2020 - 2021
Fraternity & Sorority Life at the university of south carolina upstate
TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE 4 Fraternity/Sorority Interest Groups Council Structure Interfraternity Council (IFC)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Panhellenic Council (PC)
DATES TO REMEMBER 6 HAZING POLICY 7 TUCKER HIPPS TRANSPARENCY ACT
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FRATERNITY/SORORITY TERMINOLOGY 8 WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS 10 Alpha Kappa Alpha (ΑΚΑ)
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Delta Zeta (ΔΖ)
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Delta Sigma Theta (ΔΣΘ)
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Hermanas of Leadership Association (HOLA) 14 Phi Mu (ΦΜ)
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Zeta Phi Beta (ΖΦΒ)
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Sigma Gamma Rho (ΣΓΡ) Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ)
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MEN’S ORGANIZATIONS 19 Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦA)
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Kappa Alpha Psi (ΚΑΨ)
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Alpha Sigma Phi (ΑΣΦ) Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ) Phi Beta Sigma (ΦΒΣ)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)
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RESOURCES 26
ABOUT F USC Upstate is home to 13 active fraternities and sororities and 1 Latinx sorority interest group. Membership selection criteria as well as dues/fees are determined by each individual fraternity or sorority based on the policies and procedures of its inter/ national headquarters. You must be a currently enrolled student at USC Upstate have attended an FSL Education Session in the past 2 years and have, at minimum, met the minimum membership requirements of the chapter/organization. For that reason, any questions regarding selection criteria should be directed to the chapter.
FRATERNITY/SORORITY INTEREST GROUPS
These organizations aspire to affiliate with a national organization in the near future. These organizations function as part of our fraternity/sorority community and hold many of the same organizational values of our chartered fraternity/sorority chapters. There is currently only one interest group at USC Upstate. Hermanas of Leadership Association (HOLA) - Latinx Sorority Interest Group
If you are interested in starting a fraternity/sorority interest group, please email fsl@uscupstate.edu to learn more.
COUNCIL STRUCTURE
Our Fraternity/Sorority Community is governed by three councils, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National-Panhellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Council (PC). Each council sets forth policies and procedures for its affiliated chapters, and is advised by the Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, who may be reached by email at fsl@uscupstate.edu
Interfraternity Council (IFC) Alpha Sigma Phi (ΑΣΦ) Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)
IFC Fraternities limit their membership to male-identifying students at USC Upstate. Students are eligible for membership beginning their first semester of enrollment. These organizations participate in IFC Recruitment, a series of social events and gatherings hosted by each IFC Fraternity that allows potential and current members to interact before bids are offered. At USC Upstate, IFC Recruitment occurs at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.
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FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Men’s Organizations
Women’s Organizations
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (ΑΚΑ)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (ΚΑΨ)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (ΔΣΘ)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (ΩΨΦ)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓΡ)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (ΦΒΣ)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (ΖΦΒ)
NPHC is the governance council at USC Upstate for culturally-based fraternities and sororities. These organizations host Information/Interest Meetings where they discuss their chapter’s history, philanthropy, and requirements to become a member. Students who apply and are accepted for membership would then participate in Membership Intake, the process of educating and initiating new members into an individual chapter. Each organization selects if/when they will host an Interest Meeting or Intake, and this could happen in the Fall semester, Spring semester, or both, based on the needs of the chapter. Most organizations require sophomore status for membership, but some are open to second semester freshmen.
Panhellenic Council (PC) Delta Zeta Sorority (ΔΖ) Phi Mu Fraternity (ΦΜ) Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity (ΖΤΑ)
Panhellenic organizations limit their membership to femaleidentifying students at USC Upstate. Students are eligible for membership beginning their first semester of enrollment. These organizations participate in Panhellenic Recruitment, a series of on campus events hosted by each Panhellenic sorority that allows potential and current members to interact before bids are offered. At USC Upstate, Panhellenic Recruitment occurs at the beginning of the Fall semester.
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Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2019-2020
DATES TO REMEMBER FSL INFO NIGHT Aug. 20, see event page for additional details Are you thinking about joining a sorority or fraternity? This information session will provide an overview of Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) at USC Upstate including terminology, FAQs, and University policies. This session will also feature a panel of members in our FSL community. Click here to visit the Agora event page with details.
FSL MEET & GREET Aug. 25, see event page for additional details Want to learn more about USC Upstate’s fraternities and sororities? Chapters will present information about their organization, membership requirements, and programs. Attendees will also be able to interact with members and view display tables. Click here to visit the Agora event page with details.
IFC FRATERNITY RECRUITMENT Throughout Semester, Various Locations Visit www.uscupstate.edu/fsl for additional information about registration.
PANHELLENIC SORORITY RECRUITMENT Sept. 12-14 Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment Orientation: Sept. 4, Virtual Event, 6 p.m. Visit uscupstate.mycampusdirector2.com to register for Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment. The goal is to have recruitment in-person (with physical distancing/mask guidelines); however, if that is impossible (due to COVID-19), there will be a virtual option. If any interested student would like to participate in Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment, but feels uncomfortable participating in-person (regardless of the reason), we WILL provide a virtual accommodation. If a virtual accommodation is necessary, but the interested student does not have the adequate technology to participate, we will do our absolute best to assist in acquiring the necessary technology for the student's participation.
MANDATORY FSL EDUCATION SESSIONS Students who are interested in joining a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organization or have accepted an invitation/bid to join an Interfraternity Council (IFC) or Panhellenic (PC) organization will be required to attend a mandatory Fraternity/Sorority Education Session. Students should select a session from the list below. You need only attend one of the sessions. After attending a session, your eligibility will be good for two years. The Office of Student Involvement will track student attendance and share this information with chapters. Students are required to RSVP (via the form linked on the event page), bring their USC Upstate Student ID, and must remain for the entire session to receive credit: Friday, Sept. 11 (in-person) Tuesday, Sept. 15 (virtual) Thursday, Sept. 17 (in-person)
Monday, Sept. 28 (virtual) Wednesday, Sept. 30 (in-person)
Dates, Times and Locations are subject to change depending on availability of space. Please check back on the website for updates. While the Agora event pages will be updated whenever possible, please follow @UpstateFSL on Instagram for the most up-to-date education session information.
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USC UPSTATE HAZING POLICY In addition to the legal and physical risks, hazing is harmful to the morale of members and creates additional problems within the organization. The very activities meant to “build pledge class/line unity” can be detrimental to the overall unity within the organization, creating issues with distrust and loyalty. It also hinders the ability of organizations to recruit and retain members, and can create a vicious cycle that will ultimately destroy the organization. The University defines hazing as any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, faculty member or other University official. This includes the removal of public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with or as a continued membership in a group or organization (Code of Student Behavior). It is important to note that a student’s “willingness” to participate in the hazing activities is not a defense. Essentially, if someone gives an organization “permission” to haze them, it is still hazing and is still a violation of the Code of Student Behavior, South Carolina Law, and organizational policies. Additionally, hazing is not an issue limited to fraternities and sororities, but can also occur in non-Greek organizations and athletic teams. If you feel that you have been hazed, please contact the Office of Student Involvement via email at fsl@uscupstate.edu or phone 864-503-5387, contact the Dean of Students at 864-503-5107 to submit a report. You may even submit a report via the “R U OK?” Student Reporting Form. Additionally, any member of the University or surrounding community who has witnessed hazing activities can also submit reports for us to investigate.
TUCKER HIPPS TRANSPARENCY ACT In accordance with South Carolina’s Tucker Hipps Transparency Act, USC Upstate reports findings of violations involving alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault and hazing by fraternity and sorority organizations formally affiliated with the University. Reports include the organization’s name, incident date, report, charge, investigation and resolution. Reports also include a general incident description and subsequent charges, findings and sanctions placed on the organization. In order for our students to be fully informed about their choices when joining a fraternity or sorority, USC Upstate provides a report on conduct violations dating back to 2011. This information can help students evaluate the safety and integrity of the organizations they are considering joining. Information can be found by visiting the “Fraternity and Sorority Life Organizational Conduct (Tucker Hipps Transparency Act)” section at www.uscupstate.edu/fsl
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Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
FRATERNITY/SORORITY TERMINOLOGY Active: An initiated member of a sorority or fraternity who has completed their new member education. Alumna (f)/Alumnus (m): An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who is no longer in college. Bid: A formal invitation to join a Panhellenic sorority or IFC fraternity. Bid Matching: A system of matching a potential new member’s preferences with Panhellenic sororities’ preferences. Chapter: A local group of an inter/national sorority or fraternity. Information/Interest Meeting: Meetings hosted by NPHC organizations in which they discuss their national and chapter’s history, philanthropy, and requirements to become a member. Initiation: The formal ceremony during which a new member takes his/her formal vows for full membership in a fraternity or sorority. Interfraternity Council (IFC): A representative governing body of national fraternities (non-NPHC). There are currently two active IFC fraternities at USC Upstate. IFC Recruitment (formerly known as “Rush”): A series of social events and gatherings hosted by each IFC fraternity that allows potential and current members to interact before bids are offered. At USC Upstate, IFC Recruitment occurs at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Inter/National Headquarters: The governing body of each sorority or fraternity on a national level; the central headquarters of a Greek organization. Legacy: A prospective member whose immediate family member is an alumna/alumnus or active member of a particular sorority or fraternity. Organizations are not obligated to select legacies. Membership Intake: The process of selecting, educating and initiating new members into an NPHC chapter. Mixer: A social activity with multiple Greek organizations. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): A representative governing body of sororities and fraternities affiliated with the National Pan-Hellenic Council. There are currently eight active NPHC organizations at USC Upstate (four sororities and four fraternities). New member: A student who has accepted a bid from a sorority or fraternity but has not yet been initiated. Panhellenic Council: A representative governing body of sororities affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference (non-NPHC). There are currently three active Panhellenic sororities at USC Upstate. Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2019-2020
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Panhellenic Recruitment: A series of events hosted by each Panhellenic sorority that allows potential and current members to interact before bids are offered. At USC Upstate, Panhellenic Recruitment occurs at the beginning of the fall semester. Philanthropy: A service project undertaken by Greek chapters on a campus, community or national level. Potential New Member (PNM): Any female college student interested in participating in formal or informal Panhellenic Recruitment. Quota: The maximum number of potential members to which a Panhellenic sorority can distribute bids. Recruitment Counselors: Disaffiliated members of USC Upstate Panhellenic sororities who provide assistance to women participating Panhellenic Recruitment. Total: The allowable chapter size of a Panhellenic organization, as determined by the Panhellenic Council, which includes both new members and initiated members (only applies to NPC-affiliated organizations).
(oh-mi-cron)
(oop-si-lon)
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Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS
A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~ Isadora James Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
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ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA (ΑΚΑ) National Founding: Howard University, 1908 Chapter Information: Rho Tau, 1998 Symbol(s): Ivy Leaf Colors: Salmon Pink & Apple Green Nickname(s): AKA Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapter Adviser: Elizabeth Waddell Alpha Kappa Alpha has succeeded in its organization and has lived up to the highest standards concerning Greek life. With over 290,000 college-trained members, it is bound by the bonds of sisterhood. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sorority whose main goal is to give service to all mankind by merit and by culture. The purpose of AKA is to cultivate high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life and to be of service to all mankind. Striving for excellence as the first black Greek-letter organization was something memorable to those who may have witnessed it. This organization was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 15, 1908. The sorority was incorporated on Jan. 29, 1913. Its founders were among the fewer than 1,000 AfricanAmericans enrolled in higher education institutions in 1908 and the 25 women who received Bachelor of Arts degrees from Howard University between 1908 and 1911. Nine juniors and seniors who constituted the initial core group of founding members and seven sophomores, who were extended an invitation for membership without initiation, comprised what are acknowledged as Alpha Kappa Alpha’s original 16 founders. The Rho Tau chapter was established on March 28, 1998, as the first black Greek-letter organization chartered at USC Upstate.
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Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
DELTA SIGMA THETA (ΔΣΘ) National Founding: Howard University, 1913 Chapter Information: Xi Iota, 1979 Symbol(s): Fortitude Colors: Crimson & Cream Nickname(s): Delta, DST Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapter Adviser: Kayla Greene
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is a private, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately black collegeeducated women, the sorority currently has more than 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development; educational development; international awareness and involvement; physical and mental health; political awareness; and involvement. The sorority was founded in 1913 by 22 students at Howard University. These young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships, provide support to the underserved, educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy, and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. We stand by scholarship, sisterhood and service. Locally, our chapter’s long-term goals are to: • Improve fellowship among each other and the community • Strive for higher academic excellence • Implement our Five-Point Programmatic Thrust every semester through our programs The Xi Iota chapter is committed to various service initiatives and fundraisers including our annual Red Christmas Toy Drive, Adopt-A-Highway, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and “The Battle of the Partywalks.”
Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
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DELTA ZETA (ΔΖ) National Founding: Miami University, 1902 Chapter Information: Omicron Mu, 1992 Symbol(s): Turtle Colors: Rose and Vieux Green Nickname(s): DZ Affiliation: Panhellenic Council (PC) Chapter Adviser: Jessica Brodersen
Delta Zeta Sorority was founded by six extraordinary women at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, on Oct. 24, 1902. The purpose of this sorority, which was created on a predominately male campus, was to develop a premier women’s organization that fosters everlasting friendships, the pursuit of knowledge, and lifelong service to others. In 1954, Delta Zeta’s National Convention voted to make speech and hearing our philanthropic concern. Since then, members have raised millions of dollars to support local organizations tending to the needs of non-hearing people. In 2016, we named Starkey Hearing Foundation our National Philanthropy Partner in an effort extend our impact throughout the world. Heart for Hearing is the theme for our personal philanthropy and chapter events designed to raise money and awareness in support of our philanthropic partners who are making a difference the world over. Some notable Delta Zetas include: Florence Henderson (actress-The Brady Bunch); Maurine Brown Neuberger (former U.S. Senator); Kay Yow (women’s basketball Coach, N.C. State); Ivy Baker Priest (Former United States treasurer); Nanette Fabray (actress, worked to bring sign language and captioning to television); and Shelley Berkley (U.S. representative for Nevada’s 1st congressional district).
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Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
HERMANAS OF LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATION (HOLA) Chapter Founding:
USC Upstate, 2019 Symbol(s): Balance Scale Colors: Upstate Green and Black Nickname(s): HOLA Affiliation: No council affiliation at this time Chapter Adviser: Araceli Hernandez-Laroche
The Hermanas of Leadership Association (H.O.L.A.) was founded at the University of South Carolina Upstate in August of 2019. H.O.L.A. is an interest group at USC Upstate for a Latin-based, but not exclusive, sorority. Although we are not yet affiliated with a national , we are considered to be a part of Fraternity/Sorority Life on campus. The purpose of our organization is to assemble college women who have a passion for sisterhood, diversity, and assisting and representing the Latinx community and culture. We seek to fulfill academic excellence, respect, honor, community service, and represent the Latinx community. Our main goal and mission is to create a safe space for all women on campus to come together in an inclusive environment. Nosotras hermanas (our sisters enjoy staying active in our community through service projects, group bonding’s, group meetings, and fun events to educate our campus community on important topics in relation to education, politics, and different cultures. We hope to establish the first Latin-based, but not exclusive, sorority at USC Upstate that brings women from different backgrounds together and bring awareness of Latinx culture to the Upstate Community.* *While our goal is to affiliate with a national sorority and be a single gender organization, Upstate students who do not identify as women may join HOLA until we reach that goal.
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PHI MU (ΦΜ) National Founding: Wesleyan College, 1852 Chapter Information: Lambda Zeta, 1993 Symbol(s): Quatrefoil & Lion Colors: Rose and White Nickname(s): n/a Affiliation: Panhellenic Council (PC) Chapter Adviser: Ashlee Winkler Phi Mu Fraternity is the second-oldest Greek organization for women. Chapter members are involved in numerous campus organizations such as SGA, Gamma Beta Phi, intramural sports, Student Nursing Association, Teaching Fellows, TEACh, and orientation staff. Notable accomplishments for members include Chancellor’s List, Dean’s List, Greek Woman of the Year, and Outstanding GPA among Greek Organizations for two consecutive semesters. The sisters of Phi Mu strive daily to live their creed. Love, honor and truth are lifelong ideals of a Phi Mu. Members raise awareness and money for their national philanthropy, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. CMNH raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals across North America. Every donation given stays in the community where it was donated; thereby ensuring local children receive the support. Phi Mu is committed to raising at least $500,000 for CMNH annually. The USC Upstate chapter hosts many philanthropic events to support CMNH, including Dance Marathon, the Mr. Phi Mu Pageant, “Corn & ‘Que” percent nights at local restaurants, CMNH bracelet sales and Handprints for Hope. Sisters enjoy monthly sisterhood events that include baseball games, s’mores by the fire, movie nights, fitness classes, and ice cream socials. The chapter regularly hosts programming at chapter meetings on important topics such as interview skills, personal finances and health and wellness. In addition to sisterhood events and chapter meetings, the chapter also hosts family socials and events with other Greek organizations. Some notable Phi Mu‘s are Kathryn Stockett (author of The Help), Debbie Phelps (author and mother of Michael Phelps), Pat Mitchell (President of PBS), Mary Weber (astronaut) and Susan Harling (inspiration for the play and movie Steel Magnolias).
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SIGMA GAMMA RHO (ΣΓΡ) National Founding: Butler University, 1922 Chapter Information: Pi Zeta, 2001 Symbol(s): White French Toy Poodle Colors: Royal Blue & Antique Gold Nickname(s): SGRho Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapter Adviser: Helen Bennett Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., was organized on Nov. 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven school teachers: Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside; Vivian White Marbury; Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson; Hattie Mae Dulin Redford; Bessie M. Downey Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on Dec. 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University. Soaring to greater heights of attainment around the world, Sigma Gamma Rho, as a leading international service organization, has met the challenges of the day and continues to grow through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmarks of the organization’s programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically and economically. Sigma Gamma Rho provides service to the community through its national programs. All sorority national programs and initiatives are under the umbrella of a signature program titled, Project Reassurance. Through Project Reassurance, Sigma Gamma Rho seeks to promote responsible living highlighted by the slogan “H3: It’s All About ME!” which focuses on healthy living, healthy choices and healthy generations. Some notable members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority are Deshauna Barber (Miss USA), Kelly Price (R&B songstress & seven-time Grammy nominee), Hattie McDaniel (actress and first African-American to win an Academy Award), Hydeia Broadbent (HIV/AID activist and humanitarian) and MC Lyte (Hip Hop pioneer and the first solo female rapper to release a full album).
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ZETA PHI BETA (ΖΌΒ) National Founding: Howard University, 1920 Chapter Information: Pi Rho, 2002 Symbol(s): Dove Colors: Royal Blue & White Nickname(s): Zeta Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapter Adviser: Melisa Bush Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded Jan. 16, 1920, at Howard University by five coeds, Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Viola Tyler Goings, Myrtle Tyler Faithful and Fannie Pettie Watts. These five women envisioned a sorority that would directly effect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise consciousness of their people, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members. These women believed that sorority elitism and socializing overshadowed the real mission for progressive organizations and failed to address fully the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular. The sorority takes pride in its continued participation in transforming communities through volunteer services from members and its auxiliaries. Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters worldwide and has more than 100,000 members. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., has a number of firsts: We were the first Greek-letter organization to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; the first Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa (1948) and in the Middle East (2014); and the first to form adultand youth-auxiliary groups. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., is an organization that is open to any female interested in joining and does not discriminate against anyone.
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ZETA TAU ALPHA (ΖΤΑ) National Founding: Longwood University, 1898 Chapter Information: Kappa Rho, 2002 Symbol(s): Five-Point Crown, Strawberry, White Violet Colors: Turquoise Blue & Steel Grey Nickname(s): Zeta Affiliation: Panhellenic Council (PC) Chapter Adviser: Libby Roberts Since Oct. 15, 1898, Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity has been dedicated to enriching the lives of women. At the State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia, our founders, nine young women, envisioned an organization that would perpetuate their ties of friendship. We strive to help our members embody these timeless values while thriving in the modern world. As our creed says, “In Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and ennoble our lives.” Zeta Tau Alpha’s national philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness, and the fraternity has partnerships with the American Cancer Society, the NFL, and Bright Pink, a nonprofit organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. The Kappa Rho chapter hosts “Pink Out” athletic events on campus, and sponsors several fundraisers throughout the community. Zeta Tau Alpha offers each member the opportunity to develop to her fullest potential while maintaining a balance between academic, leadership, service and social endeavors. The motto of Zeta Tau Alpha, “Seek the Noblest,” can be seen through leadership positions held by Zetas in many of the USC Upstate’s campus organizations. In the past, Kappa Rho has been honored to be Greek Week and Homecoming champions, as well as Zeta Day winners. They have also been recognized on a national level for recruitment excellence, scholastic achievement, campus involvement, service and fundraising. Sisterhood is a word that every member of Zeta Tau Alpha keeps close to her heart. As a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, every day we strengthen the relationships that begin on Bid Day and last a lifetime.
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MEN’S ORGANIZATIONS
Don’t walk in front of me and be my leader, don’t walk behind me and be my follower, but walk beside me and be my brother. ~ Unknown 19
Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
ALPHA PHI ALPHA (ΑΦΑ) National Founding: Cornell University, 1906 Chapter Founding: Upsilon Alpha, 2009 Symbol(s): Sphinx Colors: Black & Old Gold Nickname(s): Alpha, YA Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapter Adviser: Melvin Stroble
Since its founding on Dec. 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of color around the world. Alpha Phi Alpha was the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for AfricanAmericans. The organization was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the Jewels of the Fraternity, are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African-Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through leaders such as: W.E.B. DuBois; Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.; Edward Brooke; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Thurgood Marshall; Andrew Young; William Gray; Paul Robeson; and many others. The fraternity’s national programs and special projects are communityoutreach mentoring initiatives that have been adopted by the organization’s governing body and mandated for implementation by all of its chapters. The organization’s national programs include: • Go-to-High School, Go-to-College • Project Alpha • A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People • Brother’s Keeper
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ALPHA SIGMA PHI (ΑΣΦ) National Founding: Yale University, 1845 Chapter Founding: Kappa Kappa, Establishing Chapter Symbol(s): Phoenix Colors: Cardinal Red & Stone Grey Nickname(s): Alpha Sig Affiliation: Interfraternity Council (IFC) Chapter Adviser: Anthony Copes Founded at Yale University in 1845, a brotherhood was developed with strong ties of friendship. One that has endured for 175 years -- Alpha Sigma Phi. The Fraternity was founded upon the values of character. These Values, once secret but made public in 2005, are what make Alpha Sigma Phi unique. These Values are call each member to better themselves through their actions and words. CHARITY He is charitable in the broadest sense of the word. A man who strives for a life of charity and service is more patient, kinder, and more forgiving of the flaws of others. A charitable man sacrifices of himself to help others and seeks no recognition in return. He is humble, reverent, and generous. PURITY He consistently strives for purity of mind, body, and soul. The man who is pure of thought, word, and deed does not shrink from adversity or lofty goals. There is no self-pity, rationalizations, or apologies. He is moral and a gentleman in the finest sense of the word. HONOR He lives a life of personal integrity, thereby accruing honor. An honorable man lives up to promises made to others and to himself. A man of honor is not vain, and is willing to endure scorn or ostracism rather than conform to the pressures of peers, superiors, or the fashion of the day. He is ethical, honest, and trustworthy. PATRIOTISM He loves his country, remaining consistently engaged in its affairs. He seeks to know his country and to pass that knowledge on to others. He is devoted to the principles of personal freedom, justice, and civic responsibility embedded in the U.S. Constitution that have made our country. He is loyal, proud, and humble. Thus the purpose of Alpha Sigma Phi is to Better the Man through the creation and perpetuation of brotherhood founded upon these values. 21
Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
KAPPA ALPHA PSI (ΚΑΨ) National Founding: Indiana University, 1911 Chapter Founding: Pi Omicron, 2009 Symbol(s): Diamond, Red Carnation, Laurel Wreath Colors: Crimson & Cream Nickname(s): Kappa, Nupe Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapter Adviser: Joseph Shelton Kappa Alpha Psi is the beautiful realization of a vision shared commonly by the late Revered Founders Elder Watson Diggs, John Milton Lee, Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Guy Levis Grant, Ezra Dee Alexander, Henry Tourner Asher, Marcus Peter Blakemore, Paul Waymond Caine, Edward Giles Irvin and George Wesley Edmonds. It was the vision of these astute men that enabled them on Jan. 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana, to sow the seed of a fraternal tree whose fruit is available to, and now enjoyed by, college men everywhere, regardless of their color, religion or national origin. It is a fact of which Kappa Alpha Psi is justly proud that the constitution has never contained any clause that either excluded or suggested the exclusion of a man from membership merely because of his color, creed, or national origin. The constitution of Kappa Alpha Psi is predicated upon, and dedicated to, the principles of achievement through a truly democratic fraternity. The objectives of Kappa Alpha Psi are: • To unite college men of culture, patriotism and honor in a bond of fraternity • To encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor • To promote the spiritual, social, intellectual, and moral welfare of members • To assist the aims and purpose of colleges and universities • To inspire service in the public interest Guide Right is the national service program of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and encompasses many of our youth-oriented programs such as mentoring, college-preparatory programs and tutoring. The Flagship Initiative of the Guide Right Service Program is the Kappa Leadership Development League.
Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
OMEGA PSI PHI (ΩΨΦ) National Founding: Howard University, 1911 Chapter Founding: Alpha Delta Tau, 2011 Symbol(s): Lamp Colors: Royal Purple & Old Gold Nickname(s): Omega, Que Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapter Adviser: Dr. William Ross The Alpha Delta Tau chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., was chartered on the campus of USC Upstate on December 3, 2011. Members of the fraternity pride ourselves on upholding our four cardinal principals (manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift) and live that throughout our daily lives. The men of Omega Psi Phi are on a mission to provide a brotherhood in which men of similar ideas and backgrounds can grow. Serving the local community and enriching society as a whole are common goals we all strive for. By implementing and supporting Omega’s mandated programs, upholding the fraternity’s cardinal principles, and leaving the community in better condition than we found it, we strive to serve the local community and enrich society as a whole. The brothers of this chapter assist a number of service organizations such as wounded veterans, local elementary schools in Spartanburg, and the NAACP. Current Omegas will continue to achieve an eminence on and off the campus of USC Upstate. Together we strive for the highest attainment in social, intellectual and moral growth. Omega continues to flourish, largely because of founders Bishop Edgar A. Love, Dr. Oscar J. Cooper, Professor Frank C. Coleman and Dr. Ernest E. Just. They were men of the very highest ideals and intellect. The founders selected and attracted men of similar ideals and characteristics. It is not by accident that many of America’s great black men are/were Omega Men. To this date, there are very few Americans whose lives have not been touched by a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
PHI BETA SIGMA (ΦΒΣ) National Founding: Howard University, 1914 Chapter Founding: Gamma Alpha Gamma, 2007 Symbol(s): Dove & White Carnation Colors: Royal Blue & Pure White Nickname(s): Sigma Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapter Adviser: Kareem Johnson
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Jan. 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students. The founders, Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown, wanted to organize a Greek-letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship and service. The founders deeply wished to create an organization that viewed itself as “a part of” the general community rather than “apart from” the general community. They believed that each potential member should be judged by his own merits, rather than his family background or affluence, without regard to race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. They desired for their fraternity to exist as part of an even greater brotherhood that would be devoted to the “inclusive we” rather than the “exclusive we.” From its inception, the founders also conceived Phi Beta Sigma as a mechanism to deliver services to the general community. Rather than gaining skills to be utilized exclusively for themselves and their immediate families, they held a deep conviction that they should return their newly acquired skills to the communities from which they had come. This deep conviction was mirrored in the fraternity’s motto, “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.” The ideals of the fraternity are crystallized into three philosophies: brotherhood; scholarship; and service. The Phi Beta Sigma programs of bigger and better Business, education and social action are realized through the fraternity’s overarching program, Sigma Wellness.
Fraternity & Sorority Life Guide 2020-2021
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON (ΣΑΕ) National Founding: The University of Alabama, 1856 USC Upstate Founding: SC Beta, 2000 Symbol(s): Lion Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold Nickname(s): SAE Affiliation: Interfraternity Council (IFC) Chapter Advisers: John Montemayor
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity is one of the largest North American Greek-letter social college fraternities. Founded at the University of Alabama on March 9, 1856, Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the only one founded in the Antebellum South. Its national headquarters, the Levere Memorial Temple, was established on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois in 1929. We seek leaders with the merits of honesty, loyalty, generosity, insight and responsibility; individuals who look to better themselves as well as the community as a whole. We strive to cultivate a brotherhood in which commitment and involvement are part of an intimate camaraderie comprising academics, athletics, leadership, community support and moral decency. We firmly believe membership is for life. In addition, we strive to mold our members into gentlemen so they can set an example in today’s society. The fraternity’s preferred philanthropy is the Children’s Miracle Network because of its great capacity to impact children’s lives and the proximity of numerous hospitals to active chapters. On April 6, 2002, the fraternity launched its “True Gentleman Day of Service,” with more than 35 chapters participating in a community-service program. This event has grown to involve hundreds of chapters. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is a national partner with the Global Youth Service Day.
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GREEK LIFE RESOURCES General Information National Panhellenic Conference: www.npcwomen.org National Pan-Hellenic Council: www.nphchq.org North-American Interfraternity Conference: www.nicindy.org The Sorority Life (resource of the National Panhellenic Conference): www.thesororitylife.com
Organization-Specific Information Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: www.aka1908.com Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.: www.alpha-phi-alpha.org Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc.: www.alphasigmaphi.org Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: www.deltasigmatheta.org Delta Zeta Sorority: www.deltazeta.org Hermanas of Leadership Association: Chapter Organization Page Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.: www.kappaalphapsi1911.com Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.: www.oppf.org Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.: www.pbs1914.org Phi Mu Fraternity (Women’s organization): www.phimu.org Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity: www.sae.net Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.: www.sgrho1922.org Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.: www.zphib1920.org Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity (Women’s organization): www.zetataualpha.org
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CONTACT INFO Office of Student Involvement Sansbury Campus Life Center Suite 210 800 University Way Spartanburg, SC 29303 864.503.5122 fsl@uscupstate.edu
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