Fraternities & Sororities

The Greek community at WPI began in 1891 and has been an integral part of student life for many years. Presently at WPI there are thirteen fraternities and five sororities, all of (inter)national affiliation. Last year, 30% of male undergraduates and 34% of female undergraduate women belonged to a Greek organization. Fraternities and sororities at WPI regulate new member recruitment and social programming through their two self-governing bodies, the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (Panhellenic).

Academic Support and Excellence

At WPI, the primary goal for students is to successfully complete their academic requirements and our fraternities and sororities pride themselves on academic success. Each chapter offers a wide range of support and assistance to their members including (inter)national and local scholarships, incentives and awards, time management and study skills workshops, and tutoring and mentoring programs.

Greek members can use their college experience to help you in choosing classes and schedules that will give you the best chance at succeeding academically. If you are not sure about your major, other members can advise you on your many choices and can let you know what to expect in your classes. The diversity of collegiate majors within a fraternity/sorority assures that you can find assistance when you need it.

The Greek community also has two societies that recognizes excellence in the academic arena. The Order of Omega is a national honor society that was established in 1967. WPI colonized a chapter on campus in 1988. Membership in the Order of Omega is extended only to those Greek juniors and seniors who, in addition to having achieved academic excellence, also have a history of leadership and service in the WPI community. Rho Lambda is also an honor society for Greek women, which recognizes outstanding scholars and leaders.

Service to the Community

One of the most gratifying aspects of Greek membership is the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with involvement in community service and philanthropic projects. WPI fraternities and sororities perform over several thousand hours of community service per year. Each chapter is (inter) nationally affiliated with a particular philanthropy that they continually fundraise for and serve through out the year. In addition to their individual charities, the Greek community as a whole serves together in blood drives and city wide clean-ups. Service is one of the building blocks of each fraternity and sorority, building both moral character and social awareness.

Working together on such projects not only benefits worthy causes, but also fosters personal growth and greater unity among Greek members. Various activities include fundraising, volunteering time to shelters, tutoring young children, coordinating activities for youth, sponsoring environmental and neighborhood clean-ups, conducting blood drives and a variety of additional activities. Some of these include:

Leadership and Personal Development

If you are looking for extracurricular activities to take part in, WPI Greeks are involved! Finding your niche can be made easier with the help of members who are currently involved on campus and can help you. From serving in a new member office to Chapter President, there is a place where you can contribute. The governing councils (called IFC and Panhellenic) also provide opportunities for men and women from every chapter to get involved. Joining a fraternity helps you develop a skill set to deal with important issues that are easily transferred to a work setting when you graduate.

Greek men and women are also actively involved in the over 190 organizations at WPI. Our members have served in leadership positions in many of these organizations including Student Government Association, Community Advisors, Residence Life,  Crimson Key, The Skull, and others.

Being involved in a fraternity or sorority does not limit you from becoming involved in the rest of campus. In fact, it opens many doors. If you want to become involved in campus activities, the Greek community provides you the resources, encouragement, assistance, and insight to do so.

Lifelong Friends and Community Building

One of the most cherished aspects of being involved in a Greek organization is the friendships that are made with men/women who share your interests, your values, and your future aspirations. Involvement in a Greek organization gives members an opportunity to expand their circle of friends because sisterhood/brotherhood is the foundation of the Greek experience. It combines the concept of individualism within the framework of mutual cooperation. As a Greek member, you will form friendships unlike any found in other organizations. By choosing to become a member of a Greek organization, you will meet people who will grow to become your closest friends; those who will congratulate you when you are successful and support you when going gets tough. Lasting friendships are formed over time through common activities, becoming roommates, and shared leadership experiences. Members come from all walks of life and from all parts of the world. Each new member brings his or her unique talents to the fraternity or sorority and should be respected for who he or she is.

Networking and Alumni Involvement

Fraternities and sororities are encouraged to maintain active alumni relations, which affords many opportunities for career networking. This alumni interaction can lead to many different possibilities in your job search as an undergraduate and graduate. Events such as Homecoming, alumni weekends, dinners, chapter anniversaries, and meetings foster alumni interaction that can put you in contact with men and women in similar career paths. Also, Greek alumni serve as advisors to each chapter. Each chapter is encouraged to have at least one advisor and a house corporation board which assist the chapter in the day-to-day operations and management of the chapter house. Involvement with alumni translates into a variety of memories, extended friendships, and contributes greatly to the overall feelings of camaraderie, history, and networking gained through Greek membership.

Nowhere else on campus can you find a professional network of alumni than through a fraternity's alumni group. You're not only connected with alumni from your campus, but from the entire fraternity. This network is helpful in securing internships, summer work, and professional careers.