Cultural interest fraternities and sororities explained

Cultural interest fraternities and sororities, in the North American student fraternity and sorority system, refer to general, social organizations oriented to students having a special interest in a culture or cultural identity.

Although racial and religious restrictions have long since been abolished in all North American Interfraternity Conference and National Panhellenic Conference organizations, their memberships nationally remain predominantly Caucasian, and National Pan-Hellenic Council memberships largely African American. The new generation of cultural interest organizations has arisen to serve the interests of communities whose numbers in the traditional Greek system are historically small and dispersed.

Following is a list of national cultural interest fraternities and sororities.

African American

See main article: List of African-American fraternities and National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Armenian

Organization nameSymbolsNicknameCharteredFounding locationTypeAffiliationActivechaptersStatusReference
Alpha Epsilon OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΕΩAEOCalifornia State University, NorthridgeFraternity9Active[1] [2]
Alpha Gamma AlphaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΓΑAGAUniversity of California, Los AngelesSorority1Active[3] [4]

Asian American

See also: National APIDA Panhellenic Association. Asian American interest in Greek-lettered organizations began in the early 20th century. After World War II, there was a surge in participation to join these organizations, as college campuses were seeing a rise in multiculturalism.[5] Rho Psi was the first Asian American interest Greek-lettered organization and was created on the campus of Cornell University in 1916. Since then, there has been growth in these Asian American interest Greek lettered organizations across North America. There are over sixty Asian American interest Greek-lettered organizations, many of which are overseen by the National APIDA Panhellenic Association.

Active organizations are in bold, and inactive organizations are in italics.

Organization nameSymbolsNicknameCharteredFounding locationTypeAffiliationActivechaptersStatusReference
Alpha Delta KappaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΔΚADKs1977University of Southern CaliforniaSorority1Active[6]
αΚΔΦKDPhi, aKDPhiUniversity of California, BerkeleySororityNAPA59Active[7]
Alpha Kappa OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΚΩΑΚΩCalifornia State University, East BayFraternity3Active[8]
Alpha Kappa Omicron [9] Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΚΟAKO, OmicronsDecember 3, 1997San Francisco State UniversitySorority3Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΦΓAPhiGCalifornia State Polytechnic University, PomonaSororityNAPA18Active
Alpha Psi RhoGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΨΡAPsiRho, Rho DoggsSan Diego State UniversityFraternity4Active
Alpha Sigma Lambda (local)ΑΣΛAlpha Sigs – 2011California State Polytechnic University, PomonaFraternity1Active[10]
Alpha Sigma RhoGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΣΡAlphas, ASR, Alpha Sigs, Lovely Ladies in RedUniversity of GeorgiaSororityNAPA10Active
Beta Pi PhiΒΠΦBetas – 2018Temple UniversityFraternity0Inactive[11]
Beta Tau OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΤΩBTOTexas A&M UniversityFraternity1Active[12] [13]
Beta Upsilon DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΥΔBudsUniversity of California, RiversideFraternity2Active[14] [15]
Chi Alpha DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΑΔChis1928University of California, Los AngelesSorority1Active
Chi Delta SigmaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΔΣChi D Sig, CranesWashington State UniversitySorority1Active
Chi Delta ThetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΔΘChi DeltsUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraSorority7Active
Chi Rho OmicronGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΡΟXPOsCalifornia State University, FresnoFraternity10Active
Chi Sigma AlphaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΣΑChi SigsUniversity of Washington, SeattleSorority2Active
Chi Sigma TauGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΣΤChi Sigs, CSTUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoFraternityNAPA9Active
Delta Chi LambdaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΧΛDChiLUniversity of ArizonaSorority3Active
Delta Chi PsiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΧΨDeltas, DXPsiTemple UniversityFraternity1Active
Delta Lambda ChiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΛΧDLCUniversity of California, IrvineSorority2Active
Delta Phi GammaΔΦΓDPGUniversity of California, IrvineSorority1Active
Delta Phi KappaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΦΚDeltasUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSorority1Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΦΛDPhiLUniversity of GeorgiaSororityNAPA24Active
Eta Mu ThetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΗΜΘEtas, TigersCalifornia State University, ChicoFraternity1Active
Gamma BetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΓΒGBsUniversity of Texas at AustinFraternity6Active
Gamma Epsilon OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΓΕΩGammas1963University of Southern CaliforniaFraternity1Active
Kappa Beta ZetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΒΖKBZUniversity of California, IrvineFraternity1Active
Kappa Gamma DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΓΔKGDIndiana University BloomingtonSorority1Active
Kappa Lambda DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΛΔKappa DsTexas Christian UniversitySorority1Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΦΛKappas, KPLBinghamton UniversitySororityNAPA39Active
Kappa Pi BetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΠΒKPiBNorthern Illinois UniversityFraternity5Active
Kappa Psi EpsilonGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΨΕKappasCSULBSorority2Active
Kappa Zeta PhiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΖΦKappasCalifornia State University, Los AngelesSorority3Active
Lambda Alpha PhiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΑΦLambdas, LAPIndiana University BloomingtonFraternity1Active
Lambda Delta PsiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΔΨLDPsi, LDY, LadybugsUniversity of OklahomaSorority5Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΦΕLambdas, LPhiE, LFEUniversity of California, Los AngelesFraternityNAPA. NIC70Active
Lambda Psi RhoGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΨΡRhosUniversity of Nevada, RenoFraternity1Active
Lambda Theta DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΘΔLTDUniversity of California, IrvineFraternity1Active
Nu Alpha PhiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΝΑΦNaphi, Nappys, NapsState University of New York at AlbanyFraternity9Active
Omega Phi GammaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΦΓOmegas, OPhiGUniversity of Texas at AustinFraternity7Active
Omega Sigma TauGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΣΤOmegas, OSTUniversity of California, Los AngelesFraternity1Active
Omega Xi DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΞΔOmegas, Dub Xi Dee1994California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFraternity1Active
Phi Alpha OmicronGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΦΑΟPhiAOCalifornia State University, FresnoSorority1Active
Phi Delta AlphaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΦΔΑPhi DeeUniversity of OklahomaSorority2Active
Phi Delta SigmaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΦΔΣFDSUniversity of Maryland, College ParkFraternity1Active
Phi Zeta TauGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΦΖΤPhis, PZTUniversity of California, IrvineSorority1Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΠΑΦP.A.Phi's, PineapplesUniversity of California, BerkeleyFraternityNAPA28Inactive
Pi Delta PsiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΠΔΨPDPsi, Pi'sBinghamton UniversityFraternityNAPA31Active
Psi Chi OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΨΧΩPsi Chi'sUniversity of California, San DiegoFraternity6Active
Rho Delta ChiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΡΔΧRhosUniversity of California, RiversideSorority6Active
Rho PsiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΡΨSu Yu She1916Cornell UniversityFraternity
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΟΠS.O.Pi1930San Francisco State UniversitySororityNAPA13Active
Sigma Phi OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΦΩSigmas1949University of Southern CaliforniaSorority10Active
Sigma Psi ZetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΨΖSYZ, SigmasUniversity at AlbanySororityNAPA39Active
Sigma Sigma RhoGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΣΡSigma RhosSt. John’s UniversitySororityNAPA28Active
Tau Theta PiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΤΘΠTaus, LadybugsUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSorority4Active
Tau Kappa OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΤΚΩTaikosUniversity of OklahomaFraternity2Active
Theta Delta BetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΘΔΒThe Dark Boyz, ThetasUniversity of California, IrvineFraternity5Active
Theta Kappa PhiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΘΚΦThetas1959University of California, Los AngelesSorority1Active
Theta Lambda BetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΘΛΒThe Lost Boys, ThetasUniversity of Illinois, ChicagoFraternity1Active
Xi KappaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΞΚXKUniversity of GeorgiaFraternity3Active
Zeta Epsilon TauGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΖΕΤZET1971Originally University of Southern California moved to California State University, Long BeachFraternity1Active[16]
Zeta Phi RhoGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΖΦΡZetasCalifornia State University, Long BeachFraternity10Active

Christian

See main article: Christian fraternities and Christian sororities.

Jewish

See main article: List of Jewish fraternities and sororities.

Latino

See main article: List of Latino Greek-letter organizations and National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.

LGBT

See main article: List of LGBT and LGBT-friendly fraternities and sororities.

Multicultural

See also: National Multicultural Greek Council. These organizations do not identify with a specific cultural identity. Some may fall under associations that cater to specific cultural backgrounds, however, the organization itself refers to itself as Multicultural.

Organization nameSymbolsNicknameCharteredFounding locationTypeAffiliationActivechaptersStatusReference
Alpha Theta GammaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΘΓLavender Ladies, ATGUniversity of Maryland College ParkSorority1Active
Beta Xi ChiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΞΧWolfpackTexas A&M UniversityFraternity1Active
Chi Sigma XiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΣΞCSXUniversity of Toronto ScarboroughSorority1Active
Delphic of Gamma Sigma TauGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΓΣΤDelphics, GSTState University of New York at GeneseoFraternity2Active
Delta Alpha OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΑΩDayo, OmegaUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonFraternity1Active
Delta Alpha SigmaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΑΣP.I.N.K. Ladies, PinkiesUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonSorority5Active
Delta Gamma PiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΓΠD G Pies, RosesTowson UniversitySorority1Active
Delta Psi AlphaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΨΑDPsi, Delta PsiNorthern Illinois UniversityFraternity1Active
Delta Psi SigmaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΨΣDYS, Deltas4 Sorority3Active
Delta Sigma ChiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΣΧDSC, Divine Sisters of ChiNew York City College of TechnologySororityNMGC11Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΞΝXi HoneysTexas A&M UniversitySororityNMGC20Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΞΦD-Xi, Xi-Phi, DXPUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignSororityNMGC23Active
Epsilon Sigma RhoGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΕΣΡSigma Rho's, Rho Dawgz, Rho'sCalifornia State University, SacramentoFraternity8Active
Gamma Beta LambdaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΓΒΛGammahouseNorthern OntarioFraternity
Gamma Omega DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΓΩΔGQDSUNY New Paltz/Binghamton UniversityFraternity
Gamma Phi EpsilonGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΓΦΕGPhiESan Diego State UniversityFraternity1Active
Iota Nu KappaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΙΝΚNu-KappsUniversity of Maine[17] Fraternity1Active
Kappa Lambda XiΚΛΞKLXiUniversity of Maryland, College ParkSorority1Active
Kappa Sigma PsiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΣΨKappas KSP, K-PsiUniversity of Ontario Institute of TechnologySorority2Active
Lambda Phi XiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΦΞLady XiMichigan State University & Purdue University CalumetSorority5Active
Lambda Psi DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΨΔDiamonds, Diamond GirlsYale UniversitySorority13Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΣΓLSGSacramento State UniversitySororityNMGC26Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΤΩEnchanting MermaidsMontclair State CollegeSororityNMGC26Active
Lambda Xi BetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΛΞΒLambda Xis, LXBsNew York City ChapterSorority1Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΜΣΥMUsRutgers UniversitySororityNMGC64Active
Omega DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΔOh DeezUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignFraternity8Active
Omega Delta PhiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΔΦO D PhiTexas Tech UniversityFraternity78Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΦΧO P CRutgers UniversitySororityNMGC26Active
Omega Phi KappaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΦΚO-PhiSacred Heart UniversityFraternity1Active
Phi Chi EpsilonGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΦΧΕPCE, Royal LadiesNew Jersey City UniversitySorority1Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΨΣΦPSP, PhimenMontclair State University and New Jersey City UniversityFraternityNMGC19Active
Sigma Alpha ZetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΑΖSigma'sCalifornia State University, FresnoSorority8Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΒΡSigRhoUniversity of PennsylvaniaFraternityNIC, NMGC61Active
Sigma Omega PhiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΩΦSOPhi'sCalifornia State University, ChicoSorority1Active
Sigma Theta PsiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΘΨSigmas, STPSan Jose State UniversitySorority13Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΤΦΣUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignFraternityNIC0Inactive
Theta Delta SigmaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΘΔΣThetas, TDS, Transcendent SiblingsUniversity at Buffalo, The State University of New YorkGender Inclusive12Active
Theta Nu KappaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΘΝΚNesskuhsUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraFraternity1Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΘΝΞTNX, Butterflies, Theta WomenUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillSororityNMGC58Active
Upsilon Kappa DeltaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΥΚΔUKDCalifornia State University, ChicoSorority5Active
Zeta Chi PhiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΖΧΦZee-Chi, Zetas, ZCPUniversity of Texas at San AntonioSorority3Active
Zeta Phi RhoGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΖΦΡZOP, ZFR, ZetasCalifornia State University, Long BeachFraternity10Active
Zeta Sigma ChiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΖΣΧZ-ChiNorthern Illinois UniversitySorority22Active

Muslim

Organization nameSymbolsNicknameCharteredFounding locationTypeAffiliationActivechaptersStatusReference
Alpha Upsilon NuGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΥΝAUN2007Toronto, CanadaFraternity
Gamma Gamma ChiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΓΓΧGammas, Gamma Ladies, GGChiGreensboro, North CarolinaSorority2Active
Mu Delta AlphaΜΔΑMuslimahs for Change2016University of Texas at DallasSorority5Active
Xi Delta PiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΞΔΠXDPGeorge Washington UniversitySorority1Active
Alpha Lambda MuΑΛΜAlif Laam MeemUniversity of Texas at DallasFraternity 7Active

Native American

Organization nameSymbolsNicknameCharteredFounding locationTypeAffiliationActivechaptersStatusReference
Alpha Pi OmegaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΠΩAPiO, Queen BeesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillSorority21Active
Beta Sigma EpsilonGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΣΕBeta Sig, Horned Toads, Beta University of ArizonaFraternity1Active
Epsilon Chi NuEXNE Chi NuEast Carolina UniversityFraternity
Gamma Delta PiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΓΔΠGDP, ButterfliesUniversity of OklahomaSorority1Active
Iota GammaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΙΓPhoenixes, Indigenous GentlemenUniversity of OklahomaFraternity4Active[18]
Phi Sigma NuGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΦΣΝNu Tribe, Nu Warriors, Phi Nu's, Nu'sUniversity of North Carolina at PembrokeFraternity5Active
Sigma Omicron EpsilonGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΟΕSOEEast Carolina UniversitySorority3Active

Persian

Organization nameSymbolsNicknameCharteredFounding locationTypeAffiliationActivechaptersStatusReference
Kappa Omega SigmaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΚΩΣKOSUniversity of MarylandFraternity
Sigma Pi Sigma PsiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΠΣUniversity of California, Los AngelesSorority1Active

South Asian

Organization nameSymbolsNicknameCharteredFounding locationTypeAffiliationActivechaptersStatusReference
Alpha Iota OmicronGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΙΟAIOUniversity of MichiganFraternity3Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΧΘBeta Chi, BCTUniversity of California, Los AngelesFraternityNIC, NAPA29Active
Beta Kappa GammaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΚΓBKGUniversity of Texas at AustinFraternity1Active
Chi Psi BetaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΧΨBChi PsiTexas A&M UniversityFraternity1Active
Beta Kappa GammaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΚΓBKGUniversity of Texas at AustinFraternity1Active
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΕΨDEPsi, D E PsiUniversity of Texas at AustinFraternityNIC, NAPA35Active
Delta Epsilon Sigma IotaGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΕΣΙDesiUniversity at Buffalo, The State University of New YorkFraternity2Active
Delta Kappa DeltaΔΚΔB.E.T.I.S., DKDTexas A&M UniversitySororityNAPA15Active
Delta Phi OmegaΔΦΩDPOUniversity of HoustonSororityNAPA49Active
Delta Sigma IotaΔΣΙDelta Men, King Cobras, DSIPennsylvania State University, University Park CampusFraternityNAPA8Active
Delta Theta PsiGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΘΨDTPsiUniversity of MichiganSorority1Active
Iota Nu DeltaΙΝΔINDBinghamton UniversityFraternityNAPA, NIC31Active
Kappa Phi GammaΚΦΓKPhiGUniversity of Texas at AustinSororityNAPA19Active
Sigma Beta RhoΣΒΡSigRhoUniversity of Pennsylvania in PhiladelphiaFraternityNAPA57Active
Sigma Sigma RhoGreek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΣΡSigSigSt. Johns UniversitySororityNAPA27Active

Notes

See also

References

  1. Web site: Alpha Epsilon Omega Fraternity Inc. - Highlander Link . 2023-02-10 . University of California, Riverside.
  2. Web site: Chapters – Alpha Epsilon Omega . 2023-02-10 . en-US.
  3. Web site: Alpha Gamma Alpha Sorority - Highlander Link . 2023-02-10 . University of California, Riverside.
  4. Web site: Alpha Gamma Alpha . 2023-02-10 . Alpha Gamma Alpha . en.
  5. Web site: About. National APIDA Panhellenic Association. en-US. 2020-02-01.
  6. Web site: Welcome to Our Sisterhood . 2023-02-10 . University of Southern California Alpha Delta Kappa . en-US.
  7. Web site: About . 2023-02-10 . National APIDA Panhellenic Association . en-US.
  8. Web site: Alpha Kappa Omega Fraternity, Inc. - BaySync . 2023-02-10 . California State University East Bay.
  9. Web site: HOME . 2024-03-14 . akomicron . en.
  10. Web site: Cal Poly Pomona Sanctions Two Fraternities for Hazing PolyCentric . 2023-02-04 . en-US.
  11. Web site: Greta Anderson . 2018-11-27 . Temple's AEPi chapter removed from campus - The Temple News . 2023-02-04 . temple-news.com . en-US.
  12. Web site: Beta Tau Omega Multicultural Greek Council . 2023-02-10 . Texas A&M University.
  13. Web site: Home . 2023-02-10 . Beta Tau Omega . en-US.
  14. Web site: Beta Upsilon Delta . 2023-02-10 . Beta Upsilon Delta.
  15. Web site: Beta Upsilon Delta SJNY Engage . 2023-02-10 . St. Joseph's University, New York.
  16. Web site: About . 2022-12-29 . zetaepsilontau.weebly.com . en.
  17. Web site: Campus Activities & Student Engagement. Iota Nu Kappa - Campus Activities & Student Engagement. The University of Maine. 25 March 2019.
  18. Web site: Iota Gamma . 2023-02-17 . University of Oklahoma . en-US.