At UNK, students support each other. We make each other feel accepted and included. Often, people know your name and smile and wave as you walk by. That’s the UNK difference.
Life as a Loper
What does it mean to be a Loper? It's different. Lopers are involved and connected, and actively taking part in their learning.
Get involved in what matters
Be proactive. There are more than 150 active student organizations at UNK. Students who are more involved on campus report improved communication and leadership skills.
Why should your son or daughter join the Fraternity and Sorority Life community?
Your sons and daughters are embarking on a new and exciting journey here at UNK, with numerous opportunities to establish new friendships, cultivate memorable moments, and celebrate future accomplishments. However, being an incoming freshmen student can be intimidating. New college undergraduates often feel overwhelmed once they step onto campus.
Numerous studies indicate that student retention is reflected by the connection they feel to their campus environment. By joining a Greek organization, your student will have the opportunity to meet many new and committed students, and their membership will set their campus connection into motion immediately.
As a parent, we want YOU to be an active partner in your student’s fraternity or sorority experience by becoming familiar with the community and supporting your student along the way. The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office is a resource to you as you learn more or have questions.
Our 12 chapters fall under the umbrella of three governing councils including the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). Each organization is affiliated by a national or international organization and is recognized by UNK as a registered student organization.
Fraternities and sororities are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Advantages include:
A support group to help ease the adjustment to college.
Scholastic resources to help students achieve their academic goals.
Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience.
Encouragement to get involved, stay involved and maximize their potential on campus.
Opportunities for active participation in community service projects.
Our members realize that academic achievement is the main priority of UNK Students. Greek-letter organizations continue to strive for academic excellence and promote scholarship by providing academic resources for their members. These include:
tutoring
academic advisors
study groups
scholarships
awards
Chapter members know the importance of helping new students to adjust to University academics. Many chapters have a rewards system based on GPA. Prospective members must meet a minimum GPA in order to be initiated and then must maintain a minimum GPA to remain an active member. In fact, Greek members GPA(s) are traditionally higher (approximately 3.3) than their non-Greek colleagues (approximately 3.0).
Like some opportunities for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with a joining a fraternity or sorority. This financial obligation is best considered as an investment into one's Fraternity and Sorority Life experience. The costs go toward the Inter/National fees, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations differ among individual chapters.
New members can expect to pay higher dues their first semester than in subsequent ones. While your son or daughter is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that he or she asks about the financial obligations of membership.
For Panhellenic sororities, the average dues are $575 for the first semester. For the semesters to follow, the average dues are $315. For IFC fraternities, dues will range from $400 - $500 for the first semester. For the semesters to follow, dues will range from $325 - $465. For Multicultural fraternities and sororities, the average dues are $300 for the first semester. For the semesters to follow, the average dues are $200.
One of the biggest highlights for our Fraternity and Sorority Life students is the ability to live in our on-campus fraternity and sorority living spaces. Currently, we have housing for all our Interfraternity (IFC) and Panhellenic (NPC) chapters. These spaces are owned and operated by UNK Facilities and the Office of Residence Life, which means all billing for living in the chapter housing is conveniently included in your MyBlue bill. The room and board rates are set through Residence Life. These are separate than the chapter dues mentioned above.
First year students typically reside elsewhere on campus, and then move into their fraternity or sorority chapter house at the start of their sophomore year. Most chapters have requirements for residing in the chapter house for at least one year, but students tend to see it as a privilege more than an expectation.
Coming 2023, the UNK Fraternity and Sorority Life community will have NEW housing structures that include space for ALL our chapters!
The Fraternity and Sorority Life community offers students unique social opportunities that connect them to peers and enrich their college experience. Activities are wide-ranging, but some popular events include:
Greek Week - A week organized by student leaders to celebrate our community and facilitate unity among all chapters.
Philanthropy Events – Events designed to give back to others through fundraising and service efforts but are fun and rewarding as well. Each chapter has at least one philanthropy event annually. Some examples include pancake feeds, ice skating, bowling, basketball tournaments, taco feeds, cornhole, and many more.
Functions and Formals - Themed or formal dances, typically done by partnering with another fraternity or sorority.
Mixers – Casual, fun gatherings of two or more chapters. Examples of some activities done as mixers include playing sand volleyball, making valentine’s Day cards, painting pumpkins, doing a yoga class, etc.
Family Days – Events organized by each chapter where members can invite family to be a part of their organization for the day.
Attendance at all events is not required, but the opportunity provides a nice balance for students as they work hard academically.
One of the best parts about Fraternity and Sorority Life at UNK is that our Greek students can be involved in several other areas across campus simultaneously. Not only does this give students valuable exposure to different areas of interest, but it helps teach the important life skills of time management and organization.
Greek students are encouraged to get involved in other areas such as athletics, band, dance/cheer team, academic clubs, student government, campus visit assistants, Chancellor’s ambassadors, and beyond. Being in a fraternity or sorority is an excellent gateway to other opportunities on campus, as older members can help get new students connected to groups that meet their interests or goals.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with the Nebraska State Laws and the Student Code of Conduct. If you sense your student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a fraternity or sorority, you should contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office at 308-865-8057. Calls will be handled in an immediate and discrete manner.
Be supportive, and learn as much as you can by asking your student questions before they join. Many groups will provide written statements concerning activities, finances, and policies; your student should be encouraged to obtain and read this information. In addition, allow your student to make their own choice (especially if you yourself were in a fraternity or sorority). Your support should not end after the recruitment period but continue throughout your student’s years in school. Once your student joins a chapter, take advantage of the Family Days or similar activities. These are great opportunities for you to see your student interacting with their chapter members, and one more way for you to spend time with your student.
You can go to the Fraternity and Sorority Life homepage at www.unk.edu/fsl for various resources and information. Also, you can contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life office at 308-865-8057 or fsl@unk.edu and someone can assist you with any questions you may have.
Friendly and welcoming
Life as a Loper
Get involved in what matters
