GREEK LIFE at Mercer
RITY O R O S & Y T FRATERNI RECRUITMENT 2007
Greek Life Table of Contents Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Greek Values and Ideals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Statement on Hazing and Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 It’s Greek to Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 You’ve Got Questions… We’ve Got Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Panhellenic Sororities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 NPHC Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 IFC Fraternities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
W
elcome to Mercer University!
During your first few weeks on campus you will meet many new people and have the opportunity to explore a variety of interests. As you look at the opportunities available to you, I hope that you will consider being a part of the Greek community. Mercer, has a strong tradition of Greek Life, which spans 138 years. We currently have seventeen recognized Greek organizations and the members of these groups make up approximately 25% of the population. Not surprising, many of them are student leaders not only within the Greek community but also on campus. If you want to have the experience of a lifetime and leave Mercer University a more well-rounded individual then I encourage you to… GO GREEK!
S
cholarship, Leadership Scholarship
Academics and grades are a central part of Greek life at Mercer University. Greek organizations place a strong emphasis on creating an atmosphere conducive to high academic performance. The Greek organizations at Mercer recognize the importance of integrating scholarship into the Greek experience and offer a wide variety of resources and programs designed to assist their members in their academic pursuits. Although Mercer University does not require a specific grade point average for incoming freshman students to participate in formal recruitment, it is important to know that continuing or transfer students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Additionally, individual fraternities and sororities may have their own academic standards for joining or initiation.
Leadership Membership in a Greek organization offers a wide variety of leadership opportunities. Each individual chapter is self-governing and has a management structure that includes officer positions and committees that allows members to be involved in the operational aspects. Additionally, Greek organizations provide educational programming in areas such as time management, leadership, communication, networking, and other relevant topics. Greek members are also very involved in many campus-wide leadership roles.
S
ervice, Philanthropy & Friendship Community Service and Philanthropy
The Greek community at Mercer prides itself on its deep commitment to community service and philanthropic endeavors. Greek organizations sponsor a multitude of activities each year that impact the campus and the local community. They also support their own individual national service projects known as philanthropies. As a fraternity or sorority member, you will have the opportunity to be involved in making a difference.
Friendship One of the most enjoyable parts of joining a Greek organization involves making new friends and forming bonds that will last long after college. Being a member of a fraternity or sorority can be like having a home away from home. It is a feeling and sense of belonging. It is being yourself and being respected for individuality. Sisterhood and Brotherhood are the making of friendships that last a lifetime.
S
tatement on Hazing, Alcohol and Drugs
Mercer University believes that student involvement with Greek Organizations can and should be a positive experience that enhances the academic mission of the University. Therefore, the University does not condone or tolerate hazing or the misuse of drugs and alcohol. In order to reduce risk to our students, Mercer University has adopted a Risk Management policy regarding hazing, alcohol, and drugs that are in accordance with the Fraternal Insurance Purchasing Group (FIPG) which can be found on the Greek Life website. Hazing is prohibited by the State of Georgia, Mercer University, the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the individual chapters. In accordance with the purpose and philosophy of Mercer University, which includes the belief that true fraternalism can thrive only in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, the practices of hazing are inconsistent with the responsibility of student organizations to conduct safe, constructive new member education programs. Therefore, violations of these policies will not be tolerated. As a result, any individual member or members of the organization participating in hazing activities may be charged through the university judicial system as well as face possible criminal charges. Mercer University is a dry campus and student possession and/or use of alcohol is not permitted on campus, including in the Greek Village. University policies require that all Greek organizations, individual members, and all guests abide by state, local, and University laws and regulations. The University has adopted the Fraternal Insurance Purchasing Group (FIPG) guidelines as a model for proper risk management. These policies can be found on the Greek life website under Resources at www.mercer.edu/greek.
It’s Greek to Me ALUMNI/NA A sorority or fraternity member who has graduated or left school. BID An official invitation to become a new member of a sorority or fraternity. CHAPTER A membership unit of a national or international sorority or fraternity. CONTINOUS OPEN BIDDING (COB) COB’s may be extended and accepted at any time during the school year other than formal recruitment. FORMAL RECRUITMENT OR INFORMATIONAL A designated membership recruitment period during which a series of organized events are held by each sorority and fraternity. FRATERNITY Greek letter sisterhood or brotherhood. GREEKS Sorority and fraternity members HAZING Any type of action or activity that does not contribute to the positive development of a person. Hazing is against the law and not tolerated at Mercer. INITIATION Ceremony during which new members receive lifelong membership privileges. INTAKE The process used by historically black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities to enlist new members. INTENTIONAL SINGLE PREFERENCE When a prospective member only lists one sorority or fraternity on their Membership Acceptance card when two options are available. INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL (IFC) The Interfraternity Council is a cooperative campus organization of collegiate members of North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) or Fraternity Leadership Association (FLA) fraternities. LEGACY A man or woman whose immediate relative (parent, grandparent, or sibling) is an alumni/na or active member of a sorority or fraternity. NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL (NPHC) The NPHC is an umbrella organization for the nine historically black, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. NEW MEMBER A man or woman who has accepted a bid but is not yet an initiated member. PANHELLENIC COUNCIL The Panhellenic council is a cooperative campus organization of collegiate women of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) member sororities. PI CHI A Panhellenic representative who has disaffiliated from her chapter during formal recruitment and is available to guide women through the process and answer questions. POTENTIAL NEW MEMBER Any woman or man interested in becoming a sorority or fraternity member who is matriculated and eligible to join according to Mercer University’s requirements. PREFERENTIAL BIDDING A system used at the conclusion of Panhellenic Council formal recruitment to match sorority and potential member preferences. QUOTA The number of women going through Panhellenic recruitment divided by the number of Panhellenic sorority chapters participating in formal recruitment. RECOMMMENDATION/REFERENCE A letter or form written by an alumni/na recommending a potential member. RECRUITMENT COUSELOR An IFC representative who has disaffiliated from his chapter during formal recruitment and is available to guide men through the process and answer questions. SORORITY A group of women that make up a sisterhood.
You’ve Got Questions… We’ve Got Answers If I participate in Recruitment, do I have to join? No. Recruitment is a time to see what Greek Membership can offer you. Participating in Recruitment does not commit you to joining an organization, but it does allow you the opportunity to meet new people and make an informed decision. Do I have to go to all of the formal Recruitment events? Yes, if you register for Recruitment you need to attend all of the activities. Potential members are asked to attend all events to which they are invited. The goal of Recruitment is to gather as much information as you need to make an informed decision; therefore we ask that you accept the maximum number of invitations that accommodate your schedule. What if I am only interested in a certain fraternity or sorority? You really should keep an open mind. Preconceived ideas or stereotypes about a certain group can really limit your chance to have a positive experience. By narrowing down your choices before you actually get to see what all the organizations have to offer, you could miss out on a great opportunity. Recruitment is a perfect time for you to learn all you can about each chapter and make the best decision for you. Does membership in a fraternity or sorority take up a lot of time? Like any worthwhile extra-curricular activity, how much you get out of your Greek experience is directly tied to how much you put in. On average, you can expect to contribute two to four hours per week for meetings and mandatory activities. Optional activities such as holding an office or chairmanship, attending social events, playing on an intramural sports team, or helping out with various projects will of course take additional time. Some organizations require more time than others so be sure to ask questions regarding time commitments during recruitment. What do Greek chapters look for in members? It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what Greek chapters are looking for in a new member. Each chapter has a minimum grade point average and standards that they are required to follow based on national polices and chapter bylaws. Recruitment, however, is a twoway process where fraternities and sororities are looking at you, and you are looking at the fraternities and sororities. As a potential member, you get a chance to decide which organization most interests you, which has the members you relate to the most, and where you feel the most comfortable. At the same time, members of the chapter are meeting you. Chapters typically are looking for individuals who can contribute to their membership in terms of grades, activities, talents, and interests. What is the new member process? Most organizations require their new members to complete what is termed a New Education program prior to their initiation for the purpose of orientation and member development. During this time you’ll learn the history, traditions and operating procedures of the organization and participate in activities that will allow you to get to know the members. The duration of the new member period varies from group to group but is no more than approximately twelve weeks. Some organizations require new members to achieve a certain grade point average during the semester that they are pledging in order to qualify to be initiated.
Alpha Delta Pi
ΑDΠ
“We Live For Each Other” Mercer Founding: November 13, 1937 Chapter Designation Beta Sigma Philanthropy: Ronald McDonald House Website: www.mercer.edu/alphadeltapi
Alpha Gamma Delta
ΑΓD
“Inspire The Woman. Impact The World.” Mercer Founding: February 27, 1960 Chapter Designation Gamma Iota Philanthropy: Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation Website: www.mercer.edu/agd
Chi Omega
ΧΩ
“Hellenistic Culture & Christian Ideals” Mercer Founding: December 18, 1943 Chapter Designation Psi Gamma Philanthropy: Make-A-Wish Foundation Website: www.mercer.edu/chiomega
Phi Mu
ΦΜ
“Les Soeurs Fideles” (The Faithful Sisters) Mercer Founding: December 2, 1938 Chapter Designation Alpha Iota Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network Website: www.mercer.edu/phimu
Mercer Founding:
ΑΦΑ
Alpha Phi Alpha
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
May 22, 1974 Iota Eta Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation www.alphaphialpha.net
Alpha Kappa Alpha Mercer Founding:
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
ΑΚΑ
January 11, 1975 Iota Eta Ivy Reading AKAdemy & Educational Advancement Foundation www.aka1908.com
Delta Sigma Theta Mercer Founding:
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
DΣΘ
Website:
January 6, 1973 Iota Sigma American Cancer Society/ AIDS Awareness www.mercer.edu/dst1913
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Mercer Founding:
ΚΑΨ
Kappa Alpha Psi
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
May 15, 1976 Theta Pi Guide Right www.mercer.edu/nupes
Zeta Phi Beta
Mercer Founding:
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
ZΦB
2002 Omega Mu National Education Foundation www.zphib1920.org
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Mercer Founding:
ΑΤΩ
Alpha Tau Omega
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
November 23, 1880 Alpha Zeta Alpha Tau Omega Foundation www.atoaz.com
“America’s Leadership Development Fraternity”
Kappa Alpha Order Mercer Founding:
KA
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
November 12, 1873 Kappa Muscular Dystrophy Association www.mercer.edu/kappaalphaorder
“Dieu et les Dames” (God and Women)
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Kappa Sigma
Mercer Founding:
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
KS
March 8, 1874 Alpha Beta American Cancer Society www.mercer.edu/kappasigma
“Bologna Docet” (Bologna Teaches)
Mercer Founding:
ΛΧΑ
Lambda Chi Alpha
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
November 6, 1947 Zeta Omega North American Food Drive www.lambdachi-mercer.org
“Vir Quisque Vir” (Every Man A Man)
13
Mercer Founding:
ΦDΘ
Phi Delta Theta
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
January 2, 1872 Georgia Gamma Lou Gehrig Foundation http://phideltmercer.com
“One Man Is No Man”
Pi Kappa Phi
Mercer Founding:
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
ΠΚΦ
February 16, 1923 Alpha Alpha PUSH America www.pikapp.org
“Nothing Shall Ever Tear Us Apart”
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Sigma Alpha Epsilon Mercer Founding:
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
SAE
September 1870 Georgia Psi SAE Foundation www.georgiapsi.com
“The True Gentleman”
Sigma Nu
Mercer Founding:
Chapter Designation
Philanthropy:
Website:
SN
January 2, 1884 Eta American Cancer Society www.mercer.edu/sigmanu
“Love, Truth And Honor”
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P
anhellenic Sorority Recruitment August 21 – 26
Monday, August 20:
Final Day to Register for Recruitment
Tuesday, August 21:
Informational Meeting 7 p.m., Willingham Auditorium
Wednesday, August 22:
Open House (potential members visit all sororities)
Thursday, August 23:
Philanthropy Night
Friday, August 24:
Skit Night
Saturday, August 25:
Preference Night
Sunday, August 26:
Bid Day, 3 p.m.
I
FC Men’s Recruitment August 27 – 31
Monday, August 27:
Informational Meeting
Tuesday, August 28:
Formal Night, 6 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Wednesday, August 29:
Open Night, 6 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Thursday, August 30:
Preference Night, 5 p.m.– 8 p.m.
Friday, August 31:
Bid Day, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
N
ATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL INTAKE
NPHC organizations do not participate in the formal recruitment of the Panhellenic or Interfraternity Council. They have deferred recruitment at various times of the academic year. Students interested in one of the NPHC chapters on the Mercer University campus must be at least a second-semester freshman in order to participate. Please contact the Office of Greek Life at (478) 301-2987 or greeklife@mercer.edu for more information on the Intake process.