Why go Greek?
Fraternity and Sorority Life at Northeastern University
Phi Delta Theta is proud be one of the many chapters that makes up Northeastern University Fraternity and Sorority Life. Fraternal and Sorority Life at Northeastern is comprised of 27 chapters and four governing councils, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Council. Each council oversees their respective chapters and assists in programming, recruitment, and standards. Phi Delta Theta, Massachusetts Epsilon Chapter is one of the newest additions to the IFC's eight fraternities.
During the year, fraternities and sororities alike put on and participate in major programs for Northeastern students. These include Homecoming Week, Greek Week, various philanthropy events, comedians and speakers. As a unit, Fraternal and Sorority Life is the largest and most influential student group on campus. Not only are brothers and sisters involved in their respective chapters, but also in other student organizations such the Student Government Association (SGA), the Council for University Programs (CUP) and the Resident Student Association (RSA).
At the end of the day, fraternity life is a great way to make friends, build character, and give back to the Northeastern and Boston communities. Fraternities offer the opportunity to come in contact with new people who share similar interests and values. Through strong friendships and common goals, fraternities bring out the best in their members.
Why should i join a fraternity
Choosing whether or not to join a fraternity is probably one of the biggest decisions a college man will make. Fraternal organizations are one of the oldest traditions associated with higher education in the United States and have always existed to serve the needs of their undergraduate members. Fraternities are social, academic and service organizations and serve to provide a complete and well rounded college experience to the individual. Unlike other campus organizations, membership in a fraternity is a lifelong bond, one that extends far beyond the college years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Member?
Gaining membership into Phi Delta Theta can be broadly laid out in three phases: potential new member (PNM) period, pledging period, and active period.
In order to start the process, an individual must make the Fraternity aware that he is interested. The easiest way to do this is by reaching out here, or coming to any of our tabling events each semester. After demonstrating interest, the individual is considered a potential new member (PNM). PNMs may participate in a limited amount of events at which they have the opportunity to meet and interact with brothers. This period is crucial to assessing fit between both parties and can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months.
A PNM advances to the next phase, the pledging period, when he is given a "bid". A bid is an invitation to affiliate with the fraternity as a pledging member and is given out only to those PNMs who meet a certain number of values-based criteria. Some of the criteria include a GPA requirement, number of positive interactions with active members, and extracurricular involvement. Phi Delta Theta strives to align these criteria with our three cardinal principles of scholarship, rectitude, and friendship.
Upon receipt and acceptance of a bid the individual becomes a Phikeia. A Phikeia, the name of a Phi Delta Theta pledge, is then enrolled in the Phikeia Educational Program which teaches the history and tenants of the Fraternity. After the duration of the program, typically eight weeks, the individual will then be proposed for initiated. Successful initiation is contingent on satisfactory completion of the Phikeia Education Program as well as meeting the minimum requirements for membership. Once initiated the individual receives all the rights and privileges of a brother.
What is "Rush"?
"Rush" is a series of social events and gatherings that allow prospective and current fraternity members to get to know each other. At Northeastern there is no formal rush period, although most fraternities usually conduct their events the first few weeks of the the semester. Just as each fraternity is different, rush schedules differ as well. For Phi Delta Theta rush is two weeks long with various events held throughout the period. At the end of rush, fraternities offer "bids" to the students they think are best fit for membership.
How Important are Academics?
Pledges must achieve a minimum standard grade point average in order to be initiated into Phi Delta Theta. Additionally, our chapter provides resources for our members through study hours and tutoring programs. Our chapter takes academics seriously and therefore our chapter has consistently held a high average GPA, well above both the average fraternity GPA and the average for Northeastern University.