Joining a sorority is the beginning of a new experience with new friends and a new home away from home. It's about making friendships that will last far beyond your college years while enhancing your personal development by committing to ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service.

During the first semester that you join a sorority, all of the activities are designed to orient you with sorority history and goals, while working toward initiation. Activities such as retreats, service projects, meetings, social events, and other sisterhood activities will help build a strong foundation for your sorority experience.

Sisterhood is having women there to help you through the college transitions. It is being respected for your individuality while being part of a sisterhood of women who share the same goals and values.

Chapter Housing

Sorority members have the opportunity to live in beautiful, historic homes right on the Syracuse University campus, an aspect of sorority life that distinguishes SU from many other colleges. The average number of active members living in a chapter house is 31. Thus, living in a sorority house is truly a "home away from home."

Chapter houses are privately owned and maintained by local or national sorority Alumnae House Corporations. Each sorority employs a full-time, live-in House Director, also referred to as a "House Mom." The House Director oversees the daily operations of the chapter house. The sorority houses provide a comfortable and secure environment for the members and many times provide spacious study areas, TV rooms, computer labs, and meals.

Sorority members have an obligation to live in the chapter house for one academic year; however, each sorority establishes it own regulations regarding members living in or out of the chapter house. Potential members should ask each sorority concerning individual requirements for living in or out of the chapter house.

Sorority Finances

It is important for students and parents to be as informed as possible regarding the costs associated with sorority membership. Women joining a sorority should be aware of the dues, fees and other expenses that are involved and consider these when making financial plans. During formal recruitment events, each sorority will be able to answer questions about specific financial information as each sorority sets its own fees and housing costs, as well as payment schedules.