ABOUT FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE
AT USC UPSTATE
USC Upstate is home to 12 active fraternities and sororities. All USC
Upstate chapters are members of larger inter/national organizations,
meaning they have established governance structures, policies, and
procedures they must adhere to, in addition to the policies set forth by
the University. Although the University establishes policies regarding
the operation of all registered student organizations, the membership
selection criteria are determined by each individual fraternity or sorority
based on the policies and procedures of its inter/national headquarters.
You must be a currently enrolled student at USC Upstate to be eligible to
join one of our chapters. Any questions regarding selection criteria should
be directed to the chapter. Please also note that there are fees associated
with membership in these organizations. For additional information
regarding dues, please contact the organization or Office of Student Life.
USC Upstate’s Greek Community is governed by three councils: the
Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC), National-Panhellenic Council (NPHC), and
Panhellenic Council (PC). Each council sets forth policies and procedures
for its affiliated chapters, and is advised by the Office of Student Life,
which oversees Fraternity & Sorority Life at USC Upstate.
COUNCIL STRUCTURE
Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC)
Students who are accepted for membership would then participate in
Membership Intake, the process of educating and initiating new members
into an individual chapter. Most organizations require sophomore status
for membership, but some are open to second semester freshmen.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)
IFC Fraternities limit their membership to male students at USC Upstate.
Students are eligible for membership beginning their first semester of
enrollment. These organizations participate in IFC Recruitment.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Men’s Organizations Women’s Organizations*
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (ΚΑΨ)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓΡ)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (ΩΨΦ)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (ΖΦΒ)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (ΔΣΘ)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (ΦΒΣ)
NPHC is the governance council for
historically African-American fraternities
and sororities. These organizations host
Information/Interest Meetings where
they discuss membership requirements.
*Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has a chapter at USC Upstate but is currently
suspended. This organization is not eligible to recruit or initiate new members.
Any questions regarding this organization should be directed to the Office of
Student Life.
Panhellenic Council (PC)
Delta Zeta Sorority (ΔΖ)
Phi Mu Fraternity (ΦΜ)
Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity (ΖΤΑ)
Panhellenic organizations limit their
membership to female students at
USC Upstate. Students are eligible for
membership beginning their first semester
of enrollment. These organizations
participate in Panhellenic Recruitment.
USC UPSTATE HAZING POLICY
In addition to the legal and physical risks, hazing is harmful to the morale of
members and creates additional problems within the organization. The very
activities meant to “build pledge class/line unity” can be detrimental to the
overall unity within the organization, creating issues with distrust and loyalty.
It also hinders the ability of organizations to recruit and retain members, and
can create a vicious cycle that will ultimately destroy the organization.
The University defines hazing as any act that endangers the mental or physical
health or safety of a student, faculty member or other University official.
This includes the removal of public or private property for the purpose of
initiation, admission into, affiliation with or as a continued membership in
a group or organization (Code of Student Behavior). It is important to note
that a student’s “willingness” to participate in the hazing activities is not a
defense. Essentially, if someone gives an organization “permission” to haze
them, it is still hazing and is still a violation of the Code of Student Behavior,
South Carolina Law, and organizational policies. Additionally, hazing is not
an issue limited to fraternities and sororities, but can also occur in non-Greek
organizations and athletic teams. If you feel that you have been hazed, please
contact the Office of Student Life via email at stulife@uscupstate.edu or
phone 864-503-5387, or contact the Dean of Students at 864-503-5107 to
submit a report. Such reports can be submitted anonymously. Additionally,
any member of the University or surrounding community who has witnessed
hazing activities can also submit reports for us to investigate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the financial obligations of joining a fraternity or sorority?
Each organization requires its members to pay dues, which vary from chapter to chapter. Dues are used to cover
the chapter’s operating expenses, events, philanthropies, and conferences.
What are the requirements for joining a fraternity or sorority?
Membership selection criteria vary, and are determined by each individual fraternity or sorority based on the policies and procedures
of its inter/national headquarters. In general, all organizations have minimum GPA requirements, and some require volunteer service
hours and/or letters of recommendation. Additionally, IFC and Panhellenic organizations are open to first semester freshmen and transfer
students, however, NPHC organizations have minimum credit hour requirements. You must be a currently enrolled student at USC Upstate
to be eligible to join any chapter.
How do I find the “right” organization for me?
Chapter selection is a feeling-out process. The trick is to narrow your options without limiting them. Keep an open mind, watch for cues,
avoid preconceptions, and — just as you did in applying to college — consider several alternatives. Word-of-mouth can be informative, but
gossip is not fact. Make your own judgment, and remember joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifetime commitment.
What are the time commitments associated with joining a fraternity or sorority?
Like most co-curricular activities, how much you get from the group depends on how much time you are willing to put into it. On average,
expect to dedicate two to four hours a week for meeting and events. Other optional activities such as serving in a leadership role or
attending social events will take additional time. With good time management, your chapter activities will easily fit into your schedule.
Is it true that all fraternities and sororities do is party and drink?
NO. While there are social aspects of fraternities and sororities, as with any other student organizations, it is not the primary focus
of chapters. In addition to social programs, chapters also host a variety of educational programs, speakers, service projects, and
philanthropic events.
DATES TO REMEMBER
GREEK INFORMATION NIGHT • August 20, 5 p.m. & 6 p.m., Tukey Theater
Are you thinking about “Going Greek”? This information session will
provide an overview of Fraternity & Sorority Life at USC Upstate including
terminology, FAQ’s, and University policies. This session is only open to
non-affiliated students, chapters will not be present.
IFC FRATERNITY RECRUITMENT • September 14-17, various locations
Recruitment Orientation – September 14, CASB 117, 6 p.m.
IFC Meet & Greet – September 15, Treehouse Plaza, 6 p.m.
MEET THE GREEKS • August 27, 6 p.m., Sansbury CLC Ballroom
Want to learn more about USC Upstate’s fraternities and sororities? Chapters
will present information about their organization, membership requirements,
and programs. Attendees will also be able to interact with members and
view display tables.
MANDATORY EDUCATION SESSIONS
PANHELLENIC SORORITY RECRUITMENT ORIENTATION
September 8, 6 p.m., Health Education Complex 2039
This orientation will provide an overview of the Recruitment process, how to
prepare for Recruitment, how to make decisions about affiliation, the costs
associated with sorority membership, and much, much more! You do not
have to be registered for Recruitment to attend this event.
2015/16
PANHELLENIC SORORITY RECRUITMENT
September 11-13, Sansbury Campus Life Center
Visit www.uscupstate.edu/gogreek for additional information about
registration and fees.
Visit www.uscupstate.edu/gogreek for additional information.
Students who are interested in joining a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
organization or have accepted an invitation/bid to join an Inter-Fraternity
Council (IFC) or Panhellenic organization are required to attend a mandatory
Hazing Awareness Seminar. Students should select a session based upon the
categories listed below. You only need to attend one of the sessions. The Office
of Student Life will track student attendance and share this information with
chapters. Spring 2016 dates will be announced during the Fall semester.
NPHC INTERESTS
September 1, 6 p.m., Tukey Theater
September 9, 6 p.m., Tukey Theater
IFC & PANHELLENIC NEW MEMBERS
September 21, 6 p.m., Tukey Theater
September 22, 7 p.m., Tukey Theater
Fraternity & Sorority Life
AT-A-GLANCE
at usc upstate