Frats on campus

<p>Hey everyone, I'm a '10 at Dartmouth and I'm on campus working right now. Just so I can have a decent idea before the fall, I was wondering if someone could fill me in on the specific frats on campus, in terms of reputation, prestige, what the brothers are like, etc. I also want to know if there's a frat that you all think might "fit" me, though I understand that's a choice I'll have to make on my own once I visit each one of them.</p>

<p>I'm going to be an econ major and I want to go work on Wall Street for the explict purpose of making an enormous amount of money doing something like being an investment banker, managing a hedge fund, etc. </p>

<p>I'm a liberal, but I despise hippies. I don't identify at all with bleeding heart liberals. I would say that I'm a libertarian but I think that some amount of government funded social welfare programs are necessary. I'm a big beliver in pragmatism as the guiding hand of all macroscopic philosophies.</p>

<p>I'm in no way homophobic, racist, classist, or sexist. But I think that politically incorrect humor is hilarious.</p>

<p>I'm pretty preppy. I pop my collar and wear Polo shirts almost all the time.</p>

<p>I'm 5'9 and Indian. I'm not skinny but I'm not super-built. A lacrosse or soccer player could probably beat me in a fight. A football/hockey player could literally break me in half.</p>

<p>I play tennis, golf, and I ski. I plan on doing something like crew when I get to Dartmouth, but probably not on the varsity level (I don't think I'll play any varsity sports, but I'll probably play at least one or two club sports).</p>

<p>I'm ok with a really tough pledge term, but, like most people, easier pledge terms are always better.</p>

<p>So far, I've hung out at Tabard and Panarchy. I like the people at both of those, but I'm kind of looking for a preppier, more conservative frat. I definitely plan to rush as soon as possible, which I believe is fall term sophomore year at Dartmouth.</p>

<p>Any input is greatly appreciated!</p>

<p>Article: the greeks shall inherit the earth</p>

<p><a href="http://www.dartreview.com/archives/2005/09/22/the_greeks_shall_inherit_the_earth.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.dartreview.com/archives/2005/09/22/the_greeks_shall_inherit_the_earth.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Editor’s Note: Presented here for your consideration and enjoyment are brief pen-portraits of Dartmouth’s venerable fraternities and sororities. Some might accuse us of trafficking in generalities; to our defense, we hope that these sketches will serve as fine, humorous introductions to the true hardwood of the College. </p>

<p>Alpha Chi Alpha</p>

<p>Rich in character and steeped in tradition, Alpha Chi allegedly popularized the vogue phrase, ‘Nobody rages anymore.’ So do they? Well, having just undergone major renovations that’ve just transformed a modest cottage into a sprawling palazzo; the house’s interior now bears a strange resemblance to that of the East Wheelock cluster. A house pledge, like Hester Prynne, can be identified by his scarlet cap. </p>

<p>Alpha Delta</p>

<p>It’s something of a cardinal sin to be ignorant of that fact that the capers of AD brothers were the basis for the classic picture Animal House. Whether the depiction is still accurate is open to debate; they do claim, however, what is undoubtedly the grimmest basement on campus–it usually doubles as an open sewer. Soccer and rugby players make up a good portion of the brotherhood, which is one of the strongest on campus. The AD Lawn Party during Green Key weekend is always well-attended.</p>

<p>Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.</p>

<p>Alpha Phi Alpha is a historically black fraternity. We regret that we cannot print a photo of their physical plant: they meet out of 103 Channing Cox.</p>

<p>Bones Gate</p>

<p>BG just finished major renovations this summer which forced their brotherhood to relocate off-campus. Chill, relaxed, and laid back, they enjoy a good time, which probably accounts for their at-times tempestuous relationship with the administration. They’re known for their live bands, usually jam, jazz, or funk.</p>

<p>Chi Gamma Epsilon</p>

<p>Chi Gam’s reputation already has broad campus circulation and you’ve probably caught on already, though in fairness the house has actually changed a good deal over the past few years. All in all, these are solid guys, many of them athletes. They come as they are. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that a Chi Gam party generally entails (a) D.J.s manning the ones-and-twos, (b) kegs, (c) flashing lights, and (d) gyrating brothers. </p>

<p>Chi Heorot</p>

<p>‘Hockey players’–a few years ago, that would have summed it up. While the Heorots of today can’t be so blatantly stereotyped, they still enjoy whapping the puck. Yes, whacking the puck–that’s what they’re all about. Whapping the puck. Whapping the puck. Read into that what you will.</p>

<p>Gamma Delta Chi</p>

<p>‘Football players’–a few years ago, that would have summed it up. Well, it does these days too. They try to keep it medium-rare, but sometimes things fall through. The pit in the basement was originally designed as a swimming pool, but for safety reasons was soon converted to a raquetball court. That didn’t work out either; now it’s primarily used for more bibulous basement activities.</p>

<p>La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon
Lambda Fraternity, Inc. Et Cetera</p>

<p>LULLULFIET is a latino affinity organization. Like Alpha Phi Alpha their presence on campus is limited as they do not have social events or a physical plant.</p>

<p>Kappa Kappa Kappa</p>

<p>Tri Kap is probably the most diverse brotherhood on campus and the oldest local fraternity, dating to 1842. Once a bastion of conservatism, Tri-Kap’s right-wingers expelled their homosexual brothers in 1984, only to find themselves expelled in turn. Beer pong is taken very seriously here–if you’re a novice, call next at your own risk. They’re also fond of dance parties (bring your glow-sticks).</p>

<p>Phi Delta Alpha</p>

<p>A bunch of boozers, brawlers, burners, and social outcasts–in the best senses of the terms. That notwithstanding, many campus leaders–esp. in the Greek system and the Student Assembly?–call Phi Delt home. Phi Delt is also renowned for hosting the Webster Ave. block party on Green Key weekend. If in conversation your confabulator liberally peppers his discourse with words like ‘rig,’ ‘grim,’ ‘soil,’ ‘basement,’ or ‘Ya Heard?’ you’re probably talking to a Phi Delt.</p>

<p>President’s Residence</p>

<p>While not really a ‘fraternity’ in the traditional sense of the word, 14 Webster Avenue is legendary for its debaucherous partying, loose morals, and out-of-control, anything-goes behavior. We hear Susan Wright is a real dinner party animal; if you’ve got the stuff, try to score an invite to her annual ‘Administrators Gone Wild’ gala ball. Former President James O. Freedman had a grotto installed in the backyard, which we hear can be quite sensuous in the right company.</p>

<p>Psi Upsilon</p>

<p>Creator and former host of the Winter Carnival Keg Jump, once arguably Dartmouth’s most notorious event but now banned by the administration, Psi U still turns their front yard into a skating rink in the wintertime anyways. There are dozens of small handles on the low-hanging ceiling in part of the basement, presumably so that brothers can swing about from place to place without sullying their feet on the atrociously grim floor. Quite a few brothers play country club sports like squash, sailing, and golf.</p>

<p>Sigma Nu</p>

<p>Until recently many Sigma Nus were also affiliated with the marching band. But don’t let that discourage you, as the brotherhood has changed over the past few years. They’re a group of gregarious, genuine, and friendly guys. Don’t be fooled by the short pong tables; their variant, “Line,” can be more difficult than pedestrian games played elsewhere. </p>

<p>Sigma Alpha Epsilon</p>

<p>SAE, the inspiration for Omega in Animal House, is well-heeled, to say the least–they have trust funds and are not afraid to use them. They use their superfluous resources to throw champagne parties and sport egregiously preppy clothing, always with the collars popped forth. SAE’s winter beach party entices hordes of scantily clad youths to trudge throw the snow and frolic in the tons of sand they import for the event. </p>

<p>Theta Delta Chi</p>

<p>Theta Delts are the sweetest guys on campus–just ask them, and they’ll tell you, it’s true. Everyone else plays checkers; they play chess. Everyone else plays Chutes and Ladders; they play Hungry Hungry Hippos. </p>

<p>Zeta Psi</p>

<p>Zete is Dartmouth’s only independent fraternity and the only house you can join before your sophomore year. Known for their Thursday night ‘Tails and strict pong rules, the house has been an object of mystery and speculation in past years. However, those familiar with it enjoy the friendly, non-threatening basement scene and amiable brothers there.</p>

<p>Sigma Phi Epsilon</p>

<p>If Sig Ep were a processed food, it would definitely come in ‘family size,’ like a fifty-gallon drum of mayonnaise at Costco’s. They’ve got the largest brotherhood among fraternities and they even call their particular variety of pong ‘Death.’ At the same time, they pride themselves on moderation. The house’s pledge term (a misnomer: it’s nonexistent, really) is organized around a ‘Balanced Man’ program that emphasizes love, service, and character. </p>

<p>Alpha Theta</p>

<p>Alpha Thetas used to be a more rambunctious lot–in the late seventies they used to get juiced up and drive their cars relentlessly around Phi Tau until they were apprehended by the authorities or the thrill was gone, whichever came first. The event was called the Phi Tau 500 and stemmed from an old rivalry between the two houses: both, you see, were, and are, co-ed. These days, as with most of the College’s more reckless traditions, the Phi Tau 500 is no more. Alpha Theta has mellowed out as well. Today, they are known more for their capes and top hats than their antics behind the wheel.</p>

<p>Panarchy</p>

<p>Formerly Phi Sigma Psi, Panarchy today isn’t quite a fraternity or a sorority–it’s a co-educational undergraduate society, whatever that means. The house broke away from the Greek system in 1994, largely because it felt its “hippie” culture, “punk” music and homosexual contingent caused other houses to see it as “weird.” While considered the residential adjunct of the Dartmouth Gay and Lesbian Organization for many years, today they host a popular “Gatsby” party once a term. </p>

<p>Phi Tau</p>

<p>If one were charitable, he might characterize Phi Tau as eccentric; were he more acrimonious, the description would probably be flat-out weird. At the same time, they embrace their oddity and aren’t ashamed to demonstrate it. Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Phi Tau’s termly bash, Milque and Cookies, literally features thousands of diverse cookies and a thick dairy beverage brewed in cauldrons by galley slaves in the back rooms. Sadly, it is non-alcoholic.</p>

<p>The Tabard</p>

<p>A progressive house for many years, Tabards (Tabardites?) belong to a bountiful cornucopia of diverse tastes, attitudes, and backgrounds. It’s an eclectic mix that can often be quite enthralling. How does that sound?</p>

<p>you can also check facebook, to search by each frat and subgroups that they are in. Relax, you can't even consider pledging before sophomore year so you will have the whole year to observe and attend different funtions.</p>

<p>Pledge Chi Gamm.</p>

<p>done deal.</p>

<p>Do you have a reason for why I should pledge Chi Gam? I'm honestly leaning towards Theta Delt or Psi U, but Chi Gam is on my short list as well.</p>

<p>I am Indian too and am friends with the few Indians who have joined Theta Delt in the last 5-6 yrs. I think those who have joined have had fun, but probably would have been better off elsewhere. Honestly, its "steaky," much more so than any other house on campus. You'll be the only one with a polo in the basement. Also, the non-jocks tend to be alientated from the big athletes. I think you'll find people to be more judgemental than other frats.</p>

<p>Psi U might be a good bet, but it has alot of old school elitism. Its the "Omega" in animal house. Even at their rush it feels more like a country club event than a crazy fun time. I think its an okay house, but it feels more like a bunch of MBAs hanging out than a college frat. If you mention you hung out at Tabard you'll be ripped on.</p>

<p>Chi Gamm in my opinion is a great balance between atheletes, people who want to have fun, and its open minded (i.e. less "meathead"). I think as someone who is open minded enough to enjoy tabard but not truly fit into that culture its the right choice of the major frats. </p>

<p>AD would be my second choice. Its more 'steaky' than chi gamm but not by much. It sounds like it would be a good fit for you also.</p>

<p>I've heard a lot of the frats are associated with a particular sport. I'm not going to play a varsity sport in college. Where does that leave me?</p>

<p>what's the biggest "meathead" fraternity? that's pretty much how my social life has been for the past 4-5 years so i am sort of looking for that... i was thinking AD, just for its partying and drinking reputation. is that too far off?</p>

<p>I didn't either. Its not a big deal at all at most frats but some frats have slightly weird rifts between the athletes and non-athletes. Overall don't worry about it at all, but I would stay clear of a place like Theta Delt unless you really buy into that culture.</p>

<p>I would say these are the frats with the weird rifts.
Heorot, Theta Delt, Gamma Delt</p>

<p>These are the frats that athletes are intermingled but still slightly glorified.
AD, Psi U</p>

<p>these are the frats with athletes but very well integrated
Chi Gamm</p>

<p>These are non-athletic frats:
Alpha Chi, Sig Ep, SAE, Tri-Kap, Zete, Tabard, Bones Gate</p>

<p>I heard about the raid on AD earlier this year. What was that all about?</p>

<p>nothing was found.</p>

<p>*Hanover Police returned nearly all materials removed from Alpha Delta fraternity in a June 8 search of the physical plant without having found the sexually explicit video they were looking for.</p>

<p>The fraternity's alumni advisor John Engelman said that Hanover Police Captain Frank Moran returned all confiscated materials to him except for a computer that was still being examined, and that Moran told him that police found nothing related to the case.</p>

<p>"I suspect that they may have in the intervening week looked at the files on the computer and I'm absolutely confident that they will not find anything that's related to the investigation," Engelman said.</p>

<p>*</p>

<p><a href="http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2006062201020%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2006062201020&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I've heard that AD and Psi U have absolutely terrible pledge terms. Is that true? Is it also true that Theta Delt has an easier pledge term than most other frats? How's Chi Gamm's pledge term?</p>

<p>Oh, and I'm starting to investigate a little about SAE. I know it's a big national frat, but what's it like at Dartmouth, and does anyone have any specific recommendations about it?</p>

<p>Honestly I would totally not go Theta Delt unless you really buy into the steak-head culture. SAE is very preppy but in a much more nerdy way than Psi U, which is more elitist. As for pledge terms, honestly AD isn't that bad at all. Psi U is far worse. Chi Gamm is on the easy/ laid back side.</p>

<p>Listen to slipper lol. About SAE - its very easy to discover how one feels about SAE. Just spend one night there when there are a lot of brothers present. You either love it or hate it. Most brothers definitely fit a stereotype. For me, I couldnt see myself there at all. </p>

<p>Also about your description at the beginning, Psi U immediately came to mind. </p>

<p>You got plenty of time next yr to figure out where you fit in. Spend some "quality" time at all of the houses.</p>

<p>i think your getting a lot of mis information</p>

<p>the point of soph rush is so that you visit places freshman year and figure out where you want to go</p>

<p>Theta delt is getting overly bashed. Especially considering that the 08 pledge class is very diversified (incl an indian kid). The steak head thing is pretty over the top, I'd say GDX would be the steak house. TDX 08 pledge class, which is the one you'd be interacting the most with, is 5 laxers, 3 tennis players, a few rugby guys and the rest non-athletes. go see for yourself instead of listening to someone who probably has never left chi gam</p>

<p>does GDX have a bad rep? isnt it the football house?</p>

<p>Lol I wasn't even in Chi Gamm. Just factually the percentage of minorities in Heorot or Theta Delt is significantly lower than the rest of the greek system bottom line.</p>

<p>Honestly its going to be hard to discuss this without offending someone, but frankly its my personal experience that a preppy, liberal kid, who happens to be a minority, and likes Tabard and Panarchy but not to the extent that they would join would probably not be a perfect fit with Theta Delt at all.</p>

<p>i agree with your post about tabard/panarchy not being theta delt... But from what I here this kid would have no interest in panarchy or tabard. All I am saying is you need to go out and experience houses for yourself. Freshman year i definitley visited every house for at least a night, you really get the chance to have your own impression instead of reading about houses somewhere. Especially things like "the greeks inherit.." article or anything like it that is a total survey, since they are certainly prone to stereotypes and broad visions.</p>

<p>Let me clarify: I've visited Tabard and Panarchy, but they are both definitely not my scene. The people were really nice and the events were fun, but then, most of the people I've met at Dartmouth have been both really nice and really fun. I'm liberal, but not the way most college students are - i'm not very far to the left at all. I'm actually considering writing for the Review, not because I necessarily agree with its political inclination, but because I think it critically evaluates the issues better. In a lot of ways, I'm very much your typical econ major - I'd fit in well with the "good old boys" and I'm all for having a lot of fun with those kinds of people.</p>

<p>I think I have a pretty good picture of who you are. Psi U might be a good bet but I think Chi Gamm and AD are worth looks. Theta Delt isn't good old boy or liberal, its pretty jocky and if you want that scene its perfect but I think its one of the more homogenous frats on campus.</p>