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Message Fraternity & Sorority Life Information Guide

What is a Fraternity/Sorority?A fraternity or sorority is a values-based organization formed around common goals andaspirations.Fraternity and sorority life at SIUE is mission-driven and values-based community, emphasizingin community engagement, friendship, leadership, academic success, professionaldevelopment, networking, and a sense of community. Benefits of Joining:Higher GPAs among membersLeadership opportunitiesLifelong friendshipsCommunity service and philanthropyStrong campus and local communityinvolvementFraternity and Sorority Life at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Highlights of the Fraternity and Sorority Community:Academic ExcellenceFraternity and sorority members often maintain a higher average GPA than the general studentbody.Many chapters receive academic awards for excellence in scholarship.Leadership & InvolvementMembers are highly involved in student government, campus organizations, and leadershipprograms.Many hold executive positions across campus.Community Service & PhilanthropyThousands of volunteer hours are contributed annually.Chapters raise significant funds for national and local charities.Retention & Graduation RatesGreek-affiliated students often have higher retention and graduation rates compared to non-affiliated peers.Lifelong ConnectionsMembership fosters lifelong friendships, networking opportunities, and alumni support.8% of the undergraduate population involved in a fraternity or sorority 21 fraternities and sororities 4 councils Interfraternity Council (IFC)Instagram: @siueifc National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Instagram: @siuenphcPanhellenic Council (PHC)Instagram: @siuepanhellenicUnited Greek Council (UGC)Instagram: @siueugc

Overview:The Interfraternity Council serves as the governing body for traditionally male fraternities affiliated with theNorth American Interfraternity Conference. It provides structure, support, and coordination for its memberorganizations.Purpose:Promote academic excellence, leadership, and service.Foster collaboration among member fraternities.Organize recruitment and community events.Key Features:Oversees recruitment processes (formal and informal).Coordinates philanthropic and social events.Provides leadership development opportunities.Advocates for fraternity interests on campus.Council-Specific Terminology:Bid: An invitation to join a fraternity.Brotherhood: The bond shared among fraternity members.Chapter: A local branch of a national fraternity.Rush: The recruitment process for fraternities.Pledge: An outdated term for a new member; many organizations now use “new member.”Current Organization at SIUE:Alpha Kappa Lambda - ΑΚΛInstagram: @aklsiueDelta Chi - ΔΧInstagram: @siuedeltchiKappa Sigma - ΚΣInstagram: @siuekappasigmaPhi Kappa Psi - ΦΚΨInstagram: @phipsisiueSigma Phi Epsilon - ΣΦΕInstagram: @sigepsiueSigma Tau Gamma - ΣΤΓInstagram: @siuesigtauInterfraternity Council (IFC)

Overview: The National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the "Divine Nine," is a collaborative organization of ninehistorically African American fraternities and sororities. Purpose:Foster unity and cooperative action among member organizations.Promote cultural awareness, academic achievement, and community service.Support leadership development and civic engagement.Key Features:Signature events include Marchdown (step show), NPHC Week, and cultural programs.Emphasizes lifelong brotherhood/sisterhood and service.Membership intake is chapter-specific and occurs throughout the year.Rich traditions including stepping, strolling, and unique calls and hand signs.Council-Specific Terminology: Crossing: The ceremony or moment when new members officially become part of the organization.Intake: The membership process for NPHC organizations.Line: A group of new members who join an organization together.Step Show: A performance involving rhythmic stepping and clapping, showcasing unity and pride. Strolling: A synchronized dance performed by members, often in a lineCurrent Organization at SIUE:Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - ΑΚΑInstagram: @epsiloniota_akaAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - ΑΦΑInstagram: @theiotapiDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - ΔΣΘInstagram: @exideltasIota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. ΙΦΘInstagram: @alphabetaiotas76Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. - ΚΑΨInstagram: @siuenupesOmega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. - ΩΨΦInstagram: @tg_guesPhi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. - ΦΒΣInstagram: @siue_sigmasSigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. - ΣΓΡInstagram: @gammabetasgrho.1961Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - ΖΦΒInstagram: @siuezetas_1979National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC)

Overview:The Panhellenic Council is the governing body for sororities affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference. Itsupports the development and success of its member organizations.Purpose:Promote scholarship, leadership, and service among sorority women.Coordinate recruitment and educational programming.Foster a supportive and inclusive sorority community.Key Features:Best Dance Crew philanthropy event Oversees formal sorority recruitment.Hosts leadership workshops and service initiatives.Encourages inter-sorority collaboration and support.Led by an executive board of sorority members.Council-Specific Terminology:Bid Day: The day when PNMs receive and accept bids to join a sorority.Big/Little: A mentorship pairing between an older and newer member.Formal Recruitment: A structured process where potential new members meet all sororities.PNM (Potential New Member): A student participating in recruitment.Preference Night: The final round of recruitment events.Current Organization at SIUE:Alpha Phi - ΑΦInstagram: @alphaphisiueAlpha Sigma Tau - ΑΣΤInstagram: @alphasigmatau_siueAlpha Xi Delta - ΑΞΔInstagram: @siue_alphaxideltaDelta Phi Epsilon - ΔΦΕ Instagram: @dphie_siueKappa Kappa Gamma - ΚΚΓInstagram: @kappasiuePanhellenic Council (PHC)

Overview:The United Greek Council (UGC) is a multicultural Greek council that includes fraternities and sororities withdiverse cultural backgrounds and missions.Purpose:Promote unity among culturally-based Greek organizations.Celebrate diversity and inclusion within the Greek community.Provide leadership and service opportunities.Key Features:Represents Latinx, Asian, Native American, and multicultural organizations.Hosts cultural awareness events and service projects.Encourages cross-council collaboration and education.Supports identity-based community building.Council-Specific Terminology:Cross-Council: Events or initiatives involving multiple Greek councils.Interest Group: A group of students working to establish a new chapter.Multicultural Greek: A fraternity or sorority with a cultural or identity-based focus.Neophyte (Neo): A new member who has recently crossed into the organizationShowcase/La Fiesta: An event where organizations perform dances, strolls, or steps.Current Organization at SIUE:Alpha Psi Lambda National Fraternity, Inc. - ΑΨΛInstagram: @apsi_siueUnited Greek Council (UGC)

TerminologyActive: A fully initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who is currently enrolled in school.Alumna/Alumnus: A graduated member of a sorority (alumna) or fraternity (alumnus).Badge: A pin worn by initiated members that symbolizes their organization.Bid: An official invitation to join a fraternity or sorority.Big/Little: A mentorship relationship between an older (Big) and newer (Little) member.Brotherhood/Sisterhood: The bond shared among members of a fraternity or sorority.Call: A unique vocal expression used by members of NPHC or UGC organizations.Chapter: A local branch of a national or international fraternity or sorority.Charter: The official document that establishes a chapter on a campus.Crossing: The ceremony or moment when new members officially become initiated.Deferred Recruitment: Recruitment that takes place after a student’s first semester or year.Dues: Membership fees paid to support chapter operations and national headquarters.Expansion: The process of establishing a new fraternity or sorority on campus.Formal Recruitment: A structured process for joining a Panhellenic sorority.Founders Day: A celebration of the founding of a fraternity or sorority.Greek Week: A week of events promoting unity among all Greek organizations.Initiation: A formal ceremony where new members become full members.Intake: The membership process used by NPHC and UGC organizations.Interest Group: A group of students seeking to start a new chapter.Legacy: A potential new member whose family member is an alum of the organization.Line: A group of new members who go through the intake process together.Line Name: A nickname given to a new member during the intake process.Multicultural Greek: A fraternity or sorority with a cultural or identity-based mission.National Organization: The larger governing body that oversees individual chapters.Neophyte (Neo): A new member who has recently crossed into the NPHC or UGC organization.New Member: A student who has accepted a bid but is not yet initiated.New Member Presentation: A public event where new members are revealed to the community.Panhellenic: Refers to the council governing National Panhellenic Conference sororities.Philanthropy: A charitable cause supported by a fraternity or sorority.Pledge: An outdated term for a new member; many organizations now use “new member.”PNM (Potential New Member): A student participating in recruitment.Preference Night: The final round of Panhellenic recruitment events.Probate: Another term for a new member presentation, especially in NPHC/UGC.Quota: The number of new members a sorority can accept during recruitment.Recruitment Guide: A sorority member who guides PNMs through Panhellenic recruitment.Ritual: Sacred ceremonies and traditions unique to each organization.Rush: Informal term for recruitment, especially in IFC.Sands: Members who crossed in the same semester, often used in NPHC.Showcase: A performance event featuring multiple Greek organizations.Sisterhood: The bond shared among sorority members.Social: A planned event between Greek organizations.Step Show: A performance involving stepping, often hosted by NPHC groups.Strolling: A synchronized group dance performed by members of NPHC/UGC orgs.Total: The maximum number of members a Panhellenic sorority can have.Yard: Slang for the campus or community where Greek organizations are active.

How do I join a fraternity or sorority?Attend events like Meet the Greeks, FSL 101, and chapter interest meetings.Not required but strongly engaged. Each council has its own process:IFC: Year-round recruitment, mostly early in the semester.PHC: Formal fall recruitment (registration required).NPHC & UGC: Membership Intake Process (MIP) at various times.Do I need a certain GPA to join?Yes, most organizations have GPA requirements:PHC: 2.70–2.90 minimum cumulative GPA.NPHC & UGC: Typically require 12–24 credit hours and a GPA (varies by chapter).IFC: Requirements vary by chapter.Is there a cost to join?Yes, membership includes dues:IFC/PHC: $400–$941.49 in the first semester.Payment plans are often available depending on organization.NPHC/UGC – information is provided during interest meetings.Can I join if I’m a transfer or upperclassman?Absolutely! Many organizations welcome students beyond their first year.Is there fraternity and sorority housing? No, there is no fraternity and sorority housing provided by the university or that nationalorganization.What if I don’t know which organization is right for me? Attend events, talk to members, and do your research. You don’t have to decide right away.Where can I find more information?Visit the Get Involved site.Follow council accounts on social media.Email or talk to current members at events.FAQ of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Health & SafetyWe promote a safe environment within the university by providing: Education for organization leaders Creating a safe environmentRecognizing signs of high-risk behaviors Leadership summits each semester Examples:The Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub (KBEH) staff assist SIUE student organizations,provide leadership training and programming assistance, encourage service to the universityand community, and coordinate a variety of programs and services.Ongoing support, resources, and a space for students to ask questions, seek help, and grow asleaders.Prevention Programs for everyoneInteractive so students stay engaged Informative so students understand their role in prevention work Resourceful so everyone can ask questions for clarificationExamples:Fraternity and Sorority Life hosts semesterly leadership summits to train chapter officers onuniversity policies, crisis response, and community standards.SIUE partners with local health departments and organizations to offer alcohol education,sexual assault prevention, and mental health awareness programs.Myths and Facts:Myth: All fraternities and sororities are the same.Fact: Each organization has its own values, traditions, and focus areas—some emphasize service,others leadership, academics, or cultural identity.Myth: Greek life is only for extroverts.Fact: There’s a place for everyone—many members are introverted and thrive in smaller groupsettings or behind-the-scenes roles.Myth: Once you join, you’re stuck.Fact: Students can disaffiliate if the organization isn’t the right fit and should connect with KimmelBelonging & Engagement to discuss options. Myth: Hazing is just part of the experience.Fact: Hazing is strictly prohibited at SIUE and by national organizations. Healthy organizations focuson respect, education, and support.Myth: Greek life distracts from academics.Fact: Many chapters have GPA requirements and offer tutoring, study hours, and academicincentivesMyth: It’s only for undergraduates.Fact: Many organizations have alumni networks that offer lifelong connections and career support.Myth: Greek life is only about partying.Fact: SIUE fraternities and sororities prioritize academics, leadership, and service.Myth: It’s too expensive.Fact: Many organizations offer scholarships and payment plans.

Attend family events hosted by the chapterEncourage open conversations about their experiences.Celebrate milestones like initiation and leadership rolesLearning as much as you can about the fraternities and sororities at Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville. Visit the organization’s website.Stay informed about their activities and encourage them to balance their academics and socialcommitments. Ask your student(s) these questions about the intake/recruitment & new member process. Before your students joins: What do you like about thesorority/fraternity?How much are dues/what does it cost?Do they have scholarships? What are membership requirements? What kind of conversations have you had? Who have you met with, and could I meetthem?What kind of leadership opportunities arethere? Do you see yourself makingfriends/connections in thisfraternity/sorority? During the joining (intake/new member) process: Are prioritizing your academics? What are you learning during the process? What kind of events is the fraternity/sorority hosting?What bonding experiences are you doing? When can I meet your fraternity/sorority...big brother/sister/sibling/dean/pyrophyte.chapter president. chapter advisor. What are important dates we should know about? When is the process starting? When is big/little night?When is initiation? When is the new member presentation? Role of the Parent/Guardian with fraternities and sororities: What you should do: Question to ask:Contact Information:Kimmel Belonging & Engagement HubEmail: kimmelhub@siue.eduPhone Number: 618-650‐2686Office Location: Morris University Center (Main Level)Social Media: @siuekimmelhubWhat to watch out for and what to do:Your student seems unusually secretive or withdrawn.They express fear or anxiety about attending events.They mention being sleep-deprived or physically exhausted.They’re asked to perform tasks that seem humiliating or unsafe.They’re discouraged from talking to non-members about their experience.They’re pressured to spend money beyond what was initially disclosed.They’re told not to involve parents or university staff.They’re missing classes or falling behind academically due to chapter obligations.What to do: You and or your student can contact Kimmel Belonging & Engagement Hub