Greek and Independent Living Groups
Sororities

Recruitment Listing and Contact Information Resources for Current Sisters

Inter/National women’s fraternal organizations (commonly known as sororities) were founded at MIT in the early 1980s to serve the growing female population at MIT. Sororities provide MIT students with lifetime memberships into values-based organizations which emphasize scholarship, sisterhood, service, and support for all women at MIT. There is a place for all women in a sorority, and women are encouraged to explore the diversity our population offers. We hope all women at MIT take advantage of all that MIT has to offer academically and socially- and that they will take the opportunity to see first hand the invaluable support, friendships, and opportunities that MIT sororities afford their members.

The Panhellenic Association (also known as "Panhel") is the governing body for the five National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities at MIT. On the national level, there are 26 member groups in the NPC. At MIT, Panhel is officially comprised of each member of every sorority, making us the largest women's organization on campus.

Panhel is lead by six executive board officers slated annually, elected cabinet chair positions, and a delegate from each chapter. This group of leaders comes together to unite the NPC sororities in programming and furthering the ideals on which the sorority movement was founded: sisterhood, leadership, and values. To find out more about getting involved with Panhel, please contact any officer. Information can be found on the Panhel website at http://panhel.mit.edu

The word Panhellenic means uniting, and, no matter which sorority you choose to join, the Panhellenic bonds you form will last a lifetime. Beginning with your first day as a new member, you will be part of a group of women with whom you can share your dreams, fears, laughter, and tears. From your sorority, you will learn lessons, gain experiences, and make friendships that will remain important your entire life. A sister is a friend forever.

The Panhellenic Creed
We, as undergraduate members of women's fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for the guarding of good health, for the maintenance of fine standards, and 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.

SISTERHOOD
Sisterhood is at the heart of the closeness of members in every chapter enjoys. The first sorority sisterhood was established over a century ago by women who felt the need to enrich their college experiences. Sororities encourage young women to learn and grow in the spirit of sisterhood. Working and achieving goals together strengthens the bond within each chapter and builds relationships with other chapters. Sharing your college experiences with a variety of sisters will provide friendships that last a lifetime. These relationships are deeper than going to parties together and more meaningful than wearing the same letters. They are about the development and growth of individuals as they begin this important stage in their lives. Each new member brings her own unique talents to her sorority and is loved and respected for who she is.

SCHOLARSHIP
Everyone knows that the quality of academics at MIT is first rate. Involvement with one of the five Panhellenic chapters at MIT enhances that experience. Sorority sisters plan study sessions to motivate members and prepare for classes, and they offer a network of undergraduate, graduate, and alumni members who advise new members on classes, course schedules, and instructors. Sorority women assist younger members in developing positive study skills through scholastic programs, they share ideas and tactics for surviving MIT's rigorous academic schedule, and they pass along notes and problem set examples. The incentives and support offered by sororities help all members achieve and maintain high academic standards. Many MIT chapters have been recognized nationally as outstanding academic chapters, and have received awards based on academic excellence.

SERVICE
Both community service and philanthropy are common goals among all Panhellenic organizations. Many chapters raise money to benefit local or national organizations. We also team up various times per year to raise money for Big Sisters of Boston, and we work hand in hand with the MIT Public Service Center on numerous projects throughout the year. One of our biggest community service successes is our Giving Tree program- where we collect, wrap, and distribute hundreds of gifts to children in Boston for the holidays. Panhellenic sisters also contribute their time to benefit the community with services such as canned food and toy drives and volunteering and tutoring in local schools. These activities offer college women special opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others, as well as the opportunity to make a difference in their own lives.

SUPPORT AND LEADERSHIP
MIT Panhellenic Association women are leaders on campus in student organizations such as the Undergraduate Association, Ring Comm, UROPs, orientation, research labs, performing groups, cultural groups, the Public Service Center, The Tech, the Association of Student Activities, athletic teams, honor societies, service groups, and many other organizations. Also, sororities are self-governing units which provide members with opportunities to develop leadership skills within their individual chapters and encourage participation in other activities on campus and within the community. Panhellenic women are, and continue to be, some of the most active and visible students on campus. Being a leader in a sorority and Panhel will help you develop various skills such as goal setting, delegating responsibilities, working in groups, planning activities, time management, problem solving, and focused decision making.

Sorority Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to join a sorority?
Costs vary from sorority to sorority, and term to term. However, every sorority does everything possible to cater to each sister's specific financial needs. For specific costs, please e-mail sororities@mit.edu.

When is recruitment, and how do I sign up?
Recruitment is scheduled for the last week of IAP each January. To register to participate, either fill out the online form, get a form from the SLP office (on the 5th floor of the student center), or ask any sorority member for more information!

If I join a sorority, do I have to move into the house?
Out of the five sororities on campus, three have houses nearby to campus and a fourth lives in a section of a graduate dorm. MIT women are eligible to live in sorority houses after their first year. The number of women who live in these facilities ranges from 20-60, so each of the sororities has different expectations about moving into the house. Be sure to ask about housing opportunities during recruitment.

Will joining a sorority hurt my grades?
Not at all! Each sorority and sorority woman at MIT strives for the highest standards of academic excellence. In addition, sororities provide many academic resources that you just can’t get anywhere else. Active members are required to maintain a standard GPA to stay active in the sorority. Academics are of central importance to all of the sororities.

Do sororities at MIT haze?
Hazing is against MIT policy and against the rules of every national sorority. Every sorority at MIT prides itself on following this rule. You will never be asked to do anything that you are uncomfortable doing. There are lots of constructive ways to build spirit and character. Any and all questionable activities undertaken by any fraternity, sorority, or independent living group are fully investigated by MIT and the appropriate governing councils.

What if I have more questions?
We're more than happy to answer any further questions you might have about sororities or sorority recruitment. If you have more questions, please e-mail sororities@mit.edu.