Greeting Spartans and Spartan Families! We’re excited to welcome you to UNC Greensboro, and we’re particularly pleased that you’re here to learn a little bit more about Fraternity and Sorority Life on campus. Greetings Spartans! Did you know that
UNCG has two dozen fraternities and sororities that make up our community and add to the vibrancy of campus life. Joining one is a great way to get connected on campus and make a large university feel like home.
In this presentation, you’ll learn more about what fraternities and sororities have to offer, what they do on campus, and how you can go about joining an organization. To begin with: What are fraternities and sororities? Certainly you have some familiarity, but we also know there are a lot of misconceptions out there.
Fraternities and sororities are values-based brotherhoods and sisterhoods, and for many, their involvement begins as college students. They began as an opportunity to come together around common bonds and friendship. The organizations that make up Fraternity & Sorority Life, are primarily social in nature, with a commitment to service, philanthropy, and social action.
There are other Greek-letter organizations on campus that may come together around a specific focus or academic discipline. These provide a great way to get involved as well, they just don’t fall under our umbrella. One key way that fraternities and sororities differ from other campus organizations is that you join not only
An organization here at UNC Greensboro, but an international brotherhood or sisterhood, meaning that you’ll have brothers or sisters all over the world. Fraternities and sororities also provide an opportunity for lifetime involvement. While it may start in your college days, by no means should your involvement end there!
Here at UNCG, our community is made up of 24 organizations across four councils.Each of our chapters are inter/national organizations that are required to have both campus and alumni advisors that support the chapter. A community that looks like society – Our community encompasses students that come from all walks of life.
These students are bonded together through a common purpose and set of values that form the centerpiece of their organization. UNCG requires any individual who would like to join a fraternity or sorority to have their academic records reviewed by our office. University requirement of a 2.55 cumulative GPA and 12 college credits completed.
If you completed classes at a local community college where you received credits and a college GPA- and those match our requirements- you are eligible for recruitment. This gives students coming to UNCG the chance to acclimate themselves to the academic rigor of the university before also adding a fraternity or sorority commitment.
Some students look to join as soon as they are eligible in their second semester, while others wait until later in their academic career. Since a fraternity or sorority experience lasts a lifetime, it’s never too late! A variety of opportunities are available in our community, represented by four councils:
The College Panhellenic council is made up of all sororities, and provides a space for women to grow in a positive and uplifting environment. Each of the four sororities is nationally a member of the National Panhellenic Conference. CPC conducts primary recruitment in the Spring semester.
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is a supervisory body that oversees five fraternities on campus , largely affiliated nationally with the North American InterFraternity Conference. It establishes the rules for each fraternity regarding conduct, academics, fundraising, and recruitment. There are opportunities to join year round, but the biggest push is during their
Formal Recruitment, which takes place in the spring semester. The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is a co-ed council, and is the newest governing council in UNCG’s Greek community. MGC exists to provide support, education, and programming for culturally-based Greek-letter organizations. Rather than a centralized recruitment process, each of the fraternities and sororities of
MGC conduct their intake individually. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, better knowing as NPHC at UNCG is composed of historically black fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Collectively knowing as the “Divine Nine,” we have six organizations currently active here at UNCG.
NPHC groups conduct recruitment at various times throughout the year based on chapter requirements. Each chapter will post flyers for interest meetings and other various programs. Chapters individually outline a timeline and requirements for membership. Individuals are encouraged to learn more about each organization by conducting research, attending programs and events,
Browsing the national website, as well as contacting the NPHC leadership. Some advice I have for someone who’s interested in going through sorority recruitment is to go in with an open mind. You may already have
An idea of where you want to go, but don’t let that be the sole focus of your time during recruitment. Be open to meeting everyone, and make sure your decision is based off of the experience you had and
The connection you felt with the sorority sisters. You want to join the group that you can see yourself being a part of, and who you can already feel a genuine friendship with. Even if that ends up being different from the sorority you already thought, that’s ok!
I would like to give some advice on navigating Greek life, specifically the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which is the historically Black sororities and fraternities. One thing that we value is discretion, so whenever you’re thinking that you’re interested in an organization, pretty much keep it to yourself,
Do your own research, don’t join because you have a friend that’s a member of some org, do your own research and figure out what’s best for you, because what’s best for your cousin or what’s best for your friend
Might not be what’s best for you. Also with that definitely go to programs, make yourself known, make sure that people in the organization know who you are it makes it much easier if we can remember a name and a face. Other than that, be yourself!
In an ever-changing world, fraternity/sorority membership offers an experience unlike any other that fosters connection to others, commitment to values, and a sense of belonging. Membership in a fraternity/sorority serves as a life laboratory where students can practice and hone both concrete and abstract skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Employers list skills like communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership as some of the most sought after traits in employees, and fraternities and sororities are a great place to learn these skills. The reason why I joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in particular was to really expand my network.
Upon doing research and furthering my studies I was aware that Alpha Phi Alpha had numerous amounts of accolades within urban communities as well as different endeavors with the federal government. I wanted to add to a high caliber group of men within society. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has a
Lot of prestigious members such as: W.E.B. DuBois, Thurgood Marshall, Jesse Owens, Martin Luther King, Duke Ellington. the list goes on and on. And just to be able to say I’m aligned with those group of men is really honorable
On campus, you’ll find our fraternity and sorority students in just about every type student leadership position. Spartan Greeks are:Student Government officers, Activities & Campus Events executive board, Resident Advisors, Peer Academic Leaders, Spartan Orientation Staff, Homecoming Royal Court Student-Athletes And the list goes on and on.
Membership provides students with plenty of opportunities. Building Bonds: The folks you join you are connected with and it is not just at UNCG. Members from across the country and world are there for you when you needed. Extensive alumni networks, alumni associations, and graduate chapters make moving to a
New part of the country easier in some cases. Make a large university feel smaller: There is no doubt that having a connected friend group and community of like-minded individuals make college just a little bit easier. Those like-minded individuals have a commitment to service, fellowship, and leadership that
Non-affiliated students may not share. Our FSL community has supported many initiatives including: National Hazing Prevention Week, Greensboro Tornado Recovery Fund, Supporting students through scholarships ,Spartan Open Pantry and Many others Engaging with Others: Fraternities and sororities provide opportunities
For students from all walks of life and identity to come together for a common purpose. Students from different parts of the state, country, and world are brought together because of their membership. Chapters work together in philanthropy and community service, supporting initiatives and programs.
Forge Connections: These connections are not just with one another or other chapters, but with the community. Chapters have collaborated with offices and departments and build relationships, providing members with opportunities for internships, continued education and community. Have a network: Network in many different ways, Within the chapter, Within the inter/national organization,
Within the Greek community, Within the University. The opportunities our students have to build their own experiences and create their opportunities are connected with the folks that help them along. Lots of involvement from alumni and others during homecoming, founders’ day events, and special programs.
Financial support through organizational scholarships: All organizations support members through an educational foundation, providing scholarships to their members. Members must apply to be considered for these scholarships. Being a part of Greek life has given me multiple opportunities. I joined in the Spring of 2017 when I was
A freshman and since then I’ve had the opportunity to hold multiple leadership positions within my chapter. I’ve been connected to people all over campus. I’ve also had the opportunity to go to different leadership conferences, not only with my sorority, but with my council, which is the National Pan-Hellenic Council,
So I’ve definitely been able to meet a bunch of great people who’ve given me insight on how their councils run, on how their chapters run, and just learning more about how to develop my own leadership potential.
I’ve had many great opportunities since joining Alpha Chi Omega, but the one that I’m most proud of is becoming the chapter president after being in the chapter only one year. As soon as I came into office, I had the privilege of traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the
Leadership academy at the Alpha Chi Omega headquarters. Every chapter president from all over the United States was in attendance, as well as alumnae and advisors who help to run the programs. I made connections with the sisters I met, and still keep in contact with them to this day.
We check in on each other, offer advice, consult with each other, and share ideas. Our fraternity and sorority students strive for success both in and out of the classroom. In the classroom, members tend to outperform their unaffiliated peers, and consistently boast an average GPA above a 3.0.
Greeks are well positioned to succeed both because of standards set upon entry and robust support for academics of members. Each organization has an officer position dedicated to academic success that can help students in many ways, including connecting them to resources within the university.
Beyond the classroom, a small community makes a big impact. Fraternity and sorority students number less than 5% of the undergraduate population, and yet each year, you’ll hear many Greek names and organizations called at the Spartans of Excellence awards.
The pursuit of excellence doesn’t stop with their college days. Both nationally and here at UNCG, studies show correlation between membership and persistence to graduation, entrepreneurship, preparedness for life after college, and well-being. Greek alumni go on to remain connected through graduate chapters and alumni associations. Those continued connections become networks that may lead to
Opportunities. Recent UNCG fraternity and sorority alumni work in a variety of industries, at companies as varied as Disney, Apple, Amazon, and a variety of school districts and medical facilities Our fraternity and sorority students take the University motto of “Service” and their own organizations’
Commitments to building a better world seriously. Annually, our community completes more than 10,000 hours of community service and raises more than $30,000 in support of local and national organizations. Our students are recognized for their efforts – Greek students were awarded the Phillips-McCracken Scholarship and several of our Spartan Leadership awards, and Chi Upsilon
Sigma received the student group Excellence in Advocacy award. As you may know fraternities and sororities are dues paying organizations. We know that finances are an important part of the decision to join, and we encourage you to make sure you
Know what to expect from any organization you’re interested in joining by asking what you need to know, including what options exist for payment plans or scholarships, which many organizations have. While the dues are different from organization to organization, they tend to fund similar things.
Dues can be considered an investment in your organization, but you should make sure you’re getting a return on your investment. Dues often fund leadership academies and conferences that provide training for students, both for their fraternity and sorority roles, and for valuable life skills.
They also help fund the national offices, which support the local chapter. One of the ways that that investment returns to students locally is in the form of leadership consultants, who visit chapters and help with their performance and operations. Dues also help fund insurance, which we require all of our chapters to have.
One of our chapters saw this return to them after a member was injured an intramural soccer game. Because it was being played on behalf of the fraternity, their insurance provider was able to cover the cost for that student, saving his family the expense. When students are responsibly carrying out the
Duties of their organization, they are covered by its insurance. Finally the dues support the local chapter’s operations, and these are controlled by the students themselves. They may use these for organization business as well, whether that’s funding a service project, putting on a campus event, or supporting their philanthropy.
Membership in a fraternity or sorority is what the member makes of the experience. It is important to understand these are student-led organizations and they are only as good as those who are in leadership. Take advantage of the opportunity to hold a position within the chapter-
You will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities that you won’t find in any other organization There is a time commitment with fraternities and sororities: Mandatory events, Meetings, New member education/intake. All of these are designed to ensure the organization is following through on its mission and
Accomplishing its goals. In very few cases are students provided with so much responsibility Joining a fraternity or sorority is a great way to build your professional skills for the future. Chapter function like a small business and the experiences you have as a member of a fraternity or sorority can help you
Once you graduate.Membership also means mentorship as both a mentee and mentor. Finding someone that can support you in your journey is important and helping someone along the way will be equally important to others. You are not just representing yourself but your chapter, community, family, and university.
Member accountability is important. High-risk behavior is not tolerated and each organization has developed a risk assessment plan to ensure members are upholding their responsibilities and values. Ask the question to chapter, how do they live their values?
One of the high-risk behaviors that is not tolerated on campus is hazing. Tragically, hazing has claimed the lives of fraternity and sorority members or aspiring members throughout the nation. At UNC Greensboro, our office works directly with our Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and
Campus Police to address issues of hazing, and we have removed organizations from campus for choosing to engage in such behavior. We make sure that students and families know of the resources available to them here on campus, including the previously mentioned offices, the fraternity or sorority headquarters, and the national anti-hazing hotline.
Here’s what we’d love to see you get out of a fraternity/sorority experience: Become an active, engaged member of the fraternity & sorority community, Build relationships that will last a lifetime, Meet or exceed your personal ambition for academic success, Contribute positively to the campus community and
Beyond, Serve as a leader within and beyond your potential organization, Enjoy your experience as a UNCG student, And most of all, Graduate! We’re so glad you joined us for this presentation, and we hope to see you soon. If you have any questions, please
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Curtis, Ashley, or Tiff for more information. You don’t have to wait to keep up with UNCG Fraternity & Sorority Life. You can find us on social media at UNCGFSL on Instagram and Twitter. You can also follow the InterFraternity Council, College Panhellenic Council,
Multicultural Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council at the handles shown here.
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