Fraternities and Sororities

Fraternities and sororities at Colgate have a rich history of fostering exciting, engaging student experiences and creating lifelong connections through alumni networks.

Many students find that joining a fraternity or sorority provides them with a home away from home and a foundation for leadership, academic, athletic, service, and interpersonal opportunities. The decision to join a fraternity or sorority is a lifelong commitment, with connections lasting long after graduation.

Fraternities

A group of four men gather for field day activities

There are five active fraternity chapters at Colgate, all members of the Interfraternity Council.

Fraternity Chapters at Colgate

Beta Theta Pi

Beta Theta Chapter 
Founded at Colgate on November 25, 1890
Founded nationally on August 8, 1839 at Miami University 
The five core values espoused by Beta Theta Pi are the cultivation of the intellect, responsible conduct, mutual assistance, integrity, and trust, with a mission statement to "develop men of principle for a principled life."

Learn more about Beta Theta PI

Delta Upsilon

Colgate Chapter
Founded at Colgate on November 21, 1865
Founded nationally on November 4, 1834 at Williams College
The four founding principles of Delta Upsilon are the advancement of justice, the promotion of friendship, the development of character, and the diffusion of liberal culture. The organization's vision is that Delta Upsilon is the premier men’s fraternity committed to Building Better Men for a global society through service, leadership development, and lifelong personal growth for our diverse membership.

Learn more about Delta Upsilon

Phi Delta Theta

New York Zeta Chapter
Founded at Colgate on March 30, 1918
Founded nationally on December 26, 1848 at Miami University 
The three core values of Phi Delta Theta are the cultivation of friendship among its members, the acquirement individually of a high degree of mental culture, and the attainment personally of a high standard of morality or referred to by chapter members as friendship, sound learning, and rectitude. The mission of the organization is to “celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and, through encouragement, values, example, and brotherhood, empower every brother to exceed his personal expectations.”

Learn more about Phi Delta Theta

Phi Kappa Tau

Alpha Upsilon Chapter
Founded at Colgate on May 22, 1937
Founded nationally on March 17, 1906 at Miami University 
The three core values are learning, leading, and serving, with a mission to ”champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character.”

Learn more about Phi Kappa Tau

Theta Chi

Iota Chapter
Founded at Colgate on March 17, 1912
Founded nationally April 10, 1856, at Norwich University 
The creed of Theta Chi is “I believe in Theta Chi, its traditions and its ideals. Born of sturdy manhood, nurtured by resolute men, ennobled by high and sacred purpose, it has taken its place among the educational institutions of America as a promoter of knowledge, an advancer of culture, and a builder of character. It inspires true friendship: teaches Truth, Temperance and Tolerance, extols virtue, exacts harmony, and extends a helping hand to all who seek it. I believe in the primacy of Alma Mater; in the usefulness of my Fraternity, in its influence and its accomplishments, and I shall do all in my power to perpetuate its ideals, thereby serving my God, my country, and my fellow-man.”

Learn more about Theta Chi

Sororities

sisters of Gamma Phi Beta gather in their house

There are three active sororities at Colgate, all members of the College Panhellenic Council.

Sorority Chapters at Colgate

Delta Delta Delta

Gamma Sigma Chapter
Founded at Colgate in 1996
Founded nationally on November 27, 1888 at Boston University 
The three core values espoused by Delta Delta Delta are truth, self-sacrifice, and friendship, with a stated purpose to “ establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way.”

Learn more about Delta Delta Delta

Gamma Phi Beta

Delta Tau Chapter 
Founded at Colgate on  November 14, 1981
Founded nationally on November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University 
The four core values of Gamma Phi Beta are love, labor, learning, and loyalty with a mission to “build confident women of character who celebrate sisterhood and make a difference in the world around us."

Learn more about Gamma Phi Beta

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Zeta Rho Chapter
Founded at Colgate on March 19, 1988
Founded nationally on October 13, 1870 at Monmouth College
The six core values of Kappa Kappa Gamma are truth, connection, respect, optimism, knowledge, and trailblazing. The mission of the organization is one of  “which seeks for every member throughout her life bonds of friendship, mutual support, opportunities for self-growth, respect for intellectual development, and an understanding of and an allegiance to positive ethical principles."

Learn more about Kappa Kappa Gamma

Recruitment

A group of Tri Delta members gather for brunch

Beginning in the fall of sophomore year, eligible students may participate in formal recruitment. During recruitment, all chapters host events where students learn more about the chapter's values, mission, and living experience to find the right fit. During the spring semester, chapters may choose to participate in approved informal recruitment events based on chapter capacity.

Learn about eligibility and recruitment

Fraternity and Sorority Communities

Starting junior year, members may move into university-owned and managed chapter houses on Broad Street. Most chapters have flexible meal plans with different options available depending on whether or not you live in the house. You'll also contribute to the chapter’s success through membership dues. Meal plans and membership dues are set by the chapter and are charged to the Colgate bill. Students learn the details about each chapter’s living experience during formal recruitment.

Activities and Programs

Fraternity brothers play hockey on Taylor Lake

Fraternities and sororities offer a dynamic mix of leadership development, community service, and unforgettable social experiences, helping you grow personally and professionally while building lifelong friendships. As a fraternity or sorority member, you can expect to:

  • Gain a student support network, and connect with peers across class years
  • Join an alumni network, and learn about a variety of career paths
  • Attend chapter-hosted formals, local trips, and informal activities
  • Engage in both local and national volunteer and philanthropic opportunities
  • Grow your skills through wellness-focused programs, leadership development, and mentoring opportunities

More about programs