TABLE OF CONTENTS

03-04Experience More

05-08Councils

09Educational Programs

Risk Management

10A Week in the Life

11-12Family Guide

13-14Glossary

Greek Alphabet

Welcome to Middle Tennessee State University!

We are so glad you have chosen to pursue your educational goals at our institution. During your time at MTSU you will have the opportunity to explore many ways to get involved. One of the avenues of involvement that we are proud to offer is membership in a fraternity or sorority. Our fraternity and sorority community represents a diverse population of students. Members are extremely active on campus and hold key positions in numerous organizations. You will find Greek students in almost every walk of life MTSU has to offer. Fraternities and sororities have made significant contributions to both the university and local community through their programs and philanthropic endeavors. The learning you encounter at MTSU should not just take place in the classroom. Leadership skills and relationship building are an important part of your personal and professional development. Joining a fraternity or sorority will help prepare you for your present and future aspirations. I encourage you to consider fraternity or sorority membership and all of its possibilities.

On behalf of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Middle Tennessee State University, welcome to campus!  As an undergraduate, joining a fraternity or sorority is one of the best decisions you can make. Fraternity and sorority membership offers one of the most dynamic and memorable experiences available to you as a college student.  We hope that you will consider joining us! Enjoy this preview of fraternity and sorority life at MTSU!

A Note from President McPhee

The fraternity and sorority community offers countless leadership opportunities. Below is just a sample of the leadership experiences you could encounter:

• Managing executive teams • Serving on or chairing committees • Managing budgets • Working and networking with alumni • Educating and developing members and

new members

Philanthropy is a fundamental tenet of fraternity and sorority life. The following are some ways fraternities and sororities give back:

• Participate in service activities benefiting the Murfreesboro and surrounding communities

• Organize special events that raise money for local and national charities

• Over the past year, the MTSU fraternity and sorority community contributed more than 9,000 hours of community service and donated over $64,000 to local and national philanthropies

03

“Joining a fraternity

has been the best decision I have ever made. I would not be the person I am today without the experiences I have shared with the Greek Community.”

James Lee, Student Body President and Alpha Tau Omega Member

By joining a fraternity or sorority you will make lifelong friendships and make countless memories created through brother or sister relationships. You will also participate in social events such as dinner exchanges, homecoming, parent’s weekend, backyard barbeques, intramurals, mixers, and formals. Networking and mentoring opportunities are guaranteed. Expect to build relationships with:

• Chapter alumni • Inter/national staff/officers • Campus faculty/staff

Fraternities and sororities strive to make academics a priority by implementing scholarship programs within their organizations that may include:

• Academic Advising • Tutoring Programs • Academic Success Workshops • Study Hours • Scholarship Opportunities • Mentoring Groups

Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations, meaning that, as a member you’ll be asked to put the chapter’s values into action and align personal values with those of the organization. Through participation in chapter programming, members will deepen their understanding and everyday practice of the organization’s values.

• Lead by example • Change the world

04

LEAD

VOLUNTEER

SOCIALIZE

EXCEL

LIVE

INTERFRATERNITYCOUNCIL

(IFC)

During the mid-1800’s, men attending institutions of higher

education realized the need for teaching in life and not

just academics. Thus, fraternal organizations were formed with ideals

centered on brotherhood, leadership, scholarship, and service. At MTSU, there

are 12 fraternities. The Interfraternity Council acts as a self-governing body to these organizations and promotes the

valuable opportunities each chapter offers.

How to Join: The Interfraternity Council utilizes an open recruitment process,

meaning organizations recruit year round. Most fraternities will host two to three weeks

of recruitment events at the beginning of each semester. To find out more about recruitment

events and organizations, attend an IFC Informational.

05

MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL

(MGC)

The purpose of the Multicultural Greek Council at MTSU is to act as a governing

body for member organizations. The council works together as allies in change, encourages responsible behavior amongst

one another, and promotes retention of minorities in higher education. MGC was founded in 2009 at MTSU and is in

the process of expanding the council to include additional multicultural chapters.

How to Join: Attend an MGC Informational in the fall or spring

semester. For more information on joining, contact individual organizations

about the details of their process. If you are interested in starting a new

organization or becoming a founding member under this council contact the

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Lambda Theta Alpha (LQA)

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Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR)Alpha Tau Omega (ATW)Kappa Alpha Order (KA)Kappa Sigma (KS)Phi Delta Theta* (FDQ)Phi Mu Alpha (FMA)

*Colony

Pi Kappa Phi (PKF)Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)Sigma Chi (SC)Sigma Nu (SN)Sigma Phi Epsilon (SFE)Sigma Pi (SP)

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL

(PHC)

The Panhellenic Council is the unifying, governing, and coordinating body of the six National Panhellenic

Conference member organizations at MTSU. PHC strives to enhance the development of each chapter

and its members through academic growth, social development, and

leadership opportunities. The Panhellenic Council upholds the values upon which our organizations

were founded and promotes an atmosphere that reflects friendship and sisterhood.

How to Join: Most women participate in formal recruitment

held in September each year. Formal recruitment is a mutual selection

process that allows women to meet all six chapters. The formal process is the Panhellenic Council’s primary

method of attaining new members.

Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ)Alpha Delta Pi (ΑΔΠ)

Alpha Omicron Pi (ΑΟΠ)Chi Omega (ΧΩ)

Kappa Delta (ΚΔ)Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ)

07

NATIONAL PANHELLENIC COUNCIL

(NPHC)

NPHC is an international umbrella organization comprised of what are

considered to be the Historically African American Greek letter

organizations. This council is commonly referred to as the “Divine

Nine.” The National Pan-Hellenic Council at MTSU consists of all

nine of these organizations. NPHC serves as the official coordinating

and governing agency, works to further program unity, and promotes

interaction through forums, meetings, and functions.

How to Join: The NPHC recruitment method is known as intake. Most

begin with an interest meeting advertised throughout the campus

community. For more information on intake, speak with individual

chapters or contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Fraternities:Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ)

Iota Phi Theta (ΙΦΘ)Kappa Alpha Psi (ΚΑΨ)

Omega Psi Phi (ΩYF)Phi Beta Sigma (FBS)

Sororities:Alpha Kappa Alpha (ΑΚΑ)

Delta Sigma Theta (ΔΣΘ)Sigma Gamma Rho (ΣΓΡ)

Zeta Phi Beta (ZΦB)08

Greek Leadership Summit

Every January, chapter presidents and council executive board officers go on an overnight retreat to focus on building relationships and developing goals as a community. This experience offers leaders the opportunity to:

•appreciate the differences in others•develop relationships and network•develop skills to communicate,

collaborate, and deal with conflict •have conversations about the

strengths, weaknesses, and needs of the fraternity and sorority community

•leave encouraged, energized, and confident

New Member Education Series

Upon joining a fraternity or sorority at MTSU, new members participate in a series hosted by each council that will focus on the transition from high school to college. Time management, hazing prevention, and what it means to be a fraternity man or sorority woman at MTSU are key topics.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

09

MTSU STATEMENT ON HAZINGMiddle Tennessee State University has unconditionally opposed any

situation created intentionally or unintentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, or ridicule. Freedom from humility

and danger of hazing is guaranteed to every student on campus.

Risk Management

GAMMA - Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol

GAMMA provides interactive programming on alcohol and other drug

awareness, education and discussion regarding safe decision making, and helps

build on the strengths of the fraternity and sorority community in reducing consequences of high risk behavior.

Event PlanningOrganizations are encouraged to

complete a Fraternity and Sorority Life Event Planning Form prior to each event.

The office reviews the form and the team responds with relevant information and

suggestions. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and chapter/faculty advisors

work closely with chapter leaders to identify risks and educate on how to

appropriately execute an event.

TIME MANAGEMENTManaging your schedule is the key to getting the most out of your experience. Chapters understand that you are here for academics first, so plan your study hours first and chapter events second. It’s easy to take on too much, so remember its okay to let the chapter know you need time to study, work, or spend time with family!

Monday-ThursdayThese days will typically consist of sisterhood and brotherhood events, study hours, and leadership committee meetings. You may also participate in other organization’s philanthropy events during this time.Plan to spend three to five hours with your organization during the week outside of chapter meetings.

Friday-SaturdayWeekends are filled with community service events, social events, and chapter events. Some of these activities may include mixers/date parties, chapter formals, and chapter retreats. In addition, you may encounter chapter programming opportunities that focus on individual development. You will also see many of our fraternity and sorority members at MTSU athletic events over the weekend! Go Blue Raiders!

SundayMost chapters on campus hold individual chapter meetings during the evening on Sundays. Chapter meetings usually last between one to two hours and consist of important chapter updates, academic recognition, and facilitated discussions regarding chapter business.

10

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

FAMILY GUIDE

IS FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE NEW TO YOU?

This section is designed to provide helpful information and answer frequently asked questions about fraternities and sororities.

There are many myths about fraternities and sororities, but the reality is men and women that belong to these organizations are committed to their academics, volunteer within the community, develop and strengthen their leadership skills, and form a campus network that consists of students and administrators. All fraternities and sororities are based on values, ethics, and standards. Keep an open-mind and consider all of the benefits fraternity and sorority membership has to offer!

How will my student benefit from joining a fraternity or sorority?Your student will encounter many advantages, some of these may include:

• A support system to help ease the adjustment to college and life after graduation.

• Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals.

• Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experiences.

• Encouragement to get involved, stay involved, and maximize their potential on campus.

• Opportunities for active participation in community service projects.

How will joining a fraternity or sorority affect my student academically?Academic success is one of the founding principles of fraternities and sororities. Chapters realize that academic achievement is the main priority of their members. Organizations promote scholarship by providing academic resources for their members including advisor support, study groups, scholarships, and award recognition.

FAQWhat is the financial obligation?Chapters collect dues and membership fees from every member. Most organizations have one-time initiation fees, plus semester dues. Dues are spent on philanthropic events, social events, scholarship programming, membership recruitment, and parent/alumni programming. Many chapters offer payment plans and scholarships to help their members meet their financial obligations.

What about hazing?Hazing is contrary to the missions and values of fraternities and sororities. The state of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, and all inter/national fraternities and sororities have policies against hazing.

Who is in charge of the fraternities and sororities?Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by alumni who act as advisors. Each chapter also communicates with their inter/national organization, which offers support and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. Chapters on campus are also guided by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life which consists of two full time staff members that work closely with the organizations at MTSU.

12

“Our daughter is very involved with her sorority and we couldn’t be happier that four years ago she chose to participate in sorority recruitment. Honestly speaking, we never thought one of our children would be “Greek.” Over the past four years, we have been able to participate with Maggie during many of her sorority events and have always been so impressed with their desire to help others.”

TREY AND KIM LEE, PARENTS OF ALPHA OMICRON PI MEMBER11

HELPFUL HINTS:

• Be supportive of your student. • Learn more about the

organization your student is thinking about joining by checking out the inter/national organization website.

• If you have a question about fraternity or sorority life, ask the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Don’t buy into gossip or hearsay.

• Know the name and phone number of the chapter president, new member educator, and chapter advisor.

• Talk with your student. Phone calls, e-mails, and care packages are always appreciated.

Active: A member of a fraternity or sorority who has been initiated and is currently in college.

Alumnus/Alumni: An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who has received their undergraduate degree.

Bid: A formal invitation to join a fraternity or sorority.

Chapter: A chartered undergraduate or alumni group that is recognized by the international fraternity.

Colony: A fraternal membership which has received approval from the University and recognition from one of the Greek governing councils but is in a trial period with their national organization and their governing council.

Fraternity: A Greek letter sisterhood or brotherhood.

Informal/Open Recruitment: The unstructured recruitment process by which fraternities and sororities take members throughout the academic year.

Legacy: A prospective member whose grandparents, mother/father, or sister/brother is an alumni of a fraternity/sorority.

National or International Organization: The Inter/National organization that issues the charter for a chapter.  This entity is comprised of the inter/national officers for the organization and is

responsible for setting and enforcing organization policy.

North-American Interfraternity Council (NIC): An organization composed of more than 50 national member men’s fraternities.

National Panhellenic Conference (NPC): An organization composed of26 member women’s sororities.

Potential Members: Any person who is not a current member of a fraternity or sorority.

Philanthropy: Fund-raising projects sponsored by fraternities or sororities supporting local and inter/national charitable organizations.

New Member: A man or woman who has accepted an invitation to membership in a fraternity or sorority but has not been initiated.

New Member Program: The period of time before initiation when new members learn about their fraternity or sorority.

Recruitment: The continual process of recruiting men and women to become members of the fraternity and sorority community.

Sorority: A Greek letter sisterhood.

GLOSSARY

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Alpha(al-fah)

Beta(bay-tah)

Gamma(gam-ah)

Delta(del-ta)

Epsilon(ep-si-lon)

Zeta(zay-tah)

Eta(ay-tah)

Theta(thay-tah)

Iota (eye-o-ta)

Kappa(cap-pah)

Lamba(lamb-dah)

Mu(mew)

Nu(new)

Xi(zie)

Omicron(om-e-cron)

Pi(pie)

Rho(roe)

Sigma(sig-mah)

Tau(taw)

Upsilon(up-si-lon)

Phi(fie)

Chi(kie)

Psi(sigh)

Omega(oh-may-gah) 14

Leadership and Service

Intercultural and Diversity Affairs

Fraternity and Sorority Life

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OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE STUDENT BODY

MTSUSGAMTSU Student Government

Association

www.mtsu.edu/sga

Meet new people

Develop communication skills

Stay connected

Serve the community

Become a leader

Join Freshman Council!

OUR MISSION:

The men and women of the fraternity and sorority community

at Middle Tennessee State University strive to promote

excellence in academics, encourage leadership and service, foster

lifelong friendship and responsible citizenship, and aim to enrich the

lives of its members and affected communities.

CONTACT US:www.mtsu.edu/greeks

greeks@mtsu.edu

MTSU Fraternity and Sorority Life

@MTSUGreeks