A Setter’s Guide to Panhellenic Sororities: A Q&A From Current Sorority Sisters

Disclaimer: The below article was originally written for the Pace Chronicle and was revised for the Delta Phi Epsilon Alpha Rho website. Click here to read the full, unedited article.

Since the late 1700s, Greek life has allowed college students to connect with their peers on a deeper level. Many college students strive to create lasting relationships with the people around them, thus turning to Greek life. However, Greek life is not just about building bonds.

At their core, fraternities and sororities are about raising money and awareness for their philanthropic causes. Each Greek organization has a different philanthropic cause that is important to them, their chapters, and their core values. Many fraternities and sororities often raise money for charity and proudly take part in community service.

It is important for college students to understand that there are several different subcategories within the umbrella of Greek life. Students can pursue several different types of fraternities, including social, academic, professional, and cultural. In this article, we will be diving into the subculture of Panhellenic sororities, specifically, Delta Phi Epsilon.

At Pace University, the two social, Panhellenic sororities are Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Phi Epsilon. Sorority life, in the general sense, is a means for women to come together under a nationally orchestrated organization. These women often bond over shared sisterhood, friendship, and form lifelong connections. The two social sororities on the Pace campus are known informally as Phi Sig and DPhiE.

Delta Phi Epsilon was founded in 1917 based on providing “a sisterhood experience rich with tradition, innovation, and opportunities for growth,” according to the Delta Phi Epsilon website. DPhiE’s national motto is “Esse Quam Videri,” meaning “to be rather than to seem to be.” Sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon also support many philanthropic causes, including ANAD (Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders), multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis.

Working in collaboration with Pace’s two sororities is the University Panhellenic Council (UPC). Pace’s UPC is made up of an eight-member executive board consisting of sisters from both sororities, as well as a chapter delegate from each sorority. According to the Pace website, “(UPC) serves as the primary governing body for the social sororities on the Pleasantville Campus.”

Members of UPC govern together to support inter-fraternal relations, promote superior academics, and push to accomplish the ideas and goals of each organization. In addition to governing, UPC hosts recruitment and collaborative events to support the success of each chapter. Attending UPC events is a great way to learn more about joining Greek life and an amazing way to get to know sisters from each chapter.

“Greek life allowed me to meet so many new people who hold the same values as I do,” said Delta Phi Epsilon sister Eva Depaoli. “Joining my sorority was truly one of the greatest decisions I made at Pace.”

As rewarding as sorority life is, it can also be confusing for students trying to get involved. With the rise of trends like Rush-Tok, a collection of online videos from the infamous University of Alabama Greek life scene, it is hard to distinguish truth from fantasy. Social media trends such as Rush-Tok often taint the minds of young women looking to be in a sorority.

However, college students need to understand that every respective sorority is unique. The way that Rush-Tok portrays Panhellenic sororities is not always exact to every college Greek life scene.

Many students are not sure if sorority life is for them, or are interested but still do not know where to start. Below are questions asked by curious Pace students, with answers that can help you decide whether sorority life is for you.

Sister Q&A

What kind of activities do you guys do?

“Each semester, our sorority hosts a bunch of events, including philanthropy events (where we raise funds and awareness for causes we are deeply passionate about) as well as sisterhood events (which are special events just for our sisters). These events allow us to connect and enjoy activities together, like going on a fun trip or doing an activity together. While some events are for sisters only, many are open to everyone, and we’d love to see you there!”

– Eva Depaoli, Delta Phi Epsilon

Is it easy to balance school and sorority life?

“Being able to balance sorority life and school can be manageable with good time management and organization. When I first joined my sorority in the fall of my sophomore year, I thought it would be nearly impossible to navigate finding an equal amount of time for both my academics and sorority life. I quickly found it to not be as difficult as I thought with guidance and help from sisters who offered a lot of support. Joining a sorority shows the importance of commitment and involvement, but it’s always crucial to remember that academics are the main priority.”

– Taylor Alicia, Delta Phi Epsilon

What is the relationship like between sorority sisters?

“Sorority sisters really do get along well! Our chapter sizes are smaller compared to other schools to create a tighter-knit community. To ensure strong sisterhood, we have sisterhood events that’s sisters only! Here, we can hang out with the whole chapter and do fun activities or go on trips! There are a lot of different personalities in each sorority; however, everyone can find a place and people that they love! The sororities also get along with each other as we do a lot of events with them through the University Panhellenic Council.”

– Keira Coyne, Delta Phi Epsilon

What’s your favorite thing about being in a sorority?

“My favorite thing about being in a sorority is that I was able to find my best friends and build a support system that I know I will always be able to rely on. College can be stressful, especially since it’s our first time away from home for most of us, but joining DPhiE allowed me to find a group of girls that I know I can count on and will be there for me no matter what. I couldn’t be more grateful to call them my sisters and couldn’t imagine life at Pace without DPhiE.”

– Eva Depaoli, Delta Phi Epsilon

A Message From the Delta Phi Epsilon President

“When people think of Greek life, they think of big recruitment weeks and chapter sizes of 200+. That’s very intimidating and scary. This is not the case here at Pace. Our chapter sizes are smaller, so we can get to know our sisters and strengthen bonds with everyone. When I came to Pace, I had no intention of going through recruitment because I didn’t think sorority life was for me. My thoughts changed when I met the sisters of DPhiE. They were so welcoming and supportive of me even before I became a sister. Going to school out of state, I was determined to find a home at Pace, so I joined DPhiE, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I have made so many amazing connections during my time as a sister, and it gave me the confidence I didn’t know I had. As the current President of Delta Phi Epsilon and a senior at Pace, I say check out Greek life and see if that’s right for you! It has been one of the most rewarding experiences, and I’m looking forward to spending my senior year with girls I consider my family!”

- Keira Coyne

Next Steps?

At Pace, freshman students cannot join a sorority or fraternity until their second semester. While only transfer students and upperclassmen can join their first semester, there are many ways for everyone to get involved.

If you are interested in learning more or are already ready to sign up for recruitment, here are some things you can do:

Visit Settersync or download the Corq app and log in with your Pace credentials. This will allow you to discover events happening around campus and can help you get involved with clubs and organizations, including Greek life.

Follow social media accounts such as @pacegreeklife_plv, @pacedphie, and @upc_pace to get updates on events and learn how to sign up for recruitment.

Have more questions about recruitment and Greek life? You can reach out to Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Shandreka McCullough at smccullough@pace.edu. You can also ask any sister or direct message the sorority Instagram, @pacedphie.

Most importantly, come to events such as Meet the Greeks, the involvement fair, UPC events, as well as individual events that DPhiE hosts. The best way to know if Greek life is for you is by getting to know the people in it. Talking to people who have found their home in a sisterhood will help you in making such an important decision.