Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in Fraternity & Sorority Life at Capital University. Our community is comprised of 12 organizations within the Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Panhellenic Association. Each of these organizations offers a transformative and enriching experience for their members. Our community consists of a multitude of student leaders who share their experiences, perspectives, and passions from every aspect of the CapFam
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About Us:
Fraternity and Sorority Life is a functional area of the Office of Student and Community Engagement. As an office, we strive to provide an inclusive environment for growth and development through extra and co-curricular learning experiences, both on campus and in the community, for all students.
Vision:Fraternity & Sorority strives to offer a values-based experience that will allow community members to develop into agents of change in their present and future communities. The foundation of our community is academic success, community engagement, philanthropy & service, and a shared sense of siblinghood. Through our collective efforts, we hope to create an inclusive & open community, challenge the boundaries of what is possible, and authentically contribute to our shared success.
Community at a Glance:
- Number of Chapters: 12
- Size of Community: 17% of Capital’s Undergraduate Student Population
- All-FSL Grade Point Average: 3.37
- All-Undergraduate Grade Point Average: 3.24
- Philanthropy Involvement/Initiatives: Girls on the Run, RAINN, Ronald McDonald House of Greater Columbus, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Alexandria Leigh Goodwin Angel Foundation.
Matt Rhyand, M.Ed.
Associate Director
Joining an Organization
Joining a Fraternity or Sorority at Capital is an opportunity available to all students. Recruitment/Intake activities will vary based upon council and the time of year. Our Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association (PHA) typically hold a formal recruitment period in the fall and an informal recruitment period in the spring. Both IFC & PHA participate in Continuous Open Bidding (COB) which takes place outside of formal recruitment. Our National Pan-Hellenic Conference chapters (NPHC) will hold their intake processes at various points of the academic year.
Fraternity & Sorority Interest Form
(Please sign in with your Capital Credentials)
Sample Potential New Member (PNM) Handbooks:
PHA PNM Booklet
IFC PNM Booklet
Chapters & Councils
Interfraternity Council:
Jack Sorrell, President
Ryan Kerman, Vice President of Justice
Ben Gilleland, Vice President of Operations
Max Pratt, Vice President of Membership,
Jonathan Brown II, Vice President of Programming
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The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Capital University is the coordinating body for four of the social fraternities on campus (Alpha Sigma Phi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Kappa Psi, and Sigma Alpha Beta). Consisting of five elected executive officers, two representatives from each fraternity, the council establishes and coordinates all recruitment activities, motivates and supervises academic achievement, governs the actions of its member chapters, and promotes community service projects throughout the year.
Alpha Sigma Phi
Alpha Sigma Phi is currently the fastest growing fraternity in the nation, and we strive to be a positive presence on campus. Alpha Sigma Phi was founded at Yale University on December 6th, 1845. We are primarily a social fraternity, but our service work is really what defines our organization. We have 5 philanthropic partners that we work closely with to make change both in our local community and nationally: Active Minds for mental health, Aware Awake Alive for alcohol abuse, Home For Our Troops for veterans, Shatterproof for drug abuse, and Rainn for sexual assault/domestic abuse. Our chapter at Capital University is one of more than 140 across the country, and the leadership experiences you can gain by being part of our fraternity are incredibly valuable. For more information about us and what we do, check out our social media!
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Kappa Sigma
Founded in 1869 at the University of Virginia, Kappa Sigma is the largest social fraternity in the world. We stand by our four pillars: Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. The Tau Mu chapter of Kappa Sigma was chartered in the spring of 2015. Annually, our chapter participates in the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign, as well as host several formal events. The Kappa Sigma Fraternity will better your college experience and opens the door for opportunities, unlike and any other organization.
Colors: Scarlet, White, Emerald Green
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Sigma Alpha Beta
Sigma Alpha Beta Fraternity is a Co-ed Fraternity founded at Capital University in 2007 on the values of Christianity with an acceptance of people of all walks of Faith, Service, Brotherhood and Sisterhood. The purpose of this Fraternity is to deepen the lives of the members and the surrounding community through service, fellowship, and fraternal love.
Colors: Royal Blue & Orange
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Phi Kappa Psi
The Ohio Xi chapter of Phi Kappa Psi. We are a national fraternity centered around a strong code of ethics, morals, and values. Phi Kappa Psi was founded at Jefferson College (now Washington and Jefferson College) on February 19th, 1852. Together as a brotherhood we aim to build and evolve our brothers individual strengths and weaknesses through professional development and a strong system of camaraderie. Phi Kappa Psi is founded on the great joy of serving others, highlighting the great rewards that come with being selfless.
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National Pan-Hellenic Association
The National Pan-Hellenic Association at Capital University collaborates with several city-wide and graduate chapters to provide our students with opportunities to participate in a historically-Black fraternity or sorority. We currently have affiliations with the following organizations:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The first historically-Black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1906 at Cornell University. The Omicron Rho city-wide chapter has a history of membership that includes men from many of the Columbus-area colleges & universities. The fraternity supports several initiatives such as a Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Project Alpha, and Go to High School Go to College.
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
The first historically-Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded at Howard University in 1908. The Precious Pi Gamma city-wide chapter has an affiliation with many Columbus-area colleges and universities. The sorority supports several initiatives which may be highlighted during their Skee Week. These include support of physical and mental wellness, financial literacy, and supporting historically-black colleges and universities.
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The sorority was founded at Howard University in 1913. The Nu-Phi city-wide chapter has an affiliation with several Columbus-area colleges and Universities. The organization supports several programs through their Delta Week, such as: health and wellness programming, human trafficking awareness, and voter registration/census awareness programs.
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Howard University in 1914. The fraternity has focused on improving the global community through dedicated service. The fraternity has four main programs: supporting minority-owned businesses, social action programs, a national education program, and the Sigma Beta Club which is a youth auxiliary group.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1922 at Butler University. The Iota Nu Sigma Alumnae chapter is available for women in the Columbus-area to join, including undergraduate women at Capital University. Some of the sorority’s key programs are Project BigBookBag, Women’s Wellness Initiative, and Project Cradle Care.
Panhellenic Association
The Panhellenic Association (PHA) at Capital University is the coordinating body for four of the social fraternities on campus (Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Phi Epsilon, Phi Sigma Sigma, and Pi Phi Epsilon). Consisting of four elected executive officers, one representative from each sorority, PHA is responsible for promoting positive relations between sororities, coordinating council-wide activities, formal recruitment, informal recruitment, and upholding academic achievement.
Addi Hasselbach, President
Olivia Fidler, Vice President
Olivia Zeltman, Director of Operations
Emma Goubeaux, Director of Recruitment
Evelyn Napier, Director of Programming
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Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Sigma Alpha is a national women’s sorority that was originally founded at Longwood University in 1901. Brought to Capital’s campus in 2012, Alpha Sigma Alpha has thrived as a sorority that aims to develop women of poise and purpose. With three national philanthropies, Alpha Sigma Alpha members love to give back to their community through service and charitable giving. Some of our favorite events that we hold on campus include the ASA/Phi Psi volleyball tournament in the fall, Special Olympics Polar Plunge in the winter, and our annual Dessert Auction in the spring.
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Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Phi Epsilon was founded in 1917 on the values of justice, sisterhood, and love at the New York University School of Law. This is an organization that works continuously to uphold these values in everyday life. We are passionate about our philanthropies and host events every semester in order to raise funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), the Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), and the Delta Phi Epsilon Education Foundation. Our sisters believe in bonding through their similarities, while teaching and learning about their difference but most importantly accepting and celebrating them. Delta Phi Epsilon believes in diversity and inclusion, and it is of the utmost importance that each sister embraces her uniqueness and finds a home on campus. We support ourselves, each other, and the community through strengthening their bonds of sisterhood and offering lifelong support. This is a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime where anyone can find the love they deserve!
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Pi Phi Epsilon
Pi Phi Epsilon was founded as a sorority in 1963 and is the only local sorority at Capital University. Our sorority mascot is the Panda Bear, and our colors are green and white. Living by the motto of Love and Service, we focus on the uniqueness and individuality of each sorority member. The purpose of Pi Phi Epsilon is to promote sisterhood and unity among its members, to foster friendship, to strive for higher ideals, to help others through service, to further social development and leadership, to create and maintain a sense of community with all Greek organizations, and, above all, to uphold the standards of Capital University.
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Phi Sigma Sigma
Phi Sigma Sigma is a national social sorority which was founded in 1913. Phi Sigma Sigma's open moto is Diokete Hupsala which in Greek translates to "aim high". Members in this Greek organization strive to aim high in all endeavors. Our main philanthropy is the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation which is a philanthropy all chapters of Phi Sigma Sigma support. This philanthropy is for school and college readiness and we hold many events like school supply drives, Mr. Capital, and more to raise money and awareness. Our other philanthropy is a local philanthropy that only our chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma has and it is the Alexandria Leigh Goodwin Angel Foundation (ALGA Foundation). This philanthropy was adopted after a sister, Alexandria passed away suddenly. This foundation was made in her honor and we hold events like a 5K to raise awareness as well as kindness week on campus to continue her kind legacy she left behind. When we are not holding events for our philanthropies, we are doing sisterhood events to help strengthen our sisterhood and "home away from home" feeling we hope to establish within the sorority. We offer many leadership opportunities and are always excited to expand our sisterhood and welcome new members.
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Parents & Family:
As a parent, guardian, or family member of a Capital student, you are a member of the Cap Fam too! A student’s involvement in a fraternity or sorority can provide the opportunity to develop professionally, academically, and socially throughout their college experience. As a member of a fraternity or sorority your student will encounter many benefits such as:
- A family-like organization to provide support to students as they encounter the challenges and milestones of the collegiate experience.
- Opportunities to serve in a multitude of leadership positions that will prepare them for future career and life opportunities.
- Academic support and requirements that bolster overall scholastic achievement.
- An alumni network that provides guidance, mentorship, and professional connections as students transition to the next stage of life.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Does Capital University have Fraternity or Sorority Houses?
Capital University does not have recognized fraternity or sorority chapter houses. Many members of the FSL community will live with fellow chapter members in Capital residence halls, apartments, or university-owned housing within the surrounding neighborhood.
What are the costs associated with being a member of a Fraternity or Sorority?
Financial obligation is something to take into account when considering joining a fraternity or sorority. Cost will vary by organization, on Capital’s campus average cost per semester is approximately $300 which will contribute to a chapter’s operational funds, philanthropic events, membership programming, or other events. Chapters will often offer payment plans and national organizations may provide scholarship opportunities for students to apply for. Financial obligations may be greater in a student’s first semester due to one-time initiation or new member fees.
Does hazing occur in Fraternities or Sororities?
Capital University does not tolerate hazing in any form. Unfortunately, 48% of students in the United States have experienced hazing prior to coming to college*. Not only do we not tolerate hazing, we take steps to educate new members on how to prevent hazing in all organizations they may be a member of. Each semester, our organizations are required to sign the Recognition & Anti-Hazing Compliance Form. You can find more information on Ohio’s hazing laws and Capital’s policy on page 95 of the Capital University Student Handbook located here.
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.