Our eight week Pledge Program is the first step of our Complete Delt program during the undergraduate committment to Delta Tau Delta.

What are fraternities and sororities?
Simply put, fraternities and sororities are composed of individuals who have chosen to join together with others for support and assistance. Through common experiences centered around the pursuit of higher education, service to the community, development of leadership skills, and friendship, members of fraternities and sororities build relationships that last far beyond the college years.

I want to succeed academically. Will fraternity or sorority membership help or hinder my efforts?
Scholarship should be your number one priority at the University of Washington. Greek members equal or exceed the all-student grade point average. Great grades say a lot when one considers all of the other activities most Greeks are involved in. Current members' grades show that Greek students can successfully juggle the many aspects of college life. In a fraternity or sorority, you are still ultimately responsible for your own success. However, many opportunities are opened up to you because of your membership. Most notably, other members of the organization will be able to assist you if you find yourself struggling in a class. More than likely, you will be able to find a member who shares your major or has taken the same course as you. Older members can also help acclimate you to the resources the campus offers such as the library, the computer labs, and the counseling and career center. Finally, many Chapters offer Study Hall Hours and other academic support for new members.

I have heard that fraternities and sororities emphasize leadership. What opportunities will I have in the organization?
In fraternities and sororities, you're in charge. Every member will be able to take part in organizational activities as officers, committee chairpersons, or committee members. Fraternities and sororities provide a wide-range of interesting activities. You'll be able to get involved in planning a community service project, a dinner with another fraternity or sorority, a dance or step show, and new member recruitment. The good thing is, you'll learn by doing. You will be able to put your skills to use inside and outside the classroom. The leadership skills you will learn will help you throughout your life.

What's all this about community service? I thought fraternities and sororities are social organizations?
Community service is very much a part of Greek-letter social organizations. The word social does not necessarily mean party. These organizations give back to the communities in which they operate. On any given day, you'll find members of UW fraternities and sororities raising funds for charitable organizations, volunteering at a local elementary school, servicing a blood drive, passing out condoms, and participating in new student orientation at the University of Washington. Community service is a vital part of fraternity and sorority life.

Does it cost a lot to be in a fraternity or sorority?
Fraternities and sororities are not expensive. Each organization is self-supported from dues paid by its members. If housing is offered, the lodging and meals are generally more competitive than other options available to you through dormitory living at University of Washington.

Why should I join when I can have my own room in a dorm?
Fact of the matter is, you will not have you own room in the resident halls. The resident halls at the UW have already begun to institute three-person-to-a room "freshman" floors. Many freshman spend their first quarter in a resident hall sleeping on fold-out cots. You will, however, be able to have your own room or share with another upperclassman in a fraternity or sorority. There are also many centrally located benefits within UW fraternities and sororities such as: athletic facilities, study rooms, dining halls, and parking to name a few. Most of which you have to trek across campus to access from the resident halls.

What types of people join fraternities and sororities?
All types. While many students join their first and second years, many transfers and juniors also join. It's a great way to connect with others regardless of your year at the university. Students from various backgrounds join fraternities and sororities. Each individual is able to offer his or her own talents toward the betterment of all individuals within the organization.

How much time will be expected of me?
This depends upon your willingness to get involved and make a difference. Like any organization, the fraternity or sorority will have general expectations of you. Most importantly, you will be expected to attend meetings and events. Through your fraternity or sorority involvement, you'll learn to manage your time and balance your academic load, work, and social commitments.

I don't look like the fraternity and sorority members I've seen in the movies.
Few of us do. Many of the stereotypes about fraternity and sorority members are myths. Far too often, all the movies show is the social side of fraternities and sororities-the parties. Hollywood rarely shows the diversity of the organizations. Fraternity and sorority members make good grades, work part and full-time, come in all shapes and sizes, and look like you. Within the Greek community at the University of Washington, you'll find members from nearly every religion, race, culture, class, and orientation.

What happens once I join?
You are going to make many new friends. It will be exciting for you... electing new officers... planning socials... doing community service... studying with partners... going on retreats... learning fraternity or sorority history... discovering facts about the members of the organization... and finding out more about yourself and how you function in a group. You'll be as busy as you choose-learning, having fun, and growing during your college years.

What about housing?
Some fraternities and sororities offer housing and others do not. Some members live in the chapter house, others do not. It's important to remember that a fraternity or sorority is a group of men or women who join together in pursuit of common goals and aspirations. Fraternities and sororities are not about houses, structures, or real estate. People are the most important consideration when joining a new group.

I'm new to the University of Washington, wouldn't it be better for me to get my feet on the ground before I join a fraternity or sorority?
Not really. A large place like UW can be intimidating, confusing, and impersonal. Joining a fraternity or sorority your first quarter can actually help acclimate you to the University, as well as provide you with a support group from day one. The fraternity or sorority members will help you as you begin college life.

I've heard something about hazing. What's that all about?
Hazing is absolutely forbidden. You don't have to prove anything to others. Each organization does have expectations of membership though. During the time that you are considering joining a fraternity or sorority, be sure to ask pointed questions about the expectations of new members. If you do join an organization, and feel something is not right, contact the Greek Advisor at the Office of Student Life or the national organization to which the local chapter is affiliated.

How do I go about joining a fraternity or sorority?
Fraternities and sororities are always seeking new members. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for information (banners, signs, fliers, etc.) pertaining to new member recruitment or RUSH once you arrive at the University of Washington. Most of the fraternities and sororities recruit new members during summer quarter and the first few weeks of classes of fall quarter, but all have ongoing recruitment activities. If you have not been informed by the Interfraternity Council Office or by any of the fraternities and sororities regarding new member recruitment, be sure to contact the UW Interfraternity Council at (206) 543-1800

Back to top