What is a Fraternity/Sorority?
Fraternities and Sororities are organizations comprised of college men and women who share in bonds of friendship. They are centered on the pursuit of higher education and community service, and enable members to build relationships that last a lifetime.
Fraternities and sororities use Greek letters to signify and identify their individual organizations, and for that reason, they have become known as the Greek system.
The men’s groups are governed by the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and include the organizations: Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) and Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) .
The women’s groups are governed by the Panhellenic Council and include: Alpha Omicron Pi (ΑΟΠ) ,Iota Delta (ΙΔ) , Phi Sigma Sigma (ΦΣΣ) , and Sigma Kappa (ΣΚ) .
There are nine fraternities and sororities that are governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Currently, our Black Greek Letter Organizations are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (ΑKA) (*Expanding), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (ΔΣΘ), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (ZΦB) (*Expanding), Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓΡ).
What is IFC and CPH Recruitment?
Recruitment is a time when IFC fraternities and CPH sororities recruit new members to be part of their organizations. The period at the beginning of the semester during which fraternity and sorority members meet potential new members and acquire new members through the Bid process.
How can I participate in IFC and CPH Recruitment?
How to participate in CPH recruitment:
- Register for recruitment utilizing the Google form link in CPH’s Instagram bio.
- Attend the pre-recruitment events/info session.
- Women who are considering membership in a CPH sorority on campus are required to attend an informational session.
- After registering, women are cleared to participate in the week’s rush activities. Recruitment weekend allows both students and the sororities the opportunity to interact with each other.
- CPH will distribute a schedule of recruitment weekend schedules after the mandatory info session.
- Each chapter will feature entertainment to create a casual atmosphere in which to meet you.
- Once a student has participated in recruitment, you will potentially receive a bid from one or two Greek organizations and decide which group/organization you would like to be part of based on the information and interactions you had during the rush process.
How to participate in IFC recruitment:
- Register for recruitment utilizing the Google form link in IFC’s Instagram bio.
- Attend the pre-recruitment events/info session:
- Men who are considering membership in an IFC fraternity on campus are required to attend an informational session.
- After registering, men are cleared to participate in the week’s rush activities. These events allow both students and the fraternities the opportunity to interact with each other.
- Each chapter will feature entertainment and food to create a casual atmosphere in which to meet you.
- Once a student has participated in recruitment, you will potentially receive a bid from one or two Greek organizations and decide which group/organization you would like to be part of based on the information and interactions you had during the rush process.
How can I participate in the BGLO intake process?
How to participate in BGLO intake:
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- Attend an informational session hosted by the organization(s) you are interested in.
- Talk to members about the organizations process and intake program to find out details.
- The organization will reach out to the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership to clear you to participate in the intake process.
- You will be required to complete the chapter’s intake process for membership.
- Generally, this part is discreet and new members are not revealed to the community till their probate/new member presentation.
5. What are BGLO, CPH, and IFC Recruitment/Intake programs like?
The recruitment/intake process at ULV is designed to give you a better understanding of each fraternity or sorority in such a way as to provide potential members the opportunity to experience and see all the aspects of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Student participants who have gone through the recruitment/intake process before recommend the following “tips”:
- Be Yourself. There is nothing more important than being yourself during the process. If you are yourself, then you will end up in the right organization and you will be happy with your decision.
- Evaluate each Fraternity/Sorority carefully. Go to the informational meetings so that you can get the opportunity to meet members from every fraternity/sorority on campus. Even if you think that you know at the start of the recruitment/intake process which group you want to be a part of, keep an open mind and visit other organizations as well.
- Take Your time. Joining a fraternity/sorority is an important decision. Be sure the chapter that has given you a bid is one you will be happy with. You do not have to accept a bid right away.
- Dry Recruitment/Intake. Alcohol is not allowed at any recruitment/intake activities. National, University, and IFC/CPH Policies stipulate that all new membership activities must remain alcohol free. Violation of this rule is a serious infraction and the guilty chapter is subject to disciplinary measures. If you are offered alcohol at any rush events or activities contact the Greek Advisor.
- Ask Questions. Make sure that all of your questions are sufficiently answered. Some useful questions you might want to ask during the process:
- What is your new member period like?
- What is your organizations purpose like?
- What are the time and financial commitments involved in joining?
- What are your grade requirements?
- What types of community service do you take part in?
- What are some of your social activities?
- What makes your chapter unique?
- Why did you join?
Am I the Greek Type?
There is no “Greek type.” Most of the stereotypes about fraternity men and sorority women are myths. One of the strengths of ULV’s Fraternity & Sorority system is the diversity of the individuals who are members. Each chapter, no matter how large or small in number, consists of members who come from varied backgrounds, ethnicities, and interests.
How do I Get a Bid? When do I Accept the Bid?
Bids are extended after the completion of recruitment to those who have visited the chapters, met most of the members, and expressed an interest in the organization. Do not feel obligated to accept a bid until you are sure that you have made the best decision.
How much time does a fraternity/sorority take?
Social and recreational functions, meetings and other activities usually require about four to eight hours per week. While fraternity/sorority membership does require a certain amount of time, most find little problem balancing their chapter activities with their scholastic schedules, work, and other obligations. Some fraternities/sororities may require more time than others, so be sure to ask questions regarding time commitment during new membership processes.
What effect will a fraternity/sorority have on my grades?
Scholarship is an important and required component of Fraternity & sorority Life. Greek organizations are required by their national headquarters and by the University to maintain a grade point average (varies depending on the chapter). Most chapters offer study sessions, tutoring programs, and other programs to help meet the academic needs of their members.
Can I afford a Fraternity/Sorority?
Costs will vary from chapter to chapter. Financial responsibility is an important part of fraternity/sorority membership. Be sure to ask each chapter about financial obligations during the new membership process.
What is Hazing?
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act or process committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or person to participate, that:
- Is committed in the course of an initiation or pre-initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization or the student body; and
- Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in approved university activities (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletics team), of physical or psychological injury.
The University of La Verne strictly prohibits hazing, as defined above, in any form in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization