Fraternity Life at The Capstone
Points of Pride •
The Greek community at UA is one of the largest and most diverse in the United States. With over 9,300 students, comprising over 30 percent of the undergraduate student body, UA is home to 61 social Greek-letter organizations.
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Since fall 2011, the university has held the coveted honor of being the largest Greek community in the nation with regard to overall fraternity and sorority membership numbers.
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Over the last ten years, the size of the UA Greek community has more than doubled in size, growing from 3,702 students in fall 2004 to over 9,305 students in fall 2014, an annual percent growth rate of 15%.
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In the spring of 2015, the UA Greek community raised $101,000 from fraternity and sorority donations. This money was awarded to 32 nonprofit organizations in and around Tuscaloosa.
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This year the UA Greek community again proudly partnered with Habitat for Humanity for the annual All-Greek Service project. Throughout the month of April, 243 fraternity men and women volunteered 4 hours each over 5 days to help build a house for a family in Tuscaloosa. A total of 972 hours was donated. All 16 Greek Week teams also participated with the Al’s Pals drive.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Staffing Structure Kathleen Gillan, Director
Lauren Gross, Panhellenic Graduate Assistant
Ryan Powell, Assistant Director
Hannah McBrayer, Panhellenic Graduate Assistant
Nicole Jackson, Assistant Director
Leah Seay, F/S Life Graduate Assistant
Amanda Parker Wood, Coordinator
Jared Pacileo, F/S Life Graduate Assistant
Tara Lancaster, Office Associate
Greek Integration The University of Alabama, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the UA Fraternity and Sorority Community are committed to being a welcoming and inclusive campus characterized by access and opportunity, which allows prospective students the opportunity to choose what they want their individual Greek experience to be and know that there are no barriers preventing this choice from happening. Individuals who have concerns about the recruitment, rush, or membership intake process are encouraged to contact the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs at 205-348-6670.
UA Fraternity & Sorority Community Membership Top States Alabama
3,470
Georgia
836
Texas
713
Florida
568
Tennessee
482
California
407
Illinois
303
North Carolina
252
Virginia
236
Maryland
186
Pennsylvania
158
Fall 2014 Greek Membership: TOTAL – 9,305 In-State – 3,470 Out-of-State – 5,835
UA Greek Governing Councils Alabama Panhellenic Association (APA) • Social sororities that are member groups of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) • 18 sororities; 17 NPC and 1 national Christian affiliate • 5,862 members for Fall 2014
United Greek Council (UGC) • •
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Interfraternity Council (IFC) •
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Social fraternities that are member groups of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) 30 fraternities; 29 national & 1 local Christian affiliate 3,165 members for Fall 2014
Multicultural and special-interest based fraternities and sororities 7 organizations; 1 Multicultural fraternity & 1 Engineering sorority; 1 national Christian Fraternity; 1 Co-Ed Engineering Fraternity;1 Co-Ed band fraternity; 1 Co-Ed honor fraternity and 1 IFC Interest Group 165 members for Fall 2014
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) •
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Historically African-American fraternities and sororities affiliated with the National Pan-Hellenic Council 4 active NPHC fraternities & 2 active NPHC sororities 113 members for Fall 2014
Benefits of Fraternity Membership • Scholarship & Academics • Philanthropy & Community Service • Leadership • Social Engagement • Networking • Brotherhood
Semester Costs of Fraternity Membership IFC Average Cost: New Member Average: $3452 Living In-House Average: $4610 Living Out-of-House Average: $2409
NPHC/UGC Average Cost : Â All Member Fees Average: $1000-$2500 Living In-House Fees: Average: $2050 Out-of-House Fees: Average: $150-$500 One time New Member Fee: Average: $500-$3000
Greek 55 Meal Plan New Members joining IFC fraternities with fullservice kitchens will automatically get their meal plans reduced to 55 meals, at $520 a semester. This plan is in addition to your fraternity meal plan which provides 3 meals a day Monday – Thursday and breakfast and lunch on Friday. *Please note that the semester fees vary by chapter and depend on housing arrangements. *
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
NPHC Is‌
Brotherhood
Tradition
Leadership
Service
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) What is the National Pan-Hellenic Council? The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is composed of nine International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. UA is home to all four of the NPHC sororities and while each of the chapters are different, they all emphasizes scholastics, community involvement and leadership. NPHC hosts a number of events throughout the semester including, but not limited to, the NPHC Step Show, NPHC Convocation, ONYX. Gives away two $1000 scholarships each year How much does it cost to join a chapter? The cost of joining a NPHC chapter varies among each chapter. The one time intake fee can range from $1,000-$3,000. In addition to the one time intake fee, members are required to pay yearly dues. Attended a chapter’s interest meeting will give an aspirant more insight of the fees that associated with a specific chapter.
AKA • ΔΣΘ • ZΦB • ΣΓP • AΦA • KAΨ • ΩΨΦ • ΦBΣ
NPHC Fraternity Chapters Alpha Phi Alpha Founded:……………………….…...……....December 4, 1906 Motto:………………….………...First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All Chapter:……………………….…..…….…………Kappa Alpha Famous Alumni:……………....………...…Thurgood Marshall, Lionel Richie
Omega Psi Phi Founded:……………..………...………..November 17, 1911 Motto:…….…………….Friendship is Essential to the Soul Chapter:………………………….…… ………..……Beta Eta FamousAlumni:………………...Langston Hughes, Michael Jordan, Steve Harvey
Kappa Alpha Psi Founded:…………..………………………….January 5, 1911 Motto…………………………………..…….Achievement In Every Field Chapter:……………………..………..…….…….……Eta Chi Famous Alumni…….……........................Johnnie Cochran, Wilt Chamberlin,Colin Keapernick
Phi Beta Sigma Founded:…………………....…………………….January 9, 1914 Motto:…………………………….….….Culture For Service and Service For Humanity Chapter:………………………………… ……………Theta Delta Famous Alumni………………… George Washington Carver, Bill Clinton, Al Sharpton
AΦA • KAΨ • ΩΨΦ • ΦBΣ
Joining an NPHC Organization How does recruitment work for NPHC organizations? NPHC participates in a delayed recruitment, and the chapter determines the recruitment periods. While qualifications vary among each chapter, there are minimum requirements set by The University of Alabama NPHC. Those requirements include: Aspirant attendance to the NPHC fall convocation during the year of intake consideration, at least 12 or more credit hours at The University of Alabama of Alabama, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 Â While, these requirements are mandated by The University of Alabama NPHC, it is vital that an aspirant visit the national website of their organization of interest for additional requirements.
NPHC Convocation Sunday, August 23, 2015 5:00pm- 7:00pm Ferguson Center Ballroom The National Pan-Hellenic Council hosts an event called "Convocation" at the beginning of each semester for interested students. This event encourages interested students to meet members and learn more about NPHC and its member organizations at The University of Alabama. Dress is business casual, and there is a $5 dollar charge for attending Convocation. Tickets can be purchased online at www.uagreekaffairs.tix.com For more information about Convocation of any of the NPHC organizations, please visit http://greekaffairs.ua.edu/ugc.cfm.
NPHC Interest Meetings/Rush  Individual NPHC chapters host Interest Meetings or Rush events throughout the year. These are formal informational sessions were aspirants show interest in a particular NPHC fraternity. Please note that an aspirant should only attend one formal interest meeting for the chapter he is most interested in membership. Typically during the formal sessions, aspirants will submit required paperwork for membership. The aspirant will also learn specified information about membership, chapter policies, and cost. The required attire for interest meetings is professional dress. It is very beneficial to visit chapter or national organizations websites to gather additional information about the rush events.
NPHC Membership Requirements Letters of Recommendations • Letters of recommendations can be completed by alumni members of the chapter, advisors, high school teachers, college professors or members of a clergy. • Number of required recommendations vary, please check with the national organization’s website for the required number. Community Service Verification • Each NPHC chapter requires a certain number of community service hours. • Proof of community service is required by letter or verification form. Official Transcripts • Official college transcripts should be submitted to a chapter before or after the chapter interest/rush meeting.
NPHC New Member Education Period New member education begins, after an aspirant applies to an organization and has been accepted. This period involves classroom sessions with a chapter advisor that educates potential new members about the rituals, history, policies, and programs of the organization. The New Membership Education period ends with a new member introduction show.
United Greek Council
United Greek Council (UGC) The Alabama United Greek Council, commonly referred to as UGC, is the governing body  for the 7 multicultural and special interest based Greek organizations, of which 4, have female membership. Created in 2009, the primary purpose of the UGC 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.
United Greek Council The Alabama United Greek Council, commonly referred to as UGC, is the governing body for the 7 multicultural and special interest based sororities and fraternities. Created in 2009, the primary purpose of the UGC 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. The following organizations are members of the UGC: Â
Sigma Lambda Beta
Brothers Under Christ
Theta Tau
Multicultural Fraternity
Christian Fraternity
Co-Ed Engineering Fraternity
Sigma Alpha Mu
Kappa Kappa Psi
Phi Sigma Pi
NIC Fraternity
Co-Ed Band Fraternity
Co-Ed Honor Society
Joining a UGC Organization Each organization that encompasses the United Greek Council has an individual selection process. The selection process is called rush for many UGC organizations, but some organizations refer to their selection process as membership intake. Chapters Recruit Once A Year or Twice a year Most chapters recruit at least once every year. Potential members should visit chapter websites, or contact the chapter’s recruitment chair for additional information about membership selection. There is not a "recruitment week" for all UGC chapters at one time of the year. Instead, each chapter plans its own events throughout the year. For more information about UGC organizations, please visit http://greekaffairs.ua.edu/ugc.cfm.
Attend Chapter Rush Events Usually held at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters, Rush is two weeks in which interested individuals are invited to attend various social events in order to get to know members of an organization. Informational are also hosted during Rush and interests are expected to attend at least one in order to learn about the chapters. Typically interests must attend a certain number of events in order to be considered for an interview and a bid.
Once a bid is given and accepted by an individual, the individual will go through the new member education period.
New Member Education Period • During the new member education period, members are introduced the traditions, rituals of their fraternity and sorority. • Typically, members will be accessed on their knowledge of the organization by taking exams • Aspirants will be initiated at the end of the new member education period
Alabama Interfraternity Council (IFC) Â
Alabama Interfraternity Council
• The Interfraternity Council (IFC) serves as the governing body of the thirty (30) men’s social fraternities at The University of Alabama.
• IFC Recruitment occurs primarily via TWO methods: - Year-round process where bids are typically extended during the spring and summer prior to fall semester - Informal recruitment in late August prior to the start of New Member Education
Alabama IFC Fraternities Alpha Kappa Lambda
Alpha Sigma Phi
Alpha Tau Omega
Beta Theta Pi
Chi Phi
Delta Chi
Delta Kappa Epsilon
Delta Sigma Phi
Delta Tau Delta
Kappa Alpha Order
Kappa Sigma
Lambda Chi Alpha
Lambda Sigma Phi
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Gamma Delta
Phi Kappa Psi
Phi Kappa Sigma
Phi Kappa Tau
Phi Sigma Kappa
Pi Kappa Alpha
Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sigma Chi
Sigma Nu
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sigma Pi
Sigma Tau Gamma
Zeta Beta Tau
Joining an IFC Fraternity Preparing for Recruitment:
• Online Recruitment Registration: www.alabamaifc.com • Complete registration as quickly as possible • Pay Registration Fee to complete registration • All men MUST register if interested in joining
• Credit card for recruitment registration fee ($20) • Registration for Recruitment provides ALL IFC chapters with your contact and personal information. You are encouraged to reach out to chapters to learn more about the organization and to receive invitations to recruitment events.
IFC Informal Recruitment • IFC will sponsor recruitment activities Sunday, August 16 - Friday , August 21 • Sunday, August 16: Informal Meet & Greet Cookout with all chapters and recruitment chairmen (information about chapter specific events will be available) • Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21: Individual chapters will host recruitment events for prospective members. • Saturday, August 22: IFC sponsored Greekfest Charity Benefit Concert
Joining an IFC Fraternity Summer Bidding: • •
Many organizations recruit during the summer prior to the upcoming fall semester. Three options upon receiving a bid: • Accept • Decline • Hold
Fall 2015 Timeline August 16th – Formal Recruitment Meet and Greet August 17th – August 20th - IFC Open House Rounds August 21st - Chapter individual recruitment events (Invitation only) August 26th – New Member Period Begins October 21st – New Member Period Ends
IFC New Member Education and Beyond First Semester
• 6-8 Week New Member Program and Initiation • Study Hall Hours • Chapter and Community Educational programming • Philanthropy and Service Projects • New Member Retreats
Second Semester and Beyond • Weekly Chapter Meetings • Philanthropy and Service Projects • Social Events • Involvement on Campus • Leadership within the Chapter • Live in chapter housing
Helpful Contact Information Â
Alabama Panhellenic Council (APA)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
E-mail: alabamapanhellenic@gmail.com Website: www.uapanhellenic.com Twitter: @UAPanhellenic
E-mail: univofalabamanphc@gmail.com Website: www.uanphc.com Twitter: @NPHC_UA
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
United Greek Council (UGC)
E-mail: AlabamaIFCrecruitment@gmail.com Website: www.alabamaifc.com
E-mail: ofsl@ua.edu Website: ofsl.ua.edu/ugc.cfm
The University of Alabama Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Ferguson Center 2512 Box 870298 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 Phone: (205) 348-2693 Email: ofsl@ua.edu Website: www.ofsl.ua.edu Hours of Operation: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Hazing and Harassment Hotline: (205) 348-HALT (4258)
Student Complaints and Appeals: http://sa.ua.edu/complaints.cfm Â
The University of Alabama complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination, which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination notice available at http://eop.ua.edu/law.html and in its harassment policy at http://eop.ua.edu/harassment.html. Membership in registered student organizations shall be open to all students of The University of Alabama without regard to race, religion, sex, disability or national origin, except in cases of designated fraternal organizations exempted by federal law from Title IX regulations concerning discrimination on the basis of sex. Individuals who have concerns about the recruitment process are encouraged to contact the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs at 205-348-6670.