FRATERNITY RECRUITMENT2017 POTENTIAL NEW MEMBER GUIDE

U N I V E R S I T Y O F C E N T R A L O K L A H O M A I N T E R F R AT E R N I T Y C O U N C I L

ATΩBUC

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Welcome by IFC President, Seth Chance

On behalf of the IFC Community here at the University of Central Oklahoma, I would like to welcome you to Central! I am excited to help navigate you through this new experience as you discover what Greek Life at UCO has to offer. I hope this book will help educate you on the recruitment process, allowing you to learn more about the UCO chapters and find your home as a fraternity man here on campus.I have the honor of heading the governing body of several fraternity chapters, with hundreds of members here on campus. The men of the Interfraternity Council build lifelong bonds with their brothers, gain valuable leadership experience, and find a much more enriching undergraduate experience here at UCO. The 4 pillars of the IFC are leadership, service, brotherhood, and scholarship. These values influence how our members carry themselves on campus. It is our goal to create a Greek community which fosters these characteristics in their members, allowing them to leave UCO as better men. Throughout my experience as a fraternity man, I quickly realized the decision I made had lifelong benefits. From the friendships I have made to many opportunities I have to make a real difference by serving the community around me, Greek Life at UCO has changed my life for the better. I know that joining a fraternity is a new, sometimes intimidating process, so the members of the IFC Executive Board will be here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. I am excited that you are considering becoming a member of the Greek family at UCO!

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Welcome to the University of Central Oklahoma. We are excited you have chosen to become a part of the Central family. Getting involved on campus is one of the best ways to Connect to Central. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is composed of more than 20 organizations that are a part of the Panhellenic, Interfraternity, National Pan-Hellenic or Unified Greek Council. Each organization offers leadership and community service opportunities while promoting academic excellence and involvement. Our mission is to create a community that enhances the member’s experience by empowering our organizations to uphold the values of unity, leadership, scholarship, service and building of relationships.

Our members are student leaders on campus and excel in the classroom. The basis of fraternities and sororities is fostering brotherhood and sisterhood while helping each member develop their individual potential.

We know you will enjoy being a part of fraternity and sorority life at Central, and we are excited to welcome you to the Broncho family.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us at (405) 974-2580 or at fsl@uco.edu.

Mission StatementThe Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will create a community that enhances the members’ experience by empowering our organizations to uphold the values of unity, leadership, scholarship, service, and building of relationships.

Contact Info:UCO IFC

100 N. University Dr., Box 112

Edmond, OK 73034

405-974-2580

panhellenic@uco.edu

@ucoifc

@UCOIFC

/UCOIFC Visit the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in the Nigh University Center Room 422 or visit our website at www.uco.edu/fsl.

Welcome from the IFC President .................... 2

Mission/NIC Standards .................................... 4

NIC/IFC Creed ................................................. 5

Acacia .............................................................. 6

Alpha Tau Omega ........................................... 7

Beta Upsilon Chi .............................................. 8

Delta Chi ......................................................... 9

Phi Lambda Chi ............................................. 10

Pi Kappa Alpha .............................................. 11

Sigma Alpha Epsilon ..................................... 12

Sigma Nu ....................................................... 13

Sigma Tau Gamma ........................................ 14

Tau Kappa Epsilon ......................................... 15

Recruitment .................................................. 16

Frequently Asked Questions ......................... 17

Core Values .............................................. 18-19

Welcome! Table of Contents

The UCO Interfraternity Council is the local governing council for members of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, a trade association representing the interests of 74 international and national men’s fraternities. The council may also include national, regional, or local fraternities as Associate Members.

MISSION

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NORTH-AMERICAN INTERFRATERNITY CONFERENCE STANDARDSThe leadership of the NIC’s member fraternities passed a set of standards (revised in 2015) that will propel fraternities to be who we say we are. These standards call upon leadership to create some changes to today’s fraternity and asks each member to live to the highest standards of fraternity membership.

Membership in the NIC requires each member organization to adhere to Standards of Membership, known as the NIC Standards.

These standards include:

• Academic enrichment

• Health and safety

• (Inter)National support for chapters

• Establishment and enforcement of policies supporting opportunities for new fraternities and responsible growth.

• Establishment and enforcement of policies supporting student choice

• Interfraternalism

• Establishment and enforcement of policies on minimum GPA requirements for joining undergraduate chapters

• Establishment and enforcement of policies on minimum undergraduate chapter annual cumulative GPA requirements

• Membership data submission

We, the Interfraternity Council, exist to promote the shared interests and values of our member fraternities: leadership, service, brotherhood and scholarship. We believe in Fraternity and that the shared values of Fraternity drive the IFC to create better communities, better chapters and better men.

We work to advance the academic mission of the host institution, to enable fraternal organizations to grow and thrive through collaboration and teamwork, to provide an outlet for self-governance and accountability, and to model and teach ethical leadership. In a spirit of mutual support and betterment, we, the men of the Interfraternity Council, pledge to elevate the Ritual and the values of the member organizations.

THE NORTH-AMERICAN INTERFRATERNITY CONFERENCE CREED

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Chapter: No. 61

Founded: May 12, 1904, at Univer-sity of Michigan

Date founded at UCO: 1964

Philanthropy: National Shriner’s Hospital, Local Ally’s House.

Flower: Sprig of Acacia

Colors: Black and Old Gold

Famous Members:  William Howard Taft, Gary Patterson and David P. Osborne

Fun Fact: We are a Masonic Fraternity

National Website: www.acacia.org

Local Website: www.centralacacia.com

ACACIAThe year was 1904. Winston Churchill was 30 years old. Anton Chekov passed away. The United States gained control of the Panama Canal Zone for $10 million. George M. Cohan’s song, “The Yankee Doodle Boy,” was published. The first Olympic Games ever held in America took place in St. Louis. And on May 12, fourteen Master Masons attending the University of Michigan founded Acacia Fraternity.

Acacia’s founders established the fraternity on a unique basis. Membership was restricted to those who had already taken the Masonic obligations, and the organization was to be built on the ideals and principles inculcated by the vows taken by Master Masons. Within one year, four other Masonic clubs received Acacia charters, paving the way for rapid expansion in the following years.

Members were to be motivated by a desire for high scholarship and such character the fraternity would be free of the social vices and unbecoming activities that for years had been a blot on the fraternity life.

The evolution and development of Acacia over the years has resulted in a fraternity considerably different from what the founders originally envisioned. But, each major change has been an adaptation to the needs of new conditions, and each has permitted the fraternity to grow in reputation, influence and strength.

Chapter: Zeta Nu

Founded: Sept. 11, 1865, Virginia Military Institute

Date Founded at UCO: Feburuary 22, 2013

Philanthropy: Miracle League of Edmond

Flower: White Tea Rose

Colors: Azure and Gold

Famous Members: Steve Spurrier, Lou Groza, Billy Joe “Red” McCombs, Guy Fieri

Fun Fact: Alpha Tau Omega was not established in imitation of or in opposition to any existing fraternity.

National Website: www.ato.org

ATΩAlpha Tau Omega began as an idea in the mind of a young Civil War veteran who wanted peace and reconciliation. His name was Otis Allan Glazebrook. His people were defeated, many of their cities burned, much of their countryside ravaged. But Glazebrook, who had helped bury the dead of both sides, believed in a better future. He saw the bitterness and hatred that followed the silencing of the guns and knew a true peace would come not from force of law, but rather from with the hearts of men who were willing to work to rekindle a spirit of brotherly love.

On September 11, 1865, Glazebrook invited two close friends to his home at 114 East Clay Street in Richmond, Virginia. There, in the rear parlor, he read them the Constitution he had written and invited them to sign. As they did, Alpha Tau Omega was born. It was the first fraternity founded after the Civil War, and the first sign of Greek Life in the old Confederacy. “To know no north, no south, no east, no west, but to know man as man…” This is part of our creed, and it holds true to this day. As men of Alpha Tau Omega, we accept all men, no matter their background. We strive as an organization to help these men to grow in their manhood, faith and leadership. In doing this, we hold ourselves to a high standard in order to meet these principles.

Alpha Tau Omega rechartered at the University of Central Oklahoma on November 8, 2014, and helps the young men on this campus to have prosperous lives and to complete their journey through college. As a fraternity, we strive to help mold these men to be the next leaders of this generation.

ALPHA TAU OMEGAACACIA

Chapter Name: Alpha Epsilon

Founded: Spring 1985, University of Texas

Date Founded at UCO: August 29, 2011

Philanthropy: Central Christian Camp’s Make Promises Happen Program

Mascot: N/A

Colors: Purple and White

Fun Fact: The fraternity has spread to nearly 40 campuses around the country.

National Website: www.betaupsilonchi.org

Motto: Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”

BUCBETA UPSILON CHI

Beta Upsilon Chi was formed at The University of Texas at Austin in the spring of 1985 by a handful of Christian men who desired an alternative to the present fraternal lifestyle. A group of Christian men met and planned the “BYX Island Party” to formally announce the fraternity’s founding. It was the vision of the founding fathers to have a fraternity of committed Christian men, based on the unique brotherhood a Christian atmosphere affords, for the purpose of fellowship and glorification of Jesus Christ. Through such events as parties, service projects, and evangelical outreaches, the charter members of Beta Upsilon Chi chose to unite in fellowship and glorify Jesus Christ on the University of Texas campus.

After beginning at UT, the vision of Brothers Under Christ has spread to 40 campuses in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Kansas, South Carolina, Connecticut and Ohio.

BYX stresses five core values: Brotherhood, Unity, Faith, Leadership and Character.

In the Spring of 2010, Tylar Claypool, Caleb Glennie, Kyle Rice, and Kevin East came together with the vision of establishing a Beta Upsilon Chi at the University of Central Oklahoma. These men believed BYX would provide an outlet for Christian men to engage in the social aspect of college as well as find deep spiritual growth and unity. These four men began to search for college men who shared a common vision of a social Christian fraternity. As the group grew, they started to meet once a week to share in fellowship, brotherhood and devotion. In the Fall of 2010, the UCO prospective chapter was invited to attend National Officer Training in Cedar Hill, Texas. There, they learned about officer roles in depth and had the opportunity to meet the officers of other chapters. In the Spring of 2011, the UCO prospective chapter was about 20 men. In April of 2011, National Adviser Nick England and Executive Director Jason Hoyt visited the prospective UCO chapter. On August 29, 2011, the UCO group was formally initiated into Beta Upsilon Chi as the Alpha Epsilon Chapter, becoming the 29th chapter in the fraternity’s history.

Chapter: UCO Colony

Founded: October 13, 1890, Cornell University

Date founded at UCO: Fall 2017

Philanthropy: The V Foundation for Cancer Research

Flower: Pink Killarney Rose

Mascot: Leges

Colors: Red and Buff

Famous Members: Carrie Under-wood, Billie Letts

Fun Fact: On April 22, 1929, Delta Chi became the first international fraternity to abolish “Hell Week”.

National Website: www.deltachi.org

Motto: Faithful Unto Death

DCFounded in 1890 at Cornell University as a law fraternity, Delta Chi has grown to involve over 115,000 members from 120 campuses. The Fraternity joined the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 1922 and opened its membership to the general campus population, but is still strongly associated with core principles of justice and education.

At Delta Chi, we are committed to creating lifelong belonging through brotherhood and developing the character of our members to be fair and just, while advancing their education. Delta Chi believes that a lifelong endeavor is about continual growth, both in brotherhood and throughout the course of our members’ entire lives.

Delta Chi is the newest fraternity to join UCO’s fraternity community. We are excited to establish our founding father class this fall and lay the foundation for a legacy of building strong men and stronger friendships. We are committed to developing a brotherhood of men- diverse in backgrounds, interest and goals, united in our lifelong endeavor to promote, develop, advance and assist one another. Through the programs we put on, the opportunities to lead and be a part of a team, to the expectations we hold our brothers to, Delta Chis are enjoying a college experience. Men who become a part of Delta Chi find companions who will support them, challenge them and guide them along their lifelong endeavor to wherever it will take them.

Mission

The Delta Chi Fraternity will develop in its members a commitment to life-long learning and personal growth by complementing the educational mission of our host institutions and creating in our members the understanding that development of the whole person is paramount to successfully becoming a fully functioning and contributing member of society.

DELTA CHI

Chapter Name: Eta Chapter

Founded: March 15, 1925, University of Central Arkansas

Date Founded at UCO: 1954

Philanthropy: Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Mascot: N/A

Colors: Blue and Gold

Fun Fact: The fraternity’s membership includes Bill John Baker, current Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

National Website: www.philamb.net

FLCPHI LAMBDA CHI

Phi Lambda Chi dates its history back to 1920 on the campus of what was then known as Arkansas State Teacher’s College, when a group known as The Lamb Society was organized. The society was comprised of boys who were interested in keeping up the standard of morals on the campus and the high ideals for which the school stood. As the majority of the boys graduated and moved on to college, they voted on March 15, 1925 to discontinue their organization as a training school society and unite in forming a new secret society to be known as the Aztecs. Shortly thereafter, the college allowed fraternities to assume Greek letter names and the name Aztec was dropped for the name Phi Lambda Chi. The fraternity voted to nationalize, and the first national conclave was held in Conway, Arkansas on March 15-16, 1940. Since then, Phi Lambda Chi has grown to place chapters in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and New Hampshire. Phi Lamb carries a strong commitment to advance its core principles of fellowship, loyalty, and character by adhering to a set of values that have served our organization well. Phi Lambs believe that the union of men under a common cause with common interests betters the individual and increases their knowledge and usefulness. We also believe that our members must be active and engaged citizens of our host campuses, so in recent years we have worked to increase the campus engagement and community service of our chapters. Phi Lambda Chi’s national executive board effectively serves our chapters and undergraduate membership in large part through the chapters’ proximity to one another, and our board’s role as a strictly volunteer organization. Our low organizational overhead costs allow us to pass on some of the lowest costs of any national fraternity to our members, allowing our chapters to keep more of their dues money for use in their local community. As we have evolved from a purely social organization to one that embraces community service, philanthropy, and citizenship, Phi Lamb partners with universities that will give our membership the opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow, and in return we develop men who will retain a sense of loyalty to their university.

PI KAPPA ALPHA

Chapter: Lambda lota

Founded: March 1, 1868, at the University of Virginia

Date founded at UCO: April 13, 2002

Philanthropy: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Oklahoma

Flower:  Lilly of the Valley

Mascot: Fire Truck

Colors: Garnet and Old Gold

Famous Members: Jon Stewart, Tim McGraw, Bobby Bowden, Scott Van Pelt, Jan Kinsler and Jeremy Piven

Fun Fact: The lead guitarist and drummer for the band Hinder were founding members of the UCO Pike chapter in 2002.

National Website: www.pikes.org

Local Website:  www.ucopikes.com

PKASince PIKE first stepped onto campus in 2000, they have taken UCO by storm.

Six founders originated one of the oldest fraternities in the United States, Pi Kappa Alpha, at the University of Virginia. These founders based the fraternity on four strong pillars: Scholars, Leaders, Athletes and Gentlemen.

With more than 250 chapters internationally, Pi Kappa Alpha is one of the largest and most prestigious fraternities in the world. There has never been a better time to not only be a PIKE, but specifically, a member of the Lambda Iota chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The Lambda Iota chapter has been recognized by Pi Kappa Alpha as one of the top chapters in the nation while making a strong commitment to excellence and educational foundation. Without a doubt, Pi Kappa Alpha has made its mark at UCO and will continue to do so.

PI KAPPA ALPHA

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Chapter: Oklahoma Sigma Colony

Founded: March 9, 1856, at the University of Alabama

Date founded at UCO: Spring 2016

Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Flower: Violet

Mascot: Lion, Phoenix

Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold

Famous Members: William McKinley, William Faulkner, Dierks Bentley, Nick Lachey, Lloyd and Beau Bridges, and Troy Aikman.

Fun Fact: SAE was the first fraternity to have a national headquarters and a leadership school.

National Website: www.sae.net

SAESIGMA ALPHA EPSILON

Sigma Alpha Epsilon strives to give young men the leadership, scholarship, service and social experiences they need to excel in the walls outside their campus and once they graduate. We firmly believe membership is for life. In addition, we strive to mold our members into gentlemen so they can set an example in today’s society. Sigma Alpha Epsilon has more than 325,000 initiates and remains the largest Greek fraternity in the country.

The mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is to promote the highest standards of friendship, scholarship and service for our members based upon the ideals set forth by our Founders and as specifically enunciated in “The True Gentleman.”

“The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.” —John Walter Wayland

Chapter: Mu Tau

Founded: January 1, 1869, at Virginia Military Institute

Date founded at UCO: March 9, 2002

Philanthropy: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Flower: White Rose

Mascot: Snake

Colors: Black and Gold

Famous Members: Bob Barker, Harrison Ford, Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning, Archie Manning, Eli Young Band and Paul Rudd

Fun Fact: First fraternity founded in direct opposition to hazing

National Website: www.sigmanu.org

Local Website: www.becomeasigmanu.org

SNSigma Nu Fraternity was founded by three Civil War veterans. It was the first college fraternity to be founded in direct opposition to hazing.

The Mu Tau Chapter of Sigma Nu at UCO adheres to vital Risk Reduction policies and the use of GreekLife.edu, an alcohol misuse and sexual harassment prevention program. Since being chartered in March 2002, Sigma Nu at UCO has been a haven for campus leadership. This is credited to Mu Tau’s utilization of the fraternity’s highly renowned member development program, LEAD, with focus on Campus Involvement, Intellectual Development and Values Congruent Environments. Members are students first and fraternity men second, which helps them meet the minimum GPA standard of 2.5. By living out Sigma Nu’s values every day, its members have experiences that transform them from men to honorable men, with a foundation for success in their professions and their lives. Values Love, Honor, Truth

Mission To develop ethical leaders inspired by the principles of Love, Honor and Truth. To foster the personal growth of each man’s mind, heart and character. To perpetuate lifelong friendships and commitment to the Fraternity.

Vision Excelling with Honor

Creed To Believe in the Life of Love, To Walk in the Way of Honor, To Serve in the Light of Truth - This is the Life, the Way, and the Light of Sigma Nu, This is the Creed of our Fraternity.”

SIGMA NU

Chapter: Beta Zeta

Founded: June 28, 1920, at Central Missouri State

Date founded at UCO: May 10, 1959

Philanthropy: Special Olympics

Flower: White Rose

Colors: Blue and White

Famous Members: Dennis Miller, John Ashcroft, Gil Morgan, John (Jack) Link and Stan Musial

Fun Fact: Sigma Tau Gamma was founded by veterans of World War I.

National Website: www.sigmataugamma.org

Local Website: www.ucosigtau.com

STGSIGMA TAU GAMMA

Sigma Tau Gamma has been setting the standard for fraternity life since it joined the UCO community in 1959. Sigma Tau Gamma is a fraternity founded on the Path of Principles, which include Value, Learning, Leadership, Excellence, Benefit and Integrity. Sigma Tau Gamma continues to grow and expand at universities across the United States.

Odds are you won’t go far on the UCO campus without running into a member of the Sig Tau brotherhood. You’ll find them involved with various student organizations, leading in campus activities, and serving alongside the Volunteer and Service Learning Center.

The local Beta Zeta chapter was recognized in 2012 as one of the top five chapters in the nation. The men of Sigma Tau Gamma pride themselves in excelling in scholarship, community service, campus involvement and intramurals.

One thing is certain — the future is bright for the men of Sigma Tau Gamma.

Chapter: Epsilon Sigma

Founded: 1899, Illinois Wesleyan University

Date founded at UCO: February 23, 1957

Philanthropy: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Flower: Red Carnation

Mascot: Greek God Apollo, equilateral triangle

Colors: Crimson Lake and Pure Silver

Famous Members: President Ronald Reagan, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Terry Bradshaw and Steve Forbes

Fun Fact: TKE was the first fraternity at University of Central Oklahoma and it’s the largest active social fraternity in the world with 270+ active chapters and colonies

National Website: www.tke.org

Motto: Better Men for a Better World

TKETekes are men from diverse backgrounds, but by living our values of LOVE, CHARITY, and ESTEEM we are united through a common bond. The mission of Tau Kappa Epsilon is to aid men in their mental, moral, and social development for life. TKE creates lifelong relationships that enhance educational, interpersonal, community, and professional success.

Tau Kappa Epsilon aspires to become the leading 21st century college fraternity with a focused mission on building better men who, in turn, will build a better world. By enhancing our members’ character development, leadership skills, and producing a quality fraternity experience, we aim to be widely recognized as the leading college fraternity so that we will attract the highest caliber men for membership. We accomplish this by:

• Advancing our members’ character and personal development so that society is enriched by their leadership and contributions throughout their lives

• Creating the definitive fraternity experience for our members so that they enjoy personal development and fulfillment through training, experience, and opportunities

• Developing servant leaders who will make a positive impact on society and help build a better world for the generations that follow

Taken from the Tau Kappa Epsilon Declaration of Principles:

“We believe that the essential elements of true brotherhood are love, charity, and esteem; love, that binds our hearts with the sturdy chords of fraternal affection; charity, that is impulsive to see virtues in a brother and slow to reprove his faults; esteem, that is respectful to the honest convictions of others and that refrains from treading upon that which is sacred to spirit and conscience; these are the triple obligations of every brother in the bond.”

TAU KAPPA EPSILON

RECRUITMENT The fraternity recruitment process is based on the mutual agreement between a fraternity chapter and a potential new member. Our organizations will host events throughout the year to showcase their members, values and beliefs, membership requirements, community service, philanthropic fundraising, etc. Potential new members are strongly encouraged to explore all of their options to find the organization they believe best aligns with their personal beliefs, professional goals, and academic needs.

Saturday, June 24thGreek Discovery Day; Registration is required, but there is no fee to attend. Family members and friends are welcome to attend, too! All attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about our community and interact one-on-one with fraternity members.

Monday, August 21st Fraternity and Sorority Life Fair, 9:30am-2pm, Broncho Lake

Wednesday, August 23rd Student Involvement Fair, 9:30am-2pm, Broncho Lake

Sunday, August 27th Fraternity Presentations, 6-10pm, Nigh University Center

Monday, August 28th Fraternity events, time and location TBA

Tuesday, August 29th Fraternity events, time and location TBA

Thursday, August 31st Fraternity Bid Day; Invitations to join a fraternity, or “bids”, will be available in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life from 8am-5pm. Potential new members may accept their bids by visiting the one fraternity event of their choosing.

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In compliance with Title VI and Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, The Civil Rights Act of 1991, and other Federal Laws and Regulations, the University of Central Oklahoma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, disability, status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures; this includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services This publication, printed by GotPrint.com is issued by the University of Central Oklahoma as authorized by Title 70 OS 1981, Section 3903. 1000 copies have been prepared or distributed at a cost of $744.00 6/2017

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What will I get from Greek Life that I would not get from other organizations?

We believe strongly in the benefits of fraternity membership. Our members are able to experience lifelong brotherhood, a home away from home, enhanced leadership skills, academic success and assistance, philanthropic fundraising, and community service while in our organizations.

Will my academic performance be compromised if I join a fraternity?

When students join a fraternity, they become part of a larger group of students who value their academic success here at Central. Each chapter appoints or selects an officer whose sole responsibility is to monitor members’ academic success and provide or coordinate assistance as needed. Each chapter also instituted a minimum grade point average in order to be in good standing and actively participate in chapter functions.

What is “Rush” or recruitment?

Recruitment can be formal or informal and is sometimes referred to as “rush”. Recruitment activities allow a student to explore the full range of student organizations and activities. More formal activities usually occur at the beginning of each semester. However, information events and one-on-one recruitment activities occur throughout the year. During the recruitment process, members of a fraternity will interact with potential new members, highlighting their organization’s values, beliefs, membership requirements, financial obligations, etc. Potential new members also have the opportunity to meet chapter members, ask questions, and learning more about the organizations and fraternity members.

How can I get more information about fraternity life at Central?

There are many sources of information! We encourage to visit the University’s website (www.uco.edu/fsl) or any webpage hosted by our fraternities. You should also follow chapter social media profiles, attend their publicized events, or discuss your interest with a chapter member. You may contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at fsl@uco.edu or (405) 974-2580.

Brotherhood: Being a member of a fraternity creates a deeper bond of friendships and a sense of loyalty that provides an individual with a sense of family throughout one’s lifetime. Members of the Greek community are exposed to many different personalities, interests, and challenges beneficial for social growth, while forming lifelong friendships. The bonds you develop with other members in your chapter are more than just friendships. Members support each other through challenges, and older brothers encourage and foster growth in new members. Friendships developed in college will continue to flourish even after you graduate. Every chapter has an alumni network to assist members in adjusting to new communities, whether its finding employment or offering personal friendship based on the common experience of membership in your organization.

Leadership: Fraternity membership provides a variety of leadership opportunities. Members may participate in governance as a chapter officer or by serving on one of the many committees and subcommittees that each chapter maintains. In addition, leadership

programs and conferences within each fraternity at the local, regional and national level also provide an opportunity for members to sharpen their leadership skills. As leaders it is important to challenge the community to high ideals. We should lead by example and be selfless, confident, and value-based role models. It is our responsibility as leaders to promote unity within the Greek and local communities.

CORE VALUES

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Lifelong Learning: Historically, Greek letter organizations were founded on the principles of academic success and camaraderie. Today, our organizations continue to strive for academic excellence. Our members realize that academic achievement is the main priority of Central students. Chapters promote scholarship by providing academic resources for their members including tutoring, academic

advisors, study groups and scholarships. Chapter members often work with new students to help their adjustment to their new surroundings, and specifically the rigors of university academics. Many chapters have a rewards system based on GPA. Prospective members must meet a minimum GPA in order to be initiated and then must maintain a minimum GPA to remain an active member.

Integrity: A Central Greek believes in the inherent value of all individuals and treats others with respect and dignity. The new member period is a process of learning, inspiration and achievement-not one of hazing, degradation or humiliation. Within our fraternity community, we share a set of common values in which we have instilled a support system to hold each other accountable to the highest standards, ideals, and a healthy lifestyle.

Citizenship: Service to others is a cornerstone of all Greek organizations. Service activities provide members with the opportunity to support many philanthropic causes on campus and within the surrounding community. Annually, the Greek community addresses the needs of both the City of Edmond and the University communities by sponsoring service and philanthropic projects that contribute thousands of dollars and countless hours of community service. The ability to touch the lives of others through your efforts will undoubtedly be one of the more memorable experiences you will have as a member of a fraternity.

100 N. University Dr., Box 112 Edmond, OK 73034

(405) 974-2580 • ifc@uco.edu

TM

Interfraternity Council