If you’ve got questions about fraternity or sorority life at UA Little Rock, please check out these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
A fraternity is a group of men or women bound together by friendship, brotherhood or sisterhood, common goals, and aspirations. Women’s fraternities are most often referred to as sororities. The members of the fraternity or sorority share their friendship, efforts, and knowledge. Together, they learn and grow. Their common experience builds ties that last a lifetime. This brotherhood or sisterhood among the members helps to develop strong and creative leadership that leads to success.
Though there are many different fraternities, they all share common founding principles that are of interest to any college man or woman. Fraternities and sororities strive to enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what fraternity and sorority members aim to live by each day.
The College Panhellenic Council (CPC), Interfraternity Council (IFC), and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) are the governing bodies of the fraternities and sororities at UA Little Rock. IFC and CPC have recruitment in September, but also participate in year-round recruitment, and NPHC fraternities and sororities hold membership intake. Fraternities affiliated with IFC are Delta Chi, Kappa Sigma, and Pi Kappa Alpha. NPHC is made up of 7 fraternities and sororities. The Fraternities are Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi, Inc.; and Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. The sororities are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.; and Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. The CPC sororities on campus are Chi Omega and Kappa Delta.
Every fraternity is different and unique. UA Little Rock prides itself on hosting 12 fraternities and sororities, each with their own characteristics and personalities. The images portrayed in the movies and on TV shows do not reflect those attitudes at UA Little Rock.
Membership is based on scholarship, leadership, and community service. Fraternities and sororities will host membership recruitment events and information sessions during the fall and spring semesters. These events and information sessions provide an opportunity to explore the organizations and a chance to get to know the members. All who are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority should fill out a Fraternity & Sorority Life Application.
Given the benefits, fraternity and sorority membership is a bargain. However, students should consider the costs as they plan their budgets. There is a $15-$25 application fee associated with the Fraternity & Sorority Life application. Dues vary from chapter to chapter because of size, insurance and tax assessments, national fee structures, etc., but typically dues range from as little as $200 to upwards of $500. Most chapters also offer a variety of payment plan options. Students should be aware that there might be one-time costs established by the international headquarters for initiation and pledging during the first semester of membership.
There is a 2.5 GPA requirement to submit a Fraternity & Sorority Life application. However, membership requirements vary from chapter to chapter and can include GPA requirements, credit hour completion, community service hours, etc.
Choosing an organization is a matter of personal preference. Each organization has its own advantages. Selecting a fraternity or sorority is like choosing friends – pick the group with which you feel most comfortable. When visiting the chapters be sure and ask questions that are important to you: costs, activities, scholarship, philanthropy, etc. If a group talks more about the other groups than itself, be aggressive and ask about that group. But, perhaps most importantly, make the decision on your own. Even though your roommate or best friend has decided on a particular fraternity or sorority, you do not have to. Your friends should always be your friends. The choice is completely yours. It is a decision you will have made for a lifetime.
Like most other extra-curricular activities, how much you get out of your fraternity or sorority membership is related to how much you put in. On average, expect to contribute four hours per week for meetings and mandatory activities. Optional activities such as holding an office position, attending social events, playing on an intramural sports team, or helping out with various projects will take additional time. With good time management, your fraternity and sorority activities will easily fit into your weekly schedule and allow plenty of time for classes, studying, work, and participation in other campus activities.
Many immediate benefits are received through membership, including numerous leadership possibilities, academic encouragement, several philanthropic opportunities, and lifelong friendships. When you join a fraternity or sorority, you become friends with the families, friends, and significant others of those members. Members are also introduced to alumni of their chapters all over the country. By joining a Greek letter organization, you can create an entire network of people, which could possibly lead to them becoming an employer, a spouse, or a lifelong friend.
Through the support of local and national philanthropies, fraternities and sororities promote ideals that will enhance a member’s college experience. Charities and service organizations have long depended on the dedication and generous time contributed to the community by the UA Little Rock Greek chapters.
Academic achievement is a priority and most organizations enforce grade point average requirements and offer study sessions, tutoring, and more to help members achieve their potential. Many chapters also provide incentives to their members who excel in the classroom; recognition at meetings, reduced fees, national awards, and more. Students who take advantage of the academic support available and properly balance their time between academic and extracurricular pursuits will find that membership will enhance their academic performance.
Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. All national fraternal organizations and institutions of higher education have banned hazing. The rituals of Greek organizations have nothing to do with hazing; they are not scary, shameful, or degrading. Although it is the most important part of membership, it is nothing more than symbols, heraldry, and common ideals. If you suspect that hazing is happening in a fraternity or sorority at UA Little Rock, contact the Student Experience Center.
Most organizations require members to complete a probationary period, usually called “pledgeship,” “new member education,” or “membership intake” before initiation for the purpose of orientation and membership development. During this time you will learn the history, traditions, and operating procedures for the organization and participate in activities to get to know the members better. Organizations use various terms to refer to their pre-initiates, including “pledge,” “new member,” “associate member,” and “candidate.” Some organizations require new members to achieve a certain grade point average during their “new member” semester in order to qualify to be initiated.
Visit other areas of our Fraternity & Sorority Life website, individual chapter websites, or call the Student Experience Center at 501-569-3308 or email [email protected]. We are here to help!