<p>Hi So I want to go to UT the fall of 2013 but I heard that there was a lot of self-segregation. This is a problem for me because I am african american but I love to hang out with people of all races and if you were to go to my facebook page you would probably see me with a lot more white people than black...that's just how it is. I attend a private school and I watch shows like Glee and Gossip Girl but anyways you get the point. My main issue is that I want to join a sorority but when ever I look around at the websites I have seen zero blacks and and I mean zero of them. Is it like an unspoken rule that blacks are not allowed in panhellenic sororities or something??? I am looking for a sisterhood and a group of friends who share my common interests and if I am not allowed to recieve that because of the color of my skin then that school may not be for me?? So I really just want an honest opinion about joining a sorority. And on a side note I also want to try out for the Pom Squad and I was wondering what try-outs were like and what the commitment was like??? Thanks!!!</p>
<p>please answer me!!!</p>
<p>This link to the UT Dean of Students website appears helpful:</p>
<p>[University</a> of Texas at Austin - Office of the Dean of Students - Greek, Leadership and Intercultural Education - Joining an Organization - NPHC Recruiting](<a href=“http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/glie/join_nphc_recruit.php]University”>http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/glie/join_nphc_recruit.php)</p>
<p>episca…</p>
<p>Give rush a try. My daughter is in a well respected sorority at UT and there is an African American girl in her pledge class. I am not going to sugar coat it for you. It is simply not common. But some houses can see outside of race and understand that a quality individual starts from the inside out. I wish you the best of luck.</p>
<p>Collegeshopping-Why do you think it is uncommon? Are many sororities segregated by race, religion, ethnicity? I’m still trying to understand the whole Greek scene (not just at UT, but everywhere).</p>
<p>In regard to traditional NPC sororities, I think the best way I can explain it is with an excerpt from a Greek affiliated website. This was written to someone to explain why it is so hard for sororities and fraternities who for ages were segregated to reverse that position.</p>
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<p>Now with that said, UT Austin, although steep in culture and history is one of the most liberal cities in the South. My point is, African American women have had positive outcomes in recruitment at UT. And certainly jewish women have success outside of “traditional jewish” sororities. But to say it is easy…it is not. My personal feelings aside, sometimes history out rules common sense (see my posts on “to rush or not to rush”) Some traditions are so woven in the social fabric, that even though that fabric is a worn and tattered rag, they hold on to it like the Holy Grail. Does it perplex me…yes.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about UT sororities b/c my d doesn’t belong to one. With the out-of-state tuition, no financial aid, and 3 kids in college, we can’t afford it. But the good news is that she is caucasian, went to UT from OOS knowing no one, and is now a director of the ABSA (Asian Business Students Association). She is a freshman. The people at UT are great, she is extremely happy. The ABSA is great, very welcoming to all racial groups (although she is caucasian, she is obviously in the minority in the ABSA). As far as minorities in the UT population in general, I believe there is a larger Asian population than African American population at UT, but the students are very welcoming, nice and accepting in general. Sometimes I think that the huge number of groups for every special interest does have a tendency to segregate, but those groups are there to help the various members of each group feel more welcome and at home. Anyway, if you are a business major and you can’t connect with a sorority, try the ABSA. If you are not a business major, there may be a similar group in your discipline. My d and I, who are not from Texas, would highly recommend UT!</p>
<p>As one of your future classmates and just a hispanic teenager (god…still 19), I have to say…I hate the fact that in 2012 there is somebody with apprehension to join a group because of the color of their skin.</p>
<p>My first advice is, don’t be afraid. Another, don’t let anybody tell you no.</p>
<p>I was once in a Panhellenic sorority and I was glad to see different ethnicities in there. And honestly after spending sometime around the university and at parties, I’ve noticed there are also more accepted homosexuals despite the stereotype that still holds some truth in existence. </p>
<p>Yeah, it’s an old school smack dab in the middle of Texas with a southern history including racism that was once prevalent, but at least for being in the city Austin - it’s a moving forward and away from that sort of place.</p>
<p>IF you have any sort of trouble when you come here, do not, I repeat, do NOT remain silent. Contact the dean of students. Heck, contact me! Somebody. I doubt you’ll have any trouble, but should you, just don’t be afraid to stand up. </p>
<p>Come to UT, it is a great place. There are people of all shapes and sizes. Colored hair, colored skin, it’s all different and I find UT welcoming. Hope you do too!</p>