Table of Contents Welcome 3 Mission & Vision 4 Values 5 Hazing 6 Greek Honor Societies 7 Gamma Sigma Alpha, National Greek Academic Honor Society Rho Lambda, National Sorority Leadership Recognition Society Greek Councils 10 Greek Council Fraternity Council Panhellenic Association Greek Chapters 22 Gamma Phi Beta Delta Zeta Tau Kappa Sigma Nu Phi Chi Phi Sigma Sigma Greek Glossary 28
Welcome Welcome to California State University, Bakersfield! The time you spend at CSUB will be exciting, filled with new experiences, friends, information, knowledge and more. All aspects of your life can be enhanced as you set yourself up to make the most of the time you have here. Becoming a member of CSUB s fraternity and sorority community is a fantastic way to make new friends, develop leadership skills, serve the community, get involved on campus and enhance your academic potential. Our Greek organizations are very involved in serving both the campus and the community. CSUB fraternity and sorority members volunteer with local service organizations, shelters, and drives just to name a few. In addition to the extensive community service that CSUB Greek members participate in, each chapter also sponsors various philanthropic events to raise money for some amazing causes. Greek life is represented in numerous student organizations and, for many, is an integral part of the CSUB experience. Members of our community are active in outreach programs, Associated Students, Inc. (student government), various honor societies and academic groups, and numerous student clubs. The best thing about Greek life at CSUB is that it is possible to lead a rich social life with active campus involvement and still excel academically. By becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority, students receive academic resources including study spaces sponsored by Greek Council and individualized study help from academic leaders in the Greek community. We encourage you to check us out during orientations, ask questions and explore membership in a fraternity or sorority. This guide to at CSUB is merely an introduction to what we have to offer. We encourage you to share this information with your family, discuss the possibilities, and discover the incredible benefits available to you. Welcome again, and we look forward to seeing you soon! Staff Page 3
Mission & Vision Mission CSUB fraternities and sororities are student-led organizations that enhance the student experience inside and outside the classroom. We provide excellent leadership, scholarship, service and social opportunities and better prepare members to make significant contributions beyond the undergraduate experience. Vision CSUB fraternities and sororities will be leaders in providing innovative and collaborative growth for the campus and community. We will provide a mode of unity and diversity for CSUB students. Our consistent drive for excellence will exceed expectations and bring recognition to members, organizations and CSUB. Page 4
Values We, the fraternity men and sorority women, are chosen to lead and commit to the values of: Leadership We define leaders as brothers and sisters who have proven to be the best at setting positive examples. Leaders demonstrate good communication skills, responsibility and maturity. They have the ability to balance scholarship, service and friendship in everything they do. We strive to be leaders not just in the Greek community but also across campus and in society. Service We ensure that our organizations are focused and dedicated to serving their local and national philanthropies. Through these actions, we understand and respect that our service is an integral part of the community s well-being. We are committed to supporting the community s efforts in service areas. 2015-16 Service Report Service Hours Completed: 1,618 Dollars Donated: $12,349.62 Scholarship We strengthen our fraternal bond and maximize personal achievement by striving to excel in our professional and educational endeavors. We strive to meet and surpass the standards set by our national organizations and the University. Community We strive to be accountable to ourselves, our organizations and our communities. We hold our peers and ourselves accountable to the higher expectations of the CSUB fraternity and sorority community. We will affirm and uphold the universal values of honesty, loyalty and compassion as well as the values of our individual organizations. Page 5
Hazing Joining any organization should be a positive experience. New member activities and initiation rituals focus on the positive aspects of both the organization and the individual. Hazing Policy Hazing, or conspiracy to haze. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state (Penal Code 245.6), and in addition, any act likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution. Neither the express or implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation in a particular hazing incident is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act, and is also a violation of this section. Stophazing.org National Anti-Hazing Hotline 1-888-NOT-HAZE hazingprevention.org Facts About Hazing Hazing is about power and control. Hazers tend to have a need to feel powerful and in control of others. Those being hazed often have a desire to be accepted into the group. Although the excuses for hazing tend to be along the lines of the activities build trust, in reality, it does just the opposite and there are plenty of other less-risky activities a group leader can do with a group of new members to build trust, respect, and togetherness that is not hazing. It only takes one person willing and able to have the courage and integrity to break hazing traditions. In the end, it is most important to do what is right. Page 6
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Gamma Sigma Alpha, National Greek Academic Honor Society Gamma Sigma Alpha was founded at the University of Southern California on November 9, 1989, by a group of scholastic achievers representing various fraternities and sororities dedicated to the advancement of higher education and academic accomplishment. Today, this honor society has more than 215 chapters and recognizes nearly 2,000 members of fraternities and sororities each year. Students are eligible for membership based on grade point average and membership in a Greek fraternity or sorority. The Society strives to uphold the high ideals of scholastic achievement and therefore, only students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above at the start of their junior year or a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in any semester during their junior or senior year are eligible. The CSUB chapter of Gamma Sigma Alpha will initiate its founding members during the Fall 2016 semester. Values Academic Engagement: members are deeply involved in academic pursuits and demonstrate a commitment to learning Congruence: challenge fraternities and sororities to meet their talk with action and realize their role in supporting the academic mission of institutions of higher education Excellence: we strive to reach our potential in all that we do; high expectations are set and members aspire to achieve Inclusion: shared goals are met through the involvement of diverse populations Knowledge: intellectual capacity is increased; we develop an awareness to improve the global community and serve society Recognition: celebrating accomplishments of our members Relationships: community is built through collaboration with university faculty, researchers, staff and other stakeholders to ensure academic success of members and an emphasized role of academics as a cornerstone of the fraternal movement Page 8
Rho Lambda, National Sorority Leadership Recognition Society The purpose of Rho Lambda is to honor those women within the sorority community who have exhibited the highest qualities of leadership and service to their Greek community and their sorority. They are women who have furthered the ideals and principles of the Greek community throughout their years of sorority affiliation. The Greek letters Rho Lambda stand for Panhellenic Leadership. Those who are leaders light a torch in the darkness for others to follow, and the flame is the symbol of Rho Lambda. The CSUB chapter of Rho Lambda will initiate its founding members during the Fall 2016 semester. Qualifications for membership are based upon one s character, scholarship, service, and leadership in the Greek community. Women who have displayed outstanding leadership, ability, and loyalty throughout their years of sorority affiliation An overall grade point average of a 2.5 Only active members in their junior or senior year are eligible. They must have been initiated, active members of their sorority for at least two full academic terms The maximum number of members to be elected in any year is 10% of the total sorority membership Page 9
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Greek Council The Greek Council is made up of all social fraternity and sorority chapters. The purpose of Greek Council is to enhance the collegiate experience for both Greek-affiliated and unaffiliated students through leadership, collaboration, philanthropy, and support. Greek Council promotes, among all members: Integrity and accountability in all endeavors Academic excellence at all times Organizational development Respect between all members Leadership Service toward others Page 11
Fraternity Council The Fraternity Council basic expectations: The Fraternity Council serves as the primary governing body for fraternity chapters at California State University, Bakersfield. It strives to promote the ideals of for all students. Members will know and understand the ideals expressed in their Fraternity Ritual and will strive to incorporate them in their daily lives. Members will strive for academic achievement and will practice academic integrity. Members will respect the dignity of all persons. Members will protect the health and safety of all human beings. Members will respect their property and the property of others. Members will meet their financial obligations in a timely manner. Members will neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs; members will neither misuse or support the misuse of alcohol. Members acknowledge that a clean and attractive environment is essential to both physical and mental health. Members will challenge each other to abide by these fraternal expectations and confront those who violate them. Page 12
Division of Student Affairs Student Union & Organizational Governance Benefits of Fraternity Membership Leadership Each fraternity is a selfgoverning organization, which depends on its members to take leadership roles within the chapter. A fraternity allows men to become involved not only in their chapter but also on campus. Scholarship Fraternities at CSUB have high scholarship standards and place great emphasis on encouraging, developing and maintaining academic excellence. Service Fraternities at CSUB perform service projects and raise money for charities each term. As a community, our Fraternity men support the American Cancer Association s Relay for Life. Brotherhood Friendship is one of the greatest benefits of a fraternity. Fraternities are like a family; they provide support and encouragement to one another and become a home away from home. The friendship that forms between brothers lasts beyond the years at CSUB. Page 13
Panhellenic Association The Panhellenic Association (also known as the College Panhellenic Council) is the largest women s organization on CSUB s campus. Panhellenic Association s main objective is to unite all sorority women on campus and to help maintain an outstanding fraternity and sorority community. Made up of representatives from three chapters and an elected board of six executive officers, the Panhellenic Association is also charged with continually promoting the image of sororities on campus. These women help lead the sorority community and ensure its advancement at CSUB. Creed We, as undergraduate members of women s fraternities, stand for fine standards and for serving, to the best of our ability, our college community. Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in harmony with its best possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities. We, as fraternity women, stand for service through the development of character inspired by the close contact and deep friendship of individual fraternity and Panhellenic life. The opportunity for wide and wise human service, through mutual respect and helpfulness is the tenant by which we strive to live. Recruitment The next section will serve as an introduction to the three organizations that comprise the Panhellenic Association at CSUB as well as the recruitment process. More information will be shared at Recruitment Orientations and Information Sessions held during the first three weeks of the Fall semester. Page 14
Benefits of Sorority Membership Service Sororities at CSUB perform service projects and raise money for charities each term. As a community, our Panhellenic women support Circle of Sisterhood a foundation that uses the collective wisdom and influence of sorority women to support entities around the world that remove educational barriers for girls and women, uplifting them from poverty and oppression. Leadership Each sorority is a self-governing organization, which depends on its members to take leadership roles within the chapter. A sorority allows women to become involved not only in their chapter but also on campus. Scholarship Sororities at CSUB have high scholarship standards and place great emphasis on encouraging, developing and maintaining academic excellence. In fact, Panhellenic women have a higher grade point average than nonaffiliated women at CSUB. Sisterhood Friendship is one of the greatest benefits of a sorority. Sororities are like a family; they provide support and encouragement to one another and become a home away from home. The friendship that forms between sisters lasts beyond the years at CSUB. Page 15
Recruitment Process To make the recruitment weekend enjoyable for everyone, the Panhellenic Association enforces the following recruitment regulations. These policies will help you make an impartial decision concerning sorority membership and give to all sororities and equal opportunity during the recruitment process. 1. Sorority women may only recruit during formal recruitment events. Outside of recruitment events, only cordial greets are permitted. 2. During the recruitment weekend, you may not visit a sorority member s residence or allow her to visit your residence. 3. Invitations to recruitment events are only extended through the Panhellenic Association, not by chapters or individual members. Invitations will be distributed before each round. 4. Sorority women (collegian or alumnae) may not call or text you, contact you on social media, visit you or send you gifts or letters during the recruitment weekend. 5. Sorority women will not take unfair advantage of any situation to pressure potential new members or promise membership. What is Silence? Recruitment can be a stressful and emotional time. In order to prevent undue pressure on potential new members, silence is observed. Sorority women and potential new members should communicate about recruitment only during recruitment events and are limited to casual greetings in public. It is recommended that potential new members do not talk to each other about their opinions or choices in recruitment. Rumors often spread during any important event, and recruitment is not an exception. If you hear any derogatory remarks made toward any chapter or woman, or about types of women who join particular chapters, please consider that these things are probably untrue. Please tell your recruitment counselor, Panhellenic Executive Officer, or staff member if you hear any offensive comments. Page 16
Recruitment Orientations & Information Sessions Recruitment Orientations and Information Sessions are hosted by the CSUB Panhellenic Association during the first three weeks of the Fall semester. These informal meetings are designed to help interested students learn about sorority life and what to expect during Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment. All interested students and parents are welcome to attend these events. In addition to providing information, Recruitment Counselors will be available at each event to help you register for recruitment. Recruitment Orientations *all orientations will take place in the Student Union MPR Thursday, August 25 6pm-7pm Tuesday, August 31 6pm-7pm Tuesday, September 6 6pm-7pm Information Sessions *all information sessions will take place in the Student Union Blue Room Tuesday, August 30 Thursday, September 1 Monday, September 5 Wednesday, September 7 Thursday, September 8 12pm-1pm 3pm-4pm 5pm-6pm 1pm-2pm 2pm-3pm Page 17
Recruitment Round Descriptions Round One Open House What to Expect All events during round one will take place on Friday, September 9th beginning at 6pm and ending at 9pm. Check-in will begin at 5pm in the Student Union Lobby. You will be given a schedule that is randomly generated from all potential member registrations. You will visit all sorority chapters for 45 minutes. This round gives you the opportunity to get a better understanding of each chapter. What to Wear This round is an all-evening affair, so you want to make sure that your dress is casual and comfortable. Casual tops, shorts, pants, and shoes are most appropriate to wear for these events. Page 18
Recruitment Round Descriptions Round Two Invitational What to Expect All events during round two will take place on Saturday, September 10th beginning at 6pm and ending at 10pm. Check-in will begin at 5pm in the Student Union Lobby. You will be given a schedule to follow for this evening and may attend up to three events. Each event is 60 minutes. This evening will provide a deeper look into each organization and is designed to help you decide where you feel most at home. What to Wear This round is also casual and has a relaxed atmosphere. Dress may include shorts, skirts, sundresses, and comfortable shoes. Page 19
Recruitment Round Descriptions Round Three Preference What to Expect All events during round three will take place on Sunday, September 11th beginning at 6pm and ending at 8pm. Check-in will begin at 5pm in the Student Union Lobby. You will be given a schedule to follow for this evening and may attend up to two events. Each event is 45 minutes. This is the last round of recruitment and tends to be the most formal. During this round, the sorority members will explain to you what their experience has meant to them and what membership could offer you. What to Wear This is the most formal round of recruitment. Dresses or skirts (comparable to wedding or ceremony attire) and comfortable dress shoes are most appropriate. Page 20
Frequently Asked Questions Is recruitment only for first-year students? No. All matriculated undergraduate female CSUB students are welcome to participate, including sophomores, juniors, seniors, and transfer students. What if I only want to be in a certain sorority? While many potential new members enter their recruitment experience with one chapter in mind, it is important to keep an open mind throughout the week. You should not make decisions based on stereotypes or the opinions of others. This is your decisions and you should do what is right for you. Do I have to follow the recruitment schedule and attend all events? Yes. The object of recruitment is to obtain the most information about chapters so you are able to make the best decision. You must attend all events to which you are invited. If you have a conflict (e.g. class, work, etc.) and you are unable to attend, you must let your recruitment counselor know as soon as possible. If you choose to skip events, the possibility of receiving an invitation to membership greatly decreases. What is a recruitment counselor? She is a sorority member carefully chosen from each chapter based on her enthusiasm for CSUB and sorority life, her objectivity and her dependability. A recruitment counselor has also experienced recruitment on both sides and understands what you are experiencing during recruitment. She can provide information about the week and help you find your way to your recruitment events. Page 21
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Gamma Phi Beta ΓΦΒ National Founding Year: 1874 CSUB Founding Year: 1983 National Colors: Brown & Mode Local Colors: Pink, White, & Brown Open Motto: Founded Upon a Rock National Website: gammaphibeta.org Also known as: Gamma Phi, G Phi B Philanthropies: Girls on the Run Relay for Life Gamma Phi Beta Sorority is dedicated to helping women realize their full potential at all stages in life. Membership in the Sorority opens the door to an unimaginable number of unique and beneficial opportunities that embrace our Core Values of Love, Labor, Learning and Loyalty. In addition to hosting fun, memorable philanthropy events, our members are living, celebrating and serving as active contributors to our philanthropic movement. In Gamma Phi Beta, both collegians and alumnae further their personal growth through the development of leadership skills. Members can serve as officers, committee members, advisors and volunteer leaders to fine-tune their talents and gain valuable experience. The sisterhood you gain as a Gamma Phi Beta sets membership apart from membership in other local clubs or organizations. It begins with the friendships formed during your collegiate years and continues to grow as your bond deepens with the Sorority and your sisters. Page 23
Delta Zeta Tau ΔΖΤ CSUB Founding Year: 1992 Colors: Red, Black, Gold Philanthropies: Relay for Life Delta Zeta Tau's purpose is to enable, empower and enlighten associates, undergraduate and graduate students of Hispanic and Latino descent by creating an organization that will promote greater unity for these students by means of educational, social, cultural, and political awareness. Page 24
Kappa Sigma ΚΣ National Founding Year: 1869 Also known as: K Sig CSUB Founding Year: 2006 Philanthropies: National Colors: Scarlet Red, Pearl White, & A Greater Cause Emerald Green Wounded Heroes Fund Open Motto: Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, Service National Website: kappasigma.org Kappa Sigma is the largest college social fraternity in the world with more than 200,000 living members, including over 20,000 undergraduates and 320 chapters and colonies located throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1869 at the University of Virginia, Kappa Sigma International Headquarters is based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Kappa Sigma is focused upon the Four Pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service. As a values-based men s fraternity, Kappa Sigma strictly forbids hazing and fosters meaningful college experiences by offering progressive membership development and pledge education. The Fraternity is committed to fostering a close cooperative partnership with all colleges and universities where its chapters exist. The Fraternity promotes academic achievement and assists each member to achieve his academic potential. By helping members adjust to the college environment, we can help them pursue their degree goals. Co-curricular activities can be as valuable as the classroom experience; hence, the Fraternity promotes involvement in all aspects of campus life. The creation of lifelong friendships is a primary benefit of Fraternity membership. Page 25
Nu Phi Chi ΝΦΧ CSUB Founding Year: 2002 Colors: Royal Purple, Black, & Silver Philanthropies: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Founded on February 28, 2003 at California State University, Bakersfield, Nu Phi Chi has been the largest local sorority on campus. We were founded on the principles of promoting higher education, success, diversity, leadership, team communication, community service, and sisterhood. We embrace our core values and let our diverse sisterhood show. Nu Phi Chi s goal is to provide encouragement, support, long lasting friendships, share dreams and achievements and to simply embrace all the good things that a strong sisterhood can provide for every individual member. With love and dedication, Nu Phi Chi continues to grow. Page 26
Phi Sigma Sigma ΦΣΣ National Founding Year: 1913 CSUB Founding Year: 1987 National Colors: King Blue & Gold Open Motto: Diokete Hupsala (Aim High) National Website: phisigmasigma.org Also known as: Phi Sig Philanthropies: Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation School Supply Donation We are a dynamic, principled, passionately committed group of women from around the world who define ourselves not by our distinct differences, but by what we have in common. And that common bond is a firm belief that women of different religions, cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints working together can and do make a difference in our communities, and in the world, every day. We are over 100 years old, and growing. Founded in 1913 in New York City, Phi Sigma Sigma is internationally recognized as a progressive, successful women s philanthropic and social organization with cutting-edge leadership programming for college students, active clubs and special events for alumnae from coast to coast, a new Headquarters, a strong Foundation, state-of-the-art technological capabilities, and a strategic focus on our future. More than 60,000 members strong, our sisters are mothers, family and community leaders, professionals of the highest caliber, role models, wives, daughters and the closest of friends. All that is eternally good and strong and loyal and honest and powerful and beautiful in them is what Phi Sigma Sigma stands for. Learn more by exploring our Web site. Page 27
Greek Glossary Alumni Advisor Alumnus member who serves as a resource to chapters and acts as a liaison between alumni and collegiate members Alumni/Alumnae Initiated member who has graduated from college: alumnus (male), alumni (men), alumna (female), alumnae (women), alum (abbrev.) Badge/Pin Given and worn at all official functions with at least business attire by initiated members of the organization Bid A formal invitation to join a particular fraternity/sorority extended by a chapter Bid Day The last day of recruitment in which new members receive bids to join a particular fraternity/sorority Big/Little Terms used for mentors assigned between new members and actives. The actives (bigs) are charged with guiding new members. Collegian/Collegiate An initiated member of a fraternity/sorority currently in college Colony an organization which has received approval from the university and recognition from one of the Greek governing councils but is in a trial period with their national organization and their governing council Continuous Open Bidding (COB) If a sorority does not reach the allowable membership total during formal recruitment or if they do not get quota, they may hold informal recruitment and offer bids to potential new members Dues Monetary cost of membership in an organization; are used to cover operations, materials, and events Expansion Process of an organization beginning a new chapter of the organization at a university Founders Day An event celebrated by organizations to highlight the founding of their organization and celebrate its history Fraternity/Sorority Advisor (FSA) Campus-based professional that serves as a resource to all Greek organizations hosted at the university Headquarters (HQ) The central office of the Regional/Inter/National Greek organization of an organization Informational A meeting held by a chapter for prospective members who are seeking general information about the organization Intake The membership selection process for historically African-American sororities and fraternities Page 28
Greek Glossary Initiation/Crossing A process during which new members receive lifelong membership privileges into the organization they have chosen Legacy A potential new member who is the son/daughter/brother/sister of an active/alum member of the organization. Each organization has its own definition of a legacy. Legacies are not guaranteed a bid from the organization they are a legacy to, nor are they required to select the organization as their preference during the recruitment process. Line Brothers/Sisters or New Member Class Individuals who are members of the same intake class Neophyte (Neo) The newest members of an organization; typically designated as such until another intake process occurs New Member Student who has accepted the bid or invitation for membership but has not yet been initiated/crossed Philanthropy A charity or fundraiser that the organization supports Probate A show used to introduce new members of the organization Prophytes Term used to refer to older members of the organization Potential New Member (PNM) A college student not affiliated with an organization who is eligible and interested in joining by attending recruitment/ intake activities Quota A set number of new members a sorority can extend bids to Recruitment Organized effort to meet potential new members to join a chapter Recruitment Counselor (Rho Gamma) Active CSUB sorority member who guides Potential New Members during the process of formal recruitment Retreat A trip, or sometimes just a longer meeting, where members bond and get to know each other. Goal setting sometimes takes place as well. Ritual A secret ceremony of a Greek organization performed by active and alumni members that is prescribed and endorsed by the chapters HQ Rush An outdated term that was replaced by Recruitment Stroll/Step Show A line dance done by members of cultural Greek organizations Page 29