Navigating UCLA Greek Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Sorority Rush

For prospective Bruins navigating the vibrant landscape of UCLA, Greek life presents a unique avenue for community building, leadership development, and philanthropic engagement. With a diverse array of fraternities and sororities, understanding the intricacies of the rush process is essential for finding the organization that best aligns with individual values and aspirations. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify UCLA sorority rush, providing an insider's perspective on the councils, recruitment procedures, financial commitments, philanthropic endeavors, and potential challenges associated with Greek life.

Understanding the Greek Landscape at UCLA

UCLA's Greek system is composed of six distinct governing councils, each catering to different interests and values:

Interfraternity Council (IFC): Comprising 18 historically social fraternities, the IFC is often associated with traditional Greek life, with many chapters housed in the iconic Hilgard Avenue residences.
Panhellenic Council (Panhel): Serving as the umbrella organization for 10 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities and one associate member sorority, Panhel provides a structured and supportive environment for its members.
Asian Greek Council (AGC): Home to three historically Asian-founded fraternities and sororities, the AGC promotes Asian American culture, service, and scholarship, welcoming members from all backgrounds.
Latinx Greek Council (LGC): Composed of eight Latino/a-founded Greek-letter organizations, the LGC celebrates Latinx culture and provides a strong support system for its members.
Multi-Interest Greek Council (MIGC): Representing a diverse range of interests, the MIGC encompasses 11 cultural-based and special-interest fraternities and sororities, including organizations focused on Armenian culture, Christian fellowship, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): Governing the eight historically Black Greek-letter organizations at UCLA, the NPHC, also known as the "Divine Nine," boasts a rich history of service, scholarship, and social action.

Rush, Recruitment, and Intake: The Path to Membership

The process of joining a fraternity or sorority, known as "rush," "recruitment," or "intake," varies depending on the governing council.

IFC & Panhellenic: Formal Recruitment

For IFC fraternities and Panhellenic sororities, formal recruitment takes place in the fall, during True Bruin Welcome Week.

IFC (Fraternities)

IFC recruitment, or "rush," is an informal process that typically lasts a week. Potential new members (PNMs) have the opportunity to visit as many of the 18 fraternity houses as they wish, meeting the brothers and experiencing the different chapter personalities. Fraternities interested in a PNM will extend a "bid," a formal invitation to join.

Panhellenic (Sororities)

Panhellenic recruitment is a more structured and formal process, spanning several days with different themes or "rounds." PNMs begin by visiting all 10 sororities and, as the week progresses, visit fewer chapters for longer periods. The rounds focus on getting to know the chapter's philanthropy, sisterhood, and values. This mutual selection process culminates in "Bid Day," where PNMs may receive a bid to join a chapter. A non-refundable registration fee is required to participate in formal recruitment.

The Panhellenic Council has a formal recruitment process which occurs during the True Bruin Welcome Week (zero week). Recruitment typically occurs that Tuesday through Sunday. Potential New Members or PNMs visit each chapter on a specific schedule. Registration, including a fee, is typically required for the fall quarter's formal recruitment process.

A breakdown of the Panhellenic recruitment rounds:

Open House: PNMs will visit all 11 Panhellenic chapters and spend time getting to know active members. PNMs will be given a shirt to wear for this day and can pair it with casual bottoms, such as jeans, a skirt or shorts. Footwear can be sneakers or sandals.
Sisterhood: PNMs may visit up to 8 chapters and receive a tour of each house. They will learn about the finances associated with joining a sorority, as well as what it is like to live in the house. This round is slightly dressier than open house. Many girls will wear a sundress or skirt and top. For shoes, again, comfort is essential, so sandals or sneakers are recommended.
Impact/Philanthropy: PNMs can have up to four chapters to visit. The chapters highlight their philanthropic efforts during this round, and the PNMs will have more time to talk to active members to better understand the chapters’ values. PNMs will typically wear a dress and wedges on this day, as it is more formal than the previous rounds.
Preference: PNMs may visit up to 2 chapters. This day is the most formal round of recruitment. Panhellenic recommends that PNMs wear semi-formal dresses with heels to celebrate the seriousness of this round.

Multicultural Greek Councils: A Personalized Approach

The multicultural Greek councils (AGC, LGC, MIGC, and NPHC) employ a different process, often called "intake." Chapters hold informational sessions throughout the year, where prospective members can learn about their history, values, and mission. Interested individuals can then express their desire to join, and the chapter will have its own individualized selection process. This approach emphasizes personal connection and in-depth understanding. Following the councils' and individual chapters' social media accounts is the best way to learn about these events.

Each fall quarter during True Bruin Welcome Week (zero week), the Asian Greek Council (AGC) coordinates a "Rush Week" where students who are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority have an opportunity to preview each organization. Chapters offer bids, or invitations to join at the end of "Rush Week". AGC chapters mostly recruit new members during the fall quarter. Pre-registration is not required and there is not cost to attend "Rush Week" activities.

Most fraternities and sororities in the Latinx Greek Council choose the time when they wish to accept new members through developing "interest" in the fall quarter. Chapters will typically host informational sessions during the fall quarter and then invite interested members to join during the winter or spring quarters. Most chapters also require a university GPA to join. Individual chapters have their own processes for membership intake so please contact the chapter(s) you may be interested in joining directly for additional information. Pre-registration is not required and there is not cost to attend any informational activities.

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Many fraternities and sororities in the Multi-Interest Greek Council welcome new members throughout the first few weeks of the fall quarter. Chapters may also host recruitment or rush activities during the winter and spring quarters. Individual chapters have their own processes for membership intake so please contact the chapter(s) you may be interested in joining directly for additional information. Pre-registration is not required and there is not cost to attend any informational activities.

The fraternities and sororities that make up the "Divine Nine" of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) conduct membership intake at a time of a chapter's choosing. Chapters will typically host informational sessions during the fall quarter and then invite interested members to join during the winter or spring quarters. Most chapters also require a university GPA to join. Individual chapters have their own processes for membership intake so please contact the chapter(s) you may be interested in joining directly for additional information. Pre-registration is not required and there is not cost to attend any informational activities.

The Financial Commitment: Weighing the Costs

Joining a fraternity or sorority involves a financial commitment, and understanding the costs is crucial. Dues vary significantly across chapters and councils.

IFC Fraternities: New member fees for the first quarter average around \$650. Subsequent quarterly dues are approximately \$626 for out-of-house members and \$2,082 for in-house members, which includes room, board, and dues.
Panhellenic Sororities: First-quarter new member dues range from \$1,200 to over \$2,300, covering social events, sisterhood activities, and philanthropic contributions. In-house members' dues typically include rent and meals.
Multicultural Greek Councils: The culturally based organizations generally have lower costs, with average quarterly dues around \$80 and a one-time initiation fee of about \$100. NPHC groups average \$50 per quarter, with a one-time initiation fee of about \$300.

Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community

Philanthropy is a cornerstone of Greek life, with each chapter supporting a designated cause through fundraising and awareness efforts. UCLA's Greek community actively participates in UCLA Volunteer Day and hosts various philanthropy events throughout the year. For example, Delta Gamma hosts "Anchor Splash" to benefit Service for Sight & the Blind Children's Center, while Kappa Kappa Gamma organizes "A Day in the Life" to introduce elementary school students to campus life. Lambda Chi Alpha organizes blood drives & collects necessities for the homeless in Westwood.

Nationally, sororities participating in the Miracle Network Dance Marathon have raised millions for children's hospitals. At UCLA, the university community, including Greek organizations, raised an incredible \$856.5 million in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

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Pros and Cons: A Realistic Perspective

Greek life offers numerous benefits, including a strong sense of community, leadership opportunities, and networking connections. However, it is essential to acknowledge the potential downsides, such as stereotypes, social pressures, time commitments, and controversies.

Advantages:

Community: Greek life provides a built-in support system, making the large UCLA campus feel smaller.
Leadership: Chapters offer numerous leadership roles, from executive board positions to event planning committees.
Networking: Greek organizations offer access to a vast alumni network that can provide valuable internship and job opportunities.

Disadvantages:

Stereotypes: Some perceive Greek life as exclusive and superficial.
Social Pressure: There can be pressure to conform and a focus on partying that may not appeal to everyone.
Time Commitment: Chapter meetings, philanthropy events, and social activities can demand a significant amount of time.

Addressing Controversies: Hazing, Sexual Assault, and Racism

It is crucial to acknowledge the controversies surrounding Greek life, including issues like hazing, sexual assault, and racism. UCLA has implemented stricter policies and anti-bias training to address these concerns. Potential members should research chapters thoroughly to ensure their values align with those of the organization.

Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Once a common tradition, hazing has been banned by all national fraternal organizations and institutions of higher education. UCLA rigorously enforces this policy, and organizations that violate the policy are subject to immediate suspension of campus recognition and privileges.

Housing Options: Chapter Houses and Off-Campus Living

Joining a fraternity or sorority with a chapter house often provides the option of living in the house. However, limited space necessitates that many students, both Greek and non-Greek, seek off-campus housing in Westwood and surrounding areas. Westwood is a notoriously expensive area to live in, & finding a good apartment can be a challenge.

Only half of the fraternities and sororities have chapter facilities. The majority of organizations within the Panhellenic Council (Panhel) and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) have chapter houses adjacent to the campus which provide the opportunity for small group living. Since the membership recruitment process occurs during the quarter, new students should secure their own housing for the fall. Typically, freshmen live on-campus in residence halls, and many then move into fraternity and sorority houses their second year (residence hall contracts are on an annual basis). Although the fraternities and sororities within the Asian Greek Council (AGC), Latinx Greek Council (LGC), Multi-Interest Greek Council (MIGC), and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) do not have chapter houses, many still live together in apartments adjacent to campus. The organizations within these councils hold events, meetings, etc. on or near the campus.

Less than half of the members of the Greek organizations within Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council live in the chapter houses in any given quarter; yet, most members do live in the chapter house for part of their tenure at UCLA. Most organizations require that members, except for students who are from the local area and potentially living at home, reside in the chapter house for a minimum of one year.

Making the Decision: Is Greek Life Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to join a fraternity or sorority at UCLA is a personal one. It is essential to approach the process with an open mind, engage in conversations, ask questions, and remain true to oneself. Regardless of the outcome, UCLA offers numerous avenues for finding community and making the most of the college experience.

Additional Tips for Sorority Rush

Going through sorority rush can be emotionally and physically draining, but building your iconic and memorable outfits for each round is the cherry on top. Pressure to create the most beautiful outfits with such tedious attention to detail can be a lot for girls going through rush. Luckily, Garde-Robe created the perfect platform to fully envision what your style of the day will be! UCLA’s sorority rush has four rounds: open house, sisterhood, impact/philanthropy and preference. As the days go on, the fanciness of the outfits progress. There tends to be a fine line of relaxed to casual to formal, but Garde-Robe carefully curated some nearly flawless outfit inspirations that will surely have you leaving a mark on houses across Sorority Row!

Open house tends to be the most exhausting. Not only is it the day where you get to visit every single potential house, but it’s also the first day where you truly exert your maximum social abilities. Potential New Members get a super cute Panhellenic tee-shirt on their orientation to wear for this round. This definitely requires you to step into your Project Runway shoes and try to make an outfit that will match any possible shirt since you won’t get it until the day before. Some fun ways to get creative with this is by choosing an elevated basic bottom with tons of statement accessories. Incorporating a pop of color in your shoes and some texture in your jewelry will surely set you apart from others!

Sisterhood is where you get to start displaying your personality through your looks! Learning more specific details of what each sorority is about is also a chance for the house to learn about you. Your outfit should be a hint at your personality, whether it be your favorite color or your most confident style. This day is more formal than open house, but still not extremely formal. Wearing a sundress or linen romper with a pair of unique sandals is ideal, and with such a simple foundation you can make this show your individuality. With flexibility in prints, fits and designs, you will shine bright (while being comfortable) in all of your visits!

So you’ve made it to the Impact round! Today is all about what community means to each house on the row, and how they intend to give back. Philanthropy is a HUGE part of being in a sorority, so by sharing this insight with you the house usually knows that there’s a deeper connection. That being said, now that you’ve developed connections with these houses it’s time to be memorable. Add a distinctive color into your dress and tie in some unique textures! Even throw on some heels to give it that sleek, sassy and classy vibe.

Preference is when it comes down to you as a Potential New Member. These final houses WANT you, but do you want them back? This will be the longest conversation that will be had all week, and it can even get a bit serious. To match the seriousness of preference, an elegant look is perfect for the occasion! High necks give a modest appearance, but with a chic back or a one-of-a-kind texture you will truly leave the house feeling the most confident.

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