Going Greek
Greek Life
College years will include several new and exciting experiences. Being a member of a fraternity or sorority is one opportunity that can open doors to success in leadership, scholarship, and the UTPA community! It will also assist you in developing social skills, educational awareness in social issues, and give you the chance to make life-long friends that have similar interests.
Values
Scholarship:
When you join a Greek organization, you become part of a larger group of students who value academics. High academic standards are rewarded for outstanding achievement by induction into the Greek honor societies, Gamma Sigma Alpha and or Order of Omega.
Leadership:
The Greek community offers a variety of leadership opportunities to prepare students for future careers. Becoming a member of a fraternity or a sorority opens the door to elected or appointed positions. Each chapter is self-governing and relies on the special talents of its members for successful management. Fraternity and sorority members also have the opportunity to become involved in the leadership of one of the Greek Councils or honor societies.
Community Service:
Fraternity and sorority members greatly contribute to community service projects and philanthropies. While contributing to UTPA and the surrounding communities Greeks are also responsible for fundraising efforts that greatly benefit the specific national and local charities of each chapter.
Brotherhood & Sisterhood
Attending college is one of the major life changes you may go through. Joining a fraternity or sorority chapter can help make the transition easier. Through membership, a student will develop life-long friendships. For numerous members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to brother/sisterhood, every chapter is committed to enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/ service, and financial responsibility in their members. The lifelong friendships you will make in your chapter will last into post-college years. Greeks have national networks for its members to use for career connections and job re-locations. Membership in a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment that is enjoyed by both the chapter and the member. After college, a member has the opportunity to join an alumni chapter in the area s/he lives.
III Sorority Groups
- Alpha Chi (Interest Group)
- Alpha Sigma Tau
- Delta Xi Nu
- Delta Zeta
- Eta Omega Tau
- Kappa Delta Chi
- Sigma Lambda Gamma
IV Fraternity Groups
- Beta Xi Chi
- Delta Psi Alpha (Co-ed)
- Delta Upsilon
- Kappa Sigma
- Omega Delta Phi
- Phi Kappa Theta
- Phi Sigma Kappa
- Sigma Lambda Beta
- Tau Kappa Epsilon
Greek Speak!
Active: member of an organization who is actively participating with their organization.
Bid: a formal invitation to join a sorority or fraternity.
Fraternity: a group of men who belong to the same letter org.
Sorority: a group of women who belong to the same letter org.
Recruitment or Rush: a period of time when interested students can learn more about the Greek organizations on campus.
Legacy: a woman or man who is the daughter, sister, brother, son or grandchild of a sorority/fraternity initiate.
Alumna: a female, initiated member of a sorority who has graduated from college.
Alumnus: a male, initiated member of a fraternity who has graduated from college.
Initiate: a member who has undergone the initiation ceremony of their respective sorority or fraternity.
Interest or Potential New Member: a student who is not affiliated with a sorority or fraternity, but is participating in an organization's rush events.
Sister or Brother: a term used by members of a sorority and fraternity when referring to one another.
Pin: The active pin or badge is a distinctive insignia worn on the chest designating active member or a particular fraternity/sorority.
New Member Education: an educational period of time when pinned members of a sorority or fraternity learn about the organization's ideals and values.
