This guest post provided by a source who has requested anonymity as they expose one of the most secretive parts of Greek collegiate lifestyle.

After experiencing the new member process, often times fraternity and sorority pledges worry about what lies ahead at the initiation ceremony.

The purpose of initiation is to teach the new members about the significance behind all the organization’s symbols, Greek letters, motto, rituals, etc. It is an explanation of everything incorporated to the organization, followed by a pledging of the members commitment to the organization, its current, past and future members of unwavering friendship, and dedication to the organization’s social, scholastic and moral growth. After a member professes their vows (depending on the organization, vows are recited through a motto or creed, signed in a book, sung through ritual songs, or proven by an activity) the pledge becomes an active member.

The ritual ceremony is universally a huge secret (with the exception of the fraternity Delta Upsilon who has an open initiation), and therefore is different for all organizations. Nationally, however, every initiation is the same within an organization. For example, XYZ sorority at the University of Texas has the exact same initiation as XYZ at New York University, but ABC at the University of Texas does not have the same initiation as XYZ. Since each initiation is the same, the ceremony becomes the binding connection that interlocks each member to the national organization. Often times complete strangers (who find out they’re in the same national organization) will become instant friends for this reason, already having a common bond. Read the rest of this entry »

With fall sorority rush just around the corner, along with back to school shopping, many girls are wondering what to wear during the recruitment process.

Here are some college fashion tips I have found to hold tried and true throughout the years:

What TO wear to sorority recruitment

Begin by looking at your school’s Greek Life website, because sometimes the days of recruitment (especially Panhellenic) are themed and any dress codes for recruitment parties are announced on their websites. You’ll want to dress comfortably, as you’re going to need all of your internal confidence. It can be hard to feel self-assured on the inside when you’re uncomfortable on the outside.

Try to subtly stand out from the crowd. Choose a memorable piece of jewelry or interesting color, it will make the members remember you more. With so many girls, some can get lost in the shuffle. Members tend to remember “the brunette with the black bow head band” over plain Janes. Don’t try too hard though, you want want to appear to mesh well into their organization. Read the rest of this entry »

This guest post provided by a source who has requested anonymity as they expose one of the most secretive parts of Greek collegiate lifestyle.

Going through the process of fraternity recruitment and sorority recruitment can be intimidating enough, the idea of “selling yourself” to a group of daunting peers in hopes of social acceptance and life long, unwavering friendship is frightening, then add in the fact that you’re probably a college freshman and have just left home, your pets, your friends and your family, the situation makes me nervous just remembering it.

And yes, hazing does still happen with in the Greek community. Within any culture, traditions will evolve and intensify as the society grows; such is the case with hazing. Hazing started as a way for new members of the Greek organizations to prove their loyalty to the organization they wished to join. With exclusivity of membership, officers in the organizations could request or demand that prospective members prove that they wanted to be apart of the club so badly that they would never tell its secrets, and that they would be an active and contributing member.

Over the years, hazing turned from mere favors (such as delivering requested things on campus, washing member’s cars, baking sweets for members, serenades, etc.) to more intensified requests (buying things for members, doing homework for members, cleaning common rooms of chapter houses, etc.).

Then, eventually, hazing took a dangerous turn when members realized that belittling, embarrassing, and mentally and physically breaking down pledges was an easier way to ensure that only the mentally and physically strongest of the potential new members made it through their recruitment process.

Here is a list of some of the worst hazing cases, viewer discretion is advised: Read the rest of this entry »

Kindergarten Mixer at Florida State University

One of the most well-known Greek life traditions is the weekly or bi-weekly mixer. A mixer, also known as a social or date party, is when a fraternity invites a sorority to an event just for the two organizations. A private mass date, if you can imagine.

Normally mixers are parties held at the fraternity house, private events at local bars, comedy clubs, movie theaters, restaurants, sporting events, tailgates, etc. Sometimes they can be lavish events at country clubs, or simple cheap bbqs in a park.

Often times the fraternity and sorority will theme their mixers and members will come dressed to the theme. It’s a great way to increase excitement and participation for the event.

If you are planning a mixer here are some great theme ideas:

• “I’m glad I’m not…”: Dress as something you are not (cheerleader, pregnant, the Joker, a freshman, a fan from an opposing sports team, a nerd, etc.).
• 80′s prom: Big hair, big sleeves and cheesy music are all you need.
• Above Par: You’ll need golfing attire like argyle and tweed, and monogrammed golf tees.
• Anything but Clothes: Dress in anything but clothes (Twister board, a picnic blanket, caution tape, a cardboard box, inner-tube with flippers, etc.). Read the rest of this entry »

Image via Greek Gear

As the Director of Greek Relations for EDUInReview.com, I often receive questions requesting clarification about Greek life traditions.

One of the most popular traditions within the Greek community is the fraternity and sorority paddle.

Normally created during the pledge period, a member of the Greek organization will make a paddle for a superior member, most commonly, their big brother or sister in the organization. Oftentimes the entire pledge class will create a paddle for the pledge master or the organization as a whole.

Paddles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, traditional or unique, but almost always are made of wood. Creative and inventive members will even carve the wooden paddles themselves. My paddles were purchased from the University of Central Florida’s bookstore and from an online boutique.

Read the rest of this entry »

Entering the Greek system and joining a sorority is a rite of passage for many college women, whether continuing a family legacy or creating a lifestyle that promotes friendship, academic accountability and socializing.

Don’t take the decision lightly though. Everything from determining if sorority life is ideal for you to choosing a house in which you’ll fit are important points to consider. This guide can provide some insight from sorority alumni on getting through sorority rush (the recruitment week), determining which house is best for you, and even leave you with some questions you’ll need to answer.

One of the first things you should do is determine if being a part of a sorority is the best choice for you. And that’s a decision only you can make. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s obviously been a lot of passionate commentary posted here. We won’t disagree that the sororal community is one that is strong. When this article was first created nearly two years ago, it was done so as a way to capture all of our sorority profiles in one place (and at that time, we’d, admittedly, only completely ten), it was never meant to place one above another or diminish the value of another. Although, we recognize, the headline says otherwise. Since that time we’ve written, to the best of our knowledge, profiles on most, if not all, of the major collegiate sorority organizations in the U.S. You can find those here.

The list of ten presented here is in alphabetical order, again, in no way meant to give preference.

Being a part of a Greek organization is often the first order of business for life on campus for college freshman. Typically a rush week just prior or at the start of the fall semester makes it possible for women to visit each sorority house on campus, before an invitation is extended to join one house or another. These sororities can be a major part of a student’s college career, being a source of social activies, cultivating relationships and keeping students accountable for their academic performance.

Ten sororities stand out as some of the oldest, largest and most popular Greek organizations for women. Learn more about their histories, philanthropic efforts, traditions and even celebrity alumnae.

Alpha Chi Omega

Founded 1885 on the Depauw University campus in Greencastle, IN by the dean of the music school, in an effort to cultivate a music culture for women. The Alpha Chis support charities for domestic violence, and famous alumnae include former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Bachelorette Trista Rehn Sutter.

Alpha Phi

Alpha Phi was the fourth Greek organization ever founded for women, in 1872 at Syracuse University. The sorority promotes sisterhood and character with philanthropic efforts focused on cardiac care and research. Famous alumnae include actress Jeri Ryan and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey. Read the rest of this entry »

It was announced that the Delta Beta chapter of the Delta Delta Delta women’s fraternity will be closing its doors at Miami University in Ohio, with no opportunity to return until 2011. According to a story published on the fraternity’s national site, reports of hazing were made in early February and the organization worked closely with university officials to conduct a thorough investigation. They soon concluded that the hazing incident was against both Miami Student Code of Conduct and Tri Delta policy.

“We are deeply disappointed in the choices made by several members of our chapter at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio last month,” said Jackye Clark, President of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity. “This decision is made with a heavy heart, as our chapter at Miami University has enjoyed an uninterrupted 98-year span and positive track record with its host institution until now.”

Those members violating Tri Delta conduct policy face permanent removal from the organization, and those in good-standing may opt to become an unaffiliated collegiate member.

Will Greek be a part of your College Life?

Shopping for a new college wardrobe? Think simple! As a college student, you lack time and money, and your wardrobe is going to need to reflect this. Sure, you can look cute and stylish, but functional clothing is the key– especially during the week when classes are in session.

Here are the Ten Commandments of College Girl Attire:

1. Thou shalt wear comfortable shoes. You’re going to be walking around campus all day, and this isn’t Sex and the City. Save the stilettos for the weekends, and come to campus equipped with comfortable walking shoes. And when it’s snowy and icy out, make sure you’re prepared with decent boots. Nothing says, “I don’t have a clue” more than a female student slipping and sliding across campus in heels on an icy day.

2. Thou shalt not fill up your dorm room with clothes. You have to share this room with someone else, and she’s not going to appreciate it if you bring in every piece of clothing you own.

3. Thou shalt never bring clothes that need ironing or hand-washing. Do you have any idea how busy you’re going to be?

4. Thou shalt come to class fully clothed. Ladies, save the cleavage for the weekend. Wear whatever you want to a party, but if you want people to take you seriously, dress at least somewhat modestly.

5. Thou shalt layer. You’re going to be going in and out of buildings frequently, and many college buildings haven’t updated their heating and air conditioning systems since, say, 1943.

6. Thou shalt not bother getting all dolled up for your 8 a.m. class. Sleep is too valuable for that. Grab a baseball cap or throw your hair into a ponytail–and out the door you go.

7. Thou shalt buy used clothing. Most college campuses have fabulous thrift stores nearby where you can buy and sell clothing–plus there’s always eBay. Don’t be a snob.

8. Thou shalt dress warmly even if it messes up your clothes and hair. Bundle up, ladies! Anyone who thinks less of you because you have hat hair on a frigid day isn’t worth impressing.

9. Thou shalt bring a decent bathrobe and pajamas. When you share a dorm room, apartment, or sorority room with roommates, privacy is minimal.

10. Thou shalt wear whatever the heck thou want. Do you really care what other people think? This isn’t high school, so don’t worry if it’s an Abercrombie campus or a granola campus or whatever. Be yourself.