The rich history of The University of Houston Greek system has been a productive one and a unique part of that tradition that continues after graduation. Fraternal bonds contribute actively to the college experience here at UH. In the Houston area, the Greek community provides important support to local charity and community service.

  Common Questions from Daughters

1. Why should I Go Greek?
2. I don’t know the first thing about recruitment, how do I learn more?
3. What happens after I have accepted a bid?
4. How much time does a chapter require?
5. How much does membership cost?
6. What is a Philanthropy or Service Project?
7. What happens after I graduate?  
8. Who can I contact to answer the rest of my questions about Greek Life?

 Common Questions from Parents

1. What is my role as a parent?
2. Is there an alcohol policy?
3. Will joining a sorority affect her grades?
4. How much does joining a sorority cost?
5. Is there on-campus housing?
6. What about hazing?
7. What will my child get out of Greek life that they would not get out of another college organization
8. Who can I contact to answer the rest of my questions about Greek Life?

 

DAUGHTERS

 

1.     Why should I Go Greek?

Leadership and Involvement
Sorority membership offers you the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities while learning to cooperate and accept responsibility.  The women of our sororities not only hold positions within their chapters, but can also be found leading many other student organizations and traditions at UH!  Each chapter has a variety of women with diverse interests and talents.  Therefore, each sister is exposed to many facets of college life.  This involvement and leadership helps produce female leaders in numerous campus activities and in the Houston community.

Academics     
Scholastic success is the prime objective of every student.  Sororities realize this and want to be a positive facet in your life to achieve this academic success.  The all Sorority GPA for the Houston Collegiate Panhellenic Association is consistently higher than the all undergraduate GPA!  Each chapter has a program to encourage, develop, and maintain academic excellence.  In addition, chapters provide incentives, study buddies, and study hours to help you reach your academic goals. 

Service          
Sororities consider service one of their most important functions.  By volunteering for participation in projects and fund-raisers, sorority member develop a sense of responsibility and civic duty.  Each sorority has one or more philanthropies or organizations for which it raises money and offers its resources.  The events held by each individual sorority not only raise money for charity but also bring sisters closer together through their giving and time spent together helping others in need.

Social
Mixers, formals, tailgates…the list goes on and on!  Each sorority’s unique personality and traditions come shining through when it comes to social life.  Most sororities have mixers with other groups as well as their own date functions.  No matter where you are going or who you are with

 

 

2.     I don’t know the first thing about recruitment, how do I learn more?

 

Please Visit our Recruitment Page to guide you through that basics!

 

 

3.     What happens after I have accepted a bid?

 

Once you have accepted a bid from a sorority, your new member education period will begin.  Each new member attends weekly meetings in order to fulfill the sorority’s requirements for initiation, which includes the sorority’s history, purposes, and goals.  Also, as a new member, you will receive a big sister, a woman who is there to aid you in any way.  As a new member, you will be expected to contribute your time and talents to making a successful chapter.  New member education is a wonderful, rewarding experience and a great opportunity for personal growth.  Each individual sorority has its own length for the new member education period.  New member retreats, study breaks and mixers will help you become closer to your new member class and older sisters.

 

 

4.     How much time does a chapter require?

 

The time commitment various from chapter to chapter but the first semester is the most time intensive as a new member. You will go through the chapter's Education Program which will develop your leadership and time management skills and teach you about the chapter history. After initiation into the chapter, expectations will vary. Each chapter has weekly meetings and other mandatory events throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance. In addition to the weekly meetings, the more you put into it, the more you will receive!

 

 

5.  How much does sorority membership cost?

Membership dues for the first semester range from approximately $600 to $1,000 because you will pay the normal semester dues and your national dues.  You will only pay the national dues one time.  After the first semester, membership dues will range from approximately $300 to $600 each semester.  The individual chapters may work with members to create payment plans in order to meet the financial responsibility.  

 

6.     What is a Philanthropy or Service Project?

 

Greek members take it as part of their mission to support their national philanthropies (not-for-profit causes) financially, physically, and emotionally. Throughout the year, each chapter spends numerous hours fundraising and volunteering for their particular philanthropy. Some of the philanthropies the chapters are associated with are: Children's Miracle Network, Breast Cancer Awareness and Research, Ronald McDonald House, Speech and Hearing Institute, Domestic Violence, and Make a Wish Foundation.

 

7.     What happens after I graduate?  

 

Membership in a sorority is more then just 4 years, it is for a lifetime. If in good standing when you graduate, you will be an Alumna. There are alumnae groups that your student can join to fulfill the gap after graduation. Many alumnae return to campus and the house for football games and other special events. Alumnae organizations keep in touch through newsletters and special weekends. Lifetime friendships extend beyond the individual chapters to include all members of the national Greek community.

 

 

8.     Who can I contact to answer the rest of my questions about Greek Life?

 

Please refer to our Contacts link.

 

 

PARENTS

 

1.     What is my role as a parent?

 

Take the time to find out more about the Greek community at UH. Ask questions about the organizations they will offer to your child. As a parent, help your child decide what they want, but allow your child to make the best decision for themselves. Once your child joins a sorority there will be numerous opportunities for you to get involved.

 

 

2.     Is there an alcohol policy?

 

Each chapter has an inter/national alcohol policy in which there are yearly educational programs that the chapter is required to present to its members. The UH Greek community follows all state and federal laws, as well as, the University policies regarding alcohol use.

 

 

3.     Will joining a sorority affect her grades?

 

Academics are a top priority in the Greek community. When students join a Greek organization they become part of a larger group of students who value their academics at the University of Houston. Each chapter understands what each new member is facing and can provide support in many areas. Each chapter has a scholarship officer who initiates programs within each chapter to encourage high academic achievement. Thanks, in part, to these high academic standards and these programs, the average GPA among Greek members is above the all university undergraduate GPA.

 

4.     How much does joining a sorority cost?

 

The Greek Experience is an investment in your child's future. The leadership skills, the academic assistance, and friendships will benefit your child beyond their college days. The perception that fraternities and sororities are made only for the "wealthy" students is a misconception. Greek organizations are quite affordable and the fees go to benefit your child in positive ways. A portion of member's dues directly support the betterment of the chapter and the national organization. Each of the Panhellenic chapters have houses and charge depending on whether members live in the house or not. In general, the cost of living in a sorority house is comparable, and often can be less expensive. The cost of membership in a sorority varies from group to group. Please check out each individual chapters information under the Chapter Profiles link.

 

5.     Is there on-campus housing?

 

Each of the 6 chapters hold houses in the apartment complex Bayou Oaks, also known as Greek Park. Panhellenic chapters maintain houses on campus that are patrolled 24 hours and cannot be accessed unless you have a University of Houston Cougar One card. Living arrangements and dues differ from chapter to chapter. Each group has a specific set of rules regarding requirements for members to live in the sorority house during their undergraduate careers. Living in the house is also seen convenient; there is a shuttle that picks the students up in front of the houses and drops them off in front of the University Center which is  a central spot to campus.  If you would like more information on this housing complex, check out www.bayouoaks-uh.com

 

 

 

6.     What about hazing?

 

The Panhellenic Council (PHC) prohibits all forms of hazing. A definition of hazing can be found in the University's code of policies and regulations. Hazing is also illegal in the state of Texas and if convicted can carry with it misdemeanor charges, as well as, fines associated with the violation.

 

 

7.     What will my child get out of Greek life that they would not get out of another college organization?

 

Attending college is one of the major life changes your daughter will go through. Joining sorority chapter will help make the transition easier. Through their membership, your child will develop life-long friendship. For numerous members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to learning brother/sisterhood, every chapter is committed to enhancing leadership, scholarship, philanthropy/ service, and financial responsibility in their members.

 

8.     Who can I contact to answer the rest of my questions about Greek Life?

 

Please refer to our Contacts link.