Fraternity and Sorority Life Washington & Jefferson College
WASHINGTON &
JEFFERSON COLLEGE For more information on fraternity and sorority life at W&J, contact Ashley Broskey, Assistant Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life, at abroskey@washjeff.edu or 724-503-1001, ext. 5140.
Contents What’s Inside Welcome from the IFC and Panhellenic Presidents
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Top 5 Reasons to Go Greek 4 Fraternity Recruitment and Chapters 7 Sorority Recruitment and Chapters 13 FAQs 16 Housing and Financial Information 18 Map of Chestnut Street 18 Greek Speak 20
Welcome From IFC President
ton and Jefferson family,
To the newest members of the Washing
Dear Class of 2017,
hington & Jefferson College I would like to welcome you to Was pus cam on ties erni Frat all of alf On beh ident! the great decision to become a Pres and congratulate you on making tless opportunities to become ton & Jefferson you will have coun hing Was at er care r you out ugh Thro little about myself: my name is . Allow me to introduce to you a involved in whatever interests you minor and I am proudly or, Business Major and Economics Gordon Mathews, I am a rising seni ncil President. serving as the Inter-Fraternity Cou textbooks you have doubtlessly n a great deal not only from the lear will you s year four next the Over year here you might join a club, but also from yourself. In your first spent entirely too much money for, end it), sleep in, and you mm reco skip classes (although I would not y from home, without the decide your major, play a sport, awa ng Livi ). end rity (that I would recomm soro or y e. rnit frate a join even ht mig to do all of those things and mor and Dad, gives you the freedom direct watch and guidance of Mom s than one might first realize. Jefferson offers more opportunitie Greek Life here at Washington and members of Greek Life are student rity members speaks for itself. The The record of Fraternity and Soro all while having a consistently eties s, sports teams and honor soci club ent, rnm gove ent stud in ers lead This is due to the values and campus average. This is no mistake. higher GPA average then the all Jefferson Greek Life. every member of Washington & beliefs that are instilled in each and Initially upon coming to W&J to me when I first came to campus. However, none of this mattered after my first year as a member was ernity “was not for me”. It Frat a ing join that ef beli the on I was set I thinking?”. Joining a Fraternity looking back and saying “what was of Greek Life that I found myself ntage of many opportunities, develop a new skill set and take adva has given me the opportunity to cherish for the rest of my life. will I ce to make lifelong friends that chan the me g idin prov also le whi ton and Jefferson
r acceptance in to Washing Once again, congratulations on you all! you and I look forward to meeting Sincerely, Gordon Mathews ‘14 t Inter-Fraternity Council Presiden du eff.e ashj jay.w sgb@ hew Mat
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Welcome from the Panhellenic President school, you will have and Jefferson College. By choosing this I gladly welcome you to Washington by quickly; each year le will not. The next four years will go unique opportunities that other peop some of the many seize and , the last. Enjoy the time here flashing before your eyes quicker than and Sorority Life. rnity Frate is ore expl can you One such route opportunities offered at our college. am honored to oversee the the current Panhellenic President. I My name is Morgan Baxter and I am es practiced by each sorority ld, to the best of my abilities, the valu sorority chapters on campus and upho made lifetime friendships have I of. me in ways I never thought fited bene has rity soro a ng Joini an. wom W&J has concluded. potentially benefit me after my stay at as well as alumni connections that can ld be jeopardized. I am ugh recruitment is if my academics wou One question I had while going thro e point average is the highest only helped me. The all-sorority grad pleased to say that joining a sorority proud of. quite gging right” all sorority women are of any organization on campus, a “bra idual sorority here on ial bond with the members of their indiv Sorority women not only share a spec throughout the rity soro their similar bond with members of campus, but can also say they have a is knowing that there nd arou head your wrap to blowing concepts entire nation! One of the most mind where they practice in, be chosen the same sorority you could are women across the country who have ld. wou you as ts es, and share the same secre the same rituals, uphold the same valu d to try something new. ve always wanted to, and don’t be afrai In closing, seize opportunities that you’ lurking in your mind tion ques ” if t “wha it a shot and not have the At least you could say that you gave asking questions is the to ask questions. Personally I believe for the rest of your life. I encourage you please don’t hesitate pus, cam on to know more about Greek life best form of knowledge. If you want you about with talk to ng willi than e ity would be mor to ask. Anyone in the Greek commun ! someone that is extremely dear to them ting you of you! I am looking forward to mee The best of luck to each and every one at some point throughout the year. Sincerely, Morgan Baxter ‘14 Panhellenic President baxterma@jay.washjeff.edu
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Top 5 Reasons To go Greek
Greek Involvement Opportunities
1. Greeks are smart
Gamma Sigma Alpha ~ Gamma Sigma
Over 34% of Greek students were on the Dean’s List last term and many organizations have scholarship programs to help members focus on academics first. All-Greek GPA All-College GPA Fraternity GPA W&J Men’s GPA Sorority GPA W&J Women’s GPA
Fall ’12
Spring ’13
3.17 3.10 3.05 3.00 3.28 3.20
3.14 3.14 2.99 3.07 3.29 3.21
2. We’re leaders
Fraternity & Sorority Life offers over 175 leadership positions to students ranging from President of a fraternity to Song chair. There are many different opportunities to hone leadership skills and get involved
3. We care about the community
This past year, fraternities and sororites worked together to help raise over $13,000 for charities and volunteered over 5,000 hours of their time to the community through philanthropic and service endeavors.
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4. We have fun!
Greek organizations are social groups created to prepare their members for life in society and therefore they also strive to create safe social environments for their members and guests to enjoy. Many organizations host events such as date parties, formals, brotherhood dinners, cookouts, movie nights and camping retreats.
5. Lifetime Connections
Fraternities and sororities are not just for the 4 years you will spend here at W&J, when you join you become a member for life. There are plenty of ways to help make this decision a lifelong commitment.
Alpha, the National Greek Academic Honor Society, recognizes excellence in academics among the Greek community. Members are required to obtain above a 3.5 GPA and W&J annually taps in about 20% of Greek students to this honor society.
Order of Omega ~ Order of Omega is a national Greek honor society founded at the University of Miami in 1959. The top 3% of the Greek community are recognized yearly for their outstanding character, leadership and academic achievements. Greek Week ~ Yearly, the entire Greek
community comes together to celebrate and enjoy friendly competition, group volunteer and charitable efforts, and fun performance events. The fraternity and sorority with the highest points at the end of the week are crowned Greek Week champions.
Emerging Leaders Retreat ~ Upcoming leaders are given an opportunity to attend a twoday retreat where they spend the weekend making friendships with other Greek students, identifying their leadership styles, and working to enhance the W&J Greek Community in areas such as alumni relations, service, and recruitment.
NGLA ~ The Northeast Greek Leadership Association hosts a conference each winter for Greek leaders from colleges and universities across the northeast United States. W&J took five students this past year for a 3 day trip to Connecticut where they attended interactive workshops, networked with alumni, and socialized with other students. W&J was recognized for our academic achievement for both semesters during the 2012 academic year. In addition, NGLA awarded Gordon Mathews, member of Phi Delta Theta and Interfraternity Council President the Greek Leaders of Distinction Award which recognizes several outstanding members of the Northeastern Greek community. Gordon was recognized as a Greek Leader who exemplifies the ideals of fraternity membership in his daily life. Lastly, W&J Fraternity & Sorority Life participated in the annual Order of Omega Case Study Competition and placed in the top three just behind Cornell University and MIT. Participants included students and staff who were given a case study relating to hypothetical Greek-related incidents and they had to come up with a plan on how they would address issues of drinking, hazing, and sexual assault.
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IFC Inter-Fraternity Council
Fraternities Recruitment
The IFC is a cohesive board that involves all six fraternal organizations on this campus. We work closely with the Panhellenic Council, Student Government Association, as well as other faculty and administrative members. As leaders of the Greek community, we strive to instill the values of academic excellence, community unification, personal integrity, and respectable social standards into every member of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Just as Washington & Jefferson College provides a holistic educational experience, so too does Fraternity & Sorority Life. Not only do we all participate within the community by volunteering and holding philanthropic events, we are also leaders on campus through academics, athletics, and other clubs and organizations.
Fraternity events for the 2013 fall semester.
Recruitment for men’s fraternities will take place February 2-6, 2014 for the class of 2017. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and at least 3 college courses completed to be eligible to join a fraternity. Online registration will be required at www.washjeff.edu/fraternity-sorority-life and all Recruitment/Rush events are alcohol-free. Please contact greeklife@washjeff.edu for more information.
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Left to right: Michael Grogan Chief Justice; Ulysses Laman Vice President; Gordon Mathews President; Patrick Wentz Treasurer; and Ben Mancini, Secretary
• Get Involvemedt Expo (sponsored by SAIL)
Wednesday, September 11th, 5pm-7pm Rossin Campus Center Ballroom • Fraternity & Sorority Life sponsored Blood Drive Thursday September 12, 2013 from 11am-5pm Rossin Campus Center Ballroom
• Greek Life Feel Good Friday Friday, November 22nd from 11:30am-1pm Rossin Patio For more information about fraternity recruitment, including additional events, visit www.washjeff.edu fraternity-sorority-life.
• Runaway Presidents 5K Sunday October 6, 1 p.m. Rossin Campus Patio
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Explore More Fraternity Chapters Alpha Tau Omega
Delta Tau Delta
Nickname: ATO’s Chapter: Alpha Pi Address: 127 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1865/Established at W&J—1882 Colors: Azure and Gold Philanthropy: Make-A-Wish Open Motto: America’s Leadership Development Fraternity Fall 2012 GPA: 3.24 Spring 2013 GPA: 3.24
Nickname: Delt’s Chapter: Gamma Address: 211 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1858/Established at W&J—1861 Colors: Purple, Gold and White Philanthropy: Adopt-A-School Open Motto: Letters of Distinction, Lives of Excellence Fall 2012 GPA: 3.05 Spring 2013 GPA: 3.04
ΑΤΩ Beta Theta Pi
ΒΘΠ Nickname: Beta’s Chapter: Gamma Address: 325 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1839/ Established at W&J—1842 Colors: Delicate shades of Pink and Blue Philanthropy: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Open Motto: Building Men of Principle Fall 2012 GPA: 3.18 Spring 2013 GPA: 3.13
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ΔΤΔ Phi Delta Theta
ΦΔΘ Nickname: Phi Delt’s, PDT Chapter: PA Gamma Address: 135 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1848/Established at W&J—1875 Colors: Azure and Argent Philanthropy: ALS—Lou Gehrig’s Disease Open Motto: One Man is No Man Fall 2012 GPA: 3.05 Spring 2013 GPA: 3.09
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Phi Gamma Delta
FIJI Nickname: FIJI’s, Phi Gam’s Chapter: Alpha Address: 312 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1848 at Jefferson College (W&J) Colors: Royal Purple and White Philanthropy: Nationally—The Red Cross Open Motto: Friendship, the Sweetest Influence Fall 2012 GPA: 2.87 Spring 2013 GPA: 2.62
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Phi Kappa Psi
ΦΚΨ
’03
Nickname: Phi Psi’s Chapter: Maxim Address: 125 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1852 at Jefferson College (W&J) Colors: Cardinal Red and Hunter Green Philanthropy: Nationally—Boys and Girls Clubs of America Open Motto: The Great Joy of Serving Others Fall 2012 GPA: 2.81 Spring 2013 GPA: 2.86
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’92
’86
’53
’77 ’81
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Panhel The Panhellenic Council
Sororities Recruitment
The Panhellenic council is the organization that governs all four sororities on campus. Each sorority is represented by a delegate and at least one executive board member. We work closely with the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC), Student Government Association, and several other campus organizations and clubs.
Do you want to be a part of something that’s existed at W&J since 1979 and is full of strong, spirited leaders? Then join us this fall to check out what sorority life is all about. The W&J sororities are hosting recruitment events for anyone interested in seeing sisterhood in action. All women are welcome to come meet the sisters and get excited for Formal Recruitment which will take place February 6–9, 2014. All interested women will need to have a 2.5 GPA and at least 3 courses completed to be eligible to join in the spring semester.
The Panhellenic Council includes a President, Vice Presidents of Recruitment, Programming, and Standards, a Secretary, a Treasurer and officers in charge of planning many of the events. Participating in Panhel gives you the opportunity to work with women from other sororities, to improve your leadership skills, to plan events that you want to see happen, and to focus on the larger W&J Greek community. As the governing body of the four sororities, Panhel is respected by the college administration and national sorority organizations. Recent and upcoming events include: attendance at a student leadership conference, fall and spring recruitment, Greek Week, Trick or Treat for Washington children, Sorority Tea party for breast cancer and domestic violence awareness, and engaging speakers on various topics for the whole Greek community.
Interested individuals can attend the following events this fall: • Get Involved Expo (sponsored by SAIL)
• Panhel Girls Night in Party Monday, November 11th, 7-9 p.m. Rossin Campus Center Ballroom
• Fraternity & Sorority Life sponsored Blood Drive Thursday September 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Rossin Campus Center Ballroom
• Greek Life Feel Good Friday Friday, November 22nd from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Rossin Patio
Wednesday September 11, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. Rossin Campus Center Ballroom
• Panhel Hip Hop Dance Party Sunday September 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rossin Campus Center Ballroom
For more information about sorority recruitment, including additional events, visit www.washjeff.edu/fraternity-sorority-life.
Left to right: Coni Salinas, Chief Justice and Maylin Burns, Secretary Front: Left to Right: Katy Mioduszewski, VP of Recruitment; Morgan Baxter President; Corrine Knop VP Programming and Meghan Sinn Treasurer
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Explore More Sorority Chapters
ΔΓ
Delta Gamma
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Nickname: DeeGee’s Chapter: Epsilon Delta Address: 322 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1873/Established at W&J—1979 Colors: Bronze, Pink and Blue Philanthropy: Service for Sight and The Delta Gamma Foundation Open Motto: Do Good Fall 2012 GPA: 3.35 Spring 2013 GPA: 3.36
Nickname: Kappa’s Chapter: Zeta Lambda Address: 315 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1870/Established at W&J—1984 Colors: Light Blue and Dark Blue Philanthropy: Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and Susan G. Komen Foundation Open Motto: Tradition of Leadership Fall 2012 GPA: 3.30 Spring 2013 GPA: 3.29
Kappa Alpha Theta
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ΚΑΘ
Nickname: Theta’s Chapter: Epsilon Omega Address: 301 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1870/ Established at W&J—1988 Colors: Black and Gold Philanthropy: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Open Motto: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow; Theta for a Lifetime Fall 2012 GPA: 3.27 Spring 2013 GPA: 3.27
ΚΚΓ
Pi Beta Phi
ΠΒΦ
Nickname: Pi Phi’s Chapter: PA Zeta Address: 147 E. Chestnut St. Founded: 1867/Established at W&J—1979 Colors: Wine and Silver Blue Philanthropy: Arrowmont, Links to Literacy and The Pi Beta Phi Foundation Open Motto: To promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential, and enrich lives through community service Fall 2012 GPA: 3.27 Spring 2013 GPA: 3.27
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FAQs Will joining a fraternity or sorority affect my grades?
Scholarship is one of the most important values that all Greeks share and at W&J the all-Greek GPA is higher than the all-College GPA. Fraternities and sororities can help students focus on academics by providing scholarship incentives and programs which include study partners, study hours, resume, and time management workshops.
How much time is required to be involved in a fraternity or sorority?
This varies but the first semester in the organization is the most intensive. Students will participate in the chapter’s new member program which should positively enhance your experience at college through leadership development, time management, and community involvement while you strengthen friendships.
Aren’t fraternities and sororities expensive? I don’t want to buy my friends.
It’s important to talk with the fraternity or sorority treasurer about specific financial commitments and any payment options available. All dues go toward providing lifelong national membership, chapter services and resources, insurance fees, and local chapter dues which support fun things like philanthropies, dances, dinners and t-shirts.
What about hazing?
Hazing is illegal and does not have any place in the activities of our Greek organizations. Fraternity and sorority students are educated about the dangers of hazing and how to seek assistance if they witness it. Washington & Jefferson College does not condone hazing or hazing-like activities and all of our national organizations have policies against hazing. Any suggestion of hazing is fully investigated and appropriate actions taken.
What about alcohol?
Fraternities and sororities do host many events where alcohol is served to students in accordance with national policies and state laws. Some organizations permit alcohol in their houses while others strive to have alcohol-free housing. Many members enjoy the weekend activities while others choose not to drink at all. Overall, we feel there is a place for everyone in our community. High risk binge drinking is addressed through programs and partnerships between our fraternities/sororities and W&J’s Counseling and Health Services departments.
If I join a Greek organization, can I still be involved on campus or play a sport?
Yes! All fraternities and sororities encourage their members to get involved on campus. These activities include athletic teams, student government, cultural clubs, intramurals and service activities. Students also have jobs both on and off campus so involvement should not be an issue in any organization.
What if I know which organization I want to join already? I really want to join the same sorority as my friends. Recruitment is a time to explore your options, learn what the fraternity or sorority values, and make an informed decision that is right for YOU. Keep an open mind and consider a couple different chapters to join. Many members easily stay friends with people who choose not to join Greek life or who join a different fraternity/sorority.
I’m interested but still not sure…
Then visit the Fraternity & Sorority Life website at www.washjeff.edu/fraternity-sorority-life for more information or contact us with questions!
Are fraternities and sororities primarily social groups?
While the word “social” may bring up certain stereotypical images, those stereotypes are increasingly outdated. In reality, fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship. There is a social aspect to Greek life, and many of those events include educational programs, community work, intramural sports, family brunches, Homecoming activities, and dinners in addition to the date parties, mixers and formals.
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Chestnut Street Housing
Financial Information
• A home away from home • 26 members living in the house (single-gender residences only) • Double and Single rooms are available • A full kitchen for preparing meals • Proximity to upperclassmen parking lots • Common TV and study rooms
Joining a fraternity or sorority does involve a financial commitment. This begins in your first semester of membership, which is usually the most expensive because of one-time initiation fees and the cost of your membership badge.
• Central air-conditioning • Semi-private bathrooms (shared between 3–6 students) • An alumni board who provide additional support and renovations • Summer storage areas • Semester fire and safety inspections
Students are permitted to live in fraternity or sorority housing after their first year of residence at W&J. All ten fraternity and sorority houses are non-smoking residences. In addition, some organizations strive to maintain substance-free housing for the comfort of their members. Please ask individual organizations about additional housing requirements.
Theme House Parking Lot
Theme House Parking Lot Phi Kappa Psi
Alpha Tau Omega
Phi Delta Theta
Pi Beta Phi
Delta Tau Delta
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Kappa Alpha Theta
Other costs included are national dues, insurance fees, and local chapter dues which pay for formals, t-shirts, philanthropies, leadership experiences, and fun. In 2013, first semester dues averaged $375 for fraternities and $500 for sororities. Annual membership dues for both fraternities and sororities averaged about $300 per semester. Annual membership dues for both fraternities and sororities averaged about $300 per semester. All fraternities and sororities are lifetime memberships but costs after you graduate are relatively non-existent. Many Greeks work part-time jobs during the academic year and summer to cover the cost of their dues and some organizations offer payment plans to help members afford the costs. One additional expense is the Greek fee, $50 per semester billed to each fraternity and sorority member on their tuition bill. This money goes toward providing leadership and educational opportunities for Greek students, and supplementing the programming individual chapters plan. For more specific financial information, please contact each chapter individually.
Beta Theta Pi
EAST CHESTNUT STREET FIJI
Reserved Parking
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Henry Memorial Center
Janet L. Swanson Tennis Courts
Lincoln Street Parking Lot
Delta Gamma
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Greek Speak Greek Glossary Active Member * An initiated, lifelong fraternity or sorority member who is active at the collegiate level. Alumna/Alumnus * An initiated member of a sorority or fraternity who is a no longer in college but now a lifelong member of the organization. Bid * An invitation to join a fraternity or sorority. Chapter * The local group of members on a particular campus who belong to a larger inter/ national organization, designated by a special name. Greeks * Fraternity or Sorority members. Initiation * A ritual-based (non-hazing) ceremony that marks the acceptance of a lifetime commitment to a fraternity or sorority.
Greek Alphabet
Α
Alpha (al-fah)
Ι
Β
Beta (bay-tah)
Κ
Iota Kappa (eye-o-tah) (cap-pah)
Ρ
Rho (roe)
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Σ
Sigma (sig-mah)
Γ
Δ
Legacy * A close family member of a fraternity or sorority member. Each organization has different policies about legacies. Being a legacy does not guarantee membership. New Member * A student who has accepted a bid to join a particular fraternity or sorority but is not yet initiated. Philanthropy * A charitable project sponsored by a fraternity or sorority. Potential New Member (PNM) * A college woman who is eligible to participate in the recruitment process. Recruitment * The process through which students become members of fraternities or sororities, formerly known as Rush.
Ε
Ζ
Η
Θ
Gamma (gam-ah)
Delta (del-ta)
Epsilon (ep-si-lon)
Zeta (zay-tah)
Eta (ay-tah)
Theta (thay-tah)
Lambda (lamb-dah)
Mu (mew)
Nu (new)
Xi (zie)
Omicron (om-e-cron)
Pi (pie)
Tau (taw)
Upsilon (up-si-lon)
Phi (fie)
Chi (kie)
Psi (sigh)
Omega (oh-may-gah)
Λ Τ
Μ Υ
Ν
Φ
Ξ
Χ
Ο Ψ
Π
Ω