Fraternity Information Booklet by Mississippi State Fraternity & Sorority Life

FRATERNITY INFORMATION BOOKLET greeks.msstate.edu | 662.325.3917

What organizations are at MSU? Sorority: Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority Fraternity: Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. What is MGC?

The Multicultural Greek Council at Mississippi State University recognizes the need for coordination and cooperation in activities of intercollegiate Greek-letter organizations. With this, the Multicultural Greek Council serves as a formal organization to establish rules and regulations, guidelines, and provisions for all organizations involved. The primary purpose of the MGC is to unite its member organizations in order to share ideas and resources, promote mutual respect and equality, and provide a support network for involved students.

What is Membership Intake?

MGC organizations use variations of a process known as membership intake to gain new members. Each organization will decide when it will host an intake process. This is typically once every calendar year. The organization will post flyers and other forms of notification advertising the interest meeting or rush. Flyers are posted in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at least 2 weeks prior to the rush or meeting. These processes are discrete. Therefore, you will be informed of the timeline of the process, if you are selected for membership.

Multicultural Greek Council Requirements:

-Be currently enrolled in at least 12 credit hours -Earned at least a 2.5 MSU grade point average -Be in good standing with the University -Attend the MGC Interest Meeting

Organization Requirements:

All organizations have requirements outside of the university’s. These include: -Recommendation letters -Community service hours -Higher GPA requirement -Attendance at interest meeting or rush -See organization’s national website for specifics

Advisor: John Michael VanHorn Associate Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life jvanhorn@saffairs.msstate.edu 662.325.3917

Social Media:

Instagram: @msstate_MGC Facebook: Mississippi State University Fraternity & Sorority Life

Steps to Membership:

-Attend Shades of Starkville: Aug. 21st – The Drill Field -Attend MGC Interest Meeting: Aug. 27th – The Dawg House -Meet members of the chapters at their events and on camps (advertised on social media, OrgSync, and flyers on campus) -Research each organization -Visit www.greeks.msstate.edu for updates and access to chapter information -Attend chosen organization’s interest meeting or rush (flyers are in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life)

How much does it cost?

The average range to join a MGC organization ranges from $1,000.00 to $3,000 for one-time initiation fees. After your initiation dues, you will have to pay semester dues to remain active. These dues range from $75–$300 per semester depending on the organization. Dues cover: -Chapter programs and events -Conference participation -National and regional expenses -Other operating costs as outlined by the organization

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3.41

Below

20%

80%

40%

Sigma Lambda Beta

N/A

3.59

N/A

Above

100%

80%

All data are reflective of the Spring 2019 academic semester. Spring 2019 All Men’s GPA: 2.87 Spring 2019 All Women’s GPA: 3.12 Spring 2019 All Sorority GPA: 3.35 Spring 2019 All Fraternity GPA: 3.00 Spring 2019 All Greek GPA: 3.20 Other violations include: Recruitment, Bylaws, etc.

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What organizations are at MSU? Sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Fraternity: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

What is NPHC?

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) represents the 9 historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities, also referred to as the Divine Nine. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.

What is Membership Intake?

NPHC organizations use variations of a process known as membership intake to gain new members. Each organization will decide when it will host an intake process. This typically once every calendar year. The organization will post flyers and other forms of notification advertising the interest meeting or rush. Flyers are posted in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at least 2 weeks prior to the rush or meeting. These processes are discrete. Therefore, you will be informed of the timeline of the process, if you are selected for membership.

Requirements for Membership:

MSU Requirements: -Earned at least 12 credit hours at Mississippi State (does not include transfer hours) -Be currently enrolled in at least 12 credit hours -Earned at least 2.5 MSU grade point average -Be in good standing with the University -Attend NPHC Interest Meeting hosted every semester Organization Requirements: All organizations have requirements outside of the university’s. These include: -Recommendation letters -Community service hours -Higher grade point average requirement -Attendance at interest meeting or rush -See organization’s national website for specifics

Advisor: ShirDonna Lawrence Assistant Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life s.lawrence@saffairs.msstate.edu

Social Media:

Instagram: @nphc_msstate Snpachat: @nphc_msstate Twitter: @nphc_msstate Facebook: Mississippi State University Fraternity & Sorority Life

Steps to Membership:

-Attend Meet the Greeks: Aug. 25th - Union Ballroom -Meet members of the chapters at their events and on campus (advertised on social media, OrgSync, and flyers on campus) -Research each organization -Visit www.greeks.msstate.edu for updates and easy access to chapter information -Attend chosen organization’s interest meeting or rush (flyers are in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life)

How much does it cost?

Depends! The average range to join an NPHC organization is anywhere from $1000.00 to $3,000 for one-time initiation fees. After your initiation dues, you will have to pay semester dues to remain active. These dues range from $75- $300 per semester depending on the organization. Dues cover: -Chapter programs and events -Conference participation -National and regional expenses -Other operating costs as outlined by the organization

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nce Me in Me mb m er G ber/ PA Ne

2.88

-.05

Below

21%

19%

60%

97%

Alpha Phi Alpha

N/A

2.59

N/A

Below

42%

25%

33%

100%

Delta Sigma Theta

N/A

2.98

N/A

Below

22%

28%

50%

100%

Kappa Alpha Psi

2.75

2.67

-0.08

Below

42%

12%

46%

92%

Omega Psi Phi

2.50

2.47

-0.03

Below

47%

24%

29%

78%

Phi Beta Sigma

2.71

2.61

-0.10

Below

32%

36%

82%

Sigma Gamma Rho

N/A

3.10

N/A

Above

20%

80%

100%

Zeta Phi Beta

2.78

2.88

0.10

Below

39%

22%

39%

87%

Oth

2.93

Haz

Alc

Diff

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wM Sem embe r est er G Class PA

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Tot a

Alpha Kappa Alpha

Tot a

Cha

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CHAPTER SCORE CARD

What is a fraternity?

A Greek letter organization characterized by a ritual, badge and strong ties to friendship and moral principles. Fraternities help develop their members personally, socially, and professionally for life after college.

What is fraternity recruitment?

Fraternity recruitment, previously known as “rush”, is the process of fraternities seeking new members. Fraternity recruitment at Mississippi State takes place in August (fall recruitment) and February (spring recruitment). There is also an informal bidding process in which fraternities are able to extend bids to prospective members at any time. Throughout the year fraternities will hold events ranging anywhere from dinners to golf outings and white water rafting trips. During this time potential new members have the opportunity to meet members of individual chapters. This process can potentially allow one to receive a bid from a fraternity. Outside of the formal process, an informal bid allows one to sign with a chapter without going through the formal recruitment process. Please note, all potential new members must register and pay for recruitment in order to sign an informal bid or go through the formal recruitment process. If you receive an informal bid from a fraternity but are not sure it’s the right fit for you, no problem! During formal recruitment, one will be able to meet members from every chapter, tour houses, and build relationships with chapter members.

Should I attend summer recruitment events?

You are not required to attend summer recruitment events. These events are opportunities provided by the individual chapter to help reach out to prospective members. Chapters must abide by The Mississippi State Student Code of Conduct at summer recruitment events.

What is a recommendation letter?

A letter of recommendation is a form filled out by alumnus of a fraternity on behalf of a potential new member. The recommendation letter generally speaks about your character and verifies accomplishments, grades, and activities you are involved in. The alumnus should refer to the national website of his affiliation for more information on these forms as they vary. Letters of recommendation are completely optional and are not required for you to participate in the recruitment process. Recommendation letters generally need to be received by the chapters no later than August 1st.

What is a legacy?

A legacy is typically a brother, son, or grandson of a fraternity alumni. However, each chapter has different requirements for considering a potential new member a legacy. Am I guaranteed a bid if I am a legacy? No, no one is ever guaranteed a bid to a fraternity. Each fraternity has different policies regarding legacies. Ultimately, it is the individual potential new member’s personality, character, resume, grades, etc. that are the main determining factors for membership selection.

What happens on bid day?

On Bid Day, you will possibly have the opportunity to accept an invitation (bid) to the fraternity that selected you. The acceptance of a bid is done online and will be explained during orientation. At 5:00 PM you will meet in the Bettersworth Auditorium, Lee Hall for a short presentation. Each chapter will have plans for their individual bid day activities following the presentation.

If I go through recruitment, do I have to join a fraternity? Although most students who participate in recruitment at MSU do join a fraternity it is not required. The formal recruitment process is a great opportunity to meet fellow MSU students and build relationships with others.

How do I register for recruitment?

Registration for recruitment begins June 1st and ends August 18th. You may register at online at greeks.msstate.edu. Registration is free. There is a $75 bid acceptance fee that you will pay if you choose to accept a bid to an IFC fraternity. Any student that accepts an informal bid to a fraternity must still register and pay bid acceptance fee.

Is there a fee for recruitment?

There is no fee to participate in the formal recruitment process. There is a $75.00 processing fee to accept a bid to a chapter.

How do I know that my registration is complete?

After you register online you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email please contact Gates Willson, Director of Recruitment, at 662-325-3917 or at ifcrecruitment@saffairs. msstate.edu

Do grades matter?

A 2.75 GPA is required to register and participate in the formal recruitment process at Mississippi State University. However, each fraternity has a grade point average requirement specific to their organization standards. Typically, the average to extend a membership invitation is a 2.75 grade point average. Academic performance is a standard within the fraternity community; therefore grade point averages are a significant factor in the membership selection process. However, academics are only one of those factors.

Is Mississippi State IFC on social media?

Yes! Following/adding us on the following social media outlets is one of the best ways to stay informed about MSU. We will constantly post updates to information regarding recruitment and Greek events throughout the year. If you are looking for a way to learn more about our chapters or Fraternity & Sorority Life in general be sure to take a look at our social media accounts. Website: greeks.msstate.edu Facebook: Mississippi State University Fraternity & Sorority Life Twitter: @msstateifc Instagram: msstateifc

The answer to my question isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in this packet, who can I ask?

We are happy to help answer any questions you may have! You may contact the following people regarding recruitment questions: Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life | 662.325.3917 | Gates Willson, Director of Recruitment | ifcrecruitment@saffairs.msstate.edu

What is fraternity life like after recruitment?

How much time does a fraternity take? Every chapter has a required weekly meeting where you will receive information on chapter events. Weekly academic hours, brotherhood activities, community service projects, and social events are also potential time commitments. Do I have to live in the fraternity house? You are required by Mississippi State University to live in the residence halls your freshman year. Each fraternity has their own policy regarding living in the chapter house. Most chapters at MSU require members to live in the house for one academic year. Can I eat at the fraternity house once I join? Yes. If you join a fraternity that offers a meal plan, Mississippi State allows you to change from the Unlimited Meal Plan to the Greek Meal Plan. The Greek Meal Plan is less expensive than other meal plans because you will also be paying for a meal plan within your chapter. Once you join a fraternity, visit Dining Services located next to Subway to change your meal plan. Your meal plan will not change unless you visit Dining Services in person to change it. How much does it cost to be in a fraternity? Our chapters range anywhere from $600-$2,000 per semester. The cost of each fraternity varies from chapter to chapter. Fraternity dues go to pay for a range of things such as meals, national dues and fees, leadership schools, retreats, maintenance of the chapter house, yearly insurance, etc. The reason for the ranging costs associated with each chapter is that some chapter bills have a meal plan, new member fee

etc. included in the bill, while others may charge you separately or allow you to decide if you want to participate in that aspect of the fraternity. In other words, some chapters require you to purchase their meal plan, which would be included in your bill, while others allow you to decide if you want to eat meals at the fraternity house. Please visit www.greeks.msstate.edu for the most up to date and detailed information on fee structures for each chapter. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m visiting Mississippi State this summer. Can I tour the houses? Each chapter will have a table set up at the Organization Fair during Orientations this summer and will be happy to answer questions you have regarding recruitment. Typically fraternity houses are closed during the summer, so tours are not available. You will receive a tour of each house during the first few days of formal recruitment.

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2.23

3.06

3.37

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N/A

Vio

N/A

3.10

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3.40

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N/A

Delta Chi

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Beta Upsilon Chi

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CHAPTER SCORE CARD

26%

27%

47%

100%

Above

10%

82%

99%

Above

17%

20%

63%

100%

-0.63

Below

26%

22%

52%

100%

0.31

Above

20%

14%

66%

97%

Kappa Sigma

209

2.86

2.45

-0.41

Below

30%

25%

45%

98%

Lambda Chi Alpha

145

3.03

3.02

-0.01

Above

18%

17%

65%

96%

Phi Delta Theta

2.86

2.68

-0.18

Below

32%

17%

51%

99%

Phi Gamma Delta

138

N/A

3.09

N/A

Above

22%

17%

61%

100%

Phi Kappa Tau

2.68

2.25

-0.43

Below

33%

14%

53%

99%

Pi Kappa Alpha

2.84

2.23

-0.61

Below

33%

16%

51%

95%

Pi Kappa Phi

101

2.73

2.52

-0.21

Below

32%

18%

50%

87%

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

117

3.03

3.53

0.50

Above

20%

18%

62%

95%

Sigma Chi

219

N/A

3.24

N/A

Above

11%

16%

73%

99%

Sigma Nu

N/A

2.75

N/A

Below

43%

21%

36%

93%

Sigma Phi Epsilon

N/A

3.17

3.55

0.38

Above

21%

70%

100%

All data are reflective of the Spring 2019 academic semester. Spring 2019 All Men’s GPA: 2.87 Spring 2019 All Fraternity GPA: 3.00 Spring 2019 All Greek GPA: 3.20 Other violations include: Recruitment, Bylaws, etc. Conduct Outcomes: Phi Kappa Tau- Social Probation, Progress Reports, Educational Programming – April 2019-May 2019

CHAPTER COST New Member

Alpha Gamma Rho Beta Upsilon Chi

Member – Non-Resident

1st Semester

2nd Semester

Annually

$920

$1,840

1st Semester 2nd Semester

$920

Member – Resident

Annually

1st Semester

2nd Semester

Annually

$1,840

$920

$1,840

$600

$435

$1,035

$435

$970

N/A

Delta Chi

$1,400

$1,300

$2,700

$1,300

$2,600

$2,750(D) $3,250(S)

$5,500(D) $6,500(S)

FarmHouse

$2,450

$4,900

$2,230

$4,460

$2230

$4,460

Kappa Alpha Order

$1,700

$3,400

$1,700

$3,400

$1,700

$3,400

Kappa Sigma

$1,745

$1,335

$3,080

$1,850

$3,700

$2,750(D) $3,850(S)

$5,500(D) $7,700(S)

Lambda Chi Alpha

$1,570

$1,695

$3,265

$1,445

$2,890

$3,150

$6,300

Phi Delta Theta

$2,805

$2,400

$5,205

$2,781

$5,742

$2,606

$2,512

$5,118

Phi Gamma Delta

$1,250

$2,500

$990

$1,980

$990

$1,850

Phi Kappa Tau

$1,245

$2,490

$1,245

$2,490

$995

$1,990

Pi Kappa Alpha

$2,517

$2,418

$4,935

$2,598

$5,195

$2,418

$4,835

Pi Kappa Phi

$1,450

$950

$2,900

$950

$1,900

$2,375(D) $2,075(T)

$4,750(D) $4,150(T)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

$1,975

$2,230

$4,205

$2,130

$2,230

$4,360

$2,300

$4,600

Sigma Chi

$2,300

$2,000

$4,300

$2,000

$4,000

$2,000

$1,900

$3,900

Sigma Nu

$650

$1,300

$650

$1,300

N/A

Sigma Phi Epsilon

$925

$625

$1,350

$625

$1,250

N/A

(S) - Single; (D) - Double; (T) - Triple

COMMITMENT FROM COUNCIL LEADERSHIP Dear Mississippi State University Fraternity and Sorority Community, We are excited to have you on campus! We are looking forward to a great year. Our four councils work hard throughout the summer to prepare great initiatives, events, and recruitment/intake processes. As we begin the process of inviting new members into our community, we want to take the opportunity to draw attention to important issues we face in fraternity and sorority communities at Mississippi State and across the country. It is important we foster an environment where students are treated with respect in both fraternities and sororities and the greater MSU family. As members of Greek-lettered organizations, we must ensure hazing and/or other high-risk behavior, such as excessive drinking, are not present in our organizations. We must hold each other accountable for inappropriate behavior by reporting incidents and intervening in risky situations. We ask that you make time to review the MSU Hazing Policy. Hazing is against the law in the state of Mississippi as well as a violation of the student code of conduct at Mississippi State University. The Fraternity and Sorority Life staff visit chapters and chapter leadership throughout the year to discuss issues that are affecting our community. Fraternity and Sorority Life staff is available at any time to assist you throughout your fraternity or sorority experience. Staff work to ensure that chapters are operating within MSU policy and new members have a meaningful and beneficial experience as they join our fraternity and sorority community. To reiterate, one of the most effective ways you can improve our fraternity and sorority community is by alerting appropriate parties when you see risky behavior. You can report an incident of concern by visiting the Fraternity & Sorority Life website at www.greeks.msstate.edu and click â&#x20AC;&#x153;Report a Fraternity and Sorority Concernâ&#x20AC;?. One of the worst things you can do as a member is not step into a situation where you know someone is being hurt or treated inappropriately. Please help all of us encourage a positive and productive environment within our fraternity and sorority community so that we may continue to provide quality experiences to our members. If any of our council or university staff members can help your chapter in anyway this coming year, please let us know. We look forward to a great year! In Maroon and White, Eric Lucas Kierra Magee Rachel Dumke Nolan Parker NPHC President MGC President PHC President IFC President

OF OUR

2134 SORORITY WOMEN 25% OF FEMALE UNDERGRADS

HONOR SOCIETY

TOP 100 DONORS AT MSU, 34% ARE GREEK

NPHC

78%

IN-STATE

19% OF MALE UNDERGRADS

53%

IN-STATE

FRATERNITY/SORORITY MEMBERS INDUCTED

STUDENTS

OF THOSE WHO COMPLETED THEIR PLEDGESHIP SEMESTER ARE STILL ENROLLED AND IN THE CHAPTER

MGC LAST YEAR, GREEK ORGANIZATIONS AT MISSISSIPPI STATE RAISED

22% OF CAMPUS

1610 FRATERNITY MEN

92%

STUDENTS

1ST YEAR AT MSU (2019)

FIFTEEN

3744 TOTAL GREEKS

PAN

PANHELLENIC

GREEK STUDENTS HAVE AN

8% HIGHER GRADUATION RATE THAN NON-AFFILIATED STUDENTS

OVER $515,000 IN PHILANTHROPY DOLLARS AND PERFORMED

OVER 65,000 SERVICE HOURS

80%

IN-STATE

STUDENTS

IFC

56%

IN-STATE

STUDENTS