usc aiken 2015 greek guide

University of South Carolina AikenFraternity and Sorority Life

2015-2016

Council PresidentsRyan GreenNational Pan-Hellenic Council

Victoria CarterNational Panhellenic Council

Brantley WestbrookInterfraternity Council

Office of

Greek LifeThe Greek Life Office is located in the Student Life suite in the Student Activities Center. The Student Life staff as a whole strives to support

Greek Life on USC Aiken’s Campus. Angel Miano is the Associate Director of Student Life for Greek Life and can be reached by phone

at 803/641-3776 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Follow Us!

USCA Student Life

@USCAGreekLife

Important Dates• September2nd:GreekForum,EtherredgeCenterstart-

ingat6PM• August26th&27th:GetonBoardDays,Quadfrom

10AM-2PM• September15th-18th:SororityRecruitment• September18th:SororityBidDay&FountainRun• September21st-25th:FraternityRecruitment• September25th:FraternityBidDay

InterFraternal Council (IFC)The goal of IFC and it’s officers is to promote cooperation, direction, and friendship among all members of the Greek community at USCA; and es-pecially focuses on the needs and interests of all IFC organizations. The five basic purposes of IFC are: to promote the interests of IFC fraternities in social, academic, and civic matters; to serve as the representation between IFC fraternities and other areas of the campus, community, student groups, administration, and civic/local organizations; to coordinate and regulate all joint on-campus and off-campus activities of the social fraternities; to serve as a fraternal forum for the exchange of ideas between members and organizations; and to accentuate all positive aspects of fraternal life.

RJ StraussVP of Recruitment

Brantley WestbrookPresident

Corey BrechlinVP of Public Relations

Brice KeysSecretary/Treasurer

National Panhellenic Council (NPC)The goal of NPC and it’s officers is to develop and maintain sorority life and intersorority relations at a high level of accomplishment and in so doing: consider the goals and ideals of member groups as continually applicable to campus and personal life; promote superior scholarship as basic to intel-lectual achievement; cooperate with member sororities and the university administration in concern for and maintenance of high social and moral standards; and to act in accordance with such rules established by the Panhellenic Council as to not violate the sovereignty, rights, and priviliges of member sororities. Follow us on Facebook at USC Aiken NPC and twitter @uscaiken_npc.

Victoria CarterPresident

Courtney BerryVP of Recruitment

Erin McCainVP of

Administration

Rachel VaughanVP of Finance & Correspondence

Haley WestVP of Judicial

Anna GriffinVP of Public Relations

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)The goal of NPHC is to enhance fellowship, brotherhood, sisterhood, and community service among the predominantly black fraternities and sorori-ties on campus through closer interaction among ourselves in the interest of improving social and philanthropic relations and increased communica-tion with the other Greek organizations and the campus population while maintaining and promoting high scholarship and academic achievements.

Ryan Green President

Gabby MullenHistorian

Alana PittsSecretary

Bria EllisonTreasurer

KaDonna LewisVice President

Erin BoydParliamentarian

Antonio FurtickChief Judicial Officer

How to JoinThree different membership processes take place for so-rorities and fraternities on USC Aiken’s campus. These three processes will be de-scribed in the pages follow-ing.

Please note that all chapters have a cost associated with joining. Details regarding these costs can be found at the back of this guide.

Sorority Recruitment: The three chapters that are members of the National Panhellenic Conference (Alpha Omicron Pi, Phi Mu, & Zeta Tau Alpha) at USC Aiken participate in formal recruitment in the fall. Formal recruitment will take place September 15th-18th. In order to participate in for-mal recruitment you must fill out an application and turn in the recruitment fee to the Student Life Office. Recruitment applications can be picked up in the Student Life Office of the Student Activities Center or completed online in the an-nouncements section of USCA’s Greek Life webpage: http://web.usca.edu/student-involvement/greek-life/announce-ments/

Fraternity Recruitment: The three chapters that are mem-bers of the Interfraternity Council (Delta Sigma Phi, Lamb-da Chi Alpha, Tau Kappa Epsilon) at USC Aiken participate in fraternity recruitment in the fall. Fraternity recruitment is September 21st-25th. Interested men should fill out a recruitment application and turn it in to the Greek Life Of-fice. Applications can be picked up in the Student Life Suite of the Student Activities Center.

Membership Intake: The eight chapters that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Al-pha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, & Zeta Phi Beta) at USC Aiken participate in membership intake which is organized by the individual chapters.

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Sorority RecruitmentSeptember 15th-18th

All women who desire to participate in Sorority Recruitment must fill out a recruitment application and pay the $25 recruitment fee by Tuesday, September 15th. Applications can be picked up and

turned in at the Student Life Suite of the Student Activities Center or completed online at http://web.usca.edu/student-involvement/greek-life/announcements.

Greek ForumWednesday, Septem-ber 2nd @ 6PM in the

Etherredge Center

Want to learn more about the sororities USC Ai-ken has to offer? Attend Greek Forum and hear from the Panhellenic President, Greek alumni, chapter delegates, and meet women from the three sororities as well as learn what to expect during sorority recruitment. This is your chance to hear from Panhellenic officers and recruit-ment counselors, also known as Pi Chis, about what to expect. Dress for this night is very casual.

At the beginning of the first night you will be assigned two recruitment counselors, Pi Chi’s to help guide you through the recruitment pro-cess. During the first night of recruit-ment, Round One, you will visit with all three of the sororities with your Pi Chi groups. You will spend the same amount of time with each group learn-ing about their scholarship initiatives and academic success. This first night is very casual so please wear shorts/pants or a skirt, and comfortable shoes.

Night One: Open House Night

Tuesday, September 15th

Pi Chis Erin Bunts and Rachel Vaughan model what to wear on the first night of recruitment.


All Sorority Recruitment events take place on USC Aiken’s campus. There is a strict schedule for all three nights that the organizations and potential new members must adhere to in order to partici-

pate in recruitment.

During round two you will visit a maximum of all three sororities and learn about their philanthropic causes and activities. Attire for this day is casual and you may be doing crafts so please wear comfortable clothes

and comfortable shoes.

Night Two: Philanthropy Night

Wednesday, September 16th

Night Three: Preference NightThursday, September 17th

Preference Night is a special ceremony intended for each chap-ter to showcase the special bond they share as sisters. You will visit a maximum of two sororities. Due to the more formal na-ture of this night you ar encouraged to wear a dress or dress clothes.

Pi Chis Erin Bunts, Haley West, & Brittany Salem model what to wear on the second night of recruitment.

Pi Chis Laura Purdy, Victoria Carter, Rachel Vaughan, & Alexis McGill model what to wear on the third night of recruitment.


Sorority Recruitment culminates with the annual fountain run! Women get to learn who their new sisters are going to be and Pi Chis get to reunite with their sisters.

Day Four:Bid Day

Friday, September 18th

Bid Day is the grand finale of sorority recruitment. Everyone will pick up their bid in the Student Life Suite in the Student Activities Center. Mem-bership bids are given out to women who complete the recruitment pro-cess. Current NPC women will gather at the fountain to meet their new members. Pi Chi’s will reunite with their sisters! Please wear comfort-able clothes as this will be a very active and exciting afternoon. Each soror-ity will give their new members a t-shirt to wear when they receive their bids.

Recruitment Counselors a.k.a. Pi Chis

What is a Recruitment Counselor?Recruitment Counselors, or Pi Chis, will be assigned to you and a small group of other potential new members. They are cur-rent members of a USC Aiken sorority who temporarily disaffiliate (leave) from their chapter to help you find your perfect fit. At the end of recruitment all Pi Chis will rejoin their sisters. These women are trained to assist women who are going through the recruitment process. They are here to guide you through and answer any questions you may have about the recruitment process. Your Pi Chis are there to help you!

Possible Recruitment Violations

Verbalbid: A verbal bid is any kind of statement by a sorority member that makes a reference to you becoming a member of her chapter (i.e. “I can’t wait for you to become my sister!”). Invita-tions are only extended through the Student Life office staff.

OutsideContact: Any outside contact (phone calls, gifts, letters, visits) from undergraduates or alumnae is strictly prohibited. Sorority members may only speak to you during the parties of the formal recruitment process.

Ifyoueverfeellikeoneoftheseviolationsoccurred,makesuretoinformyourPiChi.Youshouldneverbemadetofeeluncomfortableduringrecruitment.

AOPAlpha Omicron Pi

National Founding: January 2nd, 1897Color: CardinalNational Website: www.alphaomicronpi.orgSymbol: Jacqueminot RoseMascot: Panda*New Member Dues:Initiation Fee: $165.00New Member Fee: $44.00Badge Fee: $77.00Building/Furnishing: $50.00Chapter Dues: $300.00Panhellenic Dues: $10.00BillHighway: $9.00Development Fee: $10.00TOTAL: $665.00

* Prices are an estimate and subject to change

FMPhi Mu

National Founding: March 4th, 1852Colors: Rose & WhiteNational Website: www.phimu.orgSymbol: Barbed QuatrefoilMascot: Lion*New Member Dues:Initiation Fee: $137.00 (one time fee)Provisional Membership Fee: $41.50 (one time fee)Badge: $75.00+ (one time fee)Semester Dues: $179.60T-Shirt Fee: $30.00National Obligation Fee: $90.00Social Fee: $15.00(Monthly payment plans are available)TOTAL: $568.10


ZTAZeta Tau Alpha

National Founding: October 15th, 1898Color: Turquoise Blue & Steel GrayNational Website: www.zetataualpha.orgSymbol: Five Pointed Crown*New Member Dues:National Fee - New Member Fee: $60.00National Fee - Initiation Fee: $120.00National Fee - Per Capital: $45.00National Fee - Second Century Fund: $2.00National Fee - Technology: $14.00National Fee - Insurance: $20.00National Fee - House Reserve Fund: $20.00National Fee - Parlor Fees: $17.00Chapter Composite Fee: $10.00Panhellenic Dues: $5.50Leased Items Fee: $6.00Chapter Dues: $210.00Fall dues: $529.50 for new members


Fraternity RecruitmentSeptember 21st-25th

All men who desire to participate in Fraternity Recruitment must fill out a recruitment application by Thursday, September 24th. Applications can be picked up and turned in at the Student Life Suite

of the Student Activities Center.

Greek ForumWednesday, September 2nd @ 6PM in the Etherredge Center

Want to learn more about the fraternities USC Aiken has to offer? Attend Greek Forum and hear from the IFC Presi-dent, Greek alumni, chapter delegates, and meet men from the three fraternities as well as learn what to expect during fra-ternity recruitment. This is your chance to hear from IFC officers about what to expect. Dress for this night is very casual.

The first night is casual. All organizations will start in the Student Activities Center Mezzanine. This will give you a chance to min-gle with men from all three chapters. Dress for this night is casual.

Location and Time Determined by the ChaptersChapter informal nights give chapters the opportunity to invite po-tential new members to visit with them in a more informal setting like a barbecue or other brotherhood events. You are encouraged to get to know the brothers in the chapters that you visit to increase your chances of being invited back to the final night of recruitment.

Nights Two & Three: Informal Rounds

Tuesday, September 22ndWednesday, September 23rd

Night One: Open House

Monday, September 21st @ 5PM

Location and Time Determined by the ChaptersFor the final night of recruitment, individuals may choose to ac-cept as many invitations as they receive. These formal events are re-stricted only to potential new members specifically invited by thechapter. This round should be taken very seriously in your se-lection process. Chapters will showcase the importance of life-long brotherhood in their organization as part of the fi-nal night of formal recruitment. Dress is business formal.

Night Four: Formal Round

Thursday, September 24th

Bid Day: Friday, September 25th

10:00AM-2:00PM

Potential new members will go to the Student Activities Center, Stu-dent Life Suite to receive their bids on Friday. Potential new members wil receive their bids from a Greek Life representative and may choose to accept a bid from the chapter. Join us in the evening for a ceremony

welcoming the new men into Greek Life.

Fraternity RecruitmentSeptember 21st-25th

Fraternity Recruitment GuidelinesAll potential new members who wish to accept membership into a fra-ternal organization at USCA must meet the following requirements:

• BeafulltimestudentattheUniversityofSouthCarolinaAiken

• Musthavea2.5cumulativeGPA

• FileagradereleaseformwiththeofficeofGreekLife(completingtherecruitmentapplicationdoesthis)

• Observethenoalcoholpolicyduringrecruitmentactivities

Your first four weeks...

We are glad that you are interested in becoming a part of our fraternity community. Please take advantage of your first four weeks of school to learn even more about being a fraternity man on USC Aiken’s campus. Like us on Facebook for up-to-date information and be sure to register for recruitment in the Student Life Office of the Student Activities Center to receive email updates in order to help you learn more about our community’s values of scholarship, leadership, friendship, and service.

DSFDelta Sigma Phi

National Founding: 1899Colors: Nile Green & White National Website: www.deltasig.orgSymbol: The SphinxAverage Semester Dues: *$360 Rush week: Monday: Introduction night, Tuesday: Tailgate, Wednesday: Informal hangout night, Thurday: For-mal Night, Friday: Bid dayInteresting Fact: First Delta Sigma Phi chapter in the state of South Caro-linaOther Info: You still have the opportu-nity to be a founding father.


LCALambda Chi Alpha

National Founding: November 2nd, 1909Colors: Purple, Green, & GoldNational Website: www.lambdachi.orgSymbol: Cross & CrescentAverage Semester Dues: Brother dues *$400, New members *$425Rush Week: Monday: Introduction Night, Tuesday: Sports Night, Wednes-day: Alumni Night, Thursday: Preference night, Friday: Bid DayInteresting Fact: First fraternity to abolish Pledging, replacing it instead with an Associate MembershipPhilanthropy: Feeding America * Prices are an estimate and subject to change

TKETau Kappa Epsilon

National Founding: January 10, 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University Colors: Cherry and GreyNational Website: www.tke.orgSymbol: Equilateral Triangle Average Semester Dues: *$350 Rush week: Monday Sept. 21st IFC Formal Re-cruitment; Tuesday Sept. 22nd Casino Night 7-9 pm (SAC Mez); Wednesday Sept. 23rd Sports Night 6-8pm (Intramural Field); Thursday Sept. 24th Tradition Night 7-9pm (SAC Mez); Friday Sept 25th Bid Day

Interesting Fact: Largest Fraternity in the WorldPhilanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Hospital * Prices are an estimate and subject to change

Membership IntakeUndergraduate students who wish to join a Na-tional Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organi-zation must meet specific membership quali-fications. These standards include, but are not limited to, academic achievement, communi-ty service, and good character. Any interested student is required to have a minimum num-ber of college credit hours before participat-ing in the intake process, and students who are

on disciplinary probation may not participate. Such requirements are designed to promote the advancement of strong and effective chapters. Each organization implements its own unique membership intake process. To learn more about NPHC organizations, students are highly en-couraged to attend Greek Forum on Wednes-day, September 2nd at 6PM in the Etherredge Center. Additionally, interested candidates are expected to research each individual organiza-tion and chapter, as well as attend various events hosted by NPHC organizations on campus.

AFAAlpha Phi Alpha

Founding Date: Dec 4, 1906 on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, NYSigma Tau Chartered : Feb 28, 1993 at USCAColors: Old Gold & BlackMembership Requirements: 2.5 gpa & at least 15 credit hours at USCAOfficial Website: www.apa1906.netMembership Cost Estimate: *$1,000+Symbol:The Great Sphinx of Giza

Interesting Fact: The first intercollegiate, international fraternity for African Ameri-can menPhilanthropy: March of Dimes/March for Babies; My Brother’s Keeper; A Voteless People is a Hopeless People; Project Alpha; Go-to-Highschool, Go-to-CollegeNotable Members: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; W.E.B. DuBois, Dr. Cornell West, Thurgood Marshall, Stuart Scott, Judge Gregg Mathis, Judge Joe Brown*This is only an estimate and is subject to change at any

time.

AKAAlpha Kappa Alpha

National Founding: January 15th, 1908 on the campus of Howard Uni-versityChapter: Mu LambdaColors: Salmon Pink & Apple GreenNational Website: www.aka1908.comSymbol: Ivy Leaf

Membership Requirements: C+/2.5 GPA, must currently be a Sophomore level or above at USC AikenPhilanthropy: Educational Enrichment, Health Promotion, Family Strengthening, Environmental Ownership, and Global ImpactInteresting Fact: Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first African American Greek-Letter Sorority

KAYKappa Alpha Psi

National Founding: January 5th, 1911 Indiana Uni-versityNu Nu Chartered: October 16, 1988Colors: Crimson & CreamNational Website: www.kappaalphapsi1911.comSymbol: DiamondGPA Requirement: 2.5 (Preference given to highest GPA)Membership Requirements: Must have successfully completed at least 12 credit hours at USC AikenMembership Cost Estimate: *$2000Interesting Fact: Nu Nu Chapter has a 100% gradua-tion rate since charter datePhilanthropy: Guide Right Program (Kappa League)

*This is only an estimate and is subject to change at any time.

WYFOmega Psi Phi

Founding Date: Nov 17th, 1911 on the cam-pus of Howard UniversityIncorporation Date: Oct 28th, 1914Beta Lambda Chartered : Nov 17th, 1977 at USCAColors: Royal Purple & Old GoldCardinal Principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, UpliftMembership Requirements: 2.5 gpa & 30 cred-it hoursOfficial Website: www.OPPF.orgMembership Cost Estimate: *$2,000

*This is only an estimate and is subject to change at any

time.

DSQDelta Sigma Theta

National Founding: January 13th, 1913Color: Crimson & CreamNational Website: www.deltasigmatheta.orgSymbol: Lady Fortitude

FBSPhi Beta Sigma

National Founding: January 9th, 1914Colors: Pure White & Royal BlueNational Website: www.phibetasig-ma1914.orgSymbol: Dove

ZFBZeta Phi Beta

Colors: Royal Blue & Pure WhiteNational Website: www.zphib1920.orgSymbol: DoveMembership Requirements: Must have earned at least 12 credits at USCAGPA Requirement: 2.5Cost Estimate: See a member of Zeta Phi Beta Soror-ity, Inc.Interesting Fact: Zeta Phi Beta is the first and only sorority apart of the NPHC to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma.Philanthropy: March of Dimes

National Founding: January 16th, 1920Phi Pi Founded: Spring 1990

SGRSigma Gamma Rho

National Founding: November 12, 1922Colors: Royal blue and goldNational Website: www.sgrho1922.orgSymbol: PoodleAverage Dues Estimate: *$750 to joinGPA Requirement: 2.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale)Membership Requirements: Candidates may be accepted for undergraduate membership at a four-year accredited college or university, or in a liberal arts/transfer program of a junior or community college after successfully completing one quarter, semester, or trimester. Interesting Fact: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was the only NPHC sorority not founded on the campus of Howard University.Philanthropy: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Op-eration BigBookBag, Program for Africa

*This is only an estimate and is subject to change at any time.

Hazing Policy

The University of South Carolina Aiken prohibits any form of hazing. No organization, registered or otherwise, officially or in fact, may participate in the activity of hazing.

Hazing is defined as any action or situation created by individuals, clubs and organizations, on or off campus, that could cause or has the potential to result in harassment, emotional or physical abuse of harm, embarrassment, anxiety, ridicule, or the violation of an University rule, no matter how good the end result or intent. Examples of hazing include but are not limited to:

Tests of enduranceSubmission of members or prospective members to potentially dangerous or hazardous circumstances

Paddling Forced indulgence of alcohol or food

Forced excessive exercise Indecent stunts or dress

Deprivation of sleep, normal sleep patterns or adequate study time Physical harassment such as pushing, shoving, tickling, yelling, etc.

Deprivation of normal amounts of food and water Individual or group interrogations such as line-ups

Personal servitude Assigning pranks

Forced or coerced trips such as kidnaps, displacement, and “pledge” dumps

The University of South Carolina Aiken strongly believes in a vibrant learn-ing environment where all students learn, grow, and develop to their full-est potential in a safe atmosphere. As such, USCA strongly prohibits any actions, including hazing, that detract from such an environment. Below is USC Aiken’s hazing policy and how you can report hazing anonymously.

Should a violation occur, contact Campus Police at 803-641-6111, or a staff member within the Office of Greek life 641-3776.

It’s All Greek to MeFrequently Used Greek Terms

Advisor: An alumnus member who serves as a resource for the active chap-ter and liaison between the alums and collegians.Alumnae: Members of a sorority who have graduated. (Singular is alumna.)Alumni: Members of a fraternity who have graduated. (Singular is alum-nus.)Badge: Also known as a pin, it is an item of jewelry given to members upon initiation. The badge is to be worn at all official functions, and upon a mem-ber’s death, it should be returned to the sorority or fraternity headquarters. The badge must be worn with business-like attire, usually over the heart and above all other pins.Bid: An invitation to join a fraternity or sorority. They are given out on Bid Day during formal recruitmentBid Day: The last day of recruitment in which potential new members re-ceive formal invitations to join a fraternity or sorority.Call: A yell to identify and greet brothers and sisters. Non-members are not permitted to use the call.Chapter: A branch of a national sorority, established at a campus. Each will have its own name, usually designated by Greek letters.Collegian/Collegiate: An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority cur-rently in college. Also known as active.Colony: A new organization that is awaiting official recognition from their national office to have a chapter at a campus.Expansion: When an organization is looking to expand and open a chapter at a new school.Founders Day: An event celebrated by fraternities and sororities to high-light the founding of their organization and celebrate its history. It’s not necessarily held on the day the organization was founded.IFC: The Interfraternity Council is the governing council of the fraternity community at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Initiate: A person who has recently learned the ritual of a fraternity or so-rority and is a full member.Initiation: A ceremony where a new member becomes a full member of the organization. Initiation ceremonies are private and different for all organi-zations.Intake: Term for the process by which NPHC members are selected to be-come pledges of an organization. Much more secretive than recruitment or rush.Legacy: The son, daughter, brother, or sister of an initiated or alumnus/alumna member. Some organizations also include grandchildren or step-children.Line: A NPHC term somewhat equal to a pledge class. They are the poten-tial new members of the organization. Lines are often given names.Neophyte: New member of an NPHC organization. Also called a Neo.New Member: After receiving and accepting a bid, the person becomes a new member.NPC: The National Panhellenic Conference is the organization that governs the women’s sororities.NPHC: The National Pan-Hellenic Council, the governing body of the nine traditionally African-American fraternities and sororities, also known as the Divine Nine.PNM: NPC Sororities use this abbreviation when referring to a potential new member.Order of Omega: An honor society for Greek members who demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic achievement.Recruitment: The process where NPC and IFC sororities and fraternities get new members. Potential new members attend events hosted by each organization where current members get to know the potential new mem-bers and choose the new members of their organization.

usc aiken 2015 greek guide

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