In 1809, Miami University received its charter from the State of Ohio. Instruction began in 1824. It was in 1833 when the university saw it's first fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi. Since then, Miami University has experienced a long history of fraternal life on campus for nearly 170 years. Five social Greek-lettered organizations have their origins here at Miami University: Beta Theta Pi (1839), Phi Delta Theta (1848), Sigma Chi (1855), Delta Zeta (1902), and Phi Kappa Tau (1906).

The founding of these fraternal organizations has earned Miami University the nickname, "Mother of Fraternities." It should be noted that many of our women's organizations identify themselves as "fraternities." The impact of fraternities and sororities on campus has lead to the development of a rich heritage of traditions, history, success, and pride for its members and the university.

As you wander around our beautiful campus, you will see much evidence of the impact of our fraternities and sororities. The Beta Bells, The Phi Delt Gates, the Delta Delta Delta Sundial, the Phi Tau Circle, and the new Chi O' Corner in front of the Shriver Center.

About a third of our undergraduate student population are members of our Fraternity/Sorority community. Our members are involved in many of the university's events and programs. We also have involvement in many of the leadership opportunities in other student organizations, as well as university committees and task forces.

Membership into our organizations occurs through a mutual selection process by the students seeking membership and the fraternal organizations. However, we do require that first-year students wait until the second semester before going through the membership process.

There are over fifty social fraternities and sororities on campus. Each is committed to the academic mission of the university, service to the campus and community, and the development of character of its members. There is a formal recruitment process held at the beginning of each Spring semester.

You are invited to participate and investigate the various fraternal organizations. During the fall semester, the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association will sponsor information and interest session about our Fraternity/Sorority community and the recruitment process. Information and publicity about these sessions will be available throughout the start of the academic year.

The Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Association, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council are the governing organizations to the individual chapters. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) serves as the governing council for the men's fraternities on campus. The Panhellenic Association governs the member chapters of the women's fraternities and sororities. Meanwhile, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) serves as the governing organization for the historically African-American fraternities and sororities. NPHC members have also elected to become associate members of the IFC and Panhellenic Association.

There are many major programs and events sponsored by the governing councils and the individual fraternities and sororities. Greek Week is just one of these programs. Traditionally held in September, Greek Week is a celebration of the interfraternal spirit on campus. There are many educational, social, and recreational venues planned by the Greek Week committee. The success of this program is largely the result of the strong interfraternal cooperation of the entire Fraternity/Sorority Community.

Involvement in Fraternity/Sorority life also includes a tremendous opportunity for individual leadership development. Fraternity and sorority members are highly involved with campus life and leadership. Whether it is the Associated Student Government or the Residence Hall Association, you will see our fraternity and sorority members involved. Homecoming, Parent's Weekend, University committees and taskforces, concerts, educational programs, speakers and presenters are just some of the many opportunities our members are engaged in planning and participating.

Our fraternity and sorority members are also involved in many community service projects in the Oxford community. Our most noted are the Greek Habitat House Project and the Adopt-A-School program. The Greek Habitat House Project was founded on the same principles as Habitat for Humanity. Building quality homes for those less fortunate. In the Fall semester of 2000 our Greek Habitat House committee completed and turned over all the keys to the first Greek-funded Habitat House in Ohio. During the Spring semester of 2002, ground was broken to begin the second Greek Habitat House.

Founded here at Miami University, Adopt-A-School has become a nationwide program at college campuses across the country. This is a great opportunity for college students to enter the Talawanda school district as tutors. This past academic year, Adopt-A-School celebrated its twelfth anniversary.

There are so many positive contributions our fraternities and sororities have made to Miami University and the City of Oxford. The benefits to our members have been increased leadership development and experience, strong friendships, character development, contributing to worthy goals through service, and many more.