GUIDE TO GREEK LIFE
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DEAR NEW VANDERBILT STUDENTS, Congratulations on your decision to attend Vanderbilt University! As you start this new and exciting chapter of your life, we urge you to consider both participating in fraternity or sorority recruitment and becoming a part of Vanderbilt Greek Life. Our Greek community fosters growth, strength, and independence, and we are an integral part of the larger Vanderbilt community.
Go ‘Dores, and Go Greek! Rebecca Mvula National Pan-Hellenic Council President
Although each organization is unique in their history, values, rituals, and members, all of our organizations hold the common bond of unity across our councils.
Greek Life Staff
We hope that this publication will help you learn more about our Greek community and answer any of your questions. We encourage you to learn more about our different chapters and councils to see if Vanderbilt Greek Life is a good fit for you. We believe that the Greek community has shaped who we are as individuals, leaders, and members of organizations, and we hope that, if you choose to participate in our Greek community, you will experience these benefits as well.
Kevin Groll Interfraternity Council President Jen Warner Panhellenic Council President
Kristin Torrey Director of Greek Life James Crawford Coordinator of Greek Life Anthony Williams Coordinator of Greek Life Anna Flagg Graduate Assistant Sara Muren Graduate Assistant Catherine Weiser Graduate Housing Coordinator Karen Seezen Administrative Assistant
Visit us at vanderbilt.edu/greek_life
All students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority during the 2015–2016 school year must participate in Alcohol and Social Responsibility Training on Monday, September 7, 2015, in the Student Life Center. These sessions will be divided between your assigned Vanderbilt Visions Group. Groups 41–86 @ 5:30 p.m. Groups 1–40 and 87–93 @ 7:00 p.m. Upperclass and transfer students should choose a session that works best with their schedules. Please arrive at your session 15 minutes early to ensure we start on time.
BENEFITS OF GREEK LIFE AT VANDERBILT Sisterhood and Brotherhood Sisterhood/Brotherhood offers a sense of belonging, the feeling of great friends respecting you for your individuality, and the feeling of knowing that you can count on your sisters/ brothers in the good times as well as in the bad. Your chapter is a home away from home, presenting members with venues to socialize in, networks of support for older members, and countless opportunities to make new friends. Scholarship Above all, Greeks are students. Our chapters recognize the importance of good scholarship, with each organization maintaining standards that their members must maintain. Organizations sponsor programs aimed at maintaining these high standards, including academic incentives, tutoring, study hours, and faculty relations programming. Leadership Greeks are leaders both within their organizations and across campus. Chapter officers coordinate meetings, service projects, and social events. Currently, Greeks are well represented in leadership positions within Vanderbilt Student Government, VUcept, Vanderbuddies, Multicultural Leadership
Council, Alternative Spring Break, Dance Marathon, and many other organizations on campus. Service and Philanthropy Each year our community raises tens of thousands of dollars for the chapters’ various philanthropies. Many Greek men and women volunteer their time in local programs such as the Children’s Hospital, Alternative Spring Break, Habitat for Humanity, tutoring projects, and more. As a member, your chapter will expect you to engage in at least 15 hours of community service each year. This expectation ensures that the founding value of commitment to community remains strong and lasting. Community The camaraderie of the community is apparent in many ways, from joint benefits and socials to the individual friendships that exist between members of different organizations. Our Tri-Council Circle initiative has been in effect for eight years and brings chapters from each council together for campus events. Social Activities Membership in a Greek organization offers a variety of social opportunities. Most of our groups host social events like dinners, on- and off-campus
parties, special catered lunches, desserts at the house, movie nights, and other events for members to socialize with each other and their guests.
COMMITMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS OF GREEK LIFE AT VANDERBILT Community of CARE Taking care of your brothers, sisters, and guests is an important aspect of your membership and something that you should always be mindful of as a member. You will be held accountable for your actions and should hold others accountable as well. Time and Financial Commitments Being a chapter member is a significant time commitment. As a new member, you will be expected to participate fully in our Greek Member Experience Program. This program consists of engagement in programs and activities that cover six specific tracks: Healthy Behaviors, Personal Development, Diversity & Inclusion, Campus Involvement, Community Impact, and Faculty Engagement. These tracks will be met through events at chapter meetings, community service projects, sisterhood/brotherhood events, social events, and more. Similar expectations continue throughout your time as an undergraduate member of the chapter. Each chapter determines dues payments. Most chapters use chapter dues to cover the costs of chapter activities, council and national dues, house maintenance (if applicable), social functions,
chapter dinner, and more. There are usually some additional out-of-pocket expenses. Values-Based Organizations Sororities/Fraternities are values-based organizations, and there is also an expectation that you will uphold those values. You must understand that from the day you accept your bid or cross over into your organization until long after graduation, you are always wearing your letters.
Vanderbilt Student First While being in a sorority/fraternity will be only one of your commitments at Vanderbilt, make it a priority. Your Greek experience will be what you make of it—the more you put in to it, the more you will get out of it! But always remember that you are a Vanderbilt student first and your chapter commitments should not get in the way of your academic success.
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OUR COMMUNITY VANDERBILT INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL The Interfraternity Council, commonly known as IFC, takes charge of and preserves the high standards of its 16 member fraternities on this campus. Led by an executive board of eight men, the Interfraternity Council promotes the interests of fraternities in general and insures cooperation among the different fraternities on campus. Chapters Alpha Epsilon Pi Alpha Tau Omega Beta Chi Theta Beta Theta Pi Delta Kappa Epsilon Delta Tau Delta Kappa Alpha Order* Kappa Sigma Phi Delta Theta Phi Gamma Delta Phi Kappa Psi Phi Kappa Sigma** Pi Kappa Alpha Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Sigma Nu Zeta Beta Tau *Recolonizing at VU in fall 2015 **Recolonizing at VU in spring 2016
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Vanderbilt Interfraternity Council Chapter Presidents
Dues: $800–$1,400 per semester
Connect with IFC Vanderbilt Interfraternity Council @VUIFC @VUIFC Vanderbilt Interfraternity Council Executive Board
IFC Recruitment Events to Attend Open ‘Dores Sunday, September 6, 2015 • 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Student Life Center Ballroom Join us to learn more about our Interfraternity Council chapters at Vanderbilt and the recruitment process. This meeting will start promptly at 11:00 a.m., and we will discuss joining requirements, how to register online, expectations for membership, and more. After the presentation, attendees will be divided into groups that will rotate, so you will have the chance to visit fraternity houses, meet every fraternity, and interact with their members. You must register for fraternity recruitment online. There is a $20 registration fee that will be collected during the registration process. Please visit vanderbilt. edu/greek_life to register for fraternity recruitment.
It is highly recommended that you attend the IFC-sponsored recruitment events to gain the most accurate information about the recruitment process and the benefits of joining our community.
IFC Recruitment Checkpoints Sunday, October 11 • 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 8 • 5:30 p.m. Sarratt Cinema Potential new members will get a chance to learn about various initiatives within the community as well as establish and learn more about the expectations for their membership. Each checkpoint subject is specifically chosen by members in the community to address areas of interest or trends within the joining process in order to aid the navigation of determining a fraternity to join.
Individual Chapter Recruitment Activities Throughout the fall, each chapter will host individual chapter recruitment events, including sporting events, meals, plus service and social activities in large and small group settings. While some of these events will be open, some will be invitation only. These events help potential members and chapter members build relationships with each other. Bid Night Fall (Upperclassmen/Transfer Students ONLY) Sunday, October 4, 2015 • 2:00 pm. Student Life Center Board of Trust Room Upperclassmen and transfer students going through the fall recruitment process and selected by a fraternity will be receiving their bid(s) to join a fraternity. Friends and family are invited to attend. Spring (Eligible First-Year Students and Upperclassmen/Transfers) Saturday, January 16, 2016 • 2:00 pm. Student Life Center Ballroom Potential new members of first-year students, upperclassmen, and transfer students that participated in the recruitment process and were selected by a fraternity will be receiving their bid(s) at this event. Friends and family are invited to attend.
Vanderbilt National Pan-Hellenic Council We are proud to have six of the Divine Nine organizations represented at Vanderbilt. NPHC is the governing council for these historically African American fraternities and sororities. It is the mission of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. to promote cooperation and harmony between member organizations and between members and other campus organizations in developing the best possible image for the Greek community. The executive board works to objectively govern the NPHC community as well as provide collaborative programming opportunities for the council and the broader campus community.
Dues: $50–$350 per semester
NPHC Important Dates to Remember
Connect to NPHC
Fall Intake Seminars Tuesday, September 8 • Monday, October 12 • Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Each intake seminar will take place in Sarratt 331 at 6:00 p.m.
VandyNPHC @Vandy_NPHC VU AnchorLink: National Pan-Hellenic Council
Chapters: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Vanderbilt National Pan-Hellenic Council Executive Board
will talk about their experiences and answer any questions you have related to membership in an NPHC organization. NPHC Back 2 School Events Saturday, August 29, 2015 Hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Vanderbilt National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapter Presidents
All students wishing to seek membership in an NPHC chapter MUST attend one of the Membership Intake Seminars offered by the Office of Greek Life. At this seminar, Greek Life staff will provide vital information to assist students in their membership pursuits. Any student that has not attended one of the Membership Intake Seminars at the time of application/invitation to an NPHC chapter will NOT be allowed to join.
Friday, August 28, 2015 Hosted by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Saturday, September 12, 2015 Hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The chapters and council will publicize more detailed event information during the first week of school.
Greek Mystique Tuesday, September 1, 2015 • 7:00 p.m. Commons Center Multi-Purpose Room Please join us to learn about the historically black fraternities and sororities at Vanderbilt. Members
Visit us at vanderbilt.edu/greek_life
Vanderbilt Panhellenic Association The Vanderbilt University Panhellenic Council is the governing organization for the ten National Panhellenic Conference sororities, as well as Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. The Panhellenic Council, led by an eight-woman executive board, is responsible for organizing activities of mutual concern and interest to all Panhellenic sororities on campus. Chapters Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Delta Pi Alpha Omicron Pi Chi Omega Delta Delta Delta Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Delta Kappa Kappa Gamma Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Pi Beta Phi Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Zeta Tau Alpha Dues: $700–$1,400 per semester
Visit us at vanderbilt.edu/greek_life
Vanderbilt Panhellenic Association Executive Board
Panhellenic Recruitment Dates to Remember Panhellenic Recruitment Registration/ Information Meeting Sunday, September 6, 2015 • 3:00 p.m. SLC Ballrooms This is an open meeting for potential members to learn about the sorority recruitment process and to start the registration process for formal recruitment in the spring. Vanderbilt Panhellenic Association Chapter Presidents
Connect with Panhellenic Vanderbilt Panhellenic Council @VUPanhellenic vupanhellenic Vanderbilt Panhellenic VU AnchorLink: Panhellenic Executive Board
Please visit vanderbilt.edu/greek_life for rules about contact between potential new members and active members!
You must register for sorority recruitment online. There is a $50 registration fee that will be collected during the registration process. Please visit vanderbilt. edu/greek_life to register for sorority recruitment. Recruitment Registration Deadline Friday, November 6, 2015 All steps of the registration process must be complete by this date. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS. Panhellenic Preview Day Sunday, November 15, 2015 Individual sororities host open houses to provide potential members the opportunity to familiarize themselves with how the formal recruitment process will work in January. These sessions are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged.
Recruitment 101 Monday, December 7, 2015 • 7:00 p.m. Student Life Center Held before winter break, Recruitment 101 is a meeting in which the Panhellenic Council Executive Board will share their own recruitment experiences, answer questions, and offer advice. Information about the formal process and appropriate clothing options will be covered to ensure that potential new members are prepared upon their return to campus in January. Formal Recruitment Friday, January 8–Sunday, January 17, 2016
MINIMUM MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS AT VANDERBILT î 2.5 grade point average î Completion of at least 12 credit hours. î Must not be on disciplinary probation î Must participate in Alcohol and Social Responsibility Training on September 7 î Three hours of community service with a fraternity (IFC Only) î Attend an Intake Seminar (NPHC Only) Transfer students are eligible to participate in recruitment as long as they have completed 12 credit hours at their previous university. Remember, these are Vanderbilt University’s minimum expectations. Some organizations may have higher standards for membership.
The average GPA of Greek new members last year was above 3.4.
Tips for Success î Recruitment is about relationship building. Meet as many members of our community as your schedule will allow during your time at Vanderbilt. î Give all chapters a chance. “Putting your eggs all in one basket” will severely limit your chances of membership. Each group has its own character.
î Prioritize your academic success. Practice effective study skills and seek assistance from your peers and professors. Remember that you are no longer in high school.
î Don’t feel obligated to attend all weekly
recruitment events/programs/philanthropy events that you might be invited to or hear about—overextending yourself may result in a lower GPA.
î Participate in on campus programming such as those included in the My Vanderbilt Experience Program. î Be mindful of your decisions and act respectably. Members are always watching your behavior.
awards, recognition, and the standing of the organization at Vanderbilt. It is important for you to know about the values of the organization and what it means to be a member of the organization.
î Keep in mind that disciplinary probation means not being able to join a fraternity or sorority. You can have fun without ending up on probation. î Do your homework. Research the history of each organization that you are considering. National organization websites and vanderbilt. edu/greek_life can provide information about
Visit us at vanderbilt.edu/greek_life
Visit us at vanderbilt.edu/greek_life
Over 65,000 hours of community service performed in the community
Over $400,000 dollars raised to benefit local and national philanthropies
Over 80% of Greek members are involved in at least one other student organization
All Greek GPA 3.5044 All Undergraduate GPA 3.4528
95.1% of Greeks in the class of 2014 graduated in four years
33 Organizations 3,005 Members
Governing councils gave $31,600 in scholarships to its members in 2014–2015
vanderbilt.edu/greek_life
43% of the student population is Greek
QUESTIONS? Contact the Office of Greek Life at: 207 Sarratt • 615-322-2048 Email: greeklife@vanderbilt.edu
GREEK LIFE INFORMATION SESSION Tuesday, August 25 • 2:30–4:00 p.m. Student Life Center Ballrooms
Vanderbilt Greek Life @VUGreek AnchorLink: Office of Greek Life
Visit us at vanderbilt.edu/greek_life OFFICE OF GREEK LIFE
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