Scholarship. Service. Leadership. Friendship. For a lifetime.
Greek Life is a part of the classic college experience, with over 230 years of history and thousands of chapters across the country, Greek Life allows its members to find a second home at college. Boasting six Interfraternity Conference fraternities, five National Panhellenic Conference sororities, and one National Pan-Hellenic Council sorority, York has plenty of opportunities for students to go Greek.
These value-based social organizations promote scholarship, service, leadership and friendship, and are heavily involved in the York College community. Students can find their home not only on York College’s campus, but with other chapters across the country.
Greek orientation leaders help welcome you to Greek Life.
Delta Phi Epsilon and other sororities and fraternities meet new students at the Involvement Fair each fall.
Join Greek Life and you're joining a family.
Recruitment
Want to add a chapter to your story? Greek organizations seek new members each semester to become a part of a brotherhood or sisterhood that lasts far beyond your four years at York. Students may choose to participate in formal spring recruitment or informal fall recruitment. In order to join a fraternity or sorority on campus, interested students must have taken at least one semester of classes and have an established GPA.
Greek Life Mission Statement The YCP Greek Life community will promote and achieve academic excellence, commit to meaningful service and engagement with others, support leadership development and career preparation opportunities, and foster lifelong friendships between members and organizations.
Greek Life Vision Statement The York College of Pennsylvania Greek Life community will foster an inclusive community, develop lifelong leaders with the abilities to advocate for justice, and produce well-rounded citizens that contribute to positive change within a global society.
When joining Greek Life, you not only gain new friends and experiences, but also a whole new book of vocabulary. Below are some of the most common Greek words or phrases you may come across while deciding to go Greek and during recruitment.
Active An initiated fraternity or sorority member who is affiliated with a campus chapter. Alumna A graduated member of a Women's sorority/fraternity (plural is alumnae). Alumnus A graduated member of a Men's fraternity (plural is alumni). Badge A small decorative pin designating membership in an organization which is worn in a designated manner/location. The badge of an initiated member is received during the initiation ceremony. Bid An invitation to join a fraternity or sorority. Bids are extended during designated recruitment periods. Bid Day The last day of recruitment in which potential new members receive formal invitations (ie. Bids) to join a fraternity or sorority. Big Brother/Sister An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who serves as a mentor to a new member during the new member process and beyond. Brother A term used by fraternity members to refer to one another. Chapter A term used to describe the collegiate group of a fraternity or sorority. Chapter House A house, or designated area, on campus where members of the organization live. Not all organizations at YCP choose to have designated housing. Chapter Meeting A weekly meeting held to discuss sorority or fraternity business. Colony A term used to describe the collegiate group of a fraternity or sorority in a new organization on the campus. Dues Monthly or semester-based costs of membership. Dues support the function and missions of the organization both Nationally and locally. Greeks A term applied to members affiliated with social Greek-letter organizations. Greek Week An annual celebration held in the spring meant to promote fraternal unity. Events during this week can range from Unity BBQ’s to field games to quiz bowls. All Greek Week activities are meant to promote the spirit and the letter of the Greek community. Hazing Any act performed by a member of any organization that is likely to cause harm, danger, cause public embarrassment or shame, compromise a person's dignity, cause the person to be the object of ridicule, cause psychological harm, or is illegal. Hazing is against the law in all states, and is against the principles of all sororities and fraternities. Initiation A traditional, private ceremony that brings a new member into full Greek membership. Interfraternity Council (IFC) IFC is the governing body of all eight fraternities chartered/colonized at York College of Pennsylvania. This organization provides leadership and programming for the chapters. Legacy A potential member whose grandparent, parent, brother or sister is a member of a fraternity or sorority. The specific definition of ‘legacy’ is specifically defined by each organization. Master Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) The MRABA is the document completed by a Potential Member during NPC formal recruitment identifying a woman’s intention to join an organization. The MRABA is a unanimous agreement between all 26 NPC sororities and is binding for one calendar year. New Member A member who has accepted a bid from a fraternity or sorority, and is in the process of completing the new member program before initiation. Neophyte A new member of a cultural Greek organization. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) NPHC is the governing body of all divine-nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities. This organization provides leadership and programming for the chapters. Order of Omega Members are juniors and seniors who are initiated members of a fraternity or sorority and have attained a high standard of leadership and scholarship in the Greek Community. National Panhellenic Council (NPC) NPC is the governing body of all twenty six (Inter)National Sororities. This organization provides leadership and programming for the chapters. Philanthropy A community service and/or fundraising project sponsored by a chapter. Potential New Member (PNM) An individual interested in becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority. Preference Ceremony The final round of formal recruitment events, more intimate and formal than previous rounds. Sometimes a preference event will discuss the sorority’s focus on their values and a ritual. Recruitment Refers to the process by which chapters select new members. Ritual The traditional, private ceremonies of a fraternity or sorority. Recruitment Counselor An unbiased, trained representative from a sorority that aids female potential members in their formal recruitment process. Sister A term used by sorority members to refer to one another. Silence/Hush Period/Strict Silence A practice which is no longer followed by NPC chapters. Previously, it prevented initiated members from communicating with potential members during designated recruitment periods. Today, the only ‘silence period’ that is observed follows the signing of an MRABA until the distribution of bids (a term which is not to exceed 24 hours).
Hazing Myths
Hazing Myths
Hazing Myths
Below are some examples of hazing myths, along with the facts.
Myth #1: Hazing is primarily a problem for fraternities and sororities. Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been documented frequently in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or organizations.
Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry. Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others – it is victimization. Hazing is premeditated and not accidental. Hazing is abusive and degrading, and may be life-threatening.
Myth #3: As long as there’s no malicious intent, a little hazing is okay. Fact: Safety may be compromised by traditional hazing activities, even those considered to be “in good fun,” and even in the absence of malicious intent. For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. The risks of hazing far outweigh any potential “benefits” of such activities.
Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline. Fact: Respect must be earned – it cannot be taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. For example, would you respect the person that yells at you or the person that helps you wax the floors for parents weekend? As with other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy, and alienation in an organization/group. It does nothing to bring the group together as one.
Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it cannot be considered hazing. Fact: In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim cannot be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent when considering peer pressure and the victim’s desire to belong to the group.
Myth #6: It’s difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing – it’s such a gray area sometimes. Fact: It’s not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions:
Will active/current members of the organization refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they’re being asked to do?
Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
Would you object if the activity were featured in the school newspaper or on a local TV news program?
Would you have any reservation about describing and justifying the activity to your parents, to a professor, or to the Chancellor?
Would you hesitate to invite the Executive Director of your international fraternity or sorority?
If the answer to any one of these simple questions is “yes,” the activity is probably hazing.
Anti-Hazing Policy
York College's anti-hazing policy
Fraternities and sororities, as well as other student organizations or athletic teams, are prohibited from hazing. It may come as a surprise to you that it is not only a violation of College policy, but hazing is also prohibited in the state of Pennsylvania and a violation of state law.
Categories of Hazing
York College defines three categories of hazing.
Subtle: Actions against accepted UIW conduct, behavior and good taste
Harassment: Anything causing mental anguish or physical discomfort to the new members
Dangerous: Anything that endangers the life of a new member or has the potential to cause bodily injury
Reporting Hazing
Hazing should be reported directly to any of the following sources: Campus Safety at 717.815.1403 or via email at campussafety@ycp.edu, the Director or Assistant Director of Student Activities and Orientation at GreekLife@ycp.edu, the Dean of Students at merkle@ycp.edu, or a trusted faculty or staff member.
Reports can also be submitted anonymously, however, this may hinder swift and accurate action, so direct reporting is encouraged.
Chapter Evaluation
What each Greek chapter must do to maintain its status
The purpose of the chapter evaluation is to ensure the minimum York College standards are being met by each recognized chapter.
YCP requires the following:
A minimum of 2 Community service projects involving all members of the chapter per semester
1 Anti-Hazing program for the chapter per semester
1 Alcohol/Substance abuse program for your chapter per semester
Meet with the chapter's campus advisor at least once per month
1 Excel Event per semester for each executive board member
Attendance of 2 members at 2 Student Senate meetings per semester
Each chapter president must schedule meetings with OSAO advisors at least twice a semester
In addition to holding chapters accountable, the evaluations are meant to allow the chapters to reflect on the semester's programs, and give feedback to the Office of Student Activities and Orientation.
The member in charge of each program is encouraged to complete the evaluation immediately following the conclusion of the program so that information is still vivid and accurate. The End of Semester Evaluation will be completed at the conclusion of each semester and contain several broad topics, ranging from "Advisor Meetings" to "Semester Summary."
Coming to college and living on your own for the first time requires many students to adjust greatly so they feel like they can fit in. Joining Greek life creates a "home away from home" experience and numerous amounts of opportunities throughout and after college. Along with creating brotherly/sisterly bonds with lifelong friends, one can gain both valuable professional and life skills from being in a Greek organization. Greek life provides an opportunity to make college one of the best experiences of your life.
Here are some facts you should consider:
Since 1910, 85% of the Supreme Court Justices have been Greek
All but two Presidents since 1825 have been Greek
Less then 2% of an average college student's expenses go towards Greek membership dues
Both women elected to the US Supreme Court were sorority members
In the past five years, more than 100 colleges and universities have opened their doors for Greek Life
Greeks donate to their Alma Mater, religious groups and other charitable organizations significantly more than Non-Greeks
Over 7 million was raised by greeks across the country in the past year
How many organizations are there on campus?
There are seven National Panhellenic Council (NPC) sororities and one National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) sorority and seven Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) fraternities on campus. All of the organizations have a different personality and a different grouping of people which really gives everyone a place to fit. By looking into many organizations and trying to get to know people from all of them you will find that there is a place for everyone and that everyone fits somewhere.
Will I have the opportunity to meet everyone?
Greeks on the York College campus are a pretty close group. Throughout the year and during each semester, there are events that Greeks use to get everyone together and help everyone have a relationship with one another. These events are open to the public, so it gives you a chance to meet the greeks while seeing them support one of their philanthropies. Greek organizations also hold events to meet possible new members. These could be movie nights, icebreakers or lunch “dates” in the dining hall. If you are a girl going through Spring Recruitment, you will meet all six of our Panhellenic organizations.
What is a sorority/fraternity?
Sororities and Fraternities are Greek letter organizations found on campuses across the country that are rooted in tradition and values that may offer many opportunities to network, promote academics, contribute to the community/campus through service and philanthropy projects, and help develop valuable professional/leadership and life skills.
What is recruitment and when can I go through?
Recruitment is an opportunity where a Potential New Member gets to meet all of the organizations on campus during a predetermined date. Freshmen are allowed to go through recruitment after their first completed full-time semester, earning at least a 2.5 GPA.
For fraternities the recruitment process is less formal as they are responsible for hosting their own events for their potential members.
For sororities the recruitment process is a lot more structured. Throughout this process they get to learn about each sorority’s sisterhood and philanthropy while meeting multiple sisters, establishing some personal connections. After this process, a sorority hands out bids and if a female student accepts her bid, the acceptance is revealed on bid day.
Is there hazing on campus?
Hazing is prohibited here at YCP and is illegal in Pennsylvania. Each Greek organization on campus is responsible each semester to hold hazing awareness events to inform members of the College's anti-hazing policy. See Hazing Policy/Anti-Hazing info above for more information.
How can parents get involved?
Greek life is a great networking opportunity for members and parents alike. These bonds become like family and should be encouraged. Many organizations hold family days, where parents and siblings can have the opportunity to meet their child’s new sisters or brothers.
As a parent, coming out to philanthropy events or being educated on your child's organization is key. You're always welcome to reach out to us for more information.
Contact Us
Greek Life
Whitney Hedge, M.S., Assistant Director of Student Activities and Orientation
Iosue Student Union, Room 122
Phone: 717.815.1239 whedge@ycp.edu Hours:
Contact for appt.
