Going Greek

IU is home to one of the largest Greek communities in the nation. But with four major councils, which one’s right for you? Here’s a rundown of all of the nationally recognized Greek organizations on campus to learn more before you rush.

Panhellenic Association
Minimum 2.7 GPA
Follow: @IUBPHA
For more information: iubpharecruitment.com

PHA is composed of 21 sororities focusing on leadership, scholarship, philanthropy and sisterhood. Any freshman or sophomore woman may seek membership by first attending a Greek informational meeting on Nov. 3.  After registering for the PHA recruitment process, each woman will be assigned a recruitment counselor known as a Rho Gamma.
IU PHA operates on a deferred recruitment process, meaning rush does not begin until second semester. This way, women are able to adjust to college life and develop good study habits and friendships their first semester before joining sorority life.  Rush officially begins Jan. 9 with Open House, or “21 party,” where potential new members will visit all 21 PHA chapters. After 21 party, potential members meet with their Rho Gammas and rank their favorite chapters. In the days following 21 party, women will go through three more stages of the rush process as they get to know the personalities and values of each chapter. Recruitment finishes with Bid Day, when women receive bids from respective sororities, and upon accepting the bids, they begin initiation.
PHA president Anjulia Urasky said there are many benefits to going Greek.
“You get lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a supportive community,” Urasky said via email. “Members of a sorority or fraternity join for life it’s not just four years."

Interfraternity Council
Minimum 2.7 GPA
Follow: @IUBIFC
For more information: iubifc.com

IFC is composed of 30 chapters and 3 colonies, new Greek organizations awaiting official approval by their national fraternity.  IFC fraternities are based on brotherhood, leadership, scholarship and service.
IFC recruitment officially begins Sept. 14, 2013 with an open house-style event in Dunn Meadow where rush chairs from each chapter will be present to talk with potential members. Prior to that event, beginning Sept. 2, 2013, men interested in Greek life can attend meetings in their residence halls where they will meet with “Bro Gammas,” men from IU fraternity chapters selected to help mentor freshmen through the process and find the best fit for them. Fall 2013 will be the first time Bro Gammas will be implemented into IFC recruitment.
“Our mantra is if you want to join Greek life, we can a find a frat for you,” VP of Recruitment Tom Ault said.
After meeting with the Bro Gammas, Ault said it’s their hope that men will come to Dunn Meadow with a shortlist of fraternities to meet so they can maximize their time at the event. Once potential members sign up with a number of fraternities they’re interested in, they can attend open events where they’ll go on house tours and meet brothers in a sober setting. Fraternity chapters then extend bids, and once a potential member signs a bid to a specific house, he’ll begin member education, or the pledge process. Men may also choose to rush in the spring.
Interim IFC president Sean Jordan said he’s gotten a lot out of his decision to join a fraternity.
“For me, it’s a lot of leadership development, making a big school feel small, finding your niche with a great group of guys and providing a solid foundation to grow as a human being throughout your college career,” Jordan said.
 
Multi-Cultural Greek Council
Nine chapters, one colony
Requirements: Minimum 2.5 GPA, letters of recommendation, letter of interest, community service hours
Follow: @IU_MCGC
For more information: contact adviser Lindsay Echols,
lechols@indiana.edu, 812-855-1227.

MCGC is composed of nine sorority and fraternity chapters and one colony. The chapters identify with a specific race, sexual orientation or religious preference, but students may join any chapter regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. All MCGC chapters commit themselves to academic excellence, leadership development, and community service.
To join a MCGC chapter, interested students can attend an informational session at the beginning of the semester. They will then fill out an application to seek membership to a specific sorority or fraternity. Each chapter runs its recruitment process differently.
MCGC adviser Lindsay Echols said there is a distinct benefit to joining a MCGC sorority or fraternity.
“MCGC chapters are able to delve in and celebrate other cultures in a predominantly white campus, so members are able to learn about themselves and others,” Echols said. “It’s a wonderful learning opportunity.”


National Pan-Hellenic Council
Requirements: Must have completed at least 12 credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA, letters of recommendation; letter of interest, community service hours
Follow: @NPHC_IU
For more information: contact adviser Lindsay Echols,
lechols@indiana.edu, 812-855-1227

NPHC is composed of nine historically black national sororities and fraternities, however, like MCGC, members do not have to be of a certain race or ethnicity to join. The chapters are founded in philanthropy and service, working in the community at local non-profit organizations like Middle Way House and the Boys and Girls Club.
To get involved, interested students can attend a joint informational meeting with all nine chapters on Sept. 24, 2013. The time frame for rush varies by specific chapter, but those seeking to rush will receive an application and submit for membership after the first informational meeting.  The process will repeat in the spring.
In addition to the friendships and networking opportunities, NPHC adviser Lindsay Echols also said joining a chapter means making a lasting pledge to the sorority or fraternity.
“The thing that sets NPHC apart from other councils is the life-long commitment,” Echols said. “My grandmother is 91 years old and still a financial member of her sorority.”