Why go Greek?

By becoming a member of the Greek community you will be opening a door to wonderful opportunities. Greek organizations offer students not only lifelong friendships, but a chance to develop their leadership potential and participate in community service. There is also encouragement in academic excellence, social and recreational involvement and the opportunity to network (both as a student and as alumni). However, the best part is the amazing college memories you will make. Being Greek allows students to create a home away from home where the fun never stops!

The decision to join a sorority has been the start of a formative experience for thousands of undergraduate women at UC Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara has 10 Panhellenic sororities and these ten chapters are bound together by the Panhellenic Council, which facilitates Formal Recruitment each fall. Formal recruitment is the process by which all of the chapters add to their membership. Though each sorority is undoubtedly unique, similarities across the ten chapters include social events, philanthropy events to support their chosen charities, mixers with other Greek organizations, alumnae networks and above all, lifelong bonds of sisterhood.

Recruitment

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Formal Recruitment, also known as “rush” is a one-week period where you and the women of UCSB’s ten sororities will meet. The week involves a mutual selection process, and as the week goes on you will narrow your selection just as the women of each house must narrow theirs. Each day you spend more time at fewer houses, until you ultimately find the sorority that fits you best!

The ladies of Alpha Chi Omega invite you to register for fall formal recruitment at http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl/GreekLife/index.aspx.

Sorority recruitment is from Monday, September 21st through Saturday, September 26th.

For questions regarding recruitment for Alpha Chi, please contact Janelle Henderson, Vice President of Recruitment, at Janelle@umail.ucsb.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are sororities expensive?
The perception of sororities is that they are only for "well-to-do" students, but Greek membership is actually quite affordable, and the fees go to services that enhance the members' college experience. Many students choose to work to help pay their dues to the chapter. To assist members, chapters may offer payment plans or scholarships.

How do students benefit from Greek Life?
Sororities offer young women a vast array of opportunities, perhaps more than any other organization on campus. Sorority membership allows one to develop leadership and communication skills as well as lifelong friendships. It also gives young women the ability to partake in philanthropic activities, cultural events, social activities, scholastic improvement, intramural sports, personal development and group living environments. Joining a sorority chapter helps make the transition to college much easier, and developing a sense of belonging and making new friends in the chapter helps make the campus seem much smaller. Furthermore, new students who join a sorority are more likely to return to college the following year than students who choose not to join. And following graduation, Greek-affiliated alumni are more involved in civic organizations and contribute more financially to nonprofit organizations than non-Greek alumni. This is illustrated by the fact that 48% of all U.S. Presidents,
      42% of U.S. Senators,
      40% of all U.S. Supreme Court Justices,
      30% of U.S. Congress members,
      30% of all Fortune 500 CEO's, and
      10% of those listed in Who's Who in America
      WENT GREEK!

How does Recruitment work? What do the days of Recruitment consist of?
Sorority recruitment is a mutual selection process where a potential member has the opportunity to meet with chapter members, ask a variety of questions, and tour the beautiful Santa Barbara houses.

Just as sororities are looking for the right women to join their chapters, you should be looking for a chapter that fits you. Each sorority has something unique to offer and with ten chapters, you will be able to find a group of women with whom you identify.

Monday, September 21st (Unity Day I)

Tuesday, September 22nd (Unity Day II)
Between Unity Day I and Unity Day II, potential new members will be visiting all 10 of UCSB’s amazing houses to gain a glimpse of sorority life in general. As rush week progresses, the number of houses you will attend will be narrowed down based on mutual selection.

Wednesday, September 23rd (House Tours Day)
Throughout House Tours Day, you will visit up to seven chapters, touring each of their amazing homes. During the house tour, you will have the opportunity to meet more active members, ask any additional questions you may have, and gain further insight into what each chapter represents. 

Thursday, September 24th (Greek Pillar Day)
On Greek Pillar Day, you will visit a maximum of four houses. During these parties, the Standards, Scholarship, Sisterhood and Service pillars will be presented. Furthermore, you will meet even more active members, making your ability to sense where you feel most comfortable even easier!

Friday, September 25th (Preference Night)
On Preference Night, you will spend time at a total of two houses. This evening is more formal than previous days and is very sentimental. It will be your final look at the chapters before you both decide which sorority is the right match for you.

Saturday, September 26th (Bid Day)
On Saturday morning, you will receive a bid from a chapter asking you to join their sisterhood. Once you receive this invitation, you and the other new members of your sorority will meet up with the active members. Get ready for a fun day in a fun location!

Recommendations: Any Alpha Chi Alumna may write a recommendation for a potential new member going through formal recruitment. Although recommendations are not required, current Alpha Chi members utilize these recommendations as a chance to get to know these young women before they arrive for recruitment.