Greek Torch by Lindi Smedberg

Greek Torch S O R O R I T Y

F R A T E R N I T Y

L I F E

A T

U T

HOLDING OURSELVES TO HIGHER STANDARDS

SCHOLARSHIP

If you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in becoming involved in an experience that is virtually impossible to put into words—one that helps you acclimate to the Big Orange family, find countless successes in the classroom, create so many friendships that you’ll need another Instagram to include them all, and leave with stories that you will want to tell over and over at Homecoming for years to come. That is exactly the type of experience we want you to have. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and the organizations you are looking to join ask that every member of our community commit to upholding some basic standards to help ensure your success as a student and global citizen upon graduation. First, we ask that everyone maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average throughout their time in their organization—school comes first. We also want you to go out and donate your time; each member of our community is asked to complete a minimum of twelve community

service hours each academic year. We want you to network with other student organizations and engage in conversations of substance. We also want you to educate each other by hosting and attending programs on education, leadership, harm reduction, and diversity. If you can maintain these minimum standards each year, we guarantee an amazing experience filled with everything you could ever want from four years on Rocky Top!

Scholarship and academics are an integral part of joining a sorority or fraternity. Obviously you are here at UT with the intention of earning your degree, and our sororities and fraternities want to help you do that. Most organizations have an academic program that requires a particular grade point average to maintain full membership status. In addition, each sorority or fraternity has its own scholarship program to help you succeed academically and learn to manage your time effectively in and out of the classroom. Many of our organizations offer benefits such as quiet study space, coordinated study hours, academic resources, and even scholarships for academic success. Members who excel academically are also given the opportunity to join Order of Omega, an honors society housed in the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life. We are proud to have a sorority and fraternity community whose average GPA is consistently above the all-campus undergraduate average.

LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT Opportunities to become involved are abundant within each individual organization and council, and within the larger campus community. Whether you want to play intramural sports, serve on a committee, plan a campus event, or serve as an officer of an organization, our organizations encourage and support it all. Because our sororities and fraternities are self-governing bodies in which the members themselves take on the responsibility of running the organization, they provide a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in leadership, organization, and communication. Whether it’s serving as president, becoming a

mentor to a new member, or planning a sisterhood or brotherhood event, you’ll find numerous opportunities to grow as a leader.

PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY SERVICE One of the foundations of our organizations is working to serve others through monetary donations and hands-on community service. Many of our sororities and fraternities maintain relationships with national fundraising partners such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and Feeding America by hosting philanthropic fundraising events. These events raise hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to support both local and national causes. Working directly with organizations and causes in the Knoxville community is another way our organizations support those around us. Each year the community comes together for service activities such as funding and building a home through Habitat for Humanity during Greek Week, hosting an Easter egg hunt for the Boys and Girls Club, and handing out candy during trick or treat for local children. Members also serve as volunteers for agencies and organizations throughout the Knoxville community.

gogreek.utk.edu

network for involved students. It engages with programs and services that include domestic violence awareness, career readiness, literacy awareness, socials and mixers, community service, and philanthropic endeavors. To learn more, MGC welcomes all students to its “Meet the Greeks” program in the fall, held jointly with National Pan-Hellenic Council, and other council activities throughout the year.

BROTHERHOOD & SISTERHOOD Sororities and fraternities are all about building friendships and relationships with those who share your interests and values. They are organizations that create lifelong connections and allow tight-knit bonds to be formed. Brothers and sisters are there to encourage and uplift you, laugh with you until you cry, hold you accountable for your actions, and stand by your side when things get tough. The friendships established in our sororities and fraternities are unlike any other and last well beyond your four years at the University of Tennessee.

NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL The National Pan-Hellenic Council is an international organization founded in 1930. UT’s chapter was chartered in 2007 and currently governs seven of NPHC’s nine organizations (also known as the “Divine Nine”). Members of these organizations are involved in local and national community service proj-

COUNCILS & ORGANIZATIONS Each fraternal organization at UT belongs to one of four councils: Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National PanHellenic Council, or Panhellenic Council.

ects, Residence Hall Association, NAACP, and other leadership roles on campus. Membership processes vary within each organization, so prospective members are encouraged to take part in the “Meet the Greeks” program in the fall, held jointly with the Multicultural Greek Council, and other council activities throughout the year.

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL The Panhellenic Council at UT is the unifying, governing, and coordinating body of the thirteen National Panhellenic Conference member groups. It is dedicated to facilitating the academic, social, and individual development of each sorority and its members. Most members join during formal recruitment, which occurs before the beginning of fall semester. This process allows interested women to meet all thirteen organizations and join a sorority through a mutual selection process. Recruitment may also occur throughout the year, depending on the organizational needs.

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL The Interfraternity Council was founded at UT in 1872. Now one of the campus’s oldest student organizations, IFC serves as the governing body for seventeen organizations. While IFC may have a standing history at UT, it continues to develop each year through its contributions to the campus and greater Knoxville communities. As the community continues to strengthen and develop, there will be opportunities for interested students to join new fraternal organizations that will become part of our community over the next few years. 2

MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL The Multicultural Greek Council at UT is made up of four multicultural sororities and fraternities. Organizations within the council represent culturally based sororities and fraternities. Membership is inclusive, open, and diverse across ethnicities and backgrounds. The council is united by its focus on sharing ideas and resources, promoting mutual respect and equality, and providing a support gogreek.utk.edu

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL FRATERNITIES

ΑΓΡ

ALPHA GAMMA RHO Nickname: AGR Established at UT: 1951 Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

ΑΤΩ

ALPHA TAU OMEGA Nickname: ATO Established at UT: 1872 Philanthropy: Jason Foundation

ΒΘΠ

BETA THETA PI Nickname: Beta Established at UT: 1967 Philanthropy: Wounded Warriors

ΧΦ

CHI PHI Established at UT: 1967 Philanthropy: Boys and Girls Club

ΔΤΔ

DELTA TAU DELTA Nickname: Delt, DTD Established at UT: 1924 Philanthropy: Adopt-a-School

Farmhouse

FARMHOUSE Established at UT: 1959 Philanthropy: Second Harvest Food Bank

ΚΑ

KAPPA ALPHA ORDER Nickname: KA, the Order Established at UT: 1883 Philanthropy: Muscular Dystrophy Association

ΚΣ

KAPPA SIGMA Nickname: Kappa Sig Established at UT: 1880 Philanthropy: Military Heroes Campaign

ΛΧΑ

LAMBDA CHI ALPHA Nickname: Lambda Chi Established at UT: 1927 Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

FIJI

PHI GAMMA DELTA Nickname: FIJI, Phi Gam Established at UT: 1890 Philanthropy: USO

ΣΑΕ

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON Nickname: SAE Established at UT: 1879 Philanthropy: Golden Gloves Charities

ΣΝ

SIGMA NU Established at UT: 1921 Philanthropy: Camp Koinonia

ΣΦΕ

SIGMA PHI EPSILON Nickname: Sig Ep Established at UT: 1913 Philanthropy: East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

ΣΧ

SIGMA CHI Established at UT: 1917 Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

ΦΔΘ

PHI DELTA THETA Nickname: Phi Delt Established at UT: 1963 Philanthropy: ALS Association

ΦΚΨ

PHI KAPPA PSI Nickname: Phi Psi Established at UT: 1967 Philanthropy: Boys and Girls Club

ΦΣΚ

PHI SIGMA KAPPA Nickname: Phi Sig Established at UT: 1925 Philanthropy: Habitat for Humanity gogreek.utk.edu

MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES How to Join an MGC or NPHC Organization NPHC membership is open to all who meet all requirements of the university as well as the national organization. Aspirants must have earned 12 credit hours at UT, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and be in good standing with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Prospective first year students interested in joining a MGC organization must be enrolled full time. First year students, transfer students, and upper classmen/women must have earned at least 12 credit hours at UT, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and be in good standing with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

ΒΧΘ

BETA CHI THETA Nickname: Beta Chi Established at UT: 2012 Philanthropy: World Diabetes Foundation

ΔΦΩ

DELTA PHI OMEGA Nickname: DPO Established at UT: 2007 Philanthropy: Children’s education and literacy

NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES

ΑΚΑ

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Nickname: AKA Established at UT: 1970 Philanthropy: American Diabetes Association

ΙΦΘ ΛΘΑ

LAMBDA THETA ALPHA Nickname: LTA Established at UT: 2001 Philanthropy: American Heart Association

ΛΘΦ

LAMBDA THETA PHI Nickname: Lambda Established at UT: 1975 Philanthropy: American Heart Association

ΣΒΡ

SIGMA BETA RHO Nickname: Sig Rho, Cobras Established at UT: 2006 Philanthropy: SOS Children’s Village

ΦΒΣ

PHI BETA SIGMA Nickname: Sigma Established at UT: 1979 Philanthropy: March of Dimes

ΣΓΡ

IOTA PHI THETA Nickname: Iota Established at UT: 2011 Philanthropy: Iota Youth Alliance

SIGMA GAMMA RHO Nickname: S G Rho, Sigma Women Established at UT: 1991 Philanthropy: Operation Big Book Bag

ΚΑΨ

ΖΦΒ

KAPPA ALPHA PSI Nickname: Kappa Established at UT: 1986 Philanthropy: Guide Right Program

ZETA PHI BETA Nickname: Zeta Established at UT: 1974 Philanthropy: March of Dimes

ΩΨΦ

OMEGA PSI PHI Nickname: Que’s, Omega Established at UT: 1971 Philanthropy: Charles R. Drew Blood Drive

ΣΣΡ

SIGMA SIGMA RHO Nickname: Sig Sig Established at UT: 1998 Philanthropy: Domestic violence prevention and awareness gogreek.utk.edu

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL SORORITIES

ΑΧΩ

ΔΓ

ΑΔΠ

ΔΖ

ALPHA CHI OMEGA Nickname: A Chi O, Alpha Chi Established at UT: 1961 Philanthropy: Victims of domestic violence

ALPHA DELTA PI Nickname: A D Pi Established at UT: 1920 Philanthropy: Ronald McDonald House

ΑΟΠ

ALPHA OMICRON PI Nickname: A O Pi Established at UT: 1902 Philanthropy: Arthritis research

ΧΩ

CHI OMEGA Nickname: Chi O Established at UT: 1900 Philanthropy: Dream Connection

ΔΔΔ

DELTA DELTA DELTA Nickname: Tri Delta Established at UT: 1923 Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

DELTA GAMMA Nickname: Dee Gee Established at UT: 1949 Philanthropy: Service for Sight

DELTA ZETA Nickname: Dee Zee Established at UT: 1933 Philanthropy: Speech and hearing research

ΚΔ

KAPPA DELTA Nickname: Kay Dee Established at UT: 1925 Philanthropy: Prevent Child Abuse America

ΚΚΓ

KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA Nickname: Kappa Established at UT: 1967 Philanthropy: Reading is Fundamental

ΦΜ

PHI MU Nickname: none Established at UT: 1908 Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network

ΠΒΦ

PI BETA PHI Nickname: Pi Phi Established at UT: 1948 Philanthropy: Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

ΣΚ

SIGMA KAPPA Nickname: Sig Kap Established at UT: 1921 Philanthropy: Alzheimer’s research

ΖΤΑ

ZETA TAU ALPHA Nickname: Zeta Established at UT: 1904 Philanthropy: Breast cancer education and awareness

gogreek.utk.edu

LEADERSHIP & SKILL DEVELOPMENT Throughout the academic year, events and programs bring together members of UT’s Greek community for growth in various aspects of leadership and development.

GREEK WEEK An annual event held during spring semester, Greek Week is planned by student sorority and fraternity leaders. The week provides an opportunity to celebrate the values of being in a Greek organization while giving back to the community through philanthropy and community service. Events typically include field games, philanthropic events, a cookout, and a weeklong house build through Habitat for Humanity.

GREEK LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE This peer-led seminar series brings together new members from each Greek organization. Over the course of six classroom sessions and a two-day retreat, participants gain leadership skills, bond with members of other organizations, and discuss current issues relating to Greek life. After completing the program, students are better prepared to take on the challenges of leadership within their organization and to influence the greater UT community. GREEK LEADERSHIP CLASS The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life recognizes the value of the classroom experience and the importance of moving from theory to practice. Therefore, students in the Greek community can sign up for academic elective courses offered by Sorority and Fraternity Life staff for credit toward their core requirements. Three courses were offered in spring 2015: Rising Leaders, Advanced Leaders, and Is Greek Life Relevant? Students from all four councils participate in these courses to develop their leadership knowledge and skills and better serve their organization. EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE Throughout the academic year, Greek organizations and individual members of the community are encouraged to benefit from participation in initiatives sponsored by various offices on campus, including the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Center for Health Education and Wellness, and the Center for Leadership and Service. Topics include hazing prevention, values celebration, alcohol and drug education, self-governance and accountability, cultural diversity, and officer skills.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Does hazing occur at UT? Hazing within any student organization at UT is strictly forbidden. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and our individual organizations strive to provide constant risk management education and supervision to prevent hazing from occurring. In the event of a hazing incident or allegation, any organization involved will undergo an investigation by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, with a cease of operations until either the situation has been rectified or the organization has been held accountable for their actions. How much does it cost to join? Cost for membership varies between the four councils and the specific organizations within each council. Factors such as organization size, housing requirements, meal plan requirements, and fees to the national office all impact the amount an organization member will be responsible for. Based on those factors, we are able to provide you a range for membership within each council: IFC: $600—$1800 each semester MGC: $450—$1500 NPC: $900—$1400 each semester NPHC: $450—$1500 What is the time commitment for members? Time commitments vary between the different organizations within each council. Each active member should expect consistent academic responsibilities as well as attendance and participation responsibilities at organization meetings on a weekly basis. The sorority and fraternity community

also experiences high volume for service and philanthropic participation. Members should expect biweekly participation in those events. Our organizations are also mindful of the need for interpersonal and social interaction with one another and with other members of the community. These events most often are not mandatory and students may choose to participate at their leisure. As a parent, how can I support my student who is in an organization? One of the most important ways a parent can support their student during this experience is to ask questions and stay informed. Know that your student will want the autonomy to make decisions and learn new experiences for him or herself, but students also should be aware that their parent or guardian has probably gone through life experiences that may help them succeed in their collegiate career.

How do I join an organization as a transfer student? If you have previously attended another institution and were initiated into a sorority or fraternity, you can be a part of your organization at UT as well. It will be your responsibility to make contact with your organization to begin developing a relationship. If the chapter feels that you are an acceptable addition to their organization, the president should contact the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life so that we can add you to the official roster of the organization. Once that has occurred, you will need to sign a release form with our office and then you will be all set. Note: Your organization’s chapter at UT is not required to add you to their roster if they do not feel that the relationship will be mutually beneficial.

Do I need a letter of recommendation to join a sorority? A letter of recommendation is written by an alumna member of an organization for the purpose of introducing a woman to a chapter. It provides a brief description of her interests, activities, and personality. Recommendation letters may be considered in the membership selection process. Potential new members are allowed to have recommendation letters submitted by the alumna member to the individual chapter; however, recommendation letters are not required to gain membership. Instructions and addresses for individual chapters are available on our website at gogreek.utk.edu.

Can I live in the fraternity or sorority house during my freshman year? Incoming students who sign a housing contract with the University of Tennessee are not eligible to live in a fraternity or sorority house during their first year at UT. Students may live in the chapter facility throughout the remainder of their time in the organization pending demand and availability. Do I need a university meal plan if I live in a chapter facility? Many of our organizations with a chapter facility provide meal plans specifically for the members of their organization. In many organizations, members who live in the chapter fa-

cility are required to purchase the organization meal plan. Those members are not required to purchase a university meal plan. Students will always have the option to purchase multiple meal plans if they so desire. How do I find out about NPHC/MGC organizations? We strongly encourage students to attend Meet the Greeks in August. This is an informal opportunity for all students, not only firstyears, to learn more about these councils and member organizations, nationally and at UT, and the process for pursuing membership. Do I have to be multicultural to join an NPHC/MCG organization? No, MGC/NPHC organizations have open and inclusive membership policies that are open to anyone who meets the local and national requirements of the organization.

gogreek.utk.edu

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL

413 Student Services Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-0248 Phone: 865-974-2236 Fax: 865-974-0088

MULTICULTURAL & NATIONAL PANHELLENIC COUNCILS

413 Student Services Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-0248 Phone: 865-964-2236 Fax: 865-974-0088

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL

2950 Sorority Village Circle Knoxville, TN 37916 Phone: 865-974-6604 Fax: 865-974-8241

For more information about Sorority & Fraternity Life at the University of Tennessee visit our website gogreek.utk.edu

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