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guideto
greeklife
BSC
Birmingham-Southern College
BSC
Birmingham-Southern College
welcome Welcome to the Birmingham-Southern College community! As you are making plans for your academic career, I hope you take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available outside of the classroom to enhance your college experience. BSC offers opportunities for involvement in a multitude of student activities and organizations that are available to supplement a wide variety of academic pursuits. One of the avenues of involvement to consider is Fraternity and Sorority Life. Through membership in a fraternity or sorority, students can enjoy the advantages of companionship and support, leadership development, community service, recreational and social activities, campus involvement, academic assistance, personal growth, small group living, and lifelong friendships. Fraternities and sororities have been a part of campus life for over 140 years. Fraternity and sorority alumni nationwide indicate that their fraternal membership was a vital component of their college experience—through alumni networking, they continue to receive long-term benefits from their Greek affiliations. I encourage you to consider Fraternity and Sorority Life as you explore your options for participation in student activities. Sincerely, David Eberhardt, Ed.D.
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Vice President for Student Development deberhar@bsc.edu | (205) 226-4722
greek LIFE mission statement The mission of the Greek community at Birmingham-Southern College is to promote academic excellence, demonstrate civic engagement and philanthropic outreach, and create an inter-fraternal family among all members. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and become successful after college life.
erience
jointletter
from the panhellenic and interfraternity councils
On behalf of the Birmingham-Southern College Greek community, congratulations on your decision to attend one of the best colleges in the Southeast. Your decision to attend BSC shows a commitment to community involvement and intellectual growth as well as a desire to be challenged. Greek Life is a great way to fulfill these expectations for your college experience, and we hope you will see that Greek Life is filled with people who share these interests. At BSC, our Interfraternal and Panhellenic communities have three main goals: first, we hope to help foster academic excellence among our members and set high standards for the general BSC community; second, we provide opportunities for members to participate in philanthropic service; third, we form bonds with other Greek individuals that will continue to grow long after your time at BSC. Birmingham-Southern’s Greek community is unique because we form sincere bonds and friendships
explore not only in each sorority and fraternity, but also across different organizations. The confidence gained
from being part of an organization of people who truly care about you can help develop your leadership and interpersonal skills. Every student finds his or her unique place at Birmingham-Southern, but we believe that Greek Life can benefit everyone.
Trey Weber
Catie Gilliland
IFC President
Panhellenic President
tbweber@bsc.edu cigillil@bsc.edu
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“The BSC Greek system has provided me great academic support, especially early on as a freshman. Having a group interested in my success as a student in my first semester at BSC made a huge difference in my academic career. Being surrounded by a group of men all striving towards academic excellence has given me encouragement and the drive to succeed in all of my classes for the betterment of myself, my individual organization, and the Greek system as a whole.”
guide to greek life
scholarship
With an average incoming GPA of 3.5, it is obvious that BSC attracts the best and brightest students. Sororities and fraternities proudly reflect this high level of achievement through the chapter academic averages that are earned annually. Each fraternity and sorority maintains internal academic standards that all members are expected to meet. Fraternity and sorority members also have the opportunity to apply for national scholarships provided through their organization’s educational foundation.
AUSTIN CULVER Class of 2015
excel Semester GPA
Greeks only
Fall 2012 Women’s
3.28
Overall
3.05
Fall 2012 Men’s 3.00 2.74 Spring 2013 Women’s
3.30
3.07
Spring 2013 Men’s
3.09
2.79
leadership
BSC attracts some of the brightest young leaders in the nation who are looking for ways to get involved as they begin their college careers. Being a part of BSC’s Greek community can help you find your niche and provide you with opportunities to strengthen those leadership skills. Greek students are involved in numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic teams on campus to create a well-balanced college experience. Each chapter is self-governing and relies on the special talents of its members for successful management. Whether it is assuming an office, leading a committee, or developing a new program, there are many ways to strengthen and build your leadership skills.
“When I first came to Birmingham-Southern, I wasn’t even sure that Greek life was for me. Good thing I changed my mind! Joining the Greek community here at BSC has been life-changing. I really learned the value of Greek life after I was selected to serve as the chapter president of my sorority during my sophomore year. Being president taught me how to balance extracurricular activities while still keeping up my grades, and I learned what it truly means to serve in a leadership position. Greek life here at BSC is truly unique, and being a member of a Greek organization will allow you to grow personally and intellectually.”
lauren fugit Class of 2013
guide to greek life
community service One of the most rewarding aspects of being involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life at BSC is participating in service and philanthropic events organized by individual chapters and the Greek community as a whole. Working together on such projects not only benefits worthy causes, but also fosters personal growth and greater unity among individual members. Activities include Halloween on the Hilltop, Habitat for Humanity, Up ’Til Dawn, tutoring at local schools, volunteering with NorthStar Youth Ministries, Circle of Sisterhood, and sponsoring neighborhood activities. In 2012-13, the BSC fraternity and sorority community donated more than $50,000 to various philanthropic
“Greek life was Greek to me. I did not have Greek life at the college I attended and the stories that I heard from other moms as their daughters were pledging did not impress me. I thought that Greek life was made of random rules, high fees, and an emphasis on social clichés. Then my daughter was given the chance to become a Pi Phi member at BSC and I learned all the wonderful things that Greek life could bring into a student’s life. Through Pi Phi my daughter has gained a family of supportive friends who are always there for her, and she has gained immeasurable leadership skills and confidence. What my daughter gained from this experience far outweighs the cost. She has built friendships with girls who have the same desires, work ethics, and values that are important to her. I have also seen her develop a deeper commitment to philanthropic work. Greek life is no longer Greek to me and I am so glad because it has been a wonderful addition in helping my daughter blossom into a well-rounded citizen.”
organizations and gave countless hours of service in chaptersponsored events.
LISA FLAGG BSC Parent
Fraternity and sorority experience is not limited to the college years; it continues throughout life. Organizations maintain alumni associations or graduate chapters around the country to keep the lifetime commitment strong. The relationships you make with alumni provide opportunities for networking and mentoring throughout your career.
networking
guide to greek life
brotherhood/ sisterhood At Birmingham-Southern College, being a part of a chapter cannot be compared to any other experience. Brotherhood and sisterhood is not about conformity—no organization is made up of members who are exactly alike. Rather, they promote individualism paired with mutual respect, trust and cooperation.
interfraternity council what is the interfraternity council? The Interfraternity Council is the governing body of the six fraternities at BSC. The IFC Council is responsible for communication among fraternities, programming for the fraternities, and especially fraternity recruitment. To learn more and register for recruitment, visit:
“Since 1879, fraternities have enriched the lives of BSC’s brightest young men. The Interfraternity Council at Birmingham-Southern exemplifies what Greek organizations should be. We seek students who have a commitment to our college and its rigorous academic tradition. No other student organizations are as unique as ours. Joining a fraternity is a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, service, leadership, and scholarship.”
tREy WEBER Class of 2014
www.bscifc.com.
Alpha Tau Omega Name: Chapter: Nickname: National Founding Date: Location: BSC Founding Date: Colors: Flower: Motto: Local Philanthropy:
Alpha Tau Omega Beta Beta ATO 1865 Virginia Military Institute 1885 Azure and Gold White Tea Rose The Positive Experience Impact Alabama Japan Earthquake Relief
Contact Us
Box 549104 Birmingham AL 35254 www.atobetabeta.org
ATW
Kappa Alpha Order Name: Kappa Alpha Order Chapter: Phi Chapter (7th oldest in nation) Nickname: KA National Founding Date: December 21, 1865 Location: Washington & Lee University BSC Founding Date: 1882 Colors: Crimson and Old Gold Flower: Red Rose and Magnolia Motto: Excellence Is Our Aim. National Philanthropy: Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Contact Us
Box 549103 Birmingham AL 35254 birmingham-southern.kappaalphaorder.org
KA
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Name: Chapter: Nickname: National Founding Date: Location: BSC Founding Date: Colors: Flower: Motto: Local Philanthropy:
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alabama Iota SAE March 9, 1856 University of Alabama November 11, 1878 Purple and Gold Violet True Gentlemen Alabama Wildlife Federation
Contact Us
Box 549105 Birmingham AL 35254 sae@bsc.edu www.saeepsilon.org/iota
SAE
Sigma Chi Name: Chapter: Nickname: National Founding Date: Location: BSC Founding Date: Colors: Flower: Motto: National Philanthropy:
Sigma Chi Chi Chi Sigs Jun 28, 1855 Miami University March 5, 1993 Blue and Old Gold White Rose In Hoc Signo Vinces Children’s Miracle Network and Huntsman Cancer Institute
Contact Us
Birmingham AL 35254 Box 549101 www.bscsigmachi.com
SC
Sigma Nu Name: Sigma Nu Chapter: Lambda Theta National Founding Date: January 1, 1869 Location: Virginia Military Institute BSC Founding Date: 1987 Colors: Black, White, Gold Flower: White Rose Motto: Love, Truth, Honor National Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Contact Us
Box 549097 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.sigmanubsc.com
SN
Theta Chi Name: Theta Chi Chapter: Beta Xi Nickname: Theta Chi National Founding Date: April 10, 1856 Location: Norwich University BSC Founding Date: 1942 Colors: Military Red, White Flower: Red Carnation Motto: Extend The Helping Hand Local Philanthropies: Habitat for Humanity Firehouse Men’s Shelter in Birmingham Contact Us
Box 549106 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.thetachibsc.com
qC
panhellenic council what is the panhellenic council?
The Panhellenic Council is the governing body of the six sororities at BSC. The Panhellenic Council strives to develop women through academic success and service. We promote women’s leadership, diversity, and strong relationships “I enjoy being a part of the BSC Greek community because we are a truly unique system that gives everyone a chance to reach beyond their full potential. We build strong relationships between our brothers, sisters, and alumni. I think my experience at BSC would not have been the same if I had not been a part of Greek Life.”
catie gilliland Class of 2014
between each chapter. To learn more and register for recruitment, visit:
www.bscpanhellenic.com.
Alpha Chi Omega Name: Chapter: Nickname: National Founding Date: Location: BSC Founding Date: Mascot: Colors: Flower: National Philanthropy:
Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Omega Alpha Chi Oct 15, 1885 DePauw University April 9, 1926 Lyre Scarlet Red and Olive Green Carnation Alpha Chi Omega Foundation
Contact Us BSC Box 549107 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.alphachiomegabsc.com
ACW
Alpha Omicron Pi Name: Chapter: Nickname: National Founding Date: Location: BSC Founding Date: Mascot: Colors: Flower: National Philanthropy:
Alpha Omicron Pi Tau Delta AOII January 2, 1897 Barnard College 1925 Panda Cardinal Jacque-Minot Rose Juvenile Arthritis
Contact Us BSC Box 549108 Birmingham, AL 35254 alphaomicronpibsc.wix.com/ taudelta
AOP
Chi Omega Name: Chapter: Nickname: National Founding Date: Location: BSC Founding Date: Mascot: Colors: Flower: National Philanthropy:
Chi Omega Omicron Lambda Chi O April 5, 1895 University of Arkansas 1989 Owl Cardinal & Straw White Carnation Make-A-Wish Foundation
Contact Us BSC Box 549099 Birmingham, AL 35254 bscchiomega.wix.com/chio_bsc
CW
Kappa Delta Name: Kappa Delta Chapter: Alpha Upsilon Nickname: KD National Founding Date: Oct 23, 1897 Location: State Female Normal School BSC Founding Date: March 15, 1930 Mascot: Teddy Bear Colors: Pearl White & Olive Green Flower: White Rose National Philanthropy: Prevent Child Abuse America Girl Scouts of USA Children’s Hopsital, Richmond, VA Orthopedic Research Awards Contact Us BSC Box 549109 Birmingham, AL 35254 bsc.kappadelta.org
KD
Pi Beta Phi Name: Chapter: Nickname: National Founding Date: Location: BSC Founding Date: Mascot: Arrow; Colors: Flower: National Philanthropy:
Pi Beta Phi Alabama Alpha Pi Phi April 28, 1867 Monmouth College 1928 Angel Wine & Silver Blue Wine Carnation First Book and Phi Beta Pi Foundation
Contact Us BSC Box 549110 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.alalpha.wix.com/pibetaphi
PBF
Zeta Tau Alpha Name: Chapter: Nickname: National Founding Date: Location: BSC Founding Date: Mascot: Colors: Flower: National Philanthropy:
Zeta Tau Alpha Alpha Nu Zeta Oct 15, 1898 Longwood College October 7, 1922 Bunny Turquoise Blue & Silver Gray White Violet Breast Cancer Research
Contact Us BSC Box 549111 Birmingham, AL 35254 bsc.zetataualpha.org
ZTA
greek alphabet
Alpha Beta Gamma Delta Epsilon
A B G D E
Zeta Eta Theta Iota Kappa
Z H Q I K
Lambda Mu Nu Xi Omicron
L M N X O
Pi Rho Sigma Tau Upsilon
P R S T U
Phi Chi Psi Omega
F C Y W
greek terms and definitions Active: Fraternity or sorority member, currently in school, who has completed his/her new member program and has been formally initiated by his/her chapter Alumna: An initiated sorority member (feminine) who is no longer active or in college (Plural: ALUMNAE) Alumnus: An initiated fraternity member (masculine) who is no longer active or in college (Plural: ALUMNI) Bid: A formal invitation to a potential new member on behalf of that sorority or fraternity to join that specific group Bid Day: The day that potential new members receive their bids Chapter: The local group of a national fraternity or sorority designated by a special Greek letter name College Panhellenic: The cooperative organization of collegiate members of sororities Formal Recruitment: The major recruitment period of the year during one weekend early in the fall semester. Formal recruitment consists of different events sponsored by the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils separately. Potential new members have the opportunity to visit each chapter house and meet its members. Fraternity: A Greek letter organization characterized by a ritual, a pin and a strong tie of friendship Greek: A member of a sorority or fraternity so called because the organization bears a Greek letter name Greek Week: A series of special events sponsored by the Greek community to promote community service and Greek unity Hazing: Any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate (www.stophazing.org) Initiate: A person who has recently become an active member of a fraternity or sorority Initiation: the formal, ritualistic ceremony during which a new member takes final vows and becomes a full member of his/her fraternity or sorority Interfraternity Council (IFC): The representative governing body of the fraternity system Legacy: A potential new member whose father/mother or brother/ sister is an alumni or active member of a specific fraternity or sorority Mixer: A social activity with two or more Greek organizations
Nationals: The governing body of each fraternity and sorority on a national level; the central headquarters of a Greek organization NIC: National Interfraternity Conference, a confederation of 73 men’s fraternities NPC: National Panhellenic Conference, a national governing body of sororities, each of which is autonomous as a social, Greek letter society of college women undergraduates and alumnae. This is the national governing body of all 26 national social sororities. NPHC: National Pan-Hellenic Council, a national governing body for the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities Open Recruitment: That period in which any sorority not having reached quota and/or chapter total may recruit and join a woman without specifically scheduled bidding or parties. For fraternities, this is the informal recruitment period after the formal recruitment week where fraternities accept additional members. Panhellenic: National and local council of sororities, the purpose of which is to govern, to unify, and to aid sororities in their relationships with one another and the college community Philanthropy: A service project undertaken by Greek members on the campus, community or national level Quota: The number of women that each sorority may join during Recruitment Recommendation: a written letter or statement recommending a potential new member for membership in a fraternity or sorority. It can be sent from alumni of any chapter and is sent to the chapter of his/her fraternity/sorority on this campus. The fraternity/ sorority, not the potential new member, is responsible for soliciting these. Recruitment Advisor: Upperclass fraternity members who act as official recruitment advisors for the potential new members during Recruitment Rho Gamma: Sorority members who do not affiliate with their own sororities during Recruitment, but serve as unbiased advisors to potential new members during Recruitment Recruitment: A process whereby students interested in fraternities and sororities can meet the members of each chapter and learn more about the organizations Potential New Member (PNM): Any student who is regularly enrolled and is eligible according to scholastic requirements, who is interested in becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority, and who has registered for Recruitment Sorority: A Greek letter sisterhood, also called a women’s fraternity
Birmingham-Southern College Office of Student Development 900 Arkadelphia Road Box 549014 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.bscifc.com www.bscpanhellenic.com
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BSC
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 2575 Birmingham, AL
reasons to go greek at bsc 1. We consider academics top priority 2. We are leaders on campus 3. We lend a helping hand 4. We are connected to alums 5. We create lifelong memories