Santa Clara University: A Guide to Sororities Additional Information Tables

Overview

Santa Clara University (SCU) is home to a vibrant and diverse Greek community, with over 20 sororities and fraternities. Sororities at SCU offer a unique opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, make lifelong friends, and participate in a variety of social and service activities.

Benefits of Joining a Sorority

• Strong sisterhood: Sororities provide a sense of belonging and support to their members. By joining a sorority, students can connect with other women who share similar values and interests.
• Leadership development: Sororities offer numerous opportunities for members to develop their leadership skills. From serving on executive boards to leading committees, sorority women gain valuable experience that can help them succeed in their future careers.
• Scholarship: Many sororities have a strong commitment to scholarship. They offer study groups, tutoring, and other academic support services to help their members achieve their academic goals.
• Social opportunities: Sororities host a variety of social events throughout the year, such as formals, mixers, and philanthropies. These events provide an opportunity for members to socialize, have fun, and make new friends.
• Service to the community: Sororities are actively involved in giving back to the community. They organize volunteer events, donate to local charities, and participate in fundraising campaigns.

How to Join a Sorority

The process of joining a sorority at SCU is called “rush.” Rush is a several-week period during which potential new members (PNMs) meet with representatives from all of the sororities on campus. PNMs attend social events, informational sessions, and interviews to learn more about each sorority and find the best fit for them.

To be eligible for rush, students must be enrolled full-time at SCU and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must also have a strong interest in Greek life and be committed to participating in sorority activities.

The Different Sororities at SCU

There are 22 sororities at SCU, representing a wide range of interests and backgrounds. Each sorority has its own unique history, traditions, and values. Here is a brief overview of each sorority:

• Alpha Chi Omega: Alpha Chi Omega is a national sorority founded in 1885. It is known for its commitment to scholarship and service.
• Alpha Delta Pi: Alpha Delta Pi is a national sorority founded in 1851. It is known for its strong sisterhood and commitment to social justice.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha: Alpha Kappa Alpha is a national sorority founded in 1908. It is the first African-American sorority and is known for its commitment to scholarship and service.
• Alpha Phi: Alpha Phi is a national sorority founded in 1872. It is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to leadership.
• Alpha Xi Delta: Alpha Xi Delta is a national sorority founded in 1893. It is known for its commitment to sisterhood and service.
• Chi Omega: Chi Omega is a national sorority founded in 1895. It is known for its commitment to scholarship and leadership.
• Delta Delta Delta: Delta Delta Delta is a national sorority founded in 1888. It is known for its strong sisterhood and commitment to philanthropy.
• Delta Gamma: Delta Gamma is a national sorority founded in 1873. It is known for its commitment to leadership and service.
• Gamma Phi Beta: Gamma Phi Beta is a national sorority founded in 1874. It is known for its commitment to sisterhood and scholarship.
• Kappa Alpha Theta: Kappa Alpha Theta is a national sorority founded in 1870. It is known for its strong sisterhood and commitment to philanthropy.
• Kappa Kappa Gamma: Kappa Kappa Gamma is a national sorority founded in 1870. It is known for its commitment to sisterhood and leadership.
• Kappa Sigma Theta: Kappa Sigma Theta is a national sorority founded in 2006. It is the only Latina-based sorority and is known for its commitment to community service.
• Lambda Theta Nu: Lambda Theta Nu is a national sorority founded in 1992. It is the only Latina-based sorority and is known for its commitment to scholarship and leadership.
• Phi Mu: Phi Mu is a national sorority founded in 1852. It is known for its commitment to scholarship and sisterhood.
• Pi Beta Phi: Pi Beta Phi is a national sorority founded in 1867. It is known for its commitment to sisterhood and philanthropy.
• Sigma Kappa: Sigma Kappa is a national sorority founded in 1874. It is known for its commitment to sisterhood and leadership.
• Theta Phi Alpha: Theta Phi Alpha is a national sorority founded in 1912. It is known for its commitment to scholarship and service.
• Tri Delta: Tri Delta is a national sorority founded in 1898. It is known for its commitment to sisterhood and scholarship.
• Zeta Tau Alpha: Zeta Tau Alpha is a national sorority founded in 1898. It is known for its commitment to sisterhood and philanthropy.

Choosing the Right Sorority for You

With so many sororities to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for you. Here are a few tips to help you make the decision:

• Consider your interests and values. Each sorority has its own unique culture and values. Before you start rushing, take some time to reflect on your own interests and values and identify which sororities might be a good fit for you.
• Attend rush events. Rush is the best way to get to know the different sororities and find the one that feels like home. Attend as many rush events as possible and talk to as many sorority women as you can.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you have any questions about a sorority, don’t hesitate to ask. The sorority women will be happy to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Joining a sorority at Santa Clara University is a great way to make lifelong friends, develop leadership skills, and get involved in the community. With so many sororities to choose from, there is a sorority for everyone. If you are interested in joining a sorority, be sure to attend rush and talk to as many sorority women as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the cost of joining a sorority? The cost of joining a sorority varies depending on the sorority. However, most sororities charge a one-time membership fee, as well as monthly or quarterly dues.
• Do I need to have a certain GPA to join a sorority? Most sororities at SCU have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. However, some sororities may have higher GPA requirements.
• How do I join a sorority? The process of joining a sorority is called “rush.” Rush is a several-week period during which potential new members (PNMs) meet with representatives from all of the sororities on campus. PNMs attend social events, informational sessions, and interviews to learn more about each sorority and find the best fit for them.
• What is the difference between a sorority and a fraternity? Sororities are women-only organizations, while fraternities are men-only organizations. Other than that, there is no difference between sororities and fraternities.

Helpful Resources

• Santa Clara University Greek Life website
• National Panhellenic Conference website
• North-American Interfraternity Conference website

Table 1: Sororities at Santa Clara University