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Greek Life

Our Greek Life consists of two fraternities (Kappa Sigma and Phi Delta Theta), and two sororities (Alpha Omicron Pi and Zeta Tau Alpha) with the Panhellenic Council that oversees them. Our Greek Life is build on four pillars: scholarship, service and philanthropy, social, and leadership. Our fraternities and sororities host a number of charitable events and fundraisers throughout the semester that are open to the larger Washington and Chestertown communities. 

In order to participate in Greek Life, a student must have been a full-time student at Washington College for one semester, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and meet the academic standards set forth by the individual fraternity or sorority they wish to join.  

The following students are exempt from the "one-semester at Washington" rule. Those include:  

  • Transfer students who have completed at least a full academic year (two semesters) at their previous institution(s) AND have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.500. 
  • Visiting International Exchange students who have completed at least one full academic year at their home institutions. (Note: Matriculating international students who plan to spend their full four years here would need to complete one semester before joining a Greek organization.)
  • Open bidding is available for both fall and spring for eligible students.  Interested student names will be submitted to confirm eligibility.   

All members of Greek organizations will be required to complete risk management training annually to include topics focused on hazing, alcohol/substance abuse, mental health, fire safety and Title IX-sexual harassment & discrimination. 

Greek Life

 

Anti-Hazing Policy


Washington College prides itself on our safe campus and strong fraternal background. Hazing is unacceptable both on and off campus. Read about our Anti-Hazing policy here. 

 

Our Greek Life

 

kappa sigma pancake breakfast

Kappa Sigma

Kappa Sigma is a values-based men's fraternity devoted to making Greek Life at Washington College accessible, enjoyable, and fulfilling to all students. Our chapter is devoted to enriching our own lives, establishing lasting bonds as brothers, and enhancing the community around us through service and engagement. 

The Omicron-Phi chapter fundraises for two national causes: The Prostate Cancer Foundation and Military Heroes Campaign. These organizations promote men's health and the well-being of our veterans, issues that affect us on a daily basis and serve as constant reminders to protect our health and aid our veterans. 

Pancake Breakfast is our premiere fundraising event, hosted each semester. 

phi delta theta cookout

Phi Delta Theta

The brothers of Phi Delta Theta are extremely active in leadership programs, community service, and campus activities. Phi Delta Theta is built on the principles of friendship, sound learning, and rectitude. Our chapter helps every individual meet his true potential by celebrating each of our true selves, learning from each other's strengths, and improving each other's weaknesses. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and, through encouragement, values, example, and brotherhood, empower every brother to exceed his personal expectations.

The Maryland Gamma chapter fundraises for The ALS Association to continue the research and awareness efforts of former Phi Delta Theta Brother Lou Gehrig from Columbia University.  The ALS Association is leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while empowering people with Lou Gehrig Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. 

The annual crab feast is our premier fundraising event, hosted each fall. 

aoii blue out week

Alpha Omicron Pi

Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women's fraternity that encourages the spirit of fraternity and love among its members and stands for character, dignity, scholarship, and college loyalty. 

The Sigma Tau chapter fundraises for arthritis research and the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation. 

AOII hosts several fundraisers throughout the year, including "Pi in the Face," Spike Out Arthritis events, and Blue Week. 

zta paint night

Zeta Tau Alpha

Zeta Tau Alpha strives to intensify friendship, foster the spirit of love, make a difference in the lives of its members, and teach them the nobility of serving. Our sisterhood sets us apart because we support one another not just as students, but as people. We want all our sisters to be the best versions of themselves and we all help each other meet those goals. 

The Gamma Beta chapter fundraises for breast cancer awareness and education. 

ZTA hosts two large fundraisers—Big Man on Campus in the fall and Queso for a Cure in the spring—each year with Pink Out Week leading up to the event. 

the sisters of aoii and zta play pool together

Panhellenic Council

The Panhellenic Council fosters growth and responsibility in the academic, social, emotional, and civic aspects of its members lives through social events and guest lectures. It promotes unity and cooperation among all Greeks, and oversees recruitment events and bids. 

The Four Pillars

The brotherhood and sisterhood that members develop at Washington College is strong, and chapters are tightly knit. Academics are a huge focus for all chapters at Washington, and each fall, the chapters compete for the Loving Cup, an award given to the sorority and fraternity with the highest overall GPA.

The community strives for scholarship and development in academic excellence among the members. All chapters at Washington College maintain academic requirements for membership and initiation. 

In order to assure academic growth, chapters provide scholastic assistance in the form of study hours, tutoring, scholarships, and awards. The fraternity and sorority community helps you adjust to your new academic surroundings and provides the tools necessary to succeed and thrive at Washington College. 

Philanthropy and service are what the Washington College fraternity and sorority members pride themselves on and what sets them apart from other organizations on campus.  They have spent hours bettering the Chestertown community and the Washington College community through community service projects. 

Each organization has their own national philanthropy and have adopted a local philanthropic cause. The organizations raise awareness and thousands of dollars annually for both their national and local philanthropies. 

Giving to others is one of the most important and valuable experiences you will have as a fraternity or sorority member.

The social aspect of Greek Life offers students a break from the daily routine of classes and studying. Each chapter has its own social agenda, but typical events include mixers, brotherhood/sisterhood events, formals, weekend retreats, alumni reunions, and functions with other fraternities and sororities. In addition, Greek Week, Recruitment Week, and Faculty/Staff Wine and Cheese mixers, are just a few of the many social experiences you will have as a fraternity or sorority member. In addition, the Greek community actively participates in a wide variety of intramural sports.

Greek Life provides students with opportunities for leadership and problem-solving skills that are necessary in today’s society. Members participate as chapter officers and as members of the committees each chapter maintains. There are also opportunities for members to become actively involved in the Student Government Association, Panhellenic Council, and other chartered student organizations. Fraternities and sororities encourage active participation in leadership experiences. Members find this to be an integral part of a well-rounded education.

Leadership Programs

Training Workshops

Workshops are available at any time throughout the academic year and are open to any Washington College student who is interested in developing his/her leadership skills. Topics range from: Presentation Skills, Conflict Resolution, Public Speaking, Identifying Your Leadership Style, and many more.

Individual/Group Consultation and Mentoring

The Office of Student Engagement Programs staff is available to work with particular groups or individuals seeking to improve their individual leadership skills as well as the functioning of their organization. In the past, student organizations have taken advantage of this offering to address group issues such as listening, communication, trust building, and many others.

 

 

Anti-Hazing Policy


Washington College prides itself on our safe campus and strong fraternal background. Hazing is unacceptable both on and off campus. Read about our Anti-Hazing policy here.