Greek Life!

As you begin your collegiate experience and considers membership in one of the four National Panhellenic Conference groups in Santa Clara, CA, the following information should be helpful:

Remember, all women's fraternities/sororities were founded on basic principles of high social and intellectual standards. The chapters in Santa Clara still uphold these founding ideals. Membership in a women's fraternity/sorority offers opportunities for friendship, academic support, philanthropic and community service, leadership development, personal development, social development, mentoring, and networking.

You may know the stereotypes associated with Greek members, but here are some of the facts:

Greek organizations have the largest and most visible values-based organizations on campuses.
Greek organizations have the most successful leadership development programs for college students.
Greek membership increases college retention rates.
Men and women involved in a fraternity or sorority are more likely to be involved with campus activities.
Men and women involved in a fraternity or sorority are more likely to have a higher GPA - The "All-Sorority" GPA is consistently higher than the "All-Women's" GPA.
Most Greek organizations offer scholarships, grants, and fellowships to their members. The Panhellenic organization also offers scholarships for Greek women.
Members of fraternities and sororities are more likely to be involved in philanthropic events - The Greek chapters in Santa Clara typically raise over $25,000 per year for charitable causes.
Fraternity and sorority members rated their college social experience higher than non-members.
Men and women who have had a fraternal experience are far more likely to actively volunteer and participate in community activities.
Greek organizations have the largest network of volunteers in the United States.
Sorority and fraternity graduate members are significantly more active (through both volunteering and financial giving) in religious and civic organizations and invest their time and energy to improve the quality of life in their communities.
College graduates who belonged to a sorority tend to be more financially successful than other female college graduates.
Sororities have active alumnae volunteers who help the chapters conduct the business of the chapter. These women also serve as professional and personal role-models and mentors.

Here are some frequently asked questions about membership in a women's fraternity/sorority:

A: Membership in a Greek letter organization is a lifetime obligation. Choosing the Greek community means working with a group of men or women who can exchange and stand for common goals and ideas and being held to a higher standard than other college students. The Greek experience during the college years is a gateway to many rewards and connections later in life. Each of our chapters develops a special bond called brotherhood and sisterhood. Both are nurtured thorough common work, laughter, service projects, intramural and the shared success and frustrations of all. Throughout the student’s life, membership will be an unwritten bond of friendship no matter what course his/her life takes.

A: Actually, many students involved in the Greek community are also employed outside of the classroom. In today’s world, the reality is that only the lucky few can afford to attend college without outside employment. Women's fraternities/sororities recognize that it is important for members to be able to meet their financial obligations and that many students will work to help finance their educations. Working students can still take advantage of the opportunities available through the Greek community.

A: The individual cost of membership varies slightly group by group. This cost will include new member fees, local and national dues, initiation/badge fees, and housing fees. Each group is required to hand out a statement of their membership costs during Formal Membership Recruitment.

A: All sororities insist that their members follow all federal, state, and local laws concerning alcohol and illegal substances. All sorority houses ban alcohol and controlled substances on the premises. Chapter funds may not be used to buy or provide alcohol. Chapters are required to follow sorority policies for any event where alcohol is allowed and extensive risk management activities and paperwork must be completed prior to the event (Note: only those members of legal drinking age have the option of drinking at such events). In addition, both Panhellenic and the individual chapters sponsor alcohol awareness educational events and alcohol-free events.

A: All sororities and the National Panhellenic Council strictly prohibit ANY form of Hazing. Hazing is defined as any action or situation with or without consent which recklessly, intentionally or unintentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or creates risk of injury, or causes discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a chapter or colony of an NPC member fraternity. Such activities and situations include, but are not limited to: creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; wearing, publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and jokes; participation in treasure or scavenger hunts; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late night sessions which interfere with scholastic activities or normal sleep patterns; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual, or the regulations and policies of the member fraternity or the educational institution.

Q: What are the benefits of sorority membership that I could not gain from another set of close friends?

A: There are numerous advantages of sorority membership in addition to the deep, long-lasting bonds that you will develop.

1) Academic support - sororities offer a host of academic support such as study workshops and resources, quiet study areas, study programs for members below the chapter's required GPA, local and national recognition for scholastic achievement

2) Philanthropic involvement - you will have the chance to positively impact the local and broader community by participating in both fundraising and involvement events for multiple charities and community service projects

3) Leadership development - you can find opportunities for leadership development in a supportive environment, building practical skills and self confidence along the way

4) Personal development - membership in a sorority is a living and learning experience for women with shared values and objectives. You will have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of activities where you can use your unique talents and knowledge to contribute to the chapter.

5) Social development - you will get the chance to interact with younger members, older members, and alumnae members and learn the skills for comfortable conversation and etiquette

6) Networking - sorority membership does not stop with college graduation, it continues throughout the professional years. Through alumnae associations, you can network with other sorority members across the nation.