Boston University Sororities: A Comprehensive Guide to Greek Life

The Sorority Scene at Boston University

Boston University is home to a vibrant and diverse Greek life community, with over 50 sororities and fraternities represented on campus. Sororities play a significant role in the university experience, offering a sense of community, leadership opportunities, and a strong network of support.

According to the National Panhellenic Conference, there are approximately 3,400 undergraduate women involved in sororities at Boston University, representing about 16% of the female student population. Panhellenic sororities are divided into three councils: the National Panhellenic Council (NPC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Exploring Boston University Sororities

With so many sororities to choose from, it can be overwhelming to navigate the Greek life scene at Boston University. To help you make an informed decision, here is an overview of some of the most popular sororities on campus:

National Panhellenic Council (NPC) Sororities

• Alpha Chi Omega: Founded in 1885, Alpha Chi Omega is known for its strong sisterhood and commitment to academic excellence.
• Alpha Phi: With a focus on leadership development and philanthropy, Alpha Phi has a long-standing presence at Boston University.
• Delta Delta Delta: Tri Delta is a women-centered sorority that values friendship, scholarship, and service.
• Kappa Alpha Theta: Kappa Alpha Theta emphasizes intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and lifelong connections.
• Pi Beta Phi: Founded in 1867, Pi Beta Phi is a sorority that promotes leadership, scholarship, and community service.

Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) Sororities

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: The first African-American sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha is dedicated to serving the community and empowering women.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: DST is a sorority that focuses on academic achievement, public service, and sisterhood.
• Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.: As the largest Latina-based sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha promotes cultural awareness and academic excellence.
• Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women: This sorority is dedicated to advancing the art of music and supporting women in the field.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.: ZPB is a sorority that empowers women to achieve their full potential through scholarship, service, and sisterhood.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Sororities

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: See above (MGC)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: See above (MGC)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.: See above (MGC)
• Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc.: CUS is a sorority that fosters academic excellence, cultural awareness, and community service.
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.: An African-American fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi emphasizes scholarship, service, and leadership.

Benefits of Joining a Sorority at Boston University

Joining a sorority at Boston University comes with numerous benefits, including:

• Strong Sisterhood: Sororities provide a network of supportive and like-minded women who can offer friendship, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
• Leadership Opportunities: Sorority life offers ample opportunities for members to develop leadership skills through holding chapter offices, participating in committees, and organizing events.
• Academic Support: Many sororities offer study groups, tutoring services, and mentorship programs to support their members academically.
• Philanthropy: Sororities actively participate in community service and philanthropy, providing members with opportunities to make a positive impact on society.
• Social Events: Sororities host a variety of social events throughout the year, including formals, mixers, and themed parties, which offer opportunities for members to connect with each other and forge lasting memories.

Costs of Joining a Sorority at Boston University

The cost of joining a sorority at Boston University varies depending on the chapter, but typically includes the following expenses:

• New Member Fee: A one-time fee paid to the national organization, ranging from $350 to $500.
• Chapter Dues: Annual fees paid to the local chapter, which cover chapter expenses such as housing, activities, and events. These dues typically range from $500 to $1,000.
• Room and Board: Some sororities offer housing for their members, which can be an additional cost.
• Social Expenses: Members may also incur expenses for social events and activities, such as formal dinners or off-campus outings.

How to Choose the Right Sorority at Boston University

Finding the right sorority for you at Boston University involves a combination of research, self-reflection, and personal preferences. Consider the following steps to make an informed decision:

• Attend Rush Events: Sororities typically host rush events throughout the recruitment period, which provide an opportunity to meet members, learn about the chapter, and see if it’s a good fit for you.
• Talk to Current Members: Reach out to current members of the sororities you’re interested in to ask questions and get their insights.
• Consider Your Values and Goals: Identify the qualities and values that are important to you in a sorority, such as academic focus, community service, or leadership opportunities.
• Visit the Sorority Houses: If possible, schedule visits to the sorority houses to get a sense of the living arrangements and chapter culture.
• Follow Your Instincts: Trust your intuition and choose the sorority that feels like the best fit for you, based on your interactions with members and the overall atmosphere of the chapter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Joining a Sorority at Boston University

To maximize your sorority experience, avoid the following common mistakes:

• Joining for the Wrong Reasons: Don’t join a sorority solely for social status or to meet boys. Choose a sorority that aligns with your values and goals.
• Not Attending Rush Events: Rush events are essential for getting to know different sororities and finding the right one for you. Make sure to attend as many rush events as possible.
• Making a Hasty Decision: Don’t rush the decision-making process. Take your time to meet members, visit the sorority houses, and consider your options carefully.
• Ignoring Your Gut: If you have doubts about a sorority, it’s better to trust your instincts and move on to another chapter.
• Expecting a Perfect Fit: No sorority is perfect. Accept that there will be some aspects of the chapter that you might not agree with.

FAQs About Boston University Sororities

1. How long is the recruitment process?
The recruitment process typically lasts for about two weeks, with rush events held at different times throughout the semester.

2. What is the minimum GPA requirement for joining a sorority?
Most sororities have a minimum GPA requirement ranging from 2.5 to 3.0. However, some chapters may have higher or lower requirements.

3. How many women are in each sorority chapter?
The size of sorority chapters varies, but typically ranges from 50 to 150 women.

4. What is the time commitment required to be in a sorority?
Time commitment varies depending on the sorority and individual member’s involvement, but typically includes weekly chapter meetings, study sessions, and social events.

5. Can I join a sorority if I am not a freshman?
Yes, you can join a sorority at any point in your undergraduate career.

6. Are there any financial scholarships available?
Some sororities offer financial scholarships to members based on academic achievement or financial need.

7. What is the difference between NPC, MGC, and NPHC sororities?
NPC sororities are traditional sororities that emphasize social and academic goals. MGC sororities are multicultural sororities that promote cultural awareness and community service. NPHC sororities are historically African American sororities that prioritize scholarship, service, and leadership.

8. How can I contact the Boston University Greek Life Office?
The Boston University Greek Life Office can be contacted at (617) 358-4468 or [email protected].

Tables

Table 1: National Panhellenic Council (NPC) Sororities at Boston University

Table 2: Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) Sororities at Boston University