Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is a public research university located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Rutgers is home to a vibrant Greek community, which includes a number of sororities. Sororities are social organizations for women that provide opportunities for personal growth, community service, and social interaction. In this response, I will provide a detailed overview of sororities at Rutgers University.
First, it’s important to note that the sorority recruitment process at Rutgers takes place at the beginning of the fall semester, and typically involves a series of events where potential new members (PNMs) meet and get to know members of the different sororities on campus. The process is designed to be mutual, with both the sororities and the PNMs assessing whether they are a good fit for each other.
There are currently thirteen sororities at Rutgers University. They are:
- Alpha Chi Omega (AXO)
- Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi)
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA)
- Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII)
- Delta Gamma (DG)
- Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE)
- Gamma Phi Beta (Gamma Phi)
- Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta)
- Kappa Delta (KD)
- Phi Sigma Sigma (Phi Sig)
- Sigma Delta Tau (SDT)
- Sigma Kappa (Sig Kap)
- Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA)
Each sorority has its own unique history, values, and traditions. For example, Alpha Omicron Pi was the first sorority established at Rutgers, founded in 1967. Delta Gamma, on the other hand, was founded in 1873 and is one of the oldest sororities in the country. Each sorority also has its own philanthropy, or charitable cause, that they support through fundraising and volunteer work.
Joining a sorority at Rutgers can provide many benefits to members. First and foremost, sororities provide a sense of community and sisterhood. Members often form close bonds with each other, and many sororities have traditions like Big/Little Sister programs, where older members mentor and guide newer members. Sororities also provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Members can take on leadership roles within their sorority, such as serving as president or chairing a committee. Many sororities also offer educational and professional development opportunities, such as workshops on resume writing or networking events with alumni.
In addition to the benefits for members, sororities at Rutgers also contribute to the wider community through their philanthropic efforts. Each sorority supports a different cause, such as the fight against domestic violence (Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy) or improving literacy rates (Phi Sigma Sigma’s philanthropy). Sororities also participate in larger community service events, such as Rutgers’ annual “Day of Service” in which students volunteer at various sites throughout the local community.
It’s worth noting that sorority life at Rutgers is not without its controversies. Like many universities, Rutgers has had instances of hazing and other harmful behavior associated with Greek life. In recent years, there have been efforts to address these issues and improve the safety and inclusivity of the Greek community at Rutgers. For example, Rutgers’ Panhellenic Council, which oversees the sororities on campus, has implemented a new member education program that focuses on building healthy and respectful relationships within the sorority.
In conclusion, sororities are an important part of the Greek community at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. They provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community service, while also fostering a sense of sisterhood and belonging among members. While there are certainly challenges associated with Greek life at Rutgers, efforts are being made to improve the safety and inclusivity of the community.