Frequently asked questions
What is Greek life really all about?
Membership in a Greek letter organization is a lifetime obligation. Choosing the Greek community means working with a group of men and women who can exchange and stand for common goals and ideas and being held to a higher standard than other college students. The Greek experience during the college years is a gateway to many rewards and connections later in life. Each of our chapters develops a special bond called sisterhood. It is nurtured through common work, laughter, service projects, intramural and the shared success and frustrations of all. Throughout your daughter's life, membership will be an unwritten bond of friendship no matter what course her life takes.
Does everyone in the Greek community drink?
Alcohol abuse is inconsistent with fraternity and sorority ideals. All fraternities and sororities at UW are expected to uphold state, county, and city laws, as well as university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol (to read these policies please refer back to the links on the home page). Fraternities and sororities both participate in dry social functions and recruitment events that allow students to interact in a friendly and safe environment. Students who choose not to drink are not pressured and are able to feel comfortable with their decision.
What are the housing accommodations like?
Are members able to maintain a high GPA in the Greek community?
Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. The Greek community can assist students in their transition to becoming a successful University of Washington student. Being a member of the Greek community allows students access to a vast network of fellow Greeks studying similar subjects who can help to guide them scholastically. Each chapter at the UW also works hard to educate their members on campus resources such as study skill centers, computer labs, and libraries. It should also be noted that Greeks have consistently achieved a higher G.P.A. than the all-undergraduate student body.
Does hazing still occur in sororities?
In keeping with the University of Washington's commitment to a positive academic environment, UW unconditionally opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Not only are acts of hazing against university policy, but it is also against state law. The Panhellenic Association also has a no tolerance policy for hazing and a judicial procedure to deal with any serious hazing allegations. Through educational programming, members are taught to respect their sisters (for more information or to read the UW and Panhellenic policies regarding hazing, refer to the home page links).
Won't working and going to school conflict with sorority membership?
Actually, many students involved in the UW Greek community are also employed outside of the classroom. In today's world, the reality is that only the lucky few can afford to attend college without outside employment. Sororities recognize that it is important for members to be able to meet their financial obligations and that many students will work to help finance their educations. Working students can still take advantage of the opportunities available through the Greek community.
Who is actually in charge of the sorority?
Sorority members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors. In addition, all Greek organizations at UW are part of a national organization which offers support, advice, and direction through a paid professional staff and regional volunteers. Professional staff from the University are also employed to assist and monitor the activities of Greek organizations. As you can see a variety of individuals oversee the operations of the Sorority.
How expensive is living in a sorority?
The cost of living in a sorority house varies from chapter to chapter. However, the average cost of living in a sorority house is comparable to the cost of living in the residence halls on campus and includes room and board, food, and social events.
These costs are all-inclusive of the costs sororities charge yearly (three trimesters) to their members, including room and board, national and local dues, and one-time membership expenses:
Average $2465
Low $1800
High $2903