USC Upstate is home to 8 active (inter)national sororities and women’s fraternities. Click on each organization below to visit their chapter page and learn more about the organization.
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Rho Tau Chapter
Founded Nationally: Howard University, January 15, 1908
Chartered at Upstate: March 28, 1998
Symbol(s): Ivy Leaf
Color(s): Salmon Pink & Apple Green
Nickname(s): AKA
National Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Minimum National Requirements*
Chapter Instagram: rhotau_aka
Alpha Kappa Alpha has succeeded in its organization and has lived up to the highest standards concerning Greek life. With over 290,000 college-trained members, it is bound by the bonds of sisterhood. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sorority whose main goal is to give service to all mankind by merit and by culture.
The purpose of AKA is to cultivate high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life and to be of service to all mankind. Striving for excellence as the first black Greek-letter organization was something memorable to those who may have witnessed it. This organization was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 15, 1908. The sorority was incorporated on Jan. 29, 1913.
Its founders were among the fewer than 1,000 African- Americans enrolled in higher education institutions in 1908 and the 25 women who received Bachelor of Arts degrees from Howard University between 1908 and 1911. Nine juniors and seniors who constituted the initial core group of founding members and seven sophomores, who were extended an invitation for membership without initiation, comprised what are acknowledged as Alpha Kappa Alpha’s original 16 founders. The Rho Tau chapter was established on March 28, 1998, as the first black Greek-letter organization chartered at USC Upstate.
* These are the national minimum requirements. Chapters may have higher standards. Please reach out directly to the chapter to inquire about their chapter requirements.
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Gamma Epsilon Chapter
Founded Nationally: New Brunswick Campus, Rutgers University, April 29th, 1980
Chartered at Upstate: April 13, 2021
Symbol(s): Almighty Owl
Color(s): Red, Black and Beige
Nickname(s): CUS, Cussies, Women of Wisdom
National Affiliation: National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO)
Minimum National Requirements*
Chapter Instagram: cus_gammaepsilon
Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. National Website
Corazones Unidos Siempre Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Incorporated was founded by 7 captivating Latina women who desired to create an organization to promote leadership amongst the Latinx community. More importantly, it was their desire to create a sisterhood — a place away from home in which the members could feel the strong sense of family, which is such a force in the Latinx culture. These women built a distinct organization that focuses on celebrating independence, educating the community, appreciating each other’s differences, the ideals of womanism, molding powerful spiritual bonds, and empowering women to change the course of history.
We commit ourselves to “Educating, Elevating, and Empowering” all women to develop educational, cultural, political, and social awareness; open lines of communication in order to serve the community; promote and preserve the Latinx culture; and provide women with a choice among Greek-letter sororities.
Additionally, the women of Chi Upsilon Sigma uphold the values of leadership, sisterhood, service, and character. Although we are the second oldest Latina organization, we are the first Latina organization to step and stroll. Furthermore, although we are a Latin-based organization, we are not a Latin exclusive organization and welcome all women who meet the membership requirements of the organization.
The Gamma Epsilon chapter was chartered on April 13, 2021 and known to be Women of Wisdom on campus by holding the highest Grade Point Average in the Fraternity/Sorority community, hosting events that spread awareness, and doing service in the community. To learn more about our chapter and organization, please feel to contact us at gamma.epsilon@justbecus.org.
* These are the national minimum requirements. Chapters may have higher standards. Please reach out directly to the chapter to inquire about their chapter requirements.
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Xi Iota Chapter
Founded Nationally: Howard University, January 13, 1913
Chartered at Upstate: February 10, 1979
Symbol(s): Fortitude
Color(s): Crimson & Cream
Nickname(s): Delta, DST
National Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Minimum National Requirements*
Chapter Instagram: xiiota_uscu
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately black college- educated women, the sorority currently has more than 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development; educational development; international awareness and involvement; physical and mental health; political awareness; and involvement.
The sorority was founded in 1913 by 22 students at Howard University. These young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships, provide support to the underserved, educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy, and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. We stand by scholarship, sisterhood and service.
Locally, our chapter’s long-term goals are to:
- Improve fellowship among each other and the community
- Strive for higher academic excellence
- Implement our Five-Point Programmatic Thrust every semester through our programs
The Xi Iota chapter is committed to various service initiatives and fundraisers including our annual Red Christmas Toy Drive, Adopt-A-Highway, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and “The Battle of the Partywalks.”
* These are the national minimum requirements. Chapters may have higher standards. Please reach out directly to the chapter to inquire about their chapter requirements.
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Omicron Mu Chapter
Founded Nationally: Miami University, October 24, 1902
Chartered at Upstate: 1992
Symbol(s): Turtle
Color(s): Rose & Vieux Green
Nickname(s): DZ, Dee Zee
National Affiliation: National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
Minimum National Membership Requirements*
Chapter Instagram: dzuscupstate
Delta Zeta Sorority was founded by six extraordinary women at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, on Oct. 24, 1902. The purpose of this sorority, which was created on a predominately male campus, was to develop a premier women’s organization that fosters everlasting friendships, the pursuit of knowledge, and lifelong service to others.
In 1954, Delta Zeta’s National Convention voted to make speech and hearing our philanthropic concern. Since then, members have raised millions of dollars to support local organizations tending to the needs of non-hearing people. In 2016, we named Starkey Hearing Foundation our National Philanthropy Partner in an effort extend our impact throughout the world. Heart for Hearing is the theme for our personal philanthropy and chapter events designed to raise money and awareness in support of our philanthropic partners who are making a difference the world over.
Some notable Delta Zetas include: Florence Henderson (actress-The Brady Bunch); Maurine Brown Neuberger (former U.S. Senator); Kay Yow (women’s basketball Coach, N.C. State); Ivy Baker Priest (Former United States treasurer); Nanette Fabray (actress, worked to bring sign language and captioning to television); and Shelley Berkley (U.S. representative for Nevada’s 1st congressional district).
* These are the national minimum requirements. Chapters may have higher standards. Please reach out directly to the chapter to inquire about their chapter requirements.
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Lambda Zeta Chapter
Founded Nationally: Wesleyan College, March 4, 1852
Chartered at Upstate: 1993
Symbol(s): Quatrefoil & Lion
Color(s): Rose and White
Nickname(s): None
National Affiliation: National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
Minimum National Requirements*:
Chapter Instagram: phimu_upstate
Phi Mu Fraternity is the second-oldest Greek organization for women. Chapter members are involved in numerous campus organizations such as SGA, Gamma Beta Phi, intramural sports, Student Nursing Association, Teaching Fellows, TEACh, and orientation staff.
Notable accomplishments for members include Chancellor’s List, Dean’s List, Greek Woman of the Year, and Outstanding GPA among Greek Organizations for two consecutive semesters. The sisters of Phi Mu strive daily to live their creed. Love, honor and truth are lifelong ideals of a Phi Mu.
Members raise awareness and money for their national philanthropy, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. CMNH raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals across North America. Every donation given stays in the community where it was donated; thereby ensuring local children receive the support.
Phi Mu is committed to raising at least $500,000 for CMNH annually. The USC Upstate chapter hosts many philanthropic events to support CMNH, including Dance Marathon, the Mr. Phi Mu Pageant, “Corn & ‘Que” percent nights at local restaurants, CMNH bracelet sales and Handprints for Hope.
Sisters enjoy monthly sisterhood events that include baseball games, s’mores by the fire, movie nights, fitness classes, and ice cream socials. The chapter regularly hosts programming at chapter meetings on important topics such as interview skills, personal finances and health and wellness. In addition to sisterhood events and chapter meetings, the chapter also hosts family socials and events with other Greek organizations.
Some notable Phi Mu‘s are Kathryn Stockett (author of The Help), Debbie Phelps (author and mother of Michael Phelps), Pat Mitchell (President of PBS), Mary Weber (astronaut) and Susan Harling (inspiration for the play and movie Steel Magnolias).
* These are the national minimum requirements. Chapters may have higher standards. Please reach out directly to the chapter to inquire about their chapter requirements.
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Pi Zeta Chapter
Founded Nationally: Butler University, November 12, 1922
Chartered at Upstate: November 26, 2001
Symbol(s): White French Toy Poodle
Color(s): Royal Blue & Antique Gold
Nickname(s): SGRho
National Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Minimum National Requirements*:
Chapter Instagram: uscu_sgrho
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., was organized on Nov. 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside; Vivian White Marbury; Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson; Hattie Mae Dulin Redford; Bessie M. Downey Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on Dec. 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University.
Soaring to greater heights of attainment around the world, Sigma Gamma Rho, as a leading international service organization of over 500 chapters in several countries and territories, has met the challenges of the day and continues to grow through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmarks of the organization’s programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically and economically.
Sigma Gamma Rho provides service to the community through its national programs. The Essential Programs include: Operational Big Book Bag, Project Cradle Care, Swim 1922, Women’s Wellness and a Youth Symposium.
Some notable members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority are Deshauna Barber (Miss USA), Kelly Price (R&B songstress & seven-time Grammy nominee), Hattie McDaniel (actress and first African-American to win an Academy Award), Hydeia Broadbent (HIV/AID activist and humanitarian), MC Lyte (Hip Hop pioneer and the first solo female rapper to release a full album), US Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Audrey Jones, the EMMY winning Executive Producer of “The View” and Olympic medalists Martiza McClendon and Carmelita Jeter.
* These are the national minimum requirements. Chapters may have higher standards. Please reach out directly to the chapter to inquire about their chapter requirements.
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Pi Rho Chapter
Founded Nationally: Howard University, January 16, 1920
Chartered at Upstate: May 25, 2002
Symbol(s): Dove
Color(s): Royal Blue & White
Nickname(s): ZPhiB, Zeta
National Affiliation: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Minimum National Requirements*
Chapter Instagram: pirhozetas
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded Jan. 16, 1920, at Howard University by five Finer Women —Arizona Cleaver Stemmons, Pearl Anna Neal, Viola Tyler Goings, Myrtle Tyler Faithful and Fannie Pettie Watts. These five women envisioned a sorority that would directly affect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise consciousness for their people, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members. These women believed that sorority elitism and socializing overshadowed the real mission for progressive organizations and failed to address fully the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular.
The sorority takes pride in its continued participation in transforming communities through volunteer services from members and its auxiliaries. Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters worldwide and has more than 100,000 members.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., has a number of firsts: They were the first Greek-letter organization to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; the first Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa (1948) and in the Middle East (2014); and the first to form adult- and youth-auxiliary groups.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., is an organization that is open to any woman interested in joining and does not discriminate against anyone.
* These are the national minimum requirements. Chapters may have higher standards. Please reach out directly to the chapter to inquire about their chapter requirements.
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Kappa Rho Chapter
Founded Nationally: State Female Normal School, October 15, 1898
Chartered at Upstate: February 16, 2002
Symbol(s): Five-Point Crown, Strawberry, White Violet
Color(s): Turquoise Blue & Steel Grey
Nickname(s): ZTA, Zeta
National Affiliation: National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
Minimum National Requirements: None Listed
Chapter Instagram: upstatezta
Since Oct. 15, 1898, Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity has been dedicated to enriching the lives of women. At the State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia, our founders, nine young women, envisioned an organization that would perpetuate their ties
of friendship. We strive to help our members embody these timeless values while thriving in the modern world. As our creed says, “In Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and ennoble our lives.”
Zeta Tau Alpha’s national philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness, and the fraternity has partnerships with the American Cancer Society, the NFL, and Bright Pink, a nonprofit organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. The Kappa Rho chapter hosts “Pink Out” athletic events on campus, and sponsors several fundraisers throughout the community.
Zeta Tau Alpha offers each member the opportunity to develop to her fullest potential while maintaining a balance between academic, leadership, service and social endeavors. The motto of Zeta Tau Alpha, “Seek the Noblest,” can be seen through leadership positions held by Zetas in many of the USC Upstate’s campus organizations. In the past, Kappa Rho has been honored to be Greek Week and Homecoming champions, as well as Zeta Day winners. They have also been recognized on a national level for recruitment excellence, scholastic achievement, campus involvement, service and fundraising.
Sisterhood is a word that every member of Zeta Tau Alpha keeps close to her heart. As a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, every day we strengthen the relationships that begin on Bid Day and last a lifetime.