two recruitment groups to allow for an even distribution of events during recruitment and to allow interested men the opportunity to attend as many semi-open events as possible. Please note that in order to be invited to a chapter’s final closed event you MUST be REGISTERED. 7 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
Informal Recruitment INFORMAL RECRUITMENT: Informal refers to the fact that this type of recruitment is carried out solely between the chapters and the PNMs. What this means is that it is up to chapters and the PNMs to find ways to learn more about each other without it being formally orchestrated by the IFC. This is typically done via informal meet and greets or individually scheduled chapter events (see chapter’s OrgSync/ website for details). Some chapters begin their informal recruitment process following the formal process in spring as a way to obtain additional spring new members. However, some will not take additional members in spring and instead participate in the fall informal recruitment process in order to obtain upperclassmen for a separate fall new member class. Some chapters will only participate as a way to get an early start on recruitment for a spring new member class. Others will participate in an informal process recruiting both in spring following the formal process as well as conduct activities to recruit upperclassmen in the fall. Some chapters will choose not to participate, instead solely rely on recruiting new members during the formal process in spring. The choice to participate in informal recruitment will depend on the organization, as it will change from year to year. Many chapters will base their decision on how well recruitment has gone for them the prior year, their chapter’s governing documents, and/or their organizations commitment to year-round recruitment. In general it’s best to just ask the organization you're interested in as to what type of recruitment they traditionally participate in.
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Informal Recruitment (continued) To participate in a chapter’s informal process you should do the following: • • • • •
Fill out the IFCs Informal Recruitment Information Form (contact the VP Recruitment/visit the IFC recruitment website for details). Visit the chapter’s OrgSync page and/or personal websites/social media pages and contact the chapters of interest by emailing the chapter’s President and/or Recruitment Officer if listed. Attend chapter/IFC recruitment events as they become available. Work with the organization you are interested in to fill out any/all necessary paperwork required prior to bid acceptance by the GW Greek Life Office and/or the chapter’s National/ International office. Eventually chapters might extend you a formal invitation (bid) to join their organization. When and if you receive one or more bids –decide on a single chapter and accept. Once that is done, the recruitment process is finished.
Though the processes for formal and informal recruitment may vary in style, the rules and intended outcomes are the same, both processes showcase the values and principles the organizations upholds. This serves to help you narrow your search, thereby, finding the organization that is of best fit. IFC REGISTRATION: Currently there is no registration fee required to participate in either Formal or Informal Recruitment. However, students interested in formal recruitment will need to register by completing the online registration. Registration for recruitment is MANDATORY; meaning that you cannot participate in recruitment and be accepted into a chapter unless you’ve registered online. IFC RECRUITMENT GUIDE (LOOKBOOK): You're reading it! This is the annual publication of the George Washington Interfraternity Council focused on our community statistics, individual chapter information, IFC structure, common Greek terminology, FAQs, and our recruitment processes and procedures. 9 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
Greek Life at GW With over 156 years of tradition, 36 active organizations, and just over 2,700 members, the Greek Community at GW is one of the strongest, healthiest, and largest (for an urban institution) communities in the country! Fraternity and sorority life is founded on five pillars: scholarship and intellectual development, service, active leadership, accountability, and community. Many members describe it as a onestop shopping opportunity for student involvement that complements and adds to their curricular life on campus. By joining a fraternity, members can be involved with activities that fulďŹ ll their diverse interests and help them develop into productive members of society. Fraternities and sororities help their members hone skills and build relationships that will be important in their lives after GW. Leadership positions teach students a great deal about delegating responsibility, supervising others, and managing relationships. Members gain real-life experience in event planning, public relations, respecting differences, communication styles, vision sharing, networking, time management, and work/life balance. Scholarship and academic
standards and programs help members be successful in their collegiate career at GW. New Member GPAs tend to be well above the all-First Year Student GPA and Greek students graduate at a higher rate than non-Greek students. Service and philanthropic opportunities help connect students to the GW and DC communities and instill the importance of giving back to our world. The brotherhood and sisterhood that our members experience helps create a sense of home away from home and provides students a closer community and support system. The GW Greek Community is unlike any other community in the country. Meet some of the members, learn about the groups, and see if this is the type of ‘Only at GW’ experience you want to be involved in! Chrsitina Witkowicki Director of Student Involvement and Greek Life wicki@gwu.edu
... the Greek Community at GW is one of the strongest, healthiest, and largest (for an urban institution) communities in the country!
Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 10
On Recruitment Welcome, Colonials! My Name is Chris Ryan, and I am the Vice President of Recruitment for the Interfraternity Council (IFC) here at GW. As the VP of Recruitment, I will be your guide during this year’s recruitment process and here to help answer all questions and concerns you may have about fraternity recruitment. One of the questions you may be asking yourself - Why go Greek? Don’t worry! You’re not alone; every single one of the members of our Greek community asked themselves this very question. Many of us will even admit that because we didn’t know much about fraternities, we were hesitant about joining one. However, once we did, we couldn’t imagine ourselves not being a part of this community of leaders. Our IFC Greek community is a great way to become quickly acclimated to campus culture, be a part of an extensive network of leaders, and to form meaningful relationships during your college career. Our fraternity members on campus go beyond the normal college routine. We challenge each other to do great things in both social and community aspects. Fraternity men consist of leaders - we intern in law firms, non-profits, on Capitol Hill, in the White House, and we have men who serve at all levels of executive leadership within many of our student 11 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
organizations here on campus. I can speak for our community when I say that joining Greek Life has made our time within the walls of GW so much more meaningful because it quite literally becomes your family; essentially a home away from home. These bonds of brotherhood will no doubt be carried with you for a lifetime. I encourage you to register online and see what this group of unique individuals, with high aspirations, has to offer you. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me. On behalf of the IFC Greek community, we welcome you and cannot wait for you to join us. Chris Ryan Vice President of Recruitment. IFC lucasdeysine@gwu.edu or ifc@gwu.edu
Our IFC Greek community is a great way to become quickly acclimated to campus culture, be a part of an extensive network of leaders, and to form meaningful relationships during your college career.
About the Center for Student Engagement (CSE) The George Washington University’s Center for Student Engagement (CSE) seeks to enhance all aspects of the student experience by fostering communities that promote learning and development to prepare students to make positive contributions in the world. Recognizing that GW is a community of scholars, the Center for Student Engagement brings learning out of the classroom and works to implement innovative four-year, competency-based student learning outcomes that are personalized to ensure you achieve your unique goals and aspirations. You’ll frequently interact with the Center for Student Engagement at GW. From your
Residential Advisors (RAs) to any student organization or club sport, you’re working with a group that is advised by the CSE. As student organizations, the IFC and its member fraternities work with the CSE every day. Helping with marketing, finances, and navigating GW policy and staff, the CSE is here to make sure that your involvement at GW is the best is can possibly be. If you ever have any questions or need help during your career at GW, please do not hesitate to reach out to engage@gwu.edu or stop by Colonial Crossroads on the 5th floor of the Marvin Center.
CSE Greek Life Staff Area Coordinator, IFC Advisor Ethan Stubbs, ethan_stubbs@gwu.edu Area Coordinator, Panhellenic Advisor Travis Roberts, travis_roberts@gwu.edu Director of Student Involvement and Greek Life, MGC Advisor Christina Witkowicki, wicki@gwu.edu Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 12
A
Greek Terminology
ALPHA
B
BETA
Γ
GAMMA
Δ
DELTA
E
EPSILON
Z
ZETA
Active A fully initiated member of a sorority or fraternity.
Chapter An organization of a national or international sorority or fraternity
Alumnae Graduated members of a sorority (singular is alumna).
Deferred Recruitment A policy which places limits on the ability of fraternities and sororities to recruit and initiate first year students.
Alumni Graduated members of a fraternity (singular is alumnus). Badge Also known as a pin, a piece of jewelry given to initiated members worn to identify their membership in the organization. Typically worn to official events, it is only worn while in business attire and usually worn over the heart and above all other pins. Bid A formal invitation to join a Greek organization. Brother An active member of a fraternity.
13 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
Fraternity A Greek organization for men. Many of the first founded women’s organizations are officially known as fraternities rather than sororities. Also refers to co-ed Greek organizations. Greek A sorority or fraternity member. Interfraternity Council (IFC) The governing body of social men’s fraternities. Initiation Ceremony during which new members of the National
Panhellenic Association (PHA or Panhel), MGC and IFC organizations become active, lifelong members of their organization. Legacy A person whose parent, grandparent or sibling was an active member of a sorority or fraternity. Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) An umbrella organization at GW consisting of members of National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA). North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) International organization that governs 75 inter/national fraternities. New Member A person who has accepted a bid to an PHA, MGC or IFC organization, but has not been initiated yet.
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) An umbrella organization for 26 inter/national women’s fraternities and sororities, ten of which have chapters on GW’s campus. These groups are members of our Panhellenic Association (Panhel). Potential New Member (PNM) A student who is not yet part of a Greek organization, but is interested in Greek Life. Recruitment Formal process where interested individuals can learn more about Panhel/IFC organizations and be asked to join.
Ritual Private ceremony of a Greek organization, and the formal document that contains the secret principles and ideals upon which the organization was founded. Only initiated members are privy to the ritual; learning the ritual is usually a part of the initiation ceremony. Ritual is sacred and unique to each inter/national organization and is the common bond between all members of a sorority or fraternity, regardless of when or where they were initiated. Rush Informal period where interested individuals can learn more about a Greek organization and be asked to join.
Sister An active member of a sorority. Sorority A Greek letter organization for women. Many sororities are officially fraternities; however, most refer to themselves as sororities.
H ETA
Θ
THETA
I
IOTA
K
KAPPA
Λ
LAMBDA
M MU
Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 14
Ν NU
Ξ XI
Ο
OMICRON
Π PI
Ρ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is a fraternity?
What is a bid?
A fraternity is a group of men working together as a brotherhood toward common goals and issues. Fraternities strive to develop their members’ individual talents and skills to better prepare them for life after graduation.
A bid is an invitation to join a fraternity. Bids may be extended to a potential new member after the fraternity has gotten to know him. Potential new members (PNMs) should not feel pressured or obligated to accept a bid. PNMs may receive numerous bids from different fraternities, but can only accept one. PNMs are encouraged to meet as many fraternity men as possible and should not concentrate on obtaining a bid from a single fraternity. Rushing more than one fraternity allows a potential new member to meet many new people during the recruitment process, even if he does not receive or accept a bid from a group.
What is Fraternity Recruitment? Recruitment, also known as “Rush,” is the activity by which fraternities seek new members. Spring formal recruitment consists of two weeks of events put on by each of the IFC-recognized chapters on campus. Each chapter has specific nights that are open to all GW men interested in joining a fraternity. Following the semi-open invitation nights are traditionally two closed invitation nights that each chapter hosts. These nights are typically chapter interview nights. Bids (invitations) to join a fraternity are only allowed to be given at the end of the recruitment period.
RHO
Σ
SIGMA 15 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
How does fraternity housing work? Many IFC fraternities have housing, either through the university or their own Alumni Housing Corporations. Greek townhouses are located on 23rd St. NW across from Shenkman Hall, as well as on F St. NW, 21st St. NW and 22nd St. NW. Living in fraternity housing is up to your chapter and is an important discussion topic during recruitment! Freshmen students are not eligible to live in Greek housing.
Τ
How much does a fraternity cost?
TAU
Although a majority of potential new members will join a fraternity during formal recruitment in the spring, it is not required. Many fraternities will participate in informal recruitment in the fall and some following the formal process in spring. So you will have many opportunities to join despite going through formal recruitment.
The cost of fraternity dues and fees vary from chapter to chapter. Chapter dues are used to pay yearly insurance, national fees and services, philanthropy and community service projects, fraternity leadership schools, academic scholarships and help in defraying the costs of alumni, parent and social events. For spring 2016, average costs were are as follows:
Υ
What type of clothing should I wear during recruitment?
$550 for new members in their first semester $500 per semester *
There is no set dress code; however individuals going through recruitment generally wear smart, casual attire. No suits or ties are required; however a chapter may ask that one be worn during a closed invite night.
These numbers reflect community averages. Each fraternity can provide its exact costs during recruitment. Many chapters also offer payment plans and scholarships. Information on this is available upon request.
Do I need a recommendation to join a fraternity?
*Not including housing fees, which vary if a chapter has their own house or lives in a university-owned property.
If I go through recruitment, do I have to join a fraternity?
Fraternities on our campus do not generally require any recommendations. However, if recommendations are solicited, they should be sent to the chapter house or the IFC.
UPSILON
Φ PHI
Χ
CHI
Ψ PSI
Ω
OMEGA Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 16
Academic Statistics and Standards
.
*2015-2016
CUMULATIVE AVERAGE GPA FOR ALL GREEK COMMUNITY*
.
ALL NEW-MEMBER AVERAGE
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CHAPTERS HAVE AN AVERAGE GPA OF 3.0 OR GREATER
Why a Fraternity? Academics Fraternities at the George Washington University realize that excelling in academics is the top priority for all students and their families. The grade point average of each fraternity is ranked, published and available to anyone who seeks it. Fraternity life offers a wide variety of academic advantages including tutoring programs, peer advisement and in-house study hours. Fraternity members also have the opportunity to receive a multitude of chapter scholarships, individual and 17 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
chapter academic awards, and numerous scholarships and awards from their international organizations.
Information oneach chapter’s involvement in the GW community is available upon request.
Leadership
Community Service and Philanthropy
The George Washington University fraternity system is dedicated to building future leaders by providing numerous leadership opportunities. Campus leaders include men involved in the GW Student Association, Program Board, Varsity and Club Athletics, College Democrats, College Republicans, Colonial Cabinet and many other organizations on campus.
One of the founding principles of every fraternity is giving of yourself in service to the community. In 2016, over 32,000 hours of service were performed and over $195,000 philanthropic dollars were raised by fraternity men and sorority women at GW. Each chapter has as a vast range of community service projects where chapters volunteer on a weekly basis.
MALE STUDENTS IN A FRATERNITY
19% 24%
60 MEMBERS
AVERAGE IFC CHAPTER SIZE
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STUDENTS IN GREEK LIFE
CHAPTERS
HAVE HOUSING
Intramurals and Athletics Intramurals are a very exciting aspect of fraternity life. Although open to all students, the strongest competition is among IFC organizations, which compete throughout the year with the ultimate goal of being the fraternity Pikus Cup champion. Apart from GW intramurals, fraternity men also participate in philanthropic, Interfraternity sporting events. Athletics prove to be important physical and mental outlets for students and help improve selfconďŹ dence and develop teamwork.
Through competition, intramurals continue to help build brotherhood and school spirit at GW.
Brotherhood IFC men and IFC chapters were founded as a network of support for men who were going through similar experiences. Being a fraternity man is a great way to enhance the general college experience through brotherhood and friendship. Brotherhood means building bonds between members of the Greek community and working towards the
shared goal of a better campus for all. Some of the best friends one will ever make are fellow fraternity brothers and other members of the Greek community.
Social Life Social life is a visible portion of Greek Life that is excellent for acclimating students to the university. Fraternities are very busy with alumni weekends, parent’s weekends, formals and date nights. Fraternities also host mixers, thematic weekends, club events and Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 18
dinners. Social events give the fraternity man an opportunity to meet new and exciting people while building lifelong friendships. Diversity The Greek community at the George Washington University is comprised of a diverse group of individuals coming together to work for a common goal. The IFC is committed to educating its members about the value of living in a global community. The Greek community sponsors a variety programs to educate their members on diversity and inclusion.
Alumni and Career Brotherhood continues throughout life as one enters into alumnus status. Fraternity alumni are considerably the most loyal of all Colonials, both to the university and to their Greek peers. Alumni enjoy returning to Foggy Bottom and visiting the university and their chapter house. Through alumni, the fraternity network extends across the world and is helpful in gaining 19 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
employment or when relocating to a new area. GW fraternity men utilize their alumni networks to help them ďŹ nd internships and jobs during their four years as an undergraduate. Whether it is a government agency or a Fortune 500 company, there is bound to be a GW fraternity alumnus that works there and will help with a job search.
Social Responsibility and Hazing Policy Social Responsibility Fraternities offer a wide range of social activities and programs for their members. Fraternities have also taken responsibility by utilizing risk management procedures to decrease the potential for accidents at their events. Each chapter follows a social policy developed by its national organization in addition to the policies of the IFC and the university. The IFC is committed to helping the fraternities maintain a safe and responsible environment that contributes to the lifelong friendships unique to the Greek community.
Dry Recruitment No one in any way connected to the fraternity may serve or partake in the consumption of alcohol or other illegal substances in the presence of a potential new member during recruitment. Any potential new member violating the recruitment rules is subject to suspension from recruitment and will not be allowed to join a fraternity. Alcohol Each chapter maintains a responsible social policy that promotes enjoyable social activities in a safe environment. The university also has a closed event policy that opposes the misuse of alcohol and maintains that all chapters, individual members and guests must abide by federal and local laws and university regulations. All chapters work to educate and foster a better understanding of social responsibility and alcohol education for their members. The IFC is committed to helping organizations maintain balanced social programs that contribute to personal development and do not detract from the university’s educational mission.
GW Hazing Prevention
GW Hazing Policy
Here at GW, the campus culture and physical setting does not support hazing activities. Recent reports show that much of the most serious hazing incidents happening today are taking place in high schools, and students are bringing that experience with them to college. In addition, there are several indicators of concern with fraternities who are operating without the recognition or support of their institution or a national organization. It is imperative that we continue to work to keep hazing out of the George Washington University, and to eliminate any hazing activities, however small, from taking root in our community.
Hazing is any action taken or situation created intentionally, with or without consent, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Groups will be held responsible for the actions of their members, including new members, associates and any other pre-initiates.
We have established a confidential hazing reporting process (https:// studentengagement.gwu.edu/ confidential-hazing-reporting-form) for anyone who becomes aware of suspected hazing activity on campus. Every report will be treated with respect and will be addressed by the Center for Student Engagement and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
The negligence or consent of the student/participant or any assumption of risk by the student/participant is not a defense to an action brought pursuant to the policy. The adjudicating officer or body, not the alleged victim, will determine whether the action taken or situation created violated university policy.
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Chapter Awards Beta Theta Pi Recognized by their national organization multiple times for overall chapter excellence at the highest levels, as well as community involvement, community service, and risk management.
Delta Tau Delta
Recognized by their national organization for being in the top percent of national chapters for having a GPA above the national IFC average and for being in the top 5% of Delta Tau Delta chapters.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Recognized at the province level by their national organization for best ritual and best university relations.
Sigma Nu
Recognized by their national organization for strides made in areas of recruitment and chapter operations.
Zeta Beta Tau
Recognized by GW for Outstanding Student Service (group) for their “Green Light Go"philanthropic effort, and IFC member of the year.�
CHAPTER OF THE YEAR 2015-2016
Winner BETA THETA PI
Nominees DELTA TAU DELTA KAPPA ALPHA ORDER LAMBDA CHI ALPHA SIGMA NU ZETA BETA TAU
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On Expansion The Greek Community is Expanding! Over the past year, the Interfraternity Council has been working to add new organizations to our community. That being said, the George Washington University will welcome six new colonies to campus. In spring of 2018, Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) will recolonize followed by Alpha Sigma Phi (Alpha Sig) in spring 2019. Our list also includes the re/colinzation of Pi Kappa Phi, Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Gamma Delta and Sigma Phi Epsilon. The IFC chose these organizations due to our belief that they will strengthen the GW Greek Community through their values, membership development goals, and commitment to community partnerships.
COMMUNITY GROWTH CHAPTER
NICKNAME
SCHEDULED RETURN
Tau Kappa Epsilon
TKE
SPRING 2018
Alpha Sigma Phi
Alpha Sig
SPRING 2019
Pi Kappa Phi
Pi Kapp
FALL 2019
Phi Kappa Psi
Phi Psi
SPRING 2020
Phi Gamma Delta
FIJI
SPRING 2021
Sigma Phi Epsilon
SigEp
SPRING 2022
Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) JOINING THE IFC SPRING 2018 | tke.org Tau.Kappa.Epsilon.Fraternity
Tau Kappa Epsilon will rejoin our community after formal recruitment in spring 2018. To learn more about this organization, please visit their website and gwifc.com for updates on how to join their process.
| @TKE_Fraternity Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 22
BΘΠ Beta Theta Pi (Beta) | gwu.beta.org | GWBeta | @Beta_GWU Motto To Develop Men of Principle for a Principled Life Notable Betas Beta Theta Pi has had more elected officials, Olympic gold medalists, Fortune 500 CEOs, and Rhodes Scholars than any other fraternity. Prominent alumni include legendary basketball coach John Wooden, Walmart founder Sam Walton, composer Stephen Sondheim, and Senators Richard Lugar, Michael Bennet, and Bill Nelson. 23 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
Philanthropic Achievements In 2016, through their annual Beta Cup, and Beta Lei the chapter raised over $15,000 to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Housing Beta has an on-campus chapter house located on 22nd Street right across from the Smith Center but will be moving Fall 2017 to 607C on Townhouse Row. Awards In 2014 the chapter received the John Reilly Knox Award, Beta Theta Pi's highest national honor. In 2015-16 the chapter received top honors from GW for Academic Achievement and Scholarhsip, Leadership and Campus Involvement, Programming and Member Development, Chapter Operations, Housing Operations and Chapter of he Year.
ΔΛΦ Delta Lambda Phi (DLP) | dlp.org/gwu | GWDeltaLambdaPhi | @GWDLP Motto Lambda Men are Making Their Presence Make a Difference Core Values Excellence, Integrity, Diversity, Justice, Service, Friendship, and Commitment
Interesting Facts Delta Lambda Phi was founded in Washington DC by a GW alum, and is the oldest college fraternity in the United States for gay, bisexual, transgender, and progressive men. With new colonies springing up across the United States and Canada every year, Delta Lambda Phi is one of the fastest growing collegiate fraternities in the country due to its values-based approach, its strong anti-hazing policies, and its ability to bring people into Greek Life that may not have ever considered it.
Philanthropy Delta Lambda Phi’s chief charitable partner is The Trevor Project, a non-profit which focuses on suicide prevention amongst LGBTQ+ youth. Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 24
ΔΣΦ Delta Sigma Phi (Delta Sig) | deltasig.org | Delta-Sig-at-George-Washington | @DeltaSigmaPhiGW Motto Better Men. Better Lives. Core Values Men of Courage, Action, and Excellence. Notable Delt Sigs Delta Sigma Phi has a long list of notable alumni involved in a variety of different fields including politics, business, and athletics. Examples include William C. Eacho III, US ambassador to Austria as well as former CEO of IBM Frank T. Cary. Delta Sigma Phi 25 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
alumni also include a former CEO of Wal-Mart and CEO of Walgreens, Charles R. Walgreen III. About Delta Sigma Phi Delta Sigma Phi seeks to bring men together who truly want to enact positive change in their community. Founded in 1899, the fraternity has a long tradition of encouraging brothers to think and act progressively in order to better the world around them. Delta Sigma Phi is the first fraternity to be founded religiously desegregated. delta sigma Phi hasalways championed diversity. they stress both the academic and scial aspects of college life. Philanthropic Achievemnts Delta Sigma Phi works with the American Red Cross and will be hosting a number of philanthropic events in the coming semester.
ΔTΔ Delta Tau Delta (Delt) | georgewashington.deltsconnect.org | GWDelts | @GWDelts Motto Committed to Lives of Excellence Core Values Truth, Courage, Faith and Power Notable Delts Notable Delt alumni include Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey, Wisconsin Representative and House speaker Paul Ryan, television host Drew Carey, and actor Will Ferrell.
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Philanthropic Achievements JDRF, a research foundation dedicated to creating a world without Type-1 Diabetes, is Delta Tau Delta’s national philanthropy. Within the last year, the chapter has also supported the Katie Moore Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Across their philanthropy events and Relay for Life, they raised over $30,000 last year. In the spring semester they served over 2900 hours to the community with an average of over 10 hours per brother. Housing Delta Tau Delta’s house, or Shelter, is located on the corner of 22nd and F Streets. The Delt Shelter is one of the largest privately owned fraternity houses on campus.
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KA Kappa Alpha Order (KA) | websites.omegafi.com/omegaws/ kappaalphaordergeorgewashington | KappaAlphaGW | @KappaAlphaGW Motto Dieu et Les Dames (God and the Ladies) Notable KAs Ken May, CEO of Topgolf and COO of Krispy Creme, chairman of the March of Dimes and former CEO of Fedex Kinkos; Four Star General George S. Patton; talk show host Charlie Rose; and first director of the FBI and most notable GW KA, Alpha Nu alumni, J. Edgar Hoover. 27 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
Philanthropic Achievements The chapter raises money and awareness to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, KA’s national philanthropy. Housing The Alpha Nu Chapter has an on-campus townhouse at 605 22nd Street. Interesting Facts Each potential new member must receive a unanimous vote of 100% approval in order to join. Once in the fraternity, it is each brother’s responsibility to take on at least 5 hours of community service outside its own philanthropy events.
ΚΣ Kappa Sigma (Kappa Sig) | gwkappasigma.org | GWKappaSigma | @GWKappaSigma Motto Bononia Docet Core Values Leadership, Scholarship, Fellowship, and Service Notable Kappa Sigs GW Kappa Sig alumni include Barton H. Kogan, namesake of GW’s Kogan Plaza; Reggie Brown, CEO of Snapchat; singer Jimmy Buffett; Daniel Rudeger “Rudy”; and WWII POW and olympian, Louis Zamperini. 25
Philanthropic Achievements Last fall, during Kappa Sig's 4th Annual Shave Away Cancer Event, they raised $20,000 for childhood cancer research. This past spring, they raised more than $60,000 for Project Valor, benefitting veterans of Seal Legacy Foundation and the Harry Bologna Fund. Housing Kappa Sigma has a chapter house for 28 students in GW’s Building JJ, featuring rooms with kitchens and living rooms. It’s the most unique university-owned chapter house on campus!
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ΛΧΑ Lambda Chi Alpha (Lambda Chi) | gwlambdachi.com | LCAGWU | @GW_LambdaChi Motto Every Man a Man Core Values Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service and Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage Notable Lambda Chis Lambda Chi's alumni include President Harry Truman, country singer Kenny Chesney, Congressman Ron Paul, head basketball coach of the University of Louisville Rick Pitino, former US 29 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
Supreme Court justice Harry Blackmun, and Hall of Fame baseball player Mickey Cochrane. Philanthropic Achievements Lambda Chi supports Feeding America, an organization dedicated to ending hunger in the United States. This past spring, during its annual philanthropy event Watermelon Bash, over $2,000 was raised, and 270 pounds of food was donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. Housing Lambda Chi has an on-campus townhouse located at 605 21st Street NW.
ΦΔΘ
Phi Delta Theta (Phi Delt) | gwphidelt.org | GW-Phi-Delt | @gwphidelt
Mission Statement Empowering gentlemen to become leaders by promoting diversity, morality, and service through brotherhood. Core Values Friendship, Sound learning, and Moral Rectitude. Notable Phi Delts Phi Delta Theta’s notable alumni include former President of the United States Benjamin Harrison, MLB Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig, first man on the moon Neil Armstrong, CEO of Taco Bell Brian Niccol, NFL player
Wes Welker, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and CEO of Linkedin Jeff Weiner. Philanthropic Achievements Phi Delta Theta has a unique partnership with The ALS Association in honor of Phi Delta Theta member and baseball great, Lou Gehrig, who passed away from ALS, now commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The ALS Association leads the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering those with the disease and their families to live better lives by providing them care and support. Each year, thousands of dollars are raised for The ALS Association through the efforts of Phi Delta Theta members. Interesting Fact Phi Delta Theta was founded on December 26th, 1848 at Miami University in Oxford Ohio. Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 30
ΦΣΚ Phi Sigma Kappa (PSK) | psklambda.org | GWPhiSigmaKappa | @PSKGWU Motto Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You Core Values Brotherhood, Scholarship and Character Notable PSKs Phi Sigma Kappa boasts some of the most prominent alumni from GW, including House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and actor T.J. Miller. 31 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
Philanthropic Achievements Phi Sigma Kappa's national philanthropy is the Special Olympics, an organization that transforms lives through the joy of sport every day. Each Halloween weekend, the Lambda Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa transforms their townhouse into a haunted house in order to raise money to sponsor athletes. This past year alone, Just over $1,000 was raised by family, friends, and alumni of the house. Housing Phi Sigma Kappa is proud to be one of the few fraternities on campus to still own their own chapter house, located at the corner of 21st and F streets. It has been maintained and managed by their alumni club since 1975.
ΠΚA Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | gwpikes.chapterspot.com | GWPike | @GWPiKe Motto Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, Gentlemen Notable Pikes Some of Pi Kappa Alpha’s prominent alumni include republican strategist and White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove, host of The Daily Show Jon Stewart and country music star Tim McGraw.
nationally recognized philanthropy event, Fireman’s Challenge. Athletics The Delta Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha is the most decorated of all GW fraternities in terms of athletic achievements. The chapter has won the Pikus Cup a record nine times. The award is named after the late Ken Pikus, a Fall 1990 initiate of the Delta Alpha Chapter. Pike dedicates each season of interfraternity athletic competition to Brother Pikus and his family.
Philanthropic Achievements Pike has raised over $600,000 for the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation over the past nine years through their Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 32
ΣΧ Sigma Chi (Sig Chi) | gwsigmachi.com | GWSigmaChi | @GWSigmaChi Motto Friendship, Justice, Learning Notable Sigma Chis Sigma Chi alumni include actor John Wayne, actor and humanitarian Brad Pitt, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton, comedian and Late Night host David Letterman, GW professor and Ambassador Edward “Skip” Gnehm (GW ‘66) and Senator Mike Enzi (GW ‘68).
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Philanthropic Achievements Over the Past two years Derby Days has raised over $125,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Founda-tion. In 2014 we broke the school record for our work and we look to build on our success every year. Housing The chapter is lucky to call the largest townhouse on Greek Row home and the only chapter on campus to occupy both university housing and a privately owned chapter house located directly diagonal from the Smith Center at 2156 F Street. Awards Sigma Chi is a Thomas Cowan Bell Award recipient.
ΣAΕ Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | gwusae.org | SAEGWU | @GWSAE Motto Phi Alpha Core Value True Gentlemen Notable SAEs Sigma Alpha Epsilon notable alumni include Goldman Sachs CEO and Former Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson, President William McKinley, former Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl MVP Troy Aikman, and Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll.
Philanthropic Achievements GW SAE hosts our annual Paddy Murphy philanthropy week where our chapter raises money for the Children's Miracle Network, an organization that works to fund children's hospitals and medical research. Interesting Facts GW SAE founded Greek Life at The George Washington University in 1858, and was the only chapter in Sigma Alpha Epsilon to survive the Civil War. The fraternity no longer has a pledge process. Instead, members are initiated and granted the privileges of a full member only days after recruitment and are educated about the fraternity values throughout their time as a member. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the largest fraternity in the country, giving members unrivaled access to a large network of brothers and alumni. Interfraternity Council at the George Washington | 34
ΣΝ Sigma Nu (Sig Nu) | gwusigmanu.com | GWSigmaNu | @GWSigmaNu Core Values Love, Honor, Truth Notable Sigma Nus Bob Barker, Eli & Archie Manning, Paul Rudd, Senator Roger Wicker, Senator Trent Lott, Harrison Ford, James Carville, and Charles Schwab are just a few of Sigma Nu’s prominent alumni. Housing The Delta Pi Chapter has an on-campus house located at 607 22nd Street. 35 | THE FRATERNITY WAY AT GW
Philanthropic Achievements Through Sigma Nu’s Helping Hand Initiative our brothers develop leadership skills and work to make a positive impact in our community — ultimately, the Delta Pi chapter shows that a fraternity can be a force for good. Interesting Facts Chartered in 1915, the Delta Pi Chapter has been operating for over 100 continuous years, an achievement unrivaled by any organization on GW’s campus short of the institution itself. We’ve stayed true to our mission of developing ethical leaders and making better men for society. One of the largest and most powerful fraternities in the country, Sigma Nu was founded in 1869 in direct opposition to hazing and is a leader in the fraternal world.
ZBT
Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) | gwzbt.com | gwzbt | @GWZBT
Motto Powerhouse of Excellence Core Values Intellectual Awareness, Social Responsibility, Integrity and Brotherly Love Notable ZBTs Congressman Steve Cohen, Isreali Ambassador Ron Dermer, Former Chief of Sta. Kenneth Duberstein, New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft, Founder of CBS William Paley, and Baskin Robbins Founder Burt Baski.
Philanthropic Achievements Each year ZBT rolls agiant 6 foot beach ball around campus collecting signatures in support of Children Miracle Network. This past year, over $12,000 was raised. Housing ZBT occupies Townhouse G at 607 23rd St. NW. Awards 2012 Brummer Cup Winner for Outstanding Chapter. The chapter is the recipient of the 2015 Greek Unity Award. 2016 Intramural football Champions.
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Notes:
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| GWIFC | @GWIFC | @GWIFC | ifc@gwu.edu | gwifc.com