If you are here, you probably have some questions about exactly what a sorority is. We're glad that you've decided to learn more. This information is meant for parents, women who are considering joining, women who have no intention of joining and others who just want to know more. We want everyone to understand the benefits of our sisterhood and how we contribute to our campus, community and the future of our country.
Joining a sorority is an investment and decision that should be made with parents. While there is a cost involved in joining a sorority, the benefits far outweigh the cost. Cost typically include housing, food, group activities, planning of educational programs and leadership training. Dues may also cover liability insurance, organizational attire and educational material specific to each organization. Cost information will be provided at information sessions in the fall after each chapter has submitted its annual expenses.
All nine WPA chapters have chapter houses. Sorority chapters expect their members to live in the chapter house for their sophomore and/or junior year. Each chapter has different requirements. The cost of living in the chapter house is comparable, if not far less than living in the residence halls. Living in a chapter house is an outstanding opportunity for women to build friendships, experience community living, participate in various activities within the chapter.
What is my responsibility as a member?
Each member is expected to maintain the high standards set by their sorority as well as the values established by the founders of the organization.
Each member is also expected to contribute her talents to her sorority.
When a woman becomes a lifelong member of a sorority, she accepts a challenge and a role- that of being a unique individual and a small part of a unique whole.
Every NPC group expects its members to obey all local, state, and federal laws and to abide by the fraternity’s policies, guidelines, and standards. Each organization allocates significant resources to educate its members about alcohol and substance abuse.
NPC groups provide extensive guidelines for hosting social events, and chapters are expected to provide a safe environment for their members. If an incident occurs where policies are violated, the organization intervenes with disciplinary measures and further education to achieve a higher level of safety at chapter events.
NPC has several programs that address the high-risk behaviors prevalent on most campuses today- not just within the Greek community.
The Women's Panhellenic Association GPA remains higher than the all women's average at Ohio University with a 3.188. Each sorority chapter in the Women's Panhellenic Association has established minimum academic standards for their members. Each chapter also plans programming that focuses on the academic advancement of its members. When a member falls below the chapter’s required grade point average, additional study program exist to to help improve her academic performance.
Most chapters have an alumnae advisor whose focus is the scholastic success of each member, and many have a faculty advisor who is a positive influence on the intellectual life of the members. Chapters acknowledge improved and high scholastic achievement with various awards and form of recognition.
Each sorority has different expectations of its members regarding involvement in events and meetings. Please be sure to ask this question at a Information session this fall!