Congratulations on your son or daughter’s acceptance to UCLA! With over 60,000 applications for admittance, entrance to this excellent university is something of which you can be justifiably proud.
Entering college is an exciting time in a student’s life. The challenge and rewards of this new life can be enhanced through the fraternity or sorority experience. Fraternities and sororities have been on the campus of UCLA since the early 1920's, and today UCLA is the home to 60 Greek-letter organizations with 13% of the undergraduate student population involved.
For many people, Greek-letter organizations conjure up images from popular movies such as “Animal House”, "School Daze", "Legally Blonde", and "Old School". The stereotypes portrayed are often based on entertainment value and do not depict reality. There are many myths that exist about the Greek community and we encourage you to learn about our community. The reality is that men and women in fraternities and sororities are committed to their academics, volunteer time in the community, develop and strengthen leadership skills, form a campus and cultural support network, and have access to affordable housing.
The University of California, Los Angeles is committed to the positive development of our Greek affiliated students. Involvement in a fraternity or sorority can enrich the undergraduate experience and provide a strong foundation for cognitive, social, and personal development.
Parents Often Ask...
These concerns and questions are common among parents.
Fraternity & Sorority Life (How a student benefits):
Fraternities and sororities have a history on American College campuses dating back to 1776. These organizations are rooted in founding precepts that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, alumni networking, and life-long friendship. Fraternities and sororities are groups of men and women who come together and form a personal network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and pursuit of a well-rounded college education.
Advantages include:
- A support group to help make the adjustment to college easier...
- Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals...
- Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience...
- Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus...
- Opportunities for active participation in community service projects...
- Exposure to career opportunities through interaction with Greek alumni...
Social Responsibility & Accountability:
The UCLA Greek community has taken great strides toward creating a responsible and safe environment for its members. All fraternities and sororities have strict policies regulating the consumption of alcohol. In addition to regular education programs, organizations work closely in partnership with the UCPD in effort to conduct safe social activities.
All organizations are held accountable to California State Laws and campus policies. The University and Governing Councils have established guidelines that take a strong stand against hazing and alcohol misuse.
Hazing is against the law and prohibited at UCLA. Members take pride in being part of a community in which people are treated with dignity and respect. Activities which detract from the goal of fostering the personal and intellectual development of students have no place in our organizations. Educational efforts are made to outline the definition and consequences of hazing as an illegal activity.
Alumni Involvement & Networking:
Greek alumni play a major role is advising chapters. Each chapter has at least one advisor and housed organizations have active corporation boards, which assist the chapter in the day-to-day chapter operations and the management of the chapter house. Fraternities and sororities maintain active alumni relations, which affords many opportunities for career networking.
Explore...
Please review our Greek Life web site to find out the many benefits of fraternity and sorority life at UCLA.
