BSC Birmingham-Southern College

13-14 greeklifeguideto

Birmingham-Southern College

Welcome to the Birmingham-Southern College community! As you are making plans for your academic

career, I hope you take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available outside of the classroom

to enhance your college experience. BSC offers opportunities for involvement in a multitude of student

activities and organizations that are available to supplement a wide variety of academic pursuits.

One of the avenues of involvement to consider is Fraternity and Sorority Life. Through membership

in a fraternity or sorority, students can enjoy the advantages of companionship and support, leadership

development, community service, recreational and social activities, campus involvement, academic

assistance, personal growth, small group living, and lifelong friendships.

Fraternities and sororities have been a part of campus life for over 140 years. Fraternity and sorority

alumni nationwide indicate that their fraternal membership was a vital component of their college

experiencethrough alumni networking, they continue to receive long-term benefits from their Greek

affiliations. I encourage you to consider Fraternity and Sorority Life as you explore your options for

participation in student activities.

Sincerely,

David Eberhardt, Ed.D.

Vice President for Student Development

deberhar@bsc.edu | (205) 226-4722

welcome

BSC

experience

greek LIFe mIssIon statement

The mission of the Greek community at Birmingham-Southern College is to promote

academic excellence, demonstrate civic engagement and philanthropic outreach, and

create an inter-fraternal family among all members. We are committed to helping

people reach their full potential and become successful after college life.

experience

From the panheLLenIc and InterFraternIty councILsjointletter

explore

On behalf of the Birmingham-Southern College Greek community, congratulations on your decision

to attend one of the best colleges in the Southeast. Your decision to attend BSC shows a commitment to

community involvement and intellectual growth as well as a desire to be challenged. Greek Life is a great

way to fulfill these expectations for your college experience, and we hope you will see that Greek Life

is filled with people who share these interests. At BSC, our Interfraternal and Panhellenic communities

have three main goals: first, we hope to help foster academic excellence among our members and set high

standards for the general BSC community; second, we provide opportunities for members to participate in

philanthropic service; third, we form bonds with other Greek individuals that will continue to grow long

after your time at BSC.

Birmingham-Southerns Greek community is unique because we form sincere bonds and friendships

not only in each sorority and fraternity, but also across different organizations. The confidence gained

from being part of an organization of people who truly care about you can help develop your leadership

and interpersonal skills. Every student finds his or her unique place at Birmingham-Southern, but we

believe that Greek Life can benefit everyone.

Trey Weber Catie Gilliland

IFC President Panhellenic President

tbweber@bsc.edu cigillil@bsc.edu

With an average incoming GPA of 3.5, it is obvious that BSC

attracts the best and brightest students. Sororities and fraternities

proudly reflect this high level of achievement through the chapter

academic averages that are earned annually. Each fraternity and

sorority maintains internal academic standards that all members

are expected to meet. Fraternity and sorority members also have the

opportunity to apply for national scholarships provided through

their organizations educational foundation.

Semester GPA Greeks only OverallFall 2012 Womens 3.28 3.05

Fall 2012 Mens 3.00 2.74

Spring 2013 Womens 3.30 3.07

Spring 2013 Mens 3.09 2.79

guIde to greek LIFe

scholarshipThe BSC Greek system has provided me great academic support, especially early on as a freshman. Having a

group interested in my success as a student in my first semester at BSC made a huge difference in my academic career. Being surrounded by a group of men all striving towards academic excellence has given me encouragement and the drive to succeed in all of my classes for the betterment of myself, my individual organization, and the Greek system as a whole.

AUSTIN CULVERClass of 2015

exploreexcel

BSC attracts some of the brightest young leaders

in the nation who are looking for ways to get

involved as they begin their college careers.

Being a part of BSCs Greek community can

help you find your niche and provide you with

opportunities to strengthen those leadership

skills. Greek students are involved in numerous

clubs, organizations, and athletic teams on

campus to create a well-balanced college

experience.

Each chapter is self-governing and relies on

the special talents of its members for successful

management. Whether it is assuming an office,

leading a committee, or developing a new

program, there are many ways to strengthen and

build your leadership skills.

When I first came to Birmingham-Southern, I wasnt even sure that Greek life was for me. Good thing I changed my mind! Joining the Greek community here at

BSC has been life-changing. I really learned the value of Greek life after I was selected to serve as the chapter president of my sorority during my sophomore year. Being president taught me how to balance extracurricular activities while still keeping up my grades, and I learned what it truly means to serve in a leadership position. Greek life here at BSC is truly unique, and being a member of a Greek organization will allow you to grow personally and intellectually.

LAUREN fUgITClass of 2013

leadership

One of the most rewarding aspects of being involved in

Fraternity and Sorority Life at BSC is participating in service

and philanthropic events organized by individual chapters

and the Greek community as a whole. Working together

on such projects not only benefits worthy causes, but also

fosters personal growth and greater unity among individual

members. Activities include Halloween on the Hilltop,

Habitat for Humanity, Up Til Dawn, tutoring at local schools,

volunteering with NorthStar Youth Ministries, Circle of

Sisterhood, and sponsoring neighborhood activities.

In 2012-13, the BSC fraternity and sorority community

donated more than $50,000 to various philanthropic

organizations and gave countless hours of service in chapter-

sponsored events.

guIde to greek LIFe

community service

Greek life was Greek to me. I did not have Greek life at the college I attended and the stories that I heard from other moms as their daughters were pledging did not impress me. I thought that Greek life was made of random rules,

high fees, and an emphasis on social clichs. Then my daughter was given the chance to become a Pi Phi member at BSC and I learned all the wonderful things that Greek life could bring into a students life. Through Pi Phi my daughter has gained a family of supportive friends who are always there for her, and she has gained immeasurable leadership skills and confidence. What my daughter gained from this experience far outweighs the cost. She has built friendships with girls who have the same desires, work ethics, and values that are important to her. I have also seen her develop a deeper commitment to philanthropic work. Greek life is no longer Greek to me and I am so glad because it has been a wonderful addition in helping my daughter blossom into a well-rounded citizen.

LISA fLAggBSC Parent

Fraternity and sorority

experience is not limited

to the college years; it

continues throughout life.

Organizations maintain

alumni associations or

graduate chapters around

the country to keep the

lifetime commitment strong.

The relationships you

make with alumni provide

opportunities for networking

and mentoring throughout

your career.

guIde to greek LIFe

brotherhood/sisterhoodAt Birmingham-Southern College, being a part

of a chapter cannot be compared to any other

experience. Brotherhood and sisterhood is not

about conformityno organization is made

up of members who are exactly alike. Rather,

they promote individualism paired with mutual

respect, trust and cooperation.

networking

interfraternity councilThe Interfraternity Council is the governing body of the six fraternities at BSC. The

IFC Council is responsible for communication among fraternities, programming for

the fraternities, and especially fraternity recruitment. To learn more and register for

recruitment, visit:

Since 1879, fraternities have enriched the lives of BSCs brightest young men. The Interfraternity Council at Birmingham-Southern exemplifies what Greek organizations should be. We seek students who have a commitment to our college and its rigorous academic tradition. No other student organizations are as unique as ours. Joining a fraternity is a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, service, leadership, and scholarship.

TREy WEBERClass of 2014

what Is the InterFraternIty councIL?

networking

www.bscifc.com.

Alpha Tau OmegaName: Alpha Tau Omega Chapter: Beta BetaNickname: ATONational Founding Date: 1865Location: Virginia Military Institute BSC Founding Date: 1885Colors: Azure and GoldFlower: White Tea RoseMotto: The Positive ExperienceLocal Philanthropy: Impact Alabama Japan Earthquake Relief Contact Us Box 549104 Birmingham AL 35254 www.atobetabeta.org

ATW

Kappa Alpha OrderName: Kappa Alpha OrderChapter: Phi Chapter (7th oldest in nation)Nickname: KANational Founding Date: December 21, 1865 Location: Washington & Lee UniversityBSC Founding Date: 1882Colors: Crimson and Old GoldFlower: Red Rose and MagnoliaMotto: Excellence Is Our Aim.National Philanthropy: Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

Contact Us Box 549103 Birmingham AL 35254 birmingham-southern.kappaalphaorder.org

KA

Sigma Alpha EpsilonName: Sigma Alpha EpsilonChapter: Alabama IotaNickname: SAENational Founding Date: March 9, 1856Location: University of Alabama BSC Founding Date: November 11, 1878Colors: Purple and GoldFlower: VioletMotto: True GentlemenLocal Philanthropy: Alabama Wildlife Federation

Contact Us Box 549105 Birmingham AL 35254 sae@bsc.edu www.saeepsilon.org/iota

SAE

Sigma ChiName: Sigma ChiChapter: Chi ChiNickname: SigsNational Founding Date: Jun 28, 1855 Location: Miami UniversityBSC Founding Date: March 5, 1993Colors: Blue and Old GoldFlower: White RoseMotto: In Hoc Signo VincesNational Philanthropy: Childrens Miracle Network and

Huntsman Cancer Institute

Contact Us Birmingham AL 35254 Box 549101 www.bscsigmachi.com

SC

Sigma NuName: Sigma NuChapter: Lambda ThetaNational Founding Date: January 1, 1869Location: Virginia Military InstituteBSC Founding Date: 1987Colors: Black, White, GoldFlower: White RoseMotto: Love, Truth, HonorNational Philanthropy: St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital Contact Us Box 549097 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.sigmanubsc.com

SN

Theta ChiName: Theta ChiChapter: Beta XiNickname: Theta ChiNational Founding Date: April 10, 1856Location: Norwich UniversityBSC Founding Date: 1942Colors: Military Red, WhiteFlower: Red CarnationMotto: Extend The Helping HandLocal Philanthropies: Habitat for Humanity Firehouse Mens Shelter in Birmingham

Contact Us Box 549106 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.thetachibsc.com

qC

panhellenic council

The Panhellenic Council is the governing body of the

six sororities at BSC. The Panhellenic Council strives

to develop women through academic success and

service. We promote womens leadership, diversity,

and strong relationships

between each chapter. To learn more and

register for recruitment, visit:

what Is the panheLLenIc councIL?

I enjoy being a part of the BSC Greek community because we are a truly unique system that gives everyone a chance to reach beyond their full potential. We build strong relationships between our brothers, sisters, and alumni. I think my experience at BSC would not have been the same if I had not been a part of Greek Life.

CATIE gILLILANdClass of 2014

www.bscpanhellenic.com.

Alpha Chi OmegaName: Alpha Chi OmegaChapter: Alpha OmegaNickname: Alpha ChiNational Founding Date: Oct 15, 1885Location: DePauw UniversityBSC Founding Date: April 9, 1926Mascot: LyreColors: Scarlet Red and Olive GreenFlower: CarnationNational Philanthropy: Alpha Chi Omega Foundation

Contact Us BSC Box 549107 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.alphachiomegabsc.com

ACW

Alpha Omicron PiName: Alpha Omicron PiChapter: Tau DeltaNickname: AOIINational Founding Date: January 2, 1897Location: Barnard CollegeBSC Founding Date: 1925Mascot: PandaColors: CardinalFlower: Jacque-Minot RoseNational Philanthropy: Juvenile Arthritis

Contact Us BSC Box 549108 Birmingham, AL 35254 alphaomicronpibsc.wix.com/ taudelta

AOP

AOP

Chi OmegaName: Chi OmegaChapter: Omicron LambdaNickname: Chi ONational Founding Date: April 5, 1895Location: University of ArkansasBSC Founding Date: 1989Mascot: OwlColors: Cardinal & StrawFlower: White CarnationNational Philanthropy: Make-A-Wish Foundation

Contact Us BSC Box 549099 Birmingham, AL 35254 bscchiomega.wix.com/chio_bsc

CW

Kappa DeltaName: Kappa DeltaChapter: Alpha UpsilonNickname: KDNational Founding Date: Oct 23, 1897Location: State Female Normal SchoolBSC Founding Date: March 15, 1930Mascot: Teddy BearColors: Pearl White & Olive GreenFlower: White RoseNational Philanthropy: Prevent Child Abuse America Girl Scouts of USA Childrens Hopsital, Richmond, VA Orthopedic Research Awards Contact Us BSC Box 549109 Birmingham, AL 35254 bsc.kappadelta.org

KD

KD

Pi Beta PhiName: Pi Beta PhiChapter: Alabama AlphaNickname: Pi PhiNational Founding Date: April 28, 1867Location: Monmouth CollegeBSC Founding Date: 1928Mascot: Arrow; AngelColors: Wine & Silver BlueFlower: Wine CarnationNational Philanthropy: First Book and Phi Beta Pi Foundation

Contact Us BSC Box 549110 Birmingham, AL 35254 www.alalpha.wix.com/pibetaphi

PBF

Zeta Tau AlphaName: Zeta Tau AlphaChapter: Alpha NuNickname: ZetaNational Founding Date: Oct 15, 1898Location: Longwood CollegeBSC Founding Date: October 7, 1922Mascot: BunnyColors: Turquoise Blue & Silver GrayFlower: White VioletNational Philanthropy: Breast Cancer Research

Contact Us BSC Box 549111 Birmingham, AL 35254 bsc.zetataualpha.org

ZTA

greek terms and definitions

Alpha ABeta BGamma GDelta DEpsilon E

greekalphabet

Zeta ZEta HTheta Q Iota IKappa K

Lambda LMu MNu NXi XOmicron O

Pi PRho RSigma STau TUpsilon U

Phi FChi CPsi YOmega W

Active: Fraternity or sorority member, currently in school, who has completed his/her new member program and has been formally initiated by his/her chapter Alumna: An initiated sorority member (feminine) who is no longer active or in college (Plural: ALUMNAE) Alumnus: An initiated fraternity member (masculine) who is no longer active or in college (Plural: ALUMNI) Bid: A formal invitation to a potential new member on behalf of that sorority or fraternity to join that specific groupBid day: The day that potential new members receive their bidsChapter: The local group of a national fraternity or sorority designated by a special Greek letter nameCollege Panhellenic: The cooperative organization of collegiate members of sororitiesformal Recruitment: The major recruitment period of the year during one weekend early in the fall semester. Formal recruitment consists of different events sponsored by the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils separately. Potential new members have the opportunity to visit each chapter house and meet its members. fraternity: A Greek letter organization characterized by a ritual, a pin and a strong tie of friendshipgreek: A member of a sorority or fraternity so called because the organization bears a Greek letter namegreek Week: A series of special events sponsored by the Greek community to promote community service and Greek unityHazing: Any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the persons willingness to participate (www.stophazing.org)Initiate: A person who has recently become an active member of a fraternity or sororityInitiation: the formal, ritualistic ceremony during which a new member takes final vows and becomes a full member of his/her fraternity or sororityInterfraternity Council (IfC): The representative governing body of the fraternity systemLegacy: A potential new member whose father/mother or brother/ sister is an alumni or active member of a specific fraternity or sororityMixer: A social activity with two or more Greek organizations

Nationals: The governing body of each fraternity and sorority on a national level; the central headquarters of a Greek organizationNIC: National Interfraternity Conference, a confederation of 73 mens fraternitiesNPC: National Panhellenic Conference, a national governing body of sororities, each of which is autonomous as a social, Greek letter society of college women undergraduates and alumnae. This is the national governing body of all 26 national social sororities.NPHC: National Pan-Hellenic Council, a national governing body for the nine historically African American fraternities and sororitiesOpen Recruitment: That period in which any sorority not having reached quota and/or chapter total may recruit and join a woman without specifically scheduled bidding or parties. For fraternities, this is the informal recruitment period after the formal recruitment week where fraternities accept additional members. Panhellenic: National and local council of sororities, the purpose of which is to govern, to unify, and to aid sororities in their relationships with one another and the college communityPhilanthropy: A service project undertaken by Greek members on the campus, community or national levelQuota: The number of women that each sorority may join during RecruitmentRecommendation: a written letter or statement recommending a potential new member for membership in a fraternity or sorority. It can be sent from alumni of any chapter and is sent to the chapter of his/her fraternity/sorority on this campus. The fraternity/ sorority, not the potential new member, is responsible for soliciting these.Recruitment Advisor: Upperclass fraternity members who act as official recruitment advisors for the potential new members during RecruitmentRho gamma: Sorority members who do not affiliate with their own sororities during Recruitment, but serve as unbiased advisors to potential new members during RecruitmentRecruitment: A process whereby students interested in fraternities and sororities can meet the members of each chapter and learn more about the organizationsPotential New Member (PNM): Any student who is regularly enrolled and is eligible according to scholastic requirements, who is interested in becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority, and who has registered for RecruitmentSorority: A Greek letter sisterhood, also called a womens fraternity

BSC Birmingham-Southern CollegeOffice of Student Development900 Arkadelphia RoadBox 549014Birmingham, AL 35254

www.bscifc.comwww.bscpanhellenic.com

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 2575Birmingham, AL

reasons to go greek at bsc1. we consider academics top priority

2. we are leaders on campus3. we lend a helping hand

4. we are connected to alums5. we create lifelong memories

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