University of Manitoba Panhellenic Association!

Why are you called "women's fraternities" and not "sorority?
The words fraternity and sorority are used interchangeably for women's Greek-letter groups. Fraternity is derived from the Greek word "phrater," meaning brother, sister, or clan. "Soro," the source word for sorority, is Latin and means sister. Although many groups were founded and incorporated as women's fraternities before the word "sorority" was coined, the term "sorority" is used to distinguish women's groups from men's groups. (From the NPC pamphlet "Speaking of Sororities", 1995). See our glossary for other common Greek terms.

What about academics - I want to do well in school?
To become a member, you will need to be in academic good standing with the university and satisfy a minimum GPA. Each group places a strong emphasis in their member education to help develop your study skills, time management skills, and academic support. There are mentor programs and study tables to help you as well. Your main purpose for going to university is schooling, so event planning takes into account midterms and course deadlines. Scholarships are offered by each groups organization, and they help in finding out more about grants, scholarships and loans provided by the university and private sector.

What kind of activities do you do during the year?
Each groups meets weekly to plan & decide chapter activities. There are sisterhood nights where we'll hang at someone's house or watch movies, or have a chapter dinner. We go on road trips to visit other chapters, and attend conferences to develop our leadership skills. We have guest speakers come in and speak to us on academic resources, time management, women's health, career seminars, and a variety of other topics. We also participate in several different community service events, and support other Greeks & U of M clubs with their philanthropic activities. Last , but certainly not least, we also have mixers with the other women's and men's groups to get to know each other and have fun - plus formals, dances, and fundraisers!

What about hazing?
All National Panhellenic Conference women's fraternities DO NOT condone hazing. We feel that hazing doesn't promote sisterhood and is demeaning to all people. U of M women's fraternities do not condone any form of hazing whether it would be making a New Member answer the phone a certain way to making them parade in public in conspicuous attire or costume.

If you feel that you have experienced hazing, please contact your Alumnae Advisor or the Panhellenic Adviser for more information.

Isn't Greek life just wild parties and stuff?
AGHH! This is a common MISCONCEPTION - if anything, that is a false as they get! In reality, there are social functions, but the majority of time is spent on personal development through education, scholastics, and leadership development. You are here for school, (right?) but it doesn't mean we don't like to fun either!

Are there initiations? What should I expect?
Almost all the Greek groups have a ceremony to reveal their secrets to their New Members. Each group has a beautiful ceremony that is uplifting and meaningful for all members, and that no member need to fear.

How much does it cost? Are there payment plans?
There are fees that every member pays to help in the operation & activities of the chapter, just like being part of any other organization. These fees will include dues to the International Headquarters, the Housing corporation, and the local chapter. Dues at the U of M women's fraternities range between $320 to $400 a year. Yes, this seems like a lot of money, but dues are paid while in university, but you enjoy your membership for a lifetime!

All groups have payment plans that can work for everyone - no Daddy's girls here. Just like other university students, about 80% of fraternity women at U of M work part-time and have student loans - just like you!

Why do I pay more in my 1st year than later years?
As a new member, your fees will be higher in your first year for several onetime only fees - your badge, your fraternity magazine subscription, a administration fee, plus the local chapter dues and housing corporation investment payment. This is just like if you were to start playing a new sport and you had to by the equipment, pay a registration fee, and go to tournaments - there are always start up costs. As a new member, your fees will range between $380 to $450 for your 1st year. Remember as noted above, payment plans are available! After your 1st year, the fees will drop and won't include these onetime only fees.

Why do I pay fees to join a club? I don't need to buy my friends!
Like every organization, if you want to have activities like exchanges, mixers, education sessions, road trips, and other events, the costs need to be covered.

All the U of M women's fraternities have a budget that they work with the chapter and its officers to make sure that fun times can be had without "nickel and dimeing" that so many other groups do. There is accountability with a Treasurer that keeps the books and advisers that supervise and make sure that the chapter is in sound fiscal shape. Agreeing to be a member does come with financial obligation, and there have been many members who have been on payment plans. If you have further questions, please speak to the Panhellenic Adviser or your Recruitment Counsellor.

As for feeling that you are "buying friends", consider it more as an investment in that

you are able to have a connection with women from not just your chapter, but other Greek women in cities around the world.
you will also have a strong academic support group that will not only praise you when you achieve high grades, but will use mentors and tutors to help you through the rough times.
help in contributing to your community through service projects and fundraisers.
you will also participate in education sessions on time management, women's health, risk management, financial development, career advice...the list goes on and on!
and of course, you will be able to have fun and do lots of cool stuff to with men and women from all kinds of different groups around the U of M - hey enjoy yourself!

True, you don't have to join an organization to have a social life or raise money for charity. But you will have a feeling of support, team work, and personal development that is sisterhood, and there is just nothing quite like it! JOIN US!

If you or your parents have further questions, please contact the Panhellenic Adviser

REGISTER NOW!