ifc fraternity guide · the ifc’s vision is to uphold faithfully the ideals and beliefs of its...
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IFC Fraternity Guide
greeklife.uci.edu | www.irvineifc.com
One question I ask many fraternity and sorority members at UCI is why they joined. This past
year, a member provided one of the best answers I have heard in my 10 years working with the
Greek community. They said joining a Greek organization was everything they were looking for
college in one organization. You might be reading this and wondering what they meant. Instead of joining
multiple student organizations, playing on different intramural teams, or spending lots of time trying to
find out what the campus offers, joining a fraternity provides all of it and more!
Joining a fraternity affords students the opportunity to experience everything a student would want to
do in college. Meet new people, gain leadership experiences, attend campus events, find roommates,
study with students in their major, get involved on campus, and make a difference through service and
philanthropy. It is truly an electrifying experience for many students. Fraternity membership is life
changing!
I know how many of you feel entering a large university. When I was freshman I felt confused, intimidated,
and a little over overwhelmed. I found that joining a fraternity truly helped me address everything I was
feeling. Within a few weeks, I made great friends and the opportunity to play intramural sports was so
much fun. Everyone I met wanted more from their college experience, they wanted to be leaders. Little did
I know, some of the people I met would become my lifelong friends.
The idea of joining a fraternity may seem overwhelming or just not for you.
I get it. UCI is an academically rigorous university, transitioning to the
quarter system is challenging, and living of your own is a new experience.
If your idea of college is being a part of an organization that values
academic success, leadership development, and creating a really fun and
exciting UCI experience, joining a fraternity is for you.
Brian ClarkeDirector, Greek Life
In This GuideWelcome
About Fraternities at UCI
Greek Terminology
Recruitment Tips
The Interfraternity Council (IFC)
IFC Chapters
Alpha Epsilon PiAlpha Sigma PhiBeta Theta PiDelta Sigma PhiKappa Sigma Phi Delta ThetaFIJIPhi Kappa PsiPi Kappa AlphaPi Kappa PhiSigma Alpha EpsilonSigma ChiSigma NuSigma Phi EpsilonSigma PiTriangle
Leadership Spotlight
History of Greek Life at UCI
Statements about Hazing & Alcohol
Mission Statement: Greek Life at UC Irvine works
with students to create an
inclusive environment that
challenges members to develop
into leaders who uphold the
values, oaths, and commitments
of their collegiate fraternal
organization at UC Irvine. Greek
Life values on going relationships
with alumni, volunteers,
campus administrators, and
the surrounding community
in order to create meaningful
and purposeful undergraduate
experiences that fosters a
commitment to service and
lifetime membership.
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LeadershipUCI’s sororities and fraternities are self-governing organizations that offer significant
opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. Members set policies and standards,
serve in chapter leadership positions, manage budgets, chair committees, and plan
community service and social events. These and other leadership opportunities help
members learn how to motivate others, encourage critical thinking, plan effective programs,
resolve conflicts, and develop communication and organizational skills.
ScholarshipFraternities and sororities are committed to academic success. Often, chapters provide
academic resources for their members, including planned study sessions and tutoring.
Additionally, many chapters offer financial awards and scholarship programs to encourage
scholastic achievement.
CommunityBrotherhood and sisterhood are the bonds of community and friendship that last a lifetime.
These communal bonds are not only found locally, but also among many chapters nationally.
Brotherhood and sisterhood activities include chapter retreats and alumni events. The
familial bonds in Greek organizations are very strong and last long past graduation.
Philanthropy & ServiceOne of the most gratifying parts of Greek life is the sense of satisfaction and pride that
comes with involvement in community service and philanthropic events. Each chapter
has its own philanthropy and participates on both a local and national level through
volunteering, projects, and fundraising. Each year, the Greek community donates thousands
of dollars and volunteers numerous hours to local and national charities.
SocialFraternities and sororities come together to celebrate annual traditions, such as
Homecoming, Reunions Weekend, and Greek Convocation. Mixers, formals, cookouts, theme
parties, date functions, and other social events provide.
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The decision to join a fraternity or sorority can be one of the most significant and
rewarding choices you make during your college career. The experience of being
a member of the Greek community provides students with a complement to their
academics at Irvine and attends to their development as adults by providing them with
study groups, values-based programming, service opportunities, leadership positions,
social outlets, lifelong friendships, and a career network.
Joining a fraternity is a fantastic way to meet people on campus who share goals,
passions, and commitment to certain ideals. Membership varies across organizations,
so we encourage you to explore Greek life for yourself. Discard any preconceived notions
you have about what it means to be Greek. Search for an organization that best suits your
personality and represents what you hope to accomplish during your time at UC Irvine.
Rush will run through the first two weeks of Fall Quarter & a great start to your experience
can begin by visiting the various organizations boothing along Ring Road. Also please feel
free to browse our website at: www.irvineifc.com.
About Fraternity at UCI
Active: A member who has been initiated into
lifelong fraternity or sorority membership and is active
at the collegiate level.
Bid: A formal invitation to join a fraternity or sorority.
Bid Day: The last day of recruitment when new
members accept their bids and officially join their new
organization.
Big: Short for “big sister” or “big brother”; an active
member who serves as a mentor for newer members.
Chapter: A local group of the larger inter/national
organization.
Colony: A student organization in the final stage
before being installed as a chartered chapter of an
inter/nationally affiliated organization.
Formal Recruitment: The period of time set aside by the
Interfraternity Council for meeting potential members.
At UCI this takes place the first week of every quarter.
Fraternity: The name applied to all Greek-letter
organizations. Informally, this name applies to men’s
groups, while women’s organizations may be sororities
or female fraternities.
Initiation: The formal ceremony that brings a new
member into full Greek membership. Each chapter
has a different set of requirements that must be met
in order to be initiated.
Legacy: Someone whose mother, father, aunt, uncle,
sister, brother, grandmother, or grandfather is an
initiated member of a specific Greek organization.
Little: Short for “little sister” or “little brother”; a
newer member who is mentored by an older member
of the organization.
New Member: A potential member who has accepted
the bid of a fraternity or sorority, but has not been
initiated. Often referred to as pledges.
New Member Program/Pledgeship: The period of
learning about fraternity and sorority life prior to
initiation. In addition to learning the history of the
organization, new members may attend presentations
on topics such as study skills, sexual misconduct,
substance abuse, and other important issues.
Philanthropy: A service project sponsored by a
chapter from which donations of goods, money,
and/or time are given to charitable organizations.
Potential New Member (PNM): A college man or
woman who is participating in recruitment. Often
referred to as “rushee”.
Sorority: A group of women joined together in
friendship for leadership and academic purposes.
Greek Terminology RecruitmentTips
How can I get involved in this chapter?
What activities are you/your chapter
involved in?
I am interested in (blank). How are you
involved in this organization/major
or how can I get involved with it on
campus?
What is the time commitment in your
chapter?
What is your favorite fraternity memory?
What are the benefits of being in a
fraternity?
What does your chapter value?
What makes your chapter unique?
What do you enjoy the most
about being in your chapter?
What was your freshman year like?
What is your philanthropy?
Questions to Ask Chapters
Move beyond the stereotypes and really try
to get to know the men you meet.
Get to know the men you attend
recruitment events with. Regardless of
what chapter they join, you may make a
new friend.
Keep notes of what you do/do not like about
the chapters you visit. Remember that the
chapters are just as nervous as you are.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and
remember that you are trying to put your
best foot forward.
Try not to get frustrated when you get
asked the same questions by several
people - they are trying to get to know you!
Be enthusiastic about meeting new people
- even if you do not see yourself becoming
their brother.
Ask questions! You are trying to find the
best place for you.
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The Interfraternity Council (IFC)
The Interfraternity Council at the University of California, Irvine serves as the governing body for the
sixteen men’s fraternities on campus. The council serves as a resource for the chapters and forms a
common organization each chapter can use to associate with one another. All participants in the IFC are
from fraternity chapters here at UCI. It currently has nine executive council members who are elected representatives
serving full, calendar year terms. The IFC’s vision is to uphold faithfully the ideals and beliefs of its predecessors and
create a unified community that is encompassed of strong men, full of leaders both in academia and in service. The
IFC Cabinet is composed of internal committees responsible for leadership,administrative affairs, public relations,
scholarship, recruitment, interfraternal relations, risk management,and community service. The IFC is guided by a
campus advsior, an experienced, full-time fraternity and sorority life professional, that works in the Student Life &
Leadership Office.
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Interfraternity Council Chapters
Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEΠ)National Founding: 1913, New York University
National Website: www.aepi.org
Symbol: The Lion
Philanthropy: Cuck Fancer
Alpha Sigma Phi (AΣΦ)
Beta Theta Pi (BΘΠ)National Founding:
1839, Miami University (Ohio)
National Website: www.beta.org
Philanthropy: Dragon Classics
Delta Sigma Phi (ΔΣΦ)National Founding:
1899, City College of New York
National Website: www.deltasig .org
Symbol: Sphinx
Philanthropy: American Red Cross
Kappa Sigma (KΣ)National Founding:
1869, University of Virginia
National Website: www.kappasigma.org
Philanthropy: Military Heroes Foundation
National Founding: 1845, Yale University
National Website: www. alphasigmaphi.org
Symbol: Phoenix
Philanthropy: Multiple (5)
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Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠKA/PIKE)National Founding: 1868, University of Virginia
National Website: www.pikes.org
Philanthropy: Pikes of the Caribbean,
Cuck Fancer, Firemen’s Benevolent
Association (Fireman’s Challenge)
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠKΦ)National Founding: 1904, College of Charleston
National Website: www.pikapp.org
Philanthropy: War of the Roses
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣAE)National Founding: 1856, University of Alabama
National Website: www.sae.net
Philanthropy: Miss Minerva
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)National Founding:
1848, Miami University (Ohio)
National Website: www.phideltatheta.org
Philanthropy:
Phi Delt C.A.R.Es, ALS Association
FIJI (ΦΓΔ)National Founding: 1848, JeffersonCollege
National Website: www.phigam.org
Philanthropy: FIJI Lifeguard
Phi Kappa Psi (ΦKΨ)National Founding: 1852, Jefferson College
National Website: www.phikappapsi.com
Philanthropy:
Boys & Girls’ Club of America (Phi Psi 500)
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Sigma Phi Epsilon (ΣΦE)National Founding: 1901, Richmond College
National Website: www.sigep .org
Philanthropy: SigEp Safari
Sigma Pi (ΣΠ)National Founding:
1897, Vincennes University
National Website: www.sigmapi.org
Philanthropy: Sigma Pi Puppy Love
Triangle FraternityNational Founding: 1907, University of Illinois
National Website: www.triangle.org
Emphasis: Engineering
Philanthropy: Habitat for Humanity
Sigma Chi (ΣX)National Founding:
1855, Miami University (Ohio)
National Website: www.sigmachi.org
Philanthropy: Derby Days
Sigma Nu (ΣN)National Founding:
1869, Virginia Military Institute
National Website: www.sigmanu.org
Philanthropy: Slater Ball
When did you join Greek life &
what prompted you to Rush?
“I joined Greek life Fall quarter
2013, and I was prompted to rush
because I saw great opportunities
to broaden my connections on
campus. I came from a small high
school, and knew no one when I
began here at UC Irvine.”
Describe your experience in your
chapter and the Greek Community
as a whole thus far. “My experience in my chapter has been
extremely memorable. I was able to be new member coordinator
where I gained a closer knit connection to my fraternity by
helping the new members realize and understand the great
opportunities and connections that are made in our fraternity.
In the Greek Community as a whole, I have been involved with
Greek week, by being a chapter representative for my first two
years. I have also heavily been involved in Greek Songfest,
whether being in show, or being a part of the Executive Board
helping raise over 60,000 dollars for our philanthropy of choice!”
How has Greek Life contributed to your development as a student
and leader at UC Irvine? “Coming into UCI I was not a well
connected student. Through greek life, I was able to enhance
my ability inpublic speaking, interacting with new people, and
growing to be a leader inside and outside of my fraternity.”
What are your favorite
aspects about being a
part of the Greek System?
“In general, it has been
an amazing experience
to compete in different
aspects of the Greek
Community. Sororities
host philanthropy
competitions and it’s
fulfilling to win a good
cause with your brothers. Another great aspect are
Intramural Sports. I was able to witness my fraternity
win Basketball and Baseball consecutively for 3 years in
a row. That competitiveness against other fraternities
sparks rivalry and memories back to when I played
sports in high school. Overall, it’s great knowing you
belong to the Greek Community because we are all one
giant family.”
What other on-campus involvements have you been a
part of during your time at UC Irvine? “My other campus
involvements include being a SPOP Staffer, Resident
Assistant in Middle Earth, Community Assistant at
Puerta del Sol and various club organization such as
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and 3D
Printing Club. I was also the Vice President for the
IFC Executive Board in 2016. I was able to balance all
of this while being in a fraternity because of various
connections through the Greek community”
What advice would you have to offer incoming students
who are considering going Greek? “My advice to
incoming students who are considering going Greek
is that joining a fraternity was the best decision I ever
made in college. I highly suggest joining a fraternity/
sorority because you are able to experience so much
and have access to so many opportunities. As a
freshman I was hesitant joining because of balancing
my workload as a Biomedical Engineering Major but
quickly found out that my chapter was able to provide
academic resources such a study hours and tutoring to
help one another succeed.”
Describe some favorable aspects about your pledging
experience. “My favorite memory about becoming a new
member was forming bonds with my pledge brothers in
Pi Kappa Alpha. They are now my best friends and all of
them will be in my wedding some day. Another favorite
experience was finding out who my big Bro was. At
the time, my big bro was a Bio Major and was able to
balance both school and social life. He’s now in Med
School and someone that I look up to and can count on.”
Leadership Spotlight
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What Is Hazing?The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring
on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or
acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental
or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being
initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership
in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational
institution.
Hazing is commonly defined as any action taken or situation created, whether
on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort,
embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Anti-hazing legislation or policies
have been adopted by the State of California, The University of California,
Irvine, the Interfraternity Council and all national fraternities.
If you are subjected to hazing, state law requires that you report it to the Office
of the Dean of Students. Hazing has no place in the fraternity community and
should not be tolerated. Chapters that haze are not worth your time and are
dangerous. Recruitment is intended to provide opportunities to spend time
getting to know each other.
According to the IFC Constitution & Recruitment Policy, alcohol is not to be
served to minors under any circumstances. No alcohol should be served to
minors during any recruitment function, whether it is one-on-one or in a large
group. Most IFC organizations have national policies that bar the use of alcohol
at any and all recruitment and new member activities. If you are under 21 and
you are offered alcohol at a fraternity event, that chapter is violating UCI’s
IFC Rules and they are also breaking the law. No alcohol should be used or be
present during any recruitment function or event, of any kind.
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UC Irvine Greek HistoryWhen UCI opened in 1965 there were no fraternities
or sororities on campus. Following the advice of the
Student Senate and the faculty Academic Senate,
Chancellor Aldrich agreed to place a moratorium
on the admission of national social organizations.
Between 1969 and 1970 students asked the
Chancellor to allow the groups to establish
chapters, but the two Senates once again advised
against, and the existing policy was maintained.
In 1972, however, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that
prohibiting the admission of national organizations
to college or university campuses violated the
First Amendment. As a result, Aldrich appointed a
faculty-student-staff committee to advise him, and
the group recommended that three fraternities and
three sororities be admitted.
Twenty-five organizations were interviewed for
admission in fall 1973, with the outcome that six
were invited to establish UCI chapters.
The first “rush” was held in spring 1974. No plans
were made to offer housing for the fraternities
or sororities.