Greek TorchS O R O R I T Y & F R A T E R N I T Y L I F E A T U T

HOLDING OURSELVES TO HIGHER STANDARDSIf you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in becoming involved in an experience that is virtually impossible to put into words—one that helps you acclimate to the Big Orange family, find countless successes in the classroom, create so many friendships that you’ll need another Insta-gram to include them all, and leave with stories that you will want to tell over and over at Homecoming for years to come. That is exactly the type of experience we want you to have.

and volunteer your time; each member of our community is asked to complete a minimum of twelve community service hours each academ-ic year. We want you to network with other student organizations and engage in conversa-tions that matter. We also want you to educate each other by hosting and attending programs on education, leadership, risk reduction, and diversity. If you can maintain these minimum standards each year, we guarantee an amazing experience filled with everything you could ever want from your time on Rocky Top!

The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and the organizations you are looking to join ask that every member of our community commit to upholding some basic standards to help en-sure your success as a student and global citi-zen upon graduation. First, we ask that every-one maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average throughout their time in their organization—school comes first. We also want you to go out

SCHOLARSHIPScholarship and academics are an integral part of joining a sorority or fraternity. Obviously you are here at UT with the intention of earn-ing your degree, and our sororities and frater-nities want to help you do that. Most organiza-tions have an academic program that requires a particular grade point average to maintain full membership status. In addition, each sorority or fraternity has its own scholarship program to help you succeed academically and learn to manage your time effectively in and out of the classroom. Many of our organizations offer benefits such as quiet study spaces, coordinat-ed study hours, academic resources, and even scholarships for academic success. Members who excel academically are also given the opportunity to join Order of Omega, an honors society housed in the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life. We are proud to have a sorority and fraternity community whose average GPA is consistently above the all-campus under-graduate average.

LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENTOpportunities to become involved are abun-dant within each individual organization, coun-cil, and within the larger campus community. Whether you want to play intramural sports, serve on a committee, plan a campus event, or serve as an officer of a student group, our orga-nizations encourage and support it all.

Because our sororities and fraternities are self-governing bodies in which the members themselves take on the responsibility of run-ning the organization, they provide a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in leadership, organization, and communication. Whether it’s serving as president, becoming a mentor to a new member, or planning a sister-

hood or brotherhood event, you’ll find numer-ous opportunities to grow as a leader.

PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY SERVICEOne of the foundations of our organizations is working to serve others through monetary donations and hands-on community ser-vice. Many of our sororities and fraternities maintain relationships with national fund-raising partners such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and Muscular Dystrophy Association by hosting philanthropic fundraising events. These events raise hundreds of thousands of dollars annual-ly to support both local and national causes.

Working directly with organizations and causes in the Knoxville community is another way our organizations support those around us. Each year the community comes togeth-er for service activities such as funding and building a home through Habitat for Human-ity during Greek Week, hosting an Easter egg hunt for the Boys and Girls Club, and handing out candy during trick-or-treating for local children. Members also serve as volunteers for agencies and organizations throughout the Knoxville community.

gogreek.utk.edu 1

BROTHERHOOD & SISTERHOODSororities and fraternities are all about building friendships and relationships with those who share your interests and values. They are organizations that create lifelong connections and allow tight-knit bonds to be formed. Brothers and sisters are there to encourage and uplift you, laugh with you until you cry, hold you accountable for your actions, and stand by your side when things get tough. The friendships established in our sororities and fraternities are unlike any other and last well beyond your four years at the University of Tennessee.

COUNCILS & ORGANIZATIONSEach fraternal organization at UT belongs to one of four councils: Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan- Hellenic Council, or Panhellenic Council.

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCILThe Interfraternity Council was founded at UT in 1872. Now one of the campus’s old-est student organizations, IFC serves as the governing body for seventeen organizations. While IFC may have a standing history at UT, it continues to develop each year through its contributions to the campus and greater Knoxville communities. As the community continues to strengthen and develop, there will be opportunities for interested students to join new fraternal organizations that will become part of our community over the next few years.

MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCILThe Multicultural Greek Council at UT is made up of four multicultural sororities and fraternities. Organizations within the council represent culturally based sororities and fra-ternities. Membership is inclusive, open, and diverse across ethnicities and backgrounds. The council is united by its focus on shar-ing ideas and resources, promoting mutual respect and equality, and providing a support

network for involved students. It engages with programs and services that include domestic violence awareness, career readiness, literacy awareness, socials and mixers, community service, and philanthropic endeavors. To learn more, MGC welcomes all students to its “Meet the Greeks” program in the fall, held jointly with National Pan-Hellenic Council, and other council activities throughout the year.

NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCILThe National Pan-Hellenic Council is an inter-national organization founded in 1930. UT’s chapter was chartered in 2007 and currently supports seven of NPHC’s nine organizations (also known as the “Divine Nine”). Members are involved with various organizations across

campus: M4UT, Multicultural Mento-

ring Program (MMP), United Residence Hall Council, NAACP, and in other leadership roles on campus. Membership processes vary with-in each organization, so prospective members are encouraged to take part in the “Meet the Greeks” program in the fall, held jointly with the Multicultural Greek Council, and other council activities throughout the year.

PANHELLENIC COUNCILThe Panhellenic Council at UT is the unify-ing, governing, and coordinating body of the thirteen National Panhellenic Conference member groups. It is dedicated to facilitating the academic, social, and individual develop-ment of each sorority and its members. Most members join during formal recruitment, which occurs before the beginning of fall se-mester. This process allows interested women to meet all thirteen organizations and join a

sorority through a mutual selection process. Recruitment may also oc-cur throughout the year, depending on the organizational needs.

gogreek.utk.edu 32

gogreek.utk.edu 54

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL FRATERNITIES

ΑΓΡALPHA GAMMA RHONickname: AGREstablished at UT: 1951Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s

Research Hospital

ΑΤΩ ALPHA TAU OMEGANickname: ATOEstablished at UT: 1872Philanthropy: Jason Foundation

ΒΘΠ BETA THETA PINickname: BetaEstablished at UT: 1969Philanthropy: Wounded Warriors

ΧΦ CHI PHIEstablished at UT: 1967Philanthropy: Boys and Girls Club

ΔΤΔ DELTA TAU DELTANickname: Delt, DTDEstablished at UT: 1924Philanthropy: Adopt-a-School

Farmhouse FARMHOUSEEstablished at UT: 1959Philanthropy: Second Harvest

Food Bank

ΚΑ KAPPA ALPHA ORDERNickname: KA, the OrderEstablished at UT: 1883Philanthropy: Muscular Dystrophy

Association

ΚΣ KAPPA SIGMANickname: Kappa SigEstablished at UT: 1880Philanthropy: Military Heroes

Campaign

ΠΚΑ PI KAPPA ALPHANickname: PikeEstablished at UT: 1837

ΦΔΘPHI DELTA THETANickname: Phi DeltEstablished at UT: 1963Philanthropy: ALS Association

ΦΚΨ PHI KAPPA PSINickname: Phi PsiEstablished at UT: 1967 Philanthropy: Boys and Girls Club

ΦΣΚPHI SIGMA KAPPANickname: Phi SigEstablished at UT: 1925Philanthropy: Habitat for Humanity

ΦΓΔPHI GAMMA DELTANickname: FIJI, Phi GamEstablished at UT: 1890Philanthropy: USO

ΣΑΕ SIGMA ALPHA EPSILONNickname: SAEEstablished at UT: 1879Philanthropy: Golden Gloves Charities

ΣΧ SIGMA CHIEstablished at UT: 1917Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle

Network Hospitals

ΣΝ SIGMA NUEstablished at UT: 1921Philanthropy: Camp Koinonia

ΣΦΕ SIGMA PHI EPSILONNickname: Sig EpEstablished at UT: 1913Philanthropy: East Tennessee

Children’s Hospital

MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL FRATERNITIES & SORORITIESHOW TO JOIN AN MGC ORGANIZATION

Prospective first-year students interested in joining a MGC organization must be enrolled full time. First-year students, transfer students, and upperclassmen/women must have earned at least 12 credit hours at UT, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and be in good standing with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

ΛΘΦ LAMBDA THETA PHINickname: LambdaEstablished at UT: 1975Philanthropy: American Heart

Association

ΣΒΡ SIGMA BETA RHONickname: Sig Rho, CobrasEstablished at UT: 2006Philanthropy: SOS Children’s

Village

ΣΣΡ SIGMA SIGMA RHONickname: Sig SigEstablished at UT: 1998Philanthropy: Domestic violence

prevention and awareness

ΒΧΘBETA CHI THETANickname: Beta ChiEstablished at UT: 2012Philanthropy: World Diabetes

Foundation

ΔΦΩDELTA PHI OMEGANickname: DPOEstablished at UT: 2007Philanthropy: Children’s

education and literacy

NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL FRATERNITIES & SORORITIESHOW TO JOIN AN NPHC ORGANIZATION

NPHC membership is open to all who meet all requirements of the university as well as the national organization. Aspirants must have earned 12 credit hours at UT, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and be in good standing with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

ΑΚΑALPHA KAPPA ALPHANickname: AKAEstablished at UT: 1970Philanthropy: American

Diabetes Association

ΙΦΘIOTA PHI THETANickname: IotaEstablished at UT: 2011Philanthropy: Iota Youth

Alliance

ΚΑΨKAPPA ALPHA PSINickname: KappaEstablished at UT: 1986Philanthropy: Guide Right

Program

ΩΨΦOMEGA PSI PHINickname: Que’s, OmegaEstablished at UT: 1971Philanthropy: Charles R. Drew

Blood Drive

ΦΒΣPHI BETA SIGMANickname: SigmaEstablished at UT: 1979Philanthropy: March of Dimes

ΣΓΡSIGMA GAMMA RHONickname: S G Rho, Sigma

WomenEstablished at UT: 1991Philanthropy: Operation Big

Book Bag

ΖΦΒZETA PHI BETANickname: ZetaEstablished at UT: 1974Philanthropy: March of Dimes

gogreek.utk.edu 76

gogreek.utk.edu 98

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL SORORITIES

ΑΧΩ ALPHA CHI OMEGANickname: A Chi O, Alpha ChiEstablished at UT: 1961Philanthropy: Victims of domestic

violence

ΑΔΠ ALPHA DELTA PINickname: A D PiEstablished at UT: 1920 Philanthropy: Ronald McDonald

House

ΑΟΠ ALPHA OMICRON PINickname: A O PiEstablished at UT: 1902Philanthropy: Arthritis

research

ΧΩ CHI OMEGANickname: Chi OEstablished at UT: 1900Philanthropy: Dream

Connection

ΔΔΔ DELTA DELTA DELTANickname: Tri DeltaEstablished at UT: 1923Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s

Research Hospital

ΔΓ DELTA GAMMANickname: Dee GeeEstablished at UT: 1949Philanthropy: Service for Sight

ΔΖ DELTA ZETANickname: Dee ZeeEstablished at UT: 1933Philanthropy: Speech and hearing

research

ΚΔ KAPPA DELTANickname: Kay DeeEstablished at UT: 1925Philanthropy: Prevent Child Abuse

America

ΚΚΓ KAPPA KAPPA GAMMANickname: KappaEstablished at UT: 1967Philanthropy: Reading is Fundamental

ΦΜ PHI MUNickname: noneEstablished at UT: 1908Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle

Network

ΠΒΦ PI BETA PHINickname: Pi PhiEstablished at UT: 1948Philanthropy: Arrowmont School of

Arts and Crafts

ΣΚ SIGMA KAPPANickname: Sig KapEstablished at UT: 1921Philanthropy: Alzheimer’s research

ΖΤΑ ZETA TAU ALPHANickname: ZetaEstablished at UT: 1904Philanthropy: Breast cancer education

and awareness

LEADERSHIP & SKILL DEVELOPMENTThroughout the academic year, events and programs bring together members of UT’s Greek community for growth in various aspects of leadership and development.

GREEK WEEKAn annual event held during spring semester, Greek Week is planned by student sorority and fraternity leaders. The week provides an opportunity to celebrate the values of being in a Greek organization while giving back to the community

through philanthropy and community service. Events typically include field games, philan-thropic events, a cookout, and a weeklong house build through Habitat for Humanity.

CROSS-COUNCIL EXCHANGEDuring each semester, members from every organization within each council come to-gether to learn and educate each other on the vast differences within our community. Topics have included religion, sexual orientation, ra-cial inequality, sorority and fraternity history, and Greek unity. After each session, students walk away equipped with the knowledge and ability to build connections within different communities and educate others about the uniqueness of their own community.

GREEK LEADERSHIP CLASSThe Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life rec-ognizes the value of the classroom experience and the importance of moving from theory to practice. Therefore, students in the Greek community can sign up for academic elective courses offered by Sorority and Fraternity Life staff for credit toward their core requirements. Students from all four councils participate in these courses to develop their leadership knowledge and skills and better serve their organization.

EXPANDING KNOWLEDGEThroughout the academic year, Greek or-ganizations and individual members of the community are encouraged to benefit from participation in initiatives sponsored by various offices on campus, including the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Center for Health Education and Wellness, and the Center for Leadership and Service. Topics include hazing prevention, values cele-bration, alcohol and drug education, self-gov-ernance and accountability, cultural diversity, and officer skills.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSDoes hazing occur at UT?Hazing within any student organization at UT is strictly forbidden. The Office of Soror-ity and Fraternity Life and our individual organizations strive to provide constant risk management education and supervision to prevent hazing from occurring. In the event of a hazing incident or allegation, any organiza-tion involved will undergo an investigation by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, with a cease of operations until either the situation has been rectified or the organization has been held accountable for their actions.

How much does it cost to join? Cost for membership varies between the four councils and the specific organizations within each council. Factors such as organization size, housing requirements, meal plan require-ments, and fees to the national office all im-pact the amount an organization member will be responsible for. Please contact the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life with questions re-garding fees for organizations within a specific council.

What is the time commitment for members?Time commitments vary between the different organizations within each council. Each active member should expect consistent academic responsibilities as well as attendance and participation responsibilities at organization meetings on a weekly basis. The sorority and fraternity com-munity also experiences high volume for service and philanthropic participa-

tion. Mem-bers should expect biweekly participation in those events. Our organizations are also mindful of the need for interper-sonal and social interaction with one another and with oth-er members of the community. These events most often are not mandatory and students may choose to participate at their leisure.

As a parent, how can I support my stu-dent who is in an organization?One of the most important ways a parent can support their student during this experience is to ask questions and stay informed. Know that your student will want the autonomy to make decisions and learn new experiences for him or herself, but students also should be aware that their parent or guardian has probably gone through life experiences that may help them succeed in their collegiate career.

10 gogreek.utk.edu 11

How do I join an organization as a transfer student?If you have previously attended another insti-tution and were initiated into a sorority or fra-ternity, you can be a part of your organization at UT as well. It will be your responsibility to make contact with your organization to begin developing a relationship. If the chapter feels that you are an acceptable addition to their organization, the president should contact the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life so that we can add you to the official roster of the organization. Once that has occurred, you will need to sign a release form with our office and then you will be all set. Note: Your organi-zation’s chapter at UT is not required to add you to their roster if they do not feel that the relationship will be mutually beneficial.

Do I need a letter of recommendation to join a Panhellenic sorority?A letter of recommendation is written by an alumna member of an organization for the purpose of introducing a woman to a chapter. It provides a brief description of her interests, activities, and personality.

Recommendation letters may be considered in the membership selection process. Potential new members are allowed to have recom-mendation letters submitted by the alumna member to the individual chapter; however, recommendation letters are not required to gain membership. Instructions and addresses for individual chapters are available on our website at gogreek.utk.edu.

Can I live in the fraternity or sorority house during my freshman year?Incoming students who sign a housing con-tract with the University of Tennessee are not eligible to live in a fraternity or sorority house during their first year at UT. Students may live in the chapter facility throughout the remain-der of their time in the organization pending demand and availability.

Do I need a university meal plan if I live in a chapter facility?Many of our organizations with a chapter facility provide meal plans specifically for the members of their organization. In many orga-

nizations, members who live in the chapter fa-cility are required to purchase the organization meal plan. Those members are not required to purchase a university meal plan. Students will always have the option to purchase multiple meal plans if they so desire.

How do I find out about NPHC/MGC organizations?We strongly encourage students to attend Meet the Greeks in August. This is an informal opportunity for all students, not only first-years, to learn more about these councils and member organizations, nationally and at UT, and the process for pursuing membership.

What if my background is different from that of the organization that I am interested in joining? Membership in a fraternity or sorority is open to any full-time student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Organizations within our community do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Those who feel they have been discrim-inated against are encouraged to file a bias complaint at bias.utk.edu.

gogreek.utk.edu12

MULTICULTURAL, INTERFRATERNITY &

NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCILS

413 Student Services Bldg.Knoxville, TN 37996-0248

Phone: 865-964-2236Fax: 865-974-0088

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL 2950 Sorority Village Circle

Knoxville, TN 37916Phone: 865-974-6604

Fax: 865-974-8241

For more information about Sorority & Fraternity Life at the University of Tennessee visit our website

gogreek.utk.edu

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. The

university name and its indicia within are trademarks of the University of Tennessee. A project of the Division of Student Life with assistance from the Creative Communications group of the UT Office of Communications & Marketing. PAN E01-0236-004-16. Job 219879