Q: How many fraternities and sororities are there at Cal?
A: The University of California , Berkeley is currently home to 65 fraternities and sororities, with a membership around 3,000 students, approximately 12% of all undergraduate students. Our Greek Community is incredibly diverse, offering membership in four different types of Greek organizations: 12 Panhellenic sororities, 36 IFC fraternities, 9 National Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities, 8 Cultural fraternities and sororities.
Panhellenic sororities and IFC fraternities are general Greek letter organizations. National Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities are traditionally African American Greek letter organizations. Cultural fraternities and sororities are Greek letter organizations based around a particular culture or religion (Asian, Latino, Multicultural, Christian and Jewish).
Q: What benefits does fraternity or sorority membership offer?
A: All fraternities and sororities pride themselves in their focus upon the four pillars of Greek membership: Friendship, Scholarship, Leadership and Service. The Greek system offers an excellent support system to deal with the rigors of life at Cal. Members develop close friendships that will last a lifetime. Most offer an academic program designed to enable the members to succeed in the classroom. The Greek system also provides numerous opportunities to gain the leadership experience coveted by employers and grad schools. All sororities and fraternities host philanthropy events that benefit their respective charities, and the entire community gets together for a Dance Marathon to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. But above all, being Greek is fun and truly enriches your college experience! Whether at a social event, brotherhood/sisterhood event or a philanthropy event, you can be guaranteed to enjoy yourself.
Q: How much does it cost to belong to a fraternity or sorority?
A: Each fraternity and sorority is self-supporting from dues paid by its members. Fraternity and sorority financial obligations vary, depending on whether the chapter has a live-in house, a meal plan, social dues and national dues. Other costs related to membership in a Greek organization include one-time new membership fees to cover initiation expenses and establishment in the national organization. For chapters with facilities or houses, there may also be a live-out fee for members who choose not to reside in the house. Most organizations have payment plans as well as merit based and need-based scholarships.
It is best to contact a fraternity or sorority directly to inquire about financial obligations. IFC fraternity and Panhellenic sorority housing costs are very competitive with living in Berkeley or in the University's residential dorms. For Spring 2003, the average yearly cost of living in an IFC fraternity was $5,500. The average yearly cost for Panhellenic sororities was $6600. When compared to University housing in which a double occupancy room in the Unit 1 dorms with a standard meal plan costs $9995 per year, living in a fraternity or sorority becomes a very affordable housing option.
Q: What is hazing? Do fraternities and sororities haze?
A: Hazing is prohibited by the State of California , the University of California as well as the Panhellenic, IFC and National Panhellenic Greek Councils. Greek members are responsible for adherence to a self imposed Greek Social Code as well as an Anti-Hazing Agreement. There is a no-tolerance policy for hazing at UC Berkeley and any incidents are handled directly by Student Judicial Affairs. Fraternities and Sororities attempt to instill leadership and confidence in their members. The new member education process should be viewed as one by which new members come to understand the chapter's history, goals and management. These orientation programs will challenge and invite new members to become informed members and effective chapter leaders.
For more questions about the new member education process, please contact our New Member Educator, Kerrilee Fazinno, at kerrileefazzino13@berkeley.edu .
Q: How will joining a sorority or fraternity affect my academics?
A: Greek letter organizations were originally founded to further scholastic achievement and opportunities for all members. This tradition holds true at the University of California , Berkeley . The Greek community helps provide a smooth transition from high school to university life. Individual chapters have developed their own scholarship programs to help foster as well as reward academic success. Many Greek organizations employ study periods, test aids, professor dinners, test files, tutoring/mentoring, and pairing up of members to study together. In addition, the Interfraternity, Panhellenic and National Pan-Hellenic Councils sponsor programs including scholarship desserts and study nights.
Q: What is the time commitment for fraternity or sorority membership?
A: Fraternity and sorority membership is a great opportunity for a well-rounded college experience. Members are usually required to attend certain functions such as weekly chapter meetings, annual recruitment events, new member initiations, some scholastic events and some community service events. Beyond these obligations, the time commitment one chooses to invest in their fraternity or sorority is at their discretion. Typically, members find themselves wanting to participate in more than the minimal obligations. Many choose to get involved with their chapter's leadership by becoming an officer, joining committees, and planning chapter events. Attending social events, tutoring other members, joining Order of Omega, as well as attending extra philanthropy or community service projects, though not mandatory, are other ways of staying involved in one's chapter.
Fraternities and Sororities also pride themselves on having members who are involved in other aspects of campus life. Whether a member of an NCAA sports team, an ASUC senator, a columnist for the Daily Cal or a member of other UC Berkeley student groups, fraternities and sororities acknowledge and support their members needs to get involved in activities outside of the Greek community. Many fraternity men and sorority women also hold part-time jobs while staying involved in their chapter. In most cases, these are great ways to learn time management skills. Being Greek is truly rewarding and students will get out of their Greek membership experience as much as they want to invest in it.
More questions? Please feel free to contact Cesie Alvarez, VP Membership
caltrideltavpm@gmail.com