University of Washington (Seattle)

[HB2008]

So here's my story...I'm an initiate of a fraternity and my best friend is in a women's fraternity (she dislikes the term sorority, and it's sort of rubbed off on me) and we'll both be transferring to the University of Washington (Seattle) here soon. We both hope to continue involvement at the new campus but I'm not sure we know what we're getting into. Can anyone who went to Washington (collegian or alumni) give me a peek at the Greek life at UW? If you would prefer, I'd welcome PMs. The only reason I'm writing this (because I know I’ll get flamed for asking about a specific campus) is because neither of us will be able to visit the campus before we transfer and the UW Greek Life Office has been helpful but only in painting a rather rosy picture of the way things are there. I know personal accounts can be bias but I don’t want to feel like a total outsider when I get there and any prospective about UW is welcome.

[CrackerBarrel]

Didn't go to UW, but I would suggest looking at the websites for the UW chapters of the organizations you're in (since I assume you're looking to affiliate) and maybe try to get in touch with some members/officers of your chapters up there and ask them what they do socially, etc. and what their affiliation process is.

Originally Posted by HB2008

So here's my story...I'm an initiate of a fraternity and my best friend is in a women's fraternity (she dislikes the term sorority, and it's sort of rubbed off on me) and we'll both be transferring to the University of Washington (Seattle) here soon. We both hope to continue involvement at the new campus but I'm not sure we know what we're getting into. Can anyone who went to Washington (collegian or alumni) give me a peek at the Greek life at UW? If you would prefer, I'd welcome PMs. The only reason I'm writing this (because I know I’ll get flamed for asking about a specific campus) is because neither of us will be able to visit the campus before we transfer and the UW Greek Life Office has been helpful but only in painting a rather rosy picture of the way things are there. I know personal accounts can be bias but I don’t want to feel like a total outsider when I get there and any prospective about UW is welcome.

So let me get this straight...you guys are both initiated members and you both wish to affiliate with your chapters there?

ETA: If affiliating is what you're doing, your best bet would be to contact your membership coordinator of your chapter (the one you're in now), since it's likely THEY'LL be the ones initiating paperwork to get you all affiliated.

[texas*princess]

Why don't you just email your respective chapters there @ UW and ask them?

[HB2008]

Yes, we're both intiated and hoping to affliate. I've spoken with my chapter's president and so has my friend. I'm just asking here because I can draw from a wider base of experience and someone reading this is bound to be able to give me another take on things where I'm headed. Its not that I dont believe what UW has told me, but since I can't see for myself until I'm there, I'd like a broad a picture as I can get.

[PeppyGPhiB]

U-DUB has a big, old greek system with beautiful houses that take up several blocks just off campus. I've known many people who were greek there (including a close relative), but admittedly I really just know about the sorority system in general and a few of the fraternities. There are lots of parties, tailgating, mixers, philanthropy events and such. There are also a lot of alumni of every chapter in the area, though I couldn't tell you to what extent the alumni are involved with the chapters. I do know there are a lot of legacies that go through recruitment.

[CutiePie2000]

Originally Posted by HB2008

My best friend is in a women's fraternity (she dislikes the term sorority, and it's sort of rubbed off on me)

I feel compelled to chime in.....

The majority of the 26 NPC groups are women's fraternities.
However, in terms of nomenclature, these NPC groups are "sororities" and always will be, whether someone "likes" the term sorority or not:

Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority
Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority
Kappa Delta Sorority
Sigma Kappa Sorority
Delta Zeta Sorority
Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority
Sigma Delta Tau Sorority

Source for the above: their websites

[Zillini]

To the OP, I'm not sure what sort of responses you are expecting. Typically an alum of any chapter/campus believes their Greek system is wonderful. Those who feel a certain chapter/campus are lousy typically weren't a member, didn't go to that school so have no first hand knowledge, and/or have some other reason coloring their judgment (such as sports rivals). IMO anyone who would announce "this chapter/campus sucks" on a BB should have their motives questioned not to mention it's in extremely poor taste.

Regardless, I strongly suggest you and your friend investigate whether your respective GLO chapters on the campus you are transferring to accept affiliate members beforehand. My sorority's Inatl policy does not allow a chapter to even consider an affiliation request until after 1 semester on campus to see grades. Some chapters have so many affiliate requests that they have decided to not accept any.