Fraternities warn sororities to steer clear of expelled chapters
Boulder’s fraternities are warning University of Colorado sororities and their members not to associate with two chapters that were expelled by the local fraternity governing body for bad behavior. The two chapters, Sigma Pi and Kappa Sigma, still are recognized by their international parent organizations as active fraternities in Boulder, but local leaders kicked them out of the Interfraternity Council for violations that “involved concerns for the safety and welfare” of chapter members and guests, according to a letter sent to sorority leaders.
The expulsion means that Sigma Pi, kicked out in the fall of 2013, and Kappa Sigma, kicked out in the spring of 2015, aren’t subject to local oversight or rules designed with safety in mind, said Marc Stine, a spokesman for Boulder’s fraternities.
Panhellenic sororities at CU
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Phi
Chi Omega
Delta Delta Delta
Delta Gamma
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Alpha Theta
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Pi Beta Phi
Learn more: colorado.edu/greeks/information-greek-life
Multicultural Greek Council organizations at CU
Alpha Omega Eta, Inc. Sorority
Lambda Sigma Upsilon, Inc. Fraternity
Pi Lambda Chi, Inc. Sorority
Sigma Lambda Beta, Inc. Fraternity
Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Sigma Psi Zeta, Inc. Sorority
Theta Nu Xi, Inc. Sorority
Sigma Lambda Gamma, Inc. Sorority
Current fraternities in Boulder (not affiliated with the university)
Acacia
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Alpha Gamma Omega
Alpha Phi Delta
Alpha Sigma Phi
Chi Psi
Phi Kappa Psi
Phi Kappa Tau
Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sigma Nu
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Theta Xi
Zeta Beta Tau
Learn more: coloradoifc.org
Thinking Greek?
Roughly 13 percent of University of Colorado students are involved with Greek life on the Boulder campus.
We broke down the different types of sororities and fraternities you can join, what it will cost you and what to expect during recruitment and beyond.
Sororities and fraternities
There are two types of councils in the University of Colorado Greek system, the Panhellenic Executive Council and the Multicultural Greek Council.
The Panhellenic Executive Council consists of nine national chapters and two associate members that are religiously based, according to Greek life officials.
Recruitment for Panhellenic sororities runs Sept. 4-9. On Aug. 27, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be a Greek Life Fair, which is an opportunity for new female students to learn about the nine chapters. The Greek Life Fair will be held in the University Memorial Center.
The Multicultural Greek Council encompasses eight sororities and fraternities that tend to focus on social justice, diversity and culture.
Since 2005, fraternities have not been connected to the university officially. The Interfraternity Council acts as a private community organization, but still recruits and caters to male students at CU. There are currently 15 fraternities in Boulder.
Fraternities cut ties with CU in 2005 after the university asked the groups to sign an agreement that would have delayed recruitment until the spring and forced each chapter to have a live-in supervisor.
Formal recruitment for fraternities begins Sept. 23 and runs through Oct. 4.
Cost
Some sororities and fraternities have houses for members to live in. There are unofficial, off-campus houses and there are official chapter houses, which are privately owned and maintained by a local or national alumnae house corporations.
Some chapters require members to live in these houses, and some do not, but Greek life officials say living in Greek life housing is comparable to other housing options.
It can cost around $1,300 the first year after you join a chapter, which includes some one-time expenses. After that, it’s slightly less expensive each year, depending on which chapter you join and whether or not you live in a Greek house. Ask about cost during recruitment.
What to expect
Greek life for you probably isn’t going to resemble the life of Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde.” You can expect social events, philanthropies and volunteer events, friends and even studying (gasp).
Recruitment varies between the three types of Greek organizations. Panhellenic recruitment is extremely formal and structured (to prevent any funny business). You can expect five days of constant talking with active members (women who are already initiated into the sororities), skits, plenty of snacks and maybe even a little bit of heartbreak. The process doesn’t guarantee that everyone will end up in a sorority, or end up in the sorority of their choice.
Recruitment for Multicultural Greek Council chapters is more informal, starting with a meeting to gauge interest.
Fraternity recruitment is a mix of formal and informal. Interested men can visit different chapters informally during a two-week recruitment period, but must register.
One popular Greek event is Dance Marathon, an all-day event hosted each year by the Panhellenic Executive Council. In years past, this event has raised more than $40,000 for specific charities and organizations.
If you’re looking for some leadership roles to put on that resume, Greek life can help you out. There are numerous leadership positions within each chapter and within CU Greek life as a whole.
Sarah Kuta: twitter.com/sarahkuta
