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Fraternities & Sororities

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Fraternities & sororities have been part of the University’s history dating back to the time of Trinity College. Through the development of partnerships, student advocacy, and educational programming, fraternities & sororities at Duke aim to be a place where students can develop leadership skills, gain cultural competency, enhance personal wellness, and think critically – all while making an impact on their greater communities.

Councils & Chapters

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is home to an organization (one co-ed fraternity) that provides opportunities for students to create lifelong bonds through social, academic, and personal growth.

IFC Chapters

Psi Upsilon - ΨΥ
Common Name: Psi U
Chapter Website: www.dukepsiu.org/
Headquarters Website: www.psiu.org
Local Founding Date: 1973
National Founding Date: November 4, 1833
Co-Ed membership

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is the governing body for multicultural, identity-based fraternities and sororities at Duke. Current MGC groups include identities for Latinx, Asian-interest, and Native American students.

MGC Chapters

Alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, Inc. - αΚΔΦ
Common Name: aKDPhi
Chapter Website: www.dukeakdphi.com
Headquarters Website: www.akdphi.org
Local Founding Date: May 25, 2006
National Founding Date: February 7, 1990

Alpha Pi Omega Sorority Inc. - ΑΠΩ
Common Name: APiO
Headquarters Website: www.alphapiomega.org
Local Founding Date: Fall 2017
National Founding Date: September 1, 1994

Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraterinty, Inc. - ΛΦΕ
Common Name: Lambdas, LPhiE
Chapter Website: http://duke.lambdaphiepsilon.com
Headquarters Website: www.lambdaphiepsilon.com
Local Founding Date: November 23, 2003
National Founding Date: February 25, 1981

Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. - ΛΘΑ
Common Name: LTA
Headquarters Website: http://lta.orgsync.com/
Local Founding Date: April 17, 2015
National Founding Date: December, 1975

La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. - ΛΥΛ
Common Name: LUL
Headquarters Website: www.launidadlatina.org
Colors: Brown, Gold, Red, & White
Local Founding Date: 1995
National Founding Date: February 19, 1982

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the governing body for Duke’s historically black fraternities and sororities. NPHC organizes council events to build a sense of community and showcase that to the campus, and advocate for the needs of chapters in the council.

NPHC Chapters

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - AKA
Common Name: AKA
Chapter Website: www.akaiotamu.com
Headquarters Website: www.aka1908.com
Local Founding Date: April 21, 1975
National Founding Date: January 15, 1908

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - ΑΦΑ
Common Name: Alpha
Headquarters Website: www.alpha-phi-alpha.com
Local Founding Date: December 7, 1975
National Founding Date: December 4, 1906

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - ΔΣΘ
Common Name: Deltas
Chapter Website: http://lambdaomegadst.com/
Headquarters Website: http://www.deltasigmatheta.org/
Local Founding Date: April 5, 1975
National Founding Date: January 13, 1913

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. - ΚΑΨ
Common Name: Kappas
Chapter Website: http://dukenupes.com
Headquarters Website: www.kappaalphapsi1911.com
Local Founding Date:
National Founding Date: January 5, 1911

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. - ΩΨΦ
Common Name: Omegas, Ques      
Headquarters Website: http://oppf.org
Local Founding Date: April 12, 1974
National Founding Date: November 17, 1911

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. - ΦΒΣ
Common Name: Sigmas
Chapter Website: www.duke.edu/web/pbsigma
Headquarters Website: www.pbs1914.org
Local Founding Date: October 24, 1993
National Founding Date: January 9, 1914

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - ΖΦΒ
Common Name: Zetas
Chapter Website: http://www.dukezetas.com
Headquarters Website: www.zphib1920.org
Local Founding Date: September 22, 1993
National Founding Date: January 16, 1920

Potential Members

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Duke is home to an organization (one co-ed fraternity) that provides opportunities for students to create life-long bonds through social, academic, and personal growth.

All fraternities & sororities at Duke operate on a deferred recruitment system, meaning that students may join during their sophomore year. IFC recruitment is open to sophomore students and above.

IFC chapters conduct recruitment on an individual basis. Check out chapter websites or social media for information about recruitment events and process.

If you know members in an IFC organization you are interested in, you can contact one of their members about more information regarding the chapter's recruitment during the fall semester.

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is the governing body for multicultural, identity-based fraternities and sororities at Duke. Current MGC groups include identities for Latinx, Asian-interest, and Native American students.

Intake for MGC groups is determined and conducted by each chapter. This can happen in both Fall and Spring semesters, but students must wait until the second semester of their first year to be eligible to join. After this time, they are eligible no matter their class year.

A specific intake timeline is required by the office of Student Involvement & Leadership: All intake activities in the Fall semester should be concluded by Thanksgiving break and in the Spring semester by the last week of March. For more details about these specific dates each year, please see the Intake Guidelines in Forms.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the governing body for Duke’s eight historically black fraternities and sororities. NPHC organizes council events to build a sense of community and showcase that to the campus, and advocate for the needs of chapters in the council.

Intake for NPHC groups is determined and conducted by each chapter. This can happen in both Fall and Spring semesters, but students must wait until the second semester of their first year to be eligible to join. After this time, they are eligible no matter their class year.

A specific intake timeline is required by the office of Student Involvement & Leadership: All intake activities in the Fall semester should be concluded by Thanksgiving break and in the Spring semester by the last week of March. For more details about these specific dates each year, please see the Intake Guidelines in Forms.

 

For all fraternities & sororities, New Member Education provides the opportunity for new members to learn the responsibilities and privileges that come from being a member of the organization. The New Member Education period varies in length, but it is a policy at Duke that it does not last more than 6 weeks. During this time, new members will have planned activities that allow them to get to know each other, get to know the active membership, learn about the history of their organization, and much more.

Duke has strict policies against hazing of any kind. If at any point, activities that claim to be part of New Member Education make a student feel uncomfortable or unwelcome, we urge anyone with information regarding the situation to come forward. Find more information on Duke’s Hazing policies and how to report on the Duke Policies page. 

Statement of Relationship

Fraternities and sororities have been an integral part of Duke University since 1872 (then known as Trinity College). Fraternity and sorority organizations at Duke University are comprised of groups of individuals with various interests. They are bonded together by common goals, values, and aspirations. These bonds are strengthened by honor, friendship, truth, knowledge, and character. Greek membership carries with it many benefits including leadership opportunities, academic support, an emphasis on service and philanthropy, and a bond of brotherhood and/or sisterhood. Duke University recognizes that fraternities and sororities are a valued part of the campus community and can have a positive impact on members and non-members. The privilege of fraternities and sororities to exist as part of the university brings with it a high level of responsibility. To achieve mutual success for the University and its fraternity and sorority organizations, there must be trust and shared responsibility. This success relies on the following commitments from the University, individual chapters, Governing Councils, (inter)national fraternity organizations, and student/alumni members.

Fraternities/Sororities will comply with all University policies as outlined in Duke Community Standard, in addition to, all policies of their respective Governing Councils, their (inter)national organizations, and all local, state, and federal laws.

  • Fraternities/Sororities will follow the basic guidelines set forth in Fraternity & Sorority Life’s Duke Greek Community Standards.
  • Fraternities/Sororities will establish formalized alumni/graduate connections for the purpose of providing support to the development of the undergraduate chapter & its members.
  • Fraternities/Sororities will promote academic excellence and intellectual activities for members and promote an environment conducive towards learning.
  • Fraternities/Sororities will participate in campus activities and contribute to campus life by sponsoring/co-sponsoring community service, philanthropic, and social programs.
  • Fraternities/Sororities will encourage and support the involvement of its members not only in fraternity/sorority leadership positions but leadership positions in other campus organizations at Duke University and the Durham community.
  • Fraternities/Sororities will respect all members of the campus community, including individuals that are not affiliated with a Greek organization.
  • Fraternities/Sororities will promote diversity and gender relations, helping to create a welcoming and stimulating environment for all members of the University community.
  • Fraternities/Sororities will consider the wellbeing of its members by considering financial, intellectual, environmental, mind-body, social, and spiritual wellness in their programs.
  • Fraternities/Sororities will cultivate excellence in civic responsibility by further enhancing their member’s civic competencies through programming and commitment.

The local Governing Councils (Interfraternity Council (IFC), National PanHellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)) will oversee fraternities/sororities as outlined in their respective constitutions and by-laws as approved by Student Involvement & Leadership

  • The Governing Councils will create guidelines for fraternities/sororities in the areas of recruitment/intake, extensions/expansions, academic standards, conduct, and administer these guidelines in accordance with their respective national umbrella organizations (National Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council).
  • The Governing Councils will coordinate their efforts with Student Involvement & Leadership to oversee member fraternities and sororities to ensure active involvement in programs and activities.
  • The Governing Councils will promote fraternity/sorority collaboration on campus.
  • The Governing Councils will continually promote the ideals of leadership, civic responsibility, diversity, wellness, and critical thinking.
  • The Governing Councils will work together and with other campus organizations to coordinate joint programs and events.

The (inter)national organizations will monitor their respective chapter’s adherence to the (inter)national Constitution and Bylaws.

  • The (inter)national organizations will assist the University and Governing Councils in resolving conduct or performance issues involving their chapters at Duke University in a mutually beneficial spirit.
  • The (inter)national organizations will communicate with Student Involvement & Leadership in a reciprocal partnership for the betterment of their chapter.
  • The (inter)national organizations will schedule regular on-site visits to their respective chapter by a professional staff member or volunteer and inform Student Involvement & Leadership of said visits.
  • The (inter)national organizations will work with their chapters to ensure they are conducting their affairs in accordance with the mission and purpose of Duke University and Duke Greek Community Standards.

Student members recognize that, by virtue of enrollment, they are at Duke University primarily for an academic education.

  • Student members recognize that Fraternity/Sorority membership is a privilege, and by voluntarily associating with a Greek organization, agree to conduct themselves responsibly at all times in accordance with the policies and principles of Duke University, their chapter, Governing Council, and their (inter)national organization.
  • Student members will strive to be an asset to their Fraternity/Sorority and to embody and to promote actively the values of the organization.
  • Student members will participate thoughtfully in the business of the chapter, accept responsibility for the chapter, and embrace and support the policies and goals of the chapter, the Governing Councils, and their (inter)national organizations.
  • Student members will govern wisely, when elected to a position of chapter leadership, and will work with each other and with alumni/graduate members in the chapter administration.
  • Alumni/graduate members returning to campus are expected to honor and abide by the same standards as student members when visiting their chapters.

Elected student leaders will attend and engage in university-sponsored training and programs to better their individual leadership skills and their chapters.

  • Elected student leaders will be strong role models for their community and will hold their peers accountable when their actions do not align with the values of the community.
  • Elected student leaders will communicate regularly with Student Involvement & Leadership and the greater Duke community to address the opportunities and challenges that face their members.

The University will provide advocacy, accountability, assistance, and support to fraternities and sororities through Student Involvement & Leadership.

  • The University will recognize fraternities and sororities approved by Student Involvement & Leadership and Duke University as registered student organizations and grant fraternity and sororities all rights associated with this status, including but not limited to use of facilities, equipment and meeting space, and the ability to sponsor on-campus programs and events.
  • The University will provide fraternities and sororities assistance in communicating with alumni/graduate members from fraternity and sorority organizations.
  • The University will work with fraternities and sororities to compile grade statistics and assist organizations with providing academic assistance to members as needed.
  • The University will support and encourage faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni/graduate members to be advisors of the fraternity and sorority organizations.

This statement was proposed by the fraternity and sorority organizations to formalize their relationship with Duke University. It was approved by the Provost, Dean of Undergraduate Education, Vice-President for Student Affairs, Student Involvement & Leadership, Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, and (Inter)National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations with a presence on the Duke campus. It is subject to review on a bi-annual basis.

Disaffiliated Organizations

When making decisions about joining a fraternity or sorority, students should keep in mind the status of an organization with the University and its (inter)national headquarters. We want to make sure you are aware of the fact that there are some organizations that may operate in Durham that have no organizational relationship with Duke University. These organizations include:

Alpha Delta Phi (unrecognized 2021)

Alpha Delta Pi

Alpha Epsilon Pi (unrecognized 2021)

Alpha Tau Omega (unrecognized 2021)

Alpha Phi (unrecognized 2021)

Chi Omega (unrecognized 2021)

Chi Psi

Delta Delta Delta (disaffiliated 2021)

Delta Gamma (disaffiliated 2021)

Delta Kappa Epsilon (disaffiliated 2023)

Delta Tau Delta (disaffiliated 2021)

Gamma Phi Beta (disaffiliated 2021)

Kappa Alpha (disaffiliated 2021)

Kappa Alpha Theta (disaffiliated 2021)

Kappa Kappa Gamma (disaffiliated 2021)

Pi Beta Phi (disaffiliated 2021)

Pi Kappa Alpha (disaffiliated 2021)

Pi Kappa Phi (disaffiliated 2021)

Sigma Chi (disaffiliated 2021)

Sigma Nu (disaffiliated 2021)

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Zeta Tau Alpha

The below organizations lost recognition from the University prior to disaffiliating. When making decisions about joining a fraternity or sorority, students should keep in mind the status of an organization with the University and with the organization’s headquarters:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (derecognized 2019)

Delta Sigma Phi (derecognized 2019) 

Kappa Sigma (derecognized 2013) 

Do fraternities and sororities exist at Duke anymore?
Yes! Duke recognizes a number of organizations within three governing councils: the Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Interfraternity Council. The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is home to a number of both fraternities and sororities whose mission advance the voices of the A/API, Latinx, and Native communities – at Duke and beyond. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – often referred to as the Divine Nine - is the governing body for our fraternities and sororities that were founded to advocate for the Black community. And the Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing body for 1 co-ed fraternity, all who provide opportunities for students to create bonds through social, academic, and personal growth.

How does the disaffiliation of my organization affect access to University resources & space?
Duke will always remain steadfast in support of your educational pursuits, wellness, and individual rights & responsibilities as an individual student, but disaffiliation of your organization removes the chapter’s access to the resources afforded to recognized student organizations. The organization will no longer have access to room reservations, organization-specific trainings, space on campus, staff support and organizational advising, use of university name or image, university funds, among others.

Can our disaffiliated organization still request trainings for our members through the University?
Individual students will always be welcome to register and attend trainings that Duke entities host, and we would continue to encourage you to seek opportunities to broaden your perspectives through participation in sessions hosted by Duke staff and faculty. However, your organization no longer has access to requesting specific trainings for your entire membership (e.g. – a sorority-specific gender-based violence training, or inclusion and diversity session just for your members), as that is a privilege restricted to recognized student organizations.

I am a potential member interested in joining a Durham Panhellenic chapter. Will I get in trouble through Duke if I join?
Affiliating with a Durham Panhellenic sorority is not a violation of university policy, though when making decisions about joining a fraternity or sorority, students should keep in mind the status of an organization with the University and its (inter)national headquarters. We also recommend considering an organization’s academic performance, past organizational conduct history, and ability to meet University/headquarters expectations. It is important to consider that since these chapters have no organizational relationship with Duke University, some of the support mechanisms that come from university resources are not present.

I am worried about activities and/or behaviors that I have witnessed or participated in that involve unaffiliated groups. What should I do?
The University takes any report of concerning behavior seriously. This includes mental health concerns, as well as allegations of hazing, gender-based violence, and hate/bias incidents. If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced activities that are concerning, please contact the University. There are a number of ways to report a concern, including:

We want to make sure all Duke students are safe, and in order to do that, we need your help. While we do accept anonymous inquiries, the more information you are willing and able to share, the quicker and more directly we are able to address any concern. Sharing names, organizations involved, dates/locations of incidents, etc. is all helpful in assisting us in keeping the Duke community safe.

How else can I find involvement and connection at Duke?
There are plenty of avenues through which to find meaningful involvement at Duke! If you are interested in joining a student organization, DukeGroups provides opportunities to explore events and clubs based on your interests or skills. If you’re seeking opportunities to deepen your leadership capacity, Student Involvement & Leadership offers short and long term involvement to learn about yourself and others, including through our recognized fraternity/sorority community, Penny Pilgram George Women’s Leadership Initiative, and more. There are also countless ways to connect with Duke’s identity and cultural centers if you are seeking a community connected to a particular identity you hold. For assistance in finding your place at Duke, feel free to email leadership@duke.edu.

The message below was sent to all chapter presidents, council officers, and advisors.

Thursday, November 30, 2021

Hello, chapter presidents, council officers, and advisors, 

Writing this morning to notify you that the University has been made aware of our eight Panhellenic Council organizations’ decisions to forgo university recognition and start a Durham Panhellenic Council effective tomorrow, December 1, 2021. It is our understanding that a formal announcement will be made later today, and we wanted you to hear this officially from us first. 

As organizations have made the decision to depart over past year, our team has had many conversations about our continued commitment to you, your organizations, and your success at Duke. We know that the loss of some of our organizations can bring about new questions and concerns, but please know that we remain committed to this same shared purpose. We are grateful for you and the work you continue to do to advance the fraternity/sorority experience at Duke. 

We are attaching a brief FAQ document here that will be shared more broadly. And as always, let us know if you have additional questions for us. 

Message sent to all IFC-affiliated students in organizations choosing to forgo university recognition

The message below was sent to fraternity and sorority student leaders.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

 

Hello, Chapter Presidents & Council Officers!

Writing as we wrap up our first full week of the spring semester with some COVID-19 reminders and updates as they relate to intake/recruitment. 

Many of you have expressed interest in bringing in new members this semester - thanks to all those who have already met with me to get that ball rolling! Remember that ALL activities are expected to be virtual (interest meetings, recruitment events, membership selection, new member meetings) due to COVID-19 safety precautions unless you have been given written permission by our office and the event has been approved in DukeGroups. Also, remember that first-year students are NOT eligible to join our Panhellenic or IFC chapters this spring - they should NOT be in attendance at any recruitment activity or be considered for membership. If you have specific questions about an event or activity, check in with your chapter's Chapter Coach.

Some of you have decided to not host recruitment/intake this semester - that is ok too. But remember - this means that you are NOT hosting any intake/recruitment related activities (interest meetings, recruitment events, etc.) for students of ANY class year.

It is of the utmost importance that these policies related to recruitment/intake and COVID-19 are followed - with numbers increasing in North Carolina and at Duke, we cannot overstate the safety concerns. Know that organizations alleged to be in violation of the COVID-19 policies, or the expectations surrounding recruitment/intake, will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and could be placed on an interim suspension of ALL activities pending investigation. 

Finally, there are two opportunities next week to have engage in discussion around COVID-19 safety and your wellness as a Duke student. We'd encourage you to share these with your members and participate! These are a collaboration between UCAE & DuWell, and could certainly count for your Duke Greek Community Standards "Campus Program" if the appropriate number of your members participate.

COVID Conversations: Finishing the Semester Strong

Session 1: Advocating for Your Wellness

Tuesday, February 2nd; 6:00pm - 7:00pm
This session will discuss how to advocate for your own personal wellness when your neighbors and/or friends might not share similar wellness goals. We will provide resources to help support those of you living in challenging environments and suggestions on how to report Covid violations to hold others accountable. To register, click here.

Session 2: Socializing Safely

Thursday, February 4th; 6:00pm - 7:00pm
This session will discuss opportunities on how you can socialize safely and while still adhering to the Duke Compact and public health prevention measures. Some of you may have found yourself in violation of the Duke Compact last semester and you may want some insights on how to socialize with safety this spring. Join us to think about how to make your spring semester both fun and safe! To register, click here.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Spring 2021 Recruitment/Intake Updates

The message below was sent to fraternity and sorority student leaders. 

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Hello (again), Chapter Presidents & Council Officers!

Writing with Spring 2021 updates. We have been given the green light for chapters to host recruitment/intake activities during the Spring 2021 semester, following the below expectations:

  • Panhellenic & IFC can recruit sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As shared in the NGLLE 2.0 document in November, no first-year students can join at this time.
  • MGC & NPHC can recruit students of any class year this semester. Future years, this is subject to change due to the continued examination of the fraternity/sorority experience through NGLLE 2.0.
  • All activities - recruitment events, interest meetings, membership selection/voting procedures, initiation, new member meetings - MUST be virtual. Given the current guidance from both North Carolina and national public health services, this is the expectation at this time.
  • All events must be registered in DukeGroups following the guidance for student organizations.

If your chapter hopes to bring in new members this semester, there are a few steps that our office will need you to take (these are a little different than usual) in order to ensure proper procedures are in place to support the safety and security of students. I will outline those generally here, and more information will be forthcoming to any group that indicates a plan to host intake/recruitment.

  1. Complete this brief Qualtrics form by Wednesday, January 20 at 5p EST. You only need to complete this form if your chapter intends to bring in new members this semester. No exceptions will be made to this deadline - if you do not fill out this form, you cannot take new members this semester.
  2. A representative from our office will connect with the individuals you name on the above form to set up a meeting to discuss your process & procedures, taking into account COVID-19 safety precautions. This meeting will also walk through the details needed in Step 3.
  3. The chapter will need to submit a second form that includes all details, dates, times, calendars for the recruitment/intake/new member processes for the semester. We will provide more details on what this would include to chapters who need it starting next week. This will be due to our team 48 hours prior to the start of your first intake/recruitment activity. You cannot start any intake/recruitment processes before completing Step 3.
  4. As you continue throughout the semester, all of the usual new member forms will be expected - grade checks, anti-hazing forms, training videos, etc. All of these forms & modules will be electronic via Duke Groups.

If on January 20 you are still in need of some exceptions or approvals from your (inter)national organization to be able to host recruitment/intake this spring, we'd recommend still completing this form. Completion is not binding - if you ultimately decide to not bring in new members, that is ok.

Remember that failure to comply with these above guidelines could result in referral to the Office of Student Conduct for violation of University and COVID-19 policies.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me or to your chapter's Chapter Coach.

Announcing Duke’s Next Gen Living & Learning 2.0 Efforts

The message below was sent to fraternity- and sorority-affiliated students and organization national headquarters.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

 

Hi Chapter Presidents, Council Officers, Advisors, and Headquarters Partners-

Wanting to make sure that you saw this recent message shared about the Next Generation Living & Learning Experience Task Force. Our team was recently made aware of this decision, and we will continue to work closely with University leadership to identify next steps in supporting our fraternities & sororities as we shift to sophomore year recruitment.

We currently don't have a lot of answers. But know that the things that we are continuing to keep at the top of our priority list include: exceptions this year for our smallest organizations, impact on housing section distribution/occupancy, timing for future intake/recruitments, and guidelines on positive relationship building with first-year students.

In order to be equitable to all groups, we will not be answering any questions individually at this time, as we want to make sure everyone hears the most updated information at once. Also, we want to dedicate our time at first to collecting your thoughts on how we move forward together.

Students - We're hosting 2 different opportunities for you to come and ask questions or address concerns - totally voluntary, but our team will be present if you want to connect. They will be Monday, November 23 at 3p ET and then post-finals on Tuesday, December 1 at 1p ET. Advisors & Headquarters partners - We will host an open office hour Monday, November 23 at 12p ET for you. We will send all Zoom info for these in separate student/advisor messages, but hold the times if you are interested in attending.

We know this is a lot. We're grateful for all of you, and are looking forward to continuing conversations on what we do next.

Emilie Dye 
Director of Student Engagement, Leadership