Student Leadership & Involvement

Mission

In the spirit of brotherhood/sisterhood, Allegheny College Fraternity and Sorority Life upholds a commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service while maintaining pride and respect between its members, the College, and local communities.

Chapters

There are a total of eleven nationally affiliated social Greek-letter organizations active on campus and approximately twenty-eight percent of Allegheny students are members of a fraternity or sorority.

Fraternities

Delta Tau Delta | Phi Delta Theta | Phi Gamma Delta | Phi Kappa Psi | Theta Chi

Sororities

Alpha Chi Omega | Alpha Delta Pi | Delta Delta Delta | Kappa Alpha Theta | Kappa Kappa Gamma | Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Eligibility

Potential new members must have earned a minimum of 12 credit hours, have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 or meet the organization’s specified minimum standard to join, whichever is higher, and have minimum 2.0 GPA the semester before affiliating before they can be offered an invitation to join. Students transferring to Allegheny College will be declared eligible provided that they had cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 and have minimum 2.0 GPA the semester before affiliating at their previous institution and are transferring at least 12 credit hours. This must be verified prior to transfer students joining. Regardless of credit hours, students who are identified as freshman by the Registrar’s office may not receive a bid into an organization until their second semester of attendance at Allegheny College.

Involvement

Members of fraternities and sororities are extremely active in their chapters and in other organizations on campus. Chapters typically complete over 7,000 hours of community service each year. Academically, members of fraternities and sororities perform at or above the all-College GPA average. The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council work together to plan annual events including Greek Week, Greek Sing, and SAMS (Students for the Awareness of Multiple Sclerosis) to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Traditions

The fraternity and sorority community at Allegheny represents over 150 years of leadership, campus involvement, academic excellence, community service and social development. While each chapter has its own unique history and traditions, our community shares Allegheny-specific traditions such as Run-Out (where each chapter introduces its new members to the campus) and pinnings on Brooks balcony (where a chapter member gives their badge to a significant other during a chapter ceremony).

Housing

The sororities have chapter suites on the fourth floor of Brooks residence hall. These suites serve as large meeting and programming spaces and are used for various sorority activities. Four of the five fraternities have an independent living space, and men may choose to live in their respective fraternity house after completing their first year at Allegheny to fulfill the on-campus residency requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will joining a fraternity or sorority compromise my academics?

On the contrary, a central mission of all Greek organizations is academic excellence. Fraternities and sororities understand that their members are students first and foremost. All chapters have scholarship programs that include required study hours, tutoring, recognition for academic success, etc.

Is hazing considered a tradition among fraternities and sororities?

Hazing has no place in any organization. Allegheny College will not tolerate hazing in any student organization. In addition, hazing is against the law in the State of Pennsylvania. All fraternity and sorority members know that hazing is against their national policies, college policy and the law. If you feel your student is participating in inappropriate activities, please contact Student Life immediately at (814) 332-4356 or email sli@allegheny.edu. The college’s Hazing Policy is also included in The Compass Student Handbook.

What is the financial commitment associated with fraternities and sororities?

Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting with revenue coming from members who pay dues. When students join a fraternity or sorority, they agree to pay dues and fees while enrolled at Allegheny College in order to maintain membership. While membership is affordable, some chapters are able to make accommodations for special circumstances, but students should discuss the financial obligations with you before they join.

Does being a member of a fraternity or sorority have benefits after graduation?

Absolutely. Fraternity and sorority membership is a lifelong commitment. Once you are an initiated member, you remain a member for life. As such, each organization has an extensive alumni network. Being a fraternity or sorority member means having an immediate connection with thousands of other members. There are many successful alumni all over the country who are always looking to hire the best and the brightest that our community has to offer. In addition, there are alumni groups or graduate chapters that operate in most cities and metropolitan areas across the country. If you find yourself in a new city, you can start your networking with your brothers or sisters in the local alumni group.

Parent Information

College is an exciting time in one’s life; participation in Fraternity and Sorority Life can be a great way to enrich the student experience. The establishment of Greek-letter organizations began in 1855 and have remained a constant at Allegheny College. Today we have six national fraternities and six national sororities representing about twenty-eight percent of the college community. You will find our fraternity men and sorority women dedicated to bettering themselves through service, scholarship, and leadership opportunities. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Student Life at 814-332-4356 or sli@allegheny.edu.

---