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Questions about the Greek system at Washington University
What Greek chapters are recognized by Washington University?
Currently, Washington University is pleased to recognize 12 inter/national fraternities and 7 inter/national sororities. They are:
Fraternities |
Sororities |
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Beta Theta Pi
Kappa Sigma
Phi Delta Theta
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sigma Alpha Mu
Sigma Chi
Sigma Nu
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Theta Xi
Zeta Beta Tau |
Alpha Epsilon Phi
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Phi
Chi Omega
Delta Gamma
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Pi Beta Phi |
In addition, Washington University shares recognition of the 9 city-wide historically black fraternities and sororities with Saint Louis University , Webster University , Harris Stowe State College, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. These 9 chapters are:
Fraternities |
Sororities |
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Iota Phi Theta |
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. |
What percentage of Washington University students belong to fraternities or sororities?
Approximately 25-30% of undergraduate students are members of Greek organizations.
During the fall semester there are usually around 1,200 Greek affiliated students on campus and in the spring semester that number grows to over 1,800 after formal recruitment for both men and women.
How will being a member of a Greek organization contribute to and/or hinder my son's or daughter's educational experience?
Making the decision to join a Greek organization is a significant one. It is a life long commitment that extends beyond a student's college career. Washington University strongly encourages parents to be involved in the important decision making process.
Greek Life at Washington University provides students with a variety of opportunities to get involved in their campus community. With 25-30% of the campus population being Greek, these enthusiastic students plan philanthropy events, serve as student leaders for campus organizations, host social events and participate in Washington University intramurals.
The expectations associated with being a member of a fraternity or sorority do place demands on a student's time. However, these are not only social and philanthropic. Our Greek organizations place a high emphasis on successful academics. In fact, most organizations offer scholarship programs for new members to follow. However demanding "pledging" can be, there is always room for flexibility within one's pledge program. The key concept for parents to be aware of is communication! Just as Washington University students are expected to communicate their difficulties to their professors, it is no different within a fraternity or sorority. If your son or daughter experiences being overextended or overwhelmed, encourage him to talk the New Member Educator or Chapter President. Once those difficulties have been communicated, the chapter should make every effort to assist their member. If the problem persists after discussing it with the New Member Educator or Chapter President, please have your son or daughter contact the Greek Life Office at 314-935-3939.
Do the Greek organizations have Houses?
Washington University sororities do not have houses. Instead, each chapter has a "suite" in the Ann Olin Women's Building. These suites are designed similarly to a living room and are non-residential. The suite provides a place on the main campus for members to hang out, conduct study groups, and hold chapter business meetings.
Nine of the 12 fraternities have houses, which are located in The Village and in the area commonly referred to as "Fraternity Row." At some point in your son's college career, the University expects members to live in the chapter house. The University's Greek Life Office believes that living in the fraternity house can be a unique and rewarding experience. Fraternity room charges (except for the off-campus fraternity house, ZBT) are billed through your son's Washington University student account. In this 2008-2009 academic year, a single rate is $8346, double is $7318, and a triple is $5382 per year. Fraternity residents are billed for their room based on how the room is being utilized (e.g. single, double, triple) so your son's room rate may change depending upon room occupancy per semester. The following fraternity houses have "full-service" kitchens: Sigma Nu, Theta Xi, Phi Delta Theta, and Kappa Sigma. The University requires residents of these fraternities to purchase the off-campus meal plan ($536); however, Theta Xi has its own internal meal plan program billed independent of the University because they are the only house who employs a cook. The remaining fraternities: Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Alpha Epsilon Pi, and Beta Theta Pi, have residential kitchens in their houses and are required to purchase the minimum on-campus fraternity meal plan ($2380).
Sigma Alpha Mu and Sigma Alpha Epsilon currently do not have chapter houses.
I am not Greek, how can I learn more about it?
Websites to take a closer look at:
What requirements are there to join a fraternity or sorority?
First-year students are not allowed to join a fraternity or sorority until the spring semester. Upperclassmen may join during the fall semester if chapters are taking new members at that time as long as they are an undergraduate student attending Washington University , have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, have taken at least 11 credit hours, and are in good judicial standing with the university. Men and women who are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority must sign grade releases and register with the Greek Life Office prior to attending any recruitment events. More information on specific recruitment policies, procedures, and dates can be found on the Interfraternity Council website (www.washuifc.org) for the men and on the Women's Panhellenic Association website (www.washupanhellenic.org) for the women. You can also check out the Joining page for more details.
When does my daughter need to be back on campus to go through sorority recruitment?
Sorority Recruitment occurs the week before school begins each January. Women who want to participate in formal recruitment in
2010 will need to be back on campus on January 11th, by 5pm. Formal Recruitment itself will run from January 11 th – January 17, 2010. More information about recruitment will be available summer of 2009 on the WPA website at www.washupanhellenic.org!
Does my son need to be back on campus prior to the beginning of class for fraternity recruitment?
No, men's recruitment will start the same week classes start in the spring semester. More information about men's recruitment can be found on the IFC website at www.washifc.org.
Will my son or daughter have to worry about hazing as a part of their Greek experience?
Hazing is perhaps the biggest disgrace of the American fraternity system. Popular movies and television shows have created the impression that all chapters include hazing activities as a step in becoming an active member of the organization. This is not true. Hazing is forbidden amongst all the National Fraternities and Sororities and not to mention in the state of Missouri and on the campus of Washington University. As a conscientious parent of the WU Greek community, it is imperative that you help us to eliminate any potential hazing. That includes an obligation to report hazing if you see it or hear about it through your son or daughter. If your son or daughter needs to report a hazing incident they should contact the Greek Life Office. We want to support a Greek community that is rooted in the values and principles of our 19 organizations and with your help this can be possible! For more information you can check out Myths and Facts about Hazing.
Do you have any helpful hints for me as a parent?
The following is a list of suggestions that may help ease your student's transition to both the University and the Greek community.
- Be happy and supportive with your son's or daughter's choice of fraternity or sorority.
- Encourage your son or daughter to attend programs sponsored by Greek Life Office and the Office of Student Activities.
- Know the name and phone number of the chapter president, new member educator, and chapter advisor.
- Ask for details about the financial aspect of membership. If you are paying, you have the right to know. Many one time dues are paid during the first year, so expect the first year to be the most expensive.
- Initiation is an important time for the new initiates. Be supportive and respectful of this time for your student.
- Talk with your son or daughter. Stay in touch with phone calls, letters, and care packages.
- Attend Parents' Weekend as well as special events sponsored by the chapter.
- Expect to see numerous new t-shirts, photos and Greek paraphernalia.
- Encourage your son or daughter to be a part of the University community and to take advantage of its many resources.
Who should we contact if we have questions or concerns about Greek Life at Washington University?
Washington University takes its commitment to individual Greek students as well as Greek chapters very seriously. Your son or daughter may use the resources found within the Greek Life Office whenever needed. The Greek Life Office is located on the third floor of the Olin Women's Building. The professional staff consists of Mike Hayes, Executive Director of Campus Life/Director of Greek Life; Lucy Morlan, Coordinator for Chapter Development, and David Wallace, Coordinator for Greek Housing Programs. If, at anytime, you would like more information about Greek Life or would like to speak with a member of the staff, please do not hesitate to contact us at 314-935-3939.
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