What are sororities? Simply put, a sorority is an organization composed of individuals who have chosen to join together with others for support and assistance. Through common experiences centered around persuit of higher education, service to the community, development of leadership skills and friendship, members of sororities build relationships that last far beyond college years.
Will I be able to succeed academically in a sorority? Scholarship should be your number one priority at UCSB. 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 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 hours and other academic support for new members.
What leadership opportunities do sororities offer? In 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.
Do social sororities participate in community service activities? 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 UCSB 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 UCSB. Community service is a vital part of sorority life.
How much does it cost to be in a sorority? 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 at UCSB. This year, room and board at Francisco Torres is approximately $11,000. The average cost of a sorority (including living in the house) is about $7,000.
What kind of women join 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 sororities. Each individual is able to offer her own talents toward the betterment of all individuals within the organization. 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 UCSB, you'll find members from nearly every religion, race, culture, class, and orientation.
How much time does a sorority take? This depends upon your willingness to get involved and make a difference. Like any organization, the sorority will have general expectations of you. Most importantly, you will be expected to attend meetings and events. Through your sorority involvement, you'll learn to manage your time and balance your academic load, work, and social commitments.
If I am new to UCSB should I wait and get my feet on the ground before joining? Not really. A large place like UCSB can be intimidating, confusing, and impersonal. Joining a 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 older sorority members will help you as you begin college life.
What stance do sororities take on hazing? 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 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.
Where can I find out more about recruitment? 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 UCSB. Formal recruitment is held in the fall, and if you have not been informed by the Greek Affairs Office be sure to call the Greek Office at (805) 893-8463. Also, you can go to our recruitment page to learn more and download an application.