See also: Fraternity and Fraternal and service organizations

"Fraternity" and "sorority" (from the Latin words frater and soror, meaning "brother" and "sister" respectively) may be used to describe many social and charitable organizations, for example the Lions Club, Rotary International, Optimist International, or the Shriners. A fraternity ( Latin frater: "brother" is a Brotherhood, though the term usually connotes a distinct or formal organization Lions Clubs International (LCI is the world's largest Secular service organization with over 44500 clubs and more than 1 Rotary International is an organization of Service clubs known as Rotary Clubs located all over the world Optimist International, commonly called Optimist Clubs is an international Service club organization with 3200 clubs and over 103000 members in 200 countries around the The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, commonly known as Shriners and abbreviated A In the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, however, fraternities and sororities are most commonly known as social organizations for higher education or secondary students. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Puerto Rico (ˌpwertoˈriko officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ("Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico" {{lang-en|"Associated Free State of Puerto Rico"}} A club is an association of people united by a common interest or goal Higher education is Education that is provided by universities, vocational universities, Community colleges Liberal arts colleges Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational Institution where the final stage of compulsory schooling known as Secondary education, takes The word student is etymologically derived through Middle English from the Latin second-type conjugation Verb "studēre"

Contents 1 Terminology 2 Types of fraternities 3 Structure and organization 3.1 Rituals and symbols 3.2 Philanthropy 3.3 Artifacts 3.4 Fraternity and sorority houses 3.5 Joining a fraternity or sorority 3.6 Hazing issues 4 History and development 4.1 Early Beginnings 4.2 The Fraternity system becomes "national" 4.3 Modern sororities 4.4 High School Fraternities and Sororities 5 Greek umbrella organizations 6 Fraternities and sororities outside the United States and Canada 7 Notes 8 See also 9 External links

Terminology

In the USA, the term "fraternities", often colloquially shortened to "frats", generally refers to all-male or mixed-sex organizations. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A colloquialism is an expression not used in formal speech, writing or Paralinguistics. The female-only equivalent is usually called a "sorority", a word first used in 1874 at Gamma Phi Beta at Syracuse University— before this, societies for either sex were called "fraternities. Gamma Phi Beta ( ΓΦΒ) is an international Sorority that was founded on November 11 1874 at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New Syracuse University (SU is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. " To this day, some women's organizations prefer to be called "women's fraternities". Outside North America, they are also referred to as "student corporations", "academic corporations", or simply "corporations". Corporation refers to different kinds of student organizations worldwide

The names of North American fraternities and sororities generally consist of two or three Greek letters, often abbreviating a Greek motto. Greek (el ελληνική γλώσσα or simply el ελληνικά — "Hellenic" is an Indo-European language, spoken today by 15-22 million people mainly For this reason, fraternities and sororities are known collectively as a Greek Community or Greek Society and its members as Greeks. The use of Greek letters started with the first such organization, Phi Beta Kappa, which used Greek letters to hide their secret name. The Phi Beta Kappa Society is an academic Honor society with the mission of "fostering and recognizing excellence" in the Undergraduate Liberal arts Some exceptions include "Acacia", "FarmHouse", and "Triangle", and the eating clubs and secret societies at some Ivy League colleges, such as Skull and Bones at Yale. Acacia Fraternity is a social fraternity originally based out of Masonic tradition Farmhouse is a general term for the main house of a Farm. It is a type of Building or House which serves a Residential purpose in a Triangle Fraternity is a social fraternity, limiting its recruitment of members to male students majoring in engineering architecture and the physical mathematical biological In the United States of America, Eating clubs are a form of social club in universities that date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries where college students can enjoy Secret society is a term used to describe a variety of organizations The Ivy League is an Athletic conference comprising eight private institutions of higher education in the Northeastern United States. Skull and Bones is an elite Secret society based at Yale University, in New Haven Connecticut. Yale College was the official name of Yale University from 1718 to 1887

Types of fraternities

Further information: List of social fraternities and sororities, service fraternities and sororities, professional fraternity, and honour society

The most recognizable form of fraternity is the social fraternity, which present themselves as societies to help their members better themselves in a social setting. Social or general fraternities and sororities, in the North American fraternity system, are those that do not promote a particular profession (as Professional Service fraternity may refer to any fraternal public service organization, such as the Kiwanis or Rotary International. Professional fraternities, in the North American fraternity system, are organizations whose primary purpose is to promote the interests of a particular profession and whose membership In the United States, an honor society is an organization of rank the induction into which recognizes excellence among one's peers Other types of fraternities are chartered for (and not just emphasize) service to the community, professional advancement, or scholastic achievement.

Many fraternities and sororities are national or international organizations with chapters at individual schools. The organizations' headquarters or "Nationals" may place certain requirements on individual chapters to standardize rituals and policies regarding membership, housing, or behavior. These policies are generally codified in a constitution and bylaws which may be amended at conventions. Members of a such a fraternity or sorority may enjoy certain privileges when visiting other chapters of the same fraternity. Some fraternities and sororities are "local" and do not belong to a national organization.

Classification can also be made along religious lines, geographic extent, gender requirements (single-sex or co-ed), cultural or multicultural emphasis, and time of founding. Secret Societies are usually categorized separately from other types of fraternities. There are many collegiate secret societies in North America. They vary greatly in their levels of secrecy and independence from their universities

Outside North America, organizations like college fraternities are now rare. The Philippines has a similar system, and a few European countries have Studentenverbindungen and student nations. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP A Studentenverbindung (the that includes the en en, en en, and en is a student somewhat comparable to fraternities in the US or Canada but mostly older and going The student nations or nationer at the two ancient universities in Uppsala and Lund, of which there are now thirteen at each university are the oldest student Historically, dueling fraternities were an important feature of student life in Germany. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. ^[1] See fraternities and sororities outside the United States and Canada. Fraternities and sororities (from the Latin words la frater and la soror, meaning "brother" and "sister" respectively are fraternal

Membership in a Greek organization may be restricted to, or favor, members of a certain race, religion or national origin, although some colleges now actively discourage or ban groups that have such restrictions. Such membership rules have been a major objection to the presence of fraternities and sororities on college campuses, but in the past have provided such groups with distinct personalities and culture.

Structure and organization

Rituals and symbols

Most fraternities and sororities today maintain traditions which are generally symbolic in nature and closely guarded secrets, calling it their Ritual. They include an initiation ceremony, but may also include passwords, songs, handshakes, and the form of meeting, amongst other things. Meetings of the active members are generally secret and not to be discussed without the formal approval of the chapter as a whole.

For organizations with Greek letters composing their name, these letters can have a secret meaning, known only to initiated members. They can represent a motto (such as Delta Upsilon), a set of virtues (such as Alpha Kappa Lambda), or the history of its organization (such as Phi Tau). Delta Upsilon ( ΔY) is the 6th oldest international all-male college Greek-letter social fraternity and is the first non-secret fraternity ever Alpha Kappa Lambda ( ΑΚΛ) is an American collegiate social fraternity for men founded at the University of California Berkeley, in 1914 Phi Tau is a Coeducational fraternity at Dartmouth College in Hanover New Hampshire, USA.

Fraternities and sororities often have a number of symbols by which they are identified, such as colours or flowers, in addition to a badge (or pin), crest, and/or seal. An open motto (indicating that the organization has a "secret motto" as well) is used to express the unique ideals of a fraternity or sorority. This is a list of open or public Mottos and mission statements of Fraternities and sororities, categorized by the organizations to which they belong

Philanthropy

Philanthropy events are more personal and supported by all active members. Their semester dues go towards a good cause. The Delta Delta Delta sorority helps raise money to help support St. Delta Delta Delta ( ΔΔΔ) also known as Tri Delta is an international Collegiate women's fraternity founded on November 27, 1888. Jude’s hospital for children with leukemia. One of the classic events held by Tri-Delta is "D-HOP" (Delta House Of Pancakes). The girls have all-you-can-eat pancakes with a purchase of a ticket. The Pi Beta Phi sorority focuses on reading for children. Pi Beta Phi ( ΠΒΦ) is an international sorority founded as I They spend time reading to them and raising money to purchase books for lower class families. The Kappa Alpha Theta sorority volunteer and are trained community of citizens who are appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. Kappa Alpha Theta ( ΚΑΘ) is an international women's fraternity founded on January 27, 1870 at DePauw University. As volunteers they research the child's background details to help the court make a sound decision about the child's future. All sororities have some sort of community service they do to help less fortune children and adults, or raise money for health care.

Artifacts

Apparel—shirts, pants, bags, jewelry, key chains— is sported by members with their Greek letters on them. These shirts and other articles may later be used for a Pass Down Ceremony between seniors and fellow members. Seniors may choose to pass down some or all of the clothing they own that is associated with the sorority. Some of the shirts are ten or more years old and in some chapters, girls will vigorously compete for them. In those chapters, generally members feel it is an honor to have older artifacts. Normally, artifacts with letters on them cannot be shown or presented when the member is consuming alcohol. It is considered disrespectful to have their letters on when drinking, regardless of their age.

Membership pins are not worn at all times. They are limited to times of professional or business dress, also known as “Pin Attire. ” These items are kept forever, they are not expected to return them or hand them down.

Fraternity and sorority houses

Main article: Fraternity and sorority houses

Unique among most campus organizations, members of social fraternities and sororities often live together in a large house or apartment complex. This can help emphasize the "bonds of brotherhood (or sisterhood)" and provide a place of meeting for the members of the organization as well as alumni. For reasons of cost, liability, and stability, housing is usually owned or overseen by an alumni corporation or the national headquarters of the fraternity or sorority. As a result, some houses have visitor restrictions, and some national organizations restrict or prohibit alcohol on the premises. ^[2][3]

The Chi Psi Fraternity chapter in Ann Arbor, Michigan was the first fraternity to use a house for its meetings. Chi Psi Fraternity, ΧΨ is a fraternity consisting of more than 30 chapters (known as "Alphas" at American colleges and universities Ann Arbor is a city in the US state of Michigan and the county seat of Washtenaw County. Michigan ( is a Midwestern state of the United States of America. Sigma Phi's Williamstown, MA chapter was the first fraternity to own a chapter house. The Sigma Phi Society, founded on 4 March, 1827 on the campus of Union College as a part of the Union Triad in Schenectady New York Williamstown is a town in Berkshire County, in the northwest corner of Massachusetts. Delta Kappa Epsilon at Kenyon College is often described as the first fraternity to build its own building, in the 1850s, although some sources state that the group bought an existing cabin. Delta Kappa Epsilon ( ΔΚΕ; also pronounced D-K-E or "Deke" is a Fraternity founded at Yale College in 1844 by 15 men of the sophomore Kenyon College is a private liberal arts college in Gambier Ohio, founded in 1824 by Bishop Philander Chase of the The Episcopal Church Alpha Phi was the first women's sorority to have a chapter house.

At some colleges where Greeks do not have residential houses for the general membership, they may still have chapter houses where meals are served for their membership and guests. ^[4]

Joining a fraternity or sorority

The process of joining a fraternity or sorority commonly begins with a "formal recruitment" period, often called "rush week," usually consists of events and activities designed for members and potential members to learn about each other and the organization. At the end of the formal recruitment period, organizations give "bids," or invitations to membership. Most organizations have a period of "pledgeship" before extending full membership. Some organizations have changed the name of pledgeship due to negative connotations to the process, or have given up the process in favor of other joining requirements. Upon completion of the pledgeship and all its requirements, the active members will invite the pledges to be initiated and become full members. Initiation often includes secret ceremonies and rituals.

Requirements may be imposed on those wishing to pledge either by the school or the organization itself, often including a minimum grade point average, wearing a pledge pin, learning about the history and structure of the fraternity or sorority, and performing public service. In Education, a grade (or mark is a teacher's standardized Evaluation of a Student 's work When a school places an age or tenure requirement on joining, this is called "deferred recruitment," as joining is deferred for a semester or year. The pledgeship period also serves as a probationary period in the fraternity or sorority membership process where both the organization and the pledge decide they are compatible and will have a fulfilling experience.

Hazing issues

Hazing can be defined as the ritualistic harassment, abuse, or persecution of individuals in a group. Hazing is an often Ritualistic test and a task which may constitute Harassment, Abuse or Humiliation with requirements to perform random often

Because of the association of fraternities with hazing, some schools banned fraternities as early as the mid-1800s. Hazing became widespread after World War I, with soldiers re-entering colleges, they brought with them the discipline and strict responses to authority they learned in boot camp. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All Hazing began to be officially banned at the national and international levels of fraternities and sororities, is against many colleges' Greek Codes, and is illegal in most U. S. states. ^[5][6] The North-American Interfraternity Conference also requires anti-hazing education for members, as do many Greek organizations and universities. Membership requirements Member The NIC membership requirements are detailed in the By-Laws of the North-American Interfraternity Conference Hazing can result in the revocation of the local chapter's charter, and expulsion of members from the national organization or university.

In Hank Nuwer’s “Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking,” a list is provided of the different techniques and activates are considered hazing—“burning, sexual favors, drugs, kidnapping, branding, bribes”—on American college campuses^[7]. These inhumane acts towards incoming members have been an issue focused on in Greek Letter Societies. On the University of Nevada, Reno campus, Alpha Tau Omega was accused and proven guilty of hazing early in the spring semester of 2008 because some pledges were branded on the buttocks and sought medical treatment for unspecified problems it caused. ^[8]

History and development

Main article: History of North American fraternities and sororities‎

Early Beginnings

The Phi Beta Kappa Society, founded on December 5, 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, is generally recognized to be the first Greek-letter student society in North America. The North American fraternities and sorority system began with students who wanted to meet secretly usually for discussions and debates not thought appropriate by the faculty of their The Phi Beta Kappa Society is an academic Honor society with the mission of "fostering and recognizing excellence" in the Undergraduate Liberal arts Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 1776 ( MDCCLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a The College of William and Mary (officially The College of William and Mary in Virginia, also known as William & Mary or W&M) is a Public university Williamsburg is a city located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads region in southeastern Virginia The Commonwealth of Virginia ( is an American state By legend, it was founded by individuals rejected for membership from an older student society known as the Flat Hat Club. The Flat Hat Club (as it was known outside its membership or F The Flat Hat Club, or FHC for short, was founded at the Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg, Virginia on November 11, 1750, by six students at the College of William and Mary. Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 1750 ( MDCCL) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a While it largely disappeared in 1776, a modern secret organization using the same name exists at the College of William and Mary.

The meaning of "FHC" is lost, but the group consisted of students who frequented the Raleigh Tavern as a social escape from academic rigors. They overheard tales about sailing on the high seas, politics, business, and gambling that were not taught in the classroom. William & Mary faculty discouraged these departures from their studies. Soon the boys met upstairs in a private room. To shelter themselves from scouts sent by the faculty, the boys invented a secret handshake, oath and password by which they could identify themselves to each other.

The Phi Beta Kappa Society was formed as a forum to discuss topics not covered in the regimented classical education of universities of the era, lending the name literary fraternity to its type. A university is an institution of Higher education and Research, which grants Academic degrees in a variety of subjects Most students were well-versed in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew; Phi, Beta, and Kappa were the initials of a secret Greek motto, Philosophia Biou Kybernētēs = "Love of learning [is] the guide of life". Greek (el ελληνική γλώσσα or simply el ελληνικά — "Hellenic" is an Indo-European language, spoken today by 15-22 million people mainly Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. In addition to its secrecy and selection of a Greek name, it also introduced a code of high ideals, secret rituals and handclasps, membership badges, and oaths that characterized later Greek letter societies.

As Phi Beta Kappa developed, it came to be a very influential association of faculty and select students across several colleges, with membership becoming more of an honor and less of a functioning society. The increasing influence of the society came to seem undemocratic and contrary to the free flow of intellectual ideas in American academia, and under great pressure, the undergraduate members at Harvard revealed the secrets of Phi Beta Kappa in 1831. Doing this actually provided a template for subsequent societies to follow in the years following. Phi Beta Kappa continues as an honorary society today.

The first general fraternity is considered to be the Kappa Alpha Society, established at Union College in Schenectady, New York on November 26, 1825 by John Hart Hunter. The Kappa Alpha Society ( ΚΑ) founded in 1825 is the progenitor of the modern fraternity system in North America. Union College is a non-denominational independent liberal arts college located in Schenectady New York. Schenectady (skəˈnɛktədi Θkahnéhtati in Tuscarora) is a City in Schenectady County, New York, United States New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Events 43 BC - The Second Triumvirate alliance of Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus ("Octavian" later "Caesar Augustus" Year 1825 ( MDCCCXXV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common John Hart Hunter (c 1805 – February 1872 is recognized as the father of the American college fraternity system Kappa Alpha's founders adopted many of Phi Beta Kappa's practices, but formed their organization around fellowship, making the development of friendship their primary purpose. The Sigma Phi Society formed in March 1827, followed by Delta Phi in November. The Sigma Phi Society, founded on 4 March, 1827 on the campus of Union College as a part of the Union Triad in Schenectady New York Delta Phi ( ΔΦ) is a fraternity founded in 1827 at Union College in Schenectady New York. These three constitute the Union Triad.

The Chi Phi fraternity was founded in 1824 at the College of New Jersey, which would later become Princeton University. The Chi Phi (ΧΦ Fraternity is an American College social fraternity that was established as the result of three separate organizations that each were Princeton University is a private Coeducational research university located in Princeton, New Jersey. However the fraternity has not maintained a continual existence, as it was inactive from 1825 until its revival in 1854. Kappa Alpha Theta was founded at DePauw University in 1870 as the first Greek-letter fraternity for women, although women's societies were well-established before then, with Pi Beta Phi, originally founded as I. Kappa Alpha Theta ( ΚΑΘ) is an international women's fraternity founded on January 27, 1870 at DePauw University. DePauw University in Greencastle Indiana, USA is a private national liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2400 students Pi Beta Phi ( ΠΒΦ) is an international sorority founded as I C. Sorosis, being one of the earliest fraternities for women, although not adopting Greek letters until the 1880s.

The Fraternity system becomes "national"

Sigma Phi became the first "national" fraternity when it opened a satellite chapter at Hamilton College in 1831. The Sigma Phi Society, founded on 4 March, 1827 on the campus of Union College as a part of the Union Triad in Schenectady New York Hamilton College is a private independent liberal arts college located in Clinton, New York. Beta Theta Pi was founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in August, 1839. Miami University (colloquially and incorrectly referred to as Miami of Ohio for clarification purposes is a Coeducational Public university founded in 1809 Oxford is a city in northwestern Butler County, Ohio, United States, in the southwestern portion of the state Ohio ( is a Midwestern state of the United States. As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads in response to the chartering of the west-most chapter of Alpha Delta Phi (1832). The Split Since the 1992 split the Fraternity and the Society are completely separate and independent legal entities with separate governing bodies and are not separate or parallel Phi Delta Theta (1848) and Sigma Chi (1855), also founded at Miami University, emulated Beta Theta Pi's focus on establishing new chapters. History Founding Phi Beta Kappa was the first Greek letter organization founded in the United States when it was created on December 5 1776 at the College Sigma Chi ( ΣΧ) is one of the largest and oldest all-male college Greek-letter social fraternities and a Secret society. These three constitute the Miami Triad. These and other fraternities spread West, South, and even into Canada.

The first fraternity to be founded in the southeastern United States was Sigma Alpha Epsilon which was founded at the University of Alabama in 1856. Sigma Alpha Epsilon (also known as SΑΕ) is a secret letter social college fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the only fraternity founded in the Antebellum South that still operates and boasts the largest number of initiated men of any fraternity. Sigma Alpha Epsilon (also known as SΑΕ) is a secret letter social college fraternity " Antebellum " is an expression derived from Latin that means "before war" ( ante, "before" and bellum At present Sigma Phi Epsilon, which was founded in 1901, currently has more than 14,000 undergraduates members at 260 chapters and is the largest college fraternity in North America. ΣΦΕ ( Sigma Phi Epsilon) commonly Nicknamed SigEp or SPE, is a social fraternity for male College students in the

Growth was then mainly stunted by the American Civil War. Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South Theta Xi, founded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York on 29 April 1864, is the only fraternity to be established during the War. Theta Xi ( ΘΞ) is a fraternity founded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy New York on 29 April 1864. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or RPI, is a Nonsectarian private Research University located in Troy, New York Troy is a City in New York, US, and the County seat of Rensselaer County. New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans. Year 1864 ( MDCCCLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year However, following the War, the system as a whole underwent phenomenal growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, both in the number of organizations founded and chapters of existing organizations established. This was aided, in part, by the reopening of schools and the return of veterans as students.

Alpha Phi Alpha,^[9] Phi Iota Alpha,^[10] Phi Sigma Nu, and Sigma Alpha Mu were founded as the first fraternities for African-American, Latino-American, Native American, and Jewish students, respectively. Alpha Phi Alpha ( ΑΦΑ) is the first intercollegiate fraternity established by African Americans Founded on December 4 1906 on the campus of Phi Iota Alpha (ΦΙΑ, established December 26, 1931, is the oldest Latino fraternity still in existence and works to motivate people develop leaders ΦΣΝ (Phi Sigma Nu is the first Native American fraternity founded on February 13 1996 at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Mission and creed Sigma Alpha Mu's stated mission is "to guide each undergraduate member toward a more meaningful life to prepare members for responsible fraternity and community

Modern sororities

Women's organizations also formed contemporaneously. The Adelphean Society (nowAlpha Delta Pi) was established in 1851 at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, making it the first secret society for collegiate women. Alpha Delta Pi ( ΑΔΠ) was founded May 15 1851 at Wesleyan College in Macon Georgia making it the first female fraternal organization Wesleyan College is a private liberal arts women's college located in Macon Georgia. Macon is a city located in central Georgia, USA It is among the largest metropolitan areas in Georgia and the county seat of Bibb County. The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule The Philomathean Society (later named Phi Mu) (not associated with the Philomathean Society of the University of Pennsylvania) was also founded at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia in 1852. Phi Mu ( ΦΜ) is the second oldest female fraternal organization established in the United States. The Philomathean Society of the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest continuously-existing Literary society in the United States and Wesleyan College is a private liberal arts women's college located in Macon Georgia. The Adelphean Society and the Philomathean Society did not take on their modern Greek names (Alpha Delta Pi and Phi Mu, respectively) until 1904 when they took on expansion beyond the Wesleyan campus. Alpha Delta Pi ( ΑΔΠ) was founded May 15 1851 at Wesleyan College in Macon Georgia making it the first female fraternal organization Phi Mu ( ΦΜ) is the second oldest female fraternal organization established in the United States.

On April 28, 1867, I. Events 1192 - Assassination of Conrad of Montferrat (Conrad I King of Jerusalem, in Tyre, two days after his title Year 1867 ( MDCCCLXVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting C. Sorosis (later known by its original Greek motto Pi Beta Phi) was founded at Monmouth College, in Monmouth, Illinois. Pi Beta Phi ( ΠΒΦ) is an international sorority founded as I Monmouth College is a four-year Coeducational private liberal arts college located in Monmouth Illinois, United States. Monmouth is the county seat of Warren County in the US state of Illinois. The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. It is the first sisterhood founded on the model of the men's fraternity. It is first in the National Panhellenic Conference rotation, based on its year of founding. A year after its founding, a second chapter was founded on the Iowa Wesleyan College campus. Within a month of the second I. C. Sorosis chapter's founding, the P. E. O. sisterhood was formed on the Iowa Wesleyan campus. Today, P. E. O. is a women's community organization, however, it began as a collegiate women's society.

In the mid-1800s women were beginning to be admitted to previously all-male universities, and there were many women who felt that it was in their best interest to band together. By imitating the men’s social groups, including their policy of secrecy and ritual, the first collegiate women formed women's fraternities in an effort to counteract the widespread opposition to their presence. ^[11]

Kappa Alpha Theta founded on January 27, 1870 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana is recognized as the first Greek-lettered fraternity among women, and Kappa Kappa Gamma founded at Monmouth College, Illinois October 1870 as the second. Kappa Alpha Theta ( ΚΑΘ) is an international women's fraternity founded on January 27, 1870 at DePauw University. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva. Year 1870 ( MDCCCLXX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common DePauw University in Greencastle Indiana, USA is a private national liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2400 students Kappa Kappa Gamma ( ΚΚΓ) is a college women's fraternity, founded at Monmouth College, Illinois. Monmouth College is a four-year Coeducational private liberal arts college located in Monmouth Illinois, United States. The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. The term sorority had not yet been coined by Syracuse University professor Frank Smalley, so the earliest organizations were founded as "women's fraternities" or "fraternities for women. " The first organization to adopt the word sorority was Gamma Phi Beta, established in 1874 at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. Gamma Phi Beta ( ΓΦΒ) is an international Sorority that was founded on November 11 1874 at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New Syracuse University (SU is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. Alpha Phi was established in 1872, and along with Alpha Gamma Delta, the three sororities make up the Syracuse triad. Alpha Phi ( ΑΦ) is a fraternity for women founded at Syracuse University on September 18, 1872. Alpha Gamma Delta (ΑΓΔ Founded in 1904 Alpha Gamma Delta is an international fraternity for women dedicated to academic excellence leadership development high ideals Alpha Xi Delta was established in 1893 at Lombard College in Illinois and joined the NPC in 1904. Alpha Xi Delta ( ΑΞΔ) was founded on April 17, 1893 by ten women at Lombard College Galesburg Illinois, who shared a vision of an organization Alpha Omicron Pi was established in 1897 and joined the NPC in the 1900s. Alpha Omicron Pi ( ΑΟΠ, AOII) is an international women's fraternity that was founded on January 2 1897 at Barnard College

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Lambda Theta Alpha, Alpha Pi Omega were founded as the first sororities by and for African-American, Latina-American, and Native American members respectively. Alpha Kappa Alpha ( ΆΚΆ) is the first Greek-lettered Sorority established and incorporated by African American college women Lambda Theta Alpha ( ΛΘA) is a Sorority founded in December 1975 at Kean University in Union New Jersey and has since grown to over

High School Fraternities and Sororities

Main article: High school fraternities and sororities

High school fraternities and sororities, or secondary fraternities and sororities, are social fraternities for high school-aged men and women. High school Fraternities and Sororities, or secondary Fraternities and Sororities, are social Fraternities and Sororities for high school-aged men and women There are a few active high school fraternities and sororities, including Zeta Mu Gamma in Puerto Rico, and DeMolay and Sigma Alpha Rho (SAR) in the mainland United States. Zeta Mu Gamma (ΖΜΓ is a high school fraternity established in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico on March 12 1943 DeMolay International (Also known as the Order of DeMolay) founded in Kansas City Missouri in 1919 is an international youth fraternity for young men Sigma Alpha Rho ( ΣAP) is the oldest continuously run independent Jewish high school fraternity, founded on November 18, 1917 by

Greek umbrella organizations

Greek umbrella organizations seek to provide members services such as public relations, leadership training, and methods of ecumenical discussions.

• North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) — association of 68 men's social fraternities; local organizations found on a single campus are usually known as "Interfraternity Councils. Membership requirements Member The NIC membership requirements are detailed in the By-Laws of the North-American Interfraternity Conference "

• National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) — association of 26 international social women's fraternities and sororities; local organizations found on a single campus are usually known as "Panhellenic Councils. Members History Early histories of women's fraternities contain accounts of "rushing and pledging agreements" or "compacts" among fraternities "

• Fraternity Leadership Association — association of fraternities who largely resigned from membership in the North-American Interfraternity Conference.

• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) — association of 9 historically African-American fraternities and sororities; local organizations found on a single campus are usually known as "Pan-Hellenic Councils. History The National Pan-Hellenic Council was established in an age when Racial segregation and disenfranchisement plagued African Americans, the rise of each African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa "

• National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) — association of 23 Latino fraternities and sororities. History Established in 1998 NALFO the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations set out to become the uniting force for Latin-based fraternities and sororities

• National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA) — association of 10 Asian interest fraternities and sororities.

• Concilio Interfraternitario Puertorriqueño de la Florida (CIPFI) — umbrella council for the Florida chapters of 5 Puerto Rican Greek Letter Fraternities

• National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC) — association of 13 national and local multicultural Greek fraternities and sororities; local organizations found on a single campus are usually known as "Multicultural Councils" or "Unified Greek Councils. The Concilio Interfraternitario Puertorriqueño de la Florida Inc The National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC is an umbrella council for twelve Multicultural Greek Letter Organizations established in 1998. "

• United Council of Christian Fraternities & Sororities - a council for organizations based on Christianity

• Association of College Honor Societies — association of 65 honor societies. The United Council of Christian Fraternities and Sororities, ( UCCFS) is an umbrella organization for the Christian Fraternities and sororities. The Association of College Honor Societies ( ACHS) founded in 1925 is a predominantly American organization that serves a number of functions with respect to national

There are also organizations for specific members and membership roles in fraternities and sororities:

• College Fraternity Editors Association — organization for professional fraternity and sorority communicators.

• Fraternity Executives Association — organization for executives of fraternities and sororities.

• Professional Fraternity Association — organization for professional fraternity and sorority members. The Professional Fraternity Association (or PFA) is an association of collegiate professional fraternities that was formed 1978.

• Association of Fraternity Advisors — organization intended to support and assist advisors of fraternities and sororities. The Association of Fraternity Advisors ( AFA) was founded in 1976 to support the professionals involved with advancing fraternity and sorority life as well as

Fraternities and sororities outside the United States and Canada

Further information: List of fraternities and sororities in Europe, List of fraternities and sororities in the Philippines, List of fraternities and sororities in Puerto Rico, and List of fraternities and sororities in Japan

The "Greek Community" is present almost exclusively in the United States and Canada, with a minority of organizations having chapters elsewhere, such as the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Don't post derogatory remarks or vandalize this article! Your post will be automatically deleted or reverted to the original contents of this article This is a list of social Fraternities and sororities in Puerto Rico. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The Caribbean (ˌkærəˡbiən kæ'rəbiən Cariben|Caraïben or Caraïben; Caraïbe or more commonly Antilles; Caribe is a Region consisting The Philippines has a system similar to that of the United States and Canada at least in naming, with many organizations sharing names though having no affiliation with each other. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed fraternity that exists in both countries. Alpha Phi Omega (commonly known as APO but also ΑΦΩ A-Phi-O and A-Phi-Q is the largest collegiate fraternity in the United States, with chapters at over 350 campuses an In Puerto Rico there are a number of social fraternities and sororities a few having chapters in the United States such as Phi Sigma Alpha, Puerto Rico does have many chapters of Professional, Honorary, and service Fraternities and Sororities from the United States. Puerto Rico (ˌpwertoˈriko officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ("Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico" {{lang-en|"Associated Free State of Puerto Rico"}} Phi Sigma Alpha Fraternity (ΦΣΑ (aka Fi Sigma Alfa) commonly known as La Sigma, is a fraternity established originally as the Sigma Delta Alpha Fraternity European countries have corporations, and Studentenverbindungen in Germany where they are quite common. Corporation refers to different kinds of student organizations worldwide Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe.

In contrast, the House system is common in United Kingdom schools (rather than universities) and a few other countries of the British Commonwealth. The house system is a traditional feature of British Schools and schools in ex- British colonies, similar to the collegiate system of a University The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located A school (from Greek σχολεῖον - scholeion) is an Institution designed to allow and encourage Students (or "pupils" It is rare in the United States, but notable exceptions are house systems at Harvard College, Yale College, Rice University, and the California Institute of Technology. Harvard College is the undergraduate section and oldest school of Harvard University, a Private university in the United States founded in 1636 by the Massachusetts Yale College was the official name of Yale University from 1718 to 1887 William Marsh Rice University (commonly called Rice University and opened in 1912 as The William Marsh Rice Institute for the Advancement of Letters Science and Art The House System is the basis of Undergraduate student residence at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech The house system resembles the Greek Community in that members often live together and share a motto, symbol, and socialize together, but differs in that new members are not generally chosen by existing members.

Notes

See also

• List of social fraternities and sororities
• List of fraternity and sorority mottos
• List of fictional fraternities and sororities
• Collegiate secret societies in North America
• List of high school fraternities and sororities
• Fraternal and service organizations

External links

• Greekopedia

Social or general fraternities and sororities, in the North American fraternity system, are those that do not promote a particular profession (as Professional This is a list of open or public Mottos and mission statements of Fraternities and sororities, categorized by the organizations to which they belong The following is a list of fictional fraternities and sororities in popular culture There are many collegiate secret societies in North America. They vary greatly in their levels of secrecy and independence from their universities See also High school fraternities and sororities High School Fraternities Omega Gamma DeltaPompton Lakes New Jersey Est

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