How to Identify Greek Sororities and Fraternities
Differentiating between Greek sororities and fraternities may seem like a daunting task, especially if you are new to the Greek system. In reality, there are actually many characteristics that distinguish between various fraternities and sororities. For example, some cater to certain races or cultures, such as Alpha Phi Alpha, a national African American fraternity, or Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi, a Jewish sorority. Luckily, modern technology can put the key to making distinctions between sororities and fraternities right at your fingertips.
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Instructions
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Inform yourself about the Greek alphabet. This could be as simple as doing online research or as complex as signing up for a course about the Greek language.
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Identify the sorority or fraternity that you would like to familiarize yourself with. Thanks to your studies of the Greek alphabet, you will be able to identify the Greek letters that may adorn members' t-shirts or backpacks. For example, you should be able to identify """"" as "Delta Delta Delta" (commonly known as Tri-Delta) and be able to note the distinction between Delta Delta Delta and Chi Omega, or "ΧΩ."
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For more information about a specific sorority or fraternity, visit a website that provides collective information regarding nationwide sororities or fraternities. For example, most national sororities are member organizations of the National Panhellenic Council (www.npcwomen.org). For fraternities, head to the website for the North-American Interfraternity Conference (www.nicindy.org). If you find the fraternity or sorority you are seeking on either of these sites, a link should provide you with basic information about that specific organization, such as crest, official colors and creed.
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If the fraternity or sorority that you are searching for caters to African American students, log on to the website for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (www.nphchq.org).
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Make note of the differences between academic honorary societies and Greek sororities and fraternities. Many academic societies, such as Phi Beta Kappa, are represented by Greek letters similar to Greek fraternities and sororities. However, these organizations function in a different way in that induction into them is an honor that must be earned through academic performance. They are not social organizations, unlike Greek fraternities and sororities.
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Tips & Warnings
It may be helpful to carry a cheat sheet with you when you're first beginning to familiarize yourself with the Greek alphabet. That way you can identify the letters of the sorority or fraternity while they are sitting in front of you.
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