Members of fraternities and sororities at the University of Iowa are known for their vast involvement on campus and throughout the Iowa City community. The campus Greek community is compiled of four councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Council (PHC). These four governing councils established four pillars of fraternity and sorority life in order to focus their efforts. The four pillars (service, scholarship, friendship, and leadership) help students strive for academic excellence, connect with others on campus and in the community, and practice leadership.

Each of the 44 different organizations in Fraternity and Sorority Life holds a principle that places high value on extending themselves to their communities. Fraternity and Sorority Life encourages all members to get involved in other projects outside of the community as well. NPHC is the governing body for the six historically African American chapters at Iowa and service is a tenant that is taught early within this council. NPHC President, Claudia Kyalangalilwa says, "We all embrace service not only as members of sororities and fraternities, but, more importantly, as students and as Hawkeyes."

Through these various experiences, Greek Life members develop lasting friendships. During homecoming week and Greek Week specifically, chapters are paired up to not only build stronger bonds within their own chapters, but also with other chapter members on campus. “We promote school spirit and partake in events together," says MGC President, Sri Chockalingam. "As members we are very committed to our chapters and see each other as family. We have a lot of leadership retreats together and work to better ourselves throughout college."

Students involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life are held to a higher set of academic standards than others on campus. Lauren Diamond, PHC President, says, "Our chapters strive to recruit not only intelligent individuals, but also individuals that believe knowledge is truly one of our most valuable possessions." The community’s grade point average is consistently above the University average, with intent to keep striving for higher excellence.

Fraternity and Sorority Life exemplifies leadership to the utmost degree. Each fraternity and sorority gives its members many leadership opportunities. "Fraternities and sororities encourage their members, whether they be freshman or senior, to take on a leadership role within their chapter or within the community," said Dan Wallace, JFC President. "Greek Life provides incredible leadership opportunities and creates great leaders within the community."

Involvement in Fraternity and Sorority Life provide students with essential tools needed to be successful in their post- graduation endeavors. Students develop interpersonal skills and professionalism, while successfully learning how to lead a group of individuals. This leadership experience is vital to student’s growth as a person and as a professional. And as these organizations are a lifetime commitment, the learning should continue long after these students leave Iowa.

Check out the Fraternity and Sorority Life homepage for more information about the events, programs and chapters within the Fraternity and Sorority Community.