greek life guide

Grow with Greek Life

Th ere is nothing on a university campus that presents as signifi cant an opportunity for leadership develop-ment, charact er formation, and the cultivation of skills that will be important in career advancement as does membership and act ive participation in college fraternal organizations.”

–William V. Muse, Former Chancellor of East Carolina University

Table of Contents Greek Life at WPI

Fraternity Recruitment/Chapters

Sorority Recruitment

Sorority Recruitment Dates

Sorority Chapters

Recruitment Guidelines

Greek Life FAQs

Greek Terminology

Membership in a fraternity or sorority is one of the many outstanding ways to become involved at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Joining a Greek organization is an excellent way to meet people, incorporate yourself into campus life, develop leader-ship skills, contribute to the Worcester community, and establish lifelong friendships. You are guaranteed to grow as a person by joining a Greek organization.

Each fraternity and sorority plays a unique and vital role in shap-ing the university’s Greek community by off ering its members the opportunity to get involved in service, academic, cultural, leadership, intramural, and social act ivities. Use this guide as a resource to familiarize yourself with our organizations, fi nd the right place for you, and discover what you can off er the Greek community.

If we can be of assistance, come see us in the Campus Center and Student Act ivities Offi ce on the top level of the Campus Center, visit www.wpi.edu/+Greek, or call --.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Welcome

No matter which chapter you choose to participate in, each organization has much to off er you during your time here at WPI. In addition to an emphasis on scholastics and philanthropy, there are many opportunities for leadership and personal development within every chapter.

When we arrived at WPI, joining a fraternity of sorority was one of the last things on our minds. We soon discovered that Greeks at WPI strive to distance themselves from national stereotypes, like those witnessed in Animal House or Fraternity Life on MTV. Instead, WPI Greeks strive to live by the values and standards we promise to uphold in our founding principles. We aspire to be organizations of which our founders and community can be proud.

Th e great thing about participating in recruitment is that you can see if being Greek really is for you. Th e entire recruitment process is completely free, and you don’t make any commitment until the very end. Whatever you decide, you’ll at least have given it a chance – and probably have had some fun along the way. Come see for yourself what being a Greek at WPI is all about!

Sincerely,

Sarah Van OudenarenPanhellenic Council Presidentsvo@wpi.edu

• What qualities and values are important to you?• How will going Greek benefit you?• What will you gain from the organizations you are interested in joining?• What will you be able to contribute to these chapters?• What are the financial obligations?• How much time is required as a new member and as an initiated member?

Decide if Greek Life is right for you • How can the chapter help you succeed academically and in other areas of your life?• What is the housing situation? Will it be available to you?• Most important, remember to be yourself! Consider what you can gain from each organization and what you can contribute.• Ask questions! Greeks are proud of their chapters and the Greek community, and will be happy to talk about it with you.

Greek Life at WPI

Adam TracyInterfraternity Council Presidentartracy@wpi.edu

Being Greek isn’t about parties, drinking, hazing, or any-thing similar to some of the stereotypes you may have heard. It’s about being an act ive member of the commu-nity, meeting new friends, succeeding in and out of the classroom, personal development, and so much more. Keep reading to see how Greeks at WPI profi t from their experiences.CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT – You can fi nd Greeks in nearly every ac-tivity, from SAS to SocComm to musical groups to sports teams.

SCHOLARSHIP – After all, you came to college to get an educa-tion! Each chapter has a means of supporting its members academically, helping each achieve his/her own level of success. Greeks earn their way into academic honor societies on a regular basis. Additionally, Greeks on a national level, have a graduation rate higher than non-Greeks.

PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE – Each chapter has at least one cause that they support nationally or locally. Philan-thropic act ivities consist of raising money for a cause, while com-munity service is giving time. Some chapters are award-winning in these arenas and have a blast in the process!

SOCIAL – College is a great time to meet new people and learn how to interact in diff erent environments. Greek Life provides a great social outlet. You’ll have friends in your brothers and sisters and have the opportunity to meet their friends, as well as members of other chapters.

HONOR SOCIETIES – WPI has two national Greek honor societies: Order of Omega and Rho Lambda. Several members of the WPI Greek community have won national scholarships through these organizations.

NETWORKING – Getting to know your chapter’s alumni can be a great way to network. Many members are able to fi nd an intern-ship or job through alumni.

Fraternity Recruitment, Dates, and Chapters

How does fraternity recruitment work?Recruitment starts with Casino Night, another social night, and then House Tours. Based on what you experience over those four nights, you will probably start to get a feeling for where you may belong. You are then free for the next four weeks to visit any organizations you want to visit – not only during recruitment events, but also for meals – to figure out what chapter really suits you best. If the members of any chapter you visit feel that you are a good fit for the chapter and that you will be an asset to the organization, they will

extend you a bid. The qualifications for bids are different from chapter to chapter, based on char-acter, leadership, values, scholastics, and com-mitment to service. It is possible to receive a bid from multiple chapters. When you sign the bid of your choice on IFC’s Bid Night, you will become a new member of that fraternity. If you have any questions about the process, please contact the IFC Vice President of Recruitment and Involvement, Todd Prokop, at tprokop7@wpi.edu.

casino nightSaturday, Oct ober @ 7 PM, ODEUM IFC’s famous Casino Night – A great time to meet Greeks from every house, hang with friends, and win prizes.

Jillian’sMonday, Oct ober @ 7 PM, JILLIAN’SGet answers to your questions and meet Greek men from every chapter.

house tours Wednesday, Oct ober @ 7 PM, ALDEN House tours allow you to see the inside of all fraternity houses, meet the members, and learn about each chapter. You’ll visit about half of the houses this night.

house tours Th ursday, November @ 7 PM, ALDENCome both nights to see all the houses!

bid nightFriday, December @ 8 PM, ODEUM Sign your bid and start your journey toward brotherhood.

Join the men of WPI’s fraternities for house tours, barbecues, and Casino Night. Watch for more information and dates to join us for mid-week BBQs on the Quad! You’ll get some great food and meet a number of Greeks from diff erent chapters!

See individual chapter schedules available at house tours for more dates!

Alpha Chi Rho ΑΧΡNickname: CrowAddress: Boynton StreetWebsite: users.wpi.edu/~axpFraternity Charities: American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Autism Society of America, and Feed the ChildrenColors: Garnet and WhiteFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Be MenPresident: Joe Bailey, jbailey@wpi.edu

Alpha Tau Omega ΑΤΩNickname: A-T-O, TausAddress: Regent Street Website: www.atogs.orgFraternity Charity: Why Me FoundationColors: Azure and GoldFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: To enhance the personal development of young men, beginning with the collegiate experience and continuing for a lifetime through a principle-based friendship. President: Timothy Lontz, tlontz08@wpi.edu

Lambda Chi Alpha ΛΧΑNickname: Lambda ChiAddress: Dean StreetWebsite: www.pizeta.orgFraternity Charities: North American Food Drive and Worcester Friendly HouseColors: Purple, Green, and GoldFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Every Man a Man President: Steve King, stevek@wpi.edu

Phi Gamma Delta FIJIFIJINickname: FijiAddress: Salisbury StreetWebsite: users.wpi.edu/phigamFraternity Charity: American Red CrossColor: Royal PurpleFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Friendship, the Sweetest Infl uencePresident: Joe Frascotti, joef@wpi.edu

Phi Sigma Kappa ΦΣΚNickname: P-S-K, Phi Sig KapAddress: Dean StreetWebsite: www.phisigkap.comFraternity Charity: Special Olympics Colors: Silver and MaroonFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Do Unto Others as You Would Have Th em Do Unto YouPresident: Max Hurgin, maxpower@wpi.edu

Phi Kappa Th eta ΦΚΘNickname: KAPAddress: Institute RoadWebsite: users.wpi.edu/~pkt Fraternity Charity: Relay for LifeColors: White, Gold, and Cardinal PurpleFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Give, Expect ing Nothing Th ereofPresident: Nick Pelletier, npelly@wpi.edu

Sigma Alpha Epsilon ΣΑΕNickname: S-A-EAddress: Humbolt AvenueWebsite: www.saemassdelta.comFraternity Charity: Children’s Miracle NetworkColors: Royal Purple and Old GoldFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Th e True GentlemanPresident: Arly Dungca, dungcaa@wpi.edu

Sigma Phi Epsilon ΣΦΕNickname: Sig EpAddress: Boynton StreetWebsite: users.wpi.edu/~sigepFraternity Charity: YouthAIDSColors: Purple and RedFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly LovePresident: Adam Haines, hainesa@wpi.edu

Sigma Pi ΣΠNickname: Sig PiAddress: Dean StreetWebsite: users.wpi.edu/~sigmapiFraternity Charities: American Red Cross and the ACE Project (Altruistic Campus Experience)Colors: Purple and GoldFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: A New Generation of LeadersPresident: Joe Mann, jmann@wpi.edu

Tau Kappa Epsilon ΤΚΕNickname: Teke, T-K-EAddress: Wachusett StreetWebsite: www.tkezm.orgFraternity Charities: Special Olympics and Alzheimer’s AssociationColors: Cherry and GrayFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Not for Wealth, Rank, or Honor, but for Personal Worth and Charact erPresident: Tim Ebner, tebner@wpi.edu

Th eta Chi ΘΧNickname: Th eta Chi, OXAddress: Salisbury StreetWebsite: www.oxepsilon.orgFraternity Charity: Up ‘Til DawnColors: Military Red and WhiteFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Th e Helping HandPresident: Roh Bhalla, rbhalla@wpi.edu

Zeta Psi ΖΨNickname: ZeteAddress: Dean StreetWebsite: users.wpi.edu/~zetapsiFraternity Charity: ZeteKidzColors: White and GoldFounded (national/local): /Open Motto: Tau Kappa PhiPresident: Adam Kreitman, kreit@wpi.edu

Come be part of something that has been a tradition at WPI since : strong, spirited women becoming leaders. Check out what sister-hood is about this fall! Join us during our events to see and experience sisterhood in act ion.Greek Life is about building life skills, fi nding support and friendship, and, of course, having fun! Registration will begin at the beginning of B-Term in the Campus Center and in the Wedge. It isn’t binding for you to join if you participate in recruitment.

Sororities are composed of women with strong bonds of friendship and common ideals, goals, and standards. At WPI, you’ll often hear sorori-ties referred to as “women’s fraternities.” Fraternity women uphold and believe in the ideals of scholarship, sisterhood, and service. Sororities are a great opportunity for you to meet other women on campus and grow into the woman you can be!

Recruitment counselors are select ed from each of the act ive chapters to guide interested women through the recruitment process. To help you decide if Greek Life is for you, these women are “unaffi liated” (in other words, detached) from their chapters to represent an unbiased position. Feel free to contact VP of Recruitment Andrea Portnoy at aportnoy@wpi.edu, or your RCs if you have any questions. Th ey are excited to help you out!

Sorority Recruitment

Sorority Recruitment CounselorsInstitute HallNichole Carriere / nlc@wpi.eduErin Burns / eeburns@wpi.edu

Morgan HallPenny Gikas / pgikas@wpi.eduOlivia O’Connell / ojo@wpi.eduMeghan Pasquali / mpasqual@wpi.edu

Stoddard HallLauren Gergel / laureng@wpi.eduSarah Tracy / stracy@wpi.edu

Upperclassmen & CommutersGen Desaulniers / gen08@wpi.eduStacey Mohr / samohr@wpi.edu

Riley HallChelsea Bierkan / chelseab@wpi.eduJulie Hickman / jhickman@wpi.edu

Daniels HallKrystal Parker / kparker@wpi.eduLis Curylo / lis06@wpi.eduJustine Ziobron / jziobron@wpi.edu

Sorority Recruitment Dates

recruitment round

recruitment round

pick up invitations

recruitment round

preference party

pick up preferenceparty invitations

bid day reception

orientation &panhellenic social

house tours

recruitment round

Th ursday, Oct ober

Sunday, Oct ober @ 6 PM, HOUSES

Tour the chapter facilities and meet the members

Monday, Oct ober @ 6 PM

Th ursday, November @ 6 PM

Sunday, November @ 6 PM

Th ursday, November @ 6 PM

Wednesday, November @ NOON, PHC OFFICE

Friday, November @ NOON, PHC OFFICE

Sunday, November @ 9 AM

Th is is the last event and is by invitation only. It is a beautiful ceremony that gives opportunity to refl ect on your formal recruitment experience. Dress in business casual attire.

Monday, November @ 7 PM, ODEUM

Pick up your bids and join your new chapter to celebrate!

By Invitation

Alpha Gamma Delta ΑΓΔNickname: Alpha GamAddress: Schussler RoadWebsite: users.wpi.edu/~agdSorority Charity: Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation to benefi t Diabetes, and Various Local CharitiesColors: Red, Buff , and GreenFounded (national/local): /Mascot: Squirrel Flower: Red and Buff RosesMotto: Inspire the Woman, Impact the World; Surrounded by Sisterhood President: Beth Covey, bethrae@wpi.edu

Phi Sigma Sigma ΦΣΣNickname: Phi SigAddress: Elbridge StreetWebsite: users.wpi.edu/~pssSorority Charity: National Kidney FoundationColors: King Blue and GoldFounded (national/local): /Mascot: Sphinx Flower: American Beauty RoseMotto: Aim HighPresident: Jill Goldstein, jgoldste@wpi.edu

Alpha Xi Delta ΑΞΔ Nickname: Alpha Xi, A-Z-DAddress: & Ashland Street Website: www.alphaxidelta.org/wpiSorority Charity: Choose ChildrenColors: Double Blue and GoldFounded (national/local): /Mascot: BetXi Bear Flower: Pink RoseMotto: Th e Pen is Mightier Th an the Sword President: Melinda Belisle, mbelisle@wpi.edu

Sorority Chapters

Panhellenic Council Guidelines1. All potential members must be regularly matriculated students at WPI and must pass / of your courses or be in academic good standing with the university in order to be eligible for Formal Recruitment.

2. In case of illness or other emergencies, the potential member is to notify the Panhellenic VP of Membership Recruitment and/or her Recruitment Counselor, who will notify the sororities involved. Potential members are only eligible to receive bids from chapters with which they have attended the Preference Party, un-less they have a documented excuse approved by the Panhellenic Council beforehand.

3. Upperclass women registered for Formal Recruitment will be considered potential members once Formal Recruitment begins.

4. To withdraw from Formal Recruitment, a potential member must fi rst speak with the Greek Advisor, the Panhellenic Presi-dent, or the Panhellenic VP of Membership Recruitment.

5. Withdrawn potential members are not eligible to return to Formal Recruitment or to receive a bid during Formal Recruitment.

Recruitment Guidelines for Potential Fraternity and Sorority Members

Interfraternity Council Guidelines1. WPI and IFC require that you have passed an average of / of your courses in order to participate in New Member Recruitment and are in good academic standing with the university.

2. If you are taking a semester-long course, see Emily Perlow, Associate Direct or of Student Act ivities and Greek Life Programs, to obtain academic eligibility status.

3. Freshman males are not allowed in fraternity houses A-Term, or after p.m. B-Term.

4. Wet rushing is not permitted. All participants in a recruitment event shall not be under the infl uence of alcohol or any other substance. Th is includes, but is not limited to, brothers, pledges, alumni, and the rushees themselves. Also, a fraternity shall not provide freshman males with access to or means to obtain alco-hol or any other intoxicating substance.

5. Black rushing (any negative or stereotypical comments about another Greek organization) is not allowed.

6. Any of these off enses can stop you from being able to pledge a certain chapter or severely penalize an organization. Our clean, dry, recruitment is something we pride ourselves on, and off enses are taken seriously by the IFC.

Hazing constitutes an activity that is designed or intended to humiliate or embarrass a student during the process of joining an organization. Hazing practices are a criminal violation of Massachusetts state law, and are strictly prohibited by campus and organizational policies. It is our goal to provide the best possible experiences for fraternity and sorority members on campus. If you ever become aware of any situation that creates a negative or danger-ous environment for any of our students, please let us know. Hazing incidents rarely occur, but when they do they can create negative consequences. For more information: www.wpi.edu/Pubs/Policies/Judicial/sect.html.

What About Hazing?

What is recruitment like? You will need to register for recruitment to determine if you are academically eligible to participate. Th is requires that you pass an average of / of your courses and be in good academic standing with the university.

FRATERNITY RECRUITMENT: Th e process is very relaxed, begin-ning with Casino Night and house tours, at which you can meet brothers in a casual atmosphere to decide which chapters you feel comfortable looking into further. Chapters host dinners and lunches on a regular basis, as well. Each organization has several events at which you will be able to hang out with the brothers, at the house or at other locations.

SORORITY RECRUITMENT: House tours start the process. Here you will meet some of the sisters before formal events. Th ere will be four rounds where you will meet members of each chapter. Th is is a great opportunity to fi nd out where you feel comfortable. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, often accompanied by games, and – of course – conversation!

What should I wear? No particular mode of dress is required. Dress comfortably and in your style! If you receive a bid, it will be for who you are and not what you wear!

What benefi ts are available to me if I go Greek? You’ll gain valuable academic support from upperclassmen in your major as well as support from brothers or sisters. Going Greek allows you to meet others outside of your residence hall with similar interests and values. Every chapter has a number of positions in which you can develop leadership skills. Network-ing with alumni has proven helpful in securing internships and jobs.

How do bids work?

Chapters give out bids to members they feel will be a great addi-tion to the chapter. Women will receive their bids on Panhellenic Bid Day. Men will receive bids throughout the recruitment period up to IFC Bid Day. Once you sign your bid, you affi rm

Greek Life FAQs

your commitment to become a member of that chapter.

Do I have to join a fraternity or sorority my freshman year? While most students join during their freshman year, it is not uncommon for upperclassmen to join, too.

How can I increase my chances of getting a bid?Attend as many recruitment events as possible. Make an eff ort to talk to a number of brothers or sisters in each organization.

What kind of support will I receive from my chapter?Each chapter supports its members academically, socially, and emotionally in a variety of fashions. Don’t be afraid to ask indi-vidual chapters about what they can do for you. For example, some have study groups, peer tutoring, or faculty nights. You’ll fi nd that your brothers or sisters are the ones you’ll turn to if the going gets tough.

How do I decide what chapter to join? Each person looks for diff erent attributes in a Greek organiza-tion. Th e choice is up to you, so look carefully at all of the chapters and evaluate which one best meets your needs and interests. Th e key is to join the organization where you feel most comfortable.

What is the New Member Program? Th e New Member Program is a period of time in which the uninitiated members of a Greek organization learn about their chapter and develop the deeper bonds of brother- and sisterhood. Some new member classes elect offi cers, hold weekly meetings, and plan act ivities together. Hazing in any form is illegal and will not be tolerated by WPI.

What is it like to live in the chapter house?Each house is diff erent. Overall, it’s a great way to build and maintain even stronger bonds of brother- and sisterhood with your chapter. You’ll be right in the mix when the fun happens!

How much time does belonging to a Greek organization take? Th ere is a required meeting once a week in addition to sister- or brotherhood events, community service project s, and social events. Remember, the more you put into the organization, the more you will gain from your membership.

ACTIVE - An initiated undergraduate member of a fraternity or sorority

ADVISOR - An alumnus or faculty member who maintains a close relationship with the chapter to give guidance and support

ALUMNUS/A - An initiated graduate of a fraternity or sorority

BADGE/PIN - A piece of jewelry worn on clothing meant to signify membership in a fraternity or sorority

BID - Formal invitation to join a Greek organization. When signed by a new member, it is an acceptance of that invitation.

BIG BROTHER/SISTER - An older member of the organization who is paired with a new member to help guide him/her through the fraternity or sorority experience

BROTHER/SISTER - A term used to refer to other members in the fraternity or sorority

CHAPTER - Th e local group of a national organization

COLONY - A new chapter coming or returning to the campus. Th is type of organization is not yet a full-fl edged chapter, but is in the process of becoming a chapter.

FORMAL RECRUITMENT - Period of time set during the year meant for meeting and giving bids to potential new members

GREEK LEADERS INITIATIVE (GLI) - A leadership workshop for fraternity and sorority presidents, Interfraternity Council, and Panhellenic Council leaders

Greek Terminology INITIATION - A formal ritual where the new members become initiated members of the fraternity or sorority

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL (IFC) - Th e governing body of the all fraternities on the WPI campus.

LEGACY - Prospect ive member whose sibling, parent, or grandpar-ent is a member of a fraternity or sorority

NEW MEMBER - A member of a sorority or fraternity who is not yet initiated into their chapter

NEW MEMBER EDUCATION PERIOD - A time before initiation in which new members learn about their fraternity or sorority

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL - Th e governing body of the sororities on the WPI campus

PHILANTHROPY - Fund-raising project s sponsored by fraterni-ties or sororities supporting local and inter/national charitable organizations

POTENTIAL MEMBERS - A person participating in recruitment

PREFERENCE CARDS - Signed by a potential new member after Preference Party to indicate which sorority(ies) she would like to join

PREFERENCE PARTY - A fi nal round held by invitation during women’s Formal Recruitment. To receive a bid, a potential new member must attend this event, unless otherwise excused.

QUOTA - Th e number of potential new members each sorority can invite to become new members

RECRUITMENT COUNSELOR - A sorority member who has disaffi liated with her sorority during recruitment, to assist potential members through the formal recruitment process

Greek Life at WPI excels!• Greeks on campus excel in school, earning three of five major project awards last year and many national merit-based scholarships. • WPI Greeks contributed 12,530 hours of community service last year—that works out to 522 total days of service! • 8 of 13 chapters on campus have won awards from their National or International Headquarters.

• $71,656 was raised for charitable causes by members of the Greek community.• A majority of individuals surveyed in 2007 indicated that Greek organizations on our campus benefit members by providing friendships, academic support, and leadership development.

While only of the US population is Greek… of all US Presidents were Greek of US Senators were Greek of US Congressmen were Greek of all US Supreme Court Justices were Greek of Fortune Executives were Greek

For more informationEmily PerlowAssociate Direct or of Student Act ivities & Greek Life - Campus Center, Top Leveleperlow@wpi.edu / --

Interfraternity Councilifc-@wpi.edu / www.wpi.edu/~ifc

Panhellenic Councilph@wpi.edu / www.wpi.edu/~panhel

Text written by Mary Kate Toomey ’. Photos courtesy of WPI, and Tim Buck ’ and Benjamin Buck ’.