While I was involved in Greek life at Clemson, I made friends with girls from a variety of sororities that each went through a unique journey to find their “Greek home.” Some did not know much about the Panhellenic recruitment process and were the first in their families to join a sorority. Others were clueless that Clemson was home to four different types of sororities. A few went through one recruitment process but later joined another kind of sorority. As you start school at Clemson looking to find your “Greek home,” I encourage you to learn about four types of local Greek organizations: Panhellenic, Christian, Service, and National Panhellenic sororities
Panhellenic Sororities
There are twelve different Panhellenic sororities on Clemson’s campus: Kappa Delta, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Chi Omega, Zeta Tau Alpha, Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta, Sigma Kappa, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Phi, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Zeta, and Gamma Phi Beta. Each sorority has its own unique philanthropy, traditions, and “throw what you know” hand symbol. All members attend mixers and functions (theme parties) and semi-formal and formal events and participate in First Friday and Homecoming float competitions. During my time at Clemson, I never was a member of a Panhellenic sorority but met girls from almost each one. Each sorority may have a certain campus reputation, but from my experience, I have learned that every organization has a wide variety of amazing girls: athletic, smart, funny, artistic, etc.
The Panhellenic “weeding out” recruitment process is often fun but emotionally draining. The first couple days you will be introduced to all sororities. The final days you’ll speak to a gradually smaller number. After several long days and plenty of encouragement from their Pi Chi, most girls will receive an invitation (bid card) from their new “Greek home.”
"By joining a sorority I was able to spread my wings and grow into the person I am now. I was still able to maintain friendships with those I went to high school with, but I also had the chance to meet several lifelong friends who grew up in states all across the country. Greek Life opens doors to meet some of the most involved, active, and wonderful people on this campus, and it helped me branch out and become the strong, confident woman I am today."-Recent Grad
Key Recruitment Dates: Aug 16, 19-21, 27-28 (must be pre-registered)
Christian Sororities
Just a few years ago the Alpha Omicron branch of Sigma Alpha Omega, a national Christian sorority, was founded on Clemson’s campus. Within just a few years of being established, the size of the organization has more than tripled. Members of this sorority are all “born again” Christians unified by the same purpose: to love God, love each other, serve Clemson and the community, and have a great time doing it. Sigma Alpha Omega is similar in many ways to the Panhellenic sororities on campus. Members do fundraising for their philanthropy (Ovarian Cancer Awareness), attend mixers and functions, and dress up for formal and semi-formal events. Unlike other sororities, Sigma Alpha Omega has opportunities for girls to grow closer to the Lord and to each other through weekly Bible Study meetings and school-wide worship nights.
If you are interested in joining Sigma Alpha Omega, recruitment events begin on August 29. The sorority is selective, but those interested in joining the organization have several days to befriend and meet members before any “cuts” are made.
“My experience in SAO has been nothing short of a God
send. Entering Clemson, I knew that I wanted to be part of
a group of girls who I could easily get to know - a sorority. At the end of my Sophomore year I found out about SAO, and I couldn't wait to go through recruitment! The small groups we split into made it so easy and comfortable to be vulnerable with each other and to really dig deep into who each person is. I didn’t feel any judgment from any sorority sisters. It was during recruitment that I was reassured SAO was where God wanted me to be.”
-Current Member
Key Recruitment Dates: Aug 29-Sept 2 (first night in Brackett 100)
Service Sororities
The main Greek service organization on Clemson’s campus is the Epsilon Beta branch of Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service sorority. Last semester each of the sorority’s 150 members completed an average of 25 community service hours (more than 3,000 total) by working with local and national non-profits, such as the American Red Cross, the March of the Dimes (prenatal research) and the American Cancer Society (founder of Relay for Life). In addition to serving the local community and doing fundraising, Gamma Sigma Sigma members have the opportunity to meet girls from a wide variety of backgrounds at semi-formal and formal dances, sisterhood bonding events, and functions. Just like in Clemson’s Panhellenic sororities, all members of Gamma Sig are able to get a “big” sister and participate in the university’s annual First Friday parade and float competition.
If you would like to know more about Gamma Sigma Sigma, recruitment events start on August 31. This sorority is not selective and recruitment nights are merely a way to learn more about the organization and meet current sisters. After attending a “pinning ceremony,” MIT’s (members in training) will complete 15-20 community service hours before becoming official members of Gamma Sigma Sigma.
“I am extremely grateful for my time as a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma. My college experience would not have been the same. Gamma Sig helped me grow so much as an individual. My favorite memories would have to be participating in the First Friday parade two years in a row. Being able to lead the sorority in an event that is such a tradition on campus is something I will never forget. I can also ironically say that the girls you meet will be in your wedding because low and behold I was just recently a part of my Big’s wedding. My advice for anyone is to find a group that challenges you and makes you want to be a better person. Once you find that embrace it and never let it go.” -Recent Grad, Former First Friday Chair
Key Recruitment Dates: Aug 31-Sept 3 in Brackett Hall
National Panhellenic Sororities
The National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) at Clemson is comprised of a number of fraternities and four sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Delta Sigma Theta. These organizations are historically African American, but welcome students from all different cultures and races. Members participate in local community service projects, host campus-wide speaker events, and attend functions, dances, and mixers (parties with NPHC fraternities). In the past few years the sororities have been represented at both the Miss Homecoming and Miss Clemson University pageants. All of NPHC Greek Life comes together each year to encourage Clemson students to participate in a “Week of Service” and to attend the annual “Fall Fest Step Show” during Homecoming. This high-energy dance event features students, faculty, and members of the local community.
All interested in joining a sorority must be at NPHC Orientation. At this mandatory information meeting attendees will learn more about Intake. During this multi-week membership process, potential new members will learn more about sorority traditions and policies, participate in service events, and maintain a certain GPA.
