UCLA Fraternity and Sorority Life: A Comprehensive Guide

Since 1923, fraternities and sororities have been an integral part of campus life at UCLA. Today, the university hosts approximately 60 Greek-letter organizations, encompassing both local and national chapters, under six governing councils. With around 3,500 students involved, Greek life accounts for 13% of UCLA’s undergraduate community. This guide provides an overview of fraternity and sorority life at UCLA, covering Panhellenic sororities, other Greek councils, housing, and important regulations.

The Panhellenic Association

The UCLA Panhellenic Association stands as the largest women’s group on campus, overseeing 10 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities and one associate member sorority. Membership within the Panhellenic community offers much more than just sorority affiliation. Philanthropy forms a cornerstone of Panhellenic life, with each chapter partnering with specific charities and participating in community service projects. The Panhellenic community fosters unforgettable memories and friendships through events such as formals, mixers, and sisterhood retreats. Some sororities offer housing options, further enhancing the sense of community.

UCLA Panhellenic Association Sororities

The UCLA Panhellenic community comprises 10 member chapters and one associate member chapter, each with its own unique character and a diverse group of accomplished women. The following provides a brief introduction to each sorority, without ranking them in any particular order:

Alpha Chi Omega: This sorority encourages members to embrace core values like leadership, empathy, and ambition through a range of philanthropic and social events. Alpha Chi Omega focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness as a key philanthropic endeavor.
Alpha Delta Pi: Founded on May 15, 1851, at Wesleyan Female College in Georgia, Alpha Delta Pi, originally called the Adelphean Society, holds the distinction of being the first secret society for women, opening doors for women in the fraternity system. Alpha Delta Pi’s international philanthropy is the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which provides housing for families while their children receive hospital care. ADPi chapters have raised over $15 million through this partnership. The annual Lion’s Cup, a soccer tournament that brings together Greek Life, is a fun way to support RMHC, where ADPis can also serve as team captains and referees.

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Alpha Phi: At UCLA, Alpha Phi unites an inspiring group of women who build successful futures through volunteering, social activities, and academic excellence. Alpha Phis are active in sports and student life, from cheering for the Bruins and rowing with the UCLA Crew Team to competing on the tennis courts and soccer field. The Alpha Phi Foundation, supported by generous alumnae and donors, is dedicated to advancing women’s heart health through research and education. Their annual Heart to Heart Grant awards $100,000 to medical professionals working to understand and improve heart disease treatment and prevention in women.
Chi Omega: Founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, Chi Omega is the largest women’s fraternal organization worldwide, boasting over 414,000 members, 181 collegiate chapters, and 248 alumnae chapters. Since its inception, Chi Omega has dedicated itself to serving others. In the late 1990s, the organization’s leadership sought a national philanthropic partner, leading to the Chi Omega/Make-A-Wish alliance in 2002.
Delta Gamma: Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 by Anna Boyd Ellington, Eva Webb Dodd, and Mary Comfort Leonard at the Lewis School for Girls in Oxford, Mississippi, near the University of Mississippi. A unique aspect of the UCLA chapter is its founding of the Blind Children’s Center (BCC) in Los Angeles as its main local beneficiary. Its proximity allows members to regularly visit the school, participate in fundraisers, spend time with the children during recess, and decorate holiday cards for visually impaired children.
Gamma Phi Beta: The Gamma Phi Beta chapter at UCLA is part of a nationwide sisterhood that has thrived for over 140 years. Their philanthropy, Girls on the Run, is a nonprofit that pairs Gamma Phi Beta members with pre-teen girls in the greater Los Angeles area to train together for a 5k run.
Kappa Alpha Theta: Each year, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation awards over $800,000 in scholarships, helping hundreds of women achieve their academic goals. By submitting Theta Foundation’s application, applicants are automatically considered for any of the 100+ scholarships they are eligible for. Choosing the “Need-based” application option ensures review for both need- and merit-based scholarships, provided the application is complete.

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Kappa Delta: Kappa Delta Sorority was founded in 1897 at what’s now Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, by four young women who dreamed of creating a lasting sisterhood. In 1998, Kappa Delta partnered with Girl Scouts of the USA as a national philanthropy, empowering members to positively impact over 14,000 girls each year. The Kappa Delta Foundation also supports the Girl Scout Gold Award program with annual scholarships for Gold Award recipients, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Kappa Delta has been committed to Prevent Child Abuse America since 1981, an organization started by Kappa Delta sister Donna Stone.
Kappa Kappa Gamma: A highlight of Kappa Kappa Gamma at UCLA is the annual philanthropy event, A Day in the Life. Each year, elementary school kids are welcomed to campus for a fun, hands-on experience of what it’s like to be a Bruin. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation also supports members with scholarships, financial aid, member education, and programs celebrating Kappa’s history and values.
Pi Beta Phi: Champions are Readers® (CAR) is Pi Beta Phi’s unique reading program designed for kids from pre-K through third grade, connecting Pi Phis with young readers in their communities in the US and Canada. Local Impact Grants help Pi Beta Phi chapters expand their literacy outreach and support local reading programs and book access for kids. Chapters and alumnae clubs raise funds for The Literacy Fund at the Pi Beta Phi Foundation, allowing them to nominate a local literacy nonprofit to receive a grant.
Phi Sigma Rho: Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority specifically for women in engineering and hard sciences. As an associate member chapter, Phi Sigma Rho participates in many of the same activities as other chapters but has a unique major requirement for joining.

Other Greek Councils at UCLA

The UCLA Panhellenic Association is not the only sorority council available on the campus:

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Asian Greek Council: This council includes sororities with an Asian-interest focus.
Latinx Greek Council: This council includes fraternities and sororities with a Latinx-interest focus.
Multi-Interest Greek Council: This council includes fraternities and sororities with various interests.
National Pan-Hellenic Council: This council is composed of historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities.

Asian-Interest Sororities

Chi Alpha Delta: Founded in 1929, Chi Alpha Delta is the first Asian-interest sorority in the nation. Over the years, Chi Alpha Delta has welcomed women of all Asian backgrounds, ensuring its original mission lives on through each new generation.
Theta Kappa Phi: Founded on June 4, 1959, Theta Kappa Phi holds the title of UCLA’s first official Asian-American sorority. Now celebrating over 60 years of sisterhood, Thetas continue to build on these core values, inspired by their motto, “Quod semper, et ubique, et ob omnibus” (“At all times, everywhere, and by all”).

Other Notable Sororities

Sigma Gamma Rho: While specific details about the UCLA chapter are not provided, Sigma Gamma Rho is a historically Black sorority with chapters across the US, the Virgin Islands, and the UAE. On the West Coast, the Sigma Sigma Chapter is one of the UCLA sororities that is a proud provider of scholarship and community service. It hosts events like the Our Author’s Study Club Oratorical Contest, National Youth Symposium, Soles for Little Souls Shoe Drive, and Operation Big Book Bag.

Sorority Housing at UCLA

UCLA sororities have houses sprawled across the campus. Many of the university’s sororities maintain private housing adjacent to campus, with an average capacity of 50 students per house.

Benefits and Considerations of Greek Life

Research indicates that sorority membership is associated with higher graduation rates than non-members. A study by the National Panhellenic Conference found that sorority members had a six-year graduation rate of 84%, surpassing the 71% rate of non-members. Beyond academics and career benefits, Greek life offers a tight-knit community, making a large campus feel more personal and welcoming. UCLA sororities can offer lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a strong support network.

However, there can also be downsides to consider. Before pledging, it’s essential to look out for potential red flags that could indicate whether a sorority’s environment aligns with your values and goals.

Superficial Culture: If a sorority heavily emphasizes looks, appearances, or social media image over personal character, it could be a sign of a more superficial culture.
Financial Burden: Greek life comes with dues, but if a sorority expects large, frequent expenses beyond the standard dues (like costly events, trips, or exclusive clothing), this could signal financial stress ahead. During the first quarter, new member dues typically range from approximately $1,269 to $2,366.16. These fees cover initiation and other initial expenses. After the initial quarter active member dues generally range from about $823.33 to $1,382.67 per quarter. It is essential to ask about expected costs upfront and decide if you’re comfortable with those commitments.
Internal Conflict: A sorority with a reputation for cliques, drama, or exclusion could be a sign of deeper issues within the chapter.

University Regulations and Policies

As a resident of University Apartments, students are responsible for abiding by the University Apartments Regulations (“Housing Regulations”) as well as the UCLA Student Conduct Code. The Housing Regulations have been designed to create safe, supportive, and inclusive living-learning communities that engage residents in the fostering of their academic success, personal growth, leadership development, and social responsibility.

General Conduct Regulations

A.1 Alcohol: Regulations regarding the possession, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages within or on grounds immediately adjacent to the University Apartments facilities include:
- Possession, consumption, distribution (including through delivery), or being in the presence of alcohol by residents or guests under the age of 21 is prohibited.
- Consumption of alcohol by residents or guests who are 21 or older is permitted only in the resident’s assigned space, and with the provision that the door is closed and no individuals under the age of 21 are present.
- Possession of bulk alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Kegs, cases of beer, and devices or activities intended for the rapid consumption of alcoholic beverages are also prohibited.
- Violation of any other provision of the Housing Regulations or UCLA Student Code of Conduct while under the influence of alcohol is considered an additional violation.
- Inability to exercise care for one’s own safety, the safety of others, or the safety of property due to being under the influence of alcohol is a violation.
- Staff members are authorized to require residents to dispose of alcoholic beverages if the possession is a violation of State Law or Housing Regulations.
- Selling or causing to be sold any alcoholic beverage to any other person is prohibited.
- Drinking games are prohibited. Simulated drinking games are also prohibited regardless of whether or not alcohol is used.
A.2 Controlled Substances/Illegal Drugs: Regulations regarding the possession, use, misuse, or distribution of controlled substances within or on grounds immediately adjacent to the University Apartments facilities include:
- The manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or sale of controlled substances identified in Federal or State law or regulations is prohibited.
- Possession or use of drug-related paraphernalia is prohibited.
- Violation of any other regulation while under the influence of a controlled substance is considered an additional violation.
- Inability to exercise care for one’s own safety, the safety of others, or the safety of property due to being under the influence of controlled substances is a violation.
- The use of any prescribed medication or over-the-counter drugs in an abusive manner is prohibited.
A.3 Disruptive Behavior: Behavior that disrupts or interferes with the orderly functions in or around the University Apartments community or requires staff intervention is prohibited. Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests.
A.4 Explosives, Chemicals, or Highly Combustible Materials: Chemicals, explosives, or highly combustible materials that are potentially dangerous or damaging to the buildings or their occupants are prohibited. Fireworks and incendiary devices are also prohibited.
A.5 Failure to Comply: Failure to identify oneself upon request to, or comply with the directions of a University official is prohibited. Resisting, obstructing, or providing false information to such University officials is also prohibited.
A.6 Fire Safety: Residents and guests are required to evacuate any Housing facility immediately upon the sound of an alarm or an order to evacuate. Room doors, fire doors, hallways, and stairwells may not be obstructed. Residents and guests are prohibited from improperly activating fire alarms or tampering with fire protection devices.
A.7 Gambling: Illegal gambling in University-owned Housing facilities is prohibited.
A.8 Guests: UCLA housing is provided exclusively for residents with a current Housing contract and authorized occupants. Residents are permitted to host up to 2 guests with the consent of all residents of the apartment. Residents are responsible for informing guests of University policies and Housing Regulations. Residents may accommodate an overnight guest no more than seven (7) nights in a one-month period.
A.9 Identification: Students must be in possession of their UCLA BruinCard at all times and present it to University personnel upon request. All other persons within the University Apartments communities must be in possession of and present valid photo identification to University personnel upon request.
A.10 Misuse or Vandalism of Property/Theft: Unauthorized possession, use or misuse, removal, defacing, tampering, damage, or destruction of University property or the property of others is prohibited.
A.11 Noise: All residents and guests are expected to be considerate of noise levels, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During Quiet Hours, it is each resident’s responsibility to be certain that no noise can be heard outside of their unit or in neighboring units, halls, or outside of the building. Extended quiet hours shall be observed daily beginning on the first Sunday preceding 10th week through the last two (2) weeks of each quarter during the academic year.
A.12 Security and Emergency Systems: Tampering with or bypassing the safety and security systems of University Apartments facilities is prohibited. Entrance doors to apartment units must be closed when the room is unoccupied.
A.13 Hostile and Intimidating Behavior: Engaging in intimidating conduct directed to any person while on, from within, or directed at someone in the University Apartments community is prohibited.
A.14 Throwing Objects: Projecting objects or substances from or within facilities is prohibited within the University Apartments community.
A.15 Weapons: UCLA Policy 131 - Weapons on Campus applies on UA premises at all times. Residents and guests are prohibited from possession, storage, use, or manufacture of weapons or replicas, except as expressly permitted by law and UCPD policy.

Bias Incident Protocol

As stated by the University of California’s Principles of Community grounded in the mission of teaching, research, and public service, UCLA seeks to foster open-mindedness, understanding, compassion, and inclusiveness among individuals and groups. UCLA will work to promptly address acts of discrimination, harassment, profiling, or other conduct causing harm to individuals on the basis of expression of race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religious beliefs, political preference, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, or national origin, among other personal characteristics. Such conduct violates UCLA’s Principles of Community and may result in the imposition of sanctions according to campus policies governing the conduct of students, staff, and faculty.

Event Space Reservations

UCLA Recreation manages a variety of the University's recreational and athletic facilities offering recreation, sport, and numerous multi-use options for student and university events. This includes indoor and outdoor spaces such as Sunset Recreation, the Los Angeles Tennis Center, the Wooden Center, and Pauley Pavilion. Signatories need to create an account with Recreation prior to making reservations.

The UCLA Events Office provides venue scheduling and management assistance for non-academic meetings and events organized by Registered Campus Organizations (RCOs/fraternities & sororities). They schedule activities in the University’s general assignment classrooms and outdoor campus quads. The Events Office provides event management assistance at no cost to students for RCO events, however, there are costs for other event services, such as Facilities room openings, Audio Visual Services, and equipment rentals.

ASUCLA manages a variety of spaces such as meeting rooms in Ackerman and Kerckhoff Hall, the Ackerman Grand Ballroom, and the Charles E. Young Grand Salon. Each chapter/council will be allowed to reserve up to two (2) hours of meeting space per week; an additional hour per week may be reserved once all lottery appointments are completed. Each chapter/council will be allowed to reserve one banner space for one (1) week.

Event Registration

UCLA Events Online (EOL) Event Registration is a comprehensive, web-based notification, communication, and approval system for requesting extracurricular use of University facilities. The EOL Event Registration system also facilitates coordination of campus-wide efforts to consolidate pertinent event information into a single, comprehensive database and is the mechanism by which UCLA is able to track and monitor all non-academic use of University facilities.

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