Fraternity and Sorority Life

 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

A member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (City-Wide)

The object of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is to stimulate its African-American members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom and dignity of the individual; and to encourage the highest and noblest form.

---

Alpha Sigma Phi

A member of the Interfraternity Council

Epsilon Chi Chapter Website 

 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

A member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (City-Wide)

How to Join Capital's Fraternity and Sorority Life Community 

Capital FSL recruitment activities give potential new members (PNMs) a chance to meet affiliated members and explore the individual chapter values. Fraternity and sorority recruitment is a continuous process, however it varies by each council.

Capital University holds its Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council Formal Recruitment (NPC) in the fall semester and informal recruitment in the spring. The National Pan-Hellenic Council or city-wide chapters (NPHC) participate in intake processes. Be sure to follow @CapitalFSL on Twitter and "Like" Fraternity and Sorority Life at Capital University on Facebook for up-to-date information!

---

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

To kick off IFC Formal Recruitment, the Interfraternity Council will host an IFC starts with an IFC fraternity info night during the first week of the Fall semester. Individual chapters will host events around campus for the following weeks. The fraternities on campus will use time during these events to get to know potential new members, share what they have done as a chapter, and showcase the meaning of brotherhood and how joining a Greek-letter organization can make you a better person. Bid Day for IFC fraternities takes place towards the end of September. Each year, the Interfraternity Council President and Vice President of Membership will release the Bid Day date to the public. On this date, PNMs can officially sign a bid to join a fraternity.

If you would like to join an IFC fraternity you must register at http://tinyurl.com/CapIFCRecruitment.

---

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

Our City-Wide chapters associated with the National Pan-Hellenic Council conduct individual membership intake processes potentially each semester. These chapters will have open forums and events for students interested in membership. Once you have decided which organization to join, notify the fraternity or sorority of your decision and they will let you know how to join. Each organization has its own processes. If you have questions, contact greeklife@capital.edu or call 614-236-6901.

---

Panhellenic Association (PHA)  

Panhellenic Formal Recruitment is an intentional three-day process for all women who register to get to know and engage with our four Panhellenic sororities. Each round allows for potential new members (PNMs) to learn more about each sorority and find their home within the Fraternity and Sorority Life community. After each round, PNMs will preference the sororities they would like to visit for the next round; the sororities in turn will also preference which PNMs they would like to invite back. Formal Recruitment will take place the weekend of September 8, 2017.
During the Formal Recruitment process, Recruitment Guides will assist PNMs from round to round. These are women were selected to provide guidance and support to PNMs. Below is a breakdown of each round/day of recruitment.

• Overview Sessions: During these overview sessions, Recruitment Guides will discuss what does it mean to be a sorority woman on Capital's campus, as well as what PNMs should expect to experience during the following weekend. 
• Round One: Each PNM will meet Panhellenic women from each sorority on campus for 45 minutes. The PNMs will be able to get an overall “feel” for each organization and its members. After this round, PNMs will preference their top three sororities for mutual selection.
• Round Two: PNMs visit up to three sororities for three 60 minute sessions. During round two, each sorority will focus their efforts on educating the PNMs on their chapter’s philanthropy and how service affects their sisterhood. After this round of recruitment, PNMs will preference their top two sororities for mutual selection.
• Round Three: During this round, each PNM will visit up to two sororities for two 75 minute rounds. During this round, PNMs will get an in-depth look at the sorority’s sisterhood and hear different testimonials from the women within the sorority. After this round of recruitment, each PNM will make their final preference for mutual selection, up to two sororities.
• Bid Day: PNMs will find out which sorority they will get to call their home away from home! During this exciting time, each PNM will receive a shirt from the organization they are now a part of. We will host a reveal ceremony on Schaaf Lawn, where each PNM will be welcomed with open arms by their new sisterhood!

To register for Panhellenic Formal Recruitment, go to http://tinyurl.com/CapPHARecruitment. As a requirement of registration, a is $10 fee must be paid at one of the two PHA Sorority Overview Sessions. If you have any questions, email greeklife@capital.edu or call 614-236-6901. 

---

Informal Recruitment 
During the Spring or after Fall Formal Recruitment, some PHA sororities and IFC fraternities hold informal recruitment. Chapters will host events to engage potential new members and introduce them to Fraternity and Sorority Life and specific chapters within the community. Different than formal recruitment, this process does not involve structured rounds or schedules, but offers a more laid back atmosphere in which members and interested students can interact and get to know one another. Chapters may extend bids to individuals at any time during this process. Individuals have up to one calendar year to accept or deny a bid.

The Rho Omicron Chapter at Capital University was chartered in 1998. Order of Omega is an honorary organization for Greek members of various affiliations to come together as leaders of the Greek community and campus.

The purpose of The Order of Omega is:

• To RECOGNIZE those fraternity men and women who have attained a high standard of leadership in interfraternity activities.
• To ENCOURAGE them to continue along this high standard line, and to INSPIRE others to strive for similar conspicuous attainment.
• To UNITE outstanding fraternity men and sorority women to create an organization which will help to mold the sentiment of the institution on questions of local and intercollegiate fraternal affairs.
• To BRING TOGETHER members of the faculty, alumni, and student members of the institution’s fraternities and sororities on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness.
• To help CREATE an atmosphere where ideas and issues can be discussed openly across Greek lines and to help work out solutions.

If you would like to learn more about Order of Omega, email greeklife@capital.edu.

What is the Standards of Excellence Program? 

The Standards of Excellence (SOE) Program at Capital University serves as an accreditation program that holds our fraternities and sororities accountable as values-based organizations and leaders within the community. The program also recognizes chapters' high achievements and overall commitment to what it means to be a fraternity or sorority. The program consists of different areas of criteria, scoring and rubric, and is based on four categories which are Civic Engagement, Policy Compliance, Chapter Operations, and Membership. Organizations are asked to complete areas of the program each semester and throughout the year. Portions of the Greek Report will be considered when evaluating the chapters’ completion or the Standards of Excellence Program. 

• The Capital University Standards of Excellence Overview provides all details and information regarding the Standards of Excellence Program. Below are the various links and documents that will be necessary to complete the Standards of Excellence Program.
• Chapter Plan: The Chapter Plan should be completed near the beginning of the new officers’ terms (February 15 or May 15). Only chapters that conduct elections by academic year, Kappa Sigma and Phi Mu Alpha, are able to submit the Chapter Plan by May 15th.
• Chapter Report : The Chapter Report consist of two parts. It should be fully completed near the end of the officers’ terms (November 30th or March 30th)
  - Keep in mind that there can only be one person completing the actual Google Form, but for the chapter’s convenience below is a document outlining all the questions that are asked in the Chapter Plan and Chapter Report (Part 1).
  - To complete the form one must enter into their Google account. Editing after submission is available, as well as flexibility to move from one section to another.
• Please remember that unless it is stated “if applicable” the chapter is required to have a response. If the “if applicable” question applies to the chapter, it must be completed as well.
• Professional Development Programming Application: This form shall be completed whenever a chapter chooses to sponsor/host a SOE Professional Development Program.
• Professional Development Programming Report: This form shall be completed whenever an organization completes a professional development program. 
• SOE Chapter Engagement Template: This template should be used to provide all of the aspects of membership engagement - from attendance to Professional Development Programming to involvement in non-Greek organizations. 

---

Pre-Approved SOE Events – Looking for an event or program to attend or schedule for your chapter? This link will be constantly updated with events and opportunities that your chapter can utilize as a SOE event. Please keep in mind that some presenters require at least a three week notice to request a certain presentation. 

 

GREEK TERMINOLOGY

As you learn more about fraternity and sorority life, you’ll want to get acquainted with these frequently used terms.

---

Active: A member who has been initiated into lifelong fraternity or sorority membership and participates in chapter activities at the collegiate level.

Alumni/Alumnae: Initiated fraternity or sorority members who have graduated from college.

Badge or Pin: The pin of an initiated member.

Bid: A formal invitation to membership in a particular fraternity or sorority.

Big Brother or Big Sister (Big): An active member of a fraternity or sorority who serves as a mentor to a new member, guiding him or her through the new member education program and initiation.

Call/Chant: Audible sounds used by members in a NPHC or Multicultural organization to acknowledge or gain the attention of other members. Calls may vary regionally within organizations, and some organizations may use more than one call.

Chapter: A local group of the larger (inter)national organization, designated by a special Greek name.

City-wide Chapters: Similar to the definition of “Chapter”. Some NPHC organizations may have a city-wide chapters comprised of several local colleges and universities.

Community Service or Public Service: Time and effort donated toward a charitable cause or community institution to benefit the public. (Please note the difference between community service and philanthropy).

Crossed: the same as being initiated. The term means different things to different groups, but generally means crossing over from being non-affiliated to being an initiated member. Most groups record this time to the second. Term also refers to "Crossing the Burning Sands"

DOP/DP: the membership educator in a NPHC or Multicultural organization. Short for Dean of Pledges an old term that the groups still use. ADOP/ADP would be the assistant dean.

Drop: the term used to refer to someone who de-pledged, or stopped pledging.

Financial: term used to refer to an active member. (ie. Someone paying dues.)

Executive Office or Headquarters: The central organization of a particular fraternity or sorority. Often referred to as National Headquarters, International Headquarters, or just Nationals.Formal Recruitment: The membership selection period held in August/September.

Fraternity: The name that applies to all Greek organizations characterized by a ritual, badge and strong ties to friendship and moral principles. Informally, women's fraternities are called sororities.

Grad/Alumni Chapter: The graduate chapter of NPHC or Multicultural organization. Usually the local grad chapter oversees the operations of the undergraduate chapter.

FSL 101: The mandatory program held each fall and spring to educate our new Greek-affiliated members about the responsibilities and expectations of being Greek at Capital University.

Hand sign: used to identify members of the same organization. Most have a deep meaning to that organization or ritualistic symbol.

Informational or Rush: often a formal recruitment event for NPHC or Multicultural organizations.

Informal Recruitment: The membership selection period for fraternities and sororities with openings throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Initiation: The formal ceremony that marks the beginning of active membership. Each chapter has a different set of requirements in order to be initiated.

Intake: The process several chapters perform to recruit, interview, choose, and educate new members. Term mainly used in NPHC or Multicultural organizations.

Interest: title of a potential new member who the group knows is interested. Sometimes these students will band together and form an interest group.

Interfraternity Council (IFC): The governing body of 5 fraternities at Capital. IFC operates under the affiliation requirements of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).

Legacy: The brother or sister, son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter of a fraternity or sorority member. Each (inter)national organization has its own policy regarding legacies.

Line: The members of a NPHC or Multicultural organization’s new member class.

Line Brother or Line Sister: The term used by members of NPHC or Multicultural organizations that refers to the other members that were in their new member class. Depending on the region, members may refer to their line brother or sister as their Sands since they crossed the “Burning Sands” (were initiated) together.

Line Jacket: Worn by members in a NPHC or Multicultural organization, these lightweight windbreakers usually have the organization's name, letters, crest, crossing chapter, crossing date, line number, line name, and other graphics and information stitched onto them.

Line Name: The name given to a NPHC or Multicultural organization’s new member class. Some groups do number their lines by Alpha, Beta, Gamma…. But also their line has a name to define them. Many times it is an acronym. Line Name(s) can also refer to the individual member’s line name which is often given by new members Big Brothers or Big Sisters.

Little Brother or Little Sister (Little): A new member of a fraternity or sorority who will be matched with a Big (Brother or Sister) to begin a mentoring relationship as they go through the New Member Education program and beyond.

Membership Recruitment: The mutual selection process that prospective members and chapter members go through during the recruitment period to get to know one another.

National Association of Latin Fraternal Organizations (NALFO): The representative body governing historically Latino/Latina Greek Letter organizations. There are no affiliated NALFO organizations on Capital’s campus, but you may interact with members of a NALFO organization if you attend larger Greek conferences.

Neophyte (aka "Neo"): A new member of a cultural Greek organization in a NPHC or Multicultural organization.

New Member Presentation (aka Probate): a formal presentation of a new line to campus. Usually done in a public forum after members have been initiated into a NPHC or Multicultural organization.

New Member Education (NME): A period of learning about fraternity and sorority life prior to initiation. This period varies for all groups.

New Member: A member of a fraternity or sorority who has not been initiated.

NIC (North American Interfraternity Conference): Governing body for 72 national member men's fraternities and alumni associations.

NPC (National Panhellenic Conference): The umbrella organization for 26 women's fraternities. NPC supports its chapters by promoting values, education, leadership, friendship, cooperation, and citizenship

NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council): A national organization composed of four sororities and five fraternities whose membership is historically African-American.

Number or Club: the number you are assigned based on the chronological order you are in on your initiation line (often members in a NPHC or Multicultural organization identify or relate to one another by distinguishing that they are the "same" number).

Order of Omega - National Greek Leadership Honor Society: Limited to top 3% of members in the Greek Community at Capital University. Must have a GPA at or greater then Greek GPA, junior or senior status, significant leadership and service to the campus and the Greek community.

Para (aka "Nalia"): short for paraphernalia. The different items of Greek clothing or items someone is wearing.

Panhellenic Association: The governing body of 4 sororities at Capital. PHA operates under the affiliation requirements of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).

Philanthropy: Fundraising activities or service projects for charitable institutions, or charitable aid/donations to these institutions. (Please note the difference between philanthropy and community service).

Potential New Member (PNM): A college student who is interested in joining a Greek Organization and is taking part in the recruitment process.

Preferencing: During the last part of Panhellenic sorority recruitment, a potential new member determines which particular sorority she is willing to join. The potential new member lists three sororities in her order of preference.

Prophyte: term used to refer to an older brother/sister from your chapter in a NPHC or Multicultural organization.

Quota: The specified number of potential new members to which each sorority may extend a bid.

Rho Gamma or Rho Gam (aka Recruitment Guide): A Panhellenic sorority member who has disaffiliated herself from her chapter during formal membership recruitment. She is specially trained to help potential new members and answer any questions they may have about sorority membership.

Sands: A member of your organization or another NPHC or Multicultural organization that was initiated during the same semester as you were. Depending on the region, members may refer to their line brother or sister as their Sands since they crossed the “Burning Sands” (were initiated) together.

Social or Mixer: A get-together event with another Greek organization.

Soror or Sawrah: term used to refer to a sister in a NPHC or Multicultural organization.

Stepping: A historically black tradition characterized by synchronized hand foot movements, along with singing, dancing, chanting, and acting. Many Latino/Latina and Multicultural groups participate in stepping as well.

Stroll (aka Party Walk, Party Hop): A line dance done by members in a NPHC or Multicultural organizations; usually done at a party or step show.

TeeKee: the large necklace worn with large Greek letters on them by members of NPHC or Multicultural organizations. Similar to a lavaliere but much larger and often made out of wood.

Total: Total is the allowable chapter size, including both new and initiated members, as determined by the Panhellenic Council.

Yard: the term used to refer to the particular campus or university a chapter is at. This term is usually used by members of NPHC or Multicultural organizations.

Who is in charge of the fraternity or sorority?
Each Greek organization has a set of elected officers. These are students just like anyone else. These students manage the organization and oversee the day-to-day functions of their organization. They ensure the safety of all members. Above that, each organization has advisors, both on campus and off-campus that assist in all chapter functions. Additionally, there are staff members within the Office of Student and Community Engagement to assist you, your student, and the organization.

Are Capital’s fraternities and sororities like the ones in the movie “Animal House” or “Neighbors”?
The best way to understand how a fraternity or sorority works is to meet the members. Capital’s Greek organizations are compiled of diverse students, spanning from all areas of the state, the country, and the world. Our Greek students break stereotypes each and every day by participating in different service projects, raising awareness towards different philanthropies, and getting higher grades than the all-campus average.

What is alcohol use really like in Greek Life?
Any Greek organization at Capital University is expected to uphold city, state, and national law regarding consumption of alcohol. Additionally, all fraternities and sororities are to uphold all policies and guidelines set forth by the university and governing councils. Students who choose not to drink alcohol in college will know immediately that they will feel comfortable and accepted because of their decision.

Will Greek Life be too expensive for my student?
Each Greek student pays “dues” towards their organization – nationally and/or locally. Once dues are collected, the Treasurer of that organization will project a budget that all of the brothers or sisters will get to see and vote upon. These budget items cover anything from Greek apparel, recruitment, brotherhood or sisterhood activities, etc. Payment plans are available within each organization to make sure that each student has the ability to pay on time, every time.

Will being “Greek” hinder my student’s academics?
Before your student goes through the recruitment process, he or she will undergo a GPA check conducted through our Office of Student and Community Engagement, which will stay 100% confidential. Eligibility to participate in the recruitment process is dependent on your student’s high school/college GPA. Requirements for GPA for potential new members is determined by each governing council and chapter. Once an active brother or sister in that organization, they will have certain GPA requirements and required study hours that have to be completed in Capital’s Blackmore Library. Our Greek students have a proud tradition of having a higher average GPA than the all-campus average.

Does being a member of a Greek organization take up a lot of time?
It does take time and dedication to be a part of not just a Greek organization, but any organization on campus. It has been backed up by research that more involved students graduate on time, find jobs, and get accepted into graduate schools more often than students who choose to not get involved. Our Greek organizations have a heavy focus on professional development, where your student will learn how to balance academics, social commitment, working, and campus involvement.

What is the point of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Our Greek organizations on campus prepare their members for the future. Our governing councils host events and speakers to promote positive growth, professional and leadership development, and campus engagement. Our Greek students are often well known students on campus – being involved in many different other organizations both on and off campus.

What is the difference between local Greek Life and national Greek Life?
Local Greek organizations typically only exist at the host institution, where they are the only chapter, and are self-governed. National Greek organizations have co-existing chapters at different universities across the country. National organizations have a headquarters where hired and elected officials govern the organization, having a unified constitution and set of bylaws.

Are academic honor societies the same as fraternities and sororities?
No, they are not. The Office of Student and Community Engagement recognizes our twelve social Greek organizations. Our Panhellenic Association governs our four sororities, and our Interfraternity Council governs our five fraternities. There are also three historically Black Greek letter organizations that are a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. These organizations work directly with Capital University’s Assistant Director of Student and Community Engagement.

Do all Greek organizations haze?
No! Capital University has a zero tolerance policy for any form of hazing. Upon signing a bid to a fraternity or sorority, your student will undergo New Member Education (NME). In this time, your student will be acclimated to the history and culture of the organization they choose to join. During this time, your student will participate in leadership activities, service projects, and brotherhood or sisterhood bonding activities.

The Greek Report is published at the end of each semester and includes news, updates, aggregate grade point averages, and membership information for each chapter and the fraternity/sorority community. We encourage you to take a moment and click on a semester report below to learn more about the progress of our fraternity and sorority community here at Capital University.

• Greek Report FALL 2012
• Greek Report SPRING 2012
• Greek Report FALL 2013
• Greek Report SPRING 2013
• Greek Report FALL 2014 
• Greek Report SPRING 2014
• Greek Report FALL 2015
• Greek Report SPRING 2015
• Greek Report SPRING 2016
• Greek Report FALL 2016
• Greek Report SPRING 2017
• Greek Report FALL 2017

 Download the Semester Greek Report Application (XLS)

• 2017 Greek Man of the Year: Dan Fry, Phi Kappa Psi
• 2017 Greek Woman of the Year: Shideh Javan, Alpha Sigma Alpha
• 2017 Greek New Member of the Year: Isabella Palmisano, Phi Sigma Sigma